COVID-19 Alters Sperm in Mice, Raising Anxiety in Future Generations

Research from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health in Melbourne, Australia, reveals that COVID-19 infection can alter sperm in male mice, potentially increasing anxiety in their offspring. This study, published on March 11, 2023, in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications, highlights possible long-term effects of the pandemic on subsequent generations.

To conduct the research, scientists infected male mice with the virus responsible for COVID-19 and then mated them with uninfected females. The results showed that the offspring of infected males exhibited significantly increased anxious behaviors compared to those sired by uninfected fathers. According to Elizabeth Kleeman, the study’s first author, “We found that the resulting offspring showed more anxious behaviours.”

Key Findings on Genetic Impact

The study indicated that all offspring from COVID-infected fathers displayed these behavioral changes. Notably, female offspring demonstrated “significant changes” in gene activity within the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for emotional regulation. Carolina Gubert, co-senior author, explained that these alterations may arise through “epigenetic inheritance and altered brain development.”

This research is pioneering in its demonstration of the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on behavior and neural development across generations. The findings suggest the virus modifies RNA molecules in the sperm of infected males, affecting genes essential for brain development. According to Anthony Hannan, the lead researcher, “These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic could have long-lasting effects on future generations.”

Implications for Public Health

While the study provides valuable insights, further research is necessary to determine if similar changes occur in humans. Hannan emphasized the potential implications, stating, “If our findings translate to humans, this could impact millions of children worldwide, and their families, with major implications for public health.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, has resulted in more than seven million deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization. The true impact is likely much higher, as both the virus and societal responses have profoundly affected mental health worldwide. Young people, in particular, have faced significant challenges due to isolation during critical social periods, leading to increased mental health issues.

A review published in Nature Human Behaviour in early 2023 analyzed around 40 studies across 15 countries, revealing that children have yet to recover from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. These findings underscore the urgent need for continued research into the broader effects of COVID-19 on future generations and highlight the importance of addressing mental health impacts as societies move forward.