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Neves CAM, Dorneles GP, Teixeira PC, Santana Filho PC, Peres A, Boeck CR, Rotta LN, Thompson CE, Romão PRT. Neuroinflammation in Severe COVID-19: The Dynamics of Inflammatory and Brain Injury Markers During Hospitalization. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04551-4. [PMID: 39433647 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04551-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 10/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 can develop excessive inflammation in the brain and consequent neurological complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory, endothelial and brain injury markers in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and compare those with or without neurological symptoms. A total of 30 intensive care unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients were allocated into COVID-19 (without neurological symptoms) or neuro-COVID-19 (with neurological symptoms) groups. Patients with respiratory infection symptoms but negative for COVID-19 were included as a control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected at hospital admission (T1) (controls and ICU patients) and during hospitalization (T2: last 72 h before hospital discharge or in-hospital death) (ICU COVID-19 patients) to analyze inflammatory markers. Higher ICAM-1, CCL26 and VEGF at T1 were identified in both COVID-19 groups compared with control. Neuro-COVID-19 patients presented lower systemic BDNF levels compared with the control group and increased S100B compared with the control and COVID-19 groups. BDNF levels in survivors were lower in the neuro-COVID-19 group compared to the COVID-19 group, while S100B were higher, regardless of the outcome. In addition, all COVID-19 patients presented increased ICAM-1 and CCL26 levels over the hospitalization period (T2 > T1). Furthermore, S100B, ICAM-1, CCL26 and VEGF levels increased in relation to T1 in neuro-COVID-19 patients, with S100B and CCL26 being significantly higher in relation to the COVID-19 group. In conclusion, high levels of brain injury biomarkers were found in patients with neuro-COVID-19, indicating neuroinflammatory and consequent brain injury in the last 72 h of hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Andretta Moreira Neves
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gilson P Dorneles
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Paula C Teixeira
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Santana Filho
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Peres
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Liane N Rotta
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Claudia E Thompson
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro R T Romão
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Kanat BB, Avci GU, Bayramlar OF, Suzan V, Can G, Balkan II, Borekci S, Korkmazer B, Dikmen Y, Aygun G, Erdincler DS, Yavuzer H, Doventas A. Predictors of 2-year mortality in geriatric patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Türkiye: a retrospective cohort study. Biomark Med 2024; 18:555-565. [PMID: 39140394 PMCID: PMC11364071 DOI: 10.1080/17520363.2024.2352416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To reveal factors affecting 2-year mortality in geriatric patients hospitalized with COVID-19.Methods: Demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory data, thorax computed tomography (CT) images, second-year survival status, and causes of death were analyzed.Results: The 2-year post-discharge mortality rate of 605 patients was 21.9%. Mean age of patients in the deceased group was 76.8 ± 8.1 years, which was shorter than the life expectancy at birth in Türkiye. Older age (≥85), delirium, some co-morbidities, and atypical thorax CT involvement were associated with a significant increase in 2-year mortality (p < 0.05).Conclusion: This is the first study to evaluate factors associated with 2-year mortality in older COVID-19 patients. Identifying risk factors for long-term mortality in geriatric COVID-19 patients is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Bektan Kanat
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gulru Ulugerger Avci
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Faruk Bayramlar
- Bakırkoy District Health Directorate, Turkish Ministry of Health – Istanbul Health Directorate, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Veysel Suzan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunay Can
- Department of Public Health, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, İstanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilker Inanc Balkan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, İstanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sermin Borekci
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, İstanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Bora Korkmazer
- Department of Radiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, İstanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Yalim Dikmen
- Department of Anesthesiology & Reanimation, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, İstanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Aygun
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, İstanbul University, Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Suna Erdincler
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Yavuzer
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Doventas
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Shafiee A, Seighali N, Teymouri Athar M, Abdollahi AK, Jafarabady K, Bakhtiyari M. Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) among patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:1137-1152. [PMID: 37646849 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Many individuals have been suffering from consistent neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations even after the remission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein involved in the regulation of several processes, including neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and neuronal differentiation, and has been linked to a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In this study, we aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the profile of BDNF in COVID-19. A comprehensive search was done in the Web of Science core collection, Scopus, and MEDLINE (PubMed), and Embase to identify relevant studies reporting the level of BDNF in patients with COVID-19 or those suffering from long COVID. We used the NEWCASTLE-OTTAWA tool for quality assessment. We pooled the effect sizes of individual studies using the random effect model for our meta-analysis. Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review. The sample sizes ranged from 16 to 183 participants. Six studies compared the level of BDNF in COVID-19 patients with healthy controls. The pooled estimate of the standardized mean difference in BDNF level between patients with COVID-19 and healthy individuals was - 0.84 (95% CI - 1.49 to - 0.18, p = 0.01, I2 = 81%) indicating a significantly lower BDNF level in patients with COVID-19. Seven studies assessed BDNF in different severity statuses of patients with COVID-19. The pooled estimate of the standardized mean difference in BDNF level was - 0.53 (95% CI - 0.85 to - 0.21, p = 0.001, I2 = 46%), indicating a significantly lower BDNF level in patients with more severe COVID-19. Three studies evaluated BDNF levels in COVID-19 patients through different follow-up periods. Only one study assessed the BDNF levels in long COVID patients. Sensitivity analyses did not alter the significance of the association. In this study, we showed a significant dysregulation of BDNF following COVID-19 infection. These findings may support the pathogenesis behind the long-lasting effects of this disease among infected patients. PROSPERO: CRD42023413536.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Shafiee
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Niloofar Seighali
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Teymouri Athar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl King Abdollahi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kyana Jafarabady
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine and Epidemiology, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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4
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Austin TA, Thomas ML, Lu M, Hodges CB, Darowski ES, Bergmans R, Parr S, Pickell D, Catazaro M, Lantrip C, Twamley EW. Meta-analysis of Cognitive Function Following Non-severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Neuropsychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s11065-024-09642-6. [PMID: 38862725 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-024-09642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
To effectively diagnose and treat subjective cognitive symptoms in post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 (PASC), it is important to understand objective cognitive impairment across the range of acute COVID-19 severity. Despite the importance of this area of research, to our knowledge, there are no current meta-analyses of objective cognitive functioning following non-severe initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this meta-analysis is to describe objective cognitive impairment in individuals with non-severe (mild or moderate) SARS-CoV-2 cases in the post-acute stage of infection. This meta-analysis was pre-registered with Prospero (CRD42021293124) and utilized the PRISMA checklist for reporting guidelines, with screening conducted by at least two independent reviewers for all aspects of the screening and data extraction process. Fifty-nine articles (total participants = 22,060) with three types of study designs met our full criteria. Individuals with non-severe (mild/moderate) initial SARS-CoV-2 infection demonstrated worse objective cognitive performance compared to healthy comparison participants. However, those with mild (nonhospitalized) initial SARS-CoV-2 infections had better objective cognitive performance than those with moderate (hospitalized but not requiring ICU care) or severe (hospitalized with ICU care) initial SARS-CoV-2 infections. For studies that used normative data comparisons instead of healthy comparison participants, there was a small and nearly significant effect when compared to normative data. There were high levels of heterogeneity (88.6 to 97.3%), likely reflecting small sample sizes and variations in primary study methodology. Individuals who have recovered from non-severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections may be at risk for cognitive decline or impairment and may benefit from cognitive health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara A Austin
- The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, 4800 Memorial Drive, Waco, TX, 76711, USA.
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael L Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Min Lu
- University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cooper B Hodges
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Rachel Bergmans
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah Parr
- The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, 4800 Memorial Drive, Waco, TX, 76711, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Delaney Pickell
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mikayla Catazaro
- The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, 4800 Memorial Drive, Waco, TX, 76711, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Crystal Lantrip
- The VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, 4800 Memorial Drive, Waco, TX, 76711, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Twamley
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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5
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Garmoe W, Rao K, Gorter B, Kantor R. Neurocognitive Impairment in Post-COVID-19 Condition in Adults: Narrative Review of the Current Literature. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 39:276-289. [PMID: 38520374 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has, up to the time of this article, resulted in >770 million cases of COVID-19 illness worldwide, and approximately 7 million deaths, including >1.1 million in the United States. Although defined as a respiratory virus, early in the pandemic, it became apparent that considerable numbers of people recovering from COVID-19 illness experienced persistence or new onset of multi-system health problems, including neurologic and cognitive and behavioral health concerns. Persistent multi-system health problems are defined as Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC), Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19, or Long COVID. A significant number of those with PCC report cognitive problems. This paper reviews the current state of scientific knowledge on persisting cognitive symptoms in adults following COVID-19 illness. A brief history is provided of the emergence of concerns about persisting cognitive problems following COVID-19 illness and the definition of PCC. Methodologic factors that complicate clear understanding of PCC are reviewed. The review then examines research on patterns of cognitive impairment that have been found, factors that may contribute to increased risk, behavioral health variables, and interventions being used to ameliorate persisting symptoms. Finally, recommendations are made about ways neuropsychologists can improve the quality of existing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Garmoe
- Director of Psychology, MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kavitha Rao
- Clinical Neuropsychologist, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bethany Gorter
- Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rachel Kantor
- Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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6
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Erdogan MA, Gurbuz O, Bozkurt MF, Erbas O. Prenatal Exposure to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 Induces Autism-Like Behaviors in Male Neonatal Rats: Insights into WNT and BDNF Signaling Perturbations. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1034-1048. [PMID: 38198049 PMCID: PMC10902102 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the swift development and distribution of mRNA vaccines, including BNT162b2, to address the disease. Concerns have arisen about the potential neurodevelopmental implications of these vaccines, especially in susceptible groups such as pregnant women and their offspring. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression of WNT, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, specific cytokines, m-TOR expression, neuropathology, and autism-related neurobehavioral outcomes in a rat model. Pregnant rats received the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine during gestation. Subsequent evaluations on male and female offspring included autism-like behaviors, neuronal counts, and motor performance. Molecular techniques were applied to quantify WNT and m-TOR gene expressions, BDNF levels, and specific cytokines in brain tissue samples. The findings were then contextualized within the extant literature to identify potential mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine significantly alters WNT gene expression and BDNF levels in both male and female rats, suggesting a profound impact on key neurodevelopmental pathways. Notably, male rats exhibited pronounced autism-like behaviors, characterized by a marked reduction in social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. Furthermore, there was a substantial decrease in neuronal counts in critical brain regions, indicating potential neurodegeneration or altered neurodevelopment. Male rats also demonstrated impaired motor performance, evidenced by reduced coordination and agility. Our research provides insights into the effects of the COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine on WNT gene expression, BDNF levels, and certain neurodevelopmental markers in a rat model. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these observations in humans and to explore the exact mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the risks and rewards of COVID-19 vaccination, especially during pregnancy, remains essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumin Alper Erdogan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Orkun Gurbuz
- Department of Radiotherapy Programme, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Fatih Bozkurt
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyon, Turkey
| | - Oytun Erbas
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Demiroğlu Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey
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7
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Trofor AC, Robu Popa D, Melinte OE, Trofor L, Vicol C, Grosu-Creangă IA, Crișan Dabija RA, Cernomaz AT. Looking at the Data on Smoking and Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-A Literature Review. J Pers Med 2024; 14:97. [PMID: 38248798 PMCID: PMC10821354 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is a recently described entity that is responsible for significant morbidity and that has consequences ranging from mild to life-threatening. The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood, and treatment options are currently limited, as existing data focus more on risk factors and predictors. Smoking has been reported as a risk factor for poor outcomes of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and seems to also play a role in mediating post-COVID-19 symptoms. We aimed to review relevant work addressing the interaction between smoking and long COVID in order to characterize smoking's role as a risk factor and possibly identify new research directions. Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE database was searched using the keywords 'smoking', 'long COVID', and 'post-acute COVID' to identify relevant English-language articles published up to October 2023. Results and conclusions: From the 374 initial hits, a total of 36 papers were deemed relevant to the aim of the review. There was significant variability concerning the ways in which tobacco usage was quantified and reported; still, there is compelling evidence linking smoking to an increased risk of developing manifestations of post-acute-COVID disease. Some clinical conditions, such as dyspnea, cardiovascular symptoms, and cognitive or mental-health impairment, seem to be relatively strongly associated with smoking, while the connection between smoking and upper-airway involvement seems less certain. The available data support recommending smoking cessation as a clinical tool for the prevention of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antigona Carmen Trofor
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
- Clinical Hospital of Pulmonary Diseases, 700116 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela Robu Popa
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
| | - Oana Elena Melinte
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
- Clinical Hospital of Pulmonary Diseases, 700116 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Cristina Vicol
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
| | - Ionela Alina Grosu-Creangă
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
- Clinical Hospital of Pulmonary Diseases, 700116 Iasi, Romania
| | - Radu Adrian Crișan Dabija
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
- Clinical Hospital of Pulmonary Diseases, 700116 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andrei Tudor Cernomaz
- Discipline of Pneumology, III-rd Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.C.T.); (O.E.M.); (C.V.); (I.A.G.-C.); (R.A.C.D.); (A.T.C.)
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Flegr J, Latifi A. COVID's long shadow: How SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 severity, and vaccination status affect long-term cognitive performance and health. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad038. [PMID: 38130975 PMCID: PMC10733723 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 affects a variety of organs and systems of the body including the central nervous system. Recent research has shown that COVID-19 survivors often experience neurological and psychiatric complications that can last for months after infection. We conducted a large Internet study using online tests to analyze the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 severity, and vaccination on health, intelligence, memory, and information processing precision and speed in a cohort of 4445 subjects. We found that both SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity were associated with negative impacts on patients' health. Furthermore, we observed a negative association between COVID-19 severity and cognitive performance. Younger participants had a higher likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 contraction, while the elderly had a higher likelihood of severe COVID-19 and vaccination. The association between age and COVID-19 severity was primarily mediated by older participants' impaired long-term health. Vaccination was positively associated with intelligence and the precision of information processing. However, the positive association between vaccination and intelligence was likely mediated by achieved education, which was itself strongly associated with the likelihood of being vaccinated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czechia
| | - Ashkan Latifi
- Department of Philosophy and History of Sciences, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology, Charles University, Prague 128 00, Czechia
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9
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Zaa CA, Espitia C, Reyes-Barrera KL, An Z, Velasco-Velázquez MA. Neuroprotective Agents with Therapeutic Potential for COVID-19. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1585. [PMID: 38002267 PMCID: PMC10669388 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 patients can exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations affecting various organs and systems. Neurological symptoms have been reported in COVID-19 patients, both during the acute phase of the illness and in cases of long-term COVID. Moderate symptoms include ageusia, anosmia, altered mental status, and cognitive impairment, and in more severe cases can manifest as ischemic cerebrovascular disease and encephalitis. In this narrative review, we delve into the reported neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, as well as the underlying mechanisms contributing to them. These mechanisms include direct damage to neurons, inflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding. We further investigate the potential of small molecules from natural products to offer neuroprotection in models of neurodegenerative diseases. Through our analysis, we discovered that flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and other natural compounds exhibit neuroprotective effects by modulating signaling pathways known to be impacted by COVID-19. Some of these compounds also directly target SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Therefore, molecules of natural origin show promise as potential agents to prevent or mitigate nervous system damage in COVID-19 patients. Further research and the evaluation of different stages of the disease are warranted to explore their potential benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- César A. Zaa
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Lima 15081, Peru;
| | - Clara Espitia
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.E.); (K.L.R.-B.)
| | - Karen L. Reyes-Barrera
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.E.); (K.L.R.-B.)
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Marco A. Velasco-Velázquez
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Abyadeh M, Yadav VK, Kaya A. Common molecular signatures between coronavirus infection and Alzheimer's disease reveal targets for drug development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.14.544970. [PMID: 37398415 PMCID: PMC10312734 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive decline has been reported as a common consequence of COVID-19, and studies have suggested a link between COVID-19 infection and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. To shed light on this link, we conducted an integrated genomic analysis using a novel Robust Rank Aggregation method to identify common transcriptional signatures of the frontal cortex, a critical area for cognitive function, between individuals with AD and COVID-19. We then performed various analyses, including the KEGG pathway, GO ontology, protein-protein interaction, hub gene, gene-miRNA, and gene-transcription factor interaction analyses to identify molecular components of biological pathways that are associated with AD in the brain also show similar changes in severe COVID-19. Our findings revealed the molecular mechanisms underpinning the association between COVID-19 infection and AD development and identified several genes, miRNAs, and TFs that may be targeted for therapeutic purposes. However, further research is needed to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Abyadeh
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
| | - Vijay K. Yadav
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alaattin Kaya
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
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Petrella C, Zingaropoli MA, Ceci FM, Pasculli P, Latronico T, Liuzzi GM, Ciardi MR, Angeloni A, Ettorre E, Menghi M, Barbato C, Ferraguti G, Minni A, Fiore M. COVID-19 Affects Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neurofilament Light Chain in Aged Men: Implications for Morbidity and Mortality. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040655. [PMID: 36831321 PMCID: PMC9954454 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Severe COVID-19 is known to induce neurological damage (NeuroCOVID), mostly in aged individuals, by affecting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 and the neurofilament light chain (NFL) pathways. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to investigate BDNF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and NFL in the serum of aged men affected by COVID-19 at the beginning of the hospitalization period and characterized by different outcomes, i.e., attending a hospital ward or an intensive care unit (ICU) or with a fatal outcome. As a control group, we used a novelty of the study, unexposed age-matched men. We also correlated these findings with the routine blood parameters of the recruited individuals. RESULTS We found in COVID-19 individuals with severe or lethal outcomes disrupted serum BDNF, NFL, and MMP-2 presence and gross changes in ALT, GGT, LDH, IL-6, ferritin, and CRP. We also confirmed and extended previous data, using ROC analyses, showing that the ratio MMPs (2 and 9) versus BDNF and NFL might be a useful tool to predict a fatal COVID-19 outcome. CONCLUSIONS Serum BDNF and NFL and/or their ratios with MMP-2 and MMP-9 could represent early predictors of NeuroCOVID in aged men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Maria Antonella Zingaropoli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pasculli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Latronico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Liuzzi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Ciardi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Evaristo Ettorre
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Barbato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, ASL Rieti-Sapienza University, Ospedale San Camillo de Lellis, Viale Kennedy, 02100 Rieti, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (M.F.)
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Monllor P, Kumar P, Lloret MÁ, Ftara A, Leon JL, Lopez B, Cervera-Ferri A, Lloret A. Multifactorial Causation of Alzheimer's Disease Due to COVID-19. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1399-1409. [PMID: 38007649 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
There are several implications of the surge in the incidence of pandemics and epidemics in the last decades. COVID-19 being the most remarkable one, showed the vulnerability of patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). This review studies the pathological interlinks and triggering factors between the two illnesses and proposes a multifactorial pathway of AD causation due to COVID-19. The article evaluates and describes all the postulated hypotheses which explain the etiology and possible pathogenesis of the disease in four domains: Inflammation & Neurobiochemical interactions, Oxidative Stress, Genetic Factors, and Social Isolation. We believe that a probable hypothesis of an underlying cause of AD after COVID-19 infection could be the interplay of all these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Monllor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, INCLIVA, CIBERFES, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of La Plana, Vila-Real, Spain
| | - Pratyush Kumar
- MS4, Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Rohini, New Delhi, India
| | - Mari-Ángeles Lloret
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, University Clinic Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Artemis Ftara
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, INCLIVA, CIBERFES, Spain
| | - Jose-Luis Leon
- Ascires Biomedical Group, Department of Neuroradiology, Valencia, Spain
| | - Begoña Lopez
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Cervera-Ferri
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Lloret
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, INCLIVA, CIBERFES, Spain
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Abyadeh M, Yadav VK, Kaya A. Common Molecular Signatures Between Coronavirus Infection and Alzheimer's Disease Reveal Targets for Drug Development. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:995-1011. [PMID: 37638446 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline is a common consequence of COVID-19, and studies suggest a link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To understand the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the association between COVID-19 and AD development, and identify the potential genetic targets for pharmaceutical approaches to reduce the risk or delay the development of COVID-19-related neurological pathologies. METHODS We analyzed transcriptome datasets of 638 brain samples using a novel Robust Rank Aggregation method, followed by functional enrichment, protein-protein, hub genes, gene-miRNA, and gene-transcription factor (TF) interaction analyses to identify molecular markers altered in AD and COVID-19 infected brains. RESULTS Our analyses of frontal cortex from COVID-19 and AD patients identified commonly altered genes, miRNAs and TFs. Functional enrichment and hub gene analysis of these molecular changes revealed commonly altered pathways, including downregulation of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, alongside upregulation of neuroinflammatory pathways. Furthermore, gene-miRNA and gene-TF network analyses provided potential up- and downstream regulators of identified pathways. CONCLUSION We found that downregulation of cAMP signaling pathway, taurine metabolisms, and upregulation of neuroinflammatory related pathways are commonly altered in AD and COVID-19 pathogenesis, and may make COVID-19 patients more susceptible to cognitive decline and AD. We also identified genetic targets, regulating these pathways that can be targeted pharmaceutically to reduce the risk or delay the development of COVID-19-related neurological pathologies and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Abyadeh
- Department of Biology, Virginia Common wealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Vijay K Yadav
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alaattin Kaya
- Department of Biology, Virginia Common wealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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