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Jukic I, Heffernan A, Schelling AF, Kokic Males V, Savicevic NJ, Kovacic V. Association between COVID-19 Infection or Vaccination Outcomes and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphism: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1687. [PMID: 38138914 PMCID: PMC10744904 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121687] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombosis is a detrimental sequala of COVID-19 infection; thus, prophylactic anti-coagulant therapy has been deemed mandatory in treatment unless serious contraindications are present. Susceptibility to thromboembolic events in COVID-19, or following COVID-19 vaccination, is likely attributable to an interplay of factors, including a patient's baseline clinical status and comorbidities, alongside genetic risk factors. In Europe, 8-20% of the population are homozygous for the MTHFR (methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase) variant, which compromises folate metabolism and elevates homocysteine levels. While heightened homocysteine levels are considered a risk factor for thromboembolic events, the precise clinical significance remains a contentious issue. However, recent research suggests elevated homocysteine levels may predict the course and severity of COVID-19 infection. Given the lack of reliable biomarkers predictive of COVID-19 thrombotic risk existing in practice, and the accessibility of MTHFR screening, we established two main outcomes for this study: (1) to determine the association between hereditary MTHFR mutations and COVID-19 severity and thromboembolic events and (2) to determine the link between MTHFR variants and adverse thrombotic events following COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from pandemic inception (11 March 2020) to 30 October 2023. Eligibility criteria were applied, and data extraction performed. RESULTS From 63 citations identified, a total of 14 articles met the full inclusion criteria (8 of which were cross-sectional or observational studies, and 6 were case studies or reports). Among the eight observational and cross-sectional studies evaluating the relationship between MTHFR variants (C667T; A1298C) and thromboembolic events in COVID-19 infection, four studies established a connection (n = 2200), while the remaining four studies failed to demonstrate any significant association (n = 38). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review demonstrated a possible association between the MTHFR gene variants and COVID-19 severity, thromboembolic events, and adverse events following vaccination. However, the paucity of robust data precluded any firm conclusions being drawn. Further prospective trials are required to determine the connection between the MTHFR gene variant and COVID-19 infection and vaccination outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Jukic
- Internal Medicine Department, Gastroenterology Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Aisling Heffernan
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.H.); (A.F.S.); (N.J.S.); (V.K.)
| | | | - Visnja Kokic Males
- Department of Health Studies, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
- Internal Medicine Department, Endocrinology Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Nora Josipa Savicevic
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.H.); (A.F.S.); (N.J.S.); (V.K.)
| | - Vedran Kovacic
- School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.H.); (A.F.S.); (N.J.S.); (V.K.)
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Emergency and Intensive Medicine with Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Sekulovski M, Mileva N, Vasilev GV, Miteva D, Gulinac M, Peshevska-Sekulovska M, Chervenkov L, Batselova H, Vasilev GH, Tomov L, Lazova S, Vassilev D, Velikova T. Blood Coagulation and Thrombotic Disorders following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2813. [PMID: 37893186 PMCID: PMC10604891 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although abundant data confirm the efficacy and safety profile of the developed vaccines against COVID-19, there are still some concerns regarding vaccination in high-risk populations. This is especially valid for patients susceptible to thrombotic or bleeding events and hesitant people due to the fear of thrombotic incidents following vaccination. This narrative review focuses on various inherited and acquired thrombotic and coagulation disorders and the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms interacting with the coagulation system during immunization in view of the currently available safety data regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Inherited blood coagulation disorders and inherited thrombotic disorders in the light of COVID-19, as well as blood coagulation and thrombotic disorders and bleeding complications following COVID-19 vaccines, along with the possible pathogenesis hypotheses, therapeutic interventions, and imaging for diagnosing are discussed in detail. Lastly, the lack of causality between the bleeding and thrombotic events and COVID-19 vaccines is debated, but still emphasizes the importance of vaccination against COVID-19, outweighing the minimal risk of potential rare adverse events associated with coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metodija Sekulovski
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Lozenetz, Kozyak Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
| | - Niya Mileva
- Medical Faculty, Medical University of Sofia, 1 Georgi Sofiiski Str., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Georgi Vasilev Vasilev
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, University Multiprofil Hospital Active Treatement “Sv. Georgi”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitrina Miteva
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tzankov Str., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Gulinac
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bul. Vasil Aprilov 15A, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Monika Peshevska-Sekulovska
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Lozenetz, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lyubomir Chervenkov
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bul. Vasil Aprilov 15A, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Hristiana Batselova
- Department of Epidemiology and Disaster Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, University Hospital “St George”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Georgi Hristov Vasilev
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Laboratory of Hematopathology and Immunology, National Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Hematological Diseases, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Latchezar Tomov
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Department of Informatics, New Bulgarian University, Montevideo 21 Str., 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Snezhina Lazova
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
- Pediatric Clinic, University Hospital “N. I. Pirogov”, 21 “General Eduard I. Totleben” Blvd, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Healthcare, Faculty of Public Health “Prof. Tsekomir Vodenicharov, MD, DSc”, Medical University of Sofia, Bialo More 8 Str., 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dobrin Vassilev
- Faculty of Public Health and Healthcare, Ruse University Angel Kanchev, 7017 Ruse, Bulgaria;
| | - Tsvetelina Velikova
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski, Kozyak 1 Str., 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria; (G.V.V.); (D.M.); (M.G.); (M.P.-S.); (G.H.V.); (L.T.); (S.L.); (T.V.)
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Mendes-de-Almeida DP, Kehdy FSG, Martins-Gonçalves R, Bokel J, Grinsztejn E, Mouta Nunes de Oliveira P, Maia MDLDS, Hoagland B, Wagner Cardoso S, Grinsztejn B, Siqueira MM, Kurtz P, Bozza PT, Garcia CC. A case report of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) with genetic analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1189320. [PMID: 37351283 PMCID: PMC10284151 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1189320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the rare syndrome called vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) after adenoviral vector vaccines, including ChAdOx1 nCov-19, raises concern about one's predisposing risk factors. Here we report the case of a 56-year-old white man who developed VITT leading to death within 9 days of symptom onset. He presented with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, right frontal intraparenchymal hematoma, frontoparietal subarachnoid and massive ventricular hemorrhage, and right lower extremity arterial and venous thrombosis. His laboratory results showed elevated D-dimer, C-reactive protein, tissue factor, P-selectin (CD62p), and positive anti-platelet factor 4. The patient's plasma promoted higher CD62p expression in healthy donors' platelets than the controls. Genetic investigation on coagulation, thrombophilia, inflammation, and type I interferon-related genes was performed. From rare variants in European or African genomic databases, 68 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in one allele and 11 in two alleles from common SNPs were found in the patient genome. This report highlights the possible relationship between VITT and genetic variants. Additional investigations regarding the genetic predisposition of VITT are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P. Mendes-de-Almeida
- Department of Hematology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Medical Affairs, Clinical Studies, and Post-Registration Surveillance (DEAME), Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals/Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Research Center, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S. G. Kehdy
- Laboratório de Hanseníase, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Remy Martins-Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joanna Bokel
- Department of Hematology, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Onco-Hematology Unit, Clínica São Vicente, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Grinsztejn
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology Division, University Hospitals, Case Western University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Patrícia Mouta Nunes de Oliveira
- Department of Medical Affairs, Clinical Studies, and Post-Registration Surveillance (DEAME), Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals/Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria de Lourdes de Sousa Maia
- Department of Medical Affairs, Clinical Studies, and Post-Registration Surveillance (DEAME), Institute of Technology in Immunobiologicals/Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on STD/AIDS, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Wagner Cardoso
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on STD/AIDS, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on STD/AIDS, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marilda M. Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Kurtz
- Intensive Care Department, Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia T. Bozza
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiana C. Garcia
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ-Minas), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Zhang Y, Pang Y, Xu B, Chen X, Liang S, Hu J, Luo X. Folic acid restricts SARS-CoV-2 invasion by methylating ACE2. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:980903. [PMID: 36060767 PMCID: PMC9432853 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.980903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic is motivating us to elucidate the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 invasion and find methods for decreasing its transmissibility. We found that SARS-CoV-2 could increase the protein level of ACE2 in mice. Folic acid and 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) could promote the methylation of the ACE2 promoter and inhibit ACE2 expression. Folic acid treatment decreased the binding ability of Spike protein, pseudovirus and inactivated authentic SARS-CoV-2 to host cells. Thus, folic acid treatment could decrease SARS-CoV-2 invasion and SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibody production in mice. These data suggest that increased intake of folic acid may inhibit ACE2 expression and reduce the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2. Folic acid could play an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yechun Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiyin Xu
- Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hosptial, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingshi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunshun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingying Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoying Luo,
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Abrignani MG, Murrone A, De Luca L, Roncon L, Di Lenarda A, Valente S, Caldarola P, Riccio C, Oliva F, Gulizia MM, Gabrielli D, Colivicchi F. COVID-19, Vaccines, and Thrombotic Events: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:948. [PMID: 35207220 PMCID: PMC8880092 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a deadly pandemic that has affected millions of people worldwide, is associated with cardiovascular complications, including venous and arterial thromboembolic events. Viral spike proteins, in fact, may promote the release of prothrombotic and inflammatory mediators. Vaccines, coding for the spike protein, are the primary means for preventing COVID-19. However, some unexpected thrombotic events at unusual sites, most frequently located in the cerebral venous sinus but also splanchnic, with associated thrombocytopenia, have emerged in subjects who received adenovirus-based vaccines, especially in fertile women. This clinical entity was soon recognized as a new syndrome, named vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, probably caused by cross-reacting anti-platelet factor-4 antibodies activating platelets. For this reason, the regulatory agencies of various countries restricted the use of adenovirus-based vaccines to some age groups. The prevailing opinion of most experts, however, is that the risk of developing COVID-19, including thrombotic complications, clearly outweighs this potential risk. This point-of-view aims at providing a narrative review of epidemiological issues, clinical data, and pathogenetic hypotheses of thrombosis linked to both COVID-19 and its vaccines, helping medical practitioners to offer up-to-date and evidence-based counseling to their often-alarmed patients with acute or chronic cardiovascular thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriano Murrone
- Cardiology-UTIC, Hospitals of Città di Castello and Gubbio-Gualdo Tadino, AUSL Umbria 1, 06100 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Leonardo De Luca
- Cardiology, Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Department, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy; (L.D.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Loris Roncon
- Cardiology Department, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Andrea Di Lenarda
- Cardiovascular and Sports Medicine Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina-ASUGI, 34100 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Serafina Valente
- Clinical Surgical Cardiology (UTIC), A.O.U. Senese, Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | | | - Carmine Riccio
- Follow-Up of the Post-Acute Patient Unit, Cardio-Vascular Department, A.O.R.N. Sant’Anna and San Sebastiano, 81000 Caserta, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- Cardiology 1-Hemodynamics, Cardiological Intensive Care Unit, Cardiothoracovascular Department “A. De Gasperis”, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20100 Milan, Italy;
| | - Michele M. Gulizia
- Cardiology Department, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Company of National Importance and High Specialization “Garibaldi”, 95100 Catania, Italy;
- Heart Care Foundation, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Cardiology, Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Department, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00100 Rome, Italy; (L.D.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri—ASL Roma 1, 00100 Rome, Italy;
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