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Hurler L, Mescia F, Bergamaschi L, Kajdácsi E, Sinkovits G, Cervenak L, Prohászka Z, Lyons PA, Toonen EJ. sMR and PTX3 levels associate with COVID-19 outcome and survival but not with Long COVID. iScience 2024; 27:110162. [PMID: 39027374 PMCID: PMC11255846 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers for monitoring COVID-19 disease course are lacking. Study aim was to identify biomarkers associated with disease severity, survival, long-term outcome, and Long COVID. As excessive macrophages activation is a hallmark of COVID-19 and complement activation is key in this, we selected the following proteins involved in these processes: PTX3, C1q, C1-INH, C1s/C1-INH, and sMR. EDTA-plasma concentrations were measured in 215 patients and 47 controls using ELISA. PTX3, sMR, C1-INH, and C1s/C1-INH levels were associated with disease severity. PTX3 and sMR were also associated with survival and long-term immune recovery. Lastly, sMR levels associate with ICU admittance. sMR (AUC 0.85) and PTX3 (AUC 0.78) are good markers for disease severity, especially when used in combination (AUC 0.88). No association between biomarker levels and Long COVID was observed. sMR has not previously been associated with COVID-19 disease severity, ICU admittance or survival and may serve as marker for disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Hurler
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Federica Mescia
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease-National Institute of Health Research (CITIID-NIHR) COVID BioResource Collaboration
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University - Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
- Research and Development Department, Hycult Biotech, Uden, the Netherlands
| | - Erika Kajdácsi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Sinkovits
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Cervenak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Prohászka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Research Group for Immunology and Haematology, Semmelweis University - Eötvös Loránd Research Network (Office for Supported Research Groups), Budapest, Hungary
| | - Paul A. Lyons
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Erik J.M. Toonen
- Research and Development Department, Hycult Biotech, Uden, the Netherlands
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Bergantini L, Gangi S, d'Alessandro M, Cameli P, Perea B, Meocci M, Fabbri G, Bianchi F, Bargagli E. Altered serum concentrations of IL-8, IL-32 and IL-10 in patients with lung impairment 6 months after COVID-19. Immunobiology 2024; 229:152813. [PMID: 38805808 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2024.152813] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Post-COVID symptoms are reported in 10-35 % of patients not requiring hospitalization, and in up to 80 % of hospitalized patients and patients with severe disease. The pathogenesis of post-COVID syndrome remains largely unknown. Some evidence suggests that prolonged inflammation has a key role in the pathogenesis of most post-COVID manifestations. We evaluated a panel of inflammatory and immune-mediated cytokines in individuals with altered HRCT features and in patients without any long-term COVID symptoms. Blood samples of 89 adult patients previously hospitalized with COVID-19 were collected and stratified as patients with and without HRCT evidence of fibrotic lung alterations. Serum analyte concentrations of IL-4, IL-2, CXCL10 (IP-10), IL-1β, TNF-α, CCL2 (MCP-1), IL-17A, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12p70 and TGF-β1 (free active form) were quantified by bead-based multiplex assay. Clinical and functional data were recorded in a database. With the use of machine learning approach, IL-32, IL-8, and IL-10 proved to be associated with the development of HRCT evidence of lung sequelae at follow-up. Direct comparison of cytokine levels in the two groups showed increased levels of IL-32 and decreased levels of IL-8 in patients with lung impairment. After further stratification of patients by severity (severe versus mild/moderate) during hospitalization, IL-10 emerged as the only cytokine showing decreased levels in severe patients. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the immune response and potential prognostic markers in patients with lung sequelae after COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bergantini
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Gangi
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Miriana d'Alessandro
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Paolo Cameli
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Perea
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Martina Meocci
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Gaia Fabbri
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco Bianchi
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, University of Siena, Italy
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Goldenberg DL. Applying Lessons From Rheumatology to Better Understand Long COVID. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:49-56. [PMID: 37525488 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID can sometimes be attributed to organ damage and well-characterized pathophysiology, but more often there is no evidence of organ damage or abnormal biomarkers. This is most evident in patients with mild to moderate initial SARS-CoV-2 infection who were not hospitalized. Their persistent symptoms are strikingly similar to those of fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, myalgias/arthralgias, and sleep and cognitive disturbances in 50% to 100% of cases. Analogous pathophysiologic pathways in fibromyalgia (FM), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and long COVID include host-microbial interactions in the absence of direct tissue invasion and absence of systemic autoimmunity, with evidence for immune dysregulation as well as autonomic, peripheral, and central nervous system dysfunction. Current treatment of long COVID has been based on multidisciplinary management recommended for FM and ME/CFS and has been formalized and made widely available by funding for nationwide long COVID clinics. Long COVID and its treatment should be distinguished by the presence or absence of organ damage. The acknowledged role of patient engagement in research and open dialogue regarding work and disability noted in long COVID may have meaningful impact on patients with FM and ME/CFS. Hopefully, advances in basic long COVID research will aid in understanding FM and ME/CFS, and rheumatologists should thus be involved in such research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don L Goldenberg
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, and Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland
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Varillas-Delgado D, Jimenez-Antona C, Lizcano-Alvarez A, Cano-de-la-Cuerda R, Molero-Sanchez A, Laguarta-Val S. Predictive Factors and ACE-2 Gene Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Long COVID-19 Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16717. [PMID: 38069039 PMCID: PMC10705995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316717] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-19 syndrome is present in 5-10% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and there is still little information on the predisposing factors that lead to its development. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the predictive factors in early symptoms, clinical features and the role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) c.513-1451G>A (rs2106806) and c.15643279T>C (rs6629110) polymorphisms in the susceptibility to developing Long COVID-19 syndrome subsequent to COVID-19 infectionA total of 29 patients who suffered COVID-19 were recruited in a descriptive longitudinal study of two groups: Long COVID-19 (n = 16) and non-Long COVID-19 (n = 13). Early symptoms and clinical features during COVID-19 were classified by a medical service. ACE-2 polymorphisms were genotyped by using a Single Nucleotide Primer Extension (SNPE). Of the early symptoms, fatigue, myalgia and headache showed a high risk of increasing Long COVID-19 susceptibility. Clinical features such as emergency care, SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, previous diseases, respiratory disease and brain fog also had a high risk of increasing Long COVID-19 susceptibility. The A allele in the rs2106806 variant was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.214 (95% CI 2.521-8.853; p < 0.001), and the T allele in the rs6629110 variant was associated with an OR of 3.754 (95% CI 1.785-6.105; p = 0.002) of increasing Long COVID-19 susceptibility. This study shows the risk of ACE-2 polymorphisms, different early symptoms and clinical features during SARS-CoV-2 infection in susceptibility to Long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Varillas-Delgado
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo, 28223 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Carmen Jimenez-Antona
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.-A.); (R.C.-d.-l.-C.); (A.M.-S.); (S.L.-V.)
| | - Angel Lizcano-Alvarez
- Department of Nursing and Stomatology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.-A.); (R.C.-d.-l.-C.); (A.M.-S.); (S.L.-V.)
| | - Alberto Molero-Sanchez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.-A.); (R.C.-d.-l.-C.); (A.M.-S.); (S.L.-V.)
| | - Sofia Laguarta-Val
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcon, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (C.J.-A.); (R.C.-d.-l.-C.); (A.M.-S.); (S.L.-V.)
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Bergantini L, d’Alessandro M, Gangi S, Bianchi F, Cameli P, Perea B, Meocci M, Fabbri G, Marrucci S, Ederbali M, Bargagli E. Predictive Role of Cytokine and Adipokine Panel in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Evaluation of Disease Severity, Survival and Lung Sequelae. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12994. [PMID: 37629176 PMCID: PMC10455616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may determine a multisystemic chronic syndrome after resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a significant percentage of patients. Persistent cytokine dysregulation can contribute to long-lasting inflammation and tissue damage, resulting in the diverse, often debilitating symptoms experienced by some patients (so-called long COVID syndrome). The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of a panel of serum biomarkers of severity and prognosis in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and also as predictive factors for the development of post-COVID lung sequelae after discharge from the hospital. All blood sampling was performed in the first 24 h after admission to the hospital. Serum analyte concentrations of IL-4, IL-2, CXCL10 (IP-10), IL-1β, TNF-α, CCL2 (MCP-1), IL-17A, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12p70 and TGF-β1 were quantified by bead-based multiplex LEGENDplex™ analysis and commercially available ELISA kits. A total of 108 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study. Comparative analysis of these proteins showed higher levels of TGF-β and IL-6 and lower levels of RBP-4 and IL-10 in the severe group. Age, adiponectin, IL-8 and IL-32 resulted as the best predictors for survival. Moreover, IL-1β, IL17A, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-6 were significantly higher in patients who showed HRCT evidence of fibrotic interstitial alterations at follow-up than patients who did not. The initial inflammatory status of patients on admission to the hospital with COVID-19, as reflected by the present panel of adipose tissue-related biomarkers and cytokines, offered insights into medium-term prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bergantini
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Miriana d’Alessandro
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Sara Gangi
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Francesco Bianchi
- Pneumology Department, Azienda USL Toscana Sud-Est, “Misericordia” Hospital, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Paolo Cameli
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Beatrice Perea
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Martina Meocci
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Gaia Fabbri
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Sofia Marrucci
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Moftah Ederbali
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Disease and Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (M.d.); (S.G.); (E.B.)
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Allan-Blitz LT, Goodrich J, Hu H, Akbari O, Klausner JD. Altered Tumor Necrosis Factor Response in Neurologic Postacute SARS-CoV-2 Syndrome. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:307-313. [PMID: 37384921 PMCID: PMC10354723 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0051] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurologic manifestations of postacute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection (neuro-PASC) are common; however, the underlying drivers of those symptoms remain poorly understood. Prior work has postulated that immune dysregulation leads to ongoing neuroinflammation. We aimed to identify the cytokines involved in that immune dysregulation by comparing 37 plasma cytokine profiles among 20 case patients with neuro-PASC to 20 age- and gender-matched controls. Neuro-PASC cases were defined as individuals with self-reported persistent headache, general malaise, and anosmia or ageusia at least 28 days post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a sensitivity analysis, we repeated the main analysis among only participants of Hispanic heritage. In total, 40 specimens were tested. Participants were an average of 43.5 years old (interquartile range 30-52), 20 (50.0%) of whom identified as women. Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were 0.76 times lower [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62-0.94] among cases of neuro-PASC compared with controls, as were levels of C-C motif chemokine 19 (CCL19) (0.67; 95% CI 0.50-0.91), C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) (0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.95), chemokine interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 (CXCL10) (0.63; 95% CI 0.42-0.96), and chemokine interferon-gamma inducible protein 9 (CXCL9) (0.62; 95% CI 0.38-0.99). Restricting analysis of TNF and CCL19 to participants who identified as Hispanic did not alter results. We noted a reduction in TNFα and down-stream chemokines among patients with neuro-PASC, suggesting an overall immune attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jesse Goodrich
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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