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Polverino P, Cocco A, Albanese A. Post-COVID parkinsonism: A scoping review. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 123:106066. [PMID: 38480080 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.106066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical features and outcomes of post-COVID parkinsonism have not been organized systematically, and the possible correlations between COVID-19 and parkinsonism have not been elucidated. This scoping review addresses these two unmet needs. METHODS We searched two databases (Pubmed, Embase) for all published cases of post-COVID parkinsonism. Data were extracted from eligible studies using standardized forms and predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients' clinical features, their diagnosis and outcomes were assessed objectively. RESULTS Twenty-six cases of post-COVID parkinsonism were reported in 17 publications. Their presenting features were grouped into three clinical syndromes: typical parkinsonian motor syndrome (12 patients), parkinsonism with postural instability and gait disorder (three), or encephalopathy with parkinsonism (10). Patients had the following diagnoses: clinically established Parkinson's disease (PD, three cases), clinically probable PD (eight), clinically probable multiple system atrophy (one), acquired parkinsonism (six), unclassified parkinsonism (eight). Isolated parkinsonian motor syndromes typically followed uncomplicated COVID-19 illness or pneumonia; instead, encephalopathy with parkinsonism was observed following a wide spectrum of COVID-19-related presentations, including severe forms. PD cases mainly occurred following uncomplicated COVID-19, whereas acquired or unclassified parkinsonism were reported following different COVID-19 presentations. CONCLUSIONS Patients with uncomplicated COVID-19 are more likely to present PD and no signs of encephalopathy. There is no demonstration of a causative role of COVID-19, which can be coincidental in several cases. Patients with encephalopathy and parkinsonism constitute a distinct subset, suggesting a potentially different pathogenic role of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings provide a basis for further studies in the post-pandemic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Polverino
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antoniangela Cocco
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Albanese
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Sian-Hulsmann J, Riederer P. Virus-induced brain pathology and the neuroinflammation-inflammation continuum: the neurochemists view. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-023-02723-5. [PMID: 38261034 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02723-5] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Fascinatingly, an abundance of recent studies has subscribed to the importance of cytotoxic immune mechanisms that appear to increase the risk/trigger for many progressive neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Events associated with the neuroinflammatory cascades, such as ageing, immunologic dysfunction, and eventually disruption of the blood-brain barrier and the "cytokine storm", appear to be orchestrated mainly through the activation of microglial cells and communication with the neurons. The inflammatory processes prompt cellular protein dyshomeostasis. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease share a common feature marked by characteristic pathological hallmarks of abnormal neuronal protein accumulation. These Lewy bodies contain misfolded α-synuclein aggregates in PD or in the case of AD, they are Aβ deposits and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles. Subsequently, these abnormal protein aggregates further elicit neurotoxic processes and events which contribute to the onset of neurodegeneration and to its progression including aggravation of neuroinflammation. However, there is a caveat for exclusively linking neuroinflammation with neurodegeneration, since it's highly unlikely that immune dysregulation is the only factor that contributes to the manifestation of many of these neurodegenerative disorders. It is unquestionably a complex interaction with other factors such as genetics, age, and environment. This endorses the "multiple hit hypothesis". Consequently, if the host has a genetic susceptibility coupled to an age-related weakened immune system, this makes them more susceptible to the virus/bacteria-related infection. This may trigger the onset of chronic cytotoxic neuroinflammatory processes leading to protein dyshomeostasis and accumulation, and finally, these events lead to neuronal destruction. Here, we differentiate "neuroinflammation" and "inflammation" with regard to the involvement of the blood-brain barrier, which seems to be intact in the case of neuroinflammation but defect in the case of inflammation. There is a neuroinflammation-inflammation continuum with regard to virus-induced brain affection. Therefore, we propose a staging of this process, which might be further developed by adding blood- and CSF parameters, their stage-dependent composition and stage-dependent severeness grade. If so, this might be suitable to optimise therapeutic strategies to fight brain neuroinflammation in its beginning and avoid inflammation at all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeswinder Sian-Hulsmann
- Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Peter Riederer
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Clinic and Policlinic for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy Margarete-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern Denmark, Winslows Vey 18, 5000, Odense, J.B, Denmark.
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Pillai KS, Misra S, Siripurapu G, Aliyar A, Bhat P, Rajan R, Srivastava A, Goyal V, Venkitachalam A, Radhakrishnan DM. De Novo Movement Disorders Associated with COVID-19- A Systematic Review of Individual Patients. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:702-707. [PMID: 38022478 PMCID: PMC10666879 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_572_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 infection is associated with neurological manifestations, including various types of movement disorders (MD). A thorough review of individual patients with COVID-19-induced MD would help in better understanding the clinical profile and outcome of these patients and in prognostication. Objective We conducted an individual patient-systematic review to study the clinical and imaging profile and outcomes of patients with COVID-19-associated MD. Methods A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted by two independent reviewers. Individual patient data COVID from case reports and case series on COVID-19-associated MD, published between December 2019 and December 2022, were extracted and analyzed. Results Data of 133 patients with COVID-19-associated MD from 82 studies were analyzed. Mean age was 55 ± 18 years and 77% were males. A mixed movement disorder was most commonly seen (41%); myoclonus-ataxia was the most frequent (44.4%). Myoclonus significantly correlated with age (odds ratio (OR) 1.02 P = 0.03, CI 1-1.04). Tremor had the longest latency to develop after SARS-CoV-2 infection [median (IQR) 21 (10-40) days, P = 0.009, CI 1.01-1.05]. At short-term follow-up, myoclonus improved (OR 14.35, P value = 0.01, CI 1.71-120.65), whereas parkinsonism (OR 0.09, P value = 0.002, CI 0.19-0.41) and tremor (OR 0.16, P value = 0.016, CI 0.04-0.71) persisted. Conclusion Myoclonus-ataxia was the most common movement disorder after COVID-19 infection. Myoclonus was seen in older individuals and usually improved. Tremor and parkinsonism developed after a long latency and did not improve in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchana S. Pillai
- Department of Neurology, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shubham Misra
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Govinda Siripurapu
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Aminu Aliyar
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Bhat
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Roopa Rajan
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Achal Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinay Goyal
- Institute of Neurosciences, Medanta the Medicity, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Anil Venkitachalam
- Department of Neurology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Fung WK, Fasano A, Fearon C. Movement Disorders and SARS-CoV-2. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2023; 10:S9-S17. [PMID: 37637980 PMCID: PMC10448146 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson K.W. Fung
- Division of Neurology, Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital – UHNUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Alfonso Fasano
- Division of Neurology, Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital – UHNUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Krembil Research InstituteTorontoOntarioCanada
- Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA)TorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Rehabilitation‘Moriggia‐Pelascini’ Hospital – Gravedona ed UnitiComoItaly
| | - Conor Fearon
- Division of Neurology, Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital – UHNUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Ousseiran ZH, Fares Y, Chamoun WT. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review and detailed comprehension. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:754-769. [PMID: 34433369 PMCID: PMC8506813 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1973000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is accompanied with a rapid increase of reports and papers detailing its neurological effects and symptoms. The virus infection causes respiratory illness named by the world health organization as corona virus 19 (COVID-19).This systematic review aims to study and summarize the different neurological manifestations of this virus. All articles published and indexed via Pubmed, Medline and Google Scholar databases between January 1st 2020 and February 28th 2021 that reported neurological symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 are reviewed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.We included data from 113 articles: eight prospective studies, 25 retrospective studies and the rest were case reports/series. COVID-19 can present with central nervous system manifestations, such as headache, encephalitis and encephalopathy, peripheral nervous system manifestations, such as anosmia, ageusia and Guillian Barre syndrome, and skeletal muscle manifestations, such as myalgia and myasthenia gravis. Our systematic review showed that COVID-19 can be manifested by a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms reported either in the early stage or within the course of the disease. However, a detailed comprehension of these manifestations is required and more studies are needed in order to improve our scientific knowledge and to develop preventive and therapeutic measures to control this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Hassan Ousseiran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wafaa Takash Chamoun
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Palermo S, Stanziano M, Nigri A, Civilotti C, Celeghin A. Parkinson's Disease, SARS-CoV-2, and Frailty: Is There a Vicious Cycle Related to Hypovitaminosis D? Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040528. [PMID: 37190492 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040528] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The literature has long established the association between aging and frailty, with emerging evidence pointing to a relationship between frailty and SARS-CoV-2 contagion. The possible neurological consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, associated with physical and cognitive frailty, could lead to a worsening of Parkinson's disease (PD) in infected patients or-more rarely-to an increase in the Parkinsonian symptomatology. A possible link between those clinical pictures could be identified in vitamin D deficiency, while the whole process would appear to be associated with alterations in the microbiota-intestine-brain axis that fall within the α-Synuclein Origin site and Connectome (SOC) model, and allow for the identification of a body-first PD and a brain-first PD. The model of care for this condition must consider intrinsic and extrinsic variables so that care by a multidisciplinary team can be successfully predicted. A multidimensional screening protocol specifically designed to identify people at risk or in the early stages of the disease should begin with the investigation of indices of frailty and microbiota-intestine-brain axis alterations, with a new focus on cases of hypovitaminosis D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palermo
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Stanziano
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Neurosciences Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Nigri
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Celeghin
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
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7
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Datta AK, Mukherjee A, Biswas A. Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, and Olfactory Neurotropism of Sars-Cov2 as a Possible Trigger of Parkinson's Disease: Is a Multi-Hit Multi-Step Process on the Cards. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:127-136. [PMID: 37179662 PMCID: PMC10171009 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_767_22] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first emergence of COVID-19 on the global stage, there has been a wealth of evidence to suggest that SARS-Cov2 is not merely a pulmonary pathogen. This virus is unique in its ability to disrupt cellular pathways related to protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, stress response, and aging. Such effects raise concerns about the long-term fate of survivors of COVID-19 infection, particularly regarding neurodegenerative diseases. The concept of interaction between environmental factors and alpha-synuclein formation in the olfactory bulb and vagal autonomic terminals with subsequent caudo-cranial migration has received much attention in the context of PD pathogenesis. Anosmia and gastrointestinal symptoms are two well-known symptoms of COVID-19, with evidence of an olfactory bulb and vagal infiltration by SARS-CoV2. This raises the possibility of the spread of the viral particles to the brain along multiple cranial nerve routes. Neurotropism, coupled with the ability of the SARS-Cov2 virion to induce abnormal protein folding and stress responses in the central nervous system, in presence of an inflammatory milieu, reinforced by hypoxia, coagulopathy, and endothelial dysfunction, reverberates the intriguing possibility of activation of a neurodegenerative cascade leading to the development of pathological alpha-synuclein aggregates and thus, triggering the development of PD in survivors of COVID19. This review attempts to summarize and critically appraise existing evidence from basic science research and clinical reports of links between COVID-19 and PD and explores the prospect of a multi-hit pathophysiological process, induced by SARS-Cov2 infection, ultimately converging on perturbed cellular protein homeostasis, which although is intriguing, presently lacks robust evidence for confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amlan K. Datta
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate of Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Adreesh Mukherjee
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate of Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Atanu Biswas
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Post Graduate of Medical Education and Research (IPGME&R) and Bangur Institute of Neurosciences (BIN), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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8
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Kaushik A, Kujawska M, Ahmed EA, Batiha GES. SARS-COV-2 infection and Parkinson's disease: Possible links and perspectives. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:952-975. [PMID: 36717481 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The hallmarks are the presence of Lewy bodies composed mainly of aggregated α-synuclein and immune activation and inflammation in the brain. The neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 with induction of cytokine storm and neuroinflammation can contribute to the development of PD. Interestingly, overexpression of α-synuclein in PD patients may limit SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons; however, on the other hand, this virus can speed up the α-synuclein aggregation. The review aims to discuss the potential link between COVID-19 and the risk of PD, highlighting the need for further studies to authenticate the potential association. We have also overviewed the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the PD course and management. In this context, we presented the prospects for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and related PD cases that, beyond global vaccination and novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents, may include the development of graphene-based nanoscale platforms offering antiviral and anti-amyloid strategies against PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyia University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyia University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Department of Environmental Engineering, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, Florida, USA
| | - Małgorzata Kujawska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Eman A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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Zhang J. Investigating neurological symptoms of infectious diseases like COVID-19 leading to a deeper understanding of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:968193. [PMID: 36570463 PMCID: PMC9768197 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.968193] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from common respiratory symptoms, neurological symptoms are prevalent among patients with COVID-19. Research has shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 accelerated alpha-synuclein aggregation, induced Lewy-body-like pathology, caused dopaminergic neuron senescence, and worsened symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce neuroinflammation and facilitate subsequent neurodegeneration in long COVID, and increase individual vulnerability to PD or parkinsonism. These findings suggest that a post-COVID-19 parkinsonism might follow the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to prevent a possible post-COVID-19 parkinsonism, this paper reviewed neurological symptoms and related findings of COVID-19 and related infectious diseases (influenza and prion disease) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease, PD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and discussed potential mechanisms underlying the neurological symptoms and the relationship between the infectious diseases and the neurodegenerative disorders, as well as the therapeutic and preventive implications in the neurodegenerative disorders. Infections with a relay of microbes (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A viruses, gut bacteria, etc.) and prion-like alpha-synuclein proteins over time may synergize to induce PD. Therefore, a systematic approach that targets these pathogens and the pathogen-induced neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration may provide cures for neurodegenerative disorders. Further, antiviral/antimicrobial drugs, vaccines, immunotherapies and new therapies (e.g., stem cell therapy) need to work together to treat, manage or prevent these disorders. As medical science and technology advances, it is anticipated that better vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 variants, new antiviral/antimicrobial drugs, effective immunotherapies (alpha-synuclein antibodies, vaccines for PD or parkinsonism, etc.), as well as new therapies will be developed and made available in the near future, which will help prevent a possible post-COVID-19 parkinsonism in the 21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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10
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Leta V, Urso D, Batzu L, Lau YH, Mathew D, Boura I, Raeder V, Falup-Pecurariu C, van Wamelen D, Ray Chaudhuri K. Viruses, parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease: the past, present and future. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:1119-1132. [PMID: 36036863 PMCID: PMC9422946 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Parkinsonism secondary to viral infections is not an uncommon occurrence and has been brought under the spotlight with the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A variety of viruses have been described with a potential of inducing or contributing to the occurrence of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease (PD), although the relationship between the two remains a matter of debate originating with the description of encephalitis lethargica in the aftermath of the Spanish flu in 1918. While some viral infections have been linked to an increased risk for the development of PD, others seem to have a causal link with the occurrence of parkinsonism. Here, we review the currently available evidence on viral-induced parkinsonism with a focus on potential pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical features. We also review the evidence on viral infections as a risk factor for developing PD and the link between SARS-CoV-2 and parkinsonism, which might have important implications for future research and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Leta
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Daniele Urso
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Lucia Batzu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Yue Hui Lau
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Donna Mathew
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Iro Boura
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vanessa Raeder
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Department of Neurology, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Daniel van Wamelen
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RT, UK.
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, SE5 9RS, UK.
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Ali SS, Mumtaz A, Qamar MA, Tebha SS, Parhin A, Butt M, Essar MY. New-onset Parkinsonism as a Covid-19 infection sequela: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 80:104281. [PMID: 35971509 PMCID: PMC9359766 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There remains a scarcity of literature regarding COVID-19 and its neurological sequelae. This study highlights Parkinsonism as a post-COVID-19 sequela and helps us understand a possible link between the two. Methods A literature search covering relevant databases was conducted for studies reporting the development of Parkinsonism in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection. A quality assessment tool developed by The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools for the assessment of case reports was utilized. Fisher's exact test was used to explore the factors associated with COVID-19 and Parkinsonism as its complication. Results Ten studies were included in our study. The median age of patients was 60.0, with an interquartile range of 42.5–72.0. There were 8 males (61.5%) patients, and 53.8% of cases were reported to have at least one comorbidity. Cogwheel rigidity was the most common symptom of Parkinsonism in 11 patients. While the most standard treatment modality used was Levodopa in 76.9% of cases. Using the Fisher's Exact test, it was identified that 10 patients (76.9%) with bradykinesia made a full recovery. Conclusion Despite presumed “recovery” from COVID-19, patients still face a wide range of neurological complications. One of these complications presenting as Parkinsonism requires health care professionals to be on the lookout for the long-term effects of COVID-19. Hence, our study provides information on the possible likely hood of a link between COVID-19 and the development of Parkinsonism as post-COVID neurological sequelae. There have been well-documented reports about the occurrence of parkinsonism after viral infections. 10 studies including 13 patients reported the development of parkinsonism in individuals who recovered from COVID-19 infection. The commonest symptom of parkinsonism reported in these individuals was cogwheel rigidity 84.6%. 53.8% of individuals fully recovered and had their symptoms resolved after treatment.
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Nwabufo CK, Aigbogun OP. Diagnostic and therapeutic agents that target alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. J Neurol 2022; 269:5762-5786. [PMID: 35831620 PMCID: PMC9281355 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The development of disease-modifying drugs and differential diagnostic agents is an urgent medical need in Parkinson’s disease. Despite the complex pathophysiological pathway, the misfolding of alpha-synuclein has been identified as a putative biomarker for detecting the onset and progression of the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease. Identifying the most appropriate alpha-synuclein-based diagnostic modality with clinical translation will revolutionize the diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Likewise, molecules that target alpha-synuclein could alter the disease pathway that leads to Parkinson’s and may serve as first-in class therapeutics compared to existing treatment options such as levodopa and dopamine agonist that do not necessarily modify the disease pathway. Notwithstanding the promising benefits that alpha-synuclein presents to therapeutics and diagnostics development for Parkinson’s disease, finding ways to address potential challenges such as inadequate preclinical models, safety and efficacy will be paramount to achieving clinical translation. In this comprehensive review paper, we described the role of alpha-synuclein in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, as well as how its structure and function relationship delineate disease onset and progression. We further discussed different alpha-synuclein-based diagnostic modalities including biomolecular assays and molecular imaging. Finally, we presented current small molecules and biologics that are being developed as disease-modifying drugs or positron emission tomography imaging probes for Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwunonso K Nwabufo
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Omozojie P Aigbogun
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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13
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Hamdy NM, Shaker FH, Zhan X, Basalious EB. Tangled quest of post-COVID-19 infection-caused neuropathology and what 3P nano-bio-medicine can solve? EPMA J 2022; 13:261-284. [PMID: 35668839 PMCID: PMC9160520 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-022-00285-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19-caused neurological problems are the important post-CoV-2 infection complications, which are recorded in ~ 40% of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Neurodegeneration (ND) is one of the most serious complications. It is necessary to understand its molecular mechanism(s), define research gaps to direct research to, hopefully, design new treatment modalities, for predictive diagnosis, patient stratification, targeted prevention, prognostic assessment, and personalized medical services for this type of complication. Individualized nano-bio-medicine combines nano-medicine (NM) with clinical and molecular biomarkers based on omics data to improve during- and post-illness management or post-infection prognosis, in addition to personalized dosage profiling and drug selection for maximum treatment efficacy, safety with least side-effects. This review will enumerate proteins, receptors, and enzymes involved in CoV-2 entrance into the central nervous system (CNS) via the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and list the repercussions after that entry, ranging from neuroinflammation to neurological symptoms disruption mechanism. Moreover, molecular mechanisms that mediate the host effect or viral detrimental effect on the host are discussed here, including autophagy, non-coding RNAs, inflammasome, and other molecular mechanisms of CoV-2 infection neuro-affection that are defined here as hallmarks of neuropathology related to COVID-19 infection. Thus, a couple of questions are raised; for example, “What are the hallmarks of neurodegeneration during COVID-19 infection?” and “Are epigenetics promising solution against post-COVID-19 neurodegeneration?” In addition, nano-formulas might be a better novel treatment for COVID-19 neurological complications, which raises one more question, “What are the challenges of nano-bio-based nanocarriers pre- or post-COVID-19 infection?” especially in the light of omics-based changes/challenges, research, and clinical practice in the framework of predictive preventive personalized medicine (PPPM / 3P medicine).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Hamdy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, 11566 Cairo Egypt
| | - Fatma H Shaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, 11566 Cairo Egypt
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, 440 Jiyan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117 People's Republic of China.,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117 People's Republic of China.,Gastroenterology Research Institute and Clinical Center, Shandong First Medical University, 38 Wuying Shan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250031 People's Republic of China
| | - Emad B Basalious
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Al Kasr AlAiny, Cairo, 11562 Egypt
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14
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Boura I, Ray Chaudhuri K. Coronavirus Disease 2019 and related Parkinsonism: the clinical evidence thus far. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2022; 9:584-593. [PMID: 35601258 PMCID: PMC9111006 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic has fueled both research and speculation, as to whether it could be a “perfect storm” for a post‐Covid emergence of parkinsonism in some susceptible individuals, analogous to the post‐encephalitic parkinsonism reported after the 1918 influenza epidemic. This theory is further augmented by reports of a pathogenic effect of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) on the central nervous system with specific impact on the dopaminergic pathway, as well as the possibility of the virus to selectively bind to Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme‐2 (ACE‐2); these molecules are expressed abundantly in the midbrain dopamine neurons and, are likely involved in several cellular mechanisms cited in Parkinson's Disease (PD) pathophysiology. Objectives—Methods Therefore, we performed a review of the literature up to February 2022 to explore the current landscape considering published cases of new‐onset parkinsonism after a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in otherwise healthy individuals. We summarized their clinical features, diagnostic and treatment approaches, discussing potential underlying mechanisms in light of PD pathogenesis theories. Results Twenty cases that developed parkinsonian features simultaneously or shortly after a reported SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were reviewed. In 11 of them, parkinsonism appeared in the context of encephalopathy, while four patients developed post‐infectious parkinsonism without encephalopathy, and four bore similarities to idiopathic PD. Nine patients exhibited a good response to dopaminergic therapy, while four responded to immunomodulatory treatment. Conclusions Available data does not yet justify a clear association between the Covid‐19 pandemic and a parkinsonism wave. However, vigilance is necessary, as long‐term effects might have not been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iro Boura
- University of Crete, Medical School Heraklion Greece
- King's College London, Department of Neurosciences Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Denmark Hill London United Kingdom
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill London United Kingdom
| | - K. Ray Chaudhuri
- King's College London, Department of Neurosciences Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Denmark Hill London United Kingdom
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill London United Kingdom
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15
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SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and Parkinson’s Disease—Many Issues Need to Be Clarified—A Critical Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040456. [PMID: 35447986 PMCID: PMC9028450 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological manifestations during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic are of interest, regarding acute treatment and the so-called post-COVID-19 syndrome. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative movement disorders worldwide. Hence, the influence of SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 syndrome on PD patients has raised many questions and produced various publications with conflicting results. We reviewed the literature, with respect to symptoms, treatment, and whether the virus itself might cause PD during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in SARS-CoV-2-affected symptomatic PD patients (COVID-19 syndrome). In addition, we comment on the consequences in non-symptomatic and non-affected PD patients, as well as post-COVID syndrome and its potential linkage to PD, presenting our own data from our out-patient clinic.
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16
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Kukkle PL. COVID-19: The cynosure of rise of Parkinson's disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 165:251-262. [PMID: 36208903 PMCID: PMC9303069 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common age-related disorders globally. The pathophysiological mechanisms and precipitating factors underlying PD manifestations, including genetic and environmental parameters, inflammation/stress and ageing, remain elusive. Speculations about whether the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic could be a pivotal factor in affecting the prevalence and severity of PD or triggering a wave of new-onset parkinsonism in both the near and distant future have recently become very popular, with researchers wondering if there is a changing trend in current parkinsonism cases. Could the current understanding of the Covid-19 pathophysiology provide clues for an impending rise of parkinsonism cases in the future? Are there any lessons to learn from previous pandemics? Our aim was to look into these questions and available current literature in order to investigate if Covid-19 could constitute a cardinal event affecting the parkinsonism landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Lingappa Kukkle
- Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic, Bangalore, India; Center for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Manipal Hospital, Miller's Road, Bangalore, India.
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17
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Leta V, Boura I, van Wamelen DJ, Rodriguez-Violante M, Antonini A, Chaudhuri KR. Covid-19 and Parkinson's disease: Acute clinical implications, long-COVID and post-COVID-19 parkinsonism. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 165:63-89. [PMID: 36208907 PMCID: PMC9357514 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to unprecedented challenges for the delivery of healthcare and has had a clear impact on people with chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Acute worsening of motor and non-motor symptoms and long-term sequalae have been described during and after SARS-CoV-2 infections in people with Parkinson's (PwP), which are likely to be multifactorial in their origin. On the one hand, it is likely that worsening of symptoms has been related to the viral infection itself, whereas social restrictions imposed over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic might also have had such an effect. Twenty cases of post-Covid-19 para-infectious or post-infectious parkinsonism have been described so far where a variety of pathophysiological mechanisms seem to be involved; however, a Covid-19-induced wave of post-viral parkinsonism seems rather unlikely at the moment. Here, we describe the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and PD in the short- and long-term and summarize the clinical features of post-Covid-19 cases of parkinsonism observed so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Leta
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Iro Boura
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom,Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Daniel J. van Wamelen
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom,Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom,Department of Neurology, Centre of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Angelo Antonini
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Centre for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Kallol Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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18
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Chattopadhyay S. Care of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in times of covid-19 pandemic. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102168. [PMID: 34198109 PMCID: PMC8186057 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sidhartha Chattopadhyay
- Department of Neuromedicine, KPC Medical College & Hospital, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India.
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19
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Fearon C, Mikulis DJ, Lang AE. Parkinsonism as a Sequela of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Pure Hypoxic Injury or Additional COVID-19-Related Response? Mov Disord 2021; 36:1483-1484. [PMID: 34043246 PMCID: PMC8242400 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Conor Fearon
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital - University Health Network (UHN), Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Mikulis
- Division of Neuroradiology, Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital - University Health Network (UHN), Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Estrada E. Cascading from SARS-CoV-2 to Parkinson's Disease through Protein-Protein Interactions. Viruses 2021; 13:897. [PMID: 34066091 PMCID: PMC8150712 DOI: 10.3390/v13050897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive extrapulmonary damages in a dozen of organs/systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), are reported in patients of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Three cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been reported as a direct consequence of COVID-19. In spite of the scarce data for establishing a definitive link between COVID-19 and PD, some hypotheses have been proposed to explain the cases reported. They, however, do not fit well with the clinical findings reported for COVID-19 patients, in general, and for the PD cases reported, in particular. Given the importance of this potential connection, we present here a molecular-level mechanistic hypothesis that explains well these findings and will serve to explore the potential CNS damage in COVID-19 patients. The model explaining the cascade effects from COVID-19 to CNS is developed by using bioinformatic tools. It includes the post-translational modification of host proteins in the lungs by viral proteins, the transport of modified host proteins via exosomes out the lungs, and the disruption of protein-protein interaction in the CNS by these modified host proteins. Our hypothesis is supported by finding 44 proteins significantly expressed in the CNS which are associated with PD and whose interactions can be perturbed by 24 host proteins significantly expressed in the lungs. These 24 perturbators are found to interact with viral proteins and to form part of the cargoes of exosomes in human tissues. The joint set of perturbators and PD-vulnerable proteins form a tightly connected network with significantly more connections than expected by selecting a random cluster of proteins of similar size from the human proteome. The molecular-level mechanistic hypothesis presented here provides several routes for the cascading of effects from the lungs of COVID-19 patients to PD. In particular, the disruption of autophagy/ubiquitination processes appears as an important mechanism that triggers the generation of large amounts of exosomes containing perturbators in their cargo, which would insult several PD-vulnerable proteins, potentially triggering Parkinsonism in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Estrada
- Institute of Mathematics and Applications, University of Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- ARAID Foundation, Government of Aragon, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Cross-Disciplinary Physics and Complex Systems (IFISC, UIB-CSIC), Campus Universitat de les Illes Balears, E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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