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Gaudry C, Dhersin R, Dubée V. [Mechanisms of prolonged symptoms following acute COVID-19: Some pathophysiological pathways]. Rev Mal Respir 2024:S0761-8425(24)00272-9. [PMID: 39426876 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2024.07.009] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the Omicron wave in early 2022, an estimated 60-70% of the French population was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One out of ten infected subjects could have persistent symptoms three months after infection, representing a public health challenge. CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE The persistent symptoms may be secondary to diverse entities with distinct mechanisms. While organic infection sequelae occur mainly after severe COVID-19, some symptoms appear to be essentially psychological in origin; in addition, many subjects present stereotyped symptoms of fluctuating intensity with no identified anatomical or psychic substratum, often in the aftermath of a benign infection. The most frequent complaints are fatigue, pain, dyspnea and difficulty concentrating. PERSPECTIVES The hypotheses explored to explain these symptoms include: persistent immune dysfunction, inducted autoimmunity, and microbiome disturbances. Persistent viral antigens may lie at the crossroads of these mechanisms. To date, these different etiological avenues have yet to lead to the development of diagnostic tests or specific therapeutic strategies. CONCLUSION Prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 correspond to heterogeneous nosological entities with poorly understood mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gaudry
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU d'Angers, 4, rue Larrey, 49100 Angers, France
| | - R Dhersin
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU d'Angers, 4, rue Larrey, 49100 Angers, France
| | - V Dubée
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU d'Angers, 4, rue Larrey, 49100 Angers, France.
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2
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Exploring the Pathophysiology of Long COVID: The Central Role of Low-Grade Inflammation and Multisystem Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6389. [PMID: 38928096 PMCID: PMC11204317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126389] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC), also referred to as Post COVID-19 Condition, Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), and other terms, represents a complex multisystem disease persisting after the acute phase of COVID-19. Characterized by a myriad of symptoms across different organ systems, LC presents significant diagnostic and management challenges. Central to the disorder is the role of low-grade inflammation, a non-classical inflammatory response that contributes to the chronicity and diversity of symptoms observed. This review explores the pathophysiological underpinnings of LC, emphasizing the importance of low-grade inflammation as a core component. By delineating the pathogenetic relationships and clinical manifestations of LC, this article highlights the necessity for an integrated approach that employs both personalized medicine and standardized protocols aimed at mitigating long-term consequences. The insights gained not only enhance our understanding of LC but also inform the development of therapeutic strategies that could be applicable to other chronic conditions with similar pathophysiological features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia;
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3
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Tanaka Y, Ikeda K, Kaneko Y, Ishiguro N, Takeuchi T. Why does malaise/fatigue occur? Underlying mechanisms and potential relevance to treatments in rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:485-499. [PMID: 38224064 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2306220] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatigue and malaise are commonly associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Evidence suggests that fatigue and malaise can be overwhelming for patients, yet these symptoms remain inadequately-managed, largely due to an incomplete elucidation of the underlying causes. AREAS COVERED In this assessment of the published literature relating to the pathogenesis of fatigue or malaise in chronic conditions, four key mechanistic themes were identified. Each theme (inflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, dysautonomia, and monoamines) is discussed, as well as the complex network of interconnections between themes which suggests a key role for inflammatory cytokines in the development and persistence of fatigue. EXPERT OPINION Fatigue is multifaceted, poorly defined, and imperfectly comprehended. Moreover, the cause and severity of fatigue may change over time, as a consequence of the natural disease course or pharmacologic treatment. This detailed synthesis of available evidence permits us to identify avenues for current treatment optimization and future research, to improve the management of fatigue and malaise in RA. Within the development pipeline, several new anti-inflammatory therapies are currently under investigation, and we anticipate that the next five years will herald much-needed progress to reduce the debilitating nature of fatigue in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kei Ikeda
- Department of Rheumatology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuko Kaneko
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Giunta S, Giordani C, De Luca M, Olivieri F. Long-COVID-19 autonomic dysfunction: An integrated view in the framework of inflammaging. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 218:111915. [PMID: 38354789 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111915] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The recently identified syndrome known as Long COVID (LC) is characterized by a constellation of debilitating conditions that impair both physical and cognitive functions, thus reducing the quality of life and increasing the risk of developing the most common age-related diseases. These conditions are linked to the presence of symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, in association with low cortisol levels, suggestive of reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, and with increased pro-inflammatory condition. Alterations of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter levels were also recently observed in LC. Interestingly, at least some of the proposed mechanisms of LC development overlap with mechanisms of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) imbalance, previously detailed in the framework of the aging process. ANS imbalance is characterized by a proinflammatory sympathetic overdrive, and a concomitant decreased anti-inflammatory vagal parasympathetic activity, associated with reduced anti-inflammatory effects of the HPA axis and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). These neuro-immune-endocrine system imbalanced activities fuel the vicious circle of chronic inflammation, i.e. inflammaging. Here, we refine our original hypothesis that ANS dysfunction fuels inflammaging and propose that biomarkers of ANS imbalance could also be considered biomarkers of inflammaging, recognized as the main risk factor for developing age-related diseases and the sequelae of viral infections, i.e. LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Giunta
- Casa di Cura Prof. Nobili (Gruppo Garofalo (GHC) Castiglione dei Pepoli -Bologna), Italy
| | - Chiara Giordani
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Maria De Luca
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy; Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Lee JS, Choi Y, Joung JY, Son CG. Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Fatigue-Dominant Long-COVID Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00057-3. [PMID: 38331137 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID is defined by persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Approximately 71% of individuals with long COVID experience ongoing fatigue, postexertional malaise, and cognitive impairments, which share pathological similarities with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This similarity has prompted studies to explore the characteristics of long COVID to gain a better understanding of ME/CFS. To gain insights, we investigated the clinical and laboratory characteristics of individuals with fatigue-dominant long COVID. METHODS We enrolled 100 subjects (36 males, 64 females) with long COVID who had a higher score than 60 in the modified Korean version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (mKCFQ11) and higher than 5 in a fatigue-focused visual analogue scale. To investigate fatigue symptoms, the mKCFQ11, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, a visual analogue scale for fatigue and brain fog, along with the Short-Form survey, were employed. We also measured 3 cytokines and cortisol levels for immunological and endocrinological indicators. As a cross-sectional observational study, the data were collected at a single point in time. RESULTS The mean scores on the measurements showed severe fatigue, and these scores were significantly correlated, with no differences based on sex, the post-COVID period, or age. Among the laboratory tests, plasma cortisol levels had a significant negative correlation with fatigue scores and a positive correlation with living quality. The negative correlation between cortisol levels and mKCFQ11 scores appeared to be more specific to mental fatigue than physical, which conflicted with other measurements. CONCLUSION Our findings provide the first insights into the characteristics of fatigue in individuals with long COVID, particularly in terms of fatigue severity and cortisol levels. These results serve as valuable reference data for clinicians dealing with fatigue symptoms in long-COVID patients and for researchers exploring postviral fatigue symptoms, including ME/CFS, in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Seok Lee
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Department of Korean Medicine, Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Se-Myung University, Jecheon-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Joung
- Department of Korean Medicine, Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon Good-morning Oriental Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Department of Korean Medicine, Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Se-Myung University, Jecheon-si, Republic of Korea.
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Bello-Chavolla OY, Fermín-Martínez CA, Ramírez-García D, Vargas-Vázquez A, Fernández-Chirino L, Basile-Alvarez MR, Sánchez-Castro P, Núñez-Luna A, Antonio-Villa NE. Prevalence and determinants of post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) among adults in Mexico during 2022: a retrospective analysis of nationally representative data. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 30:100688. [PMID: 38327277 PMCID: PMC10847769 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2024.100688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) remains a concerning long-term complication of COVID-19. Here, we aimed to characterize the epidemiology of PASC in Mexico during 2022 and identify potential associations of covariates with PASC prevalence using nationally representative data. Methods We analyzed data from the 2022 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) from 24,434 participants, representing 85,521,661 adults ≥20 years. PASC was defined using both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) definition and a PASC score ≥12. Estimates of PASC prevalence were stratified by age, sex, rural vs. urban setting, social lag quartiles, number of reinfections, vaccination status and periods of predominance of SARS-CoV-2 circulating variants. Determinants of PASC were assessed using log-binomial regression models adjusted by survey weights. Findings Persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported by 12.44% (95% CI 11.89-12.99) of adults ≥20 years in Mexico in 2022. The most common persistent symptoms were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, headache, cough, loss of smell or taste, fever, post-exertional malaise, brain fog, anxiety, and chest pain. PASC was present in 21.21% (95% CI 19.74-22.68) of subjects with previously diagnosed COVID-19. Over 28.6% of patients with PASC reported symptoms persistence ≥6 months and 14.05% reported incapacitating symptoms. Higher PASC prevalence was associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfections, depressive symptoms and living in states with high social lag. PASC prevalence, particularly its more severe forms, decreased with COVID-19 vaccination and for infections during periods of Omicron variant predominance. Interpretation PASC remains a significant public health burden in Mexico as the COVID-19 pandemic transitions into endemic. Promoting SARS-CoV-2 reinfection prevention and booster vaccination may be useful in reducing PASC burden. Funding This research was supported by Instituto Nacional de Geriatría in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos A. Fermín-Martínez
- Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico
- MD/PhD (PECEM) Program, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Ramírez-García
- Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Martín Roberto Basile-Alvarez
- Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paulina Sánchez-Castro
- Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Núñez-Luna
- Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Geriatría, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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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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Liu Y, Gu X, Li H, Zhang H, Xu J. Mechanisms of long COVID: An updated review. CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 2023; 1:231-240. [PMID: 39171285 PMCID: PMC11332859 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been ongoing for more than 3 years, with an enormous impact on global health and economies. In some patients, symptoms and signs may remain after recovery from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which cannot be explained by an alternate diagnosis; this condition has been defined as long COVID. Long COVID may exist in patients with both mild and severe disease and is prevalent after infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The most common symptoms include fatigue, dyspnea, and other symptoms involving multiple organs. Vaccination results in lower rates of long COVID. To date, the mechanisms of long COVID remain unclear. In this narrative review, we summarized the clinical presentations and current evidence regarding the pathogenesis of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Xiaoying Gu
- Department of Clinical Research and Data Management, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Haibo Li
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jiuyang Xu
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity; National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China–Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
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9
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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Abstract
There is increased interest related to the impact of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) on the endocrine system and in particular on the pituitary gland. Over the course of the severe infection with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there are both acute and delayed effects on the pituitary, related to infection and/or treatment. Hypopituitarism, pituitary apoplexy and hypophysitis have been all reported, as well as arginine vasopressin deficiency (diabetes insipidus) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Furthermore, patients with acromegaly, Cushing's disease and hypopituitarism are theoretically at increased risk of complications with COVID-19 and require close monitoring. Evidence regarding pituitary dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 continues to be gathered, as the breadth and depth of knowledge also continues to rapidly evolve. This review summarizes data analysis to date on the possible effects of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on patients with normal pituitary function and patients with known pituitary pathology. Though clinical systems were significantly affected, it seems there is no overall loss of biochemical control in patients with certain pituitary pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capatina
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, and Department of Pituitary and Neuroendocrine Pathology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalina Poiana
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, and Department of Pituitary and Neuroendocrine Pathology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition) and Neurological Surgery, and Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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Komaroff AL, Lipkin WI. ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1187163. [PMID: 37342500 PMCID: PMC10278546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1187163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients remain unwell for months after "recovering" from acute COVID-19. They develop persistent fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, disrupted sleep, myalgias and arthralgias, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms that greatly interfere with their ability to function and that can leave some people housebound and disabled. The illness (Long COVID) is similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as to persisting illnesses that can follow a wide variety of other infectious agents and following major traumatic injury. Together, these illnesses are projected to cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. In this review, we first compare the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long COVID, noting the considerable similarities and the few differences. We then compare in extensive detail the underlying pathophysiology of these two conditions, focusing on abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous system, lungs, heart, vasculature, immune system, gut microbiome, energy metabolism and redox balance. This comparison highlights how strong the evidence is for each abnormality, in each illness, and helps to set priorities for future investigation. The review provides a current road map to the extensive literature on the underlying biology of both illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Komaroff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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12
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Szabo S, Zayachkivska O, Hussain A, Muller V. What is really 'Long COVID'? Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:551-557. [PMID: 36964860 PMCID: PMC10039447 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
The previous acute respiratory diseases caused by viruses originating from China or the middle east (e.g., SARS, MERS) remained fast developing short diseases without major sequalae or any long-lasting complications. The new COVID-19, on the other hand, not only that it rapidly spread over the world, but some patients never fully recovered or even if they did, a few weeks later started to complain not only of shortness of breath, if any, but general weakness, muscle pains and 'brain fog', i.e., fuzzy memories. Thus, these signs and symptoms were eventually labelled 'long COVID', for which the most widely used definition is 'new signs and symptoms occurring 4-8 weeks after recovering from acute stage of COVID-19'. The other most frequent manifestations associated with long COVID include headache, loss of memory, smell and of hair, nausea, and vomiting. Thus, long COVID is not a simple disease, but complex disorder of several organ systems malfunctioning; hence, it is probably more appropriate to call this a syndrome. The pathogenesis of long COVID syndrome is poorly understood, but initial and persistent vascular endothelial injury that often triggers the formation of microthrombi that if dislodged as emboli, damage several organs, especially in the brain, heart and kidney, by creating microinfarcts. The other major contributory mechanistic factor is the persistent cytokine storm that may last longer in long COVID patients than in others, probably triggered by aggregates of SARS-Co-2 discovered recently in the adrenal cortex, kidney and brain. The prevalence of long COVID is relatively high, e.g., initially varied 3-30%, and recent data indicate that 2.5% of UK population suffers from this syndrome, while in the US 14.7% of acute COVID-19 patients continued to have symptoms longer than 2 months. Thus, the long COVID syndrome deserves to be further investigated, both from clinical and basic research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandor Szabo
- School of Medicine, American University of Health Sciences, 1600 East Hill St., Signal Hill/Long Beach, CA, 90755, USA.
| | - Oksana Zayachkivska
- School of Medicine, American University of Health Sciences, 1600 East Hill St., Signal Hill/Long Beach, CA, 90755, USA
| | - Alamdar Hussain
- School of Medicine, American University of Health Sciences, 1600 East Hill St., Signal Hill/Long Beach, CA, 90755, USA
| | - Veronika Muller
- School of Medicine, American University of Health Sciences, 1600 East Hill St., Signal Hill/Long Beach, CA, 90755, USA
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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13
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The Challenge of Long COVID-19 Management: From Disease Molecular Hallmarks to the Proposal of Exercise as Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012311. [PMID: 36293160 PMCID: PMC9603679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Long coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is the designation given to a novel syndrome that develops within a few months after infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and that is presenting with increasing incidence because of the numerous cases of infection. Long COVID-19 is characterized by a sequela of clinical symptoms that concern different organs and tissues, from nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal systems to skeletal muscle and cardiovascular apparatus. The main common molecular cause for all long COVID-19 facets appears to be related to immune dysregulations, the persistence of inflammatory status, epigenetic modifications, and alterations of neurotrophin release. The prevention and management of long COVID-19 are still inappropriate because many aspects need further clarification. Exercise is known to exert a deep action on molecular dysfunctions elicited by long COVID-19 depending on training intensity, duration, and continuity. Evidence suggests that it could improve the quality of life of long COVID-19 patients. This review explores the main clinical features and the known molecular mechanisms underlying long COVID-19 in the perspective of considering exercise as a co-medication in long COVID-19 management.
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