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Shafqat A, Masters MC, Tripathi U, Tchkonia T, Kirkland JL, Hashmi SK. Long COVID as a disease of accelerated biological aging: An opportunity to translate geroscience interventions. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102400. [PMID: 38945306 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102400] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
It has been four years since long COVID-the protracted consequences that survivors of COVID-19 face-was first described. Yet, this entity continues to devastate the quality of life of an increasing number of COVID-19 survivors without any approved therapy and a paucity of clinical trials addressing its biological root causes. Notably, many of the symptoms of long COVID are typically seen with advancing age. Leveraging this similarity, we posit that Geroscience-which aims to target the biological drivers of aging to prevent age-associated conditions as a group-could offer promising therapeutic avenues for long COVID. Bearing this in mind, this review presents a translational framework for studying long COVID as a state of effectively accelerated biological aging, identifying research gaps and offering recommendations for future preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mary Clare Masters
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Utkarsh Tripathi
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tamara Tchkonia
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James L Kirkland
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahrukh K Hashmi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, UAE; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Yao Y, Sun L, Luo J, Qi W, Zuo X, Yang Z. The effect of long-term COVID-19 infection on maternal and fetal complications: a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center in China. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17273. [PMID: 39068277 PMCID: PMC11283478 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68184-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Investigate the effect of long-term COVID-19 on maternal and fetal complications. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 623 pregnant women who delivered in Kunming First People's Hospital from November 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 were selected. By employing statistical methods, we compared the associations between maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women with acute COVID-19 during pregnancy, long-term COVID-19, and non-COVID-19 pregnant women. In the final 623 samples, there were 209 pregnant women with acute COVID-19, 72 pregnant women with long-term COVID-19, and 342 pregnant women without COVID-19. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of all subjects were similar. Pregnant individuals who developed long-term COVID-19 during their pregnancy had an increased risk of experiencing gestational hypertension (OR 3.344, 95% CI 1.544-7.243), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 2.301, 95% CI 1.290-4.102), and fetal intrauterine growth restriction (OR 2.817, 95% CI 1.385-5.952). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that this association remained consistent even after adjusting for confounders and performing subgroup analyses. Other maternal and fetal complications, such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, neonatal asphyxia, and transfer of neonates to NICU, did not exhibit statistically significant associations. After linear regression analysis, the platelet count (β: - 0.127, 95% CI - 0.001-0.000) of pregnant women with long-term COVID-19 was slightly lower than that of non-COVID-19 pregnant women, and the other coagulation parameters were not statistically significant. The incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women with long-term COVID-19 is significantly increased, but it does not further increase the coagulation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yao
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming City, 650000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Lanxu Sun
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming City, 650000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming City, 650000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Wenjin Qi
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, 650000, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Xin Zuo
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming City, 650000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zenglin Yang
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kunming First People's Hospital, Kunming City, 650000, Yunnan Province, China
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Broughan J, Sietiņš E, Emily Siu KY, Clendennen N, Collins C, Fawsitt R, Lambert JS, Savinelli S, Skeffington S, McCombe G, Cullen W. Enhancing long COVID care in general practice: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306077. [PMID: 38924005 PMCID: PMC11207167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research suggests that general practice can play an important role in managing long COVID. However, studies investigating the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and patients are lacking and knowledge regarding optimal long COVID care in general practice is therefore limited. AIM To investigate GPs' and patients' perspectives on the topic of long COVID and its management in general practice. METHODS Brief questionnaires (GP n = 11, Patient n = 7) and in-depth semi-structured interviews (GP n = 10, Patient n = 7) were conducted with GPs and patients from Irish general practices during July 2022-January 2023. Interviews were conducted via telephone and audio recordings were transcribed. A phenomenological analysis involving reflexive thematic analysis and constant comparison techniques was adopted. RESULTS Analysis of interviews with GPs (male = 7, female = 3; median age = 50yrs (IQR = 39.5-56)) and patients (males = 2, female = 5; median age = 58yrs (IQR = 45-62yrs) generated four themes. These were (1) Complex presentations (2) the value of standardising care, (3) choosing the right path, and (4) supportive and collaborative doctor-patient relationships. Strong agreement was observed among GPs and patients regarding the need for holistic and integrated multidisciplinary care. Supportive and collaborative doctor-patient relationships were largely well received by GPs and patients also. GPs strongly endorsed standardising long COVID care operations. CONCLUSION GPs and patients indicated that structured, integrated, and collaborative care can help optimise long COVID management in general practice. GPs are advised to incorporate these elements into their long COVID care practices going forward. Future research examining stakeholder's perspectives using larger and longitudinal samples is advised to enhance the generalisability of evidence in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Broughan
- Clinical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emīls Sietiņš
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Nia Clendennen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Coombe Family Practice, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire Collins
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ronan Fawsitt
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Castle Gardens Surgery, Kilkenny, Ireland
- Ireland East Hospital Group, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John S. Lambert
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stefano Savinelli
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Geoff McCombe
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Russell SJ, Parker K, Lehoczki A, Lieberman D, Partha IS, Scott SJ, Phillips LR, Fain MJ, Nikolich JŽ. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) in older adults. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8. [PMID: 38874693 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as PASC (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2), is a complex infection-associated chronic condition affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. Many aspects of this condition are incompletely understood. Among them is how this condition may manifest itself in older adults and how it might impact the older population. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of PASC in the adult population and examine what is known on its features with aging. Finally, we outline the major gaps and areas for research most germane to older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Russell
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Karen Parker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Doctoral College, Health Sciences Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, National Institute for Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Lieberman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Indu S Partha
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Serena J Scott
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Linda R Phillips
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mindy J Fain
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Janko Ž Nikolich
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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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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Lupi L, Vitiello A, Parolin C, Calistri A, Garzino-Demo A. The Potential Role of Viral Persistence in the Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). Pathogens 2024; 13:388. [PMID: 38787240 PMCID: PMC11123686 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050388] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated not only with the development of acute disease but also with long-term symptoms or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Multiple lines of evidence support that some viral antigens and RNA can persist for up to 15 months in multiple organs in the body, often after apparent clearance from the upper respiratory system, possibly leading to the persistence of symptoms. Activation of the immune system to viral antigens is observed for a prolonged time, providing indirect evidence of the persistence of viral elements after acute infection. In the gastrointestinal tract, the persistence of some antigens could stimulate the immune system, shaping the local microbiota with potential systemic effects. All of these interactions need to be investigated, taking into account predisposing factors, multiplicity of pathogenic mechanisms, and stratifying populations of vulnerable individuals, particularly women, children, and immunocompromised individuals, where SARS-CoV-2 may present additional challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lupi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Adriana Vitiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Cristina Parolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Cardona F, Pérez-Tur J. Special Issue "Molecular and Genetic Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Disease". Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4670. [PMID: 38731889 PMCID: PMC11083453 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We are pleased to present the first and second editions of this Special Issue, titled "Molecular and Genetic Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Disease", of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Cardona
- Unitat de Genètica Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina de València-CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 València, Spain
- CIBERNED, ISCIII, 46010 València, Spain
| | - Jordi Pérez-Tur
- Unitat de Genètica Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina de València-CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 València, Spain
- CIBERNED, ISCIII, 46010 València, Spain
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8
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Negrut N, Menegas G, Kampioti S, Bourelou M, Kopanyi F, Hassan FD, Asowed A, Taleouine FZ, Ferician A, Marian P. The Multisystem Impact of Long COVID: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:244. [PMID: 38337760 PMCID: PMC10855167 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030244] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: COVID-19 was responsible for the latest pandemic, shaking and reshaping healthcare systems worldwide. Its late clinical manifestations make it linger in medical memory as a debilitating illness over extended periods. (2) Methods: the recent literature was systematically analyzed to categorize and examine the symptomatology and pathophysiology of Long COVID across various bodily systems, including pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric, dermatological, renal, hematological, and endocrinological aspects. (3) Results: The review outlines the diverse clinical manifestations of Long COVID across multiple systems, emphasizing its complexity and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Factors such as pre-existing conditions, initial COVID-19 severity, vaccination status, gender, and age were identified as influential in the manifestation and persistence of Long COVID symptoms. This condition is highlighted as a debilitating disease capable of enduring over an extended period and presenting new symptoms over time. (4) Conclusions: Long COVID emerges as a condition with intricate multi-systemic involvement, complicating its diagnosis and treatment. The findings underscore the necessity for a nuanced understanding of its diverse manifestations to effectively manage and address the evolving nature of this condition over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Negrut
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Georgios Menegas
- Department of Orthopaedics, Achillopouleio General Hospital of Volos, Polymeri 134, 38222 Volos, Greece;
| | - Sofia Kampioti
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Maria Bourelou
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Francesca Kopanyi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Faiso Dahir Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Anamaria Asowed
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Fatima Zohra Taleouine
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 250 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK;
| | - Anca Ferician
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.F.)
| | - Paula Marian
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.F.)
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Grand RJ. SARS-CoV-2 and the DNA damage response. J Gen Virol 2023; 104:001918. [PMID: 37948194 PMCID: PMC10768691 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001918] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is characterized by respiratory distress, multiorgan dysfunction and, in some cases, death. The virus is also responsible for post-COVID-19 condition (commonly referred to as 'long COVID'). SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus with a genome of approximately 30 kb, which encodes 26 proteins. It has been reported to affect multiple pathways in infected cells, resulting, in many cases, in the induction of a 'cytokine storm' and cellular senescence. Perhaps because it is an RNA virus, replicating largely in the cytoplasm, the effect of SARS-Cov-2 on genome stability and DNA damage responses (DDRs) has received relatively little attention. However, it is now becoming clear that the virus causes damage to cellular DNA, as shown by the presence of micronuclei, DNA repair foci and increased comet tails in infected cells. This review considers recent evidence indicating how SARS-CoV-2 causes genome instability, deregulates the cell cycle and targets specific components of DDR pathways. The significance of the virus's ability to cause cellular senescence is also considered, as are the implications of genome instability for patients suffering from long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Grand
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Science, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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10
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Kumar S, Patidar V, Mudgal SK, Kumar S, Agarwal R, Gupta P, Gaur R, Varshney S. Self-Reported Persistent Symptoms at 18 Months and Above Among COVID-19 Non-hospitalized Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e43239. [PMID: 37692652 PMCID: PMC10491500 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, there have been numerous reports of symptoms that have lingered due to COVID-19. However, there is a lack of data concerning these persistent symptoms in non-hospitalized patients. This study sought to examine the prevalence of persistent symptoms at 18 months and beyond following the diagnosis of COVID-19 non-hospitalized patients. METHODS A prospective cohort study comprised 212 non-hospitalized adult patients consecutively assessed from data available at tertiary care institutions through telephone interviews. During the interview, participants were routinely questioned about whether they were still experiencing any post-infection symptoms at the time of the study. RESULTS Total 212 took part in the 18-month or longer follow-up survey. The most commonly reported symptoms during the acute phase were fever (n=149, 70.3%), weakness (n=118, 55.7%), and sore throat (n=100, 47.2%). At the 18-month and above follow-up, 167 patients (78.7%) reported at least one symptom continuing. The most common symptom at this time point was fatigue (n=109, 51.4%), followed by joint pain (n=57, 26.8%), and exertional dyspnea (24.5%). The possibility of symptoms returning after an 18-month follow-up and beyond was significantly lower in patients who had taken the COVID-19 vaccine (OR=0.29; 95% CI: 0.112-0.749; p=0.011) and those did not infect a second time (OR=0.232; 95% CI: 0.057-0.93; p=0.04). CONCLUSION The present study reveals that clinical complications persist even at 18 months and beyond during follow-up, with a prevalence similar to earlier follow-up periods, regardless of the severity of the initial COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Kumar
- Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Vipin Patidar
- Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Shiv K Mudgal
- Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Rajat Agarwal
- Cardiothoracic Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Rakhi Gaur
- Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
| | - Saurabh Varshney
- Otolaryngology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Deoghar, Deoghar, IND
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