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Xu Z, Wang H, Jiang S, Teng J, Zhou D, Chen Z, Wen C, Xu Z. Brain Pathology in COVID-19: Clinical Manifestations and Potential Mechanisms. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:383-400. [PMID: 37715924 PMCID: PMC10912108 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01110-0] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are less noticeable than the respiratory symptoms, but they may be associated with disability and mortality in COVID-19. Even though Omicron caused less severe disease than Delta, the incidence of neurological manifestations is similar. More than 30% of patients experienced "brain fog", delirium, stroke, and cognitive impairment, and over half of these patients presented abnormal neuroimaging outcomes. In this review, we summarize current advances in the clinical findings of neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients and compare them with those in patients with influenza infection. We also illustrate the structure and cellular invasion mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and describe the pathway for central SARS-CoV-2 invasion. In addition, we discuss direct damage and other pathological conditions caused by SARS-CoV-2, such as an aberrant interferon response, cytokine storm, lymphopenia, and hypercoagulation, to provide treatment ideas. This review may offer new insights into preventing or treating brain damage in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Xu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Siya Jiang
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jiao Teng
- Affiliated Lin'an People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Dongxu Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- Laboratory of Rheumatology and Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Zhenghao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Laboratory of Rheumatology and Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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2
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Asano R, Hayashi K, Kawahara E, Sato M, Miura T. Three Types of Demyelination, Perivenous, Confluent, and Perineuronal Nets-Rich in a COVID-19 Patient With Meningoencephalomyelitis. Cureus 2023; 15:e51049. [PMID: 38269235 PMCID: PMC10805624 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51049] [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] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurologic symptoms are common in COVID-19, and a variety of neuropathological changes have been reported. One of the important neuropathological findings is demyelination. However, the underlying pathogenesis of demyelination remained poorly understood. We witnessed a case of COVID-19 with distinct types of demyelination in the cerebrum, medulla oblongata, and spinal canal, who died of sepsis. The postmortem examination showed the solitary massive demyelination in the medulla oblongata. The massive lesion was filled with components of perineuronal nets. In the spinal canal, confluent demyelination in bilateral lateral and dorsal funiculi was detected over the entire length from C1 to S5, which was maximum at the level of cervical spinal canal stenosis. Demyelination in the cerebrum was mainly perivenular, and augmented in the area of lacunar infarcts and dilated perivascular spaces. Considering the distribution patterns of the following three types of demyelination, the traces of viral spreading could be highlighted. Discontinuous perivenous demyelination in the cerebrum showed the result of hematogenous spreading. Longitudinal confluent demyelination of the spinal cord should be the picturesque of the trace of axonal spreading. The distribution of demyelination was possibly modified by the underlying diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and spinal canal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rei Asano
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Koji Hayashi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Ei Kawahara
- Department of Pathology, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Mamiko Sato
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
| | - Toyoaki Miura
- Department of Rehabilitation, Fukui General Hospital, Fukui, JPN
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Möller M, Borg K, Janson C, Lerm M, Normark J, Niward K. Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation. J Intern Med 2023; 294:563-581. [PMID: 37766515 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13720] [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] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The long-term effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function have become an area of increasing concern. This paper provides an overview of characteristics, risk factors, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Prolonged cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common impairments in PCC, affecting between 17% and 28% of the individuals more than 12 weeks after the infection and persisting in some cases for several years. Cognitive dysfunctions can be manifested as a wide range of symptoms including memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, and reduced processing speed. Risk factors for developing PCC, with or without cognitive impairments, include advanced age, preexisting medical conditions, and the severity of acute illness. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but proposed contributors include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, vascular damage, and latent virus reactivation not excluding the possibility of direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, illustrating complex viral pathology. As the individual variation of the cognitive impairments is large, a neuropsychological examination and a person-centered multidimensional approach are required. According to the World Health Organization, limited evidence on COVID-19-related cognitive impairments necessitates implementing rehabilitation interventions from established practices of similar conditions. Psychoeducation and compensatory skills training are recommended. Assistive products and environmental modifications adapted to individual needs might be helpful. In specific attention- and working memory dysfunctions, cognitive training-carefully monitored for intensity-might be effective for people who do not suffer from post-exertional malaise. Further research is crucial for evidence-based interventions specific to COVID-19-related cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Möller
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Borg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Lerm
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Normark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katarina Niward
- Department of Infectious Diseases, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Mughis H, Lye P, Matthews SG, Bloise E. Hypoxia modifies levels of the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and furin in fetal human brain endothelial cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101126. [PMID: 37562534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101126] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether human fetal brain endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin, which are SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins. Moreover, it is unclear whether hypoxia, commonly observed during severe maternal COVID-19, can modify their level of expression. We hypothesized that human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early- and midpregnancy brain microvessels express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin. Furthermore, we hypothesized that hypoxia modifies their expression levels in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether early- and midpregnancy human fetal brain endothelial cells express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin SARS-CoV-2-associated cell entry proteins and to determine the effects of hypoxia on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin expression levels in human fetal brain endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study where human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early-pregnancy (12.4±0.7 weeks of gestation) and midpregnancy (17.9±0.5 weeks of gestation) fetal brain microvessels (6 per group) were exposed to different oxygen tensions (20%, 5%, and 1% oxygen) for 6, 24, and 48 hours. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin messenger RNA and protein levels and localization were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot testing, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin co-localize with the endothelial cell marker von Willebrand factor in human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early pregnancy and midpregnancy. In early pregnancy, TMPRSS2 messenger RNA expression was decreased by 5% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 6 hours of exposure (P<.05). In midpregnancy, 5% oxygen down-regulated ACE2 messenger RNA compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). Furin messenger RNA expression was decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen (P<.05) after 24 hours. In midpregnancy, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels were decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen (P<.001) after 24 hours. In contrast, furin protein levels were increased under 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). At 48 hours, 1% oxygen increased angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels compared with 20% oxygen (P<.01). CONCLUSION Hypoxia modifies the expression of selected SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins in human fetal brain endothelial cells in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. As severe COVID-19 may lead to maternal hypoxia, an altered expression of these proteins in the developing human blood-brain barrier could potentially lead to altered SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion and neurologic sequelae in neonates born to pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsah Mughis
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews); Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Matthews)
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Dr Bloise).
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Chou ML, Babamale AO, Walker TL, Cognasse F, Blum D, Burnouf T. Blood-brain crosstalk: the roles of neutrophils, platelets, and neutrophil extracellular traps in neuropathologies. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:764-779. [PMID: 37500363 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Systemic inflammation, neurovascular dysfunction, and coagulopathy often occur concurrently in neuropathologies. Neutrophils and platelets have crucial synergistic roles in thromboinflammation and are increasingly suspected as effector cells contributing to the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize the roles of platelet-neutrophil interactions in triggering complex pathophysiological events affecting the brain that may lead to the disruption of brain barriers, infiltration of toxic factors into the parenchyma, and amplification of neuroinflammation through the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We highlight the clinical significance of thromboinflammation in neurological disorders and examine the contributions of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) derived from platelets and neutrophils. These DAMPs originate from both infectious and non-infectious risk factors and contribute to the activation of inflammasomes during brain disorders. Finally, we identify knowledge gaps in the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis and emphasize the potential of interventions targeting platelets and neutrophils to treat neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Li Chou
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; INSERM UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris 75012, France
| | - Abdulkareem Olarewaju Babamale
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11266, Taiwan; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria
| | - Tara L Walker
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fabrice Cognasse
- Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; University Jean Monnet, Mines Saint-Étienne, INSERM, U 1059 Sainbiose, 42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - David Blum
- University of Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 LilNCog, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; Alzheimer & Tauopathies, LabEx DISTALZ, LiCEND, Lille F-59000, France; NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, University of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; NeuroTMULille International Laboratory, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 10031, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan.
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Devaux CA, Lagier JC. Unraveling the Underlying Molecular Mechanism of 'Silent Hypoxia' in COVID-19 Patients Suggests a Central Role for Angiotensin II Modulation of the AT1R-Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Signaling Pathway. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062445. [PMID: 36983445 PMCID: PMC10056466 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062445] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A few days after being infected with SARS-CoV-2, a fraction of people remain asymptomatic but suffer from a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation in the absence of apparent dyspnea. In light of our clinical investigation on the modulation of molecules belonging to the renin angiotensin system (RAS) in COVID-19 patients, we propose a model that explains 'silent hypoxia'. The RAS imbalance caused by SARS-CoV-2 results in an accumulation of angiotensin 2 (Ang II), which activates the angiotensin 2 type 1 receptor (AT1R) and triggers a harmful cascade of intracellular signals leading to the nuclear translocation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. HIF-1α transactivates many genes including the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), while at the same time, ACE2 is downregulated. A growing number of cells is maintained in a hypoxic condition that is self-sustained by the presence of the virus and the ACE1/ACE2 ratio imbalance. This is associated with a progressive worsening of the patient's biological parameters including decreased oxygen saturation, without further clinical manifestations. When too many cells activate the Ang II-AT1R-HIF-1α axis, there is a 'hypoxic spillover', which marks the tipping point between 'silent' and symptomatic hypoxia in the patient. Immediate ventilation is required to prevent the 'hypoxic spillover'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Albert Devaux
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, 13000 Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, 13000 Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 13000 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Lagier
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infection Laboratory, Aix-Marseille University, 13000 Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, 13000 Marseille, France
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7
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Motta CS, Torices S, da Rosa BG, Marcos AC, Alvarez-Rosa L, Siqueira M, Moreno-Rodriguez T, Matos ADR, Caetano BC, Martins JSCDC, Gladulich L, Loiola E, Bagshaw ORM, Stuart JA, Siqueira MM, Stipursky J, Toborek M, Adesse D. Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Leads to Inflammatory Activation through NF-κB Non-Canonical Pathway and Mitochondrial Remodeling. Viruses 2023; 15:745. [PMID: 36992454 PMCID: PMC10056985 DOI: 10.3390/v15030745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological effects of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19, as well as neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2, still pose several questions and are of both clinical and scientific relevance. We described the cellular and molecular effects of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in vitro exposure by SARS-CoV-2 to understand the underlying mechanisms of viral transmigration through the blood-brain barrier. Despite the low to non-productive viral replication, SARS-CoV-2-exposed cultures displayed increased immunoreactivity for cleaved caspase-3, an indicator of apoptotic cell death, tight junction protein expression, and immunolocalization. Transcriptomic profiling of SARS-CoV-2-challenged cultures revealed endothelial activation via NF-κB non-canonical pathway, including RELB overexpression and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 led to altered secretion of key angiogenic factors and to significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics, with increased mitofusin-2 expression and increased mitochondrial networks. Endothelial activation and remodeling can further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and lead to further BBB permeability in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolline Soares Motta
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Silvia Torices
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Barbara Gomes da Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Anne Caroline Marcos
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Liandra Alvarez-Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Michele Siqueira
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thaidy Moreno-Rodriguez
- Urology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aline da Rocha Matos
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Braulia Costa Caetano
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Jessica Santa Cruz de Carvalho Martins
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Luis Gladulich
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Erick Loiola
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Olivia R. M. Bagshaw
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A. Stuart
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Marilda M. Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Joice Stipursky
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Pelisek J, Reutersberg B, Greber UF, Zimmermann A. Vascular dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: update on SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells and the role of long non-coding RNAs. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1571-1590. [PMID: 36367091 PMCID: PMC9652506 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory disease, it may affect also the cardiovascular system. COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disorder (CVD) develop a more severe disease course with a significantly higher mortality rate than non-CVD patients. A common denominator of CVD is the dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs), increased vascular permeability, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, coagulation, and inflammation. It has been assumed that clinical complications in COVID-19 patients suffering from CVD are caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection of ECs through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the cellular transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and the consequent dysfunction of the infected vascular cells. Meanwhile, other factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells have been described, including disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 (ADAM17), the C-type lectin CD209L or heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Here, we discuss the current data about the putative entry of SARS-CoV-2 into endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, we highlight the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affecting vascular permeability in CVD, a process that might exacerbate disease in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Pelisek
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Urs F Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Switzerland
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9
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Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203268. [PMID: 36291133 PMCID: PMC9600593 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a unique disease and a serious complication occurring in 10–15% of monochorionic multiple pregnancies with various placental complications, including hypoxia, anemia, increased oxidative stress, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, seals the placental vascular anastomoses between twins and dramatically improves the survival rates in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. However, fetal demise still occurs, suggesting the presence of causes other than placental vascular anastomoses. Placental insufficiency is considered as the main cause of fetal demise in such cases; however, little is known about its underlying molecular mechanisms. Indeed, the further association of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome placenta with several molecules and pathways, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and the renin–angiotensin system, makes it difficult to understand the underlying pathological conditions. Currently, there are no effective strategies focusing on these mechanisms in clinical practice. Certain types of cell death due to oxidative stress might be occurring in the placenta, and elucidation of the molecular mechanism underlying this cell death can help manage and prevent it. This review reports on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome for effective management and prevention of fetal demise after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation.
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10
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Paidas MJ, Cosio DS, Ali S, Kenyon NS, Jayakumar AR. Long-Term Sequelae of COVID-19 in Experimental Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5970-5986. [PMID: 35831558 PMCID: PMC9281331 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported acute COVID-19 symptoms, clinical status, weight loss, multi-organ pathological changes, and animal death in a murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1) coronavirus mouse model of COVID-19, which were similar to that observed in humans with COVID-19. We further examined long-term (12 months post-infection) sequelae of COVID-19 in these mice. Congested blood vessels, perivascular cavitation, pericellular halos, vacuolation of neuropils, pyknotic nuclei, acute eosinophilic necrosis, necrotic neurons with fragmented nuclei, and vacuolation were observed in the brain cortex 12 months post-MHV-1 infection. These changes were associated with increased reactive astrocytes and microglia, hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 and tau, and a decrease in synaptic protein synaptophysin-1, suggesting the possible long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on defective neuronal integrity. The lungs showed severe inflammation, bronchiolar airway wall thickening due to fibrotic remodeling, bronchioles with increased numbers of goblet cells in the epithelial lining, and bronchiole walls with increased numbers of inflammatory cells. Hearts showed severe interstitial edema, vascular congestion and dilation, nucleated red blood cells (RBCs), RBCs infiltrating between degenerative myocardial fibers, inflammatory cells and apoptotic bodies and acute myocyte necrosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Long-term changes in the liver and kidney were less severe than those observed in the acute phase. Noteworthy, the treatment of infected mice with a small molecule synthetic peptide which prevents the binding of spike protein to its respective receptors significantly attenuated disease progression, as well as the pathological changes observed post-long-term infection. Collectively, these findings suggest that COVID-19 may result in long-term, irreversible changes predominantly in the brain, lung, and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Daniela S. Cosio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Saad Ali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Norma Sue Kenyon
- Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Engineering, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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11
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Yang J, Song H, Hao X. Whole-transcriptome sequencing data reveals a disparate cognitive and immune signature in COVID-19 patients with and without dementia. J Med Virol 2022; 95:e28177. [PMID: 36168207 PMCID: PMC9538945 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused more than 6.3 million deaths worldwide. Recent evidence has indicated that elderly people with dementia are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and severe disease outcomes. However, its molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we retrieved frontal cortex samples of COVID-19 patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and performed a systematic transcriptomic analysis to compare COVID-19 patients and controls with or without dementia. In nondemented patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection obviously activated T helper type 2 (Th2) cell-mediated humoral immunity and reduced the pathogenesis of dementia-related Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In demented patients, conversely, SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increased T helper type 1 (Th1) cell-mediated cellular immunity and exacerbated the progression of dementia-related diseases. We further analyzed the molecular characteristics of COVID-19 patients with and without dementia. Compared with nondemented COVID-19 patients, demented COVID-19 patients showed decreased enrichment scores of Calcium signaling pathway, Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, ABC transporters, and Peroxisome, and increased enrichment scores of Olfactory transduction and Regulation of autophagy. The ratio of Th1/Th2 cells was significantly increased from 1.17 in nondemented COVID-19 patients to 33.32 in demented COVID-19 patients. Taken together, our findings provide transcriptomic evidence that COVID-19 has distinct influences on cognitive function and immune response in patients with and without dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou ProvinceGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Hui Song
- The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou ProvinceGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
| | - Xiaojiang Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang & State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina,The Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province and Chinese Academic of Sciences, Guiyang, China & Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education & Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou ProvinceGuizhou Medical UniversityGuiyangChina
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12
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Devaux CA, Raoult D. The impact of COVID-19 on populations living at high altitude: Role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) signaling pathway in SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication. Front Physiol 2022; 13:960308. [PMID: 36091390 PMCID: PMC9454615 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.960308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported worldwide. However, one epidemiological report has claimed a lower incidence of the disease in people living at high altitude (>2,500 m), proposing the hypothesis that adaptation to hypoxia may prove to be advantageous with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This publication was initially greeted with skepticism, because social, genetic, or environmental parametric variables could underlie a difference in susceptibility to the virus for people living in chronic hypobaric hypoxia atmospheres. Moreover, in some patients positive for SARS-CoV-2, early post-infection ‘happy hypoxia” requires immediate ventilation, since it is associated with poor clinical outcome. If, however, we accept to consider the hypothesis according to which the adaptation to hypoxia may prove to be advantageous with respect to SARS-CoV-2 infection, identification of the molecular rational behind it is needed. Among several possibilities, HIF-1 regulation appears to be a molecular hub from which different signaling pathways linking hypoxia and COVID-19 are controlled. Interestingly, HIF-1α was reported to inhibit the infection of lung cells by SARS-CoV-2 by reducing ACE2 viral receptor expression. Moreover, an association of the rs11549465 variant of HIF-1α with COVID-19 susceptibility was recently discovered. Here, we review the evidence for a link between HIF-1α, ACE2 and AT1R expression, and the incidence/severity of COVID-19. We highlight the central role played by the HIF-1α signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Albert Devaux
- Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Christian Albert Devaux,
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille University, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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13
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Mesenchymal stem cells and their derived small extracellular vesicles for COVID-19 treatment. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:410. [PMID: 35962458 PMCID: PMC9372991 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed huge burdens to the whole world, seriously affecting global economic growth, and threatening people’s lives and health. At present, some therapeutic regimens are available for treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia, including antiviral therapy, immunity therapy, anticoagulant therapy, and others. Among them, injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently a promising therapy. The preclinical studies and clinical trials using MSCs and small extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs (MSC-sEVs) in treating COVID-19 were summarized. Then, the molecular mechanism, feasibility, and safety of treating COVID-19 with MSCs and MSC-sEVs were also discussed.
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14
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Functional Expression of Multidrug-Resistance (MDR) Transporters in Developing Human Fetal Brain Endothelial Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142259. [PMID: 35883702 PMCID: PMC9323234 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little information about the functional expression of the multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) in the developing blood−brain barrier (BBB). We isolated and cultured primary human fetal brain endothelial cells (hfBECs) from early and mid-gestation brains and assessed P-gp/ABCB1 and BCRP/ABCG2 expression and function, as well as tube formation capability. Immunolocalization of the von Willebrand factor (marker of endothelial cells), zonula occludens-1 and claudin-5 (tight junctions) was detected in early and mid-gestation-derived hfBECs, which also formed capillary-like tube structures, confirming their BEC phenotype. P-gp and BCRP immunostaining was detected in capillary-like tubes and in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hfBECs. P-gp protein levels in the plasma membrane and nuclear protein fractions, as well as P-gp protein/ABCB1 mRNA and BCRP protein levels decreased (p < 0.05) in hfBECs, from early to mid-gestation. No differences in P-gp or BCRP activity in hfBECs were observed between the two age groups. The hfBECs from early and mid-gestation express functionally competent P-gp and BCRP drug transporters and may thus contribute to the BBB protective phenotype in the conceptus from early stages of pregnancy.
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15
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Simöes Da Gama C, Morin-Brureau M. Study of BBB Dysregulation in Neuropathogenicity Using Integrative Human Model of Blood-Brain Barrier. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:863836. [PMID: 35755780 PMCID: PMC9226644 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.863836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a cellular and physical barrier with a crucial role in homeostasis of the brain extracellular environment. It controls the imports of nutrients to the brain and exports toxins and pathogens. Dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier increases permeability and contributes to pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and ischemia. It remains unclear how a dysregulated BBB contributes to these different syndromes. Initial studies on the role of the BBB in neurological disorders and also techniques to permit the entry of therapeutic molecules were made in animals. This review examines progress in the use of human models of the BBB, more relevant to human neurological disorders. In recent years, the functionality and complexity of in vitro BBB models have increased. Initial efforts consisted of static transwell cultures of brain endothelial cells. Human cell models based on microfluidics or organoids derived from human-derived induced pluripotent stem cells have become more realistic and perform better. We consider the architecture of different model generations as well as the cell types used in their fabrication. Finally, we discuss optimal models to study neurodegenerative diseases, brain glioma, epilepsies, transmigration of peripheral immune cells, and brain entry of neurotrophic viruses and metastatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraly Simöes Da Gama
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, UMRS 938 Saint-Antoine Research Center, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Morin-Brureau
- Inserm, Sorbonne University, UMRS 938 Saint-Antoine Research Center, Immune System and Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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16
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Torices S, Motta CS, da Rosa BG, Marcos AC, Alvarez-Rosa L, Siqueira M, Moreno-Rodriguez T, Matos A, Caetano B, Martins J, Gladulich L, Loiola E, Bagshaw ORM, Stuart JA, Siqueira MM, Stipursky J, Toborek M, Adesse D. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells leads to inflammatory activation through NF-κB non-canonical pathway and mitochondrial remodeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.06.16.496324. [PMID: 35734080 PMCID: PMC9216721 DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.16.496324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurological effects of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19 as well as neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 still pose several questions and are of both clinical and scientific relevance. We described the cellular and molecular effects of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in vitro infection by SARS-CoV-2 to understand the underlying mechanisms of viral transmigration through the Blood-Brain Barrier. Despite the low to non-productive viral replication, SARS-CoV-2-infected cultures displayed increased apoptotic cell death and tight junction protein expression and immunolocalization. Transcriptomic profiling of infected cultures revealed endothelial activation via NF-κB non-canonical pathway, including RELB overexpression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 led to altered secretion of key angiogenic factors and to significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics, with increased mitofusin-2 expression and increased mitochondrial networks. Endothelial activation and remodeling can further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and lead to further BBB permeability in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Torices
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carolline Soares Motta
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara Gomes da Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anne Caroline Marcos
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liandra Alvarez-Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michele Siqueira
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaidy Moreno-Rodriguez
- Urology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aline Matos
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Braulia Caetano
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessica Martins
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis Gladulich
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erick Loiola
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Olivia RM Bagshaw
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A. Stuart
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marilda M. Siqueira
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joice Stipursky
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Torices S, Motta C, da Rosa B, Marcos A, Alvarez-Rosa L, Siqueira M, Moreno-Rodriguez T, Matos A, Caetano B, Martins J, Gladulich L, Loiola E, Bagshaw O, Stuart J, Siqueira M, Stipursky J, Toborek M, Adesse D. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells leads to inflammatory activation through NF-κB non-canonical pathway and mitochondrial remodeling. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1762855. [PMID: 35734086 PMCID: PMC9216729 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1762855/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurological effects of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19 as well as neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 still pose several questions and are of both clinical and scientific relevance. We described the cellular and molecular effects of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in vitro infection by SARS-CoV-2 to understand the underlying mechanisms of viral transmigration through the Blood-Brain Barrier. Despite the low to non- productive viral replication, SARS-CoV-2-infected cultures displayed increased apoptotic cell death and tight junction protein expression and immunolocalization. Transcriptomic profiling of infected cultures revealed endothelial activation via NF-κB non-canonical pathway, including RELB overexpression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 led to altered secretion of key angiogenic factors and to significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics, with increased mitofusin-2 expression and increased mitochondrial networks. Endothelial activation and remodeling can further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and lead to further BBB permeability in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aline Matos
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratório e do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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