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Tate W, Walker M, Sweetman E, Helliwell A, Peppercorn K, Edgar C, Blair A, Chatterjee A. Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation in ME/CFS and Long COVID to Sustain Disease and Promote Relapses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:877772. [PMID: 35693009 PMCID: PMC9174654 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.877772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disease now well-documented as having arisen commonly from a viral infection, but also from other external stressors, like exposure to agricultural chemicals, other types of infection, surgery, or other severe stress events. Research has shown these events produce a systemic molecular inflammatory response and chronic immune activation and dysregulation. What has been more difficult to establish is the hierarchy of the physiological responses that give rise to the myriad of symptoms that ME/CFS patients experience, and why they do not resolve and are generally life-long. The severity of the symptoms frequently fluctuates through relapse recovery periods, with brain-centered symptoms of neuroinflammation, loss of homeostatic control, "brain fog" affecting cognitive ability, lack of refreshing sleep, and poor response to even small stresses. How these brain effects develop with ME/CFS from the initiating external effector, whether virus or other cause, is poorly understood and that is what our paper aims to address. We propose the hypothesis that following the initial stressor event, the subsequent systemic pathology moves to the brain via neurovascular pathways or through a dysfunctional blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in chronic neuroinflammation and leading to a sustained illness with chronic relapse recovery cycles. Signaling through recognized pathways from the brain back to body physiology is likely part of the process by which the illness cycle in the peripheral system is sustained and why healing does not occur. By contrast, Long COVID (Post-COVID-19 condition) is a very recent ME/CFS-like illness arising from the single pandemic virus, SARS-CoV-2. We believe the ME/CFS-like ongoing effects of Long COVID are arising by very similar mechanisms involving neuroinflammation, but likely with some unique signaling, resulting from the pathology of the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. The fact that there are very similar symptoms in both ongoing diseases, despite the diversity in the nature of the initial stressors, supports the concept of a similar dysfunctional CNS component common to both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Max Walker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Eiren Sweetman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Amber Helliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Christina Edgar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna Blair
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Haavik H, Niazi IK, Kumari N, Amjad I, Duehr J, Holt K. The Potential Mechanisms of High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude, Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function: A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:536. [PMID: 34071880 PMCID: PMC8226758 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to find healthcare solutions that boost or support immunity. There is some evidence that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune mediators. However, the mechanisms of the link between HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts and neuroimmune function and the associated potential clinical implications are less clear. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that can explain the HVLA controlled vertebral thrust--neuroimmune link and discuss what this link implies for clinical practice and future research needs. A search for relevant articles published up until April 2021 was undertaken. Twenty-three published papers were found that explored the impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on neuroimmune markers, of which eighteen found a significant effect. These basic science studies show that HVLA controlled vertebral thrust influence the levels of immune mediators in the body, including neuropeptides, inflammatory markers, and endocrine markers. This narravtive review discusses the most likely mechanisms for how HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts could impact these immune markers. The mechanisms are most likely due to the known changes in proprioceptive processing that occur within the central nervous system (CNS), in particular within the prefrontal cortex, following HVLA spinal thrusts. The prefrontal cortex is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system. Bi-directional neuro-immune interactions are affected by emotional or pain-related stress. Stress-induced sympathetic nervous system activity also alters vertebral motor control. Therefore, there are biologically plausible direct and indirect mechanisms that link HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts to the immune system, suggesting HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have the potential to modulate immune function. However, it is not yet known whether HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts have a clinically relevant impact on immunity. Further research is needed to explore the clinical impact of HVLA controlled vertebral thrusts on immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Haavik
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand; (H.H.); (N.K.); (I.A.); (J.D.)
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand; (H.H.); (N.K.); (I.A.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nitika Kumari
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand; (H.H.); (N.K.); (I.A.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Health & Rehabilitation Research Institute, AUT University, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
| | - Imran Amjad
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand; (H.H.); (N.K.); (I.A.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan
| | - Jenna Duehr
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand; (H.H.); (N.K.); (I.A.); (J.D.)
| | - Kelly Holt
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand; (H.H.); (N.K.); (I.A.); (J.D.)
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Aghajanian S, Teymoori-Rad M, Molaverdi G, Mozhgani SH. Immunopathogenesis and Cellular Interactions in Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:614940. [PMID: 33414779 PMCID: PMC7783048 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.614940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a neuropathological disorder in 1–3% of individuals infected with Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1). This condition is characterized by progressive spastic lower limb weakness and paralysis, lower back pain, bladder incontinence, and mild sensory disturbances resembling spinal forms of multiple sclerosis. This disease also causes chronic disability and is therefore associated with high health burden in areas where HTLV-1 infection is endemic. Despite various efforts in understanding the virus and discovery of novel diagnostic markers, and cellular and viral interactions, HAM/TSP management is still unsatisfactory and mainly focused on symptomatic alleviation, and it hasn’t been explained why only a minority of the virus carriers develop HAM/TSP. This comprehensive review focuses on host and viral factors in association with immunopathology of the disease in hope of providing new insights for drug therapies or other forms of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepehr Aghajanian
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Majid Teymoori-Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazale Molaverdi
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Oishi Y, Manabe I. Organ System Crosstalk in Cardiometabolic Disease in the Age of Multimorbidity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:64. [PMID: 32411724 PMCID: PMC7198858 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The close association among cardiovascular, metabolic, and kidney diseases suggests a common pathological basis and significant interaction among these diseases. Metabolic syndrome and cardiorenal syndrome are two examples that exemplify the interlinked development of disease or dysfunction in two or more organs. Recent studies have been sorting out the mechanisms responsible for the crosstalk among the organs comprising the cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal systems, including heart-kidney and adipose-liver signaling, among many others. However, it is also becoming clear that this crosstalk is not limited to just pairs of organs, and in addition to organ-organ crosstalk, there are also organ-system and organ-body interactions. For instance, heart failure broadly impacts various organs and systems, including the kidney, liver, lung, and nervous system. Conversely, systemic dysregulation of metabolism, immunity, and nervous system activity greatly affects heart failure development and prognosis. This is particularly noteworthy, as more and more patients present with two or more coexisting chronic diseases or conditions (multimorbidity) due in part to the aging of society. Advances in treatment also contribute to the increase in multimorbidity, as exemplified by cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors. To understand the mechanisms underlying the increasing burden of multimorbidity, it is vital to elucidate the multilevel crosstalk and communication within the body at the levels of organ systems, tissues, and cells. In this article, we focus on chronic inflammation as a key common pathological basis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and discuss emerging mechanisms that drive chronic inflammation in the context of multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Oishi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Manabe
- Department of Disease Biology and Molecular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
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Stofkova A, Murakami M. Neural activity regulates autoimmune diseases through the gateway reflex. Bioelectron Med 2019; 5:14. [PMID: 32232103 PMCID: PMC7098223 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-019-0030-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain, spinal cord and retina are protected from blood-borne compounds by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) and blood-retina barrier (BRB) respectively, which create a physical interface that tightly controls molecular and cellular transport. The mechanical and functional integrity of these unique structures between blood vessels and nervous tissues is critical for maintaining organ homeostasis. To preserve the stability of these barriers, interplay between constituent barrier cells, such as vascular endothelial cells, pericytes, glial cells and neurons, is required. When any of these cells are defective, the barrier can fail, allowing blood-borne compounds to encroach neural tissues and cause neuropathologies. Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and retina are characterized by barrier disruption and the infiltration of activated immune cells. Here we review our recent findings on the role of neural activity in the regulation of these barriers at the vascular endothelial cell level in the promotion of or protection against the development of autoimmune diseases. We suggest nervous system reflexes, which we named gateway reflexes, are fundamentally involved in these diseases. Although their reflex arcs are not completely understood, we identified the activation of specific sensory neurons or receptor cells to which barrier endothelial cells respond as effectors that regulate gateways for immune cells to enter the nervous tissue. We explain this novel mechanism and describe its role in neuroinflammatory conditions, including models of multiple sclerosis and posterior autoimmune uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Stofkova
- 1Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- 2Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0815 Japan
| | - Masaaki Murakami
- 2Division of Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15, Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0815 Japan
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