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Poyatos P, Luque N, Sabater G, Eizaguirre S, Bonnin M, Orriols R, Tura-Ceide O. Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in post-COVID-19 patients after 6- and 12-months SARS-CoV-2 infection. Infection 2024; 52:1269-1285. [PMID: 38324145 PMCID: PMC11289012 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02173-5] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 infection causes severe endothelial damage, an essential step for cardiovascular complications. Endothelial-colony forming cells (ECFCs) act as a biomarker of vascular damage but their role in SARS-CoV-2 remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether the number of ECFCs and angiogenic biomarkers remained altered after 6 and 12-months post-infection and whether this imbalance correlated with the presence of long-COVID syndrome and other biological parameters measured. METHODS Seventy-two patients were recruited at different time-points after overcoming COVID-19 and thirty-one healthy controls. All subjects were matched for age, gender, BMI, and comorbidities. ECFCs were obtained from peripheral blood and cultured with specific conditions. RESULTS The results confirm the presence of a long-term sequela in post-COVID-19 patients, with an abnormal increase in ECFC production compared to controls (82.8% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01) that is maintained up to 6-months (87.0% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01) and 12-months post-infection (85.0% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01). Interestingly, post-COVID-19 patients showed a significant downregulation of angiogenesis-related proteins compared to controls indicating a clear endothelial injury. Troponin, NT-proBNP and ferritin levels, markers of cardiovascular risk and inflammation, remained elevated up to 12-months post-infection. Patients with lower numbers of ECFC exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as ferritin, suggesting that ECFCs may play a protective role. Additionally, long-COVID syndrome was associated with higher ferritin levels and with female gender. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the presence of vascular sequela that last up to 6- and 12-months post-infection and point out the need for preventive measures and patient follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Poyatos
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Neus Luque
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
| | - Gladis Sabater
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Saioa Eizaguirre
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Bonnin
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Ramon Orriols
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Olga Tura-Ceide
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital de Girona, Santa Caterina Hospital de Salt and the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190, Girona, Spain.
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clínic-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
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Mo CC, Richardson E, Calabretta E, Corrado F, Kocoglu MH, Baron RM, Connors JM, Iacobelli M, Wei LJ, Rapoport AP, Díaz-Ricart M, Moraleda JM, Carlo-Stella C, Richardson PG. Endothelial injury and dysfunction with emerging immunotherapies in multiple myeloma, the impact of COVID-19, and endothelial protection with a focus on the evolving role of defibrotide. Blood Rev 2024; 66:101218. [PMID: 38852017 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2024.101218] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) were among the groups impacted more severely by the COVID-19 pandemic, with higher rates of severe disease and COVID-19-related mortality. MM and COVID-19, plus post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, are associated with endothelial dysfunction and injury, with overlapping inflammatory pathways and coagulopathies. Existing treatment options for MM, notably high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation and novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies, are also associated with endothelial cell injury and mechanism-related toxicities. These pathologies include cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity that may be exacerbated by underlying endotheliopathies. In the context of these overlapping risks, prophylaxis and treatment approaches mitigating the inflammatory and pro-coagulant effects of endothelial injury are important considerations for patient management, including cytokine receptor antagonists, thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin and direct oral anticoagulants, and direct endothelial protection with defibrotide in the appropriate clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton C Mo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward Richardson
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleonora Calabretta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, and IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Corrado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, and IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy; Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mehmet H Kocoglu
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca M Baron
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Lee-Jen Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron P Rapoport
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maribel Díaz-Ricart
- Hematopathology, Pathology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic, and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain, and Barcelona Endothelium Team, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Moraleda
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Research (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmelo Carlo-Stella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, and IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paul G Richardson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Jerome Lipper Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Gómez-Moyano E, Pavón-Morón J, Rodríguez-Capitán J, Bardán-Rebollar D, Ramos-Carrera T, Villalobos-Sánchez A, Pérez de Pedro I, Ruiz-García FJ, Mora-Robles J, López-Sampalo A, Pérez-Velasco MA, Bernal-López MR, Gómez-Huelgas R, Jiménez-Navarro M, Romero-Cuevas M, Costa F, Trenas A, Pérez-Belmonte LM. The Role of Heparin in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Other Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2405. [PMID: 38673677 PMCID: PMC11050777 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic management and short-term consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are well known. However, COVID-19 post-acute sequelae are less known and represent a public health problem worldwide. Patients with COVID-19 who present post-acute sequelae may display immune dysregulation, a procoagulant state, and persistent microvascular endotheliopathy that could trigger microvascular thrombosis. These elements have also been implicated in the physiopathology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a frequent sequela in post-COVID-19 patients. These mechanisms, directly associated with post-acute sequelae, might determine the thrombotic consequences of COVID-19 and the need for early anticoagulation therapy. In this context, heparin has several potential benefits, including immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, antiviral, pro-endothelial, and vascular effects, that could be helpful in the treatment of COVID-19 post-acute sequelae. In this article, we review the evidence surrounding the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and the potential benefits of the use of heparin, with a special focus on the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Gómez-Moyano
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Javier Pavón-Morón
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (J.P.-M.); (M.J.-N.); (M.R.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Capitán
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (J.P.-M.); (M.J.-N.); (M.R.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | | | | | - Aurora Villalobos-Sánchez
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
| | - Iván Pérez de Pedro
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
| | | | - Javier Mora-Robles
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Almudena López-Sampalo
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
| | - Miguel A. Pérez-Velasco
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
| | - Maria-Rosa Bernal-López
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrtición (CIBERObn), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Huelgas
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrtición (CIBERObn), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Jiménez-Navarro
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (J.P.-M.); (M.J.-N.); (M.R.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Miguel Romero-Cuevas
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (J.P.-M.); (M.J.-N.); (M.R.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
| | - Francesco Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, A.O.U. Policlinic ‘G. Martino’, Via C. Valeria 1, 98165 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alicia Trenas
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Área Sanitaria Norte de Málaga, Hospital de Antequera, 29200 Antequera, Spain;
| | - Luis M. Pérez-Belmonte
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain;
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain (I.P.d.P.); (A.L.-S.); (M.-R.B.-L.); (R.G.-H.)
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Helicópteros Sanitarios, 29660 Marbella, Spain
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Schwarz N, Yadegari H. Potentials of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells: Applications in Hemostasis and Thrombosis Disorders, from Unveiling Disease Pathophysiology to Cell Therapy. Hamostaseologie 2023; 43:325-337. [PMID: 37857295 DOI: 10.1055/a-2101-5936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are endothelial progenitor cells circulating in a limited number in peripheral blood. They can give rise to mature endothelial cells (ECs) and, with intrinsically high proliferative potency, contribute to forming new blood vessels and restoring the damaged endothelium in vivo. ECFCs can be isolated from peripheral blood or umbilical cord and cultured to generate large amounts of autologous ECs in vitro. Upon differentiation in culture, ECFCs are excellent surrogates for mature ECs showing the same phenotypic, genotypic, and functional features. In the last two decades, the ECFCs from various vascular disease patients have been widely used to study the diseases' pathophysiology ex vivo and develop cell-based therapeutic approaches, including vascular regenerative therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. In the current review, we will provide an updated overview of past studies, which have used ECFCs to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hemostatic disorders in basic research. Additionally, we summarize preceding studies demonstrating the utility of ECFCs as cellular tools for diagnostic or therapeutic clinical applications in thrombosis and hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schwarz
- Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hamideh Yadegari
- Institute of Experimental Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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5
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Leng A, Shah M, Ahmad SA, Premraj L, Wildi K, Li Bassi G, Pardo CA, Choi A, Cho SM. Pathogenesis Underlying Neurological Manifestations of Long COVID Syndrome and Potential Therapeutics. Cells 2023; 12:816. [PMID: 36899952 PMCID: PMC10001044 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of long-term symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) more than four weeks after primary infection, termed "long COVID" or post-acute sequela of COVID-19 (PASC), can implicate persistent neurological complications in up to one third of patients and present as fatigue, "brain fog", headaches, cognitive impairment, dysautonomia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, anosmia, hypogeusia, and peripheral neuropathy. Pathogenic mechanisms of these symptoms of long COVID remain largely unclear; however, several hypotheses implicate both nervous system and systemic pathogenic mechanisms such as SARS-CoV2 viral persistence and neuroinvasion, abnormal immunological response, autoimmunity, coagulopathies, and endotheliopathy. Outside of the CNS, SARS-CoV-2 can invade the support and stem cells of the olfactory epithelium leading to persistent alterations to olfactory function. SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce abnormalities in innate and adaptive immunity including monocyte expansion, T-cell exhaustion, and prolonged cytokine release, which may cause neuroinflammatory responses and microglia activation, white matter abnormalities, and microvascular changes. Additionally, microvascular clot formation can occlude capillaries and endotheliopathy, due to SARS-CoV-2 protease activity and complement activation, can contribute to hypoxic neuronal injury and blood-brain barrier dysfunction, respectively. Current therapeutics target pathological mechanisms by employing antivirals, decreasing inflammation, and promoting olfactory epithelium regeneration. Thus, from laboratory evidence and clinical trials in the literature, we sought to synthesize the pathophysiological pathways underlying neurological symptoms of long COVID and potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Leng
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Manuj Shah
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Syed Ameen Ahmad
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lavienraj Premraj
- Department of Neurology, Griffith University School of Medicine, Gold Coast, Brisbane, QLD 4215, Australia
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032, Australia
| | - Karin Wildi
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032, Australia
| | - Gianluigi Li Bassi
- Critical Care Research Group, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Intensive Care Unit, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital and the Wesley Hospital, Uniting Care Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- Wesley Medical Research, Auchenflower, QLD 4066, Australia
| | - Carlos A. Pardo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alex Choi
- Division of Neurosciences Critical Care, Department of Neurosurgery, UT Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sung-Min Cho
- Divisions of Neurosciences Critical Care and Cardiac Surgery, Departments of Neurology, Surgery, Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Convalescents May Present Pro-Longed Endothelium Injury. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11216461. [PMID: 36362687 PMCID: PMC9658558 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216461] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed a great threat to public health, healthcare systems and the economy worldwide. It became clear that, in addition to COVID-19 and acute disease, the condition that develops after recovery may also negatively impact survivors’ health and quality of life. The damage inflicted by the viral infection on endothelial cells was identified quite early on as a possible mechanism underlying the so-called post-COVID syndrome. It became an urgent matter to establish whether convalescents present chronic endothelial impairment, which could result in an increased risk of cardiovascular and thrombotic complications. Methods: In this study, we measured the levels of CRP, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and syndecan-1 as markers of inflammation and endothelial injury in generally healthy convalescents selected from blood donors and compared these to a healthy control group. Results: We found higher concentrations of E-selectin and a lower level of syndecan-1 in convalescents in comparison to those of the control group. Conclusion: Based on our results, it can be concluded that, at least 6 months after infection, there is only slight evidence of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 convalescents who do not suffer from other comorbidities related to endothelial impairment.
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Zifko UA, Yacob M, Braun BJ, Dietz GP. Alleviation of Post-COVID-19 Cognitive Deficits by Treatment with EGb 761®: A Case Series. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2022; 23:e937094. [PMID: 36156538 PMCID: PMC9523733 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.937094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive symptoms persisting longer than 3 months after infection, such as memory loss, or difficulties concentrating, have been reported in up to one-third of patients after COVID-19. Evidence-based therapeutic interventions to treat post-COVID-19 symptoms (also called "Long-COVID symptoms") have not yet been established, and the treating physicians must rely on conjecture to help patients. Based on its mechanism of action and its efficacy in treating cognitive impairment, as well as its good tolerability, the Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 has been suggested as a remedy to alleviate cognitive post-COVID-19 symptoms. In many studies, EGb 761 has been demonstrated to protect endothelial cells, to have potent anti-inflammatory effects, and to enhance neuroplasticity. CASE REPORT Here, we report for the first time the application of EGb 761 in the therapy of post-COVID-19-related cognitive deficits. Three women and 2 men, aged 26 to 59 years (average age 34.6 years), presented with concentration and attention deficits, cognitive deficiencies, and/or fatigue 9-35 weeks after infection. A daily dose of 2×80 mg of EGb 761 did not cause any detectable adverse effects, and it substantially improved or completely restored cognitive deficits and, when initially present, also other symptoms, such as fatigue and hyposmia, within an observation period of up to 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Our observations support the hypothesis that EGb 761 might be a low-risk treatment option for post-COVID-19 patients with cognitive symptoms. Moreover, we derive recommendations for randomized controlled clinical trials to confirm efficacy in that indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udo A. Zifko
- Department of Neurology, Evangelical Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Muhammad Yacob
- Department of Neurology, Evangelical Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt J. Braun
- Department of Neurology, Evangelical Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gunnar P.H. Dietz
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Ahamed J, Laurence J. Long COVID endotheliopathy: hypothesized mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e161167. [PMID: 35912863 PMCID: PMC9337829 DOI: 10.1172/jci161167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals may suffer a multi-organ system disorder known as "long COVID" or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). There are no standard treatments, the pathophysiology is unknown, and incidence varies by clinical phenotype. Acute COVID-19 correlates with biomarkers of systemic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and comorbidities that are less prominent in PASC. Macrovessel thrombosis, a hallmark of acute COVID-19, is less frequent in PASC. Female sex at birth is associated with reduced risk for acute COVID-19 progression, but with increased risk of PASC. Persistent microvascular endotheliopathy associated with cryptic SARS-CoV-2 tissue reservoirs has been implicated in PASC pathology. Autoantibodies, localized inflammation, and reactivation of latent pathogens may also be involved, potentially leading to microvascular thrombosis, as documented in multiple PASC tissues. Diagnostic assays illuminating possible therapeutic targets are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasimuddin Ahamed
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jeffrey Laurence
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Yang Y, Yan M. Mechanisms of Cardiovascular System Injury Induced by COVID-19 in Elderly Patients With Cardiovascular History. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:859505. [PMID: 35600485 PMCID: PMC9116509 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.859505] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), represents a great threat to healthcare and socioeconomics worldwide. In addition to respiratory manifestations, COVID-19 promotes cardiac injuries, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular history, leading to a higher risk of progression to critical conditions. The SARS-CoV-2 infection is initiated as virus binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is highly expressed in the heart, resulting in direct infection and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Meanwhile, immune response and hyper-inflammation, as well as endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis implicate in COVID-19 infection. Herein, we provide an overview of the proposed mechanisms of cardiovascular injuries in COVID-19, particularly in elderly patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, aiming to set appropriate management and improve their clinical outcomes.
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Ambrosino P, Calcaterra IL, Mosella M, Formisano R, D’Anna SE, Bachetti T, Marcuccio G, Galloway B, Mancini FP, Papa A, Motta A, Di Minno MND, Maniscalco M. Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19: A Unifying Mechanism and a Potential Therapeutic Target. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040812. [PMID: 35453563 PMCID: PMC9029464 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) generated a worldwide emergency, until the declaration of the pandemic in March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 could be responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which goes from a flu-like illness to a potentially fatal condition that needs intensive care. Furthermore, the persistence of functional disability and long-term cardiovascular sequelae in COVID-19 survivors suggests that convalescent patients may suffer from post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, requiring long-term care and personalized rehabilitation. However, the pathophysiology of acute and post-acute manifestations of COVID-19 is still under study, as a better comprehension of these mechanisms would ensure more effective personalized therapies. To date, mounting evidence suggests a crucial endothelial contribution to the clinical manifestations of COVID-19, as endothelial cells appear to be a direct or indirect preferential target of the virus. Thus, the dysregulation of many of the homeostatic pathways of the endothelium has emerged as a hallmark of severity in COVID-19. The aim of this review is to summarize the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19, with a focus on personalized pharmacological and rehabilitation strategies targeting endothelial dysfunction as an attractive therapeutic option in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Ambrosino
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (R.F.); (F.P.M.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (P.A.); (M.M.)
| | | | - Marco Mosella
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (M.M.); (S.E.D.)
| | - Roberto Formisano
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (R.F.); (F.P.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Silvestro Ennio D’Anna
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (M.M.); (S.E.D.)
| | - Tiziana Bachetti
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Scientific Direction, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Marcuccio
- Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (G.M.); (B.G.)
| | - Brurya Galloway
- Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (G.M.); (B.G.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Mancini
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (R.F.); (F.P.M.); (A.P.)
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
| | - Antimo Papa
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (R.F.); (F.P.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Motta
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | | | - Mauro Maniscalco
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037 Telese Terme, Italy; (M.M.); (S.E.D.)
- Correspondence: (P.A.); (M.M.)
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Bogdanov VY, Khirmanov VN. SARS-CoV-2, platelets, and endothelium: coexistence in space and time, or a pernicious ménage à trois? VASCULAR BIOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 4:R35-R43. [PMID: 35949299 PMCID: PMC9354055 DOI: 10.1530/vb-22-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
As we enter year 3 of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, long-term consequences of COVID-19 have become a major public health issue worldwide; however, the molecular and cellular underpinnings of 'long COVID' remain very poorly understood. A paradigm has recently emerged that thrombo-inflammatory consequences of SARS-CoV-2's impact on endothelial cells and platelets likely play a significant role in the development of chronic symptomatology associated with COVID-19. In this brief overview, we discuss the recent findings pertaining to the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virions in vascular cell subtypes, the contribution of the coagulation system to the development of 'long COVID', and the potential role of stem/progenitor cells in the viral and thrombotic dissemination in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Y Bogdanov
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Vladimir N Khirmanov
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nikiforov’s All-Russian Center for Emergency and Radiation Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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