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Jiang X, Gao X, Ding J, Pang B, Pei Y, Zhao Z, Zhao N, Wang Z, Chen C, Gao D, Yan F, Wang F, Liu C, Zhang Z, Li Z, Zhao Z. Fecal microbiota transplantation alleviates mild-moderate COVID-19 associated diarrhoea and depression symptoms: A prospective study of a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29812. [PMID: 39056206 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29812] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the emergence of the endemic Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation still poses a serious threat to public health. However, it remains elusive about the role of fecal microbiota transplantation in treating COVID-19. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolling a cohort of 40 COVID-19 patients with mild-moderate symptoms. Our results showed that fecal microbiota transplantation provided an amelioration in diarrhoea (p = 0.026) of digestive system and depression (p = 0.006) of neuropsychiatric-related symptom in COVID-19 patients, respectively. Meanwhile, we found that the number of patients with diarrhoea decreased from 19 to 0 on day 7 after fecal microbiota transplantation treatment, and it was statistically changed compared to the placebo group (p = 0.047). Of note, the serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio (AST/ALT, fecal microbiota transplantation, pre vs. post: 0.966 vs. 0.817), a biomarker for predicting long COVID-19, was significantly reduced by fecal microbiota transplantation. In all, our study supports that fecal microbiota transplantation could be a novel therapeutic strategy for COVID-19 patients with diarrhoea and depressive symptoms, which is potentially valuable in ameliorating long COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Jiang
- Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xian Gao
- Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yongbin Pei
- Physical Examination Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zifeng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zibin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chengyang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Da Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Fu Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Feifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chengcheng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhongxin Li
- Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zengren Zhao
- Gastrointestinal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Hebei Key Laboratory of Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Wang J, Li Y, Mu Y, Huang K, Li D, Lan C, Cui Y, Wang J. Missing microbes in infants and children in the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of 1,126 participants in Beijing, China. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1739-1750. [PMID: 38748355 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2488-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many fatalities worldwide and continues to affect the health of the recovered patients in the form of long-COVID. In this study, we compared the gut microbiome of uninfected infants and children before the pandemic began (BEFORE cohort, n=906) to that of after the pandemic (AFTER cohort, n=220) to examine the potential impact of social distancing and life habit changes on infant/children gut microbiome. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, we found a significant change in microbiome composition after the pandemic, with Bacteroides enterotype increasing to 35.45% from 30.46% before the pandemic. qPCR quantification indicated that the bacterial loads of seven keystone taxa decreased by 91.69%-19.58%. Quantitative microbiome profiling, used to enhance the resolution in detecting microbiome differences, revealed a greater explained variance of pandemic on microbiome compared to gender, as well as a significant decrease in bacterial loads in 15 of the 20 major genera. The random forest age-predictor indicated the gut microbiomes were less mature in the after-pandemic cohort than in the before-pandemic cohort in the children group (3-12 years old) and had features of a significantly younger age (average of 1.86 years). Lastly, body weight and height were significantly lower in the after-pandemic cohort than in the before-pandemic cohort in infants (<1 year of age), which was associated with a decrease in bacterial loads in the fecal microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiejing Wang
- CAS Key Lab for Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuejuan Li
- CAS Key Lab for Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu Mu
- Beijing Dr. CUIYUTAO Clinic, Beijing, 100028, China
| | - Kefei Huang
- Beijing Dr. CUIYUTAO Clinic, Beijing, 100028, China
| | - Danyi Li
- R-Institute Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100011, China
| | - Canhui Lan
- R-Institute Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100011, China
| | - Yutao Cui
- Beijing Dr. CUIYUTAO Clinic, Beijing, 100028, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- CAS Key Lab for Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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3
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Li B, Bai J, Xiong Y, Guo D, Fu B, Deng G, Wu H. Understanding the mechanisms and treatments of long COVID to address future public health risks. Life Sci 2024; 353:122938. [PMID: 39084516 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122938] [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: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has seen numerous individuals undergo and recover from it, drawing extensive attention to their health conditions. Extensive studies indicate that even after surpassing the acute phase of infection, patients continue to experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, weakening, and anosmia. COVID-19 appears not to have concluded but rather to persist long-term in certain individuals, termed as "long COVID." This represents a heterogeneous ailment involving multiple organ systems, with a perceived complex and still elusive pathogenesis. Among patients with long COVID, observations reveal immune dysregulation, coagulation impairments, and microbial dysbiosis, considered potential mechanisms explaining sustained adverse outcomes post COVID-19. Based on the multifactorial nature, varied symptoms, and heterogeneity of long COVID, we have summarized several categories of current therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the symptoms of long COVID resemble those of other viral illnesses, suggesting that existing knowledge may offer novel insights into long-term COVID implications. Here, we provide an overview of existing literature associated with long COVID and summarize potential mechanisms, treatment modalities, and other analogous conditions. Lastly, we underscore the inadequacies in long COVID treatment approaches and emphasize the significance of conducting further research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Junlu Bai
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Dong Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guohong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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Khoramjoo M, Wang K, Srinivasan K, Gheblawi M, Mandal R, Rousseau S, Wishart D, Prasad V, Richer L, Cheung AM, Oudit GY. Plasma taurine level is linked to symptom burden and clinical outcomes in post-COVID condition. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304522. [PMID: 38837993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A subset of individuals (10-20%) experience post-COVID condition (PCC) subsequent to initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, which lacks effective treatment. PCC carries a substantial global burden associated with negative economic and health impacts. This study aims to evaluate the association between plasma taurine levels with self-reported symptoms and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with PCC. METHODS AND FINDINGS We analyzed the plasma proteome and metabolome of 117 individuals during their acute COVID-19 hospitalization and at the convalescence phase six-month post infection. Findings were compared with 28 age and sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma taurine levels were negatively associated with PCC symptoms and correlated with markers of inflammation, tryptophan metabolism, and gut dysbiosis. Stratifying patients based on the trajectories of plasma taurine levels during six-month follow-up revealed a significant association with adverse clinical events. Increase in taurine levels during the transition to convalescence were associated with a reduction in adverse events independent of comorbidities and acute COVID-19 severity. In a multivariate analysis, increased plasma taurine level between acute and convalescence phase was associated with marked protection from adverse clinical events with a hazard ratio of 0.13 (95% CI: 0.05-0.35; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Taurine emerges as a promising predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target in PCC. Taurine supplementation has already demonstrated clinical benefits in various diseases and warrants exploration in large-scale clinical trials for alleviating PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobin Khoramjoo
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kaiming Wang
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karthik Srinivasan
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Gheblawi
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rupasri Mandal
- The Metabolomics Innovation Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simon Rousseau
- Department of Medicine, McGill University & The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - David Wishart
- The Metabolomics Innovation Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lawrence Richer
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Angela M Cheung
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Molaei S, Asfaram S, Mashhadi Z, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Iranpour S. Insights into parasites and COVID-19 co-infections in Iran: a systematic review. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:350-358. [PMID: 38288655 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae001] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-documented that using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or cytokine blockers in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of co-infections. Here we systematically summarized the cases of COVID-19-associated parasitic infections (CAPIs) in Iran. METHODS From 19 February 2020 to 10 May 2023, all studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAPIs were collected from several databases using a systematic search strategy. RESULTS Of 540 records, 11 studies remained for data extraction. In this research, most of the studies were related to Lophomonas and Toxoplasma. Of 411 cases of CAPIs, toxoplasmosis (385 [93.7%]) had the highest rate of infection among Iranian patients, followed by blastocystosis (15 [3.6%]), fascioliasis (4 [0.97%]), leishmaniasis (3 [0.7%]), lophomoniasis (3 [0.7%]) and strongyloidiasis (1 [0.2%]). In general, Blastocystis enhanced diarrhoea in patients with COVID-19. Lophomonas, Toxoplasma and Strongyloides increased the severity of COVID-19, but Fasciola decreased its intensity. Patients with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis showed mild symptoms of COVID-19. Also, patients with a prior history of hydatid cysts were not affected by COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Due to the similar symptoms of some parasitic diseases and COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment regimens in these patients that may cause the reactivation or recurrence of parasitic infections, early diagnosis and treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Shabnam Asfaram
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Zahra Mashhadi
- School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Sohrab Iranpour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
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Bhattacharya M, Chatterjee S, Saxena S, Nandi SS, Lee SS, Chakraborty C. Current landscape of long COVID clinical trials. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111930. [PMID: 38537538 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111930] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID was reported as a multi-systemic condition after the infection of SARS-CoV-2, and more than 65 million people are suffering from this disease. It has been noted that around 10% of severe SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals are suffering from the enduring effects of long COVID. The symptoms of long COVID have also been noted in several mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. While limited reports on clinical trials investigating new therapeutics for long COVID exist, there is an abundance of scattered information available regarding these trials. This review explores the extensive literature search, and complete clinical trial database search to map the current status of long COVID clinical trials worldwide. The study listed about 110 long COVID clinical trials. In addition to conducting extensive long COVID clinical trials, we have comprehensively presented an overview of the condition, its symptoms, notable manifestations, associated clinical trials, the unique challenges it poses, and our recommendations for addressing long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manojit Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore 756020, Odisha, India
| | - Srijan Chatterjee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanskriti Saxena
- Division of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Tirupati, Panguru, Tirupati 517619, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shyam Sundar Nandi
- ICMR-National Institute of Virology, (Mumbai unit), Indian Council of Medical Research, Haffkine Institute Compound, A. D. Marg, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India.
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Zou Y, Pan M, Zhou T, Yan L, Chen Y, Yun J, Wang Z, Guo H, Zhang K, Xiong W. Critical COVID-19, Victivallaceae abundance, and celiac disease: A mediation Mendelian randomization study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301998. [PMID: 38701071 PMCID: PMC11068179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Celiac disease exhibits a higher prevalence among patients with coronavirus disease 2019. However, the potential influence of COVID-19 on celiac disease remains uncertain. Considering the significant association between gut microbiota alterations, COVID-19 and celiac disease, the two-step Mendelian randomization method was employed to investigate the genetic causality between COVID-19 and celiac disease, with gut microbiota as the potential mediators. We employed the genome-wide association study to select genetic instrumental variables associated with the exposure. Subsequently, these variables were utilized to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of celiac disease and its potential influence on gut microbiota. Employing a two-step Mendelian randomization approach enabled the examination of potential causal relationships, encompassing: 1) the effects of COVID-19 infection, hospitalized COVID-19 and critical COVID-19 on the risk of celiac disease; 2) the influence of gut microbiota on celiac disease; and 3) the mediating impact of the gut microbiota between COVID-19 and the risk of celiac disease. Our findings revealed a significant association between critical COVID-19 and an elevated risk of celiac disease (inverse variance weighted [IVW]: P = 0.035). Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between critical COVID-19 and the abundance of Victivallaceae (IVW: P = 0.045). Notably, an increased Victivallaceae abundance exhibits a protective effect against the risk of celiac disease (IVW: P = 0.016). In conclusion, our analysis provides genetic evidence supporting the causal connection between critical COVID-19 and lower Victivallaceae abundance, thereby increasing the risk of celiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manyi Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyu Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lifeng Yan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuntian Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Yun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaqi Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weining Xiong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ruiz MA, Kaiser Junior RL, Piron-Ruiz L, Pinho TS, Castiglioni L, de Quadros LG. COVID-19 impact in Crohn’s disease patients submitted to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. World J Hematol 2024; 11:89084. [DOI: 10.5315/wjh.v11.i1.89084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease that has been blamed for inducing or exacerbating symptoms in patients with autoimmune diseases. Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects genetically susceptible patients who develop an abnormal mucosal immune response to the intestinal microbiota. Patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are considered at risk for COVID-19.
AIM To describe for the first time the impact of COVID-19 in CD patients who had undergone autologous, non-myeloablative HSCT.
METHODS In this descriptive study a series of 19 patients were diagnosed with positive COVID-19. For two patients there were reports of the occurrence of two infectious episodes. Parameters related to HSCT, such as time elapsed since the procedure, vaccination status, CD status before and after infection, and clinical manifestations resulting from COVID-19, were evaluated.
RESULTS Among the patients with COVID-19, three, who underwent Auto HSCT less than six months ago, relapsed and one, in addition to the CD symptoms, started to present thyroid impairment with positive anti-TPO. Only one of the patients required hospitalization for five days to treat COVID-19 and remained in CD clinical remission. Nine patients reported late symptoms that may be related to COVID-19. There were no deaths, and a statistical evaluation of the series of COVID-19 patients compared to those who did not present any infectious episode did not identify significant differences regarding the analyzed parameters.
CONCLUSION Despite the change in CD status in three patients and the presence of nine patients with late symptoms, we can conclude that there was no significant adverse impact concerning COVID-19 in the evaluated patients who underwent HSCT to treat CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Artur Ruiz
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Associação Portuguesa de Beneficência, São José do Rio Preto SP 15090 470, Brazil
| | | | - Lilian Piron-Ruiz
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Beneficência Portuguesa Hospital, São José do Rio Preto 15090 470, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tainara Souza Pinho
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Beneficência Portuguesa Hospital, São José do Rio Preto 15090 470, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian Castiglioni
- FAMERP, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto 15090 000, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gustavo de Quadros
- Beneficência Portuguesa Hospital, ABC Medical School, São Bernardo 15015 110, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang X, Nurxat N, Aili J, Yasen Y, Wang Q, Liu Q. The characteristics of microbiome in the upper respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:138. [PMID: 38658823 PMCID: PMC11040800 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03281-w] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-infection with other pathogens in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients exacerbates disease severity and impacts patient prognosis. Clarifying the exact pathogens co-infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is premise of the precise treatment for COVID-19 patients. METHODS Sputum samples were collected from 17 patients in the COVID-19 positive group and 18 patients in the COVID-19 negative group. DNA extraction was performed to obtain the total DNA. Sequencing analysis using 16S and ITS rRNA gene was carried out to analyze the composition of bacterial and fungal communities. Meanwhile, all the samples were inoculated for culture. RESULTS We did not observe significant differences in bacterial composition between the COVID-19 positive and negative groups. However, a significantly higher abundance of Candida albicans was observed in the upper respiratory tract samples from the COVID-19 positive group compared to the COVID-19 negative group. Moreover, the Candida albicans strains isolated from COVID-19 positive group exhibited impaired secretion of aspartyl proteinases. CONCLUSION COVID-19 positive patients demonstrate a notable increase in the abundance of Candida albicans, along with a decrease in the levels of aspartyl proteinases, indicating the alteration of microbiota composition of upper respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Nadira Nurxat
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jueraiti Aili
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yakupu Yasen
- College of Health Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qichen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Brilakis L, Theofilogiannakou E, Lykoudis PM. Current remarks and future directions on the interactions between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and COVID-19. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1480-1487. [PMID: 38617460 PMCID: PMC11008415 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i11.1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
During the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, particular interest rose regarding the interaction between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the COVID-19 infection. Several studies highlighted the fact that individuals with MAFLD had higher probability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and more severe adverse clinical outcomes. One of the proposed mechanisms is the inflammatory response pathway, especially the one involving cytokines, such as interleukin 6, which appeared particularly elevated in those patients and was deemed responsible for additional insult to the already damaged liver. This should increase our vigilance in terms of early detection, close follow up and early treatment for individuals with MAFLD and COVID-19 infection. In the direction of early diagnosis, biomarkers such as cytokeratin-18 and scoring systems such as Fibrosis-4 index score are proposed. COVID-19 is a newly described entity, expected to be of concern for the years to come, and MAFLD is a condition with an ever-increasing impact. Delineating the interaction between these two entities should be brought into the focus of research. Reducing morbidity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 and MAFLD should be the ultimate objective, and the optimal way to achieve this is by designing evidence-based prevention and treatment policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas Brilakis
- School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | | | - Panagis M Lykoudis
- School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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11
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Ahmadi Badi S, Kariman A, Bereimipour A, Shojaie S, Aghsadeghi M, Khatami S, Masotti A. Association Between Altered Microbiota Composition and Immune System-Related Genes in COVID-19 Infection. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01096-8. [PMID: 38456962 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01096-8] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Microbiota and immunity affect the host's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify significant alterations in the microbiota composition, immune signaling pathways, their potential association, and candidate microRNA in COVID-19 patients using an in silico study model. Enrichment online databases and Python programming were utilized to analyze GSE164805, GSE180594, and GSE182279, as well as NGS data of microbiota composition (PRJNA650244 and PRJNA660302) associated with COVID-19, employing amplicon-based/marker gene sequencing methods. C1, TNF, C2, IL1, and CFH genes were found to have a significant impact on immune signaling pathways. Additionally, we observed a notable decrease in Bacteroides spp. and Faecalibacterium sp., while Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila showed increased abundance in COVID-19. Notably, A. muciniphila demonstrated an association with immunity through C1 and TNF, while Faecalibacterium sp. was linked to C2 and IL1. The correlation between E. coli and CFH, as well as IL1 and Streptococcus spp. with C2, was identified. hsa-let-7b-5p was identified as a potential candidate that may be involved in the interaction between the microbiota composition, immune response, and COVID-19. In conclusion, integrative in silico analysis shows that these microbiota members are potentially crucial in the immune responses against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ahmadi Badi
- Biochemistry Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Arian Kariman
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Bereimipour
- Biological Sciences and BioDiscovery Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Shima Shojaie
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shohreh Khatami
- Biochemistry Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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12
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Bustos IG, Wiscovitch-Russo R, Singh H, Sievers BL, Matsuoka M, Freire M, Tan GS, Cala MP, Guerrero JL, Martin-Loeches I, Gonzalez-Juarbe N, Reyes LF. Major alteration of Lung Microbiome and the Host Reaction in critically ill COVID-19 Patients with high viral load. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3952944. [PMID: 38496464 PMCID: PMC10942552 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3952944/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Patients with COVID-19 under invasive mechanical ventilation are at higher risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), associated with increased healthcare costs, and unfavorable prognosis. The underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been thoroughly dissected. Therefore, this study attempted to bridge this gap by performing a lung microbiota analysis and evaluating the host immune responses that could drive the development of VAP. Materials and methods In this prospective cohort study, mechanically ventilated patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Nasal swabs (NS), endotracheal aspirates (ETA), and blood samples were collected initially within 12 hours of intubation and again at 72 hours post-intubation. Plasma samples underwent cytokine and metabolomic analyses, while NS and ETA samples were sequenced for lung microbiome examination. The cohort was categorized based on the development of VAP. Data analysis was conducted using RStudio version 4.3.1. Results In a study of 36 COVID-19 patients on mechanical ventilation, significant differences were found in the nasal and pulmonary microbiome, notably in Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae, linked to VAP. Patients with VAP showed a higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load, elevated neutralizing antibodies, and reduced inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-δ, IL-1β, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-6, TNF-α, and CCL4. Metabolomic analysis revealed changes in 22 metabolites in non-VAP patients and 27 in VAP patients, highlighting D-Maltose-Lactose, Histidinyl-Glycine, and various phosphatidylcholines, indicating a metabolic predisposition to VAP. Conclusions This study reveals a critical link between respiratory microbiome alterations and ventilator-associated pneumonia in COVID-19 patients, with elevated SARS-CoV-2 levels and metabolic changes, providing novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of VAP with potential management and prevention implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mónica P Cala
- MetCore- Metabolomics Core Facility, Universidad de Los Andes
| | - Jose L Guerrero
- MetCore- Metabolomics Core Facility, Universidad de Los Andes
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Oh DS, Kim E, Lu G, Normand R, Shook LL, Lyall A, Jasset O, Demidkin S, Gilbert E, Kim J, Akinwunmi B, Tantivit J, Tirard A, Arnold BY, Slowikowski K, Goldberg MB, Filbin MR, Hacohen N, Nguyen LH, Chan AT, Yu XG, Li JZ, Yonker L, Fasano A, Perlis RH, Pasternak O, Gray KJ, Choi GB, Drew DA, Sen P, Villani AC, Edlow AG, Huh JR. SARS-CoV-2 infection elucidates unique features of pregnancy-specific immunity. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.05.24301794. [PMID: 38370801 PMCID: PMC10871456 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.24301794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a risk factor for increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory infections. The mechanisms underlying this risk have not been well-established, partly due to a limited understanding of how pregnancy shapes immune responses. To gain insight into the role of pregnancy in modulating immune responses at steady state and upon perturbation, we collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), plasma, and stool from 226 women, including 152 pregnant individuals (n = 96 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and n = 56 healthy controls) and 74 non-pregnant women (n = 55 with SARS-CoV-2 and n = 19 healthy controls). We found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with altered T cell responses in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. Differences included a lower percentage of memory T cells, a distinct clonal expansion of CD4-expressing CD8 + T cells, and the enhanced expression of T cell exhaustion markers, such as programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3), in pregnant women. We identified additional evidence of immune dysfunction in severely and critically ill pregnant women, including a lack of expected elevation in regulatory T cell (Treg) levels, diminished interferon responses, and profound suppression of monocyte function. Consistent with earlier data, we found maternal obesity was also associated with altered immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, including enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines by T cells. Certain gut bacterial species were altered in pregnancy and upon SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant individuals compared to non-pregnant women. Shifts in cytokine and chemokine levels were also identified in the sera of pregnant individuals, most notably a robust increase of interleukin-27 (IL-27), a cytokine known to drive T cell exhaustion, in the pregnant uninfected control group compared to all non-pregnant groups. IL-27 levels were also significantly higher in uninfected pregnant controls compared to pregnant SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. Using two different preclinical mouse models of inflammation-induced fetal demise and respiratory influenza viral infection, we found that enhanced IL-27 protects developing fetuses from maternal inflammation but renders adult female mice vulnerable to viral infection. These combined findings from human and murine studies reveal nuanced pregnancy-associated immune responses, suggesting mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility of pregnant individuals to viral respiratory infections.
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Dellino M, Cerbone M, Fortunato F, Capursi T, Lepera A, Mancini T, Laganà AS, Malvasi A, Trerotoli P, Cormio G, Cicinelli E, Cazzato G, Carriero C, Pinto V, Cascardi E, Vitagliano A. Incidence of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the cervix before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2024:ijgc-2023-004743. [PMID: 38103892 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on healthcare systems worldwide, including the disruption of routine screening programs for cervical cancer. This study aimed to compare the incidence of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN)2 and CIN3 lesions, adenocarcinoma, and squamous carcinoma of the cervix before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed using archive data from the Policlinico di Bari, Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics. The study included patients who tested positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) at the level I screening test (HPV test) and were subsequently referred to level II screening, which involves the Papanicolaou (Pap) test and colposcopic examination. We excluded individuals who did not comply with the recommended follow-up, patients with low-risk HPV infection, those with autoimmune diseases, oncologic diseases, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies. The time period spanned from January 2020 to December 2022. The incidence of CIN2/CIN3 lesions, adenocarcinoma, and squamous carcinoma of the cervix was compared between the pre-screening period (2017-2019) and the post-screening period (2020-2022). RESULTS The study comprised a cohort of 1558 consecutive European sexually active women with a median age of 34 years (range 25-65) who underwent colposcopic evaluation of the uterine cervix as a level II screening program. The comparison between the pre-screening and post-screening periods showed an increase in the incidence of CIN2/CIN3 lesions, rising from 23.9 to 63.3 per 100 000 (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.64 to 4.20; p<0.001). Additionally, although there was an absolute increase in the incidence of cervical carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, the comparison did not reach statistical significance (squamous carcinoma: 2017-2019, 2.5 per 100 000; 2020-2022 3.4 per 100 000, p=0.72; adenocarcinoma: 2017-2019, 3.5 per 100 000; 2020-2022 7.6 per 100 000, p=0.24). CONCLUSION This study showed a significant increase in the incidence rate of CIN2/CIN3 lesions after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings may be attributed to the temporary suspension of follow-up programs during the pandemic, although the study does not rule out direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the risk of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the cervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Dellino
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Marco Cerbone
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortunato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Teresa Capursi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Achiropita Lepera
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mancini
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Paolo Giaccone" Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Paolo Trerotoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
- Department of Gynecology, University of Bari, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and IonianArea (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Carmine Carriero
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pinto
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and IonianArea (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy, Bari, Puglia, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Puglia, Italy
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15
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Straume Z, Krūmiņa N, Elbere I, Rozenberga M, Rudzīte D, Proskurina A, Ozoliņa J, Kloviņš J, Skuja V, Krūmiņa A. Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Lifestyle Perspective. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:182. [PMID: 38276061 PMCID: PMC10819492 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 is the new coronavirus that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Studies have increasingly reported the involvement of organs outside the respiratory system, including the gastrointestinal tract. Data on the association between COVID-19 and ulcerative colitis (UC) are lacking. Materials and Methods: In this one-centre cross-sectional study, 49 patients with UC from the Riga East Clinical University Hospital outpatient clinic were included from June 2021 to December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to their history of a confirmed positive or negative COVID-19 status. Data on their lifestyle, diet, and medications and the food supplements used by the patients were collected during interviews and analysed using the R 4.2.1 software. Results: Out of 49 patients, 33 (63.3%) were male and 13 (36.7%) were female, with a mean age of 32.33 ± 8.6 years. Fourteen patients (28.6%) had a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the last year. The most common COVID-19-related symptoms were a fever and rhinorrhoea. A third of patients followed the inflammatory bowel disease diet (16; 32.7%); out of these patients, 12 (34.3%) did not contract COVID-19 (OR: 0.78 (0.18; 2.98), p > 0.05). In the COVID-19-positive group, the majority of patients did not use vitamin D (11; 79% vs. 3; 21%, (OR: 0.38 (0.07; 1.51), p = 0.28) or probiotics (11; 78.6% vs. 3; 21.4%, OR: 1.33 (0.23; 6.28), p = 0.7). In the COVID-19-positive group, most patients did not smoke (12; 85.7% vs. 2; 14.3%, p = 0.475) and did not use alcohol (9; 64.3% vs. 5; 35.7%, OR: 0.63 (0.16; 2.57), p = 0.5). Most of the patients who participated in sports activities were COVID-negative (18; 51.4% vs. 6; 42.9%, p = 0.82). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences in the use of food supplements, probiotics, or vitamins; the lifestyle habits; or the COVID-19 status in patients with UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane Straume
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Clinic, Hipokrata Street 2, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia; (J.O.); (V.S.)
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Nikola Krūmiņa
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Ilze Elbere
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Maija Rozenberga
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Dace Rudzīte
- Laboratory “Gailezers”Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Hipokrata Street 2, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Anna Proskurina
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (N.K.); (A.P.)
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Juliana Ozoliņa
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Clinic, Hipokrata Street 2, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia; (J.O.); (V.S.)
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Jānis Kloviņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Vita Skuja
- Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Clinic, Hipokrata Street 2, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia; (J.O.); (V.S.)
- Department of Internal Diseases, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia; (N.K.); (A.P.)
| | - Angelika Krūmiņa
- Department of Infectology, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
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Mariani F, Rainaldi S, Dall’Ara G, De Rose C, Morello R, Buonsenso D. Persisting Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with SARS-CoV-2: Temporal Evolution over 18 Months and Possible Role of Lactoferrin. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:105. [PMID: 38255418 PMCID: PMC10814461 DOI: 10.3390/children11010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Persisting gastrointestinal symptoms are reported to be relatively common in children with long COVID; however, their detailed characterization and long-term outcomes have not yet been described. METHODS We performed a retrospective study aiming to investigate the temporal evolution of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with SARS-CoV-2, from acute infection to 18-months follow-up. To further investigate possible therapeutic strategies, we evaluated the role of lactoferrin in improving gastrointestinal symptoms in these children, compared with those not treated. RESULTS A total of 1224 patients (47.7% females) were included. Of these participants, 246 (19.8%) were vaccinated and 143 (11.5%) presented with comorbidities. A total of 175 patients (14.1%) presented gastrointestinal symptoms during acute infection, 54 (4.4%) at three months, 23 (1.9%) at six months, 6 (3.3%) at twelve months, and 2 (2.3%) at eighteen months follow-up. At six months follow-up, children who were treated with 3 months oral lactoferrin had less persisting symptoms compared to those who did not receive lactoferrin, although this difference was not statistically significant (three patients (25%) in the lactoferrin group vs. fourteen patients (33.3%) not treated, p = 0.73), probably due to the low number of patients with persisting GI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS GI symptoms are relatively common during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and a non-negligible proportion of these children reported persisting symptoms for up to 12-18 months after the acute infection. In addition, we found a trend even if statistically nonsignificant toward faster improvement of persisting gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID treated with lactoferrin. Despite the limitations relating to the present study's design, given the significant burden of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID, our findings provide the basis to perform a prospective, placebo-controlled study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mariani
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Saveena Rainaldi
- Medicine and Surgery International Faculty, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.R.); (G.D.)
| | - Giulia Dall’Ara
- Medicine and Surgery International Faculty, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.R.); (G.D.)
| | - Cristina De Rose
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Rosa Morello
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
- Centro di Salute Globale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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17
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Puray-Chavez M, LaPak KM, Jasuja R, Pan J, Xu J, Eschbach JE, Mohammed S, Lawson DQ, Wang Q, Brody SL, Major MB, Goldfarb D, Kutluay SB. A basally active cGAS-STING pathway limits SARS-CoV-2 replication in a subset of ACE2 positive airway cell models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.07.574522. [PMID: 38260460 PMCID: PMC10802478 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Host factors that define the cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 beyond the cognate ACE2 receptor are poorly defined. From a screen of human airway derived cell lines that express varying levels of ACE2/TMPRSS2, we found a subset that express comparably high endogenous levels of ACE2 but surprisingly did not support SARS-CoV-2 replication. Here we report that this resistance is mediated by a basally active cGAS-STING pathway culminating in interferon (IFN)-mediated restriction of SARS-CoV-2 replication at a post-entry step. Pharmacological inhibition of JAK1/2, depletion of the IFN-α receptor and cGAS-STING pathway effectors substantially increased SARS-CoV-2 replication in these cell models. While depletion of cGAS or STING was sufficient to reduce the preexisting levels of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), SARS-CoV-2 infection in STING knockout cells independently induced ISG expression. Remarkably, SARS-CoV-2-induced ISG expression in STING knockout cell as well as in primary human airway cultures was limited to uninfected bystander cells, demonstrating efficient antagonism of the type I/III IFN-pathway, but not viral sensing or IFN production, in productively infected cells. Of note, SARS-CoV-2-infected primary human airway cells also displayed markedly lower levels of STING expression, raising the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 can target STING expression or preferentially infect cells that express low levels of STING. Finally, ectopic ACE2 overexpression overcame the IFN-mediated blocks, suggesting the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to overcome these possibly saturable blocks to infection. Our study highlights that in addition to viral receptors, basal activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and innate immune defenses may contribute to defining SARS-CoV-2 cellular tropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritza Puray-Chavez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyle M LaPak
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ria Jasuja
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jiehong Pan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jenna E Eschbach
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shawn Mohammed
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dana Q Lawson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Qibo Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steven L Brody
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael B Major
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dennis Goldfarb
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sebla B Kutluay
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Marzano V, Mortera SL, Marangelo C, Piazzesi A, Rapisarda F, Pane S, Del Chierico F, Vernocchi P, Romani L, Campana A, Palma P, Putignani L. The metaproteome of the gut microbiota in pediatric patients affected by COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1327889. [PMID: 38188629 PMCID: PMC10766818 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1327889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The gut microbiota (GM) play a significant role in the infectivity and severity of COVID-19 infection. However, the available literature primarily focuses on adult patients and it is known that the microbiota undergoes changes throughout the lifespan, with significant alterations occurring during infancy and subsequently stabilizing during adulthood. Moreover, children have exhibited milder symptoms of COVID-19 disease, which has been associated with the abundance of certain protective bacteria. Here, we examine the metaproteome of pediatric patients to uncover the biological mechanisms that underlie this protective effect of the GM. Methods We performed nanoliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry on a high resolution analytical platform, resulting in label free quantification of bacterial protein groups (PGs), along with functional annotations via COG and KEGG databases by MetaLab-MAG. Additionally, taxonomic assignment was possible through the use of the lowest common ancestor algorithm provided by Unipept software. Results A COVID-19 GM functional dissimilarity respect to healthy subjects was identified by univariate analysis. The alteration in COVID-19 GM function is primarily based on bacterial pathways that predominantly involve metabolic processes, such as those related to tryptophan, butanoate, fatty acid, and bile acid biosynthesis, as well as antibiotic resistance and virulence. Discussion These findings highlight the mechanisms by which the pediatric GM could contribute to protection against the more severe manifestations of the disease in children. Uncovering these mechanisms can, therefore, have important implications in the discovery of novel adjuvant therapies for severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Marzano
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Levi Mortera
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Marangelo
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Piazzesi
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Rapisarda
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Pane
- Unit of Microbiomics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Del Chierico
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Vernocchi
- Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Romani
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Campana
- Department of Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Unit of Microbiomics and Research Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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19
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Kiriyama Y, Nochi H. The Role of Gut Microbiota-Derived Lithocholic Acid, Deoxycholic Acid and Their Derivatives on the Function and Differentiation of Immune Cells. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2730. [PMID: 38004742 PMCID: PMC10672800 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112730] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A wide variety and large number of bacterial species live in the gut, forming the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota not only coexist harmoniously with their hosts, but they also induce significant effects on each other. The composition of the gut microbiota can be changed due to environmental factors such as diet and antibiotic intake. In contrast, alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota have been reported in a variety of diseases, including intestinal, allergic, and autoimmune diseases and cancer. The gut microbiota metabolize exogenous dietary components ingested from outside the body to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and amino acid metabolites. Unlike SCFAs and amino acid metabolites, the source of bile acids (BAs) produced by the gut microbiota is endogenous BAs from the liver. The gut microbiota metabolize BAs to generate secondary bile acids, such as lithocholic acid (LCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), and their derivatives, which have recently been shown to play important roles in immune cells. This review focuses on current knowledge of the role of LCA, DCA, and their derivatives on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimitsu Kiriyama
- Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki 769-2193, Japan;
- Institute of Neuroscience, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki 769-2193, Japan
| | - Hiromi Nochi
- Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki 769-2193, Japan;
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20
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Li J, Zhou Y, Ma J, Zhang Q, Shao J, Liang S, Yu Y, Li W, Wang C. The long-term health outcomes, pathophysiological mechanisms and multidisciplinary management of long COVID. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:416. [PMID: 37907497 PMCID: PMC10618229 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been hundreds of millions of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With the growing population of recovered patients, it is crucial to understand the long-term consequences of the disease and management strategies. Although COVID-19 was initially considered an acute respiratory illness, recent evidence suggests that manifestations including but not limited to those of the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems may persist long after the acute phase. These persistent manifestations, also referred to as long COVID, could impact all patients with COVID-19 across the full spectrum of illness severity. Herein, we comprehensively review the current literature on long COVID, highlighting its epidemiological understanding, the impact of vaccinations, organ-specific sequelae, pathophysiological mechanisms, and multidisciplinary management strategies. In addition, the impact of psychological and psychosomatic factors is also underscored. Despite these crucial findings on long COVID, the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on previous experience and pilot studies remain inadequate, and well-designed clinical trials should be prioritized to validate existing hypotheses. Thus, we propose the primary challenges concerning biological knowledge gaps and efficient remedies as well as discuss the corresponding recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiechao Ma
- AI Lab, Deepwise Healthcare, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Postgraduate Student, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Shao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shufan Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yizhou Yu
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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21
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Petakh P, Kamyshna I, Kamyshnyi A. Unveiling the potential pleiotropic effects of metformin in treating COVID-19: a comprehensive review. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1260633. [PMID: 37881440 PMCID: PMC10595158 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1260633] [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] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article explores the potential of metformin, a medication commonly used for type 2 diabetes, as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Metformin has demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture models and has shown promising results in reducing viral load and achieving undetectable viral levels in clinical trials. Additionally, metformin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulating immune cell function, which may help prevent cytokine storms associated with severe COVID-19. The drug's ability to regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory Treg cells suggests its potential in mitigating inflammation and restoring T cell functionality. Furthermore, metformin's modulation of the gut microbiota, particularly changes in bacterial taxa and the production of short-chain fatty acids, may contribute to its therapeutic effects. The interplay between metformin, bile acids, the gut microbiome, glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion, and glycemic control has implications for the management of diabetes and potential interventions in COVID-19. By refreshing the current evidence, this review highlights the potential of metformin as a therapeutic option in the management of COVID-19, while also exploring its effects on the gut microbiome and immunometabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Petakh
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Kamyshna
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Aleksandr Kamyshnyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
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22
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Moreno-Corona NC, López-Ortega O, Pérez-Martínez CA, Martínez-Castillo M, De Jesús-González LA, León-Reyes G, León-Juárez M. Dynamics of the Microbiota and Its Relationship with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14822. [PMID: 37834270 PMCID: PMC10573029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which can be asymptomatic or present with multiple organ dysfunction. Many infected individuals have chronic alterations associated with neuropsychiatric, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal symptoms, even several months after disease onset, developing long-COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). Microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the onset and progression of many viral diseases, including COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 manifestations, which could serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This review aimed to discuss the most recent findings on gut microbiota dysbiosis and its relationship with the sequelae of PACS. Elucidating these mechanisms could help develop personalized and non-invasive clinical strategies to identify individuals at a higher risk of experiencing severe disease progression or complications associated with PACS. Moreover, the review highlights the importance of targeting the gut microbiota composition to avoid dysbiosis and to develop possible prophylactic and therapeutic measures against COVID-19 and PACS in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidia Carolina Moreno-Corona
- Laboratory of Human Lymphohematopoiesis, Imagine Institute, INSERM UMR 1163, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Orestes López-Ortega
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253, Institute Necker Enfants Malades, 75015 Paris, France;
| | | | - Macario Martínez-Castillo
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | | | - Guadalupe León-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Nutrigenética y Nutrigenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), México City 16610, Mexico;
| | - Moisés León-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Virología Perinatal y Diseño Molecular de Antígenos y Biomarcadores, Departamento de Inmunobioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City 11000, Mexico
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23
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Tziolos NR, Ioannou P, Baliou S, Kofteridis DP. Long COVID-19 Pathophysiology: What Do We Know So Far? Microorganisms 2023; 11:2458. [PMID: 37894116 PMCID: PMC10609046 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-19 is a recognized entity that affects millions of people worldwide. Its broad clinical symptoms include thrombotic events, brain fog, myocarditis, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle pains, and others. Due to the binding of the virus with ACE-2 receptors, expressed in many organs, it can potentially affect any system; however, it most often affects the cardiovascular, central nervous, respiratory, and immune systems. Age, high body mass index, female sex, previous hospitalization, and smoking are some of its risk factors. Despite great efforts to define its pathophysiology, gaps remain to be explained. The main mechanisms described in the literature involve viral persistence, hypercoagulopathy, immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, hyperinflammation, or a combination of these. The exact mechanisms may differ from system to system, but some share the same pathways. This review aims to describe the most prevalent pathophysiological pathways explaining this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos-Renatos Tziolos
- Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece (D.P.K.)
| | - Petros Ioannou
- Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece (D.P.K.)
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Stella Baliou
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Diamantis P. Kofteridis
- Department of Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71110 Heraklion, Greece (D.P.K.)
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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24
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Bose T, Wasimuddin, Acharya V, Pinna NK, Kaur H, Ranjan M, SaiKrishna J, Nagabandi T, Varma B, Tallapaka KB, Sowpati DT, Haque MM, Dutta A, Siva AB, Mande SS. A cross-sectional study on the nasopharyngeal microbiota of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection across three COVID-19 waves in India. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1238829. [PMID: 37744900 PMCID: PMC10511876 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1238829] [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] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have plagued the world through successive waves of infection over the past three years. Independent research groups across geographies have shown that the microbiome composition in COVID-19 positive patients (CP) differs from that of COVID-19 negative individuals (CN). However, these observations were based on limited-sized sample-sets collected primarily from the early days of the pandemic. Here, we study the nasopharyngeal microbiota in COVID-19 patients, wherein the samples have been collected across the three COVID-19 waves witnessed in India, which were driven by different variants of concern. Methods The nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 589 subjects providing samples for diagnostics purposes at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, India and subjected to 16s rRNA gene amplicon - based sequencing. Findings We found variations in the microbiota of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. CP showed a marked shift in the microbial diversity and composition compared to CN, in a wave-dependent manner. Rickettsiaceae was the only family that was noted to be consistently depleted in CP samples across the waves. The genera Staphylococcus, Anhydrobacter, Thermus, and Aerococcus were observed to be highly abundant in the symptomatic CP patients when compared to the asymptomatic group. In general, we observed a decrease in the burden of opportunistic pathogens in the host microbiota during the later waves of infection. Interpretation To our knowledge, this is the first analytical cross-sectional study of this scale, which was designed to understand the relation between the evolving nature of the virus and the changes in the human nasopharyngeal microbiota. Although no clear signatures were observed, this study shall pave the way for a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology and help gather preliminary evidence on whether interventions to the host microbiota can help in better protection or faster recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tungadri Bose
- TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Wasimuddin
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Varnali Acharya
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Nishal Kumar Pinna
- TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Harrisham Kaur
- TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manish Ranjan
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jandhyala SaiKrishna
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Tulasi Nagabandi
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Binuja Varma
- TCS Genomics Lab, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Divya Tej Sowpati
- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Anirban Dutta
- TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Sharmila S. Mande
- TCS Research, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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25
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Phan T, Brozak S, Pell B, Oghuan J, Gitter A, Hu T, Ribeiro RM, Ke R, Mena KD, Perelson AS, Kuang Y, Wu F. Making waves: Integrating wastewater surveillance with dynamic modeling to track and predict viral outbreaks. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 243:120372. [PMID: 37494742 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance has proved to be a valuable tool to track the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most studies using wastewater surveillance data revolve around establishing correlations and lead time relative to reported case data. In this perspective, we advocate for the integration of wastewater surveillance data with dynamic within-host and between-host models to better understand, monitor, and predict viral disease outbreaks. Dynamic models overcome emblematic difficulties of using wastewater surveillance data such as establishing the temporal viral shedding profile. Complementarily, wastewater surveillance data bypasses the issues of time lag and underreporting in clinical case report data, thus enhancing the utility and applicability of dynamic models. The integration of wastewater surveillance data with dynamic models can enhance real-time tracking and prevalence estimation, forecast viral transmission and intervention effectiveness, and most importantly, provide a mechanistic understanding of infectious disease dynamics and the driving factors. Dynamic modeling of wastewater surveillance data will advance the development of a predictive and responsive monitoring system to improve pandemic preparedness and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Phan
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87544, USA
| | - Samantha Brozak
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Bruce Pell
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Lawrence Technological University, MI 48075, USA
| | - Jeremiah Oghuan
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anna Gitter
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Geography, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Ruy M Ribeiro
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87544, USA
| | - Ruian Ke
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87544, USA
| | - Kristina D Mena
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alan S Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87544, USA; Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Yang Kuang
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Fuqing Wu
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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26
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Chaves-Filho AM, Braniff O, Angelova A, Deng Y, Tremblay MÈ. Chronic inflammation, neuroglial dysfunction, and plasmalogen deficiency as a new pathobiological hypothesis addressing the overlap between post-COVID-19 symptoms and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Brain Res Bull 2023; 201:110702. [PMID: 37423295 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
After five waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks, it has been recognized that a significant portion of the affected individuals developed long-term debilitating symptoms marked by chronic fatigue, cognitive difficulties ("brain fog"), post-exertional malaise, and autonomic dysfunction. The onset, progression, and clinical presentation of this condition, generically named post-COVID-19 syndrome, overlap significantly with another enigmatic condition, referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Several pathobiological mechanisms have been proposed for ME/CFS, including redox imbalance, systemic and central nervous system inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Chronic inflammation and glial pathological reactivity are common hallmarks of several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders and have been consistently associated with reduced central and peripheral levels of plasmalogens, one of the major phospholipid components of cell membranes with several homeostatic functions. Of great interest, recent evidence revealed a significant reduction of plasmalogen contents, biosynthesis, and metabolism in ME/CFS and acute COVID-19, with a strong association to symptom severity and other relevant clinical outcomes. These bioactive lipids have increasingly attracted attention due to their reduced levels representing a common pathophysiological manifestation between several disorders associated with aging and chronic inflammation. However, alterations in plasmalogen levels or their lipidic metabolism have not yet been examined in individuals suffering from post-COVID-19 symptoms. Here, we proposed a pathobiological model for post-COVID-19 and ME/CFS based on their common inflammation and dysfunctional glial reactivity, and highlighted the emerging implications of plasmalogen deficiency in the underlying mechanisms. Along with the promising outcomes of plasmalogen replacement therapy (PRT) for various neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric disorders, we sought to propose PRT as a simple, effective, and safe strategy for the potential relief of the debilitating symptoms associated with ME/CFS and post-COVID-19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia Braniff
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angelina Angelova
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, F-91400 Orsay, France
| | - Yuru Deng
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC) and Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (IALH), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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27
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Hashimoto K. Emerging role of the host microbiome in neuropsychiatric disorders: overview and future directions. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3625-3637. [PMID: 37845499 PMCID: PMC10730413 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02287-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
The human body harbors a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiota. Current research is increasingly focusing on the potential association between the microbiota and various neuropsychiatric disorders. The microbiota resides in various parts of the body, such as the oral cavity, nasal passages, lungs, gut, skin, bladder, and vagina. The gut microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract has received particular attention due to its high abundance and its potential role in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the microbiota presents in other body tissues, though less abundant, also plays crucial role in immune system and human homeostasis, thus influencing the development and progression of neuropsychiatric disorders. For example, oral microbiota imbalance and associated periodontitis might increase the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. Additionally, studies using the postmortem brain samples have detected the widespread presence of oral bacteria in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. This article provides an overview of the emerging role of the host microbiota in neuropsychiatric disorders and discusses future directions, such as underlying biological mechanisms, reliable biomarkers associated with the host microbiota, and microbiota-targeted interventions, for research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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28
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Elzayat H, Mesto G, Al-Marzooq F. Unraveling the Impact of Gut and Oral Microbiome on Gut Health in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:3377. [PMID: 37571313 PMCID: PMC10421146 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). IBD mainly includes two distinct diseases, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. To date, the precise etiology of these conditions is not fully elucidated. Recent research has shed light on the significant role of the oral and gut microbiome in the development and progression of IBD and its collective influence on gut health. This review aims to investigate the connection between the oral and gut microbiome in the context of IBD, exploring the intricate interplay between these microbial communities and their impact on overall gut health. Recent advances in microbiome research have revealed a compelling link between the oral and gut microbiome, highlighting their pivotal role in maintaining overall health. The oral cavity and GIT are two interconnected ecosystems that harbor complex microbial communities implicated in IBD pathogenesis in several ways. Reduction in diversity and abundance of beneficial bacterial species with the colonization of opportunistic pathogens can induce gut inflammation. Some of these pathogens can arise from oral origin, especially in patients with oral diseases such as periodontitis. It is essential to discern the mechanisms of microbial transmission, the impact of oral health on the gut microbiome, and the potential role of dysbiosis in disease development. By elucidating this relationship, we can enhance our understanding of IBD pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic avenues for managing the disease. Furthermore, innovative strategies for modulating the oral and gut microbiome can promote health and prevent disease occurrence and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Elzayat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghaidaa Mesto
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Al-Marzooq
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Daddi L, Dorsett Y, Geng T, Bokoliya S, Yuan H, Wang P, Xu W, Zhou Y. Baseline Gut Microbiome Signatures Correlate with Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11703. [PMID: 37511464 PMCID: PMC10380288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411703] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The powerful immune responses elicited by the mRNA vaccines targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein contribute to their high efficacy. Yet, their efficacy can vary greatly between individuals. For vaccines not based on mRNA, cumulative evidence suggests that differences in the composition of the gut microbiome, which impact vaccine immunogenicity, are some of the factors that contribute to variations in efficacy. However, it is unclear if the microbiome impacts the novel mode of immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of individuals receiving SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines where we measured levels of anti-Spike IgG and characterized microbiome composition, at pre-vaccination (baseline), and one week following the first and second immunizations. While we found that microbial diversity at all timepoints correlated with final IgG levels, only at baseline did microbial composition and predicted function correlate with vaccine immunogenicity. Specifically, the phylum Desulfobacterota and genus Bilophila, producers of immunostimulatory LPS, positively correlated with IgG, while Bacteroides was negatively correlated. KEGG predicted pathways relating to SCFA metabolism and sulfur metabolism, as well as structural components such as flagellin and capsular polysaccharides, also positively correlated with IgG levels. Consistent with these findings, depleting the microbiome with antibiotics reduced the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine in mice. These findings suggest that gut microbiome composition impacts the immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Daddi
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Yair Dorsett
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Tingting Geng
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Suresh Bokoliya
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Hanshu Yuan
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Wanli Xu
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Yanjiao Zhou
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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30
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Lou S, Yang M, Li T, Zhao W, Cevasco H, Yang YT, Gerstein M. Constructing a full, multiple-layer interactome for SARS-CoV-2 in the context of lung disease: Linking the virus with human genes and microbes. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011222. [PMID: 37410793 PMCID: PMC10325097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. The disease presents with various manifestations that can vary in severity and long-term outcomes. Previous efforts have contributed to the development of effective strategies for treatment and prevention by uncovering the mechanism of viral infection. We now know all the direct protein-protein interactions that occur during the lifecycle of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it is critical to move beyond these known interactions to a comprehensive understanding of the "full interactome" of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which incorporates human microRNAs (miRNAs), additional human protein-coding genes, and exogenous microbes. Potentially, this will help in developing new drugs to treat COVID-19, differentiating the nuances of long COVID, and identifying histopathological signatures in SARS-CoV-2-infected organs. To construct the full interactome, we developed a statistical modeling approach called MLCrosstalk (multiple-layer crosstalk) based on latent Dirichlet allocation. MLCrosstalk integrates data from multiple sources, including microbes, human protein-coding genes, miRNAs, and human protein-protein interactions. It constructs "topics" that group SARS-CoV-2 with genes and microbes based on similar patterns of co-occurrence across patient samples. We use these topics to infer linkages between SARS-CoV-2 and protein-coding genes, miRNAs, and microbes. We then refine these initial linkages using network propagation to contextualize them within a larger framework of network and pathway structures. Using MLCrosstalk, we identified genes in the IL1-processing and VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathways that are linked to SARS-CoV-2. We also found that Rothia mucilaginosa and Prevotella melaninogenica are positively and negatively correlated with SARS-CoV-2 abundance, a finding corroborated by analysis of single-cell sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoke Lou
- Program in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Mingjun Yang
- School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tianxiao Li
- Program in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Weihao Zhao
- Program in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Hannah Cevasco
- Program in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Yucheng T. Yang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mark Gerstein
- Program in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Statistics & Data Science Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics & Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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31
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Del Carpio-Orantes L. Etiopathogenic theories about long COVID. World J Virol 2023; 12:204-208. [PMID: 37396704 PMCID: PMC10311581 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v12.i3.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The main etiopathogenic theories of long coronavirus disease (COVID) are listed and a conjunction of them is carried out with the objective of deciphering the pathophysiology of the entity, finally the main lines of treatment existing in real life are discussed (Paxlovid, use of antibiotics in dysbiosis, triple anticoagulant therapy, temelimab).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Del Carpio-Orantes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virology, Research, Study Group for the Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19 in Veracruz, Veracruz 91900, Veracruz, Mexico
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32
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Javan GT, Finley SJ, Moretti M, Visonà SD, Mezzari MP, Green RL. COVID-19 and brain-heart-lung microbial fingerprints in Italian cadavers. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1196328. [PMID: 37388248 PMCID: PMC10300556 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1196328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The fact that SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that caused COVID-19, can translocate within days of infection to the brain and heart and that the virus can survive for months is well established. However, studies have not investigated the crosstalk between the brain, heart, and lungs regarding microbiota that simultaneously co-inhabit these organs during COVID-19 illness and subsequent death. Given the significant overlap of cause of death from or with SARS-CoV-2, we investigated the possibility of a microbial fingerprint regarding COVID-19 death. Methods: In the current study, the 16S rRNA V4 region was amplified and sequenced from 20 COVID-19-positive and 20 non-COVID-19 cases. Nonparametric statistics were used to determine the resulting microbiota profile and its association with cadaver characteristics. When comparing non-COVID-19 infected tissues versus those infected by COVID-19, there is statistical differences (p < 0.05) between organs from the infected group only. Results: When comparing the three organs, microbial richness was significantly higher in non-COVID-19-infected tissues than infected. Unifrac distance metrics showed more variance between control and COVID-19 groups in weighted analysis than unweighted; both were statistically different. Unweighted Bray-Curtis principal coordinate analyses revealed a near distinct two-community structure: one for the control and the other for the infected group. Both unweighted and weighted Bray-Curtis showed statistical differences. Deblur analyses demonstrated Firmicutes in all organs from both groups. Discussion: Data obtained from these studies facilitated the defining of microbiome signatures in COVID-19 decedents that could be identified as taxonomic biomarkers effective for predicting the occurrence, the co-infections involved in its dysbiosis, and the evolution of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnaz T. Javan
- Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Sheree J. Finley
- Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia D. Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Melissa P. Mezzari
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert L. Green
- Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
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Huang B, Wang J, Li L. Recent five-year progress in the impact of gut microbiota on vaccination and possible mechanisms. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:27. [PMID: 37308966 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00547-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, but the immune response induced by it varies greatly between individuals and populations in different regions of the world. Current studies have identified the composition and function of the gut microbiota as key factors in modulating the immune response to vaccination. This article mainly reviews the differences in gut microbiota among different groups of vaccinated people and animals, explores the possible mechanism of vaccine immunity affected by gut microbiota, and reviews the strategies for targeting gut microbiota to improve vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqing Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University school of medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Research Units of Infectious disease and Microecology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University school of medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University school of medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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34
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Banerjee A, Somasundaram I, Das D, Jain Manoj S, Banu H, Mitta Suresh P, Paul S, Bisgin A, Zhang H, Sun XF, Duttaroy AK, Pathak S. Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112631. [PMID: 37299594 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural herbs and functional foods contain bioactive molecules capable of augmenting the immune system and mediating anti-viral functions. Functional foods, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fibers, have been shown to have positive effects on gut microbiota diversity and immune function. The use of functional foods has been linked to enhanced immunity, regeneration, improved cognitive function, maintenance of gut microbiota, and significant improvement in overall health. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in maintaining overall health and immune function, and disruptions to its balance have been linked to various health problems. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been shown to affect gut microbiota diversity, and the emergence of variants poses new challenges to combat the virus. SARS-CoV-2 recognizes and infects human cells through ACE2 receptors prevalent in lung and gut epithelial cells. Humans are prone to SARS-CoV-2 infection because their respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are rich in microbial diversity and contain high levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. This review article explores the potential use of functional foods in mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on gut microbiota diversity, and the potential use of functional foods as a strategy to combat these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Banerjee
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Indumathi Somasundaram
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Kolhapur Institute of Technology's College of Engineering, Kolhapur 416012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Diptimayee Das
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Samatha Jain Manoj
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Husaina Banu
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Pavane Mitta Suresh
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sujay Paul
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Queretaro, San Pablo 76130, Mexico
| | - Atil Bisgin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Cukurova University, Adana 01250, Turkey
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Orebro University, SE-701 82 Orebro, Sweden
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Division of Ocology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linkoping University, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0313 Oslo, Norway
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, Tamil Nadu, India
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35
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Mouchati C, Durieux JC, Zisis SN, Labbato D, Rodgers MA, Ailstock K, Reinert BL, Funderburg NT, McComsey GA. Increase in gut permeability and oxidized ldl is associated with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1182544. [PMID: 37251403 PMCID: PMC10217362 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1182544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is marked by persistent or newly developing symptoms beyond 4 weeks of infection. Investigating gut integrity, oxidized lipids and inflammatory markers is important for understanding PASC pathogenesis. Methods A cross-sectional study including COVID+ with PASC, COVID+ without PASC, and COVID-negative (COVID-) participants. We measured plasma markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to assess intestinal permeability (ZONULIN), microbial translocation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein or LBP), systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or hs-CRP), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). Results 415 participants were enrolled in this study; 37.83% (n=157) had prior COVID diagnosis and among COVID+, 54% (n=85) had PASC. The median zonulin among COVID- was 3.37 (IQR: 2.13, 4.91) mg/mL, 3.43 (IQR: 1.65, 5.25) mg/mL among COVID+ no PASC, and highest [4.76 (IQR: 3.2, 7.35) mg/mL] among COVID+ PASC+ (p<.0001). The median ox-LDL among COVID- was 47.02 (IQR: 35.52, 62.77) U/L, 57.24 (IQR: 40.7, 75.37) U/L among COVID+ No PASC, and the highest [76.75 (IQR: 59.95, 103.28) U/L] among COVID+ PASC+ (p<.0001). COVID+ PASC+ was positively associated with zonulin (p=0.0002) and ox-LDL (p<.0001), and COVID- was negatively associated with ox-LDL (p=0.01), compared to COVID+ No PASC. Every unit increase in zonulin was associated with 44% higher predicted odds of having PASC [aOR: 1.44 (95%CI: 1.1, 1.9)] and every one-unit increase in ox-LDL was associated with more than four-fold increased odds of having PASC [aOR: 2.44 (95%CI: 1.67, 3.55)]. Conclusions PASC is associated with increased gut permeability and oxidized lipids. Further studies are needed to clarify whether these relationships are causal which could lead to targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Mouchati
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jared C. Durieux
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sokratis N. Zisis
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Danielle Labbato
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael A. Rodgers
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Kate Ailstock
- Division of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Brian L. Reinert
- Division of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nicholas T. Funderburg
- Division of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Grace A. McComsey
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Center for Clinical Research, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Alanzi AR, Parvez MK, Al-Dosari MS. Structure-based virtual identification of natural inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta and Omicron variant proteins. Future Virol 2023; 18:421-438. [PMID: 38051986 PMCID: PMC10241455 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Aim Structure-based identification of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2, Delta and Omicron target proteins. Materials & methods Several known antiviral natural compounds were subjected to molecular docking and MD simulation against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, Helicase and Spike, including Delta and Omicron Spikes. Results Of the docked ligands, 20 selected for each complex exhibited overall good binding affinities (-7.79 to -5.06 kcal/mol) with acceptable physiochemistry following Lipinski's rule. Finally, two best ligands from each complex upon simulation showed structural stability and compactness. Conclusion Quercetin-3-acetyl-glucoside, Rutin, Kaempferol, Catechin, Orientin, Obetrioside and Neridienone A were identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, Helicase and Spike, while Orientin and Obetrioside also showed good binding affinities with Omicron Spike. Catechin and Neridienone A formed stable complexes with Delta Spike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah R Alanzi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad K Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Al-Dosari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Wang YZ, Zhou JG, Lu YM, Hu H, Xiao FF, Ge T, Wang X, Zheng L, Yu LH, Le J, Yu H, Yu GJ, Xia Q, Zhang T, Zhou WH. Altered gut microbiota composition in children and their caregivers infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:478-488. [PMID: 36627507 PMCID: PMC9838448 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota alterations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to explore gut microbiota changes in a prospective cohort of COVID-19 children and their asymptomatic caregivers infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant. METHODS A total of 186 participants, including 59 COVID-19 children, 50 asymptomatic adult caregivers, 52 healthy children (HC), and 25 healthy adults (HA), were recruited between 15 April and 31 May 2022. The gut microbiota composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from the participants. Gut microbiota functional profiling was performed by using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) software. RESULTS The gut microbiota analysis of beta diversity revealed that the fecal microbial community of COVID-19 children remained far distantly related to HC. The relative abundances of the phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were decreased, whereas Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota were increased in COVID-19 children. Feces from COVID-19 children exhibited notably lower abundances of the genera Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Fusicatenibacter, Streptococcus, and Romboutsia and higher abundances of the genera Prevotella, Lachnoclostridium, Escherichia-Shigella, and Bacteroides than those from HC. The enterotype distributions of COVID-19 children were characterized by a high prevalence of enterotype Bacteroides. Similar changes in gut microbiota compositions were observed in asymptomatic caregivers. Furthermore, the microbial metabolic activities of KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) and COG (cluster of orthologous groups of proteins) pathways were perturbed in feces from subjects infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. CONCLUSION Our data reveal altered gut microbiota compositions in both COVID-19 children and their asymptomatic caregivers infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, which further implicates the critical role of gut microbiota in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Zhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Research Center, Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhou
- Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Ming Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Fang-Fei Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Ting Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Lian-Hu Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Jun Le
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Jun Yu
- Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Research Center, Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 355 Luding Road, Shanghai, 200062 China
- Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Research Center, Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Department of Neonatology, Molecular Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201101 China
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Buchynskyi M, Kamyshna I, Oksenych V, Zavidniuk N, Kamyshnyi A. The Intersection of COVID-19 and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: An Overview of the Current Evidence. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051072. [PMID: 37243158 DOI: 10.3390/v15051072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The global population is currently experiencing the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which has caused the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With our profound comprehension of COVID-19, encompassing the involvement sequence of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, and cardiovascular apparatus, the multiorgan symptoms of this infectious disease have been discerned. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a pervasive public health concern intricately linked with metabolic dysregulation and estimated to afflict one-fourth of the global adult population. The burgeoning focus on the association between COVID-19 and MAFLD is justified by the potential role of the latter as a risk factor for both SARS-CoV-2 infection and the subsequent emergence of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Investigations have suggested that changes in both innate and adaptive immune responses among MAFLD patients may play a role in determining the severity of COVID-19. The remarkable similarities observed in the cytokine pathways implicated in both diseases imply the existence of shared mechanisms governing the chronic inflammatory responses characterizing these conditions. The effect of MAFLD on the severity of COVID-19 illness remains uncertain, as indicated by conflicting results in cohort investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mykhailo Buchynskyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Kamyshna
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Oksenych
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine (IKOM), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7028 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nataliia Zavidniuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases with Epidemiology, Dermatology and Venerology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Aleksandr Kamyshnyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, 46001 Ternopil, Ukraine
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Tsounis EP, Triantos C, Konstantakis C, Marangos M, Assimakopoulos SF. Intestinal barrier dysfunction as a key driver of severe COVID-19. World J Virol 2023; 12:68-90. [PMID: 37033148 PMCID: PMC10075050 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v12.i2.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal lumen harbors a diverse consortium of microorganisms that participate in reciprocal crosstalk with intestinal immune cells and with epithelial and endothelial cells, forming a multi-layered barrier that enables the efficient absorption of nutrients without an excessive influx of pathogens. Despite being a lung-centered disease, severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects multiple systems, including the gastrointestinal tract and the pertinent gut barrier function. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can inflict either direct cytopathic injury to intestinal epithelial and endothelial cells or indirect immune-mediated damage. Alternatively, SARS-CoV-2 undermines the structural integrity of the barrier by modifying the expression of tight junction proteins. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 induces profound alterations to the intestinal microflora at phylogenetic and metabolomic levels (dysbiosis) that are accompanied by disruption of local immune responses. The ensuing dysregulation of the gut-lung axis impairs the ability of the respiratory immune system to elicit robust and timely responses to restrict viral infection. The intestinal vasculature is vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial injury, which simultaneously triggers the activation of the innate immune and coagulation systems, a condition referred to as “immunothrombosis” that drives severe thrombotic complications. Finally, increased intestinal permeability allows an aberrant dissemination of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin into the systemic circulation and contributes, to a certain degree, to the over-exuberant immune responses and hyper-inflammation that dictate the severe form of COVID-19. In this review, we aim to elucidate SARS-CoV-2-mediated effects on gut barrier homeostasis and their implications on the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymios P Tsounis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University Hospital of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University Hospital of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Christos Konstantakis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University Hospital of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Markos Marangos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Stelios F Assimakopoulos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, University Hospital of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
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Seong H, Kim JH, Han YH, Seo HS, Hyun HJ, Yoon JG, Nham E, Noh JY, Cheong HJ, Kim WJ, Lim S, Song JY. Clinical implications of gut microbiota and cytokine responses in coronavirus disease prognosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1079277. [PMID: 37051240 PMCID: PMC10083496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1079277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects gut luminal cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor and disrupts the gut microbiome. We investigated whether the gut microbiome in the early stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with the prognosis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).MethodsThirty COVID-19 patients and 16 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. Blood and stool samples and clinical details were collected on days 0 (enrollment), 7, 14, and 28. Participants were categorized into four groups by their clinical course.ResultsGut microbiota composition varied during the clinical course of COVID-19 and was closely associated with cytokine levels (p=0.003). A high abundance of the genus Dialister (linear discriminant analysis [LDA] effect size: 3.97856, p=0.004), species Peptoniphilus lacrimalis (LDA effect size: 4.00551, p=0.020), and Anaerococcus prevotii (LDA effect size: 4.00885, p=0.007) was associated with a good prognosis. Starch, sucrose, and galactose metabolism was highly activated in the gut microbiota of the poor prognosis group. Glucose-lowering diets, including whole grains, were positively correlated with a good prognosis.ConclusionGut microbiota may mediate the prognosis of COVID-19 by regulating cytokine responses and controlling glucose metabolism, which is implicated in the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Seong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hyoung Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hee Han
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Seong Seo
- Research Division for Radiation Science, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Jun Hyun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Gu Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eliel Nham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yun Noh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Cheong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Joo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeon Lim
- Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Joon Young Song, ; Sooyeon Lim,
| | - Joon Young Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Influenza Institute, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Vaccine Innovation Center - Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Joon Young Song, ; Sooyeon Lim,
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Lisovskaya S, Isaeva GS, Nikolaeva I, Guseva S, Gainatullina L, Chumarev N. COLONIZATION AND AZOLE RESISTANCE OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDA FUNGI IN INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS WITH COVID-19. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 2023. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-caa-2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 are susceptible to developing oropharyngeal candidiasis and invasive candidiasis. Invasive fungal infections can complicate the clinical course of COVID-19 and are associated with a substantially increased mortality. An important reason for the successful treatment of candidiasis is to determine the sensitivity of clinical fungal isolates to antimycotics. A microbiological study of oropharyngeal swabs was performed in 54 patients aged 33 to 94 years (mean age 67.4 years) with severe and extremely severe COVID-19, who were treated in the intensive care unit at the height of clinical manifestations. Most patients (95%) had comorbidities: hypertension (68.5%), diabetes mellitus (24%), coronary artery disease (22.2%), chronic heart failure (38.9%), obesity (23.8%), cardiac arrhythmias (20.4%), chronic cerebral ischemia (56.1%), varicose veins of the lower extremities (5.5%), chronic kidney disease (20.4%), liver cirrhosis (5.5%), HIV infection (5.5%). A comparative analysis of oropharyngeal microbial biocenosis showed differences in the frequency of occurrence of opportunistic microbial species, as well as in the number of members in microbial associations. Polyspecific fungal-bacterial associations were more common and dominated polyspecific bacterial associations. According to the results, a high frequency of oropharyngeal colonization in patients with severe COVID-19 by strains of fungi of the genus Candida was established. The vast majority of strains of fungi of the genus Candida (85.2%) were resistant to antimycotics of the azole group. A high frequency (85.2%) of oropharyngeal colonization in resuscitation patients with azole-resistant strains of fungi of the genus Candida was revealed. C. albicans dominated among Candida. C. albicans was isolated in 37 (68.5%) patients, C. pararapsilosis - in 6 (11.1%), C. tropicalis - in 3 (5.5%), C. krusei - in 2 (3.7%) %), C. kefyr - in 1 (1.9%), C. glabrata - in 1 (1.9%) patient. In 11 (20.4%) patients, associations of C. albicans and other Candida species were identified. The level of fungi in the material was etiologically significant (104 105 CFU/tamp.) in 80% of patients. The vast majority of strains (more than 70%) were resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole, which should be taken into account when prescribing candidiasis therapy in patients with COVID-19. The MIC for fluconazole against C. albicans strains was 1024 g/ml for 4 isolates, 512 g/ml for 7 isolates, and 128 g/ml for 15 isolates. The maximum MIC values for voriconazole against C. albicans was 256 g/ml.
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Abstract
A comprehensive evaluation of the risks and 1-year burdens of gastrointestinal disorders in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 is needed but is not yet available. Here we use the US Department of Veterans Affairs national health care databases to build a cohort of 154,068 people with COVID-19, 5,638,795 contemporary controls, and 5,859,621 historical controls to estimate the risks and 1-year burdens of a set of pre-specified incident gastrointestinal outcomes. We show that beyond the first 30 days of infection, people with COVID-19 exhibited increased risks and 1-year burdens of incident gastrointestinal disorders spanning several disease categories including motility disorders, acid related disorders (dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease), functional intestinal disorders, acute pancreatitis, hepatic and biliary disease. The risks were evident in people who were not hospitalized during the acute phase of COVID-19 and increased in a graded fashion across the severity spectrum of the acute phase of COVID-19 (non-hospitalized, hospitalized, and admitted to intensive care). The risks were consistent in comparisons including the COVID-19 vs the contemporary control group and COVID-19 vs the historical control group as the referent category. Altogether, our results show that people with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders in the post-acute phase of COVID-19. Post-covid care should involve attention to gastrointestinal health and disease.
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Meringer H, Wang A, Mehandru S. The Pathogenesis of Gastrointestinal, Hepatic, and Pancreatic Injury in Acute and Long Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:1-11. [PMID: 36813418 PMCID: PMC9721275 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is targeted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. The present review examines GI involvement in patients with long coronavirus disease and discusses the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that include viral persistence, mucosal and systemic immune dysregulation, microbial dysbiosis, insulin resistance, and metabolic abnormalities. Due to the complex and potentially multifactorial nature of this syndrome, rigorous clinical definitions and pathophysiology-based therapeutic approaches are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadar Meringer
- Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Icahn Building 11-02, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew Wang
- Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Icahn Building 11-02, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Saurabh Mehandru
- Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, Icahn Building 11-02, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Islam MS, Wang Z, Abdel-Mohsen M, Chen X, Montaner LJ. Tissue injury and leukocyte changes in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: review of 2833 post-acute patient outcomes per immune dysregulation and microbial translocation in long COVID. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:236-254. [PMID: 36807444 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant number of persons with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience persistent, recurrent, or new symptoms several months after the acute stage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This phenomenon, termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or long COVID, is associated with high viral titers during acute infection, a persistently hyperactivated immune system, tissue injury by NETosis-induced micro-thrombofibrosis (NETinjury), microbial translocation, complement deposition, fibrotic macrophages, the presence of autoantibodies, and lymphopenic immune environments. Here, we review the current literature on the immunological imbalances that occur during PASC. Specifically, we focus on data supporting common immunopathogenesis and tissue injury mechanisms shared across this highly heterogenous disorder, including NETosis, coagulopathy, and fibrosis. Mechanisms include changes in leukocyte subsets/functions, fibroblast activation, cytokine imbalances, lower cortisol, autoantibodies, co-pathogen reactivation, and residual immune activation driven by persistent viral antigens and/or microbial translocation. Taken together, we develop the premise that SARS-CoV-2 infection results in PASC as a consequence of acute and/or persistent single or multiple organ injury mediated by PASC determinants to include the degree of host responses (inflammation, NETinjury), residual viral antigen (persistent antigen), and exogenous factors (microbial translocation). Determinants of PASC may be amplified by comorbidities, age, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahidul Islam
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa 999078, University of Macau, Macau S.A.R., China
| | - Zhaoxiong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa 999078, University of Macau, Macau S.A.R., China
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Xin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa 999078, University of Macau, Macau S.A.R., China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa 999078, Macau S.A.R., China.,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa 999078, Macau S.A.R., China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Research Building N22, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa 999078, Macau S.A.R., China
| | - Luis J Montaner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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Fernandes de Souza WD, da Fonseca DM, Sartori A. COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis: A Complex Relationship Possibly Aggravated by Low Vitamin D Levels. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050684. [PMID: 36899820 PMCID: PMC10000583 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an exceptionally transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that appeared at the end of 2019 and triggered a pandemic of acute respiratory disease, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 can evolve into a severe disease associated with immediate and delayed sequelae in different organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). A topic that deserves attention in this context is the complex relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we initially described the clinical and immunopathogenic characteristics of these two illnesses, accentuating the fact that COVID-19 can, in defined patients, reach the CNS, the target tissue of the MS autoimmune process. The well-known contribution of viral agents such as the Epstein-Barr virus and the postulated participation of SARS-CoV-2 as a risk factor for the triggering or worsening of MS are then described. We emphasize the contribution of vitamin D in this scenario, considering its relevance in the susceptibility, severity and control of both pathologies. Finally, we discuss the experimental animal models that could be explored to better understand the complex interplay of these two diseases, including the possible use of vitamin D as an adjunct immunomodulator to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Danilo Fernandes de Souza
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Denise Morais da Fonseca
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandrina Sartori
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, Brazil
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Exploring the Role of ACE2 as a Connecting Link between COVID-19 and Parkinson's Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020536. [PMID: 36836893 PMCID: PMC9961012 DOI: 10.3390/life13020536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequently accompanied by neurological manifestations such as headache, delirium, and epileptic seizures, whereas ageusia and anosmia may appear before respiratory symptoms. Among the various neurological COVID-19-related comorbidities, Parkinson's disease (PD) has gained increasing attention. Some cases of PD disease have been linked to COVID-19, and both motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients frequently worsen following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although it is still unclear whether PD increases the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection or whether COVID-19 increases the risk of or unmasks future cases of PD, emerging evidence sheds more light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between these two diseases. Among them, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a significant component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), seems to play a pivotal role. ACE2 is required for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 to the human host cells, and ACE2 dysregulation is implicated in the severity of COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ACE2 imbalance is implicated in core shared pathophysiological mechanisms between PD and COVID-19, including aberrant inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. ACE2 may also be implicated in alpha-synuclein-induced dopaminergic degeneration, gut-brain axis dysregulation, blood-brain axis disruption, autonomic dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and hyposmia, which are key features of PD.
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Pre-existing conditions associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. J Autoimmun 2023; 135:102991. [PMID: 36634460 PMCID: PMC9816074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are conditions that occur or remain at least 28 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection. While some risk factors for PASC have been identified, little is known about pre-existing conditions that render one susceptible to developing PASC. Data from participants (n = 1224) in a longitudinal COVID-19 cohort study in Arizona were used to investigate comorbid conditions associated with PASC. After adjustment of the models for age, BMI, gender, race, and smoking, the following pre-existing conditions were statistically significantly associated with the development of PASC: asthma (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.10-2.15); chronic constipation (OR = 4.29; 95% CI = 1.15-16.00); reflux (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.01-2.34); rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 3.69; 95%CI = 1.15-11.82); seasonal allergies (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.22-1.98); and depression/anxiety (OR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.17-2.52). When grouping conditions together, statistically significant associations with PASC were observed for respiratory (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.06-2.14); gastrointestinal (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.16-2.26), and autoimmune conditions (OR = 4.38; 95% CI = 1.59-12.06). After adjustment for severity of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and depression/anxiety, seasonal allergies (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.15-1.91) and autoimmune disease (OR = 3.78; 95% CI - 1.31-10.91) remained significantly associated with risk for PASC. These findings indicate that numerous pre-existing conditions may be associated with an increased risk for the development of PASC. Patients with these conditions should consider taking extra steps to avoid infection.
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48
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Vojdani A, Vojdani E, Saidara E, Maes M. Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection, EBV, HHV-6 and Other Factors May Contribute to Inflammation and Autoimmunity in Long COVID. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020400. [PMID: 36851614 PMCID: PMC9967513 DOI: 10.3390/v15020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel syndrome called long-haul COVID or long COVID is increasingly recognized in a significant percentage of individuals within a few months after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This disorder is characterized by a wide range of persisting, returning or even new but related symptoms that involve different tissues and organs, including respiratory, cardiac, vascular, gastrointestinal, musculo-skeletal, neurological, endocrine and systemic. Some overlapping symptomatologies exist between long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Very much like with long ME/CFS, infections with herpes family viruses, immune dysregulation, and the persistence of inflammation have been reported as the most common pattern for the development of long COVID. This review describes several factors and determinants of long COVID that have been proposed, elaborating mainly on viral persistence, reactivation of latent viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 which are also associated with the pathology of ME/CFS, viral superantigen activation of the immune system, disturbance in the gut microbiome, and multiple tissue damage and autoimmunity. Based on these factors, we propose diagnostic strategies such as the measurement of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, EBV, HHV-6, viral superantigens, gut microbiota, and biomarkers of autoimmunity to better understand and manage this multi-factorial disorder that continues to affect millions of people in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab, Inc., Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-310-657-1077
| | | | - Evan Saidara
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, 1873 Rama 4 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Zyoud SH, Shakhshir M, Abushanab AS, Koni A, Shahwan M, Jairoun AA, Al-Jabi SW. Mapping the output of the global literature on the links between gut microbiota and COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2023; 42:3. [PMID: 36653831 PMCID: PMC9847460 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-023-00346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term "human microbiota" refers to populations of microorganisms that live harmoniously in co-existence with humans. They contribute significantly to the host's immunological response when confronted with a respiratory viral infection. However, little is known about the relationship between the human microbiome and COVID-19. Therefore, our objective is to perform a bibliometric analysis to explore the overall structure and hotspots of research activity on the links between microbiota and COVID-19 at the global level. METHODS The research literature on the microbiota and COVID-19 published between 2020 and 2022 was obtained from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis and network visualization were performed with VOSviewer. RESULTS Of the 701 publications selected, the USA contributed the most (n = 157, 22.40%), followed by China (n = 118, 16.83%) and Italy (n = 82, 11.70%). Hotspots in this field were "COVID-19 is associated with an altered upper respiratory tract microbiome," "the effect of antibiotics on the gut microbiome," as well as "patient nutrition and probiotic therapy in COVID-19." CONCLUSIONS The links between microbiota and COVID-19 remain an urgent concern at present, and the use of probiotics or/and antibiotics during the pandemic needs to be further improved. This landscape analysis of the links between the microbiota and COVID-19 will provide a basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa’ed H. Zyoud
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Clinical Research Centre, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Muna Shakhshir
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Nutrition, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Amani S. Abushanab
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Amer Koni
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Hematology and Oncology Pharmacy Department, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- grid.444470.70000 0000 8672 9927College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ammar A. Jairoun
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samah W. Al-Jabi
- grid.11942.3f0000 0004 0631 5695Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
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Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, Grigore GA, Czobor Barbu I, Chifiriuc MC, Savu O. Impact of COVID-19 on the Microbiome and Inflammatory Status of Type 2 Diabetes Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010179. [PMID: 36672688 PMCID: PMC9856008 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has advanced our understanding of the host-microbiome-virus interplay. Several studies in various geographical regions report that SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts the intestinal microbiota, allowing pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae to thrive, and triggering more severe disease outcomes. Here, we profile the microbiota of 30 individuals, 15 healthy controls and 15 type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, before and after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite similar viral loads in both patients and controls, SARS-CoV-2 infection led to exacerbated microbiome changes in T2D patients, characterized by higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae, loss of butyrate producers and an enrichment in fungi such as Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Several members of the microbiota were associated with more severe clinical and inflammatory (IL-8 and IL-17) parameters. Future studies to delineate the connection between cytokine release and microbiota disturbances will enhance our understanding of whether these microbial shifts directly impact the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients or whether they are consecutive to the critical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Georgiana Alexandra Grigore
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharesti, Romania
| | - Ilda Czobor Barbu
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharesti, Romania
| | - Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc
- Research Institute of University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050045 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharesti, Romania
- Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Savu
- “N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 020042 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Doctoral School, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 5th District, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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