1
|
Forsdyke DR. Cryptic late-onset myocarditis after coronavirus vaccination. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23814. [PMID: 38959046 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302692rr] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
As we enter a new era of mRNA-based therapeutics, evidence on genetic or environmental factors that might predispose to unknown off-target side effects, gains in importance. Among these factors, exercise appears likely to have influenced otherwise cryptic cases of early-onset postvaccination myocarditis. And the existence of a distinct late-onset myocarditis is now being recognized. Here, three case-history reports suggest crypticity (the author's own case), unless provoked by a preexisting cardiac morbidity (one case), or by immune checkpoint blockade to enhance anticancer autoimmunity (several cases). These reports are supported by noninvasive fluorodeoxyglucose-based cardiac scan comparisons of multiple vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects. In pre-pandemic decades, applications for funds by the leading innovator in mRNA-based therapeutics seldom gained peer-review approval. Thus, at the start of the pandemic, the meager data on such side effects could justify only emergency approval. We must do better.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald R Forsdyke
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Boros LG, Kyriakopoulos AM, Brogna C, Piscopo M, McCullough PA, Seneff S. Long-lasting, biochemically modified mRNA, and its frameshifted recombinant spike proteins in human tissues and circulation after COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2024; 12:e1218. [PMID: 38867495 PMCID: PMC11169277 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1218] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the CDC, both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines contain nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding the viral spike glycoprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by corona virus (SARS-CoV-2), administered via intramuscular injections. Despite their worldwide use, very little is known about how nucleoside modifications in mRNA sequences affect their breakdown, transcription and protein synthesis. It was hoped that resident and circulating immune cells attracted to the injection site make copies of the spike protein while the injected mRNA degrades within a few days. It was also originally estimated that recombinant spike proteins generated by mRNA vaccines would persist in the body for a few weeks. In reality, clinical studies now report that modified SARS-CoV-2 mRNA routinely persist up to a month from injection and can be detected in cardiac and skeletal muscle at sites of inflammation and fibrosis, while the recombinant spike protein may persist a little over half a year in blood. Vaccination with 1-methylΨ (pseudouridine enriched) mRNA can elicit cellular immunity to peptide antigens produced by +1 ribosomal frameshifting in major histocompatibility complex-diverse people. The translation of 1-methylΨ mRNA using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identified nine peptides derived from the mRNA +1 frame. These products impact on off-target host T cell immunity that include increased production of new B cell antigens with far reaching clinical consequences. As an example, a highly significant increase in heart muscle 18-flourodeoxyglucose uptake was detected in vaccinated patients up to half a year (180 days). This review article focuses on medical biochemistry, proteomics and deutenomics principles that explain the persisting spike phenomenon in circulation with organ-related functional damage even in asymptomatic individuals. Proline and hydroxyproline residues emerge as prominent deuterium (heavy hydrogen) binding sites in structural proteins with robust isotopic stability that resists not only enzymatic breakdown, but virtually all (non)-enzymatic cleavage mechanisms known in chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- László G. Boros
- Sub‐Molecular Medical Sciences Deutenomics CoreVrije University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Carlo Brogna
- Department of ResearchCraniomed Group Facility SrlItaly
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | | | - Stephanie Seneff
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence LaboratoryMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Spoto S, Basili S, Cangemi R, Yuste JR, Lucena F, Romiti GF, Raparelli V, Argemi J, D’Avanzo G, Locorriere L, Masini F, Calarco R, Testorio G, Spiezia S, Ciccozzi M, Angeletti S. A Focus on the Pathophysiology of Adrenomedullin Expression: Endothelitis and Organ Damage in Severe Viral and Bacterial Infections. Cells 2024; 13:892. [PMID: 38891025 PMCID: PMC11172186 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110892] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a peptide hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands, playing a crucial role in various physiological processes. As well as improving vascular integrity and decreasing vascular permeability, ADM acts as a vasodilator, positive inotrope, diuretic, natriuretic and bronchodilator, antagonizing angiotensin II by inhibiting aldosterone secretion. ADM also has antihypertrophic, anti-apoptotic, antifibrotic, antioxidant, angiogenic and immunoregulatory effects and antimicrobial properties. ADM expression is upregulated by hypoxia, inflammation-inducing cytokines, viral or bacterial substances, strength of shear stress, and leakage of blood vessels. These pathological conditions are established during systemic inflammation that can result from infections, surgery, trauma/accidents or burns. The ability to rapidly identify infections and the prognostic, predictive power makes it a valuable tool in severe viral and bacterial infections burdened by high incidence and mortality. This review sheds light on the pathophysiological processes that in severe viral or bacterial infections cause endothelitis up to the development of organ damage, the resulting increase in ADM levels dosed through its more stable peptide mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), the most significant studies that attest to its diagnostic and prognostic accuracy in highlighting the severity of viral or bacterial infections and appropriate therapeutic insights.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Spoto
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Stefania Basili
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università, 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (R.C.); (V.R.)
| | - Roberto Cangemi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università, 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (R.C.); (V.R.)
| | - José Ramón Yuste
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Avda. Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Avda. Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Felipe Lucena
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Avda. Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (F.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Giulio Francesco Romiti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università, 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (R.C.); (V.R.)
| | - Valeria Raparelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università, 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.B.); (R.C.); (V.R.)
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Avda. Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (F.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Giorgio D’Avanzo
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Luciana Locorriere
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesco Masini
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Rodolfo Calarco
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Giulia Testorio
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Serenella Spiezia
- Diagnostic and Therapeutic Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (L.L.); (F.M.); (R.C.); (G.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rubio-Casillas A, Cowley D, Raszek M, Uversky VN, Redwan EM. Review: N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1Ψ): Friend or foe of cancer? Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131427. [PMID: 38583833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131427] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Due to the health emergency created by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, the rapid implementation of a new vaccine technology was necessary. mRNA vaccines, being one of the cutting-edge new technologies, attracted significant interest and offered a lot of hope. The potential of these vaccines in preventing admission to hospitals and serious illness in people with comorbidities has recently been called into question due to the vaccines' rapidly waning immunity. Mounting evidence indicates that these vaccines, like many others, do not generate sterilizing immunity, leaving people vulnerable to recurrent infections. Additionally, it has been discovered that the mRNA vaccines inhibit essential immunological pathways, thus impairing early interferon signaling. Within the framework of COVID-19 vaccination, this inhibition ensures an appropriate spike protein synthesis and a reduced immune activation. Evidence is provided that adding 100 % of N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1Ψ) to the mRNA vaccine in a melanoma model stimulated cancer growth and metastasis, while non-modified mRNA vaccines induced opposite results, thus suggesting that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could aid cancer development. Based on this compelling evidence, we suggest that future clinical trials for cancers or infectious diseases should not use mRNA vaccines with a 100 % m1Ψ modification, but rather ones with the lower percentage of m1Ψ modification to avoid immune suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico; Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - David Cowley
- University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, United Kingdom
| | - Mikolaj Raszek
- Merogenomics (Genomic Sequencing Consulting), Edmonton, AB T5J 3R8, Canada
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Pushchino, Russia.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scheim DE, Parry PI, Rabbolini DJ, Aldous C, Yagisawa M, Clancy R, Borody TJ, Hoy WE. Back to the Basics of SARS-CoV-2 Biochemistry: Microvascular Occlusive Glycan Bindings Govern Its Morbidities and Inform Therapeutic Responses. Viruses 2024; 16:647. [PMID: 38675987 PMCID: PMC11054389 DOI: 10.3390/v16040647] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Consistent with the biochemistry of coronaviruses as well established over decades, SARS-CoV-2 makes its initial attachment to host cells through the binding of its spike protein (SP) to sialylated glycans (containing the monosaccharide sialic acid) on the cell surface. The virus can then slide over and enter via ACE2. SARS-CoV-2 SP attaches particularly tightly to the trillions of red blood cells (RBCs), platelets and endothelial cells in the human body, each cell very densely coated with sialic acid surface molecules but having no ACE2 or minimal ACE2. These interlaced attachments trigger the blood cell aggregation, microvascular occlusion and vascular damage that underlie the hypoxia, blood clotting and related morbidities of severe COVID-19. Notably, the two human betacoronaviruses that express a sialic acid-cleaving enzyme are benign, while the other three-SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-are virulent. RBC aggregation experimentally induced in several animal species using an injected polysaccharide caused most of the same morbidities of severe COVID-19. This glycan biochemistry is key to disentangling controversies that have arisen over the efficacy of certain generic COVID-19 treatment agents and the safety of SP-based COVID-19 vaccines. More broadly, disregard for the active physiological role of RBCs yields unreliable or erroneous reporting of pharmacokinetic parameters as routinely obtained for most drugs and other bioactive agents using detection in plasma, with whole-blood levels being up to 30-fold higher. Appreciation of the active role of RBCs can elucidate the microvascular underpinnings of other health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, and therapeutic opportunities to address them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E. Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Peter I. Parry
- Children’s Health Research Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia;
- Department of Psychiatry, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - David J. Rabbolini
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
| | - Colleen Aldous
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa;
| | - Morimasa Yagisawa
- Satoshi Omura Memorial Research Institute, Kitasato University, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
- Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Robert Clancy
- Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, Australia
| | | | - Wendy E. Hoy
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bakos T, Mészáros T, Kozma GT, Berényi P, Facskó R, Farkas H, Dézsi L, Heirman C, de Koker S, Schiffelers R, Glatter KA, Radovits T, Szénási G, Szebeni J. mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccine Lipids Induce Complement Activation and Production of Proinflammatory Cytokines: Mechanisms, Effects of Complement Inhibitors, and Relevance to Adverse Reactions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3595. [PMID: 38612407 PMCID: PMC11012056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073595] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A small fraction of people vaccinated with mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP)-based COVID-19 vaccines display acute or subacute inflammatory symptoms whose mechanism has not been clarified to date. To better understand the molecular mechanism of these adverse events (AEs), here, we analyzed in vitro the vaccine-induced induction and interrelations of the following two major inflammatory processes: complement (C) activation and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Incubation of Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty and Moderna's Spikevax with 75% human serum led to significant increases in C5a, sC5b-9, and Bb but not C4d, indicating C activation mainly via the alternative pathway. Control PEGylated liposomes (Doxebo) also induced C activation, but, on a weight basis, it was ~5 times less effective than that of Comirnaty. Viral or synthetic naked mRNAs had no C-activating effects. In peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures supplemented with 20% autologous serum, besides C activation, Comirnaty induced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in the following order: IL-1α < IFN-γ < IL-1β < TNF-α < IL-6 < IL-8. Heat-inactivation of C in serum prevented a rise in IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting C-dependence of these cytokines' induction, although the C5 blocker Soliris and C1 inhibitor Berinert, which effectively inhibited C activation in both systems, did not suppress the release of any cytokines. These findings suggest that the inflammatory AEs of mRNA-LNP vaccines are due, at least in part, to stimulation of both arms of the innate immune system, whereupon C activation may be causally involved in the induction of some, but not all, inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the pharmacological attenuation of inflammatory AEs may not be achieved via monotherapy with the tested C inhibitors; efficacy may require combination therapy with different C inhibitors and/or other anti-inflammatory agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Bakos
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Tamás Mészáros
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Tibor Kozma
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Berényi
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Réka Facskó
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Henriette Farkas
- Hungarian Center of Reference and Excellence, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - László Dézsi
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Etherna Biopharmaceuticals, 2845 Niel, Belgium; (C.H.); (S.d.K.)
| | - Stefaan de Koker
- Etherna Biopharmaceuticals, 2845 Niel, Belgium; (C.H.); (S.d.K.)
| | - Raymond Schiffelers
- Division of Laboratories and Pharmacy, University Medical Center, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Tamás Radovits
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
- Department of Surgical Research and Techniques, Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szénási
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
| | - János Szebeni
- Nanomedicine Research and Education Center, Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (T.B.); (T.M.); (G.T.K.); (P.B.); (R.F.); (L.D.); (G.S.)
- SeroScience LCC., 1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Nanobiotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Miskolc University, 3530 Miskolc, Hungary
- Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 06351, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kikuchi K, Tahara N, Fukumoto Y. Benign hypermetabolic lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258936. [PMID: 38359956 PMCID: PMC10875504 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Kikuchi
- Division of Brain Science, Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Tahara
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fukumoto
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Igyártó BZ, Qin Z. The mRNA-LNP vaccines - the good, the bad and the ugly? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336906. [PMID: 38390323 PMCID: PMC10883065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336906] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mRNA-LNP vaccine has received much attention during the COVID-19 pandemic since it served as the basis of the most widely used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Western countries. Based on early clinical trial data, these vaccines were deemed safe and effective for all demographics. However, the latest data raise serious concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines. Here, we review some of the safety and efficacy concerns identified to date. We also discuss the potential mechanism of observed adverse events related to the use of these vaccines and whether they can be mitigated by alterations of this vaccine mechanism approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Botond Z. Igyártó
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Klement RJ, Walach H. Commentary: raised c-troponin levels as a sign of myocardial injury after COVID-19 vaccination in healthy individuals are worrying. Egypt Heart J 2024; 76:16. [PMID: 38300486 PMCID: PMC10834889 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-024-00441-1] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, Buergin et al. (Eur J Heart Fail 25(10):1871-1881, 2023 doi:10.1002/ejhf.2978) thoroughly measured a frequency of 2.8% elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels, a sign of myocardial damage, after mRNA-1273 (Moderna) booster vaccinations. In their discussion, they claim that before vaccinations were available, the incidence and extent of myocardial damage associated with COVID-19 infection would have been much higher. We here scrutinize this claim based on empirical data. MAIN BODY Burgin et al. have only cited papers in support of their claim which considered hospitalized COVID-19 patients. After extracting COVID-19 infection data from Germany and Switzerland and the expected frequency of elevated troponin levels after COVID-19 infection in both hospitalized and non-hospitalized individuals, we find that the extent of myocardial damage after vaccinating a considerable proportion of the general population is expected to be much higher than after natural infections. CONCLUSIONS The claim that the extent of myocardial injury after COVID-19 infection would be higher than after vaccination is not supported by empirical evidence and therefore wrong. We conclude that cross-national systematic observational studies should be conducted that allow a more precise estimation of the risk-benefit ratio of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Johannes Klement
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leopoldina Hospital, Robert-Koch-Strasse 10, 97422, Schweinfurt, Germany.
| | - Harald Walach
- Next Society Institute, Kazimieras Simonavicius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Change Health Science Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ng MY, Tam CH, Lee YP, Fong HTA, Wong CK, Ng WKC, Yeung MHY, Ling WHI, Tsao S, Wan EYF, Ferreira V, Yan AT, Siu CW, Yiu KH, Hung IFN. Post-COVID-19 vaccination myocarditis: a prospective cohort study pre and post vaccination using cardiovascular magnetic resonance. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2023; 25:74. [PMID: 38057820 PMCID: PMC10702006 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-023-00985-2] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns about COVID-19 vaccination induced myocarditis or subclinical myocarditis persists in some populations. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has been used to detect signs of COVID-19 vaccination induced myocarditis. This study aims to: (i) characterise myocardial tissue, function, size before and after COVID-19 vaccination, (ii) determine if there is imaging evidence of subclinical myocardial inflammation or injury after vaccination using CMR. METHODS Subjects aged ≥ 12yrs old without prior COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccination underwent two CMR examinations: first, ≤ 14 days before the first COVID-19 vaccination and a second time ≤ 14 days after the second COVID-19 vaccination. Biventricular indices, ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), left ventricular (LV) myocardial native T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV) quantification, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), white cell count (WCC), C-reactive protein (CRP), NT-proBNP, troponin-T, electrocardiogram (ECG), and 6-min walk test were assessed in a blinded fashion. RESULTS 67 subjects were included. First and second CMR examinations were performed a median of 4 days before the first vaccination (interquartile range 1-8 days) and 5 days (interquartile range 3-6 days) after the second vaccination respectively. No significant change in global native T1, T2, ECV, LV EF, right ventricular EF, LV GLS, LGE, ECG, LDH, troponin-T and 6-min walk test was demonstrated after COVID-19 vaccination. There was a significant WCC decrease (6.51 ± 1.49 vs 5.98 ± 1.65, p = 0.003) and CRP increase (0.40 ± 0.22 vs 0.50 ± 0.29, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION This study found no imaging, biochemical or ECG evidence of myocardial injury or inflammation post COVID-19 vaccination, thus providing some reassurance that COVID-19 vaccinations do not typically cause subclinical myocarditis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yen Ng
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Room 406, Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Cheuk Hang Tam
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Room 406, Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yung Pok Lee
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Room 406, Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ho Tung Ambrose Fong
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Room 406, Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Ka Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Kei Carol Ng
- Department of Radiology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Maegan Hon Yan Yeung
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Room 406, Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wood-Hay Ian Ling
- Grantham Hospital, 125 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Aberdeen, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sabrina Tsao
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Yuk Fai Wan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vanessa Ferreira
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew T Yan
- St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chung Wah Siu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai-Hang Yiu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Scheim DE, Vottero P, Santin AD, Hirsh AG. Sialylated Glycan Bindings from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to Blood and Endothelial Cells Govern the Severe Morbidities of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17039. [PMID: 38069362 PMCID: PMC10871123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Consistent with well-established biochemical properties of coronaviruses, sialylated glycan attachments between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) and host cells are key to the virus's pathology. SARS-CoV-2 SP attaches to and aggregates red blood cells (RBCs), as shown in many pre-clinical and clinical studies, causing pulmonary and extrapulmonary microthrombi and hypoxia in severe COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 SP attachments to the heavily sialylated surfaces of platelets (which, like RBCs, have no ACE2) and endothelial cells (having minimal ACE2) compound this vascular damage. Notably, experimentally induced RBC aggregation in vivo causes the same key morbidities as for severe COVID-19, including microvascular occlusion, blood clots, hypoxia and myocarditis. Key risk factors for COVID-19 morbidity, including older age, diabetes and obesity, are all characterized by markedly increased propensity to RBC clumping. For mammalian species, the degree of clinical susceptibility to COVID-19 correlates to RBC aggregability with p = 0.033. Notably, of the five human betacoronaviruses, the two common cold strains express an enzyme that releases glycan attachments, while the deadly SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS do not, although viral loads for COVID-19 and the two common cold infections are similar. These biochemical insights also explain the previously puzzling clinical efficacy of certain generics against COVID-19 and may support the development of future therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 and long COVID patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Paola Vottero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Alessandro D Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208063, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moy L. Top Publications in Radiology, 2023: Our 100th Year. Radiology 2023; 309:e233126. [PMID: 38085075 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.233126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
|