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Vogel JM, Pollack B, Spier E, McCorkell L, Jaudon TW, Fitzgerald M, Davis H, Cohen AK. Designing and optimizing clinical trials for long COVID. Life Sci 2024; 355:122970. [PMID: 39142505 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122970] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID is a debilitating, multisystemic illness following a SARS-CoV-2 infection whose duration may be indefinite. Over four years into the pandemic, little knowledge has been generated from clinical trials. We analyzed the information available on ClinicalTrials.gov, and found that the rigor and focus of trials vary widely, and that the majority test non-pharmacological interventions with insufficient evidence. We highlight promising trials underway, and encourage the proliferation of clinical trials for treating Long COVID and other infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses (IACCIs). We recommend several guidelines for Long COVID trials: First, pharmaceutical trials with potentially curative, primary interventions should be prioritized, and both drug repurposing and new drug development should be pursued. Second, study designs should be both rigorous and accessible, e.g., triple-blinded randomized trials that can be conducted remotely, without participants needing to leave their homes. Third, studies should have multiple illness comparator cohorts for IACCIs such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and dysautonomia, and screen for the full spectrum of symptomatology and pathologies of these illnesses. Fourth, studies should consider inclusion/exclusion criteria with an eye towards equity and breadth of representation, including participants of all races, ethnicities, and genders most impacted by COVID-19, and including all levels of illness severity. Fifth, involving patient-researchers in all aspects of studies brings immensely valuable perspectives that will increase the impact of trials. We also encourage the development of efficient clinical trial designs including methods to study several therapies in parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Moore Vogel
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America.
| | - Beth Pollack
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ezra Spier
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America
| | - Lisa McCorkell
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America
| | - Toni Wall Jaudon
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
| | | | - Hannah Davis
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America
| | - Alison K Cohen
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America; University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, 550 16th street, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States of America
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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] [MESH Headings] [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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Wen Z, Ablimit A. Comprehensive analysis of scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq reveals ubiquitin promotes pulmonary fibrosis in chronic pulmonary diseases. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21195. [PMID: 39261509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70659-1] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that there are 544.9 million people suffering from chronic respiratory diseases in the world, which is the third largest chronic disease. Although there are various clinical treatment methods, there is no specific drug for chronic pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Therefore, it is urgent to clarify the pathological mechanism and medication development. Single-cell transcriptome data of human and mouse from GEO database were integrated by "Harmony" algorithm. The data was standardized and normalized by using "Seurat" package, and "SingleR" algorithm was used for cell grouping annotation. The "Findmarker" function is used to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were enriched and analyzed by using "clusterProfiler", and a protein interaction network was constructed for DEGs, and four algorithms are used to find the hub genes. The expression of hub genes were analyzed in independent human and mouse single-cell transcriptome data. Bulk RNA data were used to integrate by the "SVA" function, verify the expression levels of hub genes and build a diagnostic model. The L1000FWD platform was used to screen potential drugs. Through exploring the similarities and differences by integrated single-cell atlas, we found that the lung parenchymal cells showed abnormal oxidative stress, cell matrix adhesion and ubiquitination in COPD, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), ILD and IPF. Meanwhile, the lung resident immune cells showed abnormal Toll-like receptor signals, interferon signals and ubiquitination. However, unlike acute pneumonia (COVID-19), chronic pulmonary disease shows enhanced ubiquitination. This phenomenon was confirmed in independent external human single-cell atlas, but unfortunately, it was not confirmed in mouse single-cell atlas of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and influenza virus-infected mouse model, which means that the model needs to be optimized. In addition, the bulk RNA-Seq data of COVID-19, ILD and IPF was integrated, and we found that the immune infiltration of lung tissue was enhanced, consistent with the single-cell level, UBA52, UBB and UBC were low expressed in COVID-19 and high expressed in ILD, and had a strong correlation with the expression of cell matrix adhesion genes. UBA52 and UBB have good diagnostic efficacy, and salermide and SSR-69071 can be used as their candidate drugs. Our study found that the disorder of protein ubiquitination in chronic pulmonary diseases is an important cause of pathological phenotype of pulmonary fibrosis by integrating scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq, which provides a new horizons for clinicopathology, diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuman Wen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
- College of Nursing and Health, Xinjiang Career Technical College, Kuitun, China
| | - Abduxukur Ablimit
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China.
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Thomas C, Faghy MA, Chidley C, Phillips BE, Bewick T, Ashton RE. Blood Biomarkers of Long COVID: A Systematic Review. Mol Diagn Ther 2024; 28:537-574. [PMID: 39103645 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-024-00731-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long coronavirus disease (COVID; LC) affects millions of people worldwide. The exact mechanisms which result in a broad, undulating and detrimental symptom profile remain unknown. Blood biomarkers associated with LC have been described; however, consensus on these remains elusive, in part due to a lack of continuity between studies on a universally accepted definition of LC. This systematic review aimed to consolidate current knowledge of blood biomarkers associated with the prevalence of LC on the basis of the World Health Organisation (WHO) clinical definition of this condition. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Observational, cross-sectional, and randomised control studies published in the English language that studied blood biomarkers associated with the WHO definition of LC. All studies included participants who were ≥ 18 years old and group sizes ≥ 10 participants, and were compared against a control group without any known co-morbidities. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and prospectively registered on Prospero (ID: CRD42022373121). The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to January 2024. Search results were gathered using Rayyan software and data extracted using Microsoft Excel. The reporting recommendations for tumour markers prognostic studies (REMARK) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS A total of 45 observational and one interventional study comprising 4415 participants were included in this review which identified 525 blood biomarkers thought to be associated with LC. Three blood biomarker subtypes were associated with the development of LC: (1) immunological and inflammatory dysfunction, (2) endothelial/vascular dysfunction and (3) metabolic and clotting abnormalities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our data are consistent with previous findings; however, no single biomarker was sufficiently associated with LC prevalence and instead a profile of biomarkers across various physiological systems may be more clinically useful. In all, 196 studies were excluded due to a lack of an adequately healthy comparator group and/or failure to meet the WHO LC definition. This demonstrates a need for further research incorporating a universal LC definition across all disease severity groups and symptom profiles, and longitudinal data reflecting the relapsing and remitting nature of this condition. Further investigation into blood biomarkers of LC, including clear reporting of healthy comparator groups and the investigation of acute and chronic biomarker changes, within the context of medical practice, may support the development of curative/restorative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Thomas
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK.
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Mark A Faghy
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Corinna Chidley
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Bethan E Phillips
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research and NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK
| | - Thomas Bewick
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derby, UK
| | - Ruth E Ashton
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL, USA
- Research Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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Suski M, Olszanecka A, Stachowicz A, Kiepura A, Terlecki M, Madej J, Rajzer M, Olszanecki R. Alterations in plasma proteome during acute COVID-19 and recovery. Mol Med 2024; 30:131. [PMID: 39183264 PMCID: PMC11346252 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severe course of COVID-19 causes cardiovascular injuries, although the mechanisms involved are still not fully recognized, linked, and understood. Their characterization is of great importance with the establishment of the conception of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, referred to as long COVID, where blood clotting and endothelial abnormalities are believed to be the key pathomechanisms driving circulatory system impairment. METHODS The presented study investigates temporal changes in plasma proteins in COVID-19 patients during hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and six months after recovery by targeted SureQuant acquisition using PQ500 panel. RESULTS In total, we identified 167 proteins that were differentially regulated between follow-up and hospitalization, which functionally aggregated into immune system activation, complement and coagulation cascades, interleukins signalling, platelet activation, and extracellular matrix organization. Furthermore, we found that temporal quantitative changes in acute phase proteins correlate with selected clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS In-depth targeted proteome investigation evidenced substantial changes in plasma protein composition of patients during and recovering from COVID-19, evidencing a wide range of functional pathways induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we show that a subset of acute phase proteins, clotting cascade regulators and lipoproteins could have clinical value as potential predictors of long-term cardiovascular events in COVID-19 convalescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Suski
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka str, Kraków, 31 531, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Olszanecka
- Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Arterial Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 2 Jakubowskiego str, Kraków, 30-688, Poland
- University Hospital in Kraków, 2 Jakubowskiego str, Kraków, 30-688, Poland
| | - Aneta Stachowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka str, Kraków, 31 531, Poland
| | - Anna Kiepura
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka str, Kraków, 31 531, Poland
| | - Michał Terlecki
- Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Arterial Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 2 Jakubowskiego str, Kraków, 30-688, Poland
- University Hospital in Kraków, 2 Jakubowskiego str, Kraków, 30-688, Poland
| | - Józef Madej
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka str, Kraków, 31 531, Poland
| | - Marek Rajzer
- Department of Cardiology, Interventional Electrocardiology and Arterial Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 2 Jakubowskiego str, Kraków, 30-688, Poland
- University Hospital in Kraków, 2 Jakubowskiego str, Kraków, 30-688, Poland
| | - Rafał Olszanecki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka str, Kraków, 31 531, Poland
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Zeng B, Peng X, Chen L, Liu J, Xia L. Bile Acid Metabolism Analysis Provides Insights into Vascular Endothelial Injury in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats. Metabolites 2024; 14:452. [PMID: 39195548 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14080452] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
As an unhealthy dietary habit, a high-salt diet can affect the body's endocrine system and metabolic processes. As one of the most important metabolites, bile acids can prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to reveal the bile acid metabolism changes in salt-sensitive hypertension-induced vascular endothelial injury. The model was established using a high-salt diet, and the success of this procedure was confirmed by detecting the levels of the blood pressure, vascular regulatory factors, and inflammatory factors. An evaluation of the histological sections of arterial blood vessels and kidneys confirmed the pathological processes in these tissues of experimental rats. Bile acid metabolism analysis was performed to identify differential bile acids between the low-salt diet group and the high-salt diet group. The results indicated that the high-salt diet led to a significant increase in blood pressure and the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The high-salt diet causes disorders in bile acid metabolism. The levels of four differential bile acids (glycocholic acid, taurolithocholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, and glycolithocholic acid) significantly increased in the high-salt group. Further correlation analysis indicated that the levels of ET-1 and TNF-α were positively correlated with these differential bile acid levels. This study provides new evidence for salt-sensitive cardiovascular diseases and metabolic changes caused by a high-salt diet in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihan Zeng
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xile Peng
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lina Xia
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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Xu J, Wu D, Yang J, Zhao Y, Liu X, Chang Y, Tang Y, Sun F, Zhao Y. Adult outpatients with long COVID infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Part 1: Oral microbiota alterations. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00489-3. [PMID: 39151680 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many individuals experience long COVID after SARS-CoV-2 infection. As microbiota can influence health, it may change with COVID-19. This study investigated differences in oral microbiota between COVID-19 patients with and without long COVID. METHODS Based on a prospective follow-up investigation, this nested case-control study evaluated the differences in oral microbiota in individuals with and without long COVID (Symptomatic and Asymptomatic groups), which were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing on tongue coating samples. A predictive model was established using machine learning based on specific differential microbial communities. RESULTS One-hundred-and-eight patients were included (n=54 Symptomatic group). The Symptomatic group had higher Alpha diversity indices (observed_otus, Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices), differences in microbial composition (Beta diversity), and microbial dysbiosis with increased diversity and relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Marker bacteria (c__Campylobacterota, o__Coriobacteriales, o__Pseudomonadales, and o__Campylobacterales) were associated with long COVID by linear discriminant analysis effect size and receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC 0.821). CONCLUSION There were distinct variations in oral microbiota between COVID-19 patients with and without long COVID. Changes in oral microbiota may indicate long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Xu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China; Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Di Wu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China; The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Yinuo Zhao
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Xuzhao Liu
- Handan Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Handan, 056002,China
| | - Yingying Chang
- The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Wuhan Metware Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yubin Zhao
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China; Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Shijiazhuang College of Applied Technology 050081, China.
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Chien C, Heine J, Khalil A, Schlenker L, Hartung TJ, Boesl F, Schwichtenberg K, Rust R, Bellmann‐Strobl J, Franke C, Paul F, Finke C. Altered brain perfusion and oxygen levels relate to sleepiness and attention in post-COVID syndrome. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:2016-2029. [PMID: 38874398 PMCID: PMC11330224 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52121] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Persisting neurological symptoms after COVID-19 affect up to 10% of patients and can manifest in fatigue and cognitive complaints. Based on recent evidence, we evaluated whether cerebral hemodynamic changes contribute to post-COVID syndrome (PCS). METHODS Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated brain perfusion and oxygen level estimates in 47 patients (44.4 ± 11.6 years; F:M = 38:9) and 47 individually matched healthy control participants. Group differences were calculated using two-sample t-tests. Multivariable linear regression was used for associations of each regional perfusion and oxygen level measure with cognition and sleepiness measures. Exploratory hazard ratios were calculated for each brain metric with clinical measures. RESULTS Patients presented with high levels of fatigue (79%) and daytime sleepiness (45%). We found widespread decreased brain oxygen levels, most evident in the white matter (false discovery rate adjusted-p-value (p-FDR) = 0.038) and cortical grey matter (p-FDR = 0.015). Brain perfusion did not differ between patients and healthy participants. However, delayed patient caudate nucleus perfusion was associated with better executive function (p-FDR = 0.008). Delayed perfusion in the cortical grey matter and hippocampus were associated with a reduced risk of daytime sleepiness (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.07, p = 0.037 and HR = 0.06, p = 0.034). Decreased putamen oxygen levels were associated with a reduced risk of poor cognitive outcome (HR = 0.22, p = 0.019). Meanwhile, lower thalamic oxygen levels were associated with a higher risk of cognitive fatigue (HR = 6.29, p = 0.017). INTERPRETATION Our findings of lower regional brain blood oxygen levels suggest increased cerebral metabolism in PCS, which potentially holds a compensatory function. These hemodynamic changes were related to symptom severity, possibly representing metabolic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Chien
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinExperimental and Clinical Research CenterBerlinGermany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research CenterCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurosciencesCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
| | - Josephine Heine
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinExperimental and Clinical Research CenterBerlinGermany
- Department of Psychiatry and NeurosciencesCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Ahmed Khalil
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Lars Schlenker
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institut für Med. Immunologie, ImmundefektambulanzBerlinGermany
| | - Tim J. Hartung
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Fabian Boesl
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Katia Schwichtenberg
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Rebekka Rust
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinExperimental and Clinical Research CenterBerlinGermany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research CenterCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institut für Med. Immunologie, ImmundefektambulanzBerlinGermany
| | - Judith Bellmann‐Strobl
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinExperimental and Clinical Research CenterBerlinGermany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research CenterCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Christiana Franke
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinExperimental and Clinical Research CenterBerlinGermany
- Neuroscience Clinical Research CenterCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC)BerlinGermany
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of NeurologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Berlin School of Mind and BrainHumboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
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9
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Shafqat A, Masters MC, Tripathi U, Tchkonia T, Kirkland JL, Hashmi SK. Long COVID as a disease of accelerated biological aging: An opportunity to translate geroscience interventions. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102400. [PMID: 38945306 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102400] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
It has been four years since long COVID-the protracted consequences that survivors of COVID-19 face-was first described. Yet, this entity continues to devastate the quality of life of an increasing number of COVID-19 survivors without any approved therapy and a paucity of clinical trials addressing its biological root causes. Notably, many of the symptoms of long COVID are typically seen with advancing age. Leveraging this similarity, we posit that Geroscience-which aims to target the biological drivers of aging to prevent age-associated conditions as a group-could offer promising therapeutic avenues for long COVID. Bearing this in mind, this review presents a translational framework for studying long COVID as a state of effectively accelerated biological aging, identifying research gaps and offering recommendations for future preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areez Shafqat
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mary Clare Masters
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Utkarsh Tripathi
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tamara Tchkonia
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James L Kirkland
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahrukh K Hashmi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health, Abu Dhabi, UAE; College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Aljadah M, Khan N, Beyer AM, Chen Y, Blanker A, Widlansky ME. Clinical Implications of COVID-19-Related Endothelial Dysfunction. JACC. ADVANCES 2024; 3:101070. [PMID: 39055276 PMCID: PMC11269277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction represents a measurable and early manifestation of vascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests cardiovascular risk remains elevated after COVID-19 infection for at least 12 months, regardless of cardiovascular disease status prior to infection. We review the relationship between the severity of endothelial dysfunction and the severity of acute COVID-19 illness, the degree of impairment following recovery in both those with and without postacute sequalae SARS-CoV-2 infection, and current therapeutic efforts targeting endothelial function in patients following COVID-19 infection. We identify gaps in the literature to highlight specific areas where clinical research efforts hold promise for progress in understanding the connections between endothelial function, COVID-19, and clinical outcomes that will lead to beneficial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Aljadah
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nabeel Khan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andreas M. Beyer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yiliang Chen
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrew Blanker
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael E. Widlansky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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11
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Kempuraj D, Aenlle KK, Cohen J, Mathew A, Isler D, Pangeni RP, Nathanson L, Theoharides TC, Klimas NG. COVID-19 and Long COVID: Disruption of the Neurovascular Unit, Blood-Brain Barrier, and Tight Junctions. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:421-439. [PMID: 37694571 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231194927] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), could affect brain structure and function. SARS-CoV-2 can enter the brain through different routes, including the olfactory, trigeminal, and vagus nerves, and through blood and immunocytes. SARS-CoV-2 may also enter the brain from the peripheral blood through a disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB). The neurovascular unit in the brain, composed of neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, and pericytes, protects brain parenchyma by regulating the entry of substances from the blood. The endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes highly express angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), indicating that the BBB can be disturbed by SARS-CoV-2 and lead to derangements of tight junction and adherens junction proteins. This leads to increased BBB permeability, leakage of blood components, and movement of immune cells into the brain parenchyma. SARS-CoV-2 may also cross microvascular endothelial cells through an ACE2 receptor-associated pathway. The exact mechanism of BBB dysregulation in COVID-19/neuro-COVID is not clearly known, nor is the development of long COVID. Various blood biomarkers could indicate disease severity and neurologic complications in COVID-19 and help objectively diagnose those developing long COVID. This review highlights the importance of neurovascular and BBB disruption, as well as some potentially useful biomarkers in COVID-19, and long COVID/neuro-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Kristina K Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jessica Cohen
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Annette Mathew
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Dylan Isler
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Rajendra P Pangeni
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Lubov Nathanson
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Zerón-Rugerio MF, Zaragozá MC, Domingo JC, Sanmartín-Sentañes R, Alegre-Martin J, Castro-Marrero J, Cambras T. Sleep and circadian rhythm alterations in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID fatigue syndrome and its association with cardiovascular risk factors: A prospective cohort study. Chronobiol Int 2024; 41:1104-1115. [PMID: 39037125 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2380020] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate circadian rhythm manifestations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patients (including a subpopulation of long-COVID patients) and matched healthy controls while also exploring their association with cardiovascular health variables. Thirty-one ME/CFS patients (75% females), 23 individuals diagnosed with post-COVID ME/CFS (56% females) and 31 matched healthy controls (68% females) were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using validated self-reported outcome measures. Actigraphy data, collected over one week, were used to analyze the 24-h profiles of wrist temperature, motor activity, and sleep circadian variables in the study participants. Associations between lipid profile with endothelial dysfunction biomarkers (such as endothelin-1, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and with sleep and circadian variables were also studied. No differences were found in these variables between the two group of patients. Patients showed lower activity and worse sleep quality than matched healthy controls, together with a worse lipid profile than controls, that was associated with disturbances in the circadian temperature rhythm. ICAM-1 levels were associated with plasma lipids in healthy controls, but not in patients, who showed higher levels of endothelin-1 and VCAM-1. These findings suggest that lipid profiles in ME/CFS are linked to disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, likely due to endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, they highlight the intricate relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and cardiovascular health in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Zerón-Rugerio
- Department of Clinical and Fundamental Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Joan Carles Domingo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Sanmartín-Sentañes
- Division of Rheumatology, ME/CFS Clinical Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Alegre-Martin
- Division of Rheumatology, ME/CFS Clinical Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Castro-Marrero
- Division of Rheumatology, Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Trinitat Cambras
- Nutrition and Food Safety Research Institute (INSA-UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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He Y, Liu X, Zha S, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Hu K. A pilot randomized controlled trial of major ozone autohemotherapy for patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112673. [PMID: 39018686 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112673] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
This prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial assessed the therapeutic effects of major ozone autohemotherapy (O3-MAH) in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Seventy-three eligible participants were randomly assigned to an O3-MAH plus conventional therapy group (n = 35) or a conventional therapy alone group (n = 38). Symptom score, pulmonary function, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters were evaluated before and after the interventions. Both groups demonstrated improvements in various parameters post-intervention, but efficacy was greater in the O3-MAH group than the conventional treatment group; with intervention effectiveness defined as a ≥ 50 % reduction in symptom score, 25 of 35 patients (71 %) responded to O3-MAH, while 17/38 patients (45 %) responded to conventional treatment alone (P = 0.0325). Significant improvements in symptom scores (P = 0.0478), tidal volume (P = 0.0374), predicted 6MWD (P = 0.0032), and coagulation and inflammatory indicators were noted in the O3-MAH group compared with the conventional treatment group. O3-MAH was more likely to be effective in patients with elevated CRP levels. Furthermore, O3-MAH markedly improved cellular immunity, and this improvement became more pronounced with extended treatment duration. In summary, combining O3-MAH with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional therapy alone in improving symptoms, pulmonary function, inflammation, coagulation, and cellular immunity in patients with PASC. Further research is now warranted to validate these findings and individualize the regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China
| | - Shiqian Zha
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, PR China.
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14
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Nunes M, Vlok M, Proal A, Kell DB, Pretorius E. Data-independent LC-MS/MS analysis of ME/CFS plasma reveals a dysregulated coagulation system, endothelial dysfunction, downregulation of complement machinery. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2024; 23:254. [PMID: 39014464 PMCID: PMC11253362 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02315-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic condition that is characterized by unresolved fatigue, post-exertion symptom exacerbation (PESE), cognitive dysfunction, orthostatic intolerance, and other symptoms. ME/CFS lacks established clinical biomarkers and requires further elucidation of disease mechanisms. A growing number of studies demonstrate signs of hematological and cardiovascular pathology in ME/CFS cohorts, including hyperactivated platelets, endothelial dysfunction, vascular dysregulation, and anomalous clotting processes. To build on these findings, and to identify potential biomarkers that can be related to pathophysiology, we measured differences in protein expression in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) samples from 15 ME/CFS study participants and 10 controls not previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, using DIA LC-MS/MS. We identified 24 proteins that are significantly increased in the ME/CFS group compared to the controls, and 21 proteins that are significantly downregulated. Proteins related to clotting processes - thrombospondin-1 (important in platelet activation), platelet factor 4, and protein S - were differentially expressed in the ME/CFS group, suggestive of a dysregulated coagulation system and abnormal endothelial function. Complement machinery was also significantly downregulated, including C9 which forms part of the membrane attack complex. Additionally, we identified a significant upregulation of lactotransferrin, protein S100-A9, and an immunoglobulin variant. The findings from this experiment further implicate the coagulation and immune system in ME/CFS, and bring to attention the pathology of or imposed on the endothelium. This study highlights potential systems and proteins that require further research with regards to their contribution to the pathogenesis of ME/CFS, symptom manifestation, and biomarker potential, and also gives insight into the hematological and cardiovascular risk for ME/CFS individuals affected by diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Nunes
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Mare Vlok
- Central Analytical Facility: Mass Spectrometry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, Room 6054, Clinical Building, Francie Van Zijl Drive Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Amy Proal
- PolyBio Research Foundation, 7900 SE 28th ST, Suite 412, Mercer Island, DC, 98040, USA
| | - Douglas B Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Chemitorvet 200, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1 Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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15
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Keller B, Receno CN, Franconi CJ, Harenberg S, Stevens J, Mao X, Stevens SR, Moore G, Levine S, Chia J, Shungu D, Hanson MR. Cardiopulmonary and metabolic responses during a 2-day CPET in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: translating reduced oxygen consumption to impairment status to treatment considerations. J Transl Med 2024; 22:627. [PMID: 38965566 PMCID: PMC11229500 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-exertional malaise (PEM), the hallmark symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), represents a constellation of abnormal responses to physical, cognitive, and/or emotional exertion including profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and exertion intolerance, among numerous other maladies. Two sequential cardiopulmonary exercise tests (2-d CPET) provide objective evidence of abnormal responses to exertion in ME/CFS but validated only in studies with small sample sizes. Further, translation of results to impairment status and approaches to symptom reduction are lacking. METHODS Participants with ME/CFS (Canadian Criteria; n = 84) and sedentary controls (CTL; n = 71) completed two CPETs on a cycle ergometer separated by 24 h. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA compared CPET measures at rest, ventilatory/anaerobic threshold (VAT), and peak effort between phenotypes and CPETs. Intraclass correlations described stability of CPET measures across tests, and relevant objective CPET data indicated impairment status. A subset of case-control pairs (n = 55) matched for aerobic capacity, age, and sex, were also analyzed. RESULTS Unlike CTL, ME/CFS failed to reproduce CPET-1 measures during CPET-2 with significant declines at peak exertion in work, exercise time, V ˙ e, V ˙ O2, V ˙ CO2, V ˙ T, HR, O2pulse, DBP, and RPP. Likewise, CPET-2 declines were observed at VAT for V ˙ e/ V ˙ CO2, PetCO2, O2pulse, work, V ˙ O2 and SBP. Perception of effort (RPE) exceeded maximum effort criteria for ME/CFS and CTL on both CPETs. Results were similar in matched pairs. Intraclass correlations revealed greater stability in CPET variables across test days in CTL compared to ME/CFS owing to CPET-2 declines in ME/CFS. Lastly, CPET-2 data signaled more severe impairment status for ME/CFS compared to CPET-1. CONCLUSIONS Presently, this is the largest 2-d CPET study of ME/CFS to substantiate impaired recovery in ME/CFS following an exertional stressor. Abnormal post-exertional CPET responses persisted compared to CTL matched for aerobic capacity, indicating that fitness level does not predispose to exertion intolerance in ME/CFS. Moreover, contributions to exertion intolerance in ME/CFS by disrupted cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic factors implicates autonomic nervous system dysregulation of blood flow and oxygen delivery for energy metabolism. The observable declines in post-exertional energy metabolism translate notably to a worsening of impairment status. Treatment considerations to address tangible reductions in physiological function are proffered. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov, retrospectively registered, ID# NCT04026425, date of registration: 2019-07-17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Keller
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - Candace N Receno
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Carl J Franconi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Sebastian Harenberg
- Department of Human Kinetics, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Jared Stevens
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | | | - Staci R Stevens
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Geoff Moore
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Susan Levine
- Susan Levine, MD Clinical Practice, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | | | | | - Maureen R Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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16
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Erinoso O, Osibogun O, Balakrishnan S, Yang W. Long COVID among US adults from a population-based study: Association with vaccination, cigarette smoking, and the modifying effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prev Med 2024; 184:108004. [PMID: 38754738 PMCID: PMC11148848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.108004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-COVID Conditions (or Long COVID) have been widely reported, but population-based studies exploring the relationship between its risk factors are lacking. We examined the associations between Long COVID, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], vaccination status, and cigarette smoking. We also tested for the modifying effect of COPD status. METHODS Data from the 2022 US nationwide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed. Our primary outcome was Long COVID (Yes/No) after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Predictor variables were COPD, coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, asthma, body mass index, cigarette smoking status, and number of COVID-19 vaccinations (0-4). Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Regression models were used to explore the modifying effects of COPD status. RESULTS The weighted prevalence of Long COVID among survivors (N = 121,379) was 21.8% (95%CI: 21.4, 22.3), with tiredness/fatigue (26.2% [95%:25.1, 27.2]) as the most common symptom. Respondents with COPD (aOR: 1.71 [95%CI: 1.45, 2.02]), current daily smokers (aOR: 1.23 [95%CI:1.01, 1.49]), and former smokers (aOR: 1.24 [95%CI:1.12, 1.38]) (vs. never established smokers) had higher odds of Long COVID. However, respondents who had received three (aOR: 0.75 [95%CI:0.65, 0.85]) and four (aOR: 0.71 [95%CI:0.58, 0.86]) vaccine doses (vs. no vaccine) had lower odds of Long COVID. COPD had a modifying effect on the relationship between cigarette smoking and Long COVID (p-value: 0.013). CONCLUSION Our findings underscore a complex interaction between COPD, cigarette smoking, and Long COVID. Further, COVID-19 vaccination may be protective against Long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufemi Erinoso
- Department of Health Behavior, Policy, and Administration Science, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.
| | - Olatokunbo Osibogun
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Siva Balakrishnan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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17
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Saito S, Shahbaz S, Osman M, Redmond D, Bozorgmehr N, Rosychuk RJ, Lam G, Sligl W, Cohen Tervaert JW, Elahi S. Diverse immunological dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and impaired erythropoiesis in long COVID patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Autoimmun 2024; 147:103267. [PMID: 38797051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103267] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
A substantial number of patients recovering from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection present serious lingering symptoms, often referred to as long COVID (LC). However, a subset of these patients exhibits the most debilitating symptoms characterized by ongoing myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). We specifically identified and studied ME/CFS patients from two independent LC cohorts, at least 12 months post the onset of acute disease, and compared them to the recovered group (R). ME/CFS patients had relatively increased neutrophils and monocytes but reduced lymphocytes. Selective T cell exhaustion with reduced naïve but increased terminal effector T cells was observed in these patients. LC was associated with elevated levels of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, Galectin-9 (Gal-9), and artemin (ARTN). A defined threshold of Gal-9 and ARTN concentrations had a strong association with LC. The expansion of immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) was noted. These cells may modulate the immune response and contribute to increased ARTN concentration, which correlated with pain and cognitive impairment. Serology revealed an elevation in a variety of autoantibodies in LC. Intriguingly, we found that the frequency of 2B4+CD160+ and TIM3+CD160+ CD8+ T cells completely separated LC patients from the R group. Our further analyses using a multiple regression model revealed that the elevated frequency/levels of CD4 terminal effector, ARTN, CEC, Gal-9, CD8 terminal effector, and MCP1 but lower frequency/levels of TGF-β and MAIT cells can distinguish LC from the R group. Our findings provide a new paradigm in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS to identify strategies for its prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suguru Saito
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Shima Shahbaz
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Mohammed Osman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Desiree Redmond
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Najmeh Bozorgmehr
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Rhonda J Rosychuk
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Grace Lam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- School of Dentistry, Division of Foundational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2E1, AB, Canada.
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18
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Glace BW, Kremenic IJ, Hogan DE, Kwiecien SY, McHUGH MP. Habitual physical activity and COVID-19. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2024; 64:685-693. [PMID: 38916092 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.24.15516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) is known to decrease COVID-19 risk factors and can attenuate symptoms of viral infections. However, difficulty exercising and fatigue are common complaints after COVID-19. It is unknown whether prior habitual PA will improve outcomes and what the time course is until full recovery of PA after COVID-19. METHODS Invitations were emailed to 21,933 adults who were SARS-CoV-2 positive between March 2020 and February 2021. Participants completed intake surveys and the Physical Activity History (PAH) questionnaire regarding PA during the 3-month prior to infection. Monthly thereafter, for up to 23 months, participants were emailed surveys. Scores were computed for moderate and heavy PA. Long COVID (LC) was defined as having recurring/persistent symptoms 9 months after diagnosis. RESULTS Overall, 993 patients completed the intake survey (age 50.7±15.8 years, BMI 27.3±9.2, 58% women); 28% had been hospitalized. One-third had recovered to their pre-infection level of PA at 9 months post-infection; this increased to 65% at one year, and 90% at two years. Higher pre-diagnosis PA reduced odds of hospitalization (P<0.05) but not of LC. Factors predictive of poor PA recovery were higher pre-diagnosis PA, shortness of breath and fatigue during acute illness, and fatigue chronically. Participants who reported ongoing symptoms had consistently poorer recovery of habitual PA compared to those not reporting chronic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Habitual PA reduced odds of hospitalization but not of LC. Thirty-five percent had not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels of PA one year after infection, representing a major public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth W Glace
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA -
| | - Ian J Kremenic
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel E Hogan
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan Y Kwiecien
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Malachy P McHUGH
- Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health, New York, NY, USA
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19
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Montoliu Nebot J, Iradi Casal A, Cepeda Madrigal S, Rissi G, Sanz Saz S, Molés Gimeno JD, Miravet Sorribes LM. [Physiological assessment and management of post-COVID patients with normal cardiopulmonary imaging and functional tests]. Semergen 2024; 50:102282. [PMID: 38936100 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2024.102282] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Contributing to elucidate the pathophysiology of dyspnoea and exertion intolerance in post-COVID syndrome patients with normal cardiopulmonary imaging and functional tests at rest, while determining their fitness and level of endurance in order to individualize working parameters for physical rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS After an anamnesis and clinical examination at rest, 27 subjects (50±11.9 years) (14 women) with post-COVID syndrome of more than 6 months of evolution performed a continuous maximal-incremental graded cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with breath-by-breath gas-exchange monitoring and continuous ECG registration, on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. The values obtained were compared with those of reference, gender or controls, using the Chi-square, t-Student or ANOVA test. RESULTS The clinical examination at rest and the CPET were clinically normal and without adverse events. Reasons for stopping exercise were leg discomfort. It is only worth noting a BMI=29.9±5.8kg/m2 and a basal lactate concentration of 2.1±0.7mmol/L. The physiological assessment of endurance showed the following results relative to predicted VO2máx: 1)peakVO2=80.5±18.6%; 2)VO2 at ventilatory threshold1 (VO2VT1): 46.0±12.9%; 3)VO2VT2: 57.2±16.4%; 4)working time in acidosis: 5.6±3,0minutes; and 5)maximum lactate concentration: 5.1±2.2mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS The CPET identified limited aerobic metabolism and early increase in glycolytic metabolism as causes of dyspnoea and exercise intolerance, determined fitness for physical rehabilitation, and individualized it based on the level of endurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Montoliu Nebot
- Unidad de Medicina Deportiva, Servicio de Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, España
| | - A Iradi Casal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, Valencia, España
| | - S Cepeda Madrigal
- Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari de La Plana, Vila-real, Castellón, España
| | - G Rissi
- Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari de La Plana, Vila-real, Castellón, España
| | - S Sanz Saz
- Unidad de Medicina Deportiva, Servicio de Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, España
| | - J D Molés Gimeno
- Unidad de Medicina Deportiva, Servicio de Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, España
| | - L M Miravet Sorribes
- Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari de La Plana, Vila-real, Castellón, España.
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20
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Xu X, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Yang C, Guo X, Zhang Q, Li Y, Wu J, Cao X, Chen X, Cai G. The effect of short-term remote ischemic preconditioning on endothelial function of patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized pilot study. Nephrology (Carlton) 2024; 29:344-353. [PMID: 38438117 DOI: 10.1111/nep.14282] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
AIM Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more susceptible to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CV). Remote ischemic preconditioning (rIPC) has been proven efficient in improving endothelial function and lowering the risk of CV. However, the safety and effect of rIPC on endothelial function in patients with CKD have not been effectively assessed. METHODS 45 patients with CKD (average estimated glomerular filtration rate: 48.4 mL/min/1.73 m2) were randomly allocated to either 7-day daily upper-arm rIPC (4 × 5 min 200 mmHg, interspaced by 5-min reperfusion) or control (4 × 5 min 60 mmHg, interspaced by 5-min reperfusion). Vascular endothelial function was assessed by natural log-transformed reactive hyperemia index (LnRHI) before and after a 7-day intervention. Arterial elasticity was assessed by augmentation index (AI). RESULTS The results showed that LnRHI could be improved by rIPC treatment (Pre = 0.57 ± 0.04 vs. Post = 0.67 ± 0.04, p = .001) with no changes relative to control (Pre = 0.68 ± 0.06 vs. Post = 0.64 ± 0.05, p = .470). Compared with the control group, the improvement of LnRHI was greater after rIPC treatment (rIPC vs. Control: 0.10 ± 0.03 vs. -0.04 ± 0.06, between-group mean difference, -0.15 [95% CI, -0.27 to -0.02], p = .027), while there was no significant difference in the change of AI@75 bpm (p = .312) between the two groups. CONCLUSION RIPC is safe and well tolerated in patients with CKD. This pilot study suggests that rIPC seems to have the potential therapeutic effect to improve endothelial function. Of note, further larger trials are still warranted to confirm the efficacy of rIPC in improving endothelial function in CKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xieguanxuan Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhao Chen
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinru Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yisha Li
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xueying Cao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - XiangMei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, China
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21
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Prodel E, Souza R, Divino B, Rocha HNM, Rocha NG, Nobrega ACL. Hyperaemia during dynamic handgrip exercise is preserved in healthy young subjects after recovery from COVID-19. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:841-846. [PMID: 38460126 PMCID: PMC11140172 DOI: 10.1113/ep091656] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
We sought to investigate possible impaired hyperaemia during dynamic handgrip exercise (HGE) in young healthy individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. We tested the vascular function in individuals recovered from COVID-19 using a nitric oxide donor (i.e., sodium nitroprusside; SNP), which could revert a possible impaired endothelial function during HGE. Further, we tested whether individuals who recovered from COVID-19 would present exaggerated brachial vascular resistance under an adrenergic agonist (i.e., phenylephrine; PHE) stimuli during HGE. Participants were distributed into two groups: healthy controls (Control; men: n = 6, 30 ± 3 years, 26 ± 1 kg/m2; and women: n = 5, 25 ± 1 years, 25 ± 1 kg/m2) and subjects recovered from COVID-19 (post-COVID; men: n = 6, 29 ± 3 years, 25 ± 1 kg/m2; and women: n = 10, 32 ± 4 years, 22 ± 1 kg/m2). Participants in the post-COVID group tested positive (RT-PCR) 12-14 weeks before the protocol. Heart rate (HR), brachial blood pressure (BP), brachial blood flow (BBF) and vascular conductance (BVC) at rest were not different between groups. The HGE increased HR (Control: Δ9 ± 0.4 bpm; and post-COVID: Δ11 ± 0.4 bpm) and BP (Control: Δ6 ± 1 mmHg; and post-COVID: Δ12 ± 0.6 mmHg) in both groups. Likewise, BBF (Control: Δ632 ± 38 ml/min; and post-COVID: Δ620 ± 27 ml/min) and BVC (Control: Δ6.6 ± 0.4 ml/min/mmHg; and post-COVID: Δ6.1 ± 0.3 ml/min/mmHg) increased during HGE. SNP did not change HGE-induced hyperaemia but did decrease BP, which induced a reflex-related increase in HR. PHE infusion also did not change the HGE-induced hyperaemia but raised BP and reduced HR. In conclusion, exercise-induced hyperaemia is preserved in healthy young subjects 12-14 weeks after recovery from COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Prodel
- Laboratory of Exercise Science, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
| | - Roberto Souza
- Laboratory of Exercise Science, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
| | - Beatriz Divino
- Laboratory of Exercise Science, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
| | - Helena N. M. Rocha
- Laboratory of Exercise Science, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Cardiometabology, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
| | - Natalia G. Rocha
- Laboratory of Exercise Science, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Cardiometabology, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
| | - Antonio C. L. Nobrega
- Laboratory of Exercise Science, Department of Physiology and PharmacologyFluminense Federal UniversityNiteróiBrazil
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22
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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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23
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Annesley SJ, Missailidis D, Heng B, Josev EK, Armstrong CW. Unravelling shared mechanisms: insights from recent ME/CFS research to illuminate long COVID pathologies. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:443-458. [PMID: 38443223 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.02.003] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic illness often triggered by an initiating acute event, mainly viral infections. The transition from acute to chronic disease remains unknown, but interest in this phenomenon has escalated since the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-COVID-19 illness, termed 'long COVID' (LC). Both ME/CFS and LC share many clinical similarities. Here, we present recent findings in ME/CFS research focussing on proposed disease pathologies shared with LC. Understanding these disease pathologies and how they influence each other is key to developing effective therapeutics and diagnostic tests. Given that ME/CFS typically has a longer disease duration compared with LC, with symptoms and pathologies evolving over time, ME/CFS may provide insights into the future progression of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia.
| | - Daniel Missailidis
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Human and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elisha K Josev
- Neurodisability & Rehabilitation, Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher W Armstrong
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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24
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Li AY, Li WX, Li J. Emerging trends in management of long COVID with a focus on pulmonary rehabilitation: A review. THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2024; 18:e13777. [PMID: 38775379 PMCID: PMC11110486 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), represents a complex condition with persistent symptoms following SARS-Cov-2 infection. The symptoms include fatigue, dyspnoea, cognitive impairment, decreased quality of life in variable levels of severity. Potential mechanisms behind long COVID include vascular damage, immune dysregulation and viral persistence. Diagnosing long COVID involves medical evaluation by multidisciplinary team and assessment of persistent symptoms with scoring systems in development. Treatment strategies are symptom-focused, encompassing multidisciplinary care, rehabilitation and tailored exercise programmes. Pulmonary rehabilitation, an effective and critical component of long COVID management, has shown promise, particularly for patients with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnoea. These programmes, which combine exercise, breathing techniques, education and psychological support, improve symptoms, quality of life and overall recovery. Innovative technologies, such as telemedicine, wearable devices, telerehabilitation, are transforming long COVID management. Telemedicine facilitates consultations and interventions, eliminating healthcare access barriers. Wearable devices enable remote and continuous monitoring of patients during their rehabilitation activities. Telerehabilitation has proven to be safe and feasible and to have high potential for COVID-19 recovery. This review provides a concise overview of long COVID, encompassing its definition, prevalence, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management approaches. It emphasizes the significance of multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and treatment of long COVID, with focus on pulmonary rehabilitation and innovative technology advances to effectively address the management of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Y. Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- College of EngineeringUniversity of California Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCaliforniaUSA
| | - Willis X. Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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25
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Li H, Zhao J, Xing Y, Chen J, Wen Z, Ma R, Han F, Huang B, Wang H, Li C, Chen Y, Ning X. Identification of Age-Related Characteristic Genes Involved in Severe COVID-19 Infection Among Elderly Patients Using Machine Learning and Immune Cell Infiltration Analysis. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10802-9. [PMID: 38656671 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10802-9] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Elderly patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are at higher risk of severe clinical manifestation, extended hospitalization, and increased mortality. Those patients are more likely to experience persistent symptoms and exacerbate the condition of basic diseases with long COVID-19 syndrome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19 in the elderly patients remain unclear. Our study aims to investigate the function of the interaction between disease-characteristic genes and immune cell infiltration in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 datasets (GSE164805 and GSE180594) and aging dataset (GSE69832) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The combined different expression genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Diseases Ontology functional enrichment analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, machine learning, and immune cell infiltration analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the eight DEGs (IL23A, PTGER4, PLCB1, IL1B, CXCR1, C1QB, MX2, ALOX12) were mainly involved in inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, coronavirus disease-COVID-19, and cytokine activity signaling pathways. Three-degree algorithm (LASSO, SVM-RFE, KNN) and correlation analysis showed that the five DEGs up-regulated the immune cells of macrophages M0/M1, memory B cells, gamma delta T cell, dendritic cell resting, and master cell resisting. Our study identified five hallmark genes that can serve as disease-characteristic genes and target immune cells infiltrated in severe COVID-19 patients among the elderly population, which may contribute to the study of pathogenesis and the evaluation of diagnosis and prognosis in aging patients infected with severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital of Shaan xi Province, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Xing
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Rui Ma
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fengxia Han
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Boyong Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ning
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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26
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Grote K, Schaefer AC, Soufi M, Ruppert V, Linne U, Mukund Bhagwat A, Szymanski W, Graumann J, Gercke Y, Aldudak S, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Schieffer E, Schieffer B. Targeting the High-Density Lipoprotein Proteome for the Treatment of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4522. [PMID: 38674105 PMCID: PMC11049911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084522] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we target the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) proteome in a case series of 16 patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms treated with HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors (statin) plus angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) for 6 weeks. Patients suffering from persistent symptoms (post-acute sequelae) after serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID-19 syndrome, PCS, n = 8) or following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (PVS, n = 8) were included. Asymptomatic subjects with corresponding serological findings served as healthy controls (n = 8/8). HDL was isolated using dextran sulfate precipitation and the HDL proteome of all study participants was analyzed quantitatively by mass spectrometry. Clinical symptoms were assessed using questionnaires before and after therapy. The inflammatory potential of the patients' HDL proteome was addressed in human endothelial cells. The HDL proteome of patients with PCS and PVS showed no significant differences; however, compared to controls, the HDL from PVS/PCS patients displayed significant alterations involving hemoglobin, cytoskeletal proteins (MYL6, TLN1, PARVB, TPM4, FLNA), and amyloid precursor protein. Gene Ontology Biological Process (GOBP) enrichment analysis identified hemostasis, peptidase, and lipoprotein regulation pathways to be involved. Treatment of PVS/PCS patients with statins plus ARBs improved the patients' clinical symptoms. After therapy, three proteins were significantly increased (FAM3C, AT6AP2, ADAM10; FDR < 0.05) in the HDL proteome from patients with PVS/PCS. Exposure of human endothelial cells with the HDL proteome from treated PVS/PCS patients revealed reduced inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule expression. Thus, HDL proteome analysis from PVS/PCS patients enables a deeper insight into the underlying disease mechanisms, pointing to significant involvement in metabolic and signaling disturbances. Treatment with statins plus ARBs improved clinical symptoms and reduced the inflammatory potential of the HDL proteome. These observations may guide future therapeutic strategies for PVS/PCS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Grote
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Ann-Christin Schaefer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Muhidien Soufi
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Volker Ruppert
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Aditya Mukund Bhagwat
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany (W.S.)
| | - Witold Szymanski
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany (W.S.)
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany (W.S.)
| | - Yana Gercke
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Sümeya Aldudak
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
- Institute Cardiovascular Complications in Pregnancy and Oncologic Therapies, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Elisabeth Schieffer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Bernhard Schieffer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
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Domingo JC, Battistini F, Cordobilla B, Zaragozá MC, Sanmartin-Sentañes R, Alegre-Martin J, Cambras T, Castro-Marrero J. Association of circulating biomarkers with illness severity measures differentiates myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID-19 condition: a prospective pilot cohort study. J Transl Med 2024; 22:343. [PMID: 38600563 PMCID: PMC11005215 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05148-0] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that autonomic dysfunction and persistent systemic inflammation are common clinical features in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID. However, there is limited knowledge regarding their potential association with circulating biomarkers and illness severity in these conditions. METHODS This single-site, prospective, cross-sectional, pilot cohort study aimed to distinguish between the two patient populations by using self-reported outcome measures and circulating biomarkers of endothelial function and systemic inflammation status. Thirty-one individuals with ME/CFS, 23 individuals with long COVID, and 31 matched sedentary healthy controls were included. All study participants underwent non-invasive cardiovascular hemodynamic challenge testing (10 min NASA lean test) for assessment of orthostatic intolerance. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between outcome measures and circulating biomarkers in the study participants. Classification across groups was based on principal component and discriminant analyses. RESULTS Four ME/CFS patients (13%), 1 with long COVID (4%), and 1 healthy control (3%) presented postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) using the 10-min NASA lean test. Compared with matched healthy controls, ME/CFS and long COVID subjects showed higher levels of ET-1 (p < 0.05) and VCAM-1 (p < 0.001), and lower levels of nitrites (NOx assessed as NO2- + NO3-) (p < 0.01). ME/CFS patients also showed higher levels of serpin E1 (PAI-1) and E-selectin than did both long COVID and matched control subjects (p < 0.01 in all cases). Long COVID patients had lower TSP-1 levels than did ME/CFS patients and matched sedentary healthy controls (p < 0.001). As for inflammation biomarkers, both long COVID and ME/CFS subjects had higher levels of TNF-α than did matched healthy controls (p < 0.01 in both comparisons). Compared with controls, ME/CFS patients had higher levels of IL-1β (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IL-10 (p < 0.001), IP-10 (p < 0.05), and leptin (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis supported differentiation between groups based on self-reported outcome measures and biomarkers of endothelial function and inflammatory status in the study population. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that combining biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation with outcome measures differentiate ME/CFS and Long COVID using robust discriminant analysis of principal components. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive characterization of these underlying pathomechanisms, which could be promising targets for therapeutic and preventive strategies in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Carles Domingo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Federica Battistini
- Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics Group, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Begoña Cordobilla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | | | - Ramón Sanmartin-Sentañes
- Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain
| | - Jose Alegre-Martin
- Division of Rheumatology, Clinical Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain
- Division of Rheumatology, Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain
| | - Trinitat Cambras
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- Division of Rheumatology, Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, 08035, Spain.
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28
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Nunes JM, Kell DB, Pretorius E. Herpesvirus Infection of Endothelial Cells as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Viruses 2024; 16:572. [PMID: 38675914 PMCID: PMC11053605 DOI: 10.3390/v16040572] [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] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathophysiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is critical for advancing treatment options. This review explores the novel hypothesis that a herpesvirus infection of endothelial cells (ECs) may underlie ME/CFS symptomatology. We review evidence linking herpesviruses to persistent EC infection and the implications for endothelial dysfunction, encompassing blood flow regulation, coagulation, and cognitive impairment-symptoms consistent with ME/CFS and Long COVID. This paper provides a synthesis of current research on herpesvirus latency and reactivation, detailing the impact on ECs and subsequent systemic complications, including latent modulation and long-term maladaptation. We suggest that the chronicity of ME/CFS symptoms and the multisystemic nature of the disease may be partly attributable to herpesvirus-induced endothelial maladaptation. Our conclusions underscore the necessity for further investigation into the prevalence and load of herpesvirus infection within the ECs of ME/CFS patients. This review offers conceptual advances by proposing an endothelial infection model as a systemic mechanism contributing to ME/CFS, steering future research toward potentially unexplored avenues in understanding and treating this complex syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M. Nunes
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa;
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Chemitorvet 200, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa;
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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29
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Gröschel J, Grassow L, van Dijck P, Bhoyroo Y, Blaszczyk E, Schulz-Menger J. Trajectories of functional and structural myocardial parameters in post-COVID-19 syndrome-insights from mid-term follow-up by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1357349. [PMID: 38628318 PMCID: PMC11018885 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1357349] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myocardial tissue alterations in patients with post-Coronavirus disease 2019 syndrome (PCS) are often subtle and mild. Reports vary in the prevalence of non-ischemic and ischemic injuries as well as the extent of ongoing myocardial inflammation. The exact relevance of these myocardial alterations is not fully understood. This study aimed at describing the trajectories of myocardial alterations in PCS patients by mid-term follow-up with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods This study entails a retrospective analysis of symptomatic PCS patients referred for follow-up CMR between August 2020 and May 2023 due to mildly affected or reduced left or right ventricular function (LV and RV, respectively) and structural myocardial alterations, e.g., focal and diffuse fibrosis, on baseline scans. Follow-up CMR protocol consisted of cine images and full coverage native T1 and T2 mapping. Baseline and follow-up scans were compared using t-tests or Wilcoxon tests. Post-hoc analysis was carried out in a subgroup based on the change of LV stroke volume (SV) between scans. Results In total, 43 patients [median age (interquartile range) 46 (37-56) years, 33 women] received follow-ups 347 (167-651) days after initial diagnosis. A decrease in symptoms was recorded on follow-ups (p < 0.03) with 23 patients being asymptomatic at follow-ups [symptomatic at baseline 43/43 (100%) vs. symptomatic at follow-up 21/43 (49%), p < 0.001]. Functional improvement was noted for LV-SV [83.3 (72.7-95.0) vs. 84.0 (77.0-100.3) ml; p = 0.045], global radial [25.3% (23.4%-27.9%) vs. 27.4% (24.4%-33.1%); p < 0.001], and circumferential strains [-16.5% (-17.5% to -15.6%) vs. -17.2% (-19.5% to -16.1%); p < 0.001]. In total, 17 patients had an LV-SV change >10% on follow-up scans (5 with a decrease and 12 with an increase), with LV-SV, RV-SV, and global longitudinal strain being discriminatory variables on baseline scans (p = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04, respectively). T1- or T2-analysis revealed no changes, remaining within normal limits. Conclusion Symptomatic load as well as blood pressures decreased on follow-up. CMR did not detect significant changes in tissue parameters; however, volumetric, specifically LV-SV, and deformation indexes improved during mid-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gröschel
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité—Medical Heart Center of Charité and German Heart Institute Berlin, Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonhard Grassow
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Phillip van Dijck
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité—Medical Heart Center of Charité and German Heart Institute Berlin, Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und Intensivmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yashraj Bhoyroo
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edyta Blaszczyk
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a Joint Cooperation Between Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Pietrangelo T, Cagnin S, Bondi D, Santangelo C, Marramiero L, Purcaro C, Bonadio RS, Di Filippo ES, Mancinelli R, Fulle S, Verratti V, Cheng X. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14122. [PMID: 38483046 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14122] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a demanding medical condition for patients and society. It has raised much more public awareness after the COVID-19 pandemic since ME/CFS and long-COVID patients share many clinical symptoms such as debilitating chronic fatigue. However, unlike long COVID, the etiopathology of ME/CFS remains a mystery despite several decades' research. This review moves from pathophysiology of ME/CFS through the compelling evidence and most interesting hypotheses. It focuses on the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle by proposing the hypothesis that skeletal muscle tissue offers novel opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome and that new evidence can help resolve the long-standing debate on terminology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Cagnin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- CIR-Myo Myology Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Danilo Bondi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmen Santangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marramiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Purcaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Ester Sara Di Filippo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rosa Mancinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Fulle
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Xuanhong Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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31
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Theoharides TC, Twahir A, Kempuraj D. Mast cells in the autonomic nervous system and potential role in disorders with dysautonomia and neuroinflammation. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:440-454. [PMID: 37951572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Mast cells (MC) are ubiquitous in the body, and they are critical for not only in allergic diseases but also in immunity and inflammation, including having potential involvement in the pathophysiology of dysautonomias and neuroinflammatory disorders. MC are located perivascularly close to nerve endings and sites such as the carotid bodies, heart, hypothalamus, the pineal gland, and the adrenal gland that would allow them not only to regulate but also to be affected by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). MC are stimulated not only by allergens but also many other triggers including some from the ANS that can affect MC release of neurosensitizing, proinflammatory, and vasoactive mediators. Hence, MC may be able to regulate homeostatic functions that seem to be dysfunctional in many conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, and Long-COVID syndrome. The evidence indicates that there is a possible association between these conditions and diseases associated with MC activation. There is no effective treatment for any form of these conditions other than minimizing symptoms. Given the many ways MC could be activated and the numerous mediators released, it would be important to develop ways to inhibit stimulation of MC and the release of ANS-relevant mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Assma Twahir
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
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32
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Mone P, Jankauskas SS, Manzi MV, Gambardella J, Coppola A, Kansakar U, Izzo R, Fiorentino G, Lombardi A, Varzideh F, Sorriento D, Trimarco B, Santulli G. Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles Enriched in microRNA-34a Predict New-Onset Diabetes in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: Novel Insights for Long COVID Metabolic Sequelae. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:34-39. [PMID: 38336381 PMCID: PMC10949163 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001253] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and diabetes is 2-fold: 1) it is known that the presence of diabetes and other metabolic alterations poses a considerably high risk to develop a severe COVID-19; 2) patients who survived a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have an increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are mostly unknown, and there are no reliable biomarkers to predict the development of new-onset diabetes. In the present study, we demonstrate that a specific microRNA (miR-34a) contained in circulating extracellular vesicles released by endothelial cells reliably predicts the risk of developing new-onset diabetes in COVID-19. This association was independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking status, and D-dimer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We demonstrate for the first time that a specific microRNA (miR-34a) contained in circulating extracellular vesicles released by endothelial cells is able to reliably predict the risk of developing diabetes after having contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This association was independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking status, and D-dimer. Our findings are also relevant when considering the emerging importance of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, with systemic manifestations observed even months after viral negativization (long COVID).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Mone
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Stanislovas S Jankauskas
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Maria Virginia Manzi
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Jessica Gambardella
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Antonietta Coppola
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Raffaele Izzo
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Fiorentino
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Angela Lombardi
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Fahimeh Varzideh
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Daniela Sorriento
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Bruno Trimarco
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Einstein Institute for Aging Research (P.M., S.S.J., J.G., U.K., A.L., F.V., G.S.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Einstein Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (M.V.M., J.G., R.I., D.S., B.T., G.S.); Clinica Montevergine, Mercogliano, Avellino (P.M.); and COVID-19 Division, A.O.R.N. Ospedali dei Colli, Naples, Italy (A.C., G.F.)
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Sárközi AT, Tornyi I, Békési E, Horváth I. Co-Morbidity Clusters in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1457. [PMID: 38592290 PMCID: PMC10934165 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051457] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome, characterized by persistent symptoms emerging more than 12 weeks after acute infection, displays diverse manifestations. This study aimed to analyze co-existing organ dysfunctions in post-COVID-19 patients and explore their potential association with the acute COVID-19 episode and functional impairment. Methods: Data from 238 patients attending post-COVID-19 outpatient care between 1 March 2021 and 1 March 2022, after previous hospitalization for acute COVID-19, were retrospectively analyzed with 80 having comprehensive mapping of organ involvement. Results: The average time between acute episode and post-COVID-19 care was 149 days. Spirometry indicated significant abnormalities in lung function. Predominant symptoms included respiratory (75%), fatigue (73%), neurological (62.5%), and ear-nose-throat issues (51.25%). Multiorgan dysfunctions were observed in 87.5% of patients, contributing to an 18.33% reduction in health quality compared to pre-acute COVID-19 levels. Subgroup analysis identified four distinct post-COVID-19 syndrome subgroups, highlighting the coexistence of respiratory and neurological disorders as potential indicators and drivers of further organ involvement. Our results reveal that most patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome suffer from multiorgan disorders. Conclusions: The presence of coexisting respiratory and neurological symptoms suggests the involvement of other organ systems as well. The complexity of multiorgan involvement requires further studies to provide insights into the different symptom clusters and identify potential targets for personalized preventive and therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Teréz Sárközi
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Ilona Tornyi
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Erik Békési
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Ildikó Horváth
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
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Tamariz L, Bast E, Klimas N, Palacio A. Low-dose Naltrexone Improves post-COVID-19 condition Symptoms. Clin Ther 2024; 46:e101-e106. [PMID: 38267326 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.12.009] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome can be adapted for post-COVID-19 condition. Our aim was to compare treatments in patients from our post-COVID-19 clinic. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study and included consecutive patients enrolled in our post-COVID-19 clinic. We included patients who received low-dose naltrexone, amitriptyline, duloxetine, and physical therapy, and evaluated improvements in fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and brain fog recorded in the electronic health record. We calculated the adjusted relative hazard of improvement using Cox proportional models. We adjusted for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and prior COVID-19 hospitalization. FINDINGS We included the first 108 patients with post-COVID-19 enrolled in the clinic. Most of the patients received amitriptyline. The relative hazard of improvement for those taking low-dose naltrexone was 5.04 (95% CI, 1.22-20.77; P = 0.02) compared with physical therapy alone. Both fatigue and pain were improved in patients taking low-dose naltrexone; only fatigue was improved in patients taking amitriptyline. IMPLICATIONS Post-COVID-19 condition symptoms may improve in patients taking medications adapted from myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Randomized controlled trials should evaluate these medications and translational studies should further evaluate their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Tamariz
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of MIami, Miami, Florida.
| | - Elizabeth Bast
- Department of Ambulatory Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Ana Palacio
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of MIami, Miami, Florida
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Peo LC, Wiehler K, Paulick J, Gerrer K, Leone A, Viereck A, Haegele M, Stojanov S, Warlitz C, Augustin S, Alberer M, Hattesohl DBR, Froehlich L, Scheibenbogen C, Jason LA, Mihatsch LL, Pricoco R, Behrends U. Pediatric and adult patients with ME/CFS following COVID-19: A structured approach to diagnosis using the Munich Berlin Symptom Questionnaire (MBSQ). Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1265-1276. [PMID: 38095713 PMCID: PMC10951047 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05351-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
A subset of patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) fulfill the clinical criteria of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). To establish the diagnosis of ME/CFS for clinical and research purposes, comprehensive scores have to be evaluated. We developed the Munich Berlin Symptom Questionnaires (MBSQs) and supplementary scoring sheets (SSSs) to allow for a rapid evaluation of common ME/CFS case definitions. The MBSQs were applied to young patients with chronic fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM) who presented to the MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC). Trials were retrospectively registered (NCT05778006, NCT05638724). Using the MBSQs and SSSs, we report on ten patients aged 11 to 25 years diagnosed with ME/CFS after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild to moderate COVID-19. Results from their MBSQs and from well-established patient-reported outcome measures indicated severe impairments of daily activities and health-related quality of life. Conclusions: ME/CFS can follow SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients younger than 18 years, rendering structured diagnostic approaches most relevant for pediatric PCC clinics. The MBSQs and SSSs represent novel diagnostic tools that can facilitate the diagnosis of ME/CFS in children, adolescents, and adults with PCC and other post-infection or post-vaccination syndromes. What is Known: • ME/CFS is a debilitating disease with increasing prevalence due to COVID-19. For diagnosis, a differential diagnostic workup is required, including the evaluation of clinical ME/CFS criteria. • ME/CFS after COVID-19 has been reported in adults but not in pediatric patients younger than 19 years. What is New: • We present the novel Munich Berlin Symptom Questionnaires (MBSQs) as diagnostic tools to assess common ME/CFS case definitions in pediatric and adult patients with post-COVID-19 condition and beyond. • Using the MBSQs, we diagnosed ten patients aged 11 to 25 years with ME/CFS after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild to moderate COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Carlotta Peo
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Wiehler
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Paulick
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Gerrer
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ariane Leone
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Viereck
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Haegele
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia Stojanov
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Child and Adolescent Psychsomatics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cordula Warlitz
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia Augustin
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Alberer
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Laura Froehlich
- Research Center CATALPA, FernUniversität in Hagen, Hagen, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, 60614, USA
| | - Lorenz L Mihatsch
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rafael Pricoco
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany.
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Kitselman A K, Bédard-Matteau J, Rousseau S, Tabrizchi R, Daneshtalab N. Sex differences in vascular endothelial function related to acute and long COVID-19. Vascul Pharmacol 2024; 154:107250. [PMID: 38043758 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107250] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been at the forefront of health sciences research since its emergence in China in 2019 that quickly led to a global pandemic. As a result of this research, and the large numbers of infected patients globally, there were rapid enhancements made in our understanding of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathology, including its role in the development of uncontrolled immune responses and its link to the development of endotheliitis and endothelial dysfunction. There were also some noted differences in the rate and severity of infection between males and females with acute COVID. Some individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 also experience long-COVID, an important hallmark symptom of this being Myalgic Encephalomyelitis-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME-CFS), also experienced differently between males and females. The purpose of this review is to discuss the impact of sex on the vasculature during acute and long COVID-19, present any link between ME-CFS and endothelial dysfunction, and provide evidence for the relationship between ME-CFS and the immune system. We also will delineate biological sex differences observed in other post viral infections and, assess if sex differences exist in how the immune system responds to viral infection causing ME-CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Kitselman A
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Jérôme Bédard-Matteau
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Québec, Canada; Meakins-Christie Laboratories, RI-MUHC, Block EOffice EM3.2244Lab E03.21371001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Simon Rousseau
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Québec, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Québec, Canada; Meakins-Christie Laboratories, RI-MUHC, Block EOffice EM3.2244Lab E03.21371001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Reza Tabrizchi
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Noriko Daneshtalab
- School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
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Meng M, Wei R, Wu Y, Zeng R, Luo D, Ma Y, Zhang L, Huang W, Zeng H, Leung FW, Qiu X, Sha W, Chen H. Long-term risks of respiratory diseases in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2: a longitudinal, population-based cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 69:102500. [PMID: 38389713 PMCID: PMC10882104 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In the post-pandemic era, growing apprehension exists regarding the potential sequelae of COVID-19. However, the risks of respiratory diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection have not been comprehensively understood. This study aimed to investigate whether COVID-19 increases the long-term risk of respiratory illness in patients with COVID-19. Methods In this longitudinal, population-based cohort study, we built three distinct cohorts age 37-73 years using the UK Biobank database; a COVID-19 group diagnosed in medical records between January 30th, 2020 and October 30th, 2022, and two control groups, a contemporary control group and a historical control group, with cutoff dates of October 30th, 2022 and October 30th, 2019, respectively. The follow-up period of all three groups was 2.7 years (the median (IQR) follow-up time was 0.8 years). Respiratory outcomes diagnosed in medical records included common chronic pulmonary diseases (asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary vascular disease (PVD), and lung cancer. For the data analysis, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) along with their 95% CIs using Cox regression models, following the application of inverse probability weights (IPTW). Findings A total of 3 cohorts were included in this study; 112,311 individuals in the COVID-19 group with a mean age (±SDs) of 56.2 (8.1) years, 359,671 in the contemporary control group, and 370,979 in the historical control group. Compared with the contemporary control group, those infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited elevated risks for developing respiratory diseases. This includes asthma, with a HR of 1.49 and a 95% CI 1.28-1.74; bronchiectasis (1.30; 1.06-1.61); COPD (1.59; 1.41-1.81); ILD (1.81; 1.38-2.21); PVD (1.59; 1.39-1.82); and lung cancer (1.39; 1.13-1.71). With the severity of the acute phase of COVID-19, the risk of pre-described respiratory outcomes increases progressively. Besides, during the 24-months follow-up, we observed an increasing trend in the risks of asthma and bronchiectasis over time. Additionally, the HR of lung cancer for 0-6 month follow-up was 3.07 (CI 1.73-5.44), and the association of lung cancer with COVID-19 disease disappeared at 6-12 month follow-up (1.06; 0.43-2.64) and at 12-24 months (1.02; 0.45-2.34). Compared to those with one SARS-CoV-2 infection, reinfected patients were at a higher risk of asthma (3.0; 1.32-6.84), COPD (3.07; 1.42-6.65), ILD (3.61; 1.11-11.8), and lung cancer (3.20; 1.59-6.45). Similar findings were noted when comparing with a historical cohort serving as a control group, including asthma (1.31; 1.13-1.52); bronchiectasis (1.53; 1.23-1.89); COPD (1.41; 1.24-1.59); ILD (2.53; 2.05-3.13); PVD (2.30; 1.98-2.66); and lung cancer (2.23; 1.78-2.79). Interpretation Our research suggests that patients with COVID-19 may have an increased risk of developing respiratory diseases, and the risk increases with the severity of infection and reinfection. Even during the 24-month follow-up, the risk of asthma and bronchiectasis continued to increase. Hence, implementing appropriate follow-up strategies for these individuals is crucial to monitor and manage potential long-term respiratory health issues. Additionally, the increased risk in lung cancer in the COVID-19 individuals was probably due to the diagnostic tests conducted and incidental diagnoses. Funding The National Natural Science Foundation of China of China Regional Innovation and Development Joint Foundation; National Natural Science Foundation of China; Program for High-level Foreign Expert Introduction of China; Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Guangdong Province; Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation; Climbing Program of Introduced Talents and High-level Hospital Construction Project of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital; VA Clinical Merit and ASGE clinical research funds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijun Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yanjun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ruijie Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongling Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuying Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wentao Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hanshi Zeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Felix W Leung
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, CA, USA
- Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, North Hills, 91343, CA, USA
| | - Xinqi Qiu
- Cancer Prevention Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Weihong Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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Lui KO, Ma Z, Dimmeler S. SARS-CoV-2 induced vascular endothelial dysfunction: direct or indirect effects? Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:34-43. [PMID: 38159046 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence reveals that manifestations of endothelial dysfunction are widely observed in COVID-19 and long-COVID patients. However, whether these detrimental effects are caused by direct infection of the endothelium or are indirectly mediated by systemic inflammation has been a matter of debate. It has been well acknowledged that endothelial cells (ECs) of the cardiovascular system ubiquitously express the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), yet accumulating evidence suggests that it is more predominantly expressed by pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells of the mammalian blood vessel. Besides, replicative infection of ECs by SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we review latest research on endothelial ACE2 expression in different vascular beds, and the heterogeneity in various EC subsets with differential ACE2 expression in response to SARS-CoV-2. We also discuss ACE2-independent alternative mechanisms underlying endothelial activation in COVID-19, and the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial dysfunction. Altogether, understanding ACE2-dependent and ACE2-independent mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2-induced vascular dysfunction would shed light on strategies of more effective therapies targeting cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy O Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, 999077 Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhangjing Ma
- Department of Chemical Pathology, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, 999077 Hong Kong, China
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Regeneration, and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Fink EL, Alcamo AM, Lovett M, Hartman M, Williams C, Garcia A, Rasmussen L, Pal R, Drury K, MackDiaz E, Ferrazzano PA, Dervan L, Appavu B, Snooks K, Stulce C, Rubin P, Pate B, Toney N, Robertson CL, Wainwright MS, Roa JD, Schober ME, Slomine BS. Post-discharge outcomes of hospitalized children diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1340385. [PMID: 38410766 PMCID: PMC10895015 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1340385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hospitalized children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2-related conditions are at risk for new or persistent symptoms and functional impairments. Our objective was to analyze post-hospital symptoms, healthcare utilization, and outcomes of children previously hospitalized and diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Methods Prospective, multicenter electronic survey of parents of children <18 years of age surviving hospitalization from 12 U.S. centers between January 2020 and July 2021. The primary outcome was a parent report of child recovery status at the time of the survey (recovered vs. not recovered). Secondary outcomes included new or persistent symptoms, readmissions, and health-related quality of life. Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression was performed for the association of patient, disease, laboratory, and treatment variables with recovered status. Results The children [n = 79; 30 (38.0%) female] with acute SARS-CoV-2 (75.7%) or MIS-C (24.3%) had a median age of 6.5 years (interquartile range 2.0-13.0) and 51 (64.6%) had a preexisting condition. Fifty children (63.3%) required critical care. One-third [23/79 (29.1%)] were not recovered at follow-up [43 (31, 54) months post-discharge]. Admission C-reactive protein levels were higher in children not recovered vs. recovered [5.7 (1.3, 25.1) vs. 1.3 (0.4, 6.3) mg/dl, p = 0.02]. At follow-up, 67% overall had new or persistent symptoms. The most common symptoms were fatigue (37%), weakness (25%), and headache (24%), all with frequencies higher in children not recovered. Forty percent had at least one return emergency visit and 24% had a hospital readmission. Recovered status was associated with better total HRQOL [87 (77, 95) vs. 77 (51, 83), p = 0.01]. In multivariable analysis, lower admission C-reactive protein [odds ratio 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.82, 0.99)] and higher admission lymphocyte count [1.001 (1.0002, 1.002)] were associated with recovered status. Conclusions Children considered recovered by their parents following hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2-related conditions had less symptom frequency and better HRQOL than those reported as not recovered. Increased inflammation and lower lymphocyte count on hospital admission may help to identify children needing longitudinal, multidisciplinary care. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04379089).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ericka L. Fink
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alicia M. Alcamo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marlina Lovett
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Mary Hartman
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cydni Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Angela Garcia
- Division of Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lindsey Rasmussen
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Ria Pal
- Department of Neurology, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Kurt Drury
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Pediatrics, Comer Children’s Hospital, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Elizabeth MackDiaz
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Peter A. Ferrazzano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Leslie Dervan
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian Appavu
- Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Kellie Snooks
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Casey Stulce
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Pamela Rubin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bianca Pate
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Nicole Toney
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Courtney L. Robertson
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark S. Wainwright
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Juan D. Roa
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Michelle E. Schober
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Beth S. Slomine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Goldstein DS. Post-COVID dysautonomias: what we know and (mainly) what we don't know. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:99-113. [PMID: 38212633 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00917-9] [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] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Following on from the COVID-19 pandemic is another worldwide public health challenge that is referred to variously as long COVID, post-COVID syndrome or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PASC comes in many forms and affects all body organs. This heterogeneous presentation suggests involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which has numerous roles in the maintenance of homeostasis and coordination of responses to various stressors. Thus far, studies of ANS dysregulation in people with PASC have been largely observational and descriptive, based on symptom inventories or objective but indirect measures of cardiovascular function, and have paid little attention to the adrenomedullary, hormonal and enteric nervous components of the ANS. Such investigations do not consider the syndromic nature of autonomic dysfunction. This Review provides an update on the literature relating to ANS abnormalities in people with post-COVID syndrome and presents a theoretical perspective on how the ANS might participate in common features of PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Goldstein
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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41
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Álvarez-Santacruz C, Tyrkalska SD, Candel S. The Microbiota in Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1330. [PMID: 38279329 PMCID: PMC10816132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021330] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has progressively decreased lately, mainly due to the great effectivity of vaccines. Furthermore, no new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants able to circumvent the protection of these vaccines, while presenting high transmissibility and/or lethality, have appeared. However, long COVID has emerged as a huge threat to human health and economy globally. The human microbiota plays an important role in health and disease, participating in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, multiple studies have found that the nasopharyngeal microbiota is altered in COVID-19 patients, with these changes associated with the onset and/or severity of the disease. Nevertheless, although dysbiosis has also been reported in long COVID patients, mainly in the gut, little is known about the possible involvement of the microbiota in the development of this disease. Therefore, in this work, we aim to fill this gap in the knowledge by discussing and comparing the most relevant studies that have been published in this field up to this point. Hence, we discuss that the relevance of long COVID has probably been underestimated, and that the available data suggest that the microbiota could be playing a pivotal role on the pathogenesis of the disease. Further research to elucidate the involvement of the microbiota in long COVID will be essential to explore new therapeutic strategies based on manipulation of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylwia D. Tyrkalska
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Candel
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Fonseca A, Szysz M, Ly HT, Cordeiro C, Sepúlveda N. IgG Antibody Responses to Epstein-Barr Virus in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Their Effective Potential for Disease Diagnosis and Pathological Antigenic Mimicry. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:161. [PMID: 38256421 PMCID: PMC10820613 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010161] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The diagnosis and pathology of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) remain under debate. However, there is a growing body of evidence for an autoimmune component in ME/CFS caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and other viral infections. Materials and Methods: In this work, we analyzed a large public dataset on the IgG antibodies to 3054 EBV peptides to understand whether these immune responses could help diagnose patients and trigger pathological autoimmunity; we used healthy controls (HCs) as a comparator cohort. Subsequently, we aimed at predicting the disease status of the study participants using a super learner algorithm targeting an accuracy of 85% when splitting data into train and test datasets. Results: When we compared the data of all ME/CFS patients or the data of a subgroup of those patients with non-infectious or unknown disease triggers to the data of the HC, we could not find an antibody-based classifier that would meet the desired accuracy in the test dataset. However, we could identify a 26-antibody classifier that could distinguish ME/CFS patients with an infectious disease trigger from the HCs with 100% and 90% accuracies in the train and test sets, respectively. We finally performed a bioinformatic analysis of the EBV peptides associated with these 26 antibodies. We found no correlation between the importance metric of the selected antibodies in the classifier and the maximal sequence homology between human proteins and each EBV peptide recognized by these antibodies. Conclusions: In conclusion, these 26 antibodies against EBV have an effective potential for disease diagnosis in a subset of patients. However, the peptides associated with these antibodies are less likely to induce autoimmune B-cell responses that could explain the pathogenesis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Fonseca
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (A.F.); (C.C.)
- CEAUL—Centre of Statistics and its Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mateusz Szysz
- Faculty of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (M.S.); (H.T.L.)
| | - Hoang Thien Ly
- Faculty of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (M.S.); (H.T.L.)
| | - Clara Cordeiro
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (A.F.); (C.C.)
- CEAUL—Centre of Statistics and its Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL—Centre of Statistics and its Applications, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-662 Warsaw, Poland; (M.S.); (H.T.L.)
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Matías-Pérez D, Antonio-Estrada C, Guerra-Martínez A, García-Melo KS, Hernández-Bautista E, García-Montalvo IA. Relationship of quercetin intake and oxidative stress in persistent COVID. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1278039. [PMID: 38260057 PMCID: PMC10800910 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1278039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Matías-Pérez
- Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Carolina Antonio-Estrada
- Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Araceli Guerra-Martínez
- Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Karen Seydel García-Melo
- Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Emilio Hernández-Bautista
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
| | - Iván Antonio García-Montalvo
- Division of Graduate Studies and Research, Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
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44
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Chau CW, Sugimura R. Organoids in COVID-19: can we break the glass ceiling? J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:85-99. [PMID: 37616269 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 emerged in September 2020 as a disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The disease presented as pneumonia at first but later was shown to cause multisystem infections and long-term complications. Many efforts have been put into discovering the exact pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, we aim to discuss an emerging tool in disease modeling, organoids, in the investigation of COVID-19. This review will introduce some methods and breakthroughs achieved by organoids and the limitations of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu Wang Chau
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Rd, Pokfulam 99077, Hong Kong
| | - Ryohichi Sugimura
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Rd, Pokfulam 99077, Hong Kong
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, 17 Science Park W Ave, Science Park 999077, Hong Kong
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45
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Zaidi AK, Dehgani-Mobaraki P. Long Covid. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 202:113-125. [PMID: 38237983 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a constellation of persistent symptoms and health issues that continue beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. This chapter provides an overview of the pathogenesis, risk factors, manifestations, major findings, and diagnosis and treatment strategies associated with Long COVID. Hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of Long COVID are discussed, encompassing various factors such as persistent viral reservoirs, immune dysregulation with or without reactivation of herpesviruses (e.g., Epstein-Barr Virus and human herpesvirus), dysbiosis, autoimmunity triggered by infection, endothelial dysfunction, microvessel blood clotting, and dysfunctional brainstem and/or vagal signaling. The chapter also highlights the risk factors associated with Long COVID and its occurrence in children. The major findings of Long COVID, including immune dysregulation, vessel and tissue damage, neurological and cognitive pathology, eye symptoms, endocrinal issues, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome, reproductive system involvement, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the chronology of symptoms, are thoroughly explored. Lastly, the chapter discusses the challenges and current approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care and individualized management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
- Founder and President, Associazione Naso Sano, Ringgold Institution ID 567754, San Mariano, Italy
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46
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El-Baky NA, Amara AA, Uversky VN, Redwan EM. Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: III. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its components. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:22-44. [PMID: 38098317 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30514] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Considerable research has been done in investigating SARS-CoV-2 infection, its characteristics, and host immune response. However, debate is still ongoing over the emergence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). A multitude of long-lasting symptoms have been reported several weeks after the primary acute SARS-CoV-2 infection that resemble several other viral infections. Thousands of research articles have described various post-COVID-19 conditions. Yet, the evidence around these ongoing health problems, the reasons behind them, and their molecular underpinnings are scarce. These persistent symptoms are also known as long COVID-19. The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and/or its components in host tissues can lead to long COVID. For example, the presence of viral nucleocapsid protein and RNA was detected in the skin, appendix, and breast tissues of some long COVID patients. The persistence of viral RNA was reported in multiple anatomic sites, including non-respiratory tissues such as the adrenal gland, ocular tissue, small intestine, lymph nodes, myocardium, and sciatic nerve. Distinctive viral spike sequence variants were also found in non-respiratory tissues. Interestingly, prolonged detection of viral subgenomic RNA was observed across all tissues, sometimes in multiple tissues of the same patient, which likely reflects recent but defective viral replication. Moreover, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was noticed throughout the brain at autopsy, as late as 230 days following symptom onset among unvaccinated patients who died of severe infection. Here, we review the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its components as an intrinsic factor behind long COVID. We also highlight the immunological consequences of this viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Abd El-Baky
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, Egypt
| | - Amro A Amara
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, Egypt
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Widmann CN, Henkel C, Seibert S. "Brain Fog" After COVID-19 Infection: How the Field of Neuropsychology Can Help Clear the Air. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1458:59-76. [PMID: 39102190 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61943-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The chapter explores the role of neuropsychology in understanding brain fog as a subjective complaint in the context of COVID-19. It discusses the historical and medical significance of the term "brain fog" and its psychological and neurological aspects. The chapter identifies the cognitive domains commonly affected by brain fog, such as attention, executive function, memory, and language. Additionally, it emphasizes the impact of societal changes during the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population as a crucial backdrop for understanding the issue. The chapter also highlights the important role of clinical and research neuropsychologists in gaining clarity on grouped data and individual patients' cognitive and emotional difficulties after COVID-19 infection. It discusses indications for neuropsychological rehabilitation and therapy and describes typical therapy phases and methods, including new approaches like telemedicine, virtual reality, and mobile app-based rehabilitation and self-tracking. The chapter underscores that experiences of brain fog can vary among COVID-19 patients and may change over time. It provides clinicians and interested parties with an in-depth understanding of brain fog and its manifestations, concomitant subtypes, and concrete strategies for addressing it. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of neuropsychology in scientifically examining brain fog and advocating for personalized approaches to cognitive rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine N Widmann
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Cornelia Henkel
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susan Seibert
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
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48
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Rajewska-Tabor J, Sosińska-Zawierucha P, Pyda M, Lesiak M, Bręborowicz A. Protective role of N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide on endothelial cells exposed on patients' serum after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1268016. [PMID: 38188630 PMCID: PMC10768024 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1268016] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 causes hyperinflammation and activation of coagulation cascade and, as a result, aggravates endothelial cell dysfunction. N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide have been found to mitigate endothelial damage. The influence on coronary artery endothelial cells of serum collected after 4 ± 1 months from coronavirus infection was studied. The concentrations of serum samples of interleukin 6, von Willebrand Factor, tissue Plasminogen Activator, and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 were studied. The cultures with serum of patients after coronavirus infection were incubated with N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide to estimate their potential protective role. The blood inflammatory parameters were increased in the group of cultures incubated with serum from patients after coronavirus infection. Supplementation of the serum from patients after coronavirus infection with N-acetylcysteine or Sulodexide reduced the synthesis of interleukin 6 and von Willebrand Factor. No changes in the synthesis of tissue Plasminogen Activator were observed. N-acetylcysteine reduced the synthesis of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1. N-acetylcysteine and Sulodexide increased the tPA/PAI-1 ratio. N-acetylcysteine may have a role in reducing the myocardial injury occurring in the post-COVID-19 syndrome. Sulodexide can also play a protective role in post-COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Rajewska-Tabor
- I Clinic of Cardiology, Unit of Magnetic Resonance, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Malgorzata Pyda
- I Clinic of Cardiology, Unit of Magnetic Resonance, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Lesiak
- I Clinic of Cardiology, Unit of Magnetic Resonance, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Andrzej Bręborowicz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Zielona Góra, Poland
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49
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Aschman T, Wyler E, Baum O, Hentschel A, Rust R, Legler F, Preusse C, Meyer-Arndt L, Büttnerova I, Förster A, Cengiz D, Alves LGT, Schneider J, Kedor C, Bellmann-Strobl J, Sanchin A, Goebel HH, Landthaler M, Corman V, Roos A, Heppner FL, Radbruch H, Paul F, Scheibenbogen C, Dengler NF, Stenzel W. Post-COVID exercise intolerance is associated with capillary alterations and immune dysregulations in skeletal muscles. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:193. [PMID: 38066589 PMCID: PMC10704838 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic not only resulted in millions of acute infections worldwide, but also in many cases of post-infectious syndromes, colloquially referred to as "long COVID". Due to the heterogeneous nature of symptoms and scarcity of available tissue samples, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We present an in-depth analysis of skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from eleven patients suffering from enduring fatigue and post-exertional malaise after an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Compared to two independent historical control cohorts, patients with post-COVID exertion intolerance had fewer capillaries, thicker capillary basement membranes and increased numbers of CD169+ macrophages. SARS-CoV-2 RNA could not be detected in the muscle tissues. In addition, complement system related proteins were more abundant in the serum of patients with PCS, matching observations on the transcriptomic level in the muscle tissue. We hypothesize that the initial viral infection may have caused immune-mediated structural changes of the microvasculature, potentially explaining the exercise-dependent fatigue and muscle pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Aschman
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Emanuel Wyler
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Baum
- Institute of Physiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Hentschel
- Leibniz-Institut Für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - E.V, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rebekka Rust
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Legler
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Corinna Preusse
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lil Meyer-Arndt
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivana Büttnerova
- Department of Autoimmune Diagnostics, Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra Förster
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Derya Cengiz
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Julia Schneider
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aminaa Sanchin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Hilmar Goebel
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Roos
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Children's Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neurology Bergmannsheil, Heimer-Institut Für Muskelforschung am Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Frank L Heppner
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence, NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center and NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora F Dengler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Stenzel
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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50
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Kuchler T, Hausinger R, Braunisch MC, Günthner R, Wicklein R, Knier B, Bleidißel N, Maier M, Ribero A, Lech M, Adorjan K, Stubbe H, Kotilar K, Heemann U, Schmaderer C. All eyes on PCS: analysis of the retinal microvasculature in patients with post-COVID syndrome-study protocol of a 1 year prospective case-control study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01724-5. [PMID: 38041762 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Since widespread vaccination against COVID-19, the development of effective antiviral drugs, and the decreasing number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care, the risk from SARS-CoV-2 infection appears less threatening. However, studies show that a significant number of patients suffer from long-term sequelae, even months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The so-called post-COVID syndrome (PCS) often presents a diagnostic and treatment challenge for physicians. This study protocol describes the "All Eyes on PCS" study, which aims to investigate the retinal microvasculature in PCS patients and COVID-19-recovered patients to provide new insights into the pathophysiology of PCS. "All Eyes on PCS" is a prospective, case-control study with the primary objective of detecting endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with PCS. Therefore, we intend to recruit patients with PCS, fully SARS-CoV-2-infection-recovered (CR) participants, and SARS-CoV-2-infection-naïve (CN) participants. Baseline measurements will include: (1) patient-specific characteristics, (2) biochemistry, (3) retinal vessel analysis (RVA), (4) survey questionnaires as patient-reported outcomes measurements (PROMs), (5) optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and adaptive optics (AO), (6) blood pressure recordings, (7) handgrip strength test. After 6 months, baseline measurements will be repeated in the PCS cohort, and after 1 year, a telephone query will be conducted to assess residual symptoms and treatment needs. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the pathophysiology of PCS and to provide an objective biomarker for diagnosis and treatment, while also creating a comprehensive clinical database of PCS patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05635552; Date: 2.12.2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Kuchler
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Renate Hausinger
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias C Braunisch
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Günthner
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wicklein
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Knier
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Bleidißel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Maier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Ribero
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU University Hospital Munich, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Maciej Lech
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU University Hospital Munich, Ziemssenstraße 5, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital Munich, Nußbaumstraße 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Stubbe
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, LMU University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Kotilar
- Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Heinrich-Mussmann-Str. 1, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Uwe Heemann
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmaderer
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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