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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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Feng J, Liu L, Liu J, Wang J. Immunological alterations in the endothelial barrier: a new predictive and therapeutic paradigm for sepsis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38850066 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2366301] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the fact incidence and mortality vary widely among regions, sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and cost worldwide. The importance of the endothelial barrier in sepsis and infectious diseases is increasingly recognized; however, the underlying pathophysiology of the endothelial barrier in sepsis remains poorly understood. AREAS COVERED Here we review the advances in basic and clinical research for relevant papers in PubMed database. We attempt to provide an updated overview of immunological alterations in endothelial dysfunction, discussing the central role of endothelial barrier involved in sepsis to provide new predictive and therapeutic paradigm for sepsis. EXPERT OPINION Given its physiological and immunological functions in infectious diseases, the endothelial barrier has been dramatically altered in sepsis, suggesting that endothelial dysfunction may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Although many reliable biomarkers have been investigated to monitor endothelial activation and injury in an attempt to find diagnostic and therapeutic tools, there are no specific therapies to treat sepsis due to its complex pathophysiology. Since sepsis is initiated by both hyperinflammation and immunoparalysis occurring simultaneously, a 'one-treatment-fits-all' strategy for sepsis-induced immune injury and immunoparalysis is bound to fail, and an individualized 'precision medicine' approach is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Feng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lina Liu
- Department of Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junya Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Junshuai Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Viode A, Smolen KK, van Zalm P, Stevenson D, Jha M, Parker K, Levy O, Steen JA, Steen H. Longitudinal plasma proteomic analysis of 1117 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 identifies features associated with severity and outcomes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl5762. [PMID: 38787940 PMCID: PMC11122669 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl5762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterized by highly heterogeneous manifestations ranging from asymptomatic cases to death for still incompletely understood reasons. As part of the IMmunoPhenotyping Assessment in a COVID-19 Cohort study, we mapped the plasma proteomes of 1117 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from 15 hospitals across the United States. Up to six samples were collected within ~28 days of hospitalization resulting in one of the largest COVID-19 plasma proteomics cohorts with 2934 samples. Using perchloric acid to deplete the most abundant plasma proteins allowed for detecting 2910 proteins. Our findings show that increased levels of neutrophil extracellular trap and heart damage markers are associated with fatal outcomes. Our analysis also identified prognostic biomarkers for worsening severity and death. Our comprehensive longitudinal plasma proteomics study, involving 1117 participants and 2934 samples, allowed for testing the generalizability of the findings of many previous COVID-19 plasma proteomics studies using much smaller cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Viode
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kinga K. Smolen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick van Zalm
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, EURON, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - David Stevenson
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meenakshi Jha
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth Parker
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - IMPACC Network‡
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, EURON, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Neurobiology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ofer Levy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Judith A. Steen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Neurobiology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hanno Steen
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Neurobiology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Paul O, Akolia IK, Qin Tao J, Jain N, Louneva N, Montone KT, Fisher AB, Rajapakse CS, Bermudez C, Chatterjee S. Reactive oxygen species in endothelial signaling in COVID-19: Protective role of the novel peptide PIP-2. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0289854. [PMID: 38771750 PMCID: PMC11108150 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289854] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research suggests that endothelial activation plays a role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis by promoting a pro-inflammatory state. However, the mechanism by which the endothelium is activated in COVID-19 remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which COVID-19 activates the pulmonary endothelium and drives pro-inflammatory phenotypes. HYPOTHESIS The "inflammatory load or burden" (cytokine storm) of the systemic circulation activates endothelial NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) which leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the pulmonary endothelium. Endothelial ROS subsequently activates pro-inflammatory pathways. METHODS The inflammatory burden of COVID-19 on the endothelial network, was recreated in vitro, by exposing human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVEC) to media supplemented with serum from COVID-19 affected individuals (sera were acquired from patients with COVID-19 infection that eventually died. Sera was isolated from blood collected at admission to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania). Endothelial activation, inflammation and cell death were assessed in HPMVEC treated with serum either from patients with COVID-19 or from healthy individuals. Activation was monitored by measuring NOX2 activation (Rac1 translocation) and ROS production; inflammation (or appearance of a pro-inflammatory phenotype) was monitored by measuring the induction of moieties such as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), P-selectin and the NLRP3 inflammasome; cell death was measured via SYTOX™ Green assays. RESULTS Endothelial activation (i.e., NOX2 activation and subsequent ROS production) and cell death were significantly higher in the COVID-19 model than in healthy samples. When HPMVEC were pre-treated with the novel peptide PIP-2, which blocks NOX2 activation (via inhibition of Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2, aiPLA2), significant abrogation of ROS was observed. Endothelial inflammation and cell death were also significantly blunted. CONCLUSIONS The endothelium is activated during COVID-19 via cytokine storm-driven NOX2-ROS activation, which causes a pro-inflammatory phenotype. The concept of endothelial NOX2-ROS production as a unifying pathophysiological axis in COVID-19 raises the possibility of using PIP-2 to maintain vascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oindrila Paul
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Department of Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Isha K. Akolia
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Department of Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jian Qin Tao
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Department of Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nikita Jain
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Department of Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Natalia Louneva
- Peroxitech Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kathleen T. Montone
- Department of Pathology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Aron B. Fisher
- Peroxitech Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Chamith S. Rajapakse
- Department of Radiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Christian Bermudez
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shampa Chatterjee
- Institute for Environmental Medicine and Department of Physiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Jing P, Wu C, Du C, Zhou L, Gu L. Predictive value of plasma sICAM-1 and sP-Selectins in the risk of death in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. J Med Biochem 2024; 43:209-218. [PMID: 38699690 PMCID: PMC11062343 DOI: 10.5937/jomb0-45340] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the predictive value of sICAM-1 and sP-Selectins in the risk of death in a prospective cohort of adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods Adult ARDS patients were included. Plasma sICAM-1, sP-Selectins, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A) were detected in ARDS subjects. The correlation between different factors and the potential of sICAM-1 and sP-Selectins as endothelial markers to predict the risk of deathfrom ARDS was analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Jing
- Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai City, China
| | - Chaomin Wu
- Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai City, China
| | - Chunling Du
- Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai City, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai City, China
| | - Liang Gu
- Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai City, China
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Ge R, Wang F, Peng Z. Advances in Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Treatment of ARDS. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3296. [PMID: 37958192 PMCID: PMC10649435 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213296] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common and fatal disease, characterized by lung inflammation, edema, poor oxygenation, and the need for mechanical ventilation, or even extracorporeal membrane oxygenation if the patient is unresponsive to routine treatment. In this review, we aim to explore advances in biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of ARDS. In viewing the distinct characteristics of each biomarker, we classified the biomarkers into the following six categories: inflammatory, alveolar epithelial injury, endothelial injury, coagulation/fibrinolysis, extracellular matrix turnover, and oxidative stress biomarkers. In addition, we discussed the potential role of machine learning in identifying and utilizing these biomarkers and reviewed its clinical application. Despite the tremendous progress in biomarker research, there remain nonnegligible gaps between biomarker discovery and clinical utility. The challenges and future directions in ARDS research concern investigators as well as clinicians, underscoring the essentiality of continued investigation to improve diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Ge
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
- Clinical Research Center of Hubei Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fengyun Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
- Clinical Research Center of Hubei Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhiyong Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
- Clinical Research Center of Hubei Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan 430071, China
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Wang M, Feng J, Zhou D, Wang J. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced endothelial activation and dysfunction: a new predictive and therapeutic paradigm for sepsis. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:339. [PMID: 37700349 PMCID: PMC10498524 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipopolysaccharide, a highly potent endotoxin responsible for severe sepsis, is the major constituent of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Endothelial cells participate in both innate and adaptive immune responses as the first cell types to detect lipopolysaccharide or other foreign debris in the bloodstream. Endothelial cells are able to recognize the presence of LPS and recruit specific adaptor proteins to the membrane domains of TLR4, thereby initiating an intracellular signaling cascade. However, lipopolysaccharide binding to endothelial cells induces endothelial activation and even damage, manifested by the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules that lead to sepsis. MAIN FINDINGS LPS is involved in both local and systemic inflammation, activating both innate and adaptive immunity. Translocation of lipopolysaccharide into the circulation causes endotoxemia. Endothelial dysfunction, including exaggerated inflammation, coagulopathy and vascular leakage, may play a central role in the dysregulated host response and pathogenesis of sepsis. By discussing the many strategies used to treat sepsis, this review attempts to provide an overview of how lipopolysaccharide induces the ever more complex syndrome of sepsis and the potential for the development of novel sepsis therapeutics. CONCLUSIONS To reduce patient morbidity and mortality, preservation of endothelial function would be central to the management of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Daixing Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junshuai Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Shabani Z, Liu J, Su H. Vascular Dysfunctions Contribute to the Long-Term Cognitive Deficits Following COVID-19. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1106. [PMID: 37626992 PMCID: PMC10451811 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded RNA virus and a member of the corona virus family, primarily affecting the upper respiratory system and the lungs. Like many other respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 can spread to other organ systems. Apart from causing diarrhea, another very common but debilitating complication caused by SARS-CoV-2 is neurological symptoms and cognitive difficulties, which occur in up to two thirds of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and range from shortness of concentration and overall declined cognitive speed to executive or memory function impairment. Neuro-cognitive dysfunction and "brain fog" are frequently present in COVID-19 cases, which can last several months after the infection, leading to disruption of daily life. Cumulative evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 affects vasculature in the extra-pulmonary systems directly or indirectly, leading to impairment of endothelial function and even multi-organ damage. The post COVID-19 long-lasting neurocognitive impairments have not been studied fully and their underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the effects of COVID-19 on vascular dysfunction and how vascular dysfunction leads to cognitive impairment in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shabani
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, University of California (San Francisco), San Francisco, CA 94131, USA;
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California (San Francisco), San Francisco, CA 94131, USA
| | - Jialing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California (San Francisco), San Francisco, CA 94131, USA;
| | - Hua Su
- Center for Cerebrovascular Research, University of California (San Francisco), San Francisco, CA 94131, USA;
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California (San Francisco), San Francisco, CA 94131, USA
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McCarthy MW. Optimizing the use of vilobelimab for the treatment of COVID-19. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:877-881. [PMID: 37421632 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2235269] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION On 4 April 2023i4 April 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for the use of vilobelimab (GohibicTM) for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized adults when initiated within 48 hours of receiving invasive mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. AREAS COVERED Vilobelimab is a human-mouse chimeric IgG4 kappa antibody that targets human complement component 5a, a part of the immune system that is thought to play an important role in the systemic inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection that leads to COVID-19 disease progression. EXPERT OPINION A pragmatic, adaptive, randomized, multicenter phase II/III study evaluating vilobelimab for the treatment of severe COVID-19 found that patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and usual care who were treated with vilobelimab had a lower risk of death by day 28 and day 60 compared to those receiving placebo. This manuscript explores what is known about vilobelimab and explores how this treatment may be used in the future to treat severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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10
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Siddiqui MR, Reddy NM, Faridi HM, Shahid M, Shanley TP. Metformin alleviates lung-endothelial hyperpermeability by regulating cofilin-1/PP2AC pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1211460. [PMID: 37361221 PMCID: PMC10285707 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1211460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability is an earliest pathological hallmark in Acute Lung Injury (ALI), which progressively leads to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Recently, vascular protective and anti-inflammatory effect of metformin, irrespective of glycemic control, has garnered significant interest. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) of metformin's barrier protective benefits in lung-endothelial cells (ECs) has not been clearly elucidated. Many vascular permeability-increasing agents weakened adherens junctions (AJ) integrity by inducing the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and stress fibers formation. Here, we hypothesized that metformin abrogated endothelial hyperpermeability and strengthen AJ integrity via inhibiting stress fibers formation through cofilin-1-PP2AC pathway. Methods: We pretreated human lung microvascular ECs (human-lung-ECs) with metformin and then challenged with thrombin. To investigate the vascular protective effects of metformin, we studied changes in ECs barrier function using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing, levels of actin stress fibers formation and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 expression. To explore the downstream mechanism, we studied the Ser3-phosphorylation-cofilin-1 levels in scramble and PP2AC-siRNA depleted ECs in response to thrombin with and without metformin pretreatment. Results: In-vitro analyses showed that metformin pretreatment attenuated thrombin-induced hyperpermeability, stress fibers formation, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-β in human-lung-ECs. We found that metformin mitigated Ser3-phosphorylation mediated inhibition of cofilin-1 in response to thrombin. Furthermore, genetic deletion of PP2AC subunit significantly inhibited metformin efficacy to mitigate thrombin-induced Ser3-phosphorylation cofilin-1, AJ disruption and stress fibers formation. We further demonstrated that metformin increases PP2AC activity by upregulating PP2AC-Leu309 methylation in human-lung-ECs. We also found that the ectopic expression of PP2AC dampened thrombin-induced Ser3-phosphorylation-mediated inhibition of cofilin-1, stress fibers formation and endothelial hyperpermeability. Conclusion: Together, these data reveal the unprecedented endothelial cofilin-1/PP2AC signaling axis downstream of metformin in protecting against lung vascular endothelial injury and inflammation. Therefore, pharmacologically enhancing endothelial PP2AC activity may lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for prevention of deleterious effects of ALI on vascular ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Rizwan Siddiqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Narsa M. Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hafeez M. Faridi
- Drug Discovery Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mohd Shahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Thomas P. Shanley
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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11
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Vassiliou AG, Vrettou CS, Keskinidou C, Dimopoulou I, Kotanidou A, Orfanos SE. Endotheliopathy in Acute COVID-19 and Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098237. [PMID: 37175942 PMCID: PMC10179170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary endothelium is a highly regulated organ that performs a wide range of functions under physiological and pathological conditions. Since endothelial dysfunction has been demonstrated to play a direct role in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, its role in COVID-19 has also been extensively investigated. Indeed, apart from the COVID-19-associated coagulopathy biomarkers, new biomarkers were recognised early during the pandemic, including markers of endothelial cell activation or injury. We systematically searched the literature up to 10 March 2023 for studies examining the association between acute and long COVID-19 severity and outcomes and endothelial biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice G Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia S Vrettou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysi Keskinidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos E Orfanos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece
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12
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Xu SW, Ilyas I, Weng JP. Endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19: an overview of evidence, biomarkers, mechanisms and potential therapies. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:695-709. [PMID: 36253560 PMCID: PMC9574180 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is still raging. However, the pathophysiology of acute and post-acute manifestations of COVID-19 (long COVID-19) is understudied. Endothelial cells are sentinels lining the innermost layer of blood vessel that gatekeep micro- and macro-vascular health by sensing pathogen/danger signals and secreting vasoactive molecules. SARS-CoV-2 infection primarily affects the pulmonary system, but accumulating evidence suggests that it also affects the pan-vasculature in the extrapulmonary systems by directly (via virus infection) or indirectly (via cytokine storm), causing endothelial dysfunction (endotheliitis, endothelialitis and endotheliopathy) and multi-organ injury. Mounting evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to multiple instances of endothelial dysfunction, including reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative stress, endothelial injury, glycocalyx/barrier disruption, hyperpermeability, inflammation/leukocyte adhesion, senescence, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), hypercoagulability, thrombosis and many others. Thus, COVID-19 is deemed as a (micro)vascular and endothelial disease. Of translational relevance, several candidate drugs which are endothelial protective have been shown to improve clinical manifestations of COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this review is to provide a latest summary of biomarkers associated with endothelial cell activation in COVID-19 and offer mechanistic insights into the molecular basis of endothelial activation/dysfunction in macro- and micro-vasculature of COVID-19 patients. We envisage further development of cellular models and suitable animal models mimicking endothelial dysfunction aspect of COVID-19 being able to accelerate the discovery of new drugs targeting endothelial dysfunction in pan-vasculature from COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suo-Wen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Jian-Ping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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Sherif ZA, Gomez CR, Connors TJ, Henrich TJ, Reeves WB. Pathogenic mechanisms of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). eLife 2023; 12:e86002. [PMID: 36947108 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86002:] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, with persistent and new onset of symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive dysfunction that last for months and impact everyday functioning, is referred to as Long COVID under the general category of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PASC is highly heterogenous and may be associated with multisystem tissue damage/dysfunction including acute encephalitis, cardiopulmonary syndromes, fibrosis, hepatobiliary damages, gastrointestinal dysregulation, myocardial infarction, neuromuscular syndromes, neuropsychiatric disorders, pulmonary damage, renal failure, stroke, and vascular endothelial dysregulation. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying PASC is essential to guide prevention and treatment. This review addresses potential mechanisms and hypotheses that connect SARS-CoV-2 infection to long-term health consequences. Comparisons between PASC and other virus-initiated chronic syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome will be addressed. Aligning symptoms with other chronic syndromes and identifying potentially regulated common underlining pathways may be necessary for understanding the true nature of PASC. The discussed contributors to PASC symptoms include sequelae from acute SARS-CoV-2 injury to one or more organs, persistent reservoirs of the replicating virus or its remnants in several tissues, re-activation of latent pathogens such as Epstein-Barr and herpes viruses in COVID-19 immune-dysregulated tissue environment, SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host microbiome/virome communities, clotting/coagulation dysregulation, dysfunctional brainstem/vagus nerve signaling, dysautonomia or autonomic dysfunction, ongoing activity of primed immune cells, and autoimmunity due to molecular mimicry between pathogen and host proteins. The individualized nature of PASC symptoms suggests that different therapeutic approaches may be required to best manage specific patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaki A Sherif
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Christian R Gomez
- Division of Lung Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Bethesda, United States
| | - Thomas J Connors
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, United States
| | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - William Brian Reeves
- Department of Medicine, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas, San Antonio, United States
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Sherif ZA, Gomez CR, Connors TJ, Henrich TJ, Reeves WB. Pathogenic mechanisms of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). eLife 2023; 12:e86002. [PMID: 36947108 PMCID: PMC10032659 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, with persistent and new onset of symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive dysfunction that last for months and impact everyday functioning, is referred to as Long COVID under the general category of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PASC is highly heterogenous and may be associated with multisystem tissue damage/dysfunction including acute encephalitis, cardiopulmonary syndromes, fibrosis, hepatobiliary damages, gastrointestinal dysregulation, myocardial infarction, neuromuscular syndromes, neuropsychiatric disorders, pulmonary damage, renal failure, stroke, and vascular endothelial dysregulation. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying PASC is essential to guide prevention and treatment. This review addresses potential mechanisms and hypotheses that connect SARS-CoV-2 infection to long-term health consequences. Comparisons between PASC and other virus-initiated chronic syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome will be addressed. Aligning symptoms with other chronic syndromes and identifying potentially regulated common underlining pathways may be necessary for understanding the true nature of PASC. The discussed contributors to PASC symptoms include sequelae from acute SARS-CoV-2 injury to one or more organs, persistent reservoirs of the replicating virus or its remnants in several tissues, re-activation of latent pathogens such as Epstein-Barr and herpes viruses in COVID-19 immune-dysregulated tissue environment, SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host microbiome/virome communities, clotting/coagulation dysregulation, dysfunctional brainstem/vagus nerve signaling, dysautonomia or autonomic dysfunction, ongoing activity of primed immune cells, and autoimmunity due to molecular mimicry between pathogen and host proteins. The individualized nature of PASC symptoms suggests that different therapeutic approaches may be required to best manage specific patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaki A Sherif
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Howard University College of MedicineWashington, District of ColumbiaUnited States
| | - Christian R Gomez
- Division of Lung Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)BethesdaUnited States
| | - Thomas J Connors
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's HospitalNew YorkUnited States
| | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - William Brian Reeves
- Department of Medicine, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of TexasSan AntonioUnited States
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Nishio A, Kamidani R, Okada H, Suzuki K, Suzuki K, Miyake T, Okamoto H, Doi T, Suzuki A, Yoshida S, Ogura S. Serum syndecan-1 concentration in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome: A case report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1111139. [PMID: 36999071 PMCID: PMC10043163 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1111139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundHemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome occurs in pregnant and postpartum individuals. We observed serum syndecan-1 (SDC-1) levels, which is a component of the glycocalyx, in a patient with HELLP syndrome from admission to the postpartum period and examined their association as reflecting the pathophysiology related to endothelial injury.Case presentationA 31-year-old primiparous female patient without a previous medical history at a gestational age of 37 weeks and 6 days was transferred to our hospital the morning after a visit to a previous hospital with headache and nausea. Elevated transaminase, platelet count, and proteinuria were noted. Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed a caudate nucleus hemorrhage and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. After she delivered her newborn through an emergency cesarean section, she was admitted to the intensive care unit. On day 4 post-delivery, the patient’s D-dimer concentration was elevated, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed. The results indicated pulmonary embolism, and heparin administration was initiated. The serum SDC-1 level was highest on day 1 post-delivery and quickly decreased subsequently; however, it remained elevated during the postpartum period. Her condition gradually improved, and she was extubated on day 6 and discharged from the ICU on day 7 post-delivery.ConclusionWe measured SDC-1 concentration in a patient with HELLP syndrome and found that the clinical course correlated with SDC-1 levels, indicating that SDC-1 is elevated immediately before and after pregnancy termination in patients with HELLP syndrome. Therefore, SDC-1 fluctuations, combined with the elevation of the D-dimer level, may be a potential marker for the early detection of HELLP syndrome and estimation of the syndrome’s severity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayane Nishio
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ryo Kamidani
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
- Abuse Prevention Center, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Ryo Kamidani,
| | - Hideshi Okada
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Keiko Suzuki
- Department of Infection Control, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kodai Suzuki
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahito Miyake
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Haruka Okamoto
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Doi
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Akio Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacy, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shozo Yoshida
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
- Abuse Prevention Center, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinji Ogura
- Advanced Critical Care Center, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
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Abstract
On 4 September, 2020, the US National Institutes of Health launched a new clinical trial, “A Multicenter, Adaptive, Randomized Controlled Platform Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Antithrombotic and Additional Strategies in Hospitalized Adults with COVID-19.” This open-label, placebo-controlled, multicenter, adaptive platform study was designed to evaluate therapeutic options for patients hospitalized with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19. A variety of drugs and drug classes were selected, including heparin, the monoclonal antibody crizanlizumab, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and purinergic signaling receptor Y12 inhibitors. These medications have been widely used in the treatment of other conditions, from sick cell disease to type 2 diabetes mellitus and some forms of cardiovascular disease, but their inclusion in a study of COVID-19 was somewhat unexpected. This article examines the rationale behind the use of these disparate agents in the treatment and prevention of adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and explores how these strategies may be utilized in the future to address the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W McCarthy
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Box 130, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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