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Donald J, Bilasy SE, Yang C, El-Shamy A. Exploring the Complexities of Long COVID. Viruses 2024; 16:1060. [PMID: 39066223 DOI: 10.3390/v16071060] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2019, nearly 700 million COVID-19 cases and 7 million deaths have been reported globally. Despite most individuals recovering within four weeks, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 7.5% to 41% develop post-acute infection syndrome (PAIS), known as 'Long COVID'. This review provides current statistics on Long COVID's prevalence, explores hypotheses concerning epidemiological factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, initial COVID-19 severity, and vaccine interactions, and delves into potential mechanisms, including immune responses, viral persistence, and gut dysbiosis. Moreover, we conclude that women, advanced age, comorbidities, non-vaccination, and low socioeconomic status all appear to be risk factors. The reasons for these differences are still not fully understood and likely involve a complex relationship between social, genetic, hormonal, and other factors. Furthermore, individuals with Long COVID-19 seem more likely to endure economic hardship due to persistent symptoms. In summary, our findings further illustrate the multifaceted nature of Long COVID and underscore the importance of understanding the epidemiological factors and potential mechanisms needed to develop effective therapeutic strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Donald
- College of Graduate Studies, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Shymaa E Bilasy
- College of Dental Medicine, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Catherine Yang
- College of Graduate Studies, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
| | - Ahmed El-Shamy
- College of Graduate Studies, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
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Power Guerra N, Bierkämper M, Pablik J, Hummel T, Witt M. Histochemical Evidence for Reduced Immune Response in Nasal Mucosa of Patients with COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4427. [PMID: 38674011 PMCID: PMC11050322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084427] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary entry point of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the nasal mucosa, where viral-induced inflammation occurs. When the immune response fails against SARS-CoV-2, understanding the altered response becomes crucial. This study aimed to compare SARS-CoV-2 immunological responses in the olfactory and respiratory mucosa by focusing on epithelia and nerves. Between 2020 and 2022, we obtained post mortem tissues from the olfactory cleft from 10 patients with histologically intact olfactory epithelia (OE) who died with or from COVID-19, along with four age-matched controls. These tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical reactions using antibodies against T cell antigens CD3, CD8, CD68, and SARS spike protein for viral evidence. Deceased patients with COVID-19 exhibited peripheral lymphopenia accompanied by a local decrease in CD3+ cells in the OE. However, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was sparsely detectable in the OE. With regard to the involvement of nerve fibers, the present analysis suggested that SARS-CoV-2 did not significantly alter the immune response in olfactory or trigeminal fibers. On the other hand, SARS spike protein was detectable in both nerves. In summary, the post mortem investigation demonstrated a decreased T cell response in patients with COVID-19 and signs of SARS-CoV-2 presence in olfactory and trigeminal fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Power Guerra
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (N.P.G.); (M.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Martin Bierkämper
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (N.P.G.); (M.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Jessica Pablik
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Thomas Hummel
- Smell & Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (N.P.G.); (M.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Martin Witt
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biostructural Foundations of Medical Sciences, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-781 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany
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Marin C, Alobid I, López-Chacón M, VanStrahlen CR, Mullol J. Type 2 and Non-type 2 Inflammation in the Upper Airways: Cellular and Molecular Alterations in Olfactory Neuroepithelium Cell Populations. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:211-219. [PMID: 38492160 PMCID: PMC11008081 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01137-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurogenesis occurring in the olfactory epithelium is critical to continuously replace olfactory neurons to maintain olfactory function, but is impaired during chronic type 2 and non-type 2 inflammation of the upper airways. In this review, we describe the neurobiology of olfaction and the olfactory alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (type 2 inflammation) and post-viral acute rhinosinusitis (non-type 2 inflammation), highlighting the role of immune response attenuating olfactory neurogenesis as a possibly mechanism for the loss of smell in these diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Several studies have provided relevant insights into the role of basal stem cells as direct participants in the progression of chronic inflammation identifying a functional switch away from a neuro-regenerative phenotype to one contributing to immune defense, a process that induces a deficient replacement of olfactory neurons. The interaction between olfactory stem cells and immune system might critically underlie ongoing loss of smell in type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory upper airway diseases. In this review, we describe the neurobiology of olfaction and the olfactory alterations in type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory upper airway diseases, highlighting the role of immune response attenuating olfactory neurogenesis, as a possibly mechanism for the lack of loss of smell recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepció Marin
- INGENIO, IRCE, Fundació Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isam Alobid
- INGENIO, IRCE, Fundació Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Rhinology Unit and Smell Clinic, ENT Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mauricio López-Chacón
- INGENIO, IRCE, Fundació Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Rhinology Unit and Smell Clinic, ENT Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Camilo R VanStrahlen
- INGENIO, IRCE, Fundació Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Rhinology Unit and Smell Clinic, ENT Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Mullol
- INGENIO, IRCE, Fundació Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FRCB-IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Health Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
- Rhinology Unit and Smell Clinic, ENT Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Wellford SA, Moseman EA. Olfactory immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:134-143. [PMID: 38143247 PMCID: PMC10806031 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous pathogens can infect the olfactory tract, yet the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has strongly emphasized the importance of the olfactory mucosa as an immune barrier. Situated in the nasal passages, the olfactory mucosa is directly exposed to the environment to sense airborne odorants; however, this also means it can serve as a direct route of entry from the outside world into the brain. As a result, olfactotropic infections can have serious consequences, including dysfunction of the olfactory system, CNS invasion, dissemination to the lower respiratory tract, and transmission between individuals. Recent research has shown that a distinctive immune response is needed to protect this neuronal and mucosal tissue. A better understanding of innate, adaptive, and structural immune barriers in the olfactory mucosa is needed to develop effective therapeutics and vaccines against olfactotropic microbes such as SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarize the ramifications of SARS-CoV-2 infection of the olfactory mucosa, review the subsequent immune response, and discuss important areas of future research for olfactory immunity to infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian A Wellford
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - E Ashley Moseman
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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de Souza CDF, Magalhães AJDA, Silva Nobre YV, Souza CA, do Nascimento ALO, de Faria LR, Bezerra-Santos M, Armstrong ADC, Nicácio JM, Gomes OV, do Carmo RF. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Olfactory Dysfunction in Individuals with COVID-19 in Brazil: A Study of 20,669 Cases from 2020 to 2021. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:164-172. [PMID: 38198785 PMCID: PMC11096791 DOI: 10.1159/000536191] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with olfactory dysfunction in individuals with COVID-19 in the first 2 years of the pandemic in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prevalent study involving the confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in the municipality between the years 2020 and 2021. Individuals symptomatic for COVID-19, with a positive laboratory result and aged 12 or older were included in this study. Measures of central tendency and dispersion were used in the description of continuous variables and frequency was used for categorical variables. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate data distribution. RESULTS Data from 20,669 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of olfactory disorders was 17.9% and increased from 11.5% to 21.9% between 2020 and 2021. A female gender predominance was observed among individuals who reported anosmia, with 61.1% (n = 564) in 2020 and 61.7% (n = 1,713) in 2021. On the other hand, the median age of individuals with olfactory disorders was lower than that of the group without disorders (35 [IQR 27-46] vs. 39 [IQR 29-50]; p < 0.001). Smell disturbances were present in 18.2% (n = 3,634) of patients who recovered and in 7.1% (n = 38) of those who died. Furthermore, in 2021, a prevalence rate of 30.6% for olfactory disorders was linked to obesity as a comorbidity. CONCLUSION The prevalence of olfactory disorders was lower compared to other studies, with cough and fever being negatively related to olfactory dysfunction and headache, coryza, and taste disorders being positively related. Obesity was the only associated comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Feliciano do Carmo
- Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Petrolina, Brazil
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