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Arron HE, Marsh BD, Kell DB, Khan MA, Jaeger BR, Pretorius E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386607. [PMID: 38887284 PMCID: PMC11180809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386607] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms that severely impact all aspects of life. Despite its significant prevalence, ME/CFS remains one of the most understudied and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. ME/CFS lacks standardised diagnostic criteria owing to variations in both inclusion and exclusion criteria across different diagnostic guidelines, and furthermore, there are currently no effective treatments available. Moving beyond the traditional fragmented perspectives that have limited our understanding and management of the disease, our analysis of current information on ME/CFS represents a significant paradigm shift by synthesising the disease's multifactorial origins into a cohesive model. We discuss how ME/CFS emerges from an intricate web of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, notably viral infections, leading to a complex series of pathological responses including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances. This comprehensive model not only advances our understanding of ME/CFS's pathophysiology but also opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic strategies. By integrating these disparate elements, our work emphasises the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating ME/CFS, urging the scientific community to reconsider the disease's complexity and the multifaceted approach required for its study and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley E. Arron
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Benjamin D. Marsh
- MRCPCH Consultant Paediatric Neurodisability, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - M. Asad Khan
- Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Beate R. Jaeger
- Long COVID department, Clinic St Georg, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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2
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Pszczołowska M, Walczak K, Misków W, Antosz K, Batko J, Karska J, Leszek J. Molecular cross-talk between long COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2024; 46:2885-2899. [PMID: 38393535 PMCID: PMC11009207 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01096-1] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The long COVID (coronavirus disease), a multisystemic condition following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is one of the widespread problems. Some of its symptoms affect the nervous system and resemble symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-a neurodegenerative condition caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins. Multiple studies have found dependence between these two conditions. Patients with Alzheimer's disease have a greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to increased levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and the infection itself promotes amyloid beta generation which enhances the risk of AD. Also, the molecular pathways are alike-misregulations in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, a deficit of Cq10, and disease-associated microglia. Medical imaging in both of these diseases shows a decrease in the volume of gray matter, global brain size reduction, and hypometabolism in the parahippocampal gyrus, thalamus, and cingulate cortex. In some studies, a similar approach to applied medication can be seen, including the use of amino adamantanes and phenolic compounds of rosemary. The significance of these connections and their possible application in medical practice still needs further study but there is a possibility that they will help to better understand long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamil Walczak
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Weronika Misków
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Antosz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Batko
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Karska
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Department, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Department, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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3
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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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4
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Preßler H, Machule ML, Ufer F, Bünger I, Li LY, Buchholz E, Werner C, Beraha E, Wagner F, Metz M, Burock S, Bruckert L, Franke C, Wilck N, Krüger A, Reshetnik A, Eckardt KU, Endres M, Prüss H. IA-PACS-CFS: a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled, exploratory trial of immunoadsorption in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) including patients with post-acute COVID-19 CFS (PACS-CFS). Trials 2024; 25:172. [PMID: 38454468 PMCID: PMC10919018 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07982-5] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severely debilitating condition which markedly restricts activity and function of affected people. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic ME/CFS related to post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) can be diagnosed in a subset of patients presenting with persistent fatigue 6 months after a mostly mild SARS-CoV-2 infection by fulfillment of the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC 2003). Induction of autoimmunity after viral infection is a mechanism under intensive investigation. In patients with ME/CFS, autoantibodies against thyreoperoxidase (TPO), beta-adrenergic receptors (ß2AR), and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (MAR) are frequently found, and there is evidence for effectiveness of immunomodulation with B cell depleting therapy, cyclophosphamide, or intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). Preliminary studies on the treatment of ME/CFS patients with immunoadsorption (IA), an apheresis that removes antibodies from plasma, suggest clinical improvement. However, evidence from placebo-controlled trials is currently missing. METHODS In this double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled, exploratory trial the therapeutic effect of five cycles of IA every other day in patients with ME/CFS, including patients with post-acute COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome (PACS-CFS), will be evaluated using the validated Chalder Fatigue Scale, a patient-reported outcome measurement. A total of 66 patients will be randomized at a 2:1 ratio: 44 patients will receive IA (active treatment group) and 22 patients will receive a sham apheresis (control group). Moreover, safety, tolerability, and the effect of IA on patient-reported outcome parameters, biomarker-related objectives, cognitive outcome measurements, and physical parameters will be assessed. Patients will be hospitalized at the clinical site from day 1 to day 10 to receive five IA treatments and medical visits. Four follow-up visits (including two visits at site and two visits via telephone call) at month 1 (day 30), 2 (day 60), 4 (day 120), and 6 (day 180; EOS, end of study visit) will take place. DISCUSSION Although ME/CFS including PACS-CFS causes an immense individual, social, and economic burden, we lack efficient therapeutic options. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of immunoadsorption and to contribute to the etiological understanding and establishment of diagnostic tools for ME/CFS. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration Number: NCT05710770 . Registered on 02 February 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Preßler
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Excellence Cluster NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Machule
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Ufer
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Bünger
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lucie Yuanting Li
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emilie Buchholz
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Werner
- Clinical Research Organisation GmbH, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Esther Beraha
- Clinical Research Organisation GmbH, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Frank Wagner
- Clinical Research Organisation GmbH, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Matthes Metz
- Department of Biostatistics, GCP-Service International Ltd. & Co. KG, Bremen, Germany
| | - Susen Burock
- Clinical Trial Office, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Lisa Bruckert
- Clinical Trial Office, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Christiana Franke
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicola Wilck
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a cooperation of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, 13125, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, 13125, Germany
| | - Anne Krüger
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Reshetnik
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
- Excellence Cluster NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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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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6
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Seton KA, Espejo-Oltra JA, Giménez-Orenga K, Haagmans R, Ramadan DJ, Mehlsen J. Advancing Research and Treatment: An Overview of Clinical Trials in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38256459 PMCID: PMC10816159 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating, and multi-faceted illness. Heterogenous onset and clinical presentation with additional comorbidities make it difficult to diagnose, characterize, and successfully treat. Current treatment guidelines focus on symptom management, but with no clear target or causative mechanism, remission rates are low, and fewer than 5% of patients return to their pre-morbid activity levels. Therefore, there is an urgent need to undertake robust clinical trials to identify effective treatments. This review synthesizes insights from clinical trials exploring pharmacological interventions and dietary supplements targeting immunological, metabolic, gastrointestinal, neurological, and neuroendocrine dysfunction in ME/CFS patients which require further exploration. Additionally, the trialling of alternative interventions in ME/CFS based on reported efficacy in the treatment of illnesses with overlapping symptomology is also discussed. Finally, we provide important considerations and make recommendations, focusing on outcome measures, to ensure the execution of future high-quality clinical trials to establish clinical efficacy of evidence-based interventions that are needed for adoption in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A. Seton
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK;
| | - José A. Espejo-Oltra
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Pathology, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Karen Giménez-Orenga
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia, San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Rik Haagmans
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK;
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Donia J. Ramadan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, 0450 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Jesper Mehlsen
- Surgical Pathophysiology Unit, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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7
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Steiner S, Fehrer A, Hoheisel F, Schoening S, Aschenbrenner A, Babel N, Bellmann-Strobl J, Finke C, Fluge Ø, Froehlich L, Goebel A, Grande B, Haas JP, Hohberger B, Jason LA, Komaroff AL, Lacerda E, Liebl M, Maier A, Mella O, Nacul L, Paul F, Prusty BK, Puta C, Riemekasten G, Ries W, Rowe PC, Sawitzki B, Shoenfeld Y, Schultze JL, Seifert M, Sepúlveda N, Sotzny F, Stein E, Stingl M, Ufer F, Veauthier C, Westermeier F, Wirth K, Wolfarth B, Zalewski P, Behrends U, Scheibenbogen C. Understanding, diagnosing, and treating Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - State of the art: Report of the 2nd international meeting at the Charité Fatigue Center. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103452. [PMID: 37742748 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a devastating disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Due to the 2019 pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we are facing a significant increase of ME/CFS prevalence. On May 11th to 12th, 2023, the second international ME/CFS conference of the Charité Fatigue Center was held in Berlin, Germany, focusing on pathomechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment. During the two-day conference, more than 100 researchers from various research fields met on-site and over 700 attendees participated online to discuss the state of the art and novel findings in this field. Key topics from the conference included: the role of the immune system, dysfunction of endothelial and autonomic nervous system, and viral reactivation. Furthermore, there were presentations on innovative diagnostic measures and assessments for this complex disease, cutting-edge treatment approaches, and clinical studies. Despite the increased public attention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent rise of Long COVID-19 cases, and the rise of funding opportunities to unravel the pathomechanisms underlying ME/CFS, this severe disease remains highly underresearched. Future adequately funded research efforts are needed to further explore the disease etiology and to identify diagnostic markers and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Steiner
- 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
| | - Annick Fehrer
- 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
| | - Friederike Hoheisel
- 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.
| | | | - Anna Aschenbrenner
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- 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; Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Ruhr-University Bochum, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Øystein Fluge
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Laura Froehlich
- Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics (CATALPA), FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany
| | - Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, and Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Johannes-Peter Haas
- Deutsches Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie, Zentrum für Schmerztherapie junger Menschen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
| | - Bettina Hohberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anthony L Komaroff
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eliana Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Max Liebl
- Department of Physical Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Maier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Olav Mella
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luis Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation Between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, and Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bhupesh K Prusty
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany; Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases Related to Professional Activities, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany; Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Ries
- Internal Medicine, Department of Nephrology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus, Flensburg, Germany
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Translational Immunology, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) & Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Reichman University Herzelia, Israel
| | - Joachim L Schultze
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany; Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE und Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martina Seifert
- 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; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Department of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.; CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- 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
| | - Elisa Stein
- 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
| | - Michael Stingl
- Department of Neurology, Zentrum Votivpark, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Ufer
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Veauthier
- Interdisciplinary Center of Sleep Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francisco Westermeier
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Department of Health Studies, FH, Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria; Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Klaus Wirth
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sports Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Zalewski
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University Toruń, Toruń, Poland; Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Warsaw Medical University, Stefana Banacha 2a, Warszawa 02-097, Poland
| | - Uta Behrends
- Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany; AGV Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Munich (HMGU), Munich, 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
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8
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Kim L, Kedor C, Buttgereit F, Heidecke H, Schaumburg D, Scheibenbogen C. Characterizing Sjögren-Associated Fatigue: A Distinct Phenotype from ME/CFS. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4994. [PMID: 37568396 PMCID: PMC10419548 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is the most commonly reported and debilitating extraglandular symptom of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Fatigue and exertional intolerance are hallmark symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). We aimed to characterize fatigue and further symptoms among pSS patients and to determine whether there is a symptom overlap in pSS and ME/CFS. In 19 patients with pSS, we assessed pSS symptom severity and disease activity via questionnaires as well as the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC) for ME/CFS. Hand grip strength (HGS) and levels of α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, M3- and M4-receptor-autoantibodies were measured. A subgroup of pSS patients exhibited severe fatigue and had higher severity of pain (p = 0.045), depression (p = 0.021) and sleep disturbances (p = 0.020) compared to those with less fatigue. Four of eighteen pSS patients fulfilled the CCC. HGS parameters strongly correlated with fatigue severity (p < 0.05), but strength fully recovered one hour after exertion in contrast to ME/CFS. Levels of β1-, β2- and M4-receptor-autoantibodies were elevated and correlated significantly with disease activity assessed by the ESSDAI (p < 0.05), but not fatigue severity. Only a minor subgroup of pSS patients fulfills the CCC, and post exertional malaise (PEM) is atypical, as it is primarily triggered by mental/emotional but not physical exertion. HGS assessment is an objective measure to assess overall fatigue severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kim
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (F.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Harald Heidecke
- CellTrend GmbH, Im Biotechnologiepark 3, 14943 Luckenwalde, Germany;
| | - Desiree Schaumburg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (F.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
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9
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Cabral-Marques O, Moll G, Catar R, Preuß B, Bankamp L, Pecher AC, Henes J, Klein R, Kamalanathan AS, Akbarzadeh R, van Oostveen W, Hohberger B, Endres M, Koolmoes B, Levarht N, Postma R, van Duinen V, van Zonneveld AJ, de Vries-Bouwstra J, Fehres C, Tran F, do Vale FYN, da Silva Souza KB, Filgueiras IS, Schimke LF, Baiocchi GC, de Miranda GC, da Fonseca DLM, Freire PP, Hackel AM, Grasshoff H, Stähle A, Müller A, Dechend R, Yu X, Petersen F, Sotzny F, Sakmar TP, Ochs HD, Schulze-Forster K, Heidecke H, Scheibenbogen C, Shoenfeld Y, Riemekasten G. Autoantibodies targeting G protein-coupled receptors: An evolving history in autoimmunity. Report of the 4th international symposium. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103310. [PMID: 36906052 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are involved in various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Functional autoantibodies targeting GPCRs have been associated with multiple disease manifestations in this context. Here we summarize and discuss the relevant findings and concepts presented in the biennial International Meeting on autoantibodies targeting GPCRs (the 4th Symposium), held in Lübeck, Germany, 15-16 September 2022. The symposium focused on the current knowledge of these autoantibodies' role in various diseases, such as cardiovascular, renal, infectious (COVID-19), and autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus). Beyond their association with disease phenotypes, intense research related to the mechanistic action of these autoantibodies on immune regulation and pathogenesis has been developed, underscoring the role of autoantibodies targeting GPCRs on disease outcomes and etiopathogenesis. The observation repeatedly highlighted that autoantibodies targeting GPCRs could also be present in healthy individuals, suggesting that anti-GPCR autoantibodies play a physiologic role in modeling the course of diseases. Since numerous therapies targeting GPCRs have been developed, including small molecules and monoclonal antibodies designed for treating cancer, infections, metabolic disorders, or inflammatory conditions, anti-GPCR autoantibodies themselves can serve as therapeutic targets to reduce patients' morbidity and mortality, representing a new area for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otávio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Medical Investigation 29, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacy and Postgraduate Program of Health and Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil; Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Guido Moll
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany; BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) and Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), all Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Preuß
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Bankamp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Pecher
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Joerg Henes
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Reinhild Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A S Kamalanathan
- Centre for BioSeparation Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reza Akbarzadeh
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Wieke van Oostveen
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bettina Hohberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin, Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Berlin, Germany.; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bryan Koolmoes
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nivine Levarht
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Rudmer Postma
- LUMC, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent van Duinen
- LUMC, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- LUMC, Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeska de Vries-Bouwstra
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Fehres
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Rheumatology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Florian Tran
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Fernando Yuri Nery do Vale
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Igor Salerno Filgueiras
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lena F Schimke
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Crispim Baiocchi
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Cabral de Miranda
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dennyson Leandro Mathias da Fonseca
- Interunit Postgraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Paccielli Freire
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander M Hackel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hanna Grasshoff
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anja Stähle
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Antje Müller
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A collaboration of Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitätsmedizin, and HELIOS Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Xinhua Yu
- Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel (RCB), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Frank Petersen
- Priority Area Chronic Lung Diseases, Research Center Borstel (RCB), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas P Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hans D Ochs
- University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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10
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Davis HE, McCorkell L, Vogel JM, Topol EJ. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:133-146. [PMID: 36639608 PMCID: PMC9839201 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1340] [Impact Index Per Article: 1340.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is an often debilitating illness that occurs in at least 10% of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. More than 200 symptoms have been identified with impacts on multiple organ systems. At least 65 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have long COVID, with cases increasing daily. Biomedical research has made substantial progress in identifying various pathophysiological changes and risk factors and in characterizing the illness; further, similarities with other viral-onset illnesses such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome have laid the groundwork for research in the field. In this Review, we explore the current literature and highlight key findings, the overlap with other conditions, the variable onset of symptoms, long COVID in children and the impact of vaccinations. Although these key findings are critical to understanding long COVID, current diagnostic and treatment options are insufficient, and clinical trials must be prioritized that address leading hypotheses. Additionally, to strengthen long COVID research, future studies must account for biases and SARS-CoV-2 testing issues, build on viral-onset research, be inclusive of marginalized populations and meaningfully engage patients throughout the research process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Moore Vogel
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Topol
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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11
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Szewczykowski C, Mardin C, Lucio M, Wallukat G, Hoffmanns J, Schröder T, Raith F, Rogge L, Heltmann F, Moritz M, Beitlich L, Schottenhamml J, Herrmann M, Harrer T, Ganslmayer M, Kruse FE, Kräter M, Guck J, Lämmer R, Zenkel M, Gießl A, Hohberger B. Long COVID: Association of Functional Autoantibodies against G-Protein-Coupled Receptors with an Impaired Retinal Microcirculation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7209. [PMID: 35806214 PMCID: PMC9266742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) describes the clinical phenotype of symptoms after infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diagnostic and therapeutic options are limited, as the pathomechanism of LC is elusive. As the number of acute SARS-CoV-2 infections was and is large, LC will be a challenge for the healthcare system. Previous studies revealed an impaired blood flow, the formation of microclots, and autoimmune mechanisms as potential factors in this complex interplay. Since functionally active autoantibodies against G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR-AAbs) were observed in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection, this study aimed to correlate the appearance of GPCR-AAbs with capillary microcirculation. The seropositivity of GPCR-AAbs was measured by an established cardiomyocyte bioassay in 42 patients with LC and 6 controls. Retinal microcirculation was measured by OCT-angiography and quantified as macula and peripapillary vessel density (VD) by the Erlangen-Angio Tool. A statistical analysis yielded impaired VD in patients with LC compared to the controls, which was accentuated in female persons. A significant decrease in macula and peripapillary VD for AAbs targeting adrenergic β2-receptor, MAS-receptor angiotensin-II-type-1 receptor, and adrenergic α1-receptor were observed. The present study might suggest that a seropositivity of GPCR-AAbs can be linked to an impaired retinal capillary microcirculation, potentially mirroring the systemic microcirculation with consecutive clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Szewczykowski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Christian Mardin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Marianna Lucio
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | | | - Jakob Hoffmanns
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Thora Schröder
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Franziska Raith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Lennart Rogge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Felix Heltmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Michael Moritz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Lorenz Beitlich
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Julia Schottenhamml
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Martin Herrmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.H.); (T.H.)
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (M.H.); (T.H.)
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marion Ganslmayer
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Universität of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Friedrich E. Kruse
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Martin Kräter
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (M.K.); (J.G.)
| | - Jochen Guck
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light & Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (M.K.); (J.G.)
| | - Robert Lämmer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Matthias Zenkel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Andreas Gießl
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
| | - Bettina Hohberger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (C.S.); (C.M.); (J.H.); (T.S.); (F.R.); (L.R.); (F.H.); (M.M.); (L.B.); (J.S.); (F.E.K.); (R.L.); (M.Z.); (A.G.)
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12
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Application of Extracorporeal Apheresis in Treatment of COVID-19: a Rapid Review. BIONANOSCIENCE 2022; 12:979-993. [PMID: 35578681 PMCID: PMC9096332 DOI: 10.1007/s12668-022-00987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Spread of a novel coronavirus infection in 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a real threat to public health all around the world. The new pandemic required the mobilization of all resources for effective treatment of COVID-19 patients. Extracorporeal apheresis methods were suggested as an addition to the therapy of severe COVID-19 patients, especially when there is a threat of cytokine storm. Cytokine storm has a complex and not fully understood mechanism, and it can result in the multiple organ failure syndrome, associated with high mortality. The main cytokines that play the key role in the cytokine storm are IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha. Removal of the target pro-inflammatory cytokines from the bloodstream can be beneficial in reducing the risk of complications as well as the mortality rate. We describe and compare different methods of extracorporeal apheresis: hemoadsorption, selective plasma filtration, and plasma exchange therapy in the context of their potential use in COVID-19 treatment.
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13
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König RS, Albrich WC, Kahlert CR, Bahr LS, Löber U, Vernazza P, Scheibenbogen C, Forslund SK. The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Front Immunol 2022; 12:628741. [PMID: 35046929 PMCID: PMC8761622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.628741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a neglected, debilitating multi-systemic disease without diagnostic marker or therapy. Despite evidence for neurological, immunological, infectious, muscular and endocrine pathophysiological abnormalities, the etiology and a clear pathophysiology remains unclear. The gut microbiome gained much attention in the last decade with manifold implications in health and disease. Here we review the current state of knowledge on the interplay between ME/CFS and the microbiome, to identify potential diagnostic or interventional approaches, and propose areas where further research is needed. We iteratively selected and elaborated on key theories about a correlation between microbiome state and ME/CFS pathology, developing further hypotheses. Based on the literature we hypothesize that antibiotic use throughout life favours an intestinal microbiota composition which might be a risk factor for ME/CFS. Main proposed pathomechanisms include gut dysbiosis, altered gut-brain axis activity, increased gut permeability with concomitant bacterial translocation and reduced levels of short-chain-fatty acids, D-lactic acidosis, an abnormal tryptophan metabolism and low activity of the kynurenine pathway. We review options for microbiome manipulation in ME/CFS patients including probiotic and dietary interventions as well as fecal microbiota transplantations. Beyond increasing gut permeability and bacterial translocation, specific dysbiosis may modify fermentation products, affecting peripheral mitochondria. Considering the gut-brain axis we strongly suspect that the microbiome may contribute to neurocognitive impairments of ME/CFS patients. Further larger studies are needed, above all to clarify whether D-lactic acidosis and early-life antibiotic use may be part of ME/CFS etiology and what role changes in the tryptophan metabolism might play. An association between the gut microbiome and the disease ME/CFS is plausible. As causality remains unclear, we recommend longitudinal studies. Activity levels, bedridden hours and disease progression should be compared to antibiotic exposure, drug intakes and alterations in the composition of the microbiota. The therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transfer and of targeted dietary interventions should be systematically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel S König
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Werner C Albrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian R Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lina Samira Bahr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Löber
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Host-Microbiome Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pietro Vernazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia K Forslund
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Host-Microbiome Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Bornstein SR, Voit-Bak K, Donate T, Rodionov RN, Gainetdinov RR, Tselmin S, Kanczkowski W, Müller GM, Achleitner M, Wang J, Licinio J, Bauer M, Young AH, Thuret S, Bechmann N, Straube R. Chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome: Is there a role for extracorporeal apheresis? Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:34-37. [PMID: 34140635 PMCID: PMC8209771 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01148-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As millions of patients have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus a vast number of individuals complain about continuing breathlessness and fatigue even months after the onset of the disease. This overwhelming phenomenon has not been well defined and has been called "post-COVID syndrome" or "long-COVID" [1]. There are striking similarities to myalgic encephalomyelitis also called chronic fatigue syndrome linked to a viral and autoimmune pathogenesis. In both disorders neurotransmitter receptor antibodies against ß-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors may play a key role. We found similar elevation of these autoantibodies in both patient groups. Extracorporeal apheresis using a special filter seems to be effective in reducing these antibodies in a significant way clearly improving the debilitating symptoms of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, such a form of neuropheresis may provide a promising therapeutic option for patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This method will also be effective when other hitherto unknown antibodies and inflammatory mediators are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan R. Bornstein
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Division of Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.412004.30000 0004 0478 9977Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland ,grid.507329.aPaul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID), Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karin Voit-Bak
- Zentrums für Apherese- und Hämofiltration am INUS Tagesklinikum, Cham, Germany
| | - Timo Donate
- Zentrums für Apherese- und Hämofiltration am INUS Tagesklinikum, Cham, Germany
| | - Roman N. Rodionov
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- grid.15447.330000 0001 2289 6897Institute of Translational Biomedicine St. Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia ,grid.15447.330000 0001 2289 6897St. Petersburg State University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Tselmin
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Waldemar Kanczkowski
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gregor M. Müller
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Achleitner
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jun Wang
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julio Licinio
- grid.411023.50000 0000 9159 4457State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY USA
| | - Michael Bauer
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Allan H. Young
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Centre for Affective Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,grid.412282.f0000 0001 1091 2917Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,grid.418213.d0000 0004 0390 0098Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany ,grid.452622.5German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Richard Straube
- Zentrums für Apherese- und Hämofiltration am INUS Tagesklinikum, Cham, Germany
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Kiprov DD, Herskowitz A, Kim D, Lieb M, Liu C, Watanabe E, Hoffman JC, Rohe R, Conboy MJ, Conboy IM. Case Report: Therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects of plasmapheresis in long-haul COVID. F1000Res 2021; 10:1189. [PMID: 35464182 PMCID: PMC9021669 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74534.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Many patients with COVID-19 experience a range of debilitating symptoms months after being infected, a syndrome termed long-haul COVID. A 68-year-old male presented with lung opacity, fatigue, physical and cognitive weaknesses, loss of smell and lymphocytopenia. After rounds of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), the patient returned to normal activities and work. Mechanistically in the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), markers of inflammatory macrophages diminished and markers of lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8 T-cells, increased. Circulating inflammatory proteins diminished, while positive regulators of tissue repair increased. This case study suggests that TPE has the capacity to treat long-haul COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dobri D. Kiprov
- California Medical Pacific Center, San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
| | - Ahvie Herskowitz
- California Medical Pacific Center, San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
| | - Daehwan Kim
- Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Michael Lieb
- Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | | | - Jan C. Hoffman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, USA
| | - Regina Rohe
- California Medical Pacific Center, San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
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Kiprov DD, Herskowitz A, Kim D, Lieb M, Liu C, Watanabe E, Hoffman JC, Rohe R, Conboy MJ, Conboy IM. Case Report: Therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects of plasmapheresis in long-haul COVID. F1000Res 2021; 10:1189. [PMID: 35464182 PMCID: PMC9021669 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74534.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many patients with COVID-19 experience a range of debilitating symptoms months after being infected, a syndrome termed long-haul COVID. A 68-year-old male presented with lung opacity, fatigue, physical and cognitive weaknesses, loss of smell and lymphocytopenia. After rounds of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), the patient returned to normal activities and work. Mechanistically in the patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), markers of inflammatory macrophages diminished and markers of lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8 T-cells, increased. Circulating inflammatory proteins diminished, while positive regulators of tissue repair increased. This case study suggests that TPE has the capacity to treat long-haul COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dobri D. Kiprov
- California Medical Pacific Center, San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
| | - Ahvie Herskowitz
- California Medical Pacific Center, San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
| | - Daehwan Kim
- Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Michael Lieb
- Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- Bioengineering, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | | | - Jan C. Hoffman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, San Francisco, USA
| | - Regina Rohe
- California Medical Pacific Center, San Francisco, CA, 94109, USA
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Dotan A, Shoenfeld Y. Post-COVID syndrome: the aftershock of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 114:233-235. [PMID: 34785367 PMCID: PMC8590600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arad Dotan
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel;; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel.
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel;; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel; Ariel University, Israel; Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
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18
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Abstract
This collection of research papers addresses fundamental questions concerning the nature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), the problem of disbelief and lack of knowledge and understanding of the condition among many doctors and the origins of this problem, and its impact on patients and their families. We report briefly the growing knowledge of the underlying pathological processes in ME/CFS, and the development of new organizations, including Doctors with ME, the US ME/CFS Clinical Coalition and EUROMENE, to address aspects of the challenges posed by the illness. We discuss the implications of COVID-19, which has much in common with ME/CFS, with much overlap of symptoms, and propose a new taxonomic category, which we are terming post-active phase of infection syndromes (PAPIS) to include both. This collection of papers includes a number of papers reporting similar serious impacts on the quality of life of patients and their families in various European countries. The advice of EUROMENE experts on diagnosis and management is included in the collection. We report this in light of guidance from other parts of the world, including the USA and Australia, and in the context of current difficulties in the UK over the promulgation of a revised guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). We also consider evidence on the cost-effectiveness of interventions for ME/CFS, and on the difficulties of determining the costs of care when a high proportion of people with ME/CFS are never diagnosed as such. The Special Issue includes a paper which is a reminder of the importance of a person-centred approach to care by reviewing mind-body interventions. Finally, another paper reviews the scope for prevention in minimizing the population burden of ME/CFS, and concludes that secondary prevention, through early detection and diagnosis, could be of value.
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19
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Freitag H, Szklarski M, Lorenz S, Sotzny F, Bauer S, Philippe A, Kedor C, Grabowski P, Lange T, Riemekasten G, Heidecke H, Scheibenbogen C. Autoantibodies to Vasoregulative G-Protein-Coupled Receptors Correlate with Symptom Severity, Autonomic Dysfunction and Disability in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3675. [PMID: 34441971 PMCID: PMC8397061 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is an acquired complex disease with patients suffering from the cardinal symptoms of fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM), cognitive impairment, pain and autonomous dysfunction. ME/CFS is triggered by an infection in the majority of patients. Initial evidence for a potential role of natural regulatory autoantibodies (AAB) to beta-adrenergic (AdR) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M-AChR) in ME/CFS patients comes from a few studies. METHODS Here, we analyzed the correlations of symptom severity with levels of AAB to vasoregulative AdR, AChR and Endothelin-1 type A and B (ETA/B) and Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor in a Berlin cohort of ME/CFS patients (n = 116) by ELISA. The severity of disease, symptoms and autonomic dysfunction were assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS We found levels of most AABs significantly correlated with key symptoms of fatigue and muscle pain in patients with infection-triggered onset. The severity of cognitive impairment correlated with AT1-R- and ETA-R-AAB and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms with alpha1/2-AdR-AAB. In contrast, the patients with non-infection-triggered ME/CFS showed fewer and other correlations. CONCLUSION Correlations of specific AAB against G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) with symptoms provide evidence for a role of these AAB or respective receptor pathways in disease pathomechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helma Freitag
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Marvin Szklarski
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Sebastian Lorenz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Sandra Bauer
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Aurélie Philippe
- Department of Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Patricia Grabowski
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Tanja Lange
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany; (T.L.); (G.R.)
| | | | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (S.L.); (F.S.); (S.B.); (C.K.); (P.G.); (C.S.)
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Moghimi N, Di Napoli M, Biller J, Siegler JE, Shekhar R, McCullough LD, Harkins MS, Hong E, Alaouieh DA, Mansueto G, Divani AA. The Neurological Manifestations of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2021; 21:44. [PMID: 34181102 PMCID: PMC8237541 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-021-01130-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health challenge. This review aims to summarize the incidence, risk factors, possible pathophysiology, and proposed management of neurological manifestations of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or neuro-PASC based on the published literature. RECENT FINDINGS The National Institutes of Health has noted that PASC is a multi-organ disorder ranging from mild symptoms to an incapacitating state that can last for weeks or longer following recovery from initial infection with SARS-CoV-2. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed as the culprit for the development of PASC. These include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect invasion of the virus into the brain, immune dysregulation, hormonal disturbances, elevated cytokine levels due to immune reaction leading to chronic inflammation, direct tissue damage to other organs, and persistent low-grade infection. A multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of neuro-PASC will be required to diagnose and address these symptoms. Tailored rehabilitation and novel cognitive therapy protocols are as important as pharmacological treatments to treat neuro-PASC effectively. With recognizing the growing numbers of COVID-19 patients suffering from neuro-PASC, there is an urgent need to identify affected individuals early to provide the most appropriate and efficient treatments. Awareness among the general population and health care professionals about PASC is rising, and more efforts are needed to understand and treat this new emerging challenge. In this review, we summarize the relevant scientific literature about neuro-PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Moghimi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Neurological Service, SS Annunziata Hospital, Sulmona, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - José Biller
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL USA
| | - James E. Siegler
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Rahul Shekhar
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas USA
| | - Michelle S. Harkins
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Emily Hong
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Danielle A. Alaouieh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Afshin A. Divani
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
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21
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Stanculescu D, Larsson L, Bergquist J. Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:672370. [PMID: 34026797 PMCID: PMC8137963 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.672370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a "reactivation" of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients-and the resulting positive metabolic effects-could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones-including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis-also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Larsson
- Basic and Clinical Muscle Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry–Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Toogood PL, Clauw DJ, Phadke S, Hoffman D. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): Where will the drugs come from? Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105465. [PMID: 33529750 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by severe and disabling fatigue that fails to improve with rest; it is commonly accompanied by multifocal pain, as well as sleep disruption, and cognitive dysfunction. Even mild exertion can exacerbate symptoms. The prevalence of ME/CFS in the U.S. is estimated to be 0.5-1.5 % and is higher among females. Viral infection is an established trigger for the onset of ME/CFS symptoms, raising the possibility of an increase in ME/CFS prevalence resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Current treatments are largely palliative and limited to alleviating symptoms and addressing the psychological sequelae associated with long-term disability. While ME/CFS is characterized by broad heterogeneity, common features include immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanistic basis of the disease remains poorly understood. Herein, we review the current understanding, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS and summarize past clinical studies aimed at identifying effective therapies. We describe the current status of mechanistic studies, including the identification of multiple targets for potential pharmacological intervention, and ongoing efforts towards the discovery of new medicines for ME/CFS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Toogood
- Michigan Drug Discovery, University of Michigan, Life Science Institute, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) and Psychiatry, University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 3885, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Sameer Phadke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - David Hoffman
- Cayman Chemical Company, 1180 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
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23
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Dorst J. Apheresis in Neurological Disorders. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103211. [PMID: 33036156 PMCID: PMC7600998 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 45, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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