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Molnar T, Lehoczki A, Fekete M, Varnai R, Zavori L, Erdo-Bonyar S, Simon D, Berki T, Csecsei P, Ezer E. Mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID: mechanisms, consequences, and potential therapeutic approaches. GeroScience 2024; 46:5267-5286. [PMID: 38668888 PMCID: PMC11336094 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01165-5] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has introduced the medical community to the phenomenon of long COVID, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms following the resolution of the acute phase of infection. Among the myriad of symptoms reported by long COVID sufferers, chronic fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and exercise intolerance are predominant, suggesting systemic alterations beyond the initial viral pathology. Emerging evidence has pointed to mitochondrial dysfunction as a potential underpinning mechanism contributing to the persistence and diversity of long COVID symptoms. This review aims to synthesize current findings related to mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID, exploring its implications for cellular energy deficits, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, metabolic disturbances, and endothelial dysfunction. Through a comprehensive analysis of the literature, we highlight the significance of mitochondrial health in the pathophysiology of long COVID, drawing parallels with similar clinical syndromes linked to post-infectious states in other diseases where mitochondrial impairment has been implicated. We discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function, including pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, exercise, and dietary approaches, and emphasize the need for further research and collaborative efforts to advance our understanding and management of long COVID. This review underscores the critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction in long COVID and calls for a multidisciplinary approach to address the gaps in our knowledge and treatment options for those affected by this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tihamer Molnar
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Doctoral College, Health Sciences Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, National Institute for Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Monika Fekete
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Reka Varnai
- Department of Primary Health Care, Medical School University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | | | - Szabina Erdo-Bonyar
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Diana Simon
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tímea Berki
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Peter Csecsei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Pecs, Ret U 2, 7624, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - Erzsebet Ezer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
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Gáspár Z, Szabó BG, Ceglédi A, Lakatos B. Human herpesvirus reactivation and its potential role in the pathogenesis of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01323-9. [PMID: 39207648 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01323-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has precipitated a global pandemic with substantial long-term health implications, including the condition known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), commonly referred to as Long COVID. PASC is marked by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, neurological issues, and autonomic dysfunction that persist for months beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. This review examines the potential role of herpesvirus reactivation, specifically Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), in the pathogenesis of PASC. Elevated antibody titers and specific T cell responses suggest recent herpesvirus reactivation in some PASC patients, although viremia is not consistently detected. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits endothelial trophism, directly affecting the vascular endothelium and contributing to microvascular pathologies. These pathologies are significant in PASC, where microvascular dysfunction may underlie various chronic symptoms. Similarly, herpesviruses like CMV also exhibit endothelial trophism, which may exacerbate endothelial damage when reactivated. Evidence suggests that EBV and CMV reactivation could indirectly contribute to the immune dysregulation, immunosenescence, and autoimmune responses observed in PASC. Additionally, EBV may play a role in the genesis of neurological symptoms through creating mitochondrial dysfunction, though direct confirmation remains elusive. The reviewed evidence suggests that while herpesviruses may not play a direct role in the pathogenesis of PASC, their potential indirect effects, especially in the context of endothelial involvement, warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Gáspár
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Albert Flórián Street 5-7, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Gergely Szabó
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary.
- South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Albert Flórián Street 5-7, 1097, Budapest, Hungary.
- Departmental Group of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Albert Flórián Street 5-7, 1097, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Andrea Ceglédi
- South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Albert Flórián Street 5-7, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Botond Lakatos
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- South Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, Albert Flórián Street 5-7, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- Departmental Group of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Albert Flórián Street 5-7, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
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Tsai J, Grace A, Kurian A. Incidence and psychiatric predictors of Long COVID beyond 3 months in a city-wide community sample in Texas. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:e51-e59. [PMID: 38141051 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have emerged about a syndrome of persistent symptoms of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection called 'Long COVID', which have mostly focused on the first 3 months. This study examined rates and predictors of Long COVID symptoms lasting beyond 3 months (termed Long2 COVID). METHODS A longitudinal cohort study using a population-based sample of 511 adults in San Antonio, Texas with laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were assessed for Long2 COVID. Inverse probability weighting was used. RESULTS In the sample, 19.18-59.10% met criteria for Long2 COVID depending on the definition. In general, Long COVID symptoms decreased after 3 months with the notable exception of an observed increase in loss of taste and smell. White Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 7.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.78, 32.87) background and baseline depression symptoms (aOR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.65) were predictive of Long2 COVID. Long2 COVID was also associated with greater anxiety symptoms 6 months after onset of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS A sizable proportion report COVID-19 symptoms lasting more than 3 months and some symptoms even increased over time. Adults who are Hispanic white adults or have depression may be at greater risk for Long2 COVID. Further research is needed on why some adults experience Long COVID and how to reduce the duration of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Tsai
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abigail Grace
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Anita Kurian
- Metropolitan Health District, City of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Gałczyk M, Zalewska A, Sobolewski M. Assessment of Dyspnoea, Physical Activity, and Back Pain Levels in Students at Medical Universities after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1474. [PMID: 37888084 PMCID: PMC10608276 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this research was to assess the extent of dyspnoea, physical activity (PA), and back pain complaints and the association of dyspnoea, PA, and back pain complaints with PA in post-COVID-19 students at medical universities in Poland. METHODS An online survey was carried out among Polish medical students (213 women and 204 men) who had had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 within the last year. The Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale was used to assess the degree of dyspnoea. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the level of PA. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess back discomfort. RESULTS The study group had average levels of PA, with median total activity significantly lower in women (median total activity for women was 1189 and for men was 2044, while the standard deviation for women was 1419 and for men was 1450). More than 93% of the students reported no symptoms of dyspnoea. The following results were observed for ODI (median of 1.2 for women and 1.7 for men and standard deviation of 3.1 for women and 4.0 for men) and for NDI (median of 2.8 for women and 2.5 for men, standard deviation of 4.3 for women and 4.0 for men). Cervical spine pain was more frequent and severe. There are small, statistically significant correlations between the MRC and IPAQ measures and the ODI and NDI and IPAQ. CONCLUSIONS In the study group of students of medicine, dyspnoea linked with a history of COVID-19 is not an issue. Post-pandemic PA levels should be increased in this group, with particular attention to female students. Urgent measures are also needed to prevent cervical pain in students at medical universities in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gałczyk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomza, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400 Lomza, Poland
| | - Anna Zalewska
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lomza, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400 Lomza, Poland
| | - Marek Sobolewski
- Plant of Quantitative Methods, Rzeszow University of Technology, Al, Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
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