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Graur A, Haymond A, Lee KH, Viscarra F, Russo P, Luchini A, Paige M, Bermudez-Diaz I, Kabbani N. Protein Painting Mass Spectrometry in the Discovery of Interaction Sites within the Acetylcholine Binding Protein. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2322-2333. [PMID: 38804618 PMCID: PMC11157483 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a family of ligand-gated ion channel receptors that contribute to cognition, memory, and motor control in many organisms. The pharmacological targeting of these receptors, using small molecules or peptides, presents an important strategy for the development of drugs that can treat important human diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. The Aplysia californica acetylcholine binding protein (Ac-AChBP) is a structural surrogate of the nAChR with high homology to the extracellular ligand binding domain of homopentameric nAChRs. In this study, we optimized protein-painting-based mass spectrometry to identify regions of interaction between the Ac-AChBP and several nAChR ligands. Using molecular dyes that adhere to the surface of a solubilized Ac-AChBP complex, we identified amino acid residues that constitute a contact site within the Ac-AChBP for α-bungarotoxin, choline, nicotine, and amyloid-β 1-42. By integrating innovation in protein painting mass spectrometry with computational structural modeling, we present a new experimental tool for analyzing protein interactions of the nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Graur
- School
of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Amanda Haymond
- Center
for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Kyung Hyeon Lee
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Fairfax, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Franco Viscarra
- Department
of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
- Structural
Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Russo
- Center
for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Alessandra Luchini
- Center
for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason
University, Fairfax, Virginia 20110, United States
| | - Isabel Bermudez-Diaz
- Department
of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Kabbani
- School
of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
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2
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Hone AJ, Santiago U, Harvey PJ, Tekarli B, Gajewiak J, Craik DJ, Camacho CJ, McIntosh JM. Design, Synthesis, and Structure-Activity Relationships of Novel Peptide Derivatives of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Spike-Protein that Potently Inhibit Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38814877 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The spike-protein of SARS-CoV-2 has a distinctive amino-acid sequence (682RRARS686) that forms a cleavage site for the enzyme furin. Strikingly, the structure of the spike-protein loop containing the furin cleavage site bears substantial similarity to neurotoxin peptides found in the venoms of certain snakes and marine cone snails. Leveraging this relationship, we designed and synthesized disulfide-constrained peptides with amino-acid sequences corresponding to the furin cleavage-sites of wild-type (B.1 variant) SARS-CoV-2 or the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. Remarkably, some of these peptides potently inhibited α7 and α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) with nM affinity and showed SARS-CoV-2 variant and nAChR subtype-dependent potencies. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics were used to rationalize structure-activity relationships between peptides and their cognate receptors. These findings delineate nAChR subtypes that can serve as high-affinity spike-protein targets in tissues central to COVID-19 pathophysiology and identify ligands and target receptors to inform the development of novel SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84148, United States
| | - Ulises Santiago
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Bassel Tekarli
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Carlos J Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84148, United States
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O'Brien BCV, Thao S, Weber L, Danielson HL, Boldt AD, Hueffer K, Weltzin MM. The human alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a host target for the rabies virus glycoprotein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1394713. [PMID: 38836054 PMCID: PMC11148329 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The rabies virus enters the nervous system by interacting with several molecular targets on host cells to modify behavior and trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis of the virion by poorly understood mechanisms. The rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) interacts with the muscle acetylcholine receptor and the neuronal α4β2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) family by the putative neurotoxin-like motif. Given that the neurotoxin-like motif is highly homologous to the α7 nAChR subtype selective snake toxin α-bungarotoxin (αBTX), other nAChR subtypes are likely involved. The purpose of this study is to determine the activity of the RVG neurotoxin-like motif on nAChR subtypes that are expressed in brain regions involved in rabid animal behavior. nAChRs were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to collect concentration-response data to measure the functional effects. The RVG peptide preferentially and completely inhibits α7 nAChR ACh-induced currents by a competitive antagonist mechanism. Tested heteromeric nAChRs are also inhibited, but to a lesser extent than the α7 subtype. Residues of the RVG peptide with high sequence homology to αBTX and other neurotoxins were substituted with alanine. Altered RVG neurotoxin-like peptides showed that residues phenylalanine 192, arginine 196, and arginine 199 are important determinants of RVG peptide apparent potency on α7 nAChRs, while serine 195 is not. The evaluation of the rabies ectodomain reaffirmed the observations made with the RVG peptide, illustrating a significant inhibitory impact on α7 nAChR with potency in the nanomolar range. In a mammalian cell culture model of neurons, we confirm that the RVG peptide binds preferentially to cells expressing the α7 nAChR. Defining the activity of the RVG peptide on nAChRs expands our understanding of basic mechanisms in host-pathogen interactions that result in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C V O'Brien
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Shelly Thao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Lahra Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Helen L Danielson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Agatha D Boldt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Maegan M Weltzin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
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Dell’Aquila M, Cafiero C, Micera A, Stigliano E, Ottaiano MP, Benincasa G, Schiavone B, Guidobaldi L, Santacroce L, Pisconti S, Arena V, Palmirotta R. SARS-CoV-2-Related Olfactory Dysfunction: Autopsy Findings, Histopathology, and Evaluation of Viral RNA and ACE2 Expression in Olfactory Bulbs. Biomedicines 2024; 12:830. [PMID: 38672185 PMCID: PMC11048640 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been a health emergency with a significant impact on the world due to its high infectiousness. The disease, primarily identified in the lower respiratory tract, develops with numerous clinical symptoms affecting multiple organs and displays a clinical finding of anosmia. Several authors have investigated the pathogenetic mechanisms of the olfactory disturbances caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, proposing different hypotheses and showing contradictory results. Since uncertainties remain about possible virus neurotropism and direct damage to the olfactory bulb, we investigated the expression of SARS-CoV-2 as well as ACE2 receptor transcripts in autoptic lung and olfactory bulb tissues, with respect to the histopathological features. METHODS Twenty-five COVID-19 olfactory bulbs and lung tissues were randomly collected from 200 initial autopsies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Routine diagnosis was based on clinical and radiological findings and were confirmed with post-mortem swabs. Real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor RNA was carried out on autoptic FFPE lung and olfactory bulb tissues. Histological staining was performed on tissue specimens and compared with the molecular data. RESULTS While real-time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 23 out of 25 lung samples, the viral RNA expression was absent in olfactory bulbs. ACE2-receptor RNA was present in all tissues examined, being highly expressed in lung samples than olfactory bulbs. CONCLUSIONS Our finding suggests that COVID-19 anosmia is not only due to neurotropism and the direct action of SARS-CoV-2 entering the olfactory bulb. The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 neuropathogenesis in the olfactory bulb requires a better elucidation and further research studies to mitigate the olfactory bulb damage associated with virus action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Dell’Aquila
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (E.S.); (V.A.)
- Pathology Unit, Belcolle Hospital, ASL Viterbo, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Concetta Cafiero
- Medical Oncology, SG Moscati Hospital, 74010 Statte, Italy;
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fabrizio Spaziani Hospital, 03100 Frosinone, Italy
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Science, IRCCS–Fondazione Bietti, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Stigliano
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (E.S.); (V.A.)
| | - Maria Pia Ottaiano
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy; (M.P.O.); (G.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Giulio Benincasa
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy; (M.P.O.); (G.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Beniamino Schiavone
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Molecular Biology, Pineta Grande Hospital, 81030 Castel Volturno, Italy; (M.P.O.); (G.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Leo Guidobaldi
- Cytodiagnostic Unit, Section of Pathology Sandro Pertini Hospital, ASL Rm2, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | | | - Vincenzo Arena
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (E.S.); (V.A.)
| | - Raffaele Palmirotta
- Section of Sciences and Technologies of Laboratory Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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George AA, John SJ, Lucero LM, Eaton JB, Jaiswal E, Christensen SB, Gajewiak J, Watkins M, Cao Y, Olivera BM, Im W, McIntosh JM, Whiteaker P. Analogs of α-conotoxin PnIC selectively inhibit α7β2- over α7-only subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors via a novel allosteric mechanism. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23374. [PMID: 38161283 PMCID: PMC10782225 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302079] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to identify and characterize the first ligands capable of selectively identifying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α7 and β2 subunits (α7β2-nAChR subtype). Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons express α7β2-nAChR. Here, they appear to mediate neuronal dysfunction induced by the elevated levels of oligomeric amyloid-β associated with early Alzheimer's disease. Additional work indicates that α7β2-nAChR are expressed across several further critically important cholinergic and GABAergic neuronal circuits within the central nervous system. Further studies, however, are significantly hindered by the inability of currently available ligands to distinguish heteromeric α7β2-nAChR from the closely related and more widespread homomeric α7-only-nAChR subtype. Functional screening using two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology identified a family of α7β2-nAChR-selective analogs of α-conotoxin PnIC (α-CtxPnIC). A combined electrophysiology, functional kinetics, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics approach was used to further characterize the α7β2-nAChR selectivity and site of action of these α-CtxPnIC analogs. We determined that α7β2-nAChR selectivity of α-CtxPnIC analogs arises from interactions at a site distinct from the orthosteric agonist-binding site shared between α7β2- and α7-only-nAChR. As numerous previously identified α-Ctx ligands are competitive antagonists of orthosteric agonist-binding sites, this study profoundly expands the scope of use of α-Ctx ligands (which have already provided important nAChR research and translational breakthroughs). More immediately, analogs of α-CtxPnIC promise to enable, for the first time, both comprehensive mapping of the distribution of α7β2-nAChR and detailed investigations of their physiological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. George
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Sabin J. John
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Linda M. Lucero
- Department of NeurobiologyBarrow Neurological InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - J. Brek Eaton
- Department of NeurobiologyBarrow Neurological InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Ekta Jaiswal
- Department of NeurobiologyBarrow Neurological InstitutePhoenixArizonaUSA
| | | | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Yiwei Cao
- Department of ChemistryLehigh UniversityBethlehemPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Wonpil Im
- Department of ChemistryLehigh UniversityBethlehemPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - J. Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
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Roa-Vidal N, Rodríguez-Aponte AS, Lasalde-Dominicci JA, Capó-Vélez CM, Delgado-Vélez M. Cholinergic Polarization of Human Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15732. [PMID: 37958716 PMCID: PMC10650439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115732] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages serve as vital defenders, protecting the body by exhibiting remarkable cellular adaptability in response to invading pathogens and various stimuli. These cells express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with the α7-nAChR being extensively studied due to its involvement in activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Activation of this pathway plays a crucial role in suppressing macrophages' production of proinflammatory cytokines, thus mitigating excessive inflammation and maintaining host homeostasis. Macrophage polarization, which occurs in response to specific pathogens or insults, is a process that has received limited attention concerning the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and the contributions of the α7-nAChR in this context. This review aims to present evidence highlighting how the cholinergic constituents in macrophages, led by the α7-nAChR, facilitate the polarization of macrophages towards anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Additionally, we explore the influence of viral infections on macrophage inflammatory phenotypes, taking into account cholinergic mechanisms. We also review the current understanding of macrophage polarization in response to these infections. Finally, we provide insights into the relatively unexplored partial duplication of the α7-nAChR, known as dup α7, which is emerging as a significant factor in macrophage polarization and inflammation scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Roa-Vidal
- Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA;
| | - Adriana S. Rodríguez-Aponte
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
| | - José A. Lasalde-Dominicci
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, Clinical Bioreagent Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA
- Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Science Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00901, USA
| | - Coral M. Capó-Vélez
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
| | - Manuel Delgado-Vélez
- Department of Biology, Rio Piedras Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00931, USA; (A.S.R.-A.); (C.M.C.-V.)
- Molecular Sciences Research Center, Clinical Bioreagent Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00926, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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Marques KC, Quaresma JAS, Falcão LFM. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in "Long COVID": pathophysiology, heart rate variability, and inflammatory markers. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1256512. [PMID: 37719983 PMCID: PMC10502909 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1256512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is characterized by persistent signs and symptoms that continue or develop for more than 4 weeks after acute COVID-19 infection. Patients with Long COVID experience a cardiovascular autonomic imbalance known as dysautonomia. However, the underlying autonomic pathophysiological mechanisms behind this remain unclear. Current hypotheses include neurotropism, cytokine storms, and inflammatory persistence. Certain immunological factors indicate autoimmune dysfunction, which can be used to identify patients at a higher risk of Long COVID. Heart rate variability can indicate autonomic imbalances in individuals suffering from Long COVID, and measurement is a non-invasive and low-cost method for assessing cardiovascular autonomic modulation. Additionally, biochemical inflammatory markers are used for diagnosing and monitoring Long COVID. These inflammatory markers can be used to improve the understanding of the mechanisms driving the inflammatory response and its effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic imbalances in patients with Long COVID may result in lower heart rate variability, impaired vagal activity, and substantial sympathovagal imbalance. New research on this subject must be encouraged to enhance the understanding of the long-term risks that cardiovascular autonomic imbalances can cause in individuals with Long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará (UEPA), Belém, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fábio Magno Falcão
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará (UEPA), Belém, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Parry PI, Lefringhausen A, Turni C, Neil CJ, Cosford R, Hudson NJ, Gillespie J. 'Spikeopathy': COVID-19 Spike Protein Is Pathogenic, from Both Virus and Vaccine mRNA. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2287. [PMID: 37626783 PMCID: PMC10452662 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082287] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused much illness, many deaths, and profound disruption to society. The production of 'safe and effective' vaccines was a key public health target. Sadly, unprecedented high rates of adverse events have overshadowed the benefits. This two-part narrative review presents evidence for the widespread harms of novel product COVID-19 mRNA and adenovectorDNA vaccines and is novel in attempting to provide a thorough overview of harms arising from the new technology in vaccines that relied on human cells producing a foreign antigen that has evidence of pathogenicity. This first paper explores peer-reviewed data counter to the 'safe and effective' narrative attached to these new technologies. Spike protein pathogenicity, termed 'spikeopathy', whether from the SARS-CoV-2 virus or produced by vaccine gene codes, akin to a 'synthetic virus', is increasingly understood in terms of molecular biology and pathophysiology. Pharmacokinetic transfection through body tissues distant from the injection site by lipid-nanoparticles or viral-vector carriers means that 'spikeopathy' can affect many organs. The inflammatory properties of the nanoparticles used to ferry mRNA; N1-methylpseudouridine employed to prolong synthetic mRNA function; the widespread biodistribution of the mRNA and DNA codes and translated spike proteins, and autoimmunity via human production of foreign proteins, contribute to harmful effects. This paper reviews autoimmune, cardiovascular, neurological, potential oncological effects, and autopsy evidence for spikeopathy. With many gene-based therapeutic technologies planned, a re-evaluation is necessary and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter I. Parry
- Children’s Health Research Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Astrid Lefringhausen
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Conny Turni
- Microbiology Research, QAAFI (Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation), The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Christopher J. Neil
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Robyn Cosford
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Nicholas J. Hudson
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Julian Gillespie
- Children’s Health Defence (Australia Chapter), Huskisson, NSW 2540, Australia; (A.L.); (R.C.); (J.G.)
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