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Yang Y, Wang L, Peugnet-González I, Parada-Venegas D, Dijkstra G, Faber KN. cGAS-STING signaling pathway in intestinal homeostasis and diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1239142. [PMID: 37781354 PMCID: PMC10538549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1239142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal mucosa is constantly exposed to commensal microbes, opportunistic pathogens, toxins, luminal components and other environmental stimuli. The intestinal mucosa consists of multiple differentiated cellular and extracellular components that form a critical barrier, but is also equipped for efficient absorption of nutrients. Combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors are known as critical components involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases. The innate immune system plays a critical role in the recognition and elimination of potential threats by detecting pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). This host defense is facilitated by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), in which the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway has gained attention due to its role in sensing host and foreign double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) as well as cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) produced by bacteria. Upon binding with dsDNA, cGAS converts ATP and GTP to cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which binds to STING and activates TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), inducing type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have diverse effects on innate and adaptive immune cells and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). However, opposite perspectives exist regarding the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in different intestinal diseases. Activation of cGAS-STING signaling is associated with worse clinical outcomes in inflammation-associated diseases, while it also plays a critical role in protection against tumorigenesis and certain infections. Therefore, understanding the context-dependent mechanisms of the cGAS-STING pathway in the physiopathology of the intestinal mucosa is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies targeting the cGAS-STING pathway. This review aims to provide insight into recent findings of the protective and detrimental roles of the cGAS-STING pathway in intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ivonne Peugnet-González
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Daniela Parada-Venegas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Gerard Dijkstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Al-Zaidi RS. The Spectrum of Digestive Tract Histopathologic Findings in the Setting of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Infection: What Pathologists Need to Know. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:342-351. [PMID: 37015261 PMCID: PMC10412085 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is known primarily to affect the respiratory system, current evidence supports its capability to infect and induce gastrointestinal tract injury. Data describing the histopathologic alterations of the digestive system in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 are becoming more detailed, as the number of studies is increasing and the quality of our insight into the infection and the histopathologic findings is improving. This review highlights the range of pathologic findings that could be observed in gastrointestinal specimens from patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 and the potential underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Shaker Al-Zaidi
- Anatomic Pathology Section, Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank, King Faisal Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the viral agent of COVID-19, a pandemic that surfaced in 2019. Although predominantly a respiratory ailment, patients with COVID-19 can have gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary manifestations. These manifestations are often mild and transient, but they can be severe and consequential. In the GI tract, ischemic enterocolitis is the most common and significant consequence of COVID-19. In the liver, the reported pathologic findings may often be related to consequences of severe systemic viral infection, but reports of hepatitis presumed to be due to SARS-CoV-2 suggest that direct viral infection of the liver may be a rare complication of COVID-19. In both the GI tract and liver, lingering symptoms of GI or hepatic injury after resolution of pulmonary infection may be part of the evolving spectrum of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Shih
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Joseph Misdraji
- Department of Pathology, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Gebran A, El Moheb M, Argandykov D, Mashbari H, Gartland RM, Hwabejire JO, Velmahos GC, Kaafarani HM. Mesenteric Ischemia in Patients with Coronavirus 2019: A Scoping Review. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2022; 23:781-786. [DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Gebran
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohamad El Moheb
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dias Argandykov
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hassan Mashbari
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajshri M. Gartland
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John O. Hwabejire
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George C. Velmahos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Coronavirus Disease in the Abdomen. ADVANCES IN CLINICAL RADIOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 37521427 PMCID: PMC9473699 DOI: 10.1016/j.yacr.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Numerous abdominal manifestations have been reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including involvement of the luminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract, hepatobiliary system, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and blood vessels. Although most of the associated radiological abnormalities are nonspecific without distinguishing imaging features to suggest COVID-19, unique presentations such as findings of bowel ischemia preceding gross findings of bowel necrosis have been reported. Awareness of the spectrum of abdominal manifestations of COVID-19 allows radiologists to optimize their search pattern and to raise the possibility of this etiology when appropriate. Awareness of the possible abdominal manifestations of COVID-19 should enhance detection by radiologists and improve patient care. This review provides a comprehensive overview with illustrative imaging examples of COVID-19 in the abdomen.
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Ojha V, Mani A, Mukherjee A, Kumar S, Jagia P. Mesenteric ischemia in patients with COVID-19: an updated systematic review of abdominal CT findings in 75 patients. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2022; 47:1565-1602. [PMID: 34761305 PMCID: PMC8580173 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-021-03337-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a less common but devastating complication of COVID-19 disease. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the most common CT imaging features of AMI in COVID-19 and also provide an updated review of the literature on symptoms, treatment, histopathological and operative findings, and follow-up of these patients. Methods A systematic literature search of four databases: Pubmed, EMBASE, WHO database, and Google Scholar, was performed to identify all the articles which described abdominal CT imaging findings of AMI in COVID-19. Results A total of 47 studies comprising 75 patients were included in the final review. Small bowel ischemia (46.67%) was the most prevalent abdominal CT finding, followed by ischemic colitis (37.3%). Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI; 67.9%) indicating microvascular involvement was the most common pattern of bowel involvement. Bowel wall thickening/edema (50.9%) was more common than bowel hypoperfusion (20.7%). While ileum and colon both were equally involved bowel segments (32.07% each), SMA (24.9%), SMV (14.3%), and the spleen (12.5%) were the most commonly involved artery, vein, and solid organ, respectively. 50% of the patients receiving conservative/medical management died, highlighting high mortality without surgery. Findings on laparotomy and histopathology corroborated strikingly with CT imaging findings. Conclusion In COVID-19 patients with AMI, small bowel ischemia is the most prevalent imaging diagnosis and NOMI is the most common pattern of bowel involvement. Contrast-enhanced CT is a powerful decision-making tool for prompt diagnosis of AMI in COVID-19, thereby potentially improving time to treat as well as clinical outcomes.
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Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00261-021-03337-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineeta Ojha
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology & Endovascular Interventions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Avinash Mani
- Department of Cardiology, Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | - Aprateem Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology & Endovascular Interventions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology & Endovascular Interventions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Priya Jagia
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology & Endovascular Interventions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Wu X, Jing H, Wang C, Wang Y, Zuo N, Jiang T, Novakovic VA, Shi J. Intestinal Damage in COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Intestinal Thrombosis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:860931. [PMID: 35391725 PMCID: PMC8981312 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.860931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal tract, with high expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is a major site of extrapulmonary infection in COVID-19. During pulmonary infection, the virus enters the bloodstream forming viremia, which infects and damages extrapulmonary organs. Uncontrolled viral infection induces cytokine storm and promotes a hypercoagulable state, leading to systemic microthrombi. Both viral infection and microthrombi can damage the gut–blood barrier, resulting in malabsorption, malnutrition, and intestinal flora entering the blood, ultimately increasing disease severity and mortality. Early prophylactic antithrombotic therapy can prevent these damages, thereby reducing mortality. In this review, we discuss the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and intestinal thrombosis on intestinal injury and disease severity, as well as corresponding treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haijiao Jing
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengyue Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Nan Zuo
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Valerie A Novakovic
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jialan Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in COVID-19 Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 11:jcm11010200. [PMID: 35011941 PMCID: PMC8745985 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare but extremely severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review aims to document the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, management, and outcomes of acute intestinal ischemia in COVID-19 patients. A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science with the terms “COVID-19” and “bowel ischemia” OR “intestinal ischemia” OR “mesenteric ischemia” OR “mesenteric thrombosis”. After duplication removal, a total of 36 articles were included, reporting data on a total of 89 patients, 63 being hospitalized at the moment of onset. Elevated D-dimers, leukocytosis, and C reactive protein (CRP) were present in most reported cases, and a contrast-enhanced CT exam confirms the vascular thromboembolism and offers important information about the bowel viability. There are distinct features of bowel ischemia in non-hospitalized vs. hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting different pathological pathways. In ICU patients, the most frequently affected was the large bowel alone (56%) or in association with the small bowel (24%), with microvascular thrombosis. Surgery was necessary in 95.4% of cases. In the non-hospitalized group, the small bowel was involved in 80%, with splanchnic veins or arteries thromboembolism, and a favorable response to conservative anticoagulant therapy was reported in 38.4%. Mortality was 54.4% in the hospitalized group and 21.7% in the non-hospitalized group (p < 0.0001). Age over 60 years (p = 0.043) and the need for surgery (p = 0.019) were associated with the worst outcome. Understanding the mechanisms involved and risk factors may help adjust the thromboprophylaxis and fluid management in COVID-19 patients.
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Zhang H, Shao B, Dang Q, Chen Z, Zhou Q, Luo H, Yuan W, Sun Z. Pathogenesis and Mechanism of Gastrointestinal Infection With COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:674074. [PMID: 34858386 PMCID: PMC8631495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.674074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a new infectious disease, COVID-19 is spread through the respiratory tract in most cases. Its source and pathological mechanism are not clear. The most common clinical feature is pulmonary infection. Also, a lot patients have gastrointestinal symptoms. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which is like SARS-CoV, a coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003. The tissues and cells expressing ACE2 are potential targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the high expression of ACE2 in intestinal epithelial cells marks that SARS-CoV-2 may directly infect intestinal epithelial cells. Recent studies also suggest that SARS-CoV-2 existed and replicated in intestinal environment for a long time. The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and RAS system leads to the decrease of local anti-inflammatory ability. The virus cycle leads to excessive imbalance of immune response and cytokine release. The downregulation of ACE2 after viral infection leads to gastrointestinal dysfunction. The above are the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we reviewed the possible causes and mechanisms of gastrointestinal symptoms caused by COVID-19. Additionally, we discussed the influence of gastrointestinal symptoms on the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Shao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Guangshan County People's Hospital, Xinyang, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Abdominal imaging findings on computed tomography in patients acutely infected with SARS-CoV-2: what are the findings? Emerg Radiol 2021; 28:1087-1096. [PMID: 34601700 PMCID: PMC8487449 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-021-01986-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To investigate what findings are new on contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods Contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis of patients with COVID-19 at a tertiary oncologic center acquired over a 2-month period were reviewed independently by two readers and scored for new imaging abnormalities compared with a prior scan. CT scans were included if the study was performed between − 3 and 45 days from the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Clinical information was gathered from the medical records. Results A total of 63 patients (34 male, 29 female; mean age 60.6 years, range 24.4–85.0 years) were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Aside from new ground glass opacities seen at the lung bases (29/63, 46.0%), the most common findings were new thickening of the stomach, small bowel or colon or fluid-filled colon (14/63, 22.2%), new small volume ascites (7/63, 14.3%), gallbladder distention in those without prior cholecystectomy (3/43, 7.0%), and single cases each of acute pancreatitis (1/63, 1.6%) as well as new portal vein thrombosis (1/63, 1.6%). Conclusion Aside from lung base ground glass opacities, the most common new imaging abnormality on abdominopelvic CT in patients with COVID-19 finding in our cohort was abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, followed by small volume ascites, gallbladder distention, and isolated cases of pancreatitis and portal vein thrombosis. These findings overlap with those previously reported that did not have a prior scan for comparison, and provide supportive evidence that some of these findings may be related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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