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Li B, Bai J, Xiong Y, Guo D, Fu B, Deng G, Wu H. Understanding the mechanisms and treatments of long COVID to address future public health risks. Life Sci 2024; 353:122938. [PMID: 39084516 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122938] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has seen numerous individuals undergo and recover from it, drawing extensive attention to their health conditions. Extensive studies indicate that even after surpassing the acute phase of infection, patients continue to experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depression, weakening, and anosmia. COVID-19 appears not to have concluded but rather to persist long-term in certain individuals, termed as "long COVID." This represents a heterogeneous ailment involving multiple organ systems, with a perceived complex and still elusive pathogenesis. Among patients with long COVID, observations reveal immune dysregulation, coagulation impairments, and microbial dysbiosis, considered potential mechanisms explaining sustained adverse outcomes post COVID-19. Based on the multifactorial nature, varied symptoms, and heterogeneity of long COVID, we have summarized several categories of current therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the symptoms of long COVID resemble those of other viral illnesses, suggesting that existing knowledge may offer novel insights into long-term COVID implications. Here, we provide an overview of existing literature associated with long COVID and summarize potential mechanisms, treatment modalities, and other analogous conditions. Lastly, we underscore the inadequacies in long COVID treatment approaches and emphasize the significance of conducting further research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Junlu Bai
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Dong Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Beibei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guohong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Haibo Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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Cuevas-Sierra A, Chero-Sandoval L, Higuera-Gómez A, Vargas JA, Martínez-Urbistondo M, Castejón R, Martínez JA. Modulatory role of Faecalibacterium on insulin resistance and coagulation in patients with post-viral long haulers depending on adiposity. iScience 2024; 27:110450. [PMID: 39081294 PMCID: PMC11284562 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110450] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with Post-viral long hauler encompass lasting symptoms and comorbid complexities, often exacerbated in individuals with excessive body weight. The aim was to study gut microbiota in 130 patients with post-viral long hauler stratified by body mass index (BMI) and the relationship between inflammation and microbiota. Significant higher values were found for anthropometric variables and markers of glucose and dyslipidemia in individuals with higher BMI, as well as elevated levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, IL-6, uric acid, and D-dimer. An interactive association showed an interplay between Faecalibacterium, D-dimer levels, and insulin resistance. This investigation showed that anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory variables were impaired in patients with post-viral long haulers with higher BMI. In addition, gut microbiota differences were found between groups and a modification effect on Faecalibacterium abundance regarding insulin resistance and D-dimer. These findings suggest that considering adiposity and gut microbiota structure and composition may improve personalized clinical interventions in patients with chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cuevas-Sierra
- Precision Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health, IMDEA-Food Institute (Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies), Campus of International Excellence (CEI) UAM+CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lourdes Chero-Sandoval
- Precision Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health, IMDEA-Food Institute (Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies), Campus of International Excellence (CEI) UAM+CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition of the University Clinical Hospital, University of Valladolid, 47002 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Andrea Higuera-Gómez
- Precision Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health, IMDEA-Food Institute (Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies), Campus of International Excellence (CEI) UAM+CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Antonio Vargas
- Internal Medicine Service of Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, 2822 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Castejón
- Internal Medicine Service of Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, 2822 Madrid, Spain
| | - J. Alfredo Martínez
- Precision Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health, IMDEA-Food Institute (Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies), Campus of International Excellence (CEI) UAM+CSIC, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Medicina y Endocrinología, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Xu J, Wu D, Yang J, Zhao Y, Liu X, Chang Y, Tang Y, Sun F, Zhao Y. Adult Outpatients with Long COVID Infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant. Part 1: Oral Microbiota Alterations. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00489-3. [PMID: 39151680 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many individuals experience long COVID after SARS-CoV-2 infection. As microbiota can influence health, it may change with COVID-19. This study investigated differences in oral microbiota between COVID-19 patients with and without long COVID. METHODS Based on a prospective follow-up investigation, this nested case-control study evaluated the differences in oral microbiota in individuals with and without long COVID (Symptomatic and Asymptomatic groups), which were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing on tongue coating samples. A predictive model was established using machine learning based on specific differential microbial communities. RESULTS One-hundred-and-eight patients were included (n=54 Symptomatic group). The Symptomatic group had higher Alpha diversity indices (observed_otus, Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indices), differences in microbial composition (Beta diversity), and microbial dysbiosis with increased diversity and relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Marker bacteria (c__Campylobacterota, o__Coriobacteriales, o__Pseudomonadales, and o__Campylobacterales) were associated with long COVID by linear discriminant analysis effect size and receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC 0.821). CONCLUSION There were distinct variations in oral microbiota between COVID-19 patients with and without long COVID. Changes in oral microbiota may indicate long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchao Xu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China; Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Di Wu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China; The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yinuo Zhao
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Xuzhao Liu
- Handan Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Handan, China
| | - Yingying Chang
- The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Wuhan Metware Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - Yubin Zhao
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China; Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China; Shijiazhuang College of Applied Technology, China.
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4
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Aljadah M, Khan N, Beyer AM, Chen Y, Blanker A, Widlansky ME. Clinical Implications of COVID-19-Related Endothelial Dysfunction. JACC. ADVANCES 2024; 3:101070. [PMID: 39055276 PMCID: PMC11269277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction represents a measurable and early manifestation of vascular disease. Emerging evidence suggests cardiovascular risk remains elevated after COVID-19 infection for at least 12 months, regardless of cardiovascular disease status prior to infection. We review the relationship between the severity of endothelial dysfunction and the severity of acute COVID-19 illness, the degree of impairment following recovery in both those with and without postacute sequalae SARS-CoV-2 infection, and current therapeutic efforts targeting endothelial function in patients following COVID-19 infection. We identify gaps in the literature to highlight specific areas where clinical research efforts hold promise for progress in understanding the connections between endothelial function, COVID-19, and clinical outcomes that will lead to beneficial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Aljadah
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nabeel Khan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andreas M. Beyer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yiliang Chen
- Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrew Blanker
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael E. Widlansky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Zhou X, Ganz AB, Rayner A, Cheng TY, Oba H, Rolnik B, Lancaster S, Lu X, Li Y, Johnson JS, Hoyd R, Spakowicz DJ, Slavich GM, Snyder MP. Dynamic Human Gut Microbiome and Immune Shifts During an Immersive Psychosocial Therapeutic Program. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.26.600881. [PMID: 38979211 PMCID: PMC11230355 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.26.600881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide yet its underlying factors, particularly microbial associations, are poorly understood. Methods We examined the longitudinal interplay between the microbiome and immune system in the context of depression during an immersive psychosocial intervention. 142 multi-omics samples were collected from 52 well-characterized participants before, during, and three months after a nine-day inquiry-based stress reduction program. Results We found that depression was associated with both an increased presence of putatively pathogenic bacteria and reduced microbial beta-diversity. Following the intervention, we observed reductions in neuroinflammatory cytokines and improvements in several mental health indicators. Interestingly, participants with a Prevotella-dominant microbiome showed milder symptoms when depressed, along with a more resilient microbiome and more favorable inflammatory cytokine profile, including reduced levels of CXCL-1. Conclusions Our findings reveal a protective link between the Prevotella-dominant microbiome and depression, associated with a less inflammatory environment and moderated symptoms. These insights, coupled with observed improvements in neuroinflammatory markers and mental health from the intervention, highlight potential avenues for microbiome-targeted therapies in depression management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford university School of Medicine, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - Ariel B. Ganz
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab, Stanford University, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally to the work
| | - Andre Rayner
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Tess Yan Cheng
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, WA, USA
| | - Haley Oba
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Rolnik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Lancaster
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Xinrui Lu
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jethro S. Johnson
- Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Hoyd
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, OH, USA
| | | | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael P. Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford university School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab, Stanford University, CA, USA
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Wright TJ, Sheffield‐Moore M, Pyles RB, Randolph KM, McGovern KA, Danesi CP, Lindsay SE, Zaidan MF, Masel BE, Urban RJ. Growth hormone treatment for neurologic symptoms of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13826. [PMID: 38894576 PMCID: PMC11187940 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, some patients develop lingering neurologic symptoms of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) that commonly include fatigue and "brain fog." PASC symptoms are also linked with reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion, but GH treatment has not been tested to relieve symptoms. We enrolled 13 adults with neurologic PASC symptoms and peak stimulated GH secretion less than 10 ng/mL (glucagon stimulation) in a pilot study to receive 9 months of daily GH injections and an additional 3 months of off-treatment assessment. We compared peak stimulated GH secretion at baseline and 12 months and assessed measures of cognition, metabolism, body composition, and physical performance over the first 6 months of treatment. Patient-reported outcomes of fatigue, quality of life, sleep, and mood were recorded at baseline and compared with timepoints at 6, 9, and 12 months. GH treatment was associated with significantly improved scores for Brief Fatigue Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Quality of Life Assessment of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults, Profile of Mood States, and Beck Depression Inventory-II, with no significant change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Six months of adjunct GH treatment was not associated with significant changes in cognition, body composition, resting energy expenditure, or physical performance. Peak stimulated GH secretion was not altered at 12 months following 9 months of GH treatment. GH treatment significantly improved neurologic symptoms in PASC patients but cognition, sleep, and physical performance were not significantly altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traver J. Wright
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | | | - Richard B. Pyles
- Department of PediatricsThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Kathleen M. Randolph
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Kristen A. McGovern
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Christopher P. Danesi
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Sarah E. Lindsay
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Mohammed F. Zaidan
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Brent E. Masel
- Department of NeurologyThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
- Centre for Neuro SkillsBakersfieldCaliforniaUSA
| | - Randall J. Urban
- Department of Internal MedicineThe University of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
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7
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Li Z, Xia Q, Feng J, Chen X, Wang Y, Ren X, Wu S, Yang R, Li J, Liu Y, Lu Y, Chen J. The causal role of gut microbiota in susceptibility of Long COVID: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1404673. [PMID: 38873142 PMCID: PMC11169722 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1404673] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Long COVID is a major challenge facing the public. Gut microbiota is closely related to Long COVID. However, the causal effects between gut microbiota and Long COVID remains unclear. Methods Using summary statistics from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and Long COVID. The primary statistical method employed was Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW). Sensitivity analyses were then conducted to evaluate the reliability of the findings and account for potential confounding variables. Finally, a reverse MR analysis was conducted to examine potential associations between Long COVID and genetically predicted gut microbiota compositions. Results There were 2 positive and 1 negative causal effect between gut microbiota and Long COVID. Meta-analysis results show that genus Parasutterella (OR = 1.145, 95%CI = 1.035 ∼ 1.266, P = 0.008) and genus Oscillospira (OR = 1.425, 95%CI = 1.235 ∼ 1.645, P < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of Long COVID. And genus Eisenbergiella (OR = 0.861, 95%CI = 0.785 ∼ 0.943, P = 0.001) significantly decreased the risk of Long COVID. Neither the pleiotropy nor the heterogeneity was observed. Reverse causal effect does not hold. Conclusion Our research has provided genetic evidence that establishes multiple causal relationships between the gut microbiota and Long COVID, supporting the role of the gut microbiota in Long COVID. It is possible that different taxa play a role in the development of Long COVID. The causal relationships identified in this study require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuming Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Xia
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Qingyuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingyuan, China
| | - Jieni Feng
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueru Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yushi Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Ren
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongyuan Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on Emergency in TCM, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiqiang Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuntao Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research on Emergency in TCM, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiankun Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Sulaimany S, Farahmandi K, Mafakheri A. Computational prediction of new therapeutic effects of probiotics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11932. [PMID: 38789535 PMCID: PMC11126595 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62796-4] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits to their hosts, potentially aiding in the treatment or prevention of various diseases, including diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease. Motivated by successful applications of link prediction in medical and biological networks, we applied link prediction to the probiotic-disease network to identify unreported relations. Using data from the Probio database and International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision (ICD-10) resources, we constructed a bipartite graph focused on the relationship between probiotics and diseases. We applied customized link prediction algorithms for this bipartite network, including common neighbors, Jaccard coefficient, and Adamic/Adar ranking formulas. We evaluated the results using Area under the Curve (AUC) and precision metrics. Our analysis revealed that common neighbors outperformed the other methods, with an AUC of 0.96 and precision of 0.6, indicating that basic formulas can predict at least six out of ten probable relations correctly. To support our findings, we conducted an exact search of the top 20 predictions and found six confirming papers on Google Scholar and Science Direct. Evidence suggests that Lactobacillus jensenii may provide prophylactic and therapeutic benefits for gastrointestinal diseases and that Lactobacillus acidophilus may have potential activity against urologic and female genital illnesses. Further investigation of other predictions through additional preclinical and clinical studies is recommended. Future research may focus on deploying more powerful link prediction algorithms to achieve better and more accurate results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Sulaimany
- Social and Biological Network Analysis Laboratory (SBNA), Department of Computer Engineering, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Kajal Farahmandi
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Aso Mafakheri
- Social and Biological Network Analysis Laboratory (SBNA), Department of Computer Engineering, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
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9
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Cao B, Wang X, Yin W, Gao Z, Xia B. The human microbiota is a beneficial reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 mutations. mBio 2024; 15:e0318723. [PMID: 38530031 PMCID: PMC11237538 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03187-23] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutations are rapidly emerging. In particular, beneficial mutations in the spike (S) protein, which can either make a person more infectious or enable immunological escape, are providing a significant obstacle to the prevention and treatment of pandemics. However, how the virus acquires a high number of beneficial mutations in a short time remains a mystery. We demonstrate here that variations of concern may be mutated due in part to the influence of the human microbiome. We searched the National Center for Biotechnology Information database for homologous fragments (HFs) after finding a mutation and the six neighboring amino acids in a viral mutation fragment. Among the approximate 8,000 HFs obtained, 61 mutations in S and other outer membrane proteins were found in bacteria, accounting for 62% of all mutation sources, which is 12-fold higher than the natural variable proportion. A significant proportion of these bacterial species-roughly 70%-come from the human microbiota, are mainly found in the lung or gut, and share a composition pattern with COVID-19 patients. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase replicates corresponding bacterial mRNAs harboring mutations, producing chimeric RNAs. SARS-CoV-2 may collectively pick up mutations from the human microbiota that change the original virus's binding sites or antigenic determinants. Our study clarifies the evolving mutational mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2. IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutations are rapidly emerging, in particular advantageous mutations in the spike (S) protein, which either increase transmissibility or lead to immune escape and are posing a major challenge to pandemic prevention and treatment. However, how the virus acquires a high number of advantageous mutations in a short time remains a mystery. Here, we provide evidence that the human microbiota is a reservoir of advantageous mutations and aids mutational evolution and host adaptation of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings demonstrate a conceptual breakthrough on the mutational evolution mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 for human adaptation. SARS-CoV-2 may grab advantageous mutations from the widely existing microorganisms in the host, which is undoubtedly an "efficient" manner. Our study might open a new perspective to understand the evolution of virus mutation, which has enormous implications for comprehending the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Guangya High School, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanchao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Bingqing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Golzardi M, Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Šutković J, Aydin O, Ünal-Aydın P, Bećirević T, Redwan EM, Rubio-Casillas A, Uversky VN. The Aftermath of COVID-19: Exploring the Long-Term Effects on Organ Systems. Biomedicines 2024; 12:913. [PMID: 38672267 PMCID: PMC11048001 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040913] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is a complicated disease that affects millions of people all over the world. Previous studies have shown that PASC impacts 10% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients of which 50-70% are hospitalised. It has also been shown that 10-12% of those vaccinated against COVID-19 were affected by PASC and its complications. The severity and the later development of PASC symptoms are positively associated with the early intensity of the infection. RESULTS The generated health complications caused by PASC involve a vast variety of organ systems. Patients affected by PASC have been diagnosed with neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. The cardiovascular system also has been involved and several diseases such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and coronary artery diseases were reported. Chronic hematological problems such as thrombotic endothelialitis and hypercoagulability were described as conditions that could increase the risk of clotting disorders and coagulopathy in PASC patients. Chest pain, breathlessness, and cough in PASC patients were associated with the respiratory system in long-COVID causing respiratory distress syndrome. The observed immune complications were notable, involving several diseases. The renal system also was impacted, which resulted in raising the risk of diseases such as thrombotic issues, fibrosis, and sepsis. Endocrine gland malfunction can lead to diabetes, thyroiditis, and male infertility. Symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, and taste were also among reported observations due to several gastrointestinal disorders. Skin abnormalities might be an indication of infection and long-term implications such as persistent cutaneous complaints linked to PASC. CONCLUSIONS Long-COVID is a multidimensional syndrome with considerable public health implications, affecting several physiological systems and demanding thorough medical therapy, and more study to address its underlying causes and long-term effects is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Golzardi
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.); (J.Š.)
| | - Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.); (J.Š.)
| | - Jasmin Šutković
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.); (J.Š.)
| | - Orkun Aydin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (O.A.); (P.Ü.-A.)
| | - Pinar Ünal-Aydın
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (O.A.); (P.Ü.-A.)
| | - Tea Bećirević
- Atrijum Polyclinic, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Elrashdy M. Redwan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico;
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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11
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Antia A, Alvarado DM, Zeng Q, Casorla-Perez LA, Davis DL, Sonnek NM, Ciorba MA, Ding S. SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 Variant Infection of Human Colon Epithelial Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:634. [PMID: 38675974 PMCID: PMC11055019 DOI: 10.3390/v16040634] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, characterized by multiple subvariants including BA.1, XBB.1.5, EG.5, and JN.1, became the predominant strain in early 2022. Studies indicate that Omicron replicates less efficiently in lung tissue compared to the ancestral strain. However, the infectivity of Omicron in the gastrointestinal tract is not fully defined, despite the fact that 70% of COVID-19 patients experience digestive disease symptoms. Here, using primary human colonoids, we found that, regardless of individual variability, Omicron infects colon cells similarly or less effectively than the ancestral strain or the Delta variant. The variant induced limited type III interferon expression and showed no significant impact on epithelial integrity. Further experiments revealed inefficient cell-to-cell spread and spike protein cleavage in the Omicron spike protein, possibly contributing to its lower infectious particle levels. The findings highlight the variant-specific replication differences in human colonoids, providing insights into the enteric tropism of Omicron and its relevance to long COVID symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avan Antia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.A.); (Q.Z.)
| | - David M. Alvarado
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (D.M.A.); (D.L.D.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Qiru Zeng
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.A.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Luis A. Casorla-Perez
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (D.M.A.); (D.L.D.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Deanna L. Davis
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (D.M.A.); (D.L.D.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Naomi M. Sonnek
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (D.M.A.); (D.L.D.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Matthew A. Ciorba
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (D.M.A.); (D.L.D.); (N.M.S.)
| | - Siyuan Ding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (A.A.); (Q.Z.)
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12
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Maqsood R, Holland LA, Wu LI, Begnel ER, Adhiambo J, Owiti P, Chohan BH, Gantt S, Kinuthia J, Wamalwa D, Ojee E, Richardson BA, Slyker J, Lehman DA, Lim ES. Gut virome and microbiome dynamics before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in women living with HIV and their infants. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4257515. [PMID: 38699305 PMCID: PMC11065063 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4257515/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Microbiome perturbations can have long-term effects on health. The dynamics of the gut microbiome and virome in women living with HIV (WLHIV) and their newborn infants is poorly understood. Here, we performed metagenomic sequencing analyses on longitudinal stool samples including 23 mothers (13 WLHIV, 10 HIV-negative) and 12 infants that experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection with mild disease, as well as 40 mothers (18 WLHIV, 22 HIV-negative) and 60 infants that remained SARS-CoV-2 seronegative throughout the study follow-up. Regardless of HIV or SARS-CoV-2 status, maternal bacterial and viral profiles were distinct from infants. Using linear mixed effects models, we showed that while the microbiome alpha diversity trajectory was not significantly different between SARS-CoV-2 seropositive and seronegative women. However, seropositive women's positive trajectory while uninfected was abruptly reversed after SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.015). However, gut virome signatures of women were not associated with SARS-CoV-2. Alterations in infant microbiome and virome diversities were generally not impacted by SARS-CoV-2 but were rather driven by development. We did not find statistically significant interactions between HIV and SARS-CoV-2 on the gut microbiome and virome. Overall, our study provides insights into the complex interplay between maternal and infant bacterial microbiome, virome, and the influence of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV status.
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Guo J, Wang L, Han N, Yuan C, Yin Y, Wang T, Sun J, Jin P, Liu Y, Jia Z. People are an organic unity: Gut-lung axis and pneumonia. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27822. [PMID: 38515679 PMCID: PMC10955322 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27822] [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] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
People are an organic unity. Every organ of our body doesn't exist alone. They are a part of our body and have important connections with other tissues or organs. The gut-lung axis is a typical example. Here, we reviewed the current research progress of the gut-lung axis. The main cross-talk between the intestine and lungs was sorted out, i.e. the specific interaction content contained in the gut-lung axis. We determine a relatively clear concept for the gut-lung axis, that is, the gut-lung axis is a cross-talk that the gut and lungs interact with each other through microorganisms and the immune system to achieve bidirectional regulation. The gut and lungs communicate with each other mainly through the immune system and symbiotic microbes, and these two pathways influence each other. The portal vein system and mesenteric lymphatics are the primary communication channels between the intestine and lungs. We also summarized the effects of pneumonia, including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), on intestinal microbes and immune function through the gut-lung axis, and discussed the mechanism of this effect. Finally, we explored the value of intestinal microbes and the gut-lung axis in the treatment of pneumonia through the effect of intestinal microbes on pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
- The First Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Le Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Ningxin Han
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Caiyun Yuan
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
| | - Yujie Yin
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
| | - Tongxing Wang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
| | - Jiemeng Sun
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
- The First Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Peipei Jin
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
- The First Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, 050090, Hebei, China
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, 050035, China
- Key Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Cardio-Cerebral Vessel Collateral Disease), Shijiazhuang, 050035, Hebei, China
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14
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Bohmwald K, Diethelm-Varela B, Rodríguez-Guilarte L, Rivera T, Riedel CA, González PA, Kalergis AM. Pathophysiological, immunological, and inflammatory features of long COVID. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341600. [PMID: 38482000 PMCID: PMC10932978 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341600] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause severe global disruption, resulting in significant excess mortality, overwhelming healthcare systems, and imposing substantial social and economic burdens on nations. While most of the attention and therapeutic efforts have concentrated on the acute phase of the disease, a notable proportion of survivors experience persistent symptoms post-infection clearance. This diverse set of symptoms, loosely categorized as long COVID, presents a potential additional public health crisis. It is estimated that 1 in 5 COVID-19 survivors exhibit clinical manifestations consistent with long COVID. Despite this prevalence, the mechanisms and pathophysiology of long COVID remain poorly understood. Alarmingly, evidence suggests that a significant proportion of cases within this clinical condition develop debilitating or disabling symptoms. Hence, urgent priority should be given to further studies on this condition to equip global public health systems for its management. This review provides an overview of available information on this emerging clinical condition, focusing on the affected individuals' epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and immunological and inflammatory profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamín Diethelm-Varela
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Linmar Rodríguez-Guilarte
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Thomas Rivera
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Giovanetti M, Pannella G, Altomare A, Rocchi G, Guarino M, Ciccozzi M, Riva E, Gherardi G. Exploring the Interplay between COVID-19 and Gut Health: The Potential Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Immune Support. Viruses 2024; 16:370. [PMID: 38543736 PMCID: PMC10975078 DOI: 10.3390/v16030370] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, leading to extensive research focused on developing strategies to enhance outbreak response and mitigate the disease's severity. In the aftermath of the pandemic, attention has shifted towards understanding and addressing long-term health implications, particularly in individuals experiencing persistent symptoms, known as long COVID. Research into potential interventions to alleviate long COVID symptoms has intensified, with a focus on strategies to support immune function and mitigate inflammation. One area of interest is the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and maintaining overall health. Prebiotics and probiotics, known for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota, have emerged as potential therapeutic agents in bolstering immune function and reducing inflammation. This review delves into the intricate relationship between long COVID, the gut microbiota, and immune function, with a specific focus on the role of prebiotics and probiotics. We examine the immune response to long COVID, emphasizing the importance of inflammation and immune regulation in the persistence of symptoms. The potential of probiotics in modulating immune responses, including their mechanisms in combating viral infections such as COVID-19, is discussed in detail. Clinical evidence supporting the use of probiotics in managing long COVID symptoms is summarized, highlighting their role as adjunctive therapy in addressing various aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its aftermath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giovanetti
- Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (A.A.)
- Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics (CLIMADE), Brasilia 70070-130, Brazil
- Instituto Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Gianfranco Pannella
- Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (A.A.)
- Department of Agricultural, Enviromental and Food Science, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Annamaria Altomare
- Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Development and One Health, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Roma, Italy; (G.P.); (A.A.)
- Research Unit of Gastroenterology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Giulia Rocchi
- Research Unit of Gastroenterology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Michele Guarino
- Research Unit of Gastroenterology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.R.); (M.G.)
- Operative Research Unit of Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Roma, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Riva
- Unit of Virology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Applied Bacteriological Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gherardi
- Applied Bacteriological Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
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16
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Liu S, Zhong M, Wu H, Su W, Wang Y, Li P. Potential Beneficial Effects of Naringin and Naringenin on Long COVID-A Review of the Literature. Microorganisms 2024; 12:332. [PMID: 38399736 PMCID: PMC10892048 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a severe epidemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies have found that patients do not completely recover from acute infections, but instead, suffer from a variety of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as long COVID. The effects of long COVID can be far-reaching, with a duration of up to six months and a range of symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction, immune dysregulation, microbiota dysbiosis, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, myocarditis, pulmonary fibrosis, cough, diabetes, pain, reproductive dysfunction, and thrombus formation. However, recent studies have shown that naringenin and naringin have palliative effects on various COVID-19 sequelae. Flavonoids such as naringin and naringenin, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, have various positive effects, including reducing inflammation, preventing viral infections, and providing antioxidants. This article discusses the molecular mechanisms and clinical effects of naringin and naringenin on treating the above diseases. It proposes them as potential drugs for the treatment of long COVID, and it can be inferred that naringin and naringenin exhibit potential as extended long COVID medications, in the future likely serving as nutraceuticals or clinical supplements for the comprehensive alleviation of the various manifestations of COVID-19 complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Liu
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Re-Evaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (S.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.); (W.S.); (Y.W.)
| | - Mengli Zhong
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Re-Evaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (S.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.); (W.S.); (Y.W.)
| | - Hao Wu
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Re-Evaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (S.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.); (W.S.); (Y.W.)
| | - Weiwei Su
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Re-Evaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (S.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.); (W.S.); (Y.W.)
- Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Re-Evaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (S.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.); (W.S.); (Y.W.)
| | - Peibo Li
- Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Quality and Efficacy Re-Evaluation of Post-Market Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; (S.L.); (M.Z.); (H.W.); (W.S.); (Y.W.)
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17
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Sung J, Rajendraprasad SS, Philbrick KL, Bauer BA, Gajic O, Shah A, Laudanski K, Bakken JS, Skalski J, Karnatovskaia LV. The human gut microbiome in critical illness: disruptions, consequences, and therapeutic frontiers. J Crit Care 2024; 79:154436. [PMID: 37769422 PMCID: PMC11034825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2023.154436] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
With approximately 39 trillion cells and over 20 million genes, the human gut microbiome plays an integral role in both health and disease. Modern living has brought a widespread use of processed food and beverages, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory drugs, and invasive procedures, all of which profoundly disrupt the delicate homeostasis between the host and its microbiome. Of particular interest is the human gut microbiome, which is progressively being recognized as an important contributing factor in many aspects of critical illness, from predisposition to recovery. Herein, we describe the current understanding of the adverse impacts of standard intensive care interventions on the human gut microbiome and delve into how these microbial alterations can influence patient outcomes. Additionally, we explore the potential association between the gut microbiome and post-intensive care syndrome, shedding light on a previously underappreciated avenue that may enhance patient recuperation following critical illness. There is an impending need for future epidemiological studies to encompass detailed phenotypic analyses of gut microbiome perturbations. Interventions aimed at restoring the gut microbiome represent a promising therapeutic frontier in the quest to prevent and treat critical illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyun Sung
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kemuel L Philbrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brent A Bauer
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ognjen Gajic
- Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Aditya Shah
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Krzysztof Laudanski
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Johan S Bakken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Luke's Hospital, Duluth, MN, United States of America
| | - Joseph Skalski
- Department of Pulmonary & Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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18
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Álvarez-Santacruz C, Tyrkalska SD, Candel S. The Microbiota in Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1330. [PMID: 38279329 PMCID: PMC10816132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has progressively decreased lately, mainly due to the great effectivity of vaccines. Furthermore, no new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants able to circumvent the protection of these vaccines, while presenting high transmissibility and/or lethality, have appeared. However, long COVID has emerged as a huge threat to human health and economy globally. The human microbiota plays an important role in health and disease, participating in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, multiple studies have found that the nasopharyngeal microbiota is altered in COVID-19 patients, with these changes associated with the onset and/or severity of the disease. Nevertheless, although dysbiosis has also been reported in long COVID patients, mainly in the gut, little is known about the possible involvement of the microbiota in the development of this disease. Therefore, in this work, we aim to fill this gap in the knowledge by discussing and comparing the most relevant studies that have been published in this field up to this point. Hence, we discuss that the relevance of long COVID has probably been underestimated, and that the available data suggest that the microbiota could be playing a pivotal role on the pathogenesis of the disease. Further research to elucidate the involvement of the microbiota in long COVID will be essential to explore new therapeutic strategies based on manipulation of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylwia D. Tyrkalska
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Candel
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, 30120 Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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19
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Mariani F, Rainaldi S, Dall’Ara G, De Rose C, Morello R, Buonsenso D. Persisting Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with SARS-CoV-2: Temporal Evolution over 18 Months and Possible Role of Lactoferrin. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:105. [PMID: 38255418 PMCID: PMC10814461 DOI: 10.3390/children11010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Persisting gastrointestinal symptoms are reported to be relatively common in children with long COVID; however, their detailed characterization and long-term outcomes have not yet been described. METHODS We performed a retrospective study aiming to investigate the temporal evolution of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with SARS-CoV-2, from acute infection to 18-months follow-up. To further investigate possible therapeutic strategies, we evaluated the role of lactoferrin in improving gastrointestinal symptoms in these children, compared with those not treated. RESULTS A total of 1224 patients (47.7% females) were included. Of these participants, 246 (19.8%) were vaccinated and 143 (11.5%) presented with comorbidities. A total of 175 patients (14.1%) presented gastrointestinal symptoms during acute infection, 54 (4.4%) at three months, 23 (1.9%) at six months, 6 (3.3%) at twelve months, and 2 (2.3%) at eighteen months follow-up. At six months follow-up, children who were treated with 3 months oral lactoferrin had less persisting symptoms compared to those who did not receive lactoferrin, although this difference was not statistically significant (three patients (25%) in the lactoferrin group vs. fourteen patients (33.3%) not treated, p = 0.73), probably due to the low number of patients with persisting GI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS GI symptoms are relatively common during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and a non-negligible proportion of these children reported persisting symptoms for up to 12-18 months after the acute infection. In addition, we found a trend even if statistically nonsignificant toward faster improvement of persisting gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID treated with lactoferrin. Despite the limitations relating to the present study's design, given the significant burden of gastrointestinal symptoms in children with long COVID, our findings provide the basis to perform a prospective, placebo-controlled study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mariani
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Saveena Rainaldi
- Medicine and Surgery International Faculty, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.R.); (G.D.)
| | - Giulia Dall’Ara
- Medicine and Surgery International Faculty, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; (S.R.); (G.D.)
| | - Cristina De Rose
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Rosa Morello
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.M.); (C.D.R.); (R.M.)
- Centro di Salute Globale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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20
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Righi E, Dalla Vecchia I, Auerbach N, Morra M, Górska A, Sciammarella C, Lambertenghi L, Gentilotti E, Mirandola M, Tacconelli E, Sartor A. Gut Microbiome Disruption Following SARS-CoV-2: A Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:131. [PMID: 38257958 PMCID: PMC10820238 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010131] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has been associated with having a negative impact on patients' gut microbiome during both active disease and in the post-acute phase. In acute COVID-19, rapid alteration of the gut microbiome composition was observed, showing on one side a reduction in beneficial symbionts (e.g., Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae) and on the other side an increase in opportunistic pathogens such as Enterococcus and Proteobacteria. Alpha diversity tends to decrease, especially initially with symptom onset and hospital admission. Although clinical recovery appears to align with improved gut homeostasis, this process could take several weeks, even in mild infections. Moreover, patients with COVID-19 post-acute syndrome showed changes in gut microbiome composition, with specific signatures associated with decreased respiratory function up to 12 months following acute disease. Potential treatments, especially probiotic-based therapy, are under investigation. Open questions remain on the possibility to use gut microbiome data to predict disease progression and on potential confounders that may impair result interpretation (e.g., concomitant therapies in the acute phase; reinfection, vaccines, and occurrence of novel conditions or diseases in the post-acute syndrome). Understanding the relationships between gut microbiome dynamics and disease progression may contribute to better understanding post-COVID syndrome pathogenesis or inform personalized treatment that can affect specific targets or microbiome markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elda Righi
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Ilaria Dalla Vecchia
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Nina Auerbach
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Matteo Morra
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Anna Górska
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Concetta Sciammarella
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Lorenza Lambertenghi
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Elisa Gentilotti
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Massimo Mirandola
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Evelina Tacconelli
- IMID Laboratory, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy (A.G.); (C.S.); (E.T.)
| | - Assunta Sartor
- Microbiology Unit, Udine University Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy;
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21
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Zhang Y, Ma Y, Sun W, Zhou X, Wang R, Xie P, Dai L, Gao Y, Li J. Exploring gut-lung axis crosstalk in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Insights from a hACE2 mouse model. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29336. [PMID: 38193530 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29336] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Based on the forefront of clinical research, there is a growing recognition that the gut microbiota, which plays a pivotal role in shaping both the innate and adaptive immune systems, may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although an association between altered gut microbiota and COVID-19 pathogenesis has been established, the causative mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Additionally, the validation of the precise functional alterations within the gut microbiota relevant to COVID-19 pathogenesis has been limited by a scarcity of suitable animal experimental models. In the present investigation, we employed a newly developed humanized ACE2 knock-in (hACE2-KI) mouse model, capable of recapitulating critical aspects of pulmonary and intestinal infection, to explore the modifications in the gut microbiota following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Examination of fecal samples using 16S rRNA gene profiling unveiled a notable reduction in species richness and conspicuous alterations in microbiota composition at 6 days postinfection (dpi). These alterations were primarily characterized by a decline in beneficial bacterial species and an escalation in certain opportunistic pathogens. Moreover, our analysis entailed a correlation study between the gut microbiota and plasma cytokine concentrations, revealing the potential involvement of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae genera in attenuating hyperinflammatory responses triggered by the infection. Furthermore, integration of gut microbiota data with RNA-seq analysis results suggested that the increased presence of Staphylococcus in fecal samples may signify the potential for bacterial coinfection in lung tissues via gut translocation. In summary, our hACE2-KI mouse model effectively recapitulated the observed alterations in the gut microbiota during SARS-CoV-2 infection. This model presents a valuable tool for elucidating gut microbiota-targeted strategies aimed at mitigating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yifang Ma
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiyang Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhou
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruixuan Wang
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Dai
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Jintao Li
- Department of Biosafety, School of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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22
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El-Baky NA, Amara AA, Uversky VN, Redwan EM. Intrinsic factors behind long COVID: III. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its components. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:22-44. [PMID: 38098317 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30514] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Considerable research has been done in investigating SARS-CoV-2 infection, its characteristics, and host immune response. However, debate is still ongoing over the emergence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). A multitude of long-lasting symptoms have been reported several weeks after the primary acute SARS-CoV-2 infection that resemble several other viral infections. Thousands of research articles have described various post-COVID-19 conditions. Yet, the evidence around these ongoing health problems, the reasons behind them, and their molecular underpinnings are scarce. These persistent symptoms are also known as long COVID-19. The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and/or its components in host tissues can lead to long COVID. For example, the presence of viral nucleocapsid protein and RNA was detected in the skin, appendix, and breast tissues of some long COVID patients. The persistence of viral RNA was reported in multiple anatomic sites, including non-respiratory tissues such as the adrenal gland, ocular tissue, small intestine, lymph nodes, myocardium, and sciatic nerve. Distinctive viral spike sequence variants were also found in non-respiratory tissues. Interestingly, prolonged detection of viral subgenomic RNA was observed across all tissues, sometimes in multiple tissues of the same patient, which likely reflects recent but defective viral replication. Moreover, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was noticed throughout the brain at autopsy, as late as 230 days following symptom onset among unvaccinated patients who died of severe infection. Here, we review the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its components as an intrinsic factor behind long COVID. We also highlight the immunological consequences of this viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Abd El-Baky
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, Egypt
| | - Amro A Amara
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, Egypt
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Maqsood R, Holland LA, Wu LI, Begnel ER, Adhiambo J, Owiti P, Chohan BH, Gantt S, Kinuthia J, Wamalwa D, Ojee E, Richardson BA, Slyker J, Lehman DA, Lim ES. Gut virome and microbiome dynamics before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection in women living with HIV and their infants. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2394248. [PMID: 39185682 PMCID: PMC11352790 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2394248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiome perturbations can have long-term effects on health. The dynamics of the gut microbiome and virome in women living with HIV (WLHIV) and their newborn infants is poorly understood. Here, we performed metagenomic sequencing analyses on longitudinal stool samples including 23 mothers (13 WLHIV, 10 HIV-negative) and 12 infants that experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection with mild disease, as well as 40 mothers (18 WLHIV, 22 HIV-negative) and 60 infants that remained SARS-CoV-2 seronegative throughout the study follow-up. Regardless of HIV or SARS-CoV-2 status, maternal bacterial and viral profiles were distinct from infants. Using linear mixed effects models, we showed that the microbiome alpha diversity trajectory was not significantly different between SARS-CoV-2 seropositive and seronegative women. However, seropositive women's positive trajectory while uninfected was abruptly reversed after SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.015). Gut virome signatures of women were not associated with SARS-CoV-2. Alterations in infant microbiome and virome diversities were generally not impacted by SARS-CoV-2 but were rather driven by development. We did not find statistically significant interactions between HIV and SARS-CoV-2 on the gut microbiome and virome. Overall, our study provides insights into the complex interplay between maternal and infant bacterial microbiome, virome, and the influence of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Maqsood
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - LaRinda A. Holland
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Lily I. Wu
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Emily R. Begnel
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Judith Adhiambo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Prestone Owiti
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bhavna H. Chohan
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center of Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Soren Gantt
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du CHU St-Justine, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ednah Ojee
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Barbra A. Richardson
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Slyker
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dara A. Lehman
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Efrem S. Lim
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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24
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Wright TJ, Pyles RB, Sheffield-Moore M, Deer RR, Randolph KM, McGovern KA, Danesi CP, Gilkison CR, Ward WW, Vargas JA, Armstrong PA, Lindsay SE, Zaidan MF, Seashore J, Wexler TL, Masel BE, Urban RJ. Low growth hormone secretion associated with post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) neurologic symptoms: A case-control pilot study. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112071. [PMID: 37816478 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if patients that develop lingering neurologic symptoms of fatigue and "brain fog" after initial recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have persistent low growth hormone (GH) secretion as seen in other conditions with similar symptom etiology. DESIGN In this case-control observational pilot study, patients reporting lingering neurologic post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC, n = 10) symptoms at least 6 months after initial infection were compared to patients that recovered from COVID-19 without lingering symptoms (non-PASC, n = 13). We compared basic blood chemistry and select metabolites, lipids, hormones, inflammatory markers, and vitamins between groups. PASC and non-PASC subjects were tested for neurocognition and GH secretion, and given questionnaires to assess symptom severity. PASC subjects were also tested for glucose tolerance and adrenal function. RESULTS PASC subjects reported significantly worse fatigue, sleep quality, depression, quality of life, and gastrointestinal discomfort compared to non-PASC. Although PASC subjects self-reported poor mental resilience, cognitive testing did not reveal significant differences between groups. Neurologic PASC symptoms were not linked to inflammatory markers or adrenal insufficiency, but were associated with reduced growth hormone secretion. CONCLUSIONS Neurologic PASC symptoms are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort and persistent disruption of GH secretion following recovery from acute COVID-19. (www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; NCT04860869).
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Affiliation(s)
- Traver J Wright
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Richard B Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Melinda Sheffield-Moore
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Rachel R Deer
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Kathleen M Randolph
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Kristen A McGovern
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Christopher P Danesi
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Charles R Gilkison
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Weston W Ward
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Jayson A Vargas
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Peyton A Armstrong
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Sarah E Lindsay
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Mohammed F Zaidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Justin Seashore
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Tamara L Wexler
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, 10016, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Brent E Masel
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA; Centre for Neuro Skills, Bakersfield, California, 93313, USA
| | - Randall J Urban
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA.
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25
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Mendes de Almeida V, Engel DF, Ricci MF, Cruz CS, Lopes ÍS, Alves DA, d’ Auriol M, Magalhães J, Machado EC, Rocha VM, Carvalho TG, Lacerda LSB, Pimenta JC, Aganetti M, Zuccoli GS, Smith BJ, Carregari VC, da Silva Rosa E, Galvão I, Dantas Cassali G, Garcia CC, Teixeira MM, André LC, Ribeiro FM, Martins FS, Saia RS, Costa VV, Martins-de-Souza D, Hansbro PM, Marques JT, Aguiar ERGR, Vieira AT. Gut microbiota from patients with COVID-19 cause alterations in mice that resemble post-COVID symptoms. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2249146. [PMID: 37668317 PMCID: PMC10481883 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2249146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 are frequent and of major concern. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection affects the host gut microbiota, which is linked to disease severity in patients with COVID-19. Here, we report that the gut microbiota of post-COVID subjects had a remarkable predominance of Enterobacteriaceae strains with an antibiotic-resistant phenotype compared to healthy controls. Additionally, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were reduced in feces. Fecal transplantation from post-COVID subjects to germ-free mice led to lung inflammation and worse outcomes during pulmonary infection by multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. transplanted mice also exhibited poor cognitive performance. Overall, we show prolonged impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gut microbiota that persist after subjects have cleared the virus. Together, these data demonstrate that the gut microbiota can directly contribute to post-COVID sequelae, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviani Mendes de Almeida
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daiane F. Engel
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto - UFOP, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Mayra F. Ricci
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Clênio Silva Cruz
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ícaro Santos Lopes
- Laboratory of Virus Bioinformatics - Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Daniele Almeida Alves
- Laboratory of RNA Interference and Antiviral Immunity - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mirna d’ Auriol
- Laboratory of Toxicology - Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Magalhães
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Elayne C. Machado
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Victor M. Rocha
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Toniana G. Carvalho
- Laboratory of Neurobiochemistry - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Larisse S. B. Lacerda
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jordane C. Pimenta
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariana Aganetti
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Giuliana S. Zuccoli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Bradley J. Smith
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Victor C. Carregari
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Erika da Silva Rosa
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabela Galvão
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Geovanni Dantas Cassali
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology - Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cristiana C. Garcia
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leiliane C. André
- Laboratory of Toxicology - Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Mara Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neurobiochemistry - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviano S. Martins
- Laboratory of Biotherapeutic Agents - Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Simone Saia
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiology - Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, São Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- National Institute of Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - João Trindade Marques
- Laboratory of RNA Interference and Antiviral Immunity - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- CNRS UPR9022, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric R. G. R. Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virus Bioinformatics - Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Angélica T. Vieira
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Zhou J, Yang X, Yang Y, Wei Y, Lu D, Xie Y, Liang H, Cui P, Ye L, Huang J. Human microbiota dysbiosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection have the potential to predict disease prognosis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:841. [PMID: 38031010 PMCID: PMC10685584 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08784-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The studies on SARS-CoV-2 and human microbiota have yielded inconsistent results regarding microbiota α-diversity and key microbiota. To address these issues and explore the predictive ability of human microbiota for the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we conducted a reanalysis of existing studies. METHODS We reviewed the existing studies on SARS-CoV-2 and human microbiota in the Pubmed and Bioproject databases (from inception through October 29, 2021) and extracted the available raw 16S rRNA sequencing data of human microbiota. Firstly, we used meta-analysis and bioinformatics methods to reanalyze the raw data and evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on human microbial α-diversity. Secondly, machine learning (ML) was employed to assess the ability of microbiota to predict the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we aimed to identify the key microbiota associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS A total of 20 studies related to SARS-CoV-2 and human microbiota were included, involving gut (n = 9), respiratory (n = 11), oral (n = 3), and skin (n = 1) microbiota. Meta-analysis showed that in gut studies, when limiting factors were studies ruled out the effect of antibiotics, cross-sectional and case-control studies, Chinese studies, American studies, and Illumina MiSeq sequencing studies, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with down-regulation of microbiota α-diversity (P < 0.05). In respiratory studies, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with down-regulation of α-diversity when the limiting factor was V4 sequencing region (P < 0.05). Additionally, the α-diversity of skin microbiota was down-regulated at multiple time points following SARS-CoV-2 infection (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in oral microbiota α-diversity was observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection. ML models based on baseline respiratory (oropharynx) microbiota profiles exhibited the ability to predict outcomes (survival and death, Random Forest, AUC = 0.847, Sensitivity = 0.833, Specificity = 0.750) after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The shared differential Prevotella and Streptococcus in the gut, respiratory tract, and oral cavity was associated with the severity and recovery of SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection was related to the down-regulation of α-diversity in the human gut and respiratory microbiota. The respiratory microbiota had the potential to predict the prognosis of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Prevotella and Streptococcus might be key microbiota in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiping Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuecong Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yiru Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongjia Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yulan Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed By the Province and Ministry, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ping Cui
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Life Science Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Ye
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-Constructed By the Province and Ministry, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Jiegang Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment & School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
- Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Highly Prevalent Disease, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Krasaewes K, Chaiwarith R, Chattipakorn N, Chattipakorn SC. Profiles of gut microbiota associated with clinical outcomes in patients with different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Life Sci 2023; 332:122136. [PMID: 37783267 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122136] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and gut microbiota has been a subject of growing interest in recent research endeavors. It is postulated that SARS-CoV-2 might lead to gut dysbiosis by affecting the gut-lung axis and reducing the production of antimicrobial peptides in the gastrointestinal tract. Our comprehensive review of both in vivo and clinical studies has revealed a consistent decline in alpha diversity and increased dissimilarity in beta diversity of gut microbiota in comparison to healthy populations, observed during both the acute and post-infection phases of COVID-19. Furthermore, there is a notable reduction in the number of beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria, alongside an upsurge in opportunistic bacteria. Concomitantly, the functional and metabolic characteristics of gut microbiota are significantly altered. Consequently, COVID-19 patients exhibit a heightened inflammatory state, which has been linked to the severity of the disease in the acute phase and the occurrence of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) in the post-infection phase. Notably, certain specific gut microbiota species have emerged as potential candidates for aiding in the diagnosis, prediction of disease severity, or treatment of severe cases of COVID-19. This review also underscores the significance of gut microbiota in the context of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) and offers valuable insights into possible biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targets for PACS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawisara Krasaewes
- Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Romanee Chaiwarith
- Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Neuroelectrophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Siriporn C Chattipakorn
- Neuroelectrophysiology Unit, Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Cardiac Electrophysiology Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Saxami G, Kerezoudi EN, Eliopoulos C, Arapoglou D, Kyriacou A. The Gut-Organ Axis within the Human Body: Gut Dysbiosis and the Role of Prebiotics. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2023. [PMID: 37895405 PMCID: PMC10608660 DOI: 10.3390/life13102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota (GM) is a complex microbial ecosystem that colonises the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is comprised of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The GM has a symbiotic relationship with its host that is fundamental for body homeostasis. The GM is not limited to the scope of the GIT, but there are bidirectional interactions between the GM and other organs, highlighting the concept of the "gut-organ axis". Any deviation from the normal composition of the GM, termed "microbial dysbiosis", is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Only a few studies have demonstrated a relationship between GM modifications and disease phenotypes, and it is still unknown whether an altered GM contributes to a disease or simply reflects its status. Restoration of the GM with probiotics and prebiotics has been postulated, but evidence for the effects of prebiotics is limited. Prebiotics are substrates that are "selectively utilized by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit". This study highlights the bidirectional relationship between the gut and vital human organs and demonstrates the relationship between GM dysbiosis and the emergence of certain representative diseases. Finally, this article focuses on the potential of prebiotics as a target therapy to manipulate the GM and presents the gaps in the literature and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Saxami
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Evangelia N. Kerezoudi
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Christos Eliopoulos
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece; (C.E.); (D.A.)
| | - Dimitrios Arapoglou
- Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products, Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter, L. Sof. Venizelou 1, 14123 Lykovryssi, Greece; (C.E.); (D.A.)
| | - Adamantini Kyriacou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, 17671 Athens, Greece; (E.N.K.); (A.K.)
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Plummer AM, Matos YL, Lin HC, Ryman SG, Birg A, Quinn DK, Parada AN, Vakhtin AA. Gut-brain pathogenesis of post-acute COVID-19 neurocognitive symptoms. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1232480. [PMID: 37841680 PMCID: PMC10568482 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1232480] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately one third of non-hospitalized coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) patients report chronic symptoms after recovering from the acute stage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Some of the most persistent and common complaints of this post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) are cognitive in nature, described subjectively as "brain fog" and also objectively measured as deficits in executive function, working memory, attention, and processing speed. The mechanisms of these chronic cognitive sequelae are currently not understood. SARS-CoV-2 inflicts damage to cerebral blood vessels and the intestinal wall by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors and also by evoking production of high levels of systemic cytokines, compromising the brain's neurovascular unit, degrading the intestinal barrier, and potentially increasing the permeability of both to harmful substances. Such substances are hypothesized to be produced in the gut by pathogenic microbiota that, given the profound effects COVID-19 has on the gastrointestinal system, may fourish as a result of intestinal post-COVID-19 dysbiosis. COVID-19 may therefore create a scenario in which neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory substances readily proliferate from the gut lumen and encounter a weakened neurovascular unit, gaining access to the brain and subsequently producing cognitive deficits. Here, we review this proposed PACS pathogenesis along the gut-brain axis, while also identifying specific methodologies that are currently available to experimentally measure each individual component of the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M. Plummer
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Yvette L. Matos
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Henry C. Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Sephira G. Ryman
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Nene and Jamie Koch Comprehensive Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Aleksandr Birg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Section of Gastroenterology, New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Davin K. Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alisha N. Parada
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Andrei A. Vakhtin
- The Mind Research Network/Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Backer S, Khanna D. The Lasting Effects of COVID-19 on the Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Cureus 2023; 15:e45231. [PMID: 37842470 PMCID: PMC10576539 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that around 30% of the population living in Western countries has metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a spectrum of pathology (not attributed to alcohol/substance intake) initiated by steatosis and progression toward inflammation and irreversible fibrosis metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). With inflammation being a key component of the transition to MASH, it raises the question of whether the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has notoriously induced hyperinflammatory states, may influence the progression of MASLD. Specifically, it remains unclear if the potential chronic sequelae of COVID-19 in patients who recovered from it may increase the predisposition for MASH. Since MASH maintains a high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure, and the need for a liver transplant, the potential additive effects of COVID-19 could prove critical to study. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct a literature review to examine if COVID-19 could have chronic sequelae that affect the progression of MASLD pathogenesis. It was hypothesized that severe cases of COVID-19 could induce systemic inflammation, metabolic changes, and lasting gut microbiome alterations that lead to inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the liver, similar to those seen in MASH. A scoping review of the literature was conducted utilizing the PubMed database. Studies that examined hepatobiliary pathology, gut microbiome, systemic inflammation, metabolic changes, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and hypoxia seen in COVID-19 were included. Human studies of adult cohorts, animal models, and in vitro experiments were included. Genetic components of MASLD were not examined. Exclusion criteria also encompassed any studies not referencing the hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal tract, portal system, or systemic circulation. Findings indicated a frequent trend of elevated liver enzymes, mild steatosis, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, and hepatobiliary congestion. It was found that direct cytopathic effects on hepatocytes were unlikely, but the direct viral insult of cholangiocytes was a potential complication. High serum levels of IL-1, TNF-a, and MCP-1, in COVID-19 were found as potential risk factors for MASH development. Hypoxia, altered lipid metabolism, and iatrogenic DILI were also proposed as potential precipitators of MASH development. Notably, lasting changes in gut microbiome were also frequently observed and correlated closely with those seen in MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Backer
- Foundational Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
| | - Deepesh Khanna
- Foundational Sciences, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, USA
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31
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Zhong MM, Xie JH, Feng Y, Zhang SH, Xia JN, Tan L, Chen NX, Su XL, Zhang Q, Feng YZ, Guo Y. Causal effects of the gut microbiome on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1173974. [PMID: 37720222 PMCID: PMC10502427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1173974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic, with potential severity. We aimed to investigate whether genetically predicted gut microbiome is associated with susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 risk. Methods Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of two sets with different significance thresholds was carried out to infer the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and COVID-19. SNPs associated with the composition of the gut microbiome (n = 5,717,754) and with COVID-19 susceptibility (n = 14,328,058), COVID-19 severity (n = 11,707,239), and COVID-19 hospitalization (n = 12,018,444) from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The random-effect inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to determine causality. Three more MR techniques-MR Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode-and a thorough sensitivity analysis were also used to confirm the findings. Results IVW showed that 18 known microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19. Among them, six microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19 susceptibility; seven microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19 severity ; five microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19 hospitalization. Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Then, the predicted 37 species of the gut microbiome deserve further study. Conclusion This study found that some microbial taxa were protective factors or risky factors for COVID-19, which may provide helpful biomarkers for asymptomatic diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Mei Zhong
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jia-Hao Xie
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (IAIR), Key Laboratory of Traffic Safety on Track of Ministry of Education, School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yao Feng
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shao-Hui Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Jiang-Nan Xia
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ning-Xin Chen
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Su
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yun-Zhi Feng
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Guo C, Yi B, Wu J, Lu J. The microbiome in post-acute infection syndrome (PAIS). Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:3904-3911. [PMID: 37602232 PMCID: PMC10432703 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-Acute Infection Syndrome (PAIS) is a relatively new medical terminology that represents prolonged sequelae symptoms after acute infection by numerous pathogenic agents. Imposing a substantial public health burden worldwide, PASC (post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection) and ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) are two of the most recognized and prevalent PAIS conditions. The presences of prior infections and similar symptom profiles in PAIS reflect a plausible common etiopathogenesis. The human microbiome is known to play an essential role in health and disease. In this review, we reviewed and summarized available research on oral and gut microbiota alterations in patients with different infections or PAIS conditions. We discussed key theories about the associations between microbiome dysbiosis and PAIS disease development, aiming to explore the mechanistic roles and potential functions the microbiome may have in the process. Additionally, we discuss the areas of knowledge gaps and propose the potential clinical applications of the microbiome for prevention and treatment of PAIS conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Guo
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Boyang Yi
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyong Wu
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jiahai Lu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Key Novel Thinktank “Hainan Medical University ‘One Health’ Research Center”, Haikou, China
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Zhang D, Weng S, Xia C, Ren Y, Liu Z, Xu Y, Yang X, Wu R, Peng L, Sun L, Zhu J, Liang X, Jia Y, Wang H, Chen Q, Liu D, Chen Y, Guo H, Han X, Jin Z, Chen C, Yang X, Li Z, Huang H. Gastrointestinal symptoms of long COVID-19 related to the ectopic colonization of specific bacteria that move between the upper and lower alimentary tract and alterations in serum metabolites. BMC Med 2023; 21:264. [PMID: 37468867 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02972-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, many COVID-19 variants have emerged, causing several waves of pandemics and many infections. Long COVID-19, or long-term sequelae after recovery from COVID-19, has aroused worldwide concern because it reduces patient quality of life after rehabilitation. We aimed to characterize the functional differential profile of the oral and gut microbiomes and serum metabolites in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms associated with long COVID-19. METHODS We prospectively collected oral, fecal, and serum samples from 983 antibiotic-naïve patients with mild COVID-19 and performed a 3-month follow-up postdischarge. Forty-five fecal and saliva samples, and 25 paired serum samples were collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms of long COVID-19 at follow-up and from healthy controls, respectively. Eight fecal and saliva samples were collected without gastrointestinal symptoms of long COVID-19 at follow-up. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples and 2bRAD-M sequencing of saliva samples were performed on these paired samples. Two published COVID-19 gut microbiota cohorts were analyzed for comparison. Paired serum samples were analyzed using widely targeted metabolomics. RESULTS Mild COVID-19 patients without gastrointestinal symptoms of long COVID-19 showed little difference in the gut and oral microbiota during hospitalization and at follow-up from healthy controls. The baseline and 3-month samples collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms associated with long COVID-19 showed significant differences, and ectopic colonization of the oral cavity by gut microbes including 27 common differentially abundant genera in the Proteobacteria phylum, was observed at the 3-month timepoint. Some of these bacteria, including Neisseria, Lautropia, and Agrobacterium, were highly related to differentially expressed serum metabolites with potential toxicity, such as 4-chlorophenylacetic acid, 5-sulfoxymethylfurfural, and estradiol valerate. CONCLUSIONS Our study characterized the changes in and correlations between the oral and gut microbiomes and serum metabolites in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms associated with long COVID-19. Additionally, our findings reveal that ectopically colonized bacteria from the gut to the oral cavity could exist in long COVID-19 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, with a strong correlation to some potential harmful metabolites in serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chuanchao Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yuqing Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yudi Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750003, Ningxia, China
| | - Ruhao Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lisi Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Liqi Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xuesong Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yin Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Huaizhou Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dongtian Liu
- Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Honglei Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xinwei Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhendong Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Cui Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, No. 905 Hospital of The Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shanghai, 200050, China.
| | - Zhaoshen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Haojie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Leftwich HK, Vargas-Robles D, Rojas-Correa M, Yap YR, Bhattarai S, Ward DV, Fujimori G, Forconi CS, Yeboah T, Carter A, Kastrinakis A, Asirwatham AM, Bucci V, Moormann AM, Maldonado-Contreras A. The microbiota of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 and their infants. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:141. [PMID: 37365606 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01577-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants receive their first bacteria from their birthing parent. This newly acquired microbiome plays a pivotal role in developing a robust immune system, the cornerstone of long-term health. RESULTS We demonstrated that the gut, vaginal, and oral microbial diversity of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection is reduced, and women with early infections exhibit a different vaginal microbiota composition at the time of delivery compared to their healthy control counterparts. Accordingly, a low relative abundance of two Streptococcus sequence variants (SV) was predictive of infants born to pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy, particularly early infections, are associated with lasting changes in the microbiome of pregnant women, compromising the initial microbial seed of their infant. Our results highlight the importance of further exploring the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the infant's microbiome-dependent immune programming. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi K Leftwich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Daniela Vargas-Robles
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mayra Rojas-Correa
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Yan Rou Yap
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shakti Bhattarai
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Doyle V Ward
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gavin Fujimori
- Department of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Catherine S Forconi
- Department of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tracy Yeboah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Acara Carter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa Kastrinakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alison M Asirwatham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Vanni Bucci
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ann M Moormann
- Department of Medicine. Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ana Maldonado-Contreras
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, Program of Microbiome Dynamics, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Zhang H, Zhou Z. Association of gut microbiota and dietary component intake with COVID-19: A mendelian randomization study. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:1308-1313. [PMID: 37385185 PMCID: PMC10286570 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.06.017] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence has indicated that alterations in the gut microbiota and nutritional quality of dietary intake were associated with COVID-19. Whether these associations reflect causality is still unknown. METHODS We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using genetic variants as instrumental variables for gut microbiota, dietary component intake, and COVID-19. FINDINGS We found that the Ruminococcustorques group genus was significantly associated with COVID-19. The Ruminococcaceae UCG013 genus and Ruminococcus1 genus were suggestively associated with COVID-19. The Actinobacteria class, Bifidobacteriales order, Bifidobacteriaceae genus, R. group, and Tyzzerella3 genus were potentially associated with severe COVID-19. COVID-19 was significantly associated with the Lachnospira genus, Oscillospira, and RuminococcaceaeUCG009 genus and potentially associated with the Victivallis genus. Severe COVID-19 was significantly associated with the Turicibacter and Olsenella genus and potentially associated with Ruminococcus1, CandidatusSoleaferrea, and Parasutterella genus. Moreover, processed meat intake was significantly associated with COVID-19. Beef intake was suggestively associated with COVID-19. Salt added to food intake, and fresh fruit intake was suggestively associated with severe COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence supporting a causal effect of gut microbiota and dietary intake on COVID-19. We also found the causal effect of COVID-19 on the alteration of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyu Zhang
- Department of General Practice, Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Zengyuan Zhou
- Department of Nutrition, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Xia Y, Sun J. Microbiome and intestinal pathophysiology in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Genes Dis 2023; 11:S2352-3042(23)00223-4. [PMID: 37362775 PMCID: PMC10278891 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.03.034] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, also known for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, describes the people who have the signs and symptoms that continue or develop after the acute COVID-19 phase. Long COVID patients suffer from an inflammation or host responses towards the virus approximately 4 weeks after initial infection with the SARS CoV-2 virus and continue for an uncharacterized duration. Anyone infected with COVID-19 before could experience long-COVID conditions, including the patients who were infected with SARS CoV-2 virus confirmed by tests and those who never knew they had an infection early. People with long COVID may experience health problems from different types and combinations of symptoms over time, such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairments, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased or loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and dysgeusia). The critical role of the microbiome in these GI symptoms and long COVID were reported in clinical patients and experimental models. Here, we provide an overall view of the critical role of the GI tract and microbiome in the development of long COVID, including the clinical GI symptoms in patients, dysbiosis, viral-microbiome interactions, barrier function, and inflammatory bowel disease patients with long COVID. We highlight the potential mechanisms and possible treatment based on GI health and microbiome. Finally, we discuss challenges and future direction in the long COVID clinic and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilei Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yongguo Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yinglin Xia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jun Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- UIC Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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37
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Bicknell B, Liebert A, Borody T, Herkes G, McLachlan C, Kiat H. Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Diseases and the Gut-Brain Axis: The Potential of Therapeutic Targeting of the Microbiome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9577. [PMID: 37298527 PMCID: PMC10253993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiome contains the largest number of bacteria in the body and has the potential to greatly influence metabolism, not only locally but also systemically. There is an established link between a healthy, balanced, and diverse microbiome and overall health. When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced (dysbiosis) through dietary changes, medication use, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and ageing, this has a profound effect on our health and is linked to many diseases, including lifestyle diseases, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurological diseases. While this link in humans is largely an association of dysbiosis with disease, in animal models, a causative link can be demonstrated. The link between the gut and the brain is particularly important in maintaining brain health, with a strong association between dysbiosis in the gut and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. This link suggests not only that the gut microbiota composition can be used to make an early diagnosis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases but also that modifying the gut microbiome to influence the microbiome-gut-brain axis might present a therapeutic target for diseases that have proved intractable, with the aim of altering the trajectory of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others. There is also a microbiome-gut-brain link to other potentially reversible neurological diseases, such as migraine, post-operative cognitive dysfunction, and long COVID, which might be considered models of therapy for neurodegenerative disease. The role of traditional methods in altering the microbiome, as well as newer, more novel treatments such as faecal microbiome transplants and photobiomodulation, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Bicknell
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.L.); (H.K.)
| | - Ann Liebert
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.L.); (H.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Department of Governance and Research, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia;
| | - Thomas Borody
- Centre for Digestive Diseases, Five Dock, NSW 2046, Australia;
| | - Geoffrey Herkes
- Department of Governance and Research, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, NSW 2076, Australia;
| | - Craig McLachlan
- Centre for Healthy Futures, Torrens University Australia, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Hosen Kiat
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (A.L.); (H.K.)
- Centre for Healthy Futures, Torrens University Australia, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
- ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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Maffia-Bizzozero S, Cevallos C, Lenicov FR, Freiberger RN, Lopez CAM, Guano Toaquiza A, Sviercz F, Jarmoluk P, Bustos C, D’Addario AC, Quarleri J, Delpino MV. Viable SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants isolated from autopsy tissues. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1192832. [PMID: 37283920 PMCID: PMC10240073 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1192832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations have been described after infection with SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus is known to persist in multiple organs due to its tropism for several tissues. However, previous reports were unable to provide definitive information about whether the virus is viable and transmissible. It has been hypothesized that the persisting reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 in tissues could be one of the multiple potentially overlapping causes of long COVID. Methods In the present study, we investigated autopsy materials obtained from 21 cadaveric donors with documented first infection or reinfection at the time of death. The cases studied included recipients of different formulations of COVID-19 vaccines. The aim was to find the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and intestines. We used two technical approaches: the detection and quantification of viral genomic RNA using RT-qPCR, and virus infectivity using permissive in vitro Vero E6 culture. Results All tissues analyzed showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA but at dissimilar levels ranging from 1.01 × 102 copies/mL to 1.14 × 108 copies/mL, even among those cases who had been COVID-19 vaccinated. Importantly, different amounts of replication-competent virus were detected in the culture media from the studied tissues. The highest viral load were measured in the lung (≈1.4 × 106 copies/mL) and heart (≈1.9 × 106 copies/mL) samples. Additionally, based on partial Spike gene sequences, SARS-CoV-2 characterization revealed the presence of multiple Omicron sub-variants exhibiting a high level of nucleotide and amino acid identity among them. Discussion These findings highlight that SARS-CoV-2 can spread to multiple tissue locations such as the lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, and intestines, both after primary infection and after reinfections with the Omicron variant, contributing to extending knowledge about the pathogenesis of acute infection and understanding the sequelae of clinical manifestations that are observed during post-acute COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cintia Cevallos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Remes Lenicov
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosa Nicole Freiberger
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cinthya Alicia Marcela Lopez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alex Guano Toaquiza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Sviercz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricio Jarmoluk
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Jorge Quarleri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Victoria Delpino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Halma MTJ, Plothe C, Marik P, Lawrie TA. Strategies for the Management of Spike Protein-Related Pathology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1308. [PMID: 37317282 PMCID: PMC10222799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051308] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, a need has arisen to prevent and treat two related conditions, COVID-19 vaccine injury and long COVID-19, both of which can trace at least part of their aetiology to the spike protein, which can cause harm through several mechanisms. One significant mechanism of harm is vascular, and it is mediated by the spike protein, a common element of the COVID-19 illness, and it is related to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Given the significant number of people experiencing these two related conditions, it is imperative to develop treatment protocols, as well as to consider the diversity of people experiencing long COVID-19 and vaccine injury. This review summarizes the known treatment options for long COVID-19 and vaccine injury, their mechanisms, and their evidentiary basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christof Plothe
- Center for Biophysical Osteopathy, Am Wegweiser 27, 55232 Alzey, Germany
| | - Paul Marik
- Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC), 2001 L St. NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, USA;
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40
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Shen Y, Dong Y, Jiao J, Wang P, Chen M, Li J. BBIBP-CorV Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Affects the Gut Microbiome. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:942. [PMID: 37243047 PMCID: PMC10223200 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050942] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Several observational studies have confirmed that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) might substantially affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system by replicating in human small intestine enterocytes. Yet, so far, no study has reported the effects of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccines on gut microbiota alterations. In this study, we examined the effects of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine (ChiCTR2000032459, sponsored by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm), on gut microbiota. Fecal samples were collected from individuals whoreceived two doses of intramuscular injection of BBIBP-CorV and matched unvaccinated controls. DNA extracted from fecal samples was subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing analysis. The composition and biological functions of the microbiota between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals were compared. Compared with unvaccinated controls, vaccinated subjects exhibited significantly reduced bacterial diversity, elevated firmicutes/bacteroidetes (F/B) ratios, a tendency towards Faecalibacterium-predominant enterotypes, and altered gut microbial compositions and functional potentials. Specifically, the intestinal microbiota in vaccine recipients was enriched with Faecalibacterium and Mollicutes and with a lower abundance of Prevotella, Enterococcus, Leuconostocaceae, and Weissella. Microbial function prediction by phylogenetic investigation of communities using reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis further indicated that Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism and transcription were positively associated with vaccine inoculation, whereas capacities in neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers were negatively affected by vaccines. Vaccine inoculation was particularly associated with gut microbiota alterations, as was demonstrated by the improved composition and functional capacities of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Ying Dong
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jie Jiao
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Mulei Chen
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jing Li
- Heart Center and Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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41
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Zhang F, Lau RI, Liu Q, Su Q, Chan FKL, Ng SC. Gut microbiota in COVID-19: key microbial changes, potential mechanisms and clinical applications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:323-337. [PMID: 36271144 PMCID: PMC9589856 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is involved in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The gut microbiota has important roles in viral entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, immune homeostasis, and crosstalk between the gut and lungs, the 'gut-lung axis'. Emerging preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the gut microbiota might contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis and disease outcomes; SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with altered intestinal microbiota and correlated with inflammatory and immune responses. Here, we discuss the cutting-edge evidence on the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the gut microbiota, key microbial changes in relation to COVID-19 severity and host immune dysregulations with the possible underlying mechanisms, and the conceivable consequences of the pandemic on the human microbiome and post-pandemic health. Finally, potential modulatory strategies of the gut microbiota are discussed. These insights could shed light on the development of microbiota-based interventions for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Zhang
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory for Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Raphaela I Lau
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory for Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Qin Liu
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory for Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Qi Su
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory for Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Francis K L Chan
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
- State Key Laboratory for Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Siew C Ng
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- State Key Laboratory for Digestive Disease, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
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Kenny G, Townsend L, Savinelli S, Mallon PWG. Long COVID: Clinical characteristics, proposed pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1157651. [PMID: 37179568 PMCID: PMC10171433 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1157651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of persistent ill-health in the aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection has presented significant challenges to patients, healthcare workers and researchers. Termed long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), the symptoms of this condition are highly variable and span multiple body systems. The underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood, with no therapeutic agents proven to be effective. This narrative review describes predominant clinical features and phenotypes of long COVID alongside the data supporting potential pathogenesis of these phenotypes including ongoing immune dysregulation, viral persistence, endotheliopathy, gastrointestinal microbiome disturbance, autoimmunity, and dysautonomia. Finally, we describe current potential therapies under investigation, as well as future potential therapeutic options based on the proposed pathogenesis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kenny
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Townsend
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stefano Savinelli
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick W. G. Mallon
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Zhang D, Zhou Y, Ma Y, Chen P, Tang J, Yang B, Li H, Liang M, Xue Y, Liu Y, Zhang J, Wang X. Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Correlates With Long COVID-19 at One-Year After Discharge. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e120. [PMID: 37069814 PMCID: PMC10111044 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in recovered patients (RPs) is gradually recognized by more people. However, how long it will last and the underlining mechanism remains unclear. METHODS We conducted a prospective follow-up study to evaluate the long-term symptoms and clinical indices of RPs at one-year after discharge from Union Hospital, Wuhan, China between December 2020 to May 2021. We also performed the 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples from RPs and healthy controls (HCs) and analyzed the correlation between the gut microbiota and long COVID-19. RESULTS In total, 187 RPs were enrolled, among them, 84 (44.9%) RPs reported long COVID-19 symptoms at one-year after discharge. The most common long-term symptoms were cardiopulmonary symptoms, including chest tightness after activity (39/187, 20.9%), palpitations on exercise (27/187, 14.4%), sputum (21/187, 11.2%), cough (15/187, 8.0%) and chest pain (13/187, 7.0%), followed by systemic symptoms including fatigue (34/187, 18.2%) and myalgia (20/187, 10.7%), and digestive symptoms including constipation (14/187, 7.5%), anorexia (13/187, 7.0%), and diarrhea (8/187, 4.3%). Sixty-six (35.9%) RPs presented either anxiety or depression (42/187 [22.8%] and 53/187 [28.8%] respectively), and the proportion of anxiety or depression in the long symptomatic group was significantly higher than that in the asymptomatic group (41/187 [50.6%] vs. 25/187 [24.3%]). Compared with the asymptomatic group, scores of all nine 36-Item Short Form General Health Survey domains were lower in the symptomatic group (all P < 0.05). One hundred thirty RPs and 32 HCs (non-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infected subjects) performed fecal sample sequencing. Compared with HCs, symptomatic RPs had obvious gut microbiota dysbiosis including significantly reduced bacterial diversities and lower relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing salutary symbionts such as Eubacterium_hallii_group, Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcus, Dorea, Coprococcus, and Eubacterium_ventriosum_group. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of Eubacterium_hallii_group, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcus showed decreasing tendencies between HCs, the asymptomatic group, and the symptomatic group. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the presence of long COVID-19 which correlates with gut microbiota dysbiosis in RPs at one-year after discharge, indicating gut microbiota may play an important role in long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Zhang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaya Zhou
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanling Ma
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bohan Yang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengyuan Liang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - YuE Xue
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianchu Zhang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Tkacheva ON, Klimenko NS, Kashtanova DA, Tyakht AV, Maytesyan LV, Akopyan AA, Koshechkin SI, Strazhesko ID. Gut Microbiome in Post-COVID-19 Patients Is Linked to Immune and Cardiovascular Health Status but Not COVID-19 Severity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041036. [PMID: 37110459 PMCID: PMC10144658 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The composition of the gut microbiome stores the imprints of prior infections and other impacts. COVID-19 can cause changes in inflammatory status that persist for a considerable time after infection ends. As the gut microbiome is closely associated with immunity and inflammation, the infection severity might be linked to its community structure dynamics. Using 16S rRNA sequencing of stool samples, we investigated the microbiome three months after the end of the disease/infection or SARS-CoV-2 contact in 178 post-COVID-19 patients and those who contacted SARS-CoV-2 but were not infected. The cohort included 3 groups: asymptomatic subjects (n = 48), subjects who contacted COVID-19 patients with no further infection (n = 46), and severe patients (n = 86). Using a novel compositional statistical algorithm (nearest balance) and the concept of bacterial co-occurrence clusters (coops), we compared microbiome compositions between the groups as well as with multiple categories of clinical parameters including: immunity, cardiovascular parameters and markers of endothelial dysfunction, and blood metabolites. Although a number of clinical indicators varied drastically across the three groups, no differences in microbiome features were identified between them at this follow-up point. However, there were multiple associations between the microbiome features and clinical data. Among the immunity parameters, the relative lymphocyte number was linked to a balance including 14 genera. Cardiovascular parameters were associated with up to four bacterial cooperatives. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was linked to a balance including ten genera and one cooperative. Among the blood biochemistry parameters, calcium was the only parameter associated with the microbiome via a balance of 16 genera. Our results suggest comparable recovery of the gut community structure in the post-COVID-19 period, independently of severity or infection status. The multiple identified associations of clinical analysis data with the microbiome provide hypotheses about the participation of specific taxa in regulating immunity and homeostasis of cardiovascular and other body systems in health, as well as their disruption in SARS-CoV-2 infections and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga N Tkacheva
- The "Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 16 1st Leonova Str., 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia S Klimenko
- Atlas Biomed Group-Knomx LLC, Tintagel House, 92 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TY, UK
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilova Str., 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria A Kashtanova
- The "Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 16 1st Leonova Str., 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V Tyakht
- Atlas Biomed Group-Knomx LLC, Tintagel House, 92 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TY, UK
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilova Str., 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Lilit V Maytesyan
- The "Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 16 1st Leonova Str., 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A Akopyan
- The "Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 16 1st Leonova Str., 129226 Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav I Koshechkin
- Atlas Biomed Group-Knomx LLC, Tintagel House, 92 Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London SE1 7TY, UK
| | - Irina D Strazhesko
- The "Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology" of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 16 1st Leonova Str., 129226 Moscow, Russia
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Chen Y, Li X, Yu C, Wang E, Luo C, Jin Y, Zhang L, Ma Y, Jin Y, Yang L, Sun B, Qiao J, Zhou X, Rasche L, Einsele H, Song J, Bai T, Hou X. Gut microbiome alterations in patients with COVID-19-related coagulopathy. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:1589-1598. [PMID: 37039875 PMCID: PMC10098242 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05186-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is characterized by a predominantly prothrombotic state, which underlies severe disease and poor outcomes. Imbalances of the gut microbiome have been linked with abnormal hemostatic processes. Understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and abnormal coagulation parameters in COVID-19 could provide a novel framework for the diagnosis and management of COVID-related coagulopathies (CRC). This cross-sectional study used shotgun metagenomic sequencing to examine the gut microbiota of patients with CRC (n = 66) and compared it to COVID control (CCs) (n = 27) and non-COVID control (NCs) (n = 22) groups. Three, 1, and 3 taxa were found enriched in CRCs, CCs, and NCs. Next, random forest models using 7 microbial biomarkers and differential clinical characteristics were constructed and achieved strong diagnostic potential in distinguishing CRC. Specifically, the most promising biomarker species for CRC were Streptococcus thermophilus, Enterococcus faecium, and Citrobacter portucalensis. Conversely, Enterobacteriaceae family and Fusicatenibacter genus are potentially protective against CRC in COVID patients. We further identified 4 species contributing to 20 MetaCyc pathways that were differentially abundant among groups, with S. thermophilus as the main coding species in CRCs. Our findings suggest that the alterations of gut microbiota compositional and functional profiles may influence the pathogenesis of CRC and that microbiota-based diagnosis and treatment could potentially benefit COVID patients in preventing and alleviating thrombosis-related clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youli Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Ultrasonic Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Erchuan Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chang Luo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yanling Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Binlian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jialu Qiao
- Wuhan Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leo Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Julius-Maximilian University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jun Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tao Bai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Xiaohua Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Laterza L, Putignani L, Settanni CR, Petito V, Varca S, De Maio F, Macari G, Guarrasi V, Gremese E, Tolusso B, Wlderk G, Pirro MA, Fanali C, Scaldaferri F, Turchini L, Amatucci V, Sanguinetti M, Gasbarrini A. Ecology and Machine Learning-Based Classification Models of Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Markers May Evaluate the Effects of Probiotic Supplementation in Patients Recently Recovered from COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076623. [PMID: 37047594 PMCID: PMC10094838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota (GM) modulation can be investigated as possible solution to enhance recovery after COVID-19. An open-label, single-center, single-arm, pilot, interventional study was performed by enrolling twenty patients recently recovered from COVID-19 to investigate the role of a mixed probiotic, containing Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and Streptococcus thermophilus, on gastrointestinal symptoms, local and systemic inflammation, intestinal barrier integrity and GM profile. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, cytokines, inflammatory, gut permeability, and integrity markers were evaluated before (T0) and after 8 weeks (T1) of probiotic supplementation. GM profiling was based on 16S-rRNA targeted-metagenomics and QIIME 2.0, LEfSe and PICRUSt computational algorithms. Multiple machine learning (ML) models were trained to classify GM at T0 and T1. A statistically significant reduction of IL-6 (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.001) and IL-12RA (p < 0.02), citrulline (p value < 0.001) was reported at T1. GM global distribution and microbial biomarkers strictly reflected probiotic composition, with a general increase in Bifidobacteria at T1. Twelve unique KEGG orthologs were associated only to T0, including tetracycline resistance cassettes. ML classified the GM at T1 with 100% score at phylum level. Bifidobacteriaceae and Bifidobacterium spp. inversely correlated to reduction of citrulline and inflammatory cytokines. Probiotic supplementation during post-COVID-19 may trigger anti-inflammatory effects though Bifidobacteria and related-metabolism enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Laterza
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Department of Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine, Unit of Microbiology and Diagnostic Immunology, Unit of Microbiomics and Immunology, Rheumatology and Infectious diseases Research Area, Unit of Human Microbiome, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Romano Settanni
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Petito
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Varca
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio De Maio
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio ed Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Gremese
- Immunology Facility, Gstep, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Immunology Facility, Gstep, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Wlderk
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonia Pirro
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Fanali
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Scaldaferri
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Turchini
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Amatucci
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio ed Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- CeMAD, Digestive Disease Center, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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de Nies L, Galata V, Martin-Gallausiaux C, Despotovic M, Busi SB, Snoeck CJ, Delacour L, Budagavi DP, Laczny CC, Habier J, Lupu PC, Halder R, Fritz JV, Marques T, Sandt E, O'Sullivan MP, Ghosh S, Satagopam V, Krüger R, Fagherazzi G, Ollert M, Hefeng FQ, May P, Wilmes P. Altered infective competence of the human gut microbiome in COVID-19. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:46. [PMID: 36894986 PMCID: PMC9995755 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01472-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with SARS-CoV-2 have a pronounced impact on the gastrointestinal tract and its resident microbiome. Clear differences between severe cases of infection and healthy individuals have been reported, including the loss of commensal taxa. We aimed to understand if microbiome alterations including functional shifts are unique to severe cases or a common effect of COVID-19. We used high-resolution systematic multi-omic analyses to profile the gut microbiome in asymptomatic-to-moderate COVID-19 individuals compared to a control group. RESULTS We found a striking increase in the overall abundance and expression of both virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes in COVID-19. Importantly, these genes are encoded and expressed by commensal taxa from families such as Acidaminococcaceae and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae, which we found to be enriched in COVID-19-positive individuals. We also found an enrichment in the expression of a betaherpesvirus and rotavirus C genes in COVID-19-positive individuals compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses identified an altered and increased infective competence of the gut microbiome in COVID-19 patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura de Nies
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Valentina Galata
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Camille Martin-Gallausiaux
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Milena Despotovic
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Susheel Bhanu Busi
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Chantal J Snoeck
- Clinical and Applied Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Lea Delacour
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, LCSB Operations, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Deepthi Poornima Budagavi
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Cédric Christian Laczny
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Janine Habier
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Paula-Cristina Lupu
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rashi Halder
- Scientific Central Services, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Joëlle V Fritz
- Transversal Translation Medicine, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Taina Marques
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Estelle Sandt
- Translational Medicine Operations Hub, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Marc Paul O'Sullivan
- Translational Medicine Operations Hub, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Soumyabrata Ghosh
- Bioinformatics Core, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Venkata Satagopam
- Bioinformatics Core, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Rejko Krüger
- Transversal Translation Medicine, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Guy Fagherazzi
- Deep Digital Phenotyping Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Feng Q Hefeng
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Patrick May
- Bioinformatics Core, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Paul Wilmes
- Systems Ecology Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue du Swing, L-4367, Belvaux, Luxembourg.
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Ancona G, Alagna L, Alteri C, Palomba E, Tonizzo A, Pastena A, Muscatello A, Gori A, Bandera A. Gut and airway microbiota dysbiosis and their role in COVID-19 and long-COVID. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1080043. [PMID: 36969243 PMCID: PMC10030519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1080043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in human health and disease. Gut dysbiosis is known to be associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases and modifications in the immune response and homeostasis of the lungs (the so-called gut-lung axis). Furthermore, recent studies have highlighted the possible role of dysbiosis in neurological disturbances, introducing the notion of the "gut-brain axis." During the last 2 years, several studies have described the presence of gut dysbiosis during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its relationship with disease severity, SARS-CoV-2 gastrointestinal replication, and immune inflammation. Moreover, the possible persistence of gut dysbiosis after disease resolution may be linked to long-COVID syndrome and particularly to its neurological manifestations. We reviewed recent evidence on the association between dysbiosis and COVID-19, investigating the possible epidemiologic confounding factors like age, location, sex, sample size, the severity of disease, comorbidities, therapy, and vaccination status on gut and airway microbial dysbiosis in selected studies on both COVID-19 and long-COVID. Moreover, we analyzed the confounding factors strictly related to microbiota, specifically diet investigation and previous use of antibiotics/probiotics, and the methodology used to study the microbiota (α- and β-diversity parameters and relative abundance tools). Of note, only a few studies focused on longitudinal analyses, especially for long-term observation in long-COVID. Lastly, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the role of microbiota transplantation and other therapeutic approaches and their possible impact on disease progression and severity. Preliminary data seem to suggest that gut and airway dysbiosis might play a role in COVID-19 and in long-COVID neurological symptoms. Indeed, the development and interpretation of these data could have important implications for future preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Ancona
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Alagna
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Alteri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Multimodal Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Palomba
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Tonizzo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pastena
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Muscatello
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bandera
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Li J, Jing Q, Li J, Hua M, Di L, Song C, Huang Y, Wang J, Chen C, Wu AR. Assessment of microbiota in the gut and upper respiratory tract associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:38. [PMID: 36869345 PMCID: PMC9982190 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human microbiome plays an important role in modulating the host metabolism and immune system. Connections and interactions have been found between the microbiome of the gut and oral pharynx in the context of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections; hence, to broaden our understanding of host-viral responses in general and to deepen our knowledge of COVID-19, we performed a large-scale, systematic evaluation of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human microbiota in patients with varying disease severity. RESULTS We processed 521 samples from 203 COVID-19 patients with varying disease severity and 94 samples from 31 healthy donors, consisting of 213 pharyngeal swabs, 250 sputa, and 152 fecal samples, and obtained meta-transcriptomes as well as SARS-CoV-2 sequences from each sample. Detailed assessment of these samples revealed altered microbial composition and function in the upper respiratory tract (URT) and gut of COVID-19 patients, and these changes are significantly associated with disease severity. Moreover, URT and gut microbiota show different patterns of alteration, where gut microbiome seems to be more variable and in direct correlation with viral load; and microbial community in the upper respiratory tract renders a high risk of antibiotic resistance. Longitudinally, the microbial composition remains relatively stable during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Our study has revealed different trends and the relative sensitivity of microbiome in different body sites to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, while the use of antibiotics is often essential for the prevention and treatment of secondary infections, our results indicate a need to evaluate potential antibiotic resistance in the management of COVID-19 patients in the ongoing pandemic. Moreover, a longitudinal follow-up to monitor the restoration of the microbiome could enhance our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Li
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Qiuyu Jing
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Jie Li
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Mingxi Hua
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Lin Di
- School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chuan Song
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University and Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yanyi Huang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Beijing, 100871, China
- Institute for Cell Analysis, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Guangdong, 518132, China
| | - Jianbin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038, Beijing, China.
| | - Angela Ruohao Wu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
- Hong Kong Branch of Guangdong Southern Marine Science and Engineering Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
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Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Symptoms and Disorders with Long (Chronic) COVID Infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:139-156. [PMID: 36813422 PMCID: PMC9940919 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is a novel syndrome characterizing new or persistent symptoms weeks after COVID-19 infection and involving multiple organ systems. This review summarizes the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary sequelae of long COVID syndrome. It describes potential biomolecular mechanisms, prevalence, preventative measures, potential therapies, and health care and economic impact of long COVID syndrome, particularly of its gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary manifestations.
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