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Hamlin RE, Blish CA. Challenges and opportunities in long COVID research. Immunity 2024; 57:1195-1214. [PMID: 38865966 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.05.010] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) is a condition in which patients do not fully recover from the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection but rather have persistent or new symptoms for months to years following the infection. Ongoing research efforts are investigating the pathophysiologic mechanisms of LC and exploring preventative and therapeutic treatment approaches for patients. As a burgeoning area of investigation, LC research can be structured to be more inclusive, innovative, and effective. In this perspective, we highlight opportunities for patient engagement and diverse research expertise, as well as the challenges of developing definitions and reproducible studies. Our intention is to provide a foundation for collaboration and progress in understanding the biomarkers and mechanisms driving LC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine A Blish
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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2
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Geng LN, Bonilla H, Hedlin H, Jacobson KB, Tian L, Jagannathan P, Yang PC, Subramanian AK, Liang JW, Shen S, Deng Y, Shaw BJ, Botzheim B, Desai M, Pathak D, Jazayeri Y, Thai D, O'Donnell A, Mohaptra S, Leang Z, Reynolds GZM, Brooks EF, Bhatt AS, Shafer RW, Miglis MG, Quach T, Tiwari A, Banerjee A, Lopez RN, De Jesus M, Charnas LR, Utz PJ, Singh U. Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Symptoms in Adults With Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The STOP-PASC Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2024:2819901. [PMID: 38848477 PMCID: PMC11161857 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Importance There is an urgent need to identify treatments for postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Objective To assess the efficacy of a 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in reducing the severity of select PASC symptoms. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a 15-week blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted from November 2022 to September 2023 at Stanford University (California). The participants were adults with moderate to severe PASC symptoms of 3 months or longer duration. Interventions Participants were randomized 2:1 to treatment with oral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NMV/r, 300 mg and 100 mg) or with placebo-ritonavir (PBO/r) twice daily for 15 days. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome was a pooled severity of 6 PASC symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, body aches, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular symptoms) based on a Likert scale score at 10 weeks. Secondary outcomes included symptom severity at different time points, symptom burden and relief, patient global measures, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures, orthostatic vital signs, and sit-to-stand test change from baseline. Results Of the 155 participants (median [IQR] age, 43 [34-54] years; 92 [59%] females), 102 were randomized to the NMV/r group and 53 to the PBO/r group. Nearly all participants (n = 153) had received the primary series for COVID-19 vaccination. Mean (SD) time between index SARS-CoV-2 infection and randomization was 17.5 (9.1) months. There was no statistically significant difference in the model-derived severity outcome pooled across the 6 core symptoms at 10 weeks between the NMV/r and PBO/r groups. No statistically significant between-group differences were found at 10 weeks in the Patient Global Impression of Severity or Patient Global Impression of Change scores, summative symptom scores, and change from baseline to 10 weeks in PROMIS fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive function, and physical function measures. Adverse event rates were similar in NMV/r and PBO/r groups and mostly of low grade. Conclusions and Relevance The results of this randomized clinical trial showed that a 15-day course of NMV/r in a population of patients with PASC was generally safe but did not demonstrate a significant benefit for improving select PASC symptoms in a mostly vaccinated cohort with protracted symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in the treatment of PASC. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05576662.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda N Geng
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Hector Bonilla
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Haley Hedlin
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Karen B Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland
| | - Lu Tian
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Phillip C Yang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Aruna K Subramanian
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jane W Liang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sa Shen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yaowei Deng
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Blake J Shaw
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Bren Botzheim
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Manisha Desai
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Divya Pathak
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yasmin Jazayeri
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Daniel Thai
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Andrew O'Donnell
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sukanya Mohaptra
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Zenita Leang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Erin F Brooks
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ami S Bhatt
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Robert W Shafer
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Mitchell G Miglis
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Tom Quach
- Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Anindita Banerjee
- Pfizer Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Rene N Lopez
- Clinical Research Collaborations COE, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut
| | - Magdia De Jesus
- Strategic Planning, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer Inc, New York, New York
| | - Lawrence R Charnas
- Clinical Research Collaborations COE, Worldwide Medical and Safety, Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut
| | - Paul J Utz
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Upinder Singh
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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3
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Vojdani A, Almulla AF, Zhou B, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. Reactivation of herpesvirus type 6 and IgA/IgM-mediated responses to activin-A underpin long COVID, including affective symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024; 36:172-184. [PMID: 38571295 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2024.10] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), reactivation of dormant viruses, and immune-oxidative responses are involved in long COVID. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether long COVID and depressive, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms are associated with IgA/IgM/IgG to SARS-CoV-2, human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and immune-oxidative biomarkers. METHODS We examined 90 long COVID patients and ninety healthy controls. We measured serum IgA/IgM/IgG against HHV-6 and EBV and their deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (duTPase), SARS-CoV-2, and activin-A, C-reactive protein (CRP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). RESULTS Long COVID patients showed significant elevations in IgG/IgM-SARS-CoV-2, IgG/IgM-HHV-6, and HHV-6-duTPase, IgA/IgM-activin-A, CRP, AOPP, and HOMA2-IR. Neural network analysis yielded a highly significant predictive accuracy of 80.6% for the long COVID diagnosis (sensitivity: 78.9%, specificity: 81.8%, area under the ROC curve = 0.876); the topmost predictors were as follows: IGA-activin-A, IgG-HHV-6, IgM-HHV-6-duTPase, IgG-SARS-CoV-2, and IgM-HHV-6 (all positively) and a factor extracted from all IgA levels to all viral antigens (inversely). The top 5 predictors of affective symptoms due to long COVID were IgM-HHV-6-duTPase, IgG-HHV-6, CRP, education, IgA-activin-A (predictive accuracy of r = 0.636). The top 5 predictors of CFS due to long COVID were in descending order: CRP, IgG-HHV-6-duTPase, IgM-activin-A, IgM-SARS-CoV-2, and IgA-activin-A (predictive accuracy: r = 0.709). CONCLUSION Reactivation of HHV-6, SARS-CoV-2 persistence, and autoimmune reactions to activin-A combined with activated immune-oxidative pathways play a major role in the pathophysiology of long COVID as well as the severity of its affective symptoms and CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab, Inc., Los Angeles, CA90035, USA
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ85034, USA
| | - Abbas F Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Bo Zhou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu610072, China
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu610072, China
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Center, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul02447, Korea
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Heinen N, Klöhn M, Westhoven S, Brown RJ, Pfaender S. Host determinants and responses underlying SARS-CoV-2 liver tropism. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102455. [PMID: 38522265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102455] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic sequelae are frequently reported in coronavirus disease 2019 cases and are correlated with increased disease severity. Therefore, a detailed exploration of host factors contributing to hepatic impairment and ultimately infection outcomes in patients is essential for improved clinical management. The causes of hepatic injury are not limited to drug-mediated toxicity or aberrant host inflammatory responses. Indeed, multiple studies report the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in liver autopsies and the susceptibility of explanted human hepatocytes to infection. In this review, we confirm that hepatic cells express an extensive range of factors implicated in SARS-CoV-2 entry. We also provide an overview of studies reporting evidence for direct infection of liver cell types and the infection-induced cell-intrinsic processes that likely contribute to hepatic impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Heinen
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Saskia Westhoven
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Research Unit Emerging Viruses, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Richard Jp Brown
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany; Research Unit Emerging Viruses, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany; University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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Makhluf H, Madany H, Kim K. Long COVID: Long-Term Impact of SARS-CoV2. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:711. [PMID: 38611624 PMCID: PMC11011397 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070711] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Four years post-pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 continues to affect many lives across the globe. An estimated 65 million people suffer from long COVID, a term used to encapsulate the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections that affect multiple organ systems. Known symptoms include chronic fatigue syndrome, brain fog, cardiovascular issues, autoimmunity, dysautonomia, and clotting due to inflammation. Herein, we review long COVID symptoms, the proposed theories behind the pathology, diagnostics, treatments, and the clinical trials underway to explore treatments for viral persistence, autonomic and cognitive dysfunctions, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Makhluf
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, National University, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (H.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Henry Madany
- Center for Infectious Disease, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (H.M.); (K.K.)
- Public Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Center for Infectious Disease, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (H.M.); (K.K.)
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Yokoyama Y, Ichiki T, Yamakawa T, Tsuji Y, Kuronuma K, Takahashi S, Narimatsu E, Katanuma A, Nakase H. Gut microbiota and metabolites in patients with COVID-19 are altered by the type of SARS-CoV-2 variant. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1358530. [PMID: 38505560 PMCID: PMC10948395 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1358530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with COVID-19 have dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota with altered metabolites in the stool. However, it remains unclear whether the differences among SARS-CoV-2 variants lead to differences in intestinal microbiota and metabolites. Thus, we compared the microbiome and metabolome changes for each SARS-CoV-2 variant in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods We conducted a multicenter observational study of patients with COVID-19 and performed fecal microbiome, metabolome, and calprotectin analyses and compared the results among the different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Results Twenty-one patients with COVID-19 were enrolled and stratified according to the SARS-CoV-2 strain: six with the Alpha, 10 with the Delta, and five with the Omicron variant. Fecal microbiome analysis showed that α-diversity was reduced in the order of the Omicron, Delta, and Alpha variants (p = 0.07). Linear discriminant analysis revealed differences in the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing gut microbiota for each SARS-CoV-2 variant. Fecal metabolome analysis showed that the Omicron and Delta variants had markedly reduced propionic and lactic acid levels compared to the Alpha strain (p < 0.05). Conclusion The intestinal microbiota of patients with COVID-19 varies depending on the SARS-CoV-2 variant. Dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota due to differences in SARS-CoV-2 variants causes a decrease in intestinal short-chain fatty acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ichiki
- Department of General Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yamakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Tsuji
- Department of General Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Koji Kuronuma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Department of Infection Control and Laboratory Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Eichi Narimatsu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akio Katanuma
- Center for Gastroenterology, Teine-Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakase
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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Ståhlberg M, Mahdi A, Johansson M, Fedorowski A, Olshansky B. Cardiovascular dysautonomia in postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:608-617. [PMID: 37877234 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16117] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide pandemic that continues to transform but will not go away. Cardiovascular dysautonomia in postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has led to persistent symptoms in a large number of patients. Here, we define the condition and its associated symptoms as well as potential mechanisms responsible. We provide a careful and complete overview of the topic addressing novel studies and a generalized approach to the management of individuals with this complex and potentially debilitating problem. We also discuss future research directions and the important knowledge gaps to be addressed in ongoing and planned studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ståhlberg
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ali Mahdi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Johansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Bellone S, Siegel ER, Scheim DE, Santin AD. Increased von Willebrand and Factor VIII plasma levels in gynecologic patients with Post-Acute-COVID-Sequela (PASC)/Long COVID. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2024; 51:101324. [PMID: 38273933 PMCID: PMC10809113 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Up to 30 % of COVID-infected patients may develop post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as Long COVID (LC), a syndrome characterized by a variety of debilitating symptoms lasting for more than 3 months after the acute infection. While the pathophysiological mechanisms behind PASC/LC are not completely understood, growing evidence suggests that an important component of this syndrome may be related to persistent microvascular inflammation causing clumping/clotting of red blood cells and platelets and thrombotic complications. We retrospectively evaluated the plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF), Factor VIII and D-dimer in 10 gynecologic patients (60 % with an endometrial or ovarian cancer diagnosis) affected by PASC/LC vs 5 control patients (60 % harboring endometrial or ovarian tumors). We found elevated VWF and Factor VIII levels in all 10 PASC/LC patients (means of 254 % and 229 %, respectively) vs none of the 5 randomly selected cancer control patients (means of 108 % and 95 %, respectively), p = 0.0046 and p < 0.0001, respectively. In contrast, no significant difference was noted in the levels of D-dimer in PASC/LC. Importantly, abnormally elevated VWF and Factor VIII levels were found to persist for at least 2 years in patients with Long COVID symptoms. VWF and Factor VIII but not D-dimer levels are significantly elevated in the plasma of PASC/LC cancer patients. Abnormally and persistently elevated VWF and Factor VIII levels may represent the results of persistent microvascular damage (i.e., spike-induced endotheliosis) and may be biomarkers of persistent inflammation in gynecologic patients with PASC/LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Eric R. Siegel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - David E. Scheim
- US Public Health Service, Commissioned Corps, Inactive Reserve, Blacksburg, VA 24060-6367, USA
| | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Wu X, Xiang M, Jing H, Wang C, Novakovic VA, Shi J. Damage to endothelial barriers and its contribution to long COVID. Angiogenesis 2024; 27:5-22. [PMID: 37103631 PMCID: PMC10134732 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-023-09878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The world continues to contend with COVID-19, fueled by the emergence of viral variants. At the same time, a subset of convalescent individuals continues to experience persistent and prolonged sequelae, known as long COVID. Clinical, autopsy, animal and in vitro studies all reveal endothelial injury in acute COVID-19 and convalescent patients. Endothelial dysfunction is now recognized as a central factor in COVID-19 progression and long COVID development. Different organs contain different types of endothelia, each with specific features, forming different endothelial barriers and executing different physiological functions. Endothelial injury results in contraction of cell margins (increased permeability), shedding of glycocalyx, extension of phosphatidylserine-rich filopods, and barrier damage. During acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, damaged endothelial cells promote diffuse microthrombi and destroy the endothelial (including blood-air, blood-brain, glomerular filtration and intestinal-blood) barriers, leading to multiple organ dysfunction. During the convalescence period, a subset of patients is unable to fully recover due to persistent endothelial dysfunction, contributing to long COVID. There is still an important knowledge gap between endothelial barrier damage in different organs and COVID-19 sequelae. In this article, we mainly focus on these endothelial barriers and their contribution to long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Mengqi Xiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Haijiao Jing
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Chengyue Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Valerie A Novakovic
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jialan Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China.
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, MA, Boston, USA.
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Lira R, Luna-Rivero C, Morales-Bolaños FV, Sandoval-Gutiérrez JL, Moreno-Verduzco ER, Maldonado-Rodriguez A, Torres-Flores JM, Yocupicio-Monroy M, Sevilla-Reyes EE. Case Report of a Young Adult with Fatal COVID-19 and Abundant SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Lipofuscin Accumulation in Tissues. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23485. [PMID: 38173536 PMCID: PMC10761569 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This is a case report of a young adult who died of COVID-19 twelve days after admission, with coronavirus nucleocapsid protein and lipofuscin found in the heart and kidney tissues, providing further evidence of the role of SARS-CoV-2 in cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Lira
- Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina y Oncología Genómica, Hospital Gineco Pediatría 3A, OOAD DF Norte, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - César Luna-Rivero
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - José Luis Sandoval-Gutiérrez
- Subdirección de Servicios Auxiliares de Diagnóstico, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Elsa Romelia Moreno-Verduzco
- Subdirección de Servicios Auxiliares de Diagnóstico, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Angélica Maldonado-Rodriguez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jesús Miguel Torres-Flores
- Laboratorio Nacional de Vacunología y Virus Tropicales, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Martha Yocupicio-Monroy
- Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Edgar E. Sevilla-Reyes
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Transcriptómica e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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11
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Zhang J, Xia Y, Li X, He R, Xie X. Case report: A case of Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy secondary to Influenza A virus during Long COVID. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1302504. [PMID: 38288123 PMCID: PMC10822910 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302504] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocular abnormalities have been reported in association with viral infections, including Long COVID, a debilitating illness caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This report presents a case of a female patient diagnosed with Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy (AMN) following an Influenza A virus infection during Long COVID who experienced severe inflammation symptoms and ocular complications. We hypothesize that the rare occurrence of AMN in this patient could be associated with the immune storm secondary to the viral infection during Long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihao Xia
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Runxi He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Eye School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuejun Xie
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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12
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Zaidi AK, Singh RB, A A Rizvi S, Dehgani-Mobaraki P, Palladino N. COVID-19 pathogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 202:67-112. [PMID: 38237991 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of COVID-19 involves a complex interplay between host factors and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to a multitude of clinical manifestations beyond the respiratory system. This chapter provides an overview of the risk factors, genetic predisposition, and multisystem manifestations of COVID-19, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to extrapulmonary manifestations. The chapter discusses the direct invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into various organs as well as the indirect mechanisms such as dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), immune response dysfunctions within the innate and adaptive immune systems, endothelial damage, and immunothrombosis. Furthermore, the multisystem manifestations of COVID-19 across different organ systems, including the cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, nervous, endocrine and metabolic, ophthalmic, ear-nose-throat, reproductive, hematopoietic, and immune systems are discussed in detail. Each system exhibits unique manifestations that contribute to the complexity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohan Bir Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Population, Policy and Practice, Greater Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom; Discipline of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Syed A A Rizvi
- College of Biomedical Sciences, Larkin University, Miami, Florida, United States.
| | - Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
- Founder and President, Associazione Naso Sano, Ringgold Institution ID 567754, San Mariano, Italy.
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13
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Hany M, Sheta E, Talha A, Anwar M, Selima M, Gaballah M, Zidan A, Ibrahim M, Agayby ASS, Abouelnasr AA, Samir M, Torensma B. Incidence of persistent SARS-CoV-2 gut infection in patients with a history of COVID-19: Insights from endoscopic examination. Endosc Int Open 2024; 12:E11-E22. [PMID: 38188925 PMCID: PMC10769582 DOI: 10.1055/a-2180-9872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and study aims Gut infection is common during acute COVID-19, and persistent SARS-CoV-2 gut infection has been reported months after the initial infection, potentially linked to long-COVID syndrome. This study tested the incidence of persistent gut infection in patients with a history of COVID-19 undergoing endoscopic examination. Patients and methods Endoscopic biopsies were prospectively collected from patients with previous COVID-19 infection undergoing upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE or LGE). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the presence of persistent SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins. Results A total of 166 UGEs and 83 LGE were analyzed. No significant differences were observed between patients with positive and negative immunostaining regarding the number of previous COVID-19 infections, time since the last infection, symptoms, or vaccination status. The incidence of positive immunostaining was significantly higher in UGE biopsies than in LGE biopsies (37.34% vs. 16.87%, P =0.002). Smokers showed a significantly higher incidence of positive immunostaining in the overall cohort and UGE and LGE subgroups ( P <0.001). Diabetic patients exhibited a significantly higher incidence in the overall cohort ( P =0.002) and UGE subgroup ( P =0.022), with a similar trend observed in the LGE subgroup ( P =0.055). Conclusions Gut mucosal tissues can act as a long-term reservoir for SARS-CoV-2, retaining viral particles for months following the primary COVID-19 infection. Smokers and individuals with diabetes may be at an increased risk of persistent viral gut infection. These findings provide insights into the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the gut and have implications for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hany
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Talha
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Medhat Anwar
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Selima
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Gaballah
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Zidan
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Ann Samy Shafiq Agayby
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Anwar Ashraf Abouelnasr
- Department of Surgery, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Hadara, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Samir
- Department of Pathology, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Bart Torensma
- Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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14
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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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15
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Trionfetti F, Alonzi T, Bontempi G, Terri M, Battistelli C, Montaldo C, Repele F, Rotili D, Valente S, Zwergel C, Matusali G, Maggi F, Goletti D, Tripodi M, Mai A, Strippoli R. HDAC1-3 inhibition increases SARS-CoV-2 replication and productive infection in lung mesothelial and epithelial cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1257683. [PMID: 38162580 PMCID: PMC10757821 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1257683] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the significant progress achieved in understanding the pathology and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infection, still pathogenic and clinical issues need to be clarified. Treatment with modulators of epigenetic targets, i.e., epidrugs, is a current therapeutic option in several cancers and could represent an approach in the therapy of viral diseases. Results Aim of this study was the analysis of the role of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition in the modulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection of mesothelial cells (MCs).MeT5A cells, a pleura MC line, were pre-treated with different specific class I and IIb HDAC inhibitors. Unexpectedly, treatment with HDAC1-3 inhibitors significantly increased ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression, suggesting a role in favoring SARS-CoV-2 infection. We focused our analysis on the most potent ACE2/TMPRSS2 inducer among the inhibitors analysed, MS-275, a HDAC1-3 inhibitor. ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression was validated by Western Blot (WB) and immunofluorescence. The involvement of HDAC inhibition in receptor induction was confirmed by HDAC1/HDAC2 silencing. In accordance to the ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression data, MS-275 increased SARS-CoV-2 replication and virus propagation in Vero E6 cells.Notably, MS-275 was able to increase ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression and SARS-CoV-2 production, although to a lesser extent, also in the lung adenocarcinoma cell line Calu-3 cells.Mechanistically, treatment with MS-275 increased H3 and H4 histone acetylation at ACE2/TMPRSS2 promoters, increasing their transcription. Conclusion This study highlights a previously unrecognized effect of HDAC1-3 inhibition in increasing SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, replication and productive infection correlating with increased expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. These data, while adding basic insight into COVID-19 pathogenesis, warn for the use of HDAC inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonino Alonzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Bontempi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Terri
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Montaldo
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Repele
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani”-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Gene Expression Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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16
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Ailioaie LM, Ailioaie C, Litscher G. Gut Microbiota and Mitochondria: Health and Pathophysiological Aspects of Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17198. [PMID: 38139027 PMCID: PMC10743487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417198] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The current understanding of long COVID (LC) is still limited. This review highlights key findings regarding the role of gut microbiota, mitochondria, and the main pathophysiological aspects of LC revealed by clinical studies, related to the complex interplay between infection, intestinal dysbiosis, dysfunctional mitochondria, and systemic inflammation generated in a vicious circle, reflecting the molecular and cellular processes from the "leaky gut" to the "leaky electron transport chain (ETC)" into a quantum leap. The heterogeneity of LC has hindered progress in deciphering all the pathophysiological mechanisms, and therefore, the approach must be multidisciplinary, with a special focus not only on symptomatic management but also on addressing the underlying health problems of the patients. It is imperative to further assess and validate the effects of COVID-19 and LC on the gut microbiome and their relationship to infections with other viral agents or pathogens. Further studies are needed to better understand LC and expand the interdisciplinary points of view that are required to accurately diagnose and effectively treat this heterogeneous condition. Given the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to induce autoimmunity in susceptible patients, they should be monitored for symptoms of autoimmune disease after contracting the viral infection. One question remains open, namely, whether the various vaccines developed to end the pandemic will also induce autoimmunity. Recent data highlighted in this review have revealed that the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and dysfunctional mitochondria in organs such as the heart and, to a lesser extent, the kidneys, liver, and lymph nodes, long after the organism has been able to clear the virus from the lungs, could be an explanation for LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marinela Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.M.A.); (C.A.)
| | - Constantin Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania; (L.M.A.); (C.A.)
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- President of the International Society for Medical Laser Applications (ISLA Transcontinental), German Vice President of the German-Chinese Research Foundation (DCFG) for TCM, Honorary President of the European Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies, Honorary Professor of China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Former Head of Two Research Units and the TCM Research Center at the Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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17
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Bellone S, Siegel EE, Santin AD. Increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in gynecologic cancer patients with Post-Acute-Covid-Sequela (PASC)/Long COVID. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2023; 50:101301. [PMID: 38029227 PMCID: PMC10654147 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as Long-Covid (LC), may affect 10-30 % of COVID-infected patients, and is characterized by a variety of debilitating symptoms lasting over 3 months after the acute infection, including but not limited to dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal, cognitive, and/or mental health impairments. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient primarily recognized for its role in regulating calcium and bone health but also endowed with potent anti-inflammatory activity affecting a variety of immune cells. We retrospectively evaluated the plasmatic levels of both 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D (1,25 OH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25 OH), the active and storage forms of vitamin-D3, respectively, in the serum of gynecologic cancer patients affected by PASC/LC vs control cancer patients. We found elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D levels in 5 out of 5 of the PASC/LC patients (mean ± SD = 97.2 ± 26.9 pg/mL) versus 0 out of 10 of randomly selected cancer control patients (44.9 ± 17.2 pg/mL, p = 0.0005). In contrast, no significant difference was noted in the levels of 25-dihydroxyvitamin-D in PASC/LC (mean ± SD = 48.2 ± 15.8 ng/mL) versus controls (43.0 ± 11.6 ng/mL, p = 0.48). Importantly, abnormal levels of vitamin D were found to persist for at least 2 years in patients with long covid symptoms. The active form (1,25OH) but not the storage form (25 OH) of vitamin-D is significantly elevated in PASC/LC cancer patients. Abnormally and persistently elevated 1,25OH levels, similarly to sarcoidosis patients, may represent the results of extrarenal conversion of vitamin D by activated macrophages, and a novel biomarker of persistent inflammation in gynecologic cancer patients with PASC/LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Eric E. Siegel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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18
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Galipeau Y, Xavier A, Dyks A, Cooper C, Langlois MA. Continuous false positive results by SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing: a case report. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1240308. [PMID: 38026284 PMCID: PMC10657208 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240308] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient and rapid identification of active SARS-CoV-2 infections has been key to monitoring and mitigating the spread of the virus. The implementation of nucleic acid testing (e.g., RT-PCR) was broadly adopted by most public health organizations at the national and community levels across the globe, which was followed by more accessible means of home testing including lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFA), also known as a rapid antigen test. Here we report the case of an adult female who repeatedly and consecutively tested positive by RAT (BTNX inc). This sustained false positive was not linked with an active SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was ruled out by RT-PCR and serological analyses. SARS-CoV-2 serology revealed no detectable levels of antibodies against the nucleocapsid suggesting no recent prior infection by SARS-CoV-2. This continuous false positive was limited to BTNX testing devices. This case report aims to describe that such continuous false positives can occur and describes alternative testing approaches that can be performed to confirm RAT results. In addition, broader awareness of such occurrences is warranted in the healthcare and public health community to avoid unnecessary negative impacts on individual's day to day life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Galipeau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Abishek Xavier
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron Dyks
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marc-André Langlois
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation (CI3), Ottawa, ON, Canada
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19
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Klein J, Wood J, Jaycox JR, Dhodapkar RM, Lu P, Gehlhausen JR, Tabachnikova A, Greene K, Tabacof L, Malik AA, Silva Monteiro V, Silva J, Kamath K, Zhang M, Dhal A, Ott IM, Valle G, Peña-Hernández M, Mao T, Bhattacharjee B, Takahashi T, Lucas C, Song E, McCarthy D, Breyman E, Tosto-Mancuso J, Dai Y, Perotti E, Akduman K, Tzeng TJ, Xu L, Geraghty AC, Monje M, Yildirim I, Shon J, Medzhitov R, Lutchmansingh D, Possick JD, Kaminski N, Omer SB, Krumholz HM, Guan L, Dela Cruz CS, van Dijk D, Ring AM, Putrino D, Iwasaki A. Distinguishing features of long COVID identified through immune profiling. Nature 2023; 623:139-148. [PMID: 37748514 PMCID: PMC10620090 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06651-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute infection syndromes may develop after acute viral disease1. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can result in the development of a post-acute infection syndrome known as long COVID. Individuals with long COVID frequently report unremitting fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a variety of cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions2-4. However, the biological processes that are associated with the development and persistence of these symptoms are unclear. Here 275 individuals with or without long COVID were enrolled in a cross-sectional study that included multidimensional immune phenotyping and unbiased machine learning methods to identify biological features associated with long COVID. Marked differences were noted in circulating myeloid and lymphocyte populations relative to the matched controls, as well as evidence of exaggerated humoral responses directed against SARS-CoV-2 among participants with long COVID. Furthermore, higher antibody responses directed against non-SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogens were observed among individuals with long COVID, particularly Epstein-Barr virus. Levels of soluble immune mediators and hormones varied among groups, with cortisol levels being lower among participants with long COVID. Integration of immune phenotyping data into unbiased machine learning models identified the key features that are most strongly associated with long COVID status. Collectively, these findings may help to guide future studies into the pathobiology of long COVID and help with developing relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Klein
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jamie Wood
- Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jillian R Jaycox
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rahul M Dhodapkar
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peiwen Lu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeff R Gehlhausen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Kerrie Greene
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Laura Tabacof
- Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amyn A Malik
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Julio Silva
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Isabel M Ott
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gabrielee Valle
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mario Peña-Hernández
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tianyang Mao
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Carolina Lucas
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eric Song
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dayna McCarthy
- Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erica Breyman
- Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenna Tosto-Mancuso
- Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yile Dai
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily Perotti
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Koray Akduman
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tiffany J Tzeng
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lan Xu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anna C Geraghty
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Inci Yildirim
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases), Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Ruslan Medzhitov
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Denyse Lutchmansingh
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jennifer D Possick
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Saad B Omer
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harlan M Krumholz
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Leying Guan
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Charles S Dela Cruz
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David van Dijk
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Aaron M Ring
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - David Putrino
- Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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20
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Grand RJ. SARS-CoV-2 and the DNA damage response. J Gen Virol 2023; 104:001918. [PMID: 37948194 PMCID: PMC10768691 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001918] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is characterized by respiratory distress, multiorgan dysfunction and, in some cases, death. The virus is also responsible for post-COVID-19 condition (commonly referred to as 'long COVID'). SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus with a genome of approximately 30 kb, which encodes 26 proteins. It has been reported to affect multiple pathways in infected cells, resulting, in many cases, in the induction of a 'cytokine storm' and cellular senescence. Perhaps because it is an RNA virus, replicating largely in the cytoplasm, the effect of SARS-Cov-2 on genome stability and DNA damage responses (DDRs) has received relatively little attention. However, it is now becoming clear that the virus causes damage to cellular DNA, as shown by the presence of micronuclei, DNA repair foci and increased comet tails in infected cells. This review considers recent evidence indicating how SARS-CoV-2 causes genome instability, deregulates the cell cycle and targets specific components of DDR pathways. The significance of the virus's ability to cause cellular senescence is also considered, as are the implications of genome instability for patients suffering from long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Grand
- Institute for Cancer and Genomic Science, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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21
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Nayyerabadi M, Fourcade L, Joshi SA, Chandrasekaran P, Chakravarti A, Massé C, Paul ML, Houle J, Boubekeur AM, DuSablon C, Boudreau V, Bovan D, Darbinian E, Coleman EA, Vinci S, Routy JP, Hétu PO, Poudrier J, Falcone EL. Vaccination after developing long COVID: Impact on clinical presentation, viral persistence, and immune responses. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 136:136-145. [PMID: 37717649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination protects against severe COVID-19 manifestations. For those with post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) or long COVID, the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the evolution of symptoms, immune responses, and viral persistence is unclear. METHODS In this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated the number of PCC symptoms, affected organ systems, and psychological well-being scores before and after patients with PCC received COVID-19 vaccination. We simultaneously evaluated biomarkers of systemic inflammation and levels of plasma cytokines/chemokines. We measured plasma and intracellular levels of SARS-CoV-2 antigens, and immunoreactivity to SARS-CoV-2 antigens in blood. RESULTS COVID-19 vaccination was associated with decreases in number of PCC symptoms (pre-vaccination: 6.56 ± 3.1 vs post-vaccination: 3.92 ± 4.02; P <0.001) and affected organ systems (pre-vaccination: 3.19 ± 1.04 vs post-vaccination: 1.89 ± 1.12; P <0.001), and increases in World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-Being Index Scores (pre-vaccination: 42.67 ± 22.76 vs post-vaccination: 56.15 ± 22.83; P <0.001). Patients with PCC also had significantly decreased levels of several pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines/chemokines after COVID-19 vaccination including sCD40L, GRO-⍺, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1⍺, interleukin (IL)-12p40, G-colony stimulating factor (CSF), M-CSF, IL-1β, and stem cell factor (SCF). PCC participants presented a certain level of immunoreactivity toward SARS-CoV-2, that was boosted with vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen persisted in the blood of PCC participants, mostly in non-classical monocytes, regardless of participants receiving vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows higher pro-inflammatory responses associated with PCC symptoms and brings forward a possible role for vaccination in mitigating PCC symptoms by decreasing systemic inflammation. We also observed persistence of viral products independent of vaccination that could be involved in perpetuating inflammation through non-classical monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nayyerabadi
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lyvia Fourcade
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Swarali A Joshi
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Center for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Arpita Chakravarti
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Chantal Massé
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Lorna Paul
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Morphocell Technologies Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joanie Houle
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amina M Boubekeur
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Charlotte DuSablon
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Boudreau
- Center for Cardiometabolic Health, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Danijela Bovan
- Center for Cardiometabolic Health, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emma Darbinian
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emilia Aïsha Coleman
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sandra Vinci
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre-Olivier Hétu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Johanne Poudrier
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emilia Liana Falcone
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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22
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Allan-Blitz LT, Akbari O, Kojima N, Saavedra E, Chellamuthu P, Denny N, MacMullan MA, Hess V, Shacreaw M, Brobeck M, Turner F, Slepnev VI, Ibrayeva A, Klausner JD. Unique immune and inflammatory cytokine profiles may define long COVID syndrome. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2925-2930. [PMID: 37061998 PMCID: PMC10105906 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01065-6] [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: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Long COVID is estimated to occur in 5-10% of individuals after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the pathophysiology driving the disease process is poorly understood. METHODS We evaluated urine and plasma inflammatory and immune cytokine profiles in 33 individuals with long COVID compared to 33 who were asymptomatic and recovered, and 34 without prior infection. RESULTS Mean urinary leukotriene E4 was significantly elevated among individuals with long COVID compared to asymptomatic and recovered individuals (mean difference 774.2 pg/mL; SD 335.7) and individuals without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (mean difference 503.1 pg/ml; SD 467.7). Plasma chemokine ligand 6 levels were elevated among individuals with long COVID compared to individuals with no prior SARS-CoV-2 infection (mean difference 0.59 units; SD 0.42). We found no significant difference in angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 antibody levels. Plasma tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) levels were reduced among individuals with long COVID compared to individuals who were asymptomatic and recovered (mean difference = 0.6 units, SD 0.46). Similarly, the mean level of Sarcoma Homology 2-B adapter protein 3 was 3.3 units (SD 1.24) among individuals with long COVID, lower than 4.2 units (SD 1.1) among individuals with recovered, asymptomatic COVID. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that further studies should be conducted to evaluate the role of leukotriene E4 as a potential biomarker for a diagnostic test. Furthermore, based on reductions in TRAF2, long COVID may be driven in part by impaired TRAF2-dependent immune-mediated inflammation and potentially immune exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Division of Global Health Equity: Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033 USA
| | - Noah Kojima
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Albina Ibrayeva
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033 USA
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23
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Altmann DM, Whettlock EM, Liu S, Arachchillage DJ, Boyton RJ. The immunology of long COVID. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:618-634. [PMID: 37433988 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is the patient-coined term for the disease entity whereby persistent symptoms ensue in a significant proportion of those who have had COVID-19, whether asymptomatic, mild or severe. Estimated numbers vary but the assumption is that, of all those who had COVID-19 globally, at least 10% have long COVID. The disease burden spans from mild symptoms to profound disability, the scale making this a huge, new health-care challenge. Long COVID will likely be stratified into several more or less discrete entities with potentially distinct pathogenic pathways. The evolving symptom list is extensive, multi-organ, multisystem and relapsing-remitting, including fatigue, breathlessness, neurocognitive effects and dysautonomia. A range of radiological abnormalities in the olfactory bulb, brain, heart, lung and other sites have been observed in individuals with long COVID. Some body sites indicate the presence of microclots; these and other blood markers of hypercoagulation implicate a likely role of endothelial activation and clotting abnormalities. Diverse auto-antibody (AAB) specificities have been found, as yet without a clear consensus or correlation with symptom clusters. There is support for a role of persistent SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs and/or an effect of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, and evidence from immune subset changes for broad immune perturbation. Thus, the current picture is one of convergence towards a map of an immunopathogenic aetiology of long COVID, though as yet with insufficient data for a mechanistic synthesis or to fully inform therapeutic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Altmann
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Emily M Whettlock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Siyi Liu
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Deepa J Arachchillage
- Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Haematology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Rosemary J Boyton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Lung Division, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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24
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Proal AD, VanElzakker MB, Aleman S, Bach K, Boribong BP, Buggert M, Cherry S, Chertow DS, Davies HE, Dupont CL, Deeks SG, Eimer W, Ely EW, Fasano A, Freire M, Geng LN, Griffin DE, Henrich TJ, Iwasaki A, Izquierdo-Garcia D, Locci M, Mehandru S, Painter MM, Peluso MJ, Pretorius E, Price DA, Putrino D, Scheuermann RH, Tan GS, Tanzi RE, VanBrocklin HF, Yonker LM, Wherry EJ. SARS-CoV-2 reservoir in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1616-1627. [PMID: 37667052 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Millions of people are suffering from Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Several biological factors have emerged as potential drivers of PASC pathology. Some individuals with PASC may not fully clear the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 after acute infection. Instead, replicating virus and/or viral RNA-potentially capable of being translated to produce viral proteins-persist in tissue as a 'reservoir'. This reservoir could modulate host immune responses or release viral proteins into the circulation. Here we review studies that have identified SARS-CoV-2 RNA/protein or immune responses indicative of a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir in PASC samples. Mechanisms by which a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir may contribute to PASC pathology, including coagulation, microbiome and neuroimmune abnormalities, are delineated. We identify research priorities to guide the further study of a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir in PASC, with the goal that clinical trials of antivirals or other therapeutics with potential to clear a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir are accelerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy D Proal
- PolyBio Research Foundation, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Michael B VanElzakker
- PolyBio Research Foundation, Medford, MA, USA
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soo Aleman
- Dept of Infectious Diseases and Unit of Post-Covid Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katie Bach
- PolyBio Research Foundation, Medford, MA, USA
- Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brittany P Boribong
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcus Buggert
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, UPENN, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel S Chertow
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Helen E Davies
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Steven G Deeks
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - William Eimer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E Wesley Ely
- The Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, Survivorship (CIBS) Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Veteran's Affairs Tennessee Valley Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcelo Freire
- J. Craig Venter Institute Department of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Linda N Geng
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Diane E Griffin
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - David Izquierdo-Garcia
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michela Locci
- Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, and Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Saurabh Mehandru
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Henry D. Janowitz Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark M Painter
- Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David A Price
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - David Putrino
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard H Scheuermann
- Department of Informatics, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gene S Tan
- J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rudolph E Tanzi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henry F VanBrocklin
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lael M Yonker
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E John Wherry
- Institute for Immunology and Immune Health, and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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26
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Boufidou F, Medić S, Lampropoulou V, Siafakas N, Tsakris A, Anastassopoulou C. SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections and Long COVID in the Post-Omicron Phase of the Pandemic. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12962. [PMID: 37629143 PMCID: PMC10454552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We are reviewing the current state of knowledge on the virological and immunological correlates of long COVID, focusing on recent evidence for the possible association between the increasing number of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and the parallel pandemic of long COVID. The severity of reinfections largely depends on the severity of the initial episode; in turn, this is determined both by a combination of genetic factors, particularly related to the innate immune response, and by the pathogenicity of the specific variant, especially its ability to infect and induce syncytia formation at the lower respiratory tract. The cumulative risk of long COVID as well as of various cardiac, pulmonary, or neurological complications increases proportionally to the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, primarily in the elderly. Therefore, the number of long COVID cases is expected to remain high in the future. Reinfections apparently increase the likelihood of long COVID, but less so if they are mild or asymptomatic as in children and adolescents. Strategies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 reinfections are urgently needed, primarily among older adults who have a higher burden of comorbidities. Follow-up studies using an established case definition and precise diagnostic criteria of long COVID in people with or without reinfection may further elucidate the contribution of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections to the long COVID burden. Although accumulating evidence supports vaccination, both before and after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, as a preventive strategy to reduce the risk of long COVID, more robust comparative observational studies, including randomized trials, are needed to provide conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing or mitigating long COVID in all age groups. Thankfully, answers not only on the prevention, but also on treatment options and rates of recovery from long COVID are gradually starting to emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotini Boufidou
- Neurochemistry and Biological Markers Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Snežana Medić
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vicky Lampropoulou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Nikolaos Siafakas
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Attikon General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (V.L.); (A.T.)
| | - Cleo Anastassopoulou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (V.L.); (A.T.)
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27
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Owen R, Ashton RE, Ferraro FV, Skipper L, Bewick T, Leighton P, Phillips BE, Faghy MA. Forming a consensus opinion to inform long COVID support mechanisms and interventions: a modified Delphi approach. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 62:102145. [PMID: 37599906 PMCID: PMC10432807 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102145] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current approaches to support patients living with post-COVID condition, also known as Long COVID, are highly disparate with limited success in managing or resolving a well-documented and long-standing symptom burden. With approximately 2.1 million people living with the condition in the UK alone and millions more worldwide, there is a desperate need to devise support strategies and interventions for patients. Methods A three-round Delphi consensus methodology was distributed internationally using an online survey and was completed by healthcare professionals (including clinicians, physiotherapists, and general practitioners), people with long COVID, and long COVID academic researchers (round 1 n = 273, round 2 n = 186, round 3 n = 138). Across the three rounds, respondents were located predominantly in the United Kingdom (UK), with 17.3-15.2% (round 1, n = 47; round 2 n = 32, round 2 n = 21) of respondents located elsewhere (United States of America (USA), Austria, Malta, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Finland, Norway, Malta, Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, Tunisie, Brazil, Hungary, Greece, France, Austrailia, South Africa, Serbia, and India). Respondents were given ∼5 weeks to complete the survey following enrolment, with round one taking place from 02/15/2022 to 03/28/22, round two; 05/09/2022 to 06/26/2022, and round 3; 07/14/2022 to 08/09/2022. A 5-point Likert scale of agreement was used and the opportunity to include free text responses was provided in the first round. Findings Fifty-five statements reached consensus (defined as >80% agree and strongly agree), across the domains of i) long COVID as a condition, ii) current support and care available for long COVID, iii) clinical assessments for long COVID, and iv) support mechanisms and rehabilitation interventions for long COVID, further sub-categorised by consideration, inclusion, and focus. Consensus reached proposes that long COVID requires specialised, comprehensive support mechanisms and that interventions should form a personalised care plan guided by the needs of the patients. Supportive approaches should focus on individual symptoms, including but not limited to fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and dyspnoea, utilising pacing, fatigue management, and support returning to daily activities. The mental impact of living with long COVID, tolerance to physical activity, emotional distress and well-being, and research of pre-existing conditions with similar symptoms, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis, should also be considered when supporting people with long COVID. Interpretation We provide an outline that achieved consensus with stakeholders that could be used to inform the design and implementation of bespoke long COVID support mechanisms. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Owen
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Ruth E.M. Ashton
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), USA
| | - Francesco V. Ferraro
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Lindsay Skipper
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Representative, UK
| | - Tom Bewick
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Uttoxeter Road, Derby DE22 3NE, UK
| | - Paul Leighton
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham and Derby, UK
| | | | - Mark A. Faghy
- Biomedical and Clinical Science Research Theme, School of Human Sciences, University of Derby, Derby, UK
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), USA
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Kaya NA, Tai D, Lim X, Lim JQ, Lau MC, Goh D, Phua CZJ, Wee FYT, Joseph CR, Lim JCT, Neo ZW, Ye J, Cheung L, Lee J, Loke KSH, Gogna A, Yao F, Lee MY, Shuen TWH, Toh HC, Hilmer A, Chan YS, Lim TKH, Tam WL, Choo SP, Yeong J, Zhai W. Multimodal molecular landscape of response to Y90-resin microsphere radioembolization followed by nivolumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007106. [PMID: 37586766 PMCID: PMC10432632 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination therapy with radioembolization (yttrium-90)-resin microspheres) followed by nivolumab has shown a promising response rate of 30.6% in a Phase II trial (CA209-678) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the response mechanisms and relevant biomarkers remain unknown. METHODS By collecting both pretreatment and on-treatment samples, we performed multimodal profiling of tissue and blood samples and investigated molecular changes associated with favorable responses in 33 patients from the trial. RESULTS We found that higher tumor mutation burden, NCOR1 mutations and higher expression of interferon gamma pathways occurred more frequently in responders. Meanwhile, non-responders tended to be enriched for a novel Asian-specific transcriptomic subtype (Kaya_P2) with a high frequency of chromosome 16 deletions and upregulated cell cycle pathways. Strikingly, unlike other cancer types, we did not observe any association between T-cell populations and treatment response, but tumors from responders had a higher proportion of CXCL9+/CXCR3+ macrophages. Moreover, biomarkers discovered in previous immunotherapy trials were not predictive in the current cohort, suggesting a distinctive molecular landscape associated with differential responses to the combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS This study unraveled extensive molecular changes underlying distinctive responses to the novel treatment and pinpointed new directions for harnessing combination therapy in patients with advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Arife Kaya
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - David Tai
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Xinru Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jia Qi Lim
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Mai Chan Lau
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency of Science Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Denise Goh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Cheryl Zi Jin Phua
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Felicia Yu Ting Wee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Craig Ryan Joseph
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jeffrey Chun Tatt Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Zhen Wei Neo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Lawrence Cheung
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Joycelyn Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kelvin S H Loke
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Apoorva Gogna
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Fei Yao
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - May Yin Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | | | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Axel Hilmer
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Koln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yun Shen Chan
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tony Kiat-Hon Lim
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Pin Choo
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joe Yeong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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29
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Cao X, Nguyen V, Tsai J, Gao C, Tian Y, Zhang Y, Carver W, Kiaris H, Cui T, Tan W. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces long-term transcriptional perturbations of mitochondrial metabolic genes, causes cardiac fibrosis, and reduces myocardial contractile in obese mice. Mol Metab 2023; 74:101756. [PMID: 37348737 PMCID: PMC10281040 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101756] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the pandemic evolves, post-acute sequelae of CoV-2 (PASC) including cardiovascular manifestations have emerged as a new health threat. This study aims to study whether the Spike protein plus obesity can exacerbate PASC-related cardiomyopathy. METHODS A Spike protein-pseudotyped (Spp) virus with the proper surface tropism of SARS-CoV-2 was developed for viral entry assay in vitro and administration into high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. The systemic viral loads and cardiac transcriptomes were analyzed at 2 and 24 h, 3, 6, and 24 weeks post introducing (wpi) Spp using RNA-seq or real time RT-PCR. Echocardiography was used to monitor cardiac functions. RESULTS Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol enhanced viral uptake in endothelial cells, macrophages, and cardiomyocyte-like H9C2 cells. Selective cardiac and adipose viral depositions were observed in HFD mice but not in normal-chow-fed mice. The cardiac transcriptional signatures in HFD mice at 3, 6, and 24 wpi showed systemic suppression of mitochondria respiratory chain genes including ATP synthases and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide:ubiquinone oxidoreductase gene members, upregulation of stress pathway-related crucial factors such as nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A, and increases in expression of glucose metabolism-associated genes. As compared with the age-matched HFD control mice, cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly decreased, while left ventricular end-systolic diameter and volume were significantly elevated, and cardiac fibrosis was increased in HFD mice at 24 wpi. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated that the Spike protein could induce long-term transcriptional suppression of mitochondria metabolic genes and cause cardiac fibrosis and myocardial contractile impairment in obese mice, providing mechanistic insights to PASC-related cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA
| | - Vi Nguyen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA
| | - Joseph Tsai
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA; Department of General Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Wayne Carver
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Taixing Cui
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Wenbin Tan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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30
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Peluso MJ, Ryder D, Flavell R, Wang Y, Levi J, LaFranchi BH, Deveau TM, Buck AM, Munter SE, Asare KA, Aslam M, Koch W, Szabo G, Hoh R, Deswal M, Rodriguez A, Buitrago M, Tai V, Shrestha U, Lu S, Goldberg SA, Dalhuisen T, Durstenfeld MS, Hsue PY, Kelly JD, Kumar N, Martin JN, Gambir A, Somsouk M, Seo Y, Deeks SG, Laszik ZG, VanBrocklin HF, Henrich TJ. Multimodal Molecular Imaging Reveals Tissue-Based T Cell Activation and Viral RNA Persistence for Up to 2 Years Following COVID-19. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.27.23293177. [PMID: 37577714 PMCID: PMC10418298 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.27.23293177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The etiologic mechanisms of post-acute medical morbidities and unexplained symptoms (Long COVID) following SARS-CoV-2 infection are incompletely understood. There is growing evidence that viral persistence and immune dysregulation may play a major role. We performed whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in a cohort of 24 participants at time points ranging from 27 to 910 days following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection using a novel radiopharmaceutical agent, [18F]F-AraG, a highly selective tracer that allows for anatomical quantitation of activated T lymphocytes. Tracer uptake in the post-acute COVID group, which included those with and without Long COVID symptoms, was significantly higher compared to pre-pandemic controls in many anatomical regions, including the brain stem, spinal cord, bone marrow, nasopharyngeal and hilar lymphoid tissue, cardiopulmonary tissues, and gut wall. Although T cell activation tended to be higher in participants imaged closer to the time of the acute illness, tracer uptake was increased in participants imaged up to 2.5 years following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We observed that T cell activation in spinal cord and gut wall was associated with the presence of Long COVID symptoms. In addition, tracer uptake in lung tissue was higher in those with persistent pulmonary symptoms. Notably, increased T cell activation in these tissues was also observed in many individuals without Long COVID. Given the high [18F]F-AraG uptake detected in the gut, we obtained colorectal tissue for in situ hybridization SARS-CoV-2 RNA and immunohistochemical studies in a subset of participants with Long COVID symptoms. We identified cellular SARS-CoV-2 RNA in rectosigmoid lamina propria tissue in all these participants, ranging from 158 to 676 days following initial COVID-19 illness, suggesting that tissue viral persistence could be associated with long-term immunological perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Dylan Ryder
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Robert Flavell
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | - Yingbing Wang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | | | - Brian H. LaFranchi
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Tyler-Marie Deveau
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Amanda M. Buck
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Sadie E. Munter
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Kofi A. Asare
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | - Maya Aslam
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | - Wally Koch
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | - Gyula Szabo
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Rebecca Hoh
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Monika Deswal
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Antonio Rodriguez
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Melissa Buitrago
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Viva Tai
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Uttam Shrestha
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | - Scott Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco
| | - Sarah A. Goldberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco
| | - Thomas Dalhuisen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco
| | | | | | - J. Daniel Kelly
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco
| | - Nitasha Kumar
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco
| | | | - Ma Somsouk
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Youngho Seo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | | | - Henry F. VanBrocklin
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco
| | - Timothy J. Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
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31
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Frank MG, Fleshner M, Maier SF. Exploring the immunogenic properties of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins: PAMP:TLR signaling in the mediation of the neuroinflammatory and neurologic sequelae of COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 111:259-269. [PMID: 37116592 PMCID: PMC10132835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces an array of neurologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the acute and post-acute phase of infection (PASC; post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection). Neuroinflammatory processes are considered key factors in the etiology of these symptoms. Several mechanisms underpinning the development of inflammatory events in the brain have been proposed including SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and peripheral inflammatory responses (i.e., cytokine storm) to infection, which might produce neuroinflammation via immune-to-brain signaling pathways. In this review, we explore evidence in support of an alternate mechanism whereby structural proteins (e.g., spike and spike S1 subunit) derived from SARS-CoV-2 virions function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to elicit proinflammatory immune responses in the periphery and/or brain via classical Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) inflammatory pathways. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins might directly produce inflammatory processes in brain independent of and/or in addition to peripheral proinflammatory effects, which might converge to play a causal role in the development of neurologic/neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Frank
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States.
| | - Monika Fleshner
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States
| | - Steven F Maier
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder CO 80301, United States
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32
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Jang H, Choudhury S, Yu Y, Sievers BL, Gelbart T, Singh H, Rawlings SA, Proal A, Tan GS, Qian Y, Smith D, Freire M. Persistent immune and clotting dysfunction detected in saliva and blood plasma after COVID-19. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17958. [PMID: 37483779 PMCID: PMC10362241 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies indicate that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with inflammatory sequelae, but molecular signatures governing the normal versus pathologic convalescence process have not been well-delineated. Here, we characterized global immune and proteome responses in matched plasma and saliva samples obtained from COVID-19 patients collected between 20 and 90 days after initial clinical symptoms resolved. Convalescent subjects showed robust total IgA and IgG responses and positive antibody correlations in saliva and plasma samples. Shotgun proteomics revealed persistent inflammatory patterns in convalescent samples including dysfunction of salivary innate immune cells, such as neutrophil markers (e.g., myeloperoxidase), and clotting factors in plasma (e.g., fibrinogen), with positive correlations to acute COVID-19 disease severity. Saliva samples were characterized by higher concentrations of IgA, and proteomics showed altered myeloid-derived pathways that correlated positively with SARS-CoV-2 IgA levels. Beyond plasma, our study positions saliva as a viable fluid to monitor normal and aberrant immune responses including vascular, inflammatory, and coagulation-related sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyesun Jang
- Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Yanbao Yu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, 19716
| | - Benjamin L Sievers
- Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Terri Gelbart
- Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Harinder Singh
- Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Stephen A Rawlings
- MMP Adult Infectious Disease, Maine Medical Center, South Portland, ME, 04106, USA
| | - Amy Proal
- PolyBio Research Foundation. Mercer Island, WA, USA
| | - Gene S Tan
- Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yu Qian
- Informatics, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Davey Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marcelo Freire
- Genomic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, and Rockville, MD, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Tong J, Chen Y, He M, Wang W, Wang Y, Li N, Xia Q. The triangle relationship between human genome, gut microbiome, and COVID-19: opening of a Pandora's box. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1190939. [PMID: 37455722 PMCID: PMC10344606 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1190939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the pandemic started, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide. In patients with COVID-19, the gut microbiome (GM) has been supposed to be closely related to the progress of the disease. The gut microbiota composition and human genetic variation are also connected in COVID-19 patients, assuming a triangular relationship between the genome, GM, and COVID-19. Here, we reviewed the recent developments in the study of the relationship between gut microbiota and COVID-19. The keywords "COVID-19," "microbiome," and "genome" were used to search the literature in the PubMed database. We first found that the composition of the GM in COVID-19 patients varies according to the severity of the illness. Most obviously, Candida albicans abnormally increased while the probiotic Bifidobacterium decreased in severe cases of COVID-19. Interestingly, clinical studies have consistently emphasized that the family Lachnospiraceae plays a critical role in patients with COVID-19. Additionally, we have demonstrated the impact of microbiome-related genes on COVID-19. Specially, we focused on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2's dual functions in SARS-CoV-2 infection and gut microbiota alternation. In summary, these studies showed that the diversity of GMs is closely connected to COVID-19. A triangular relationship exists between COVID-19, the human genome, and the gut flora, suggesting that human genetic variations may offer a chance for a precise diagnosis of COVID-19, and the important relationships between genetic makeup and microbiome regulation may affect the therapy of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuran Chen
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Mei He
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- College of Life Science, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qianfeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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34
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Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Christodoulatos GS, Papavasileiou G, Petropoulou D, Magkos F, Dalamaga M. Laboratory Findings and Biomarkers in Long COVID: What Do We Know So Far? Insights into Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Perspectives and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10458. [PMID: 37445634 PMCID: PMC10341908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) encompasses a constellation of long-term symptoms experienced by at least 10% of people after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so far it has affected about 65 million people. The etiology of LC remains unclear; however, many pathophysiological pathways may be involved, including viral persistence; a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response; immune dysregulation and a defective immune response; the reactivation of latent viruses; autoimmunity; persistent endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; gut dysbiosis; hormonal and metabolic dysregulation; mitochondrial dysfunction; and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of LC, and clinical features including laboratory findings and biomarkers may not specifically relate to LC. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop and validate biomarkers that can be employed for the prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of LC and its therapeutic response, although this effort may be hampered by challenges pertaining to the non-specific nature of the majority of clinical manifestations in the LC spectrum, small sample sizes of relevant studies and other methodological issues. Promising candidate biomarkers that are found in some patients are markers of systemic inflammation, including acute phase proteins, cytokines and chemokines; biomarkers reflecting SARS-CoV-2 persistence, the reactivation of herpesviruses and immune dysregulation; biomarkers of endotheliopathy, coagulation and fibrinolysis; microbiota alterations; diverse proteins and metabolites; hormonal and metabolic biomarkers; and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. At present, there are only two reviews summarizing relevant biomarkers; however, they do not cover the entire umbrella of current biomarkers, their link to etiopathogenetic mechanisms or the diagnostic work-up in a comprehensive manner. Herein, we aim to appraise and synopsize the available evidence on the typical laboratory manifestations and candidate biomarkers of LC, their classification based on pathogenetic mechanisms and the main LC symptomatology in the frame of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the syndrome and furthermore assess limitations and challenges as well as potential implications in candidate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Irene Karampela
- 2nd Department of Critical Care, Medical School, University of Athens, Attikon General University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Georgios Papavasileiou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Dimitra Petropoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Frederiksberg, Denmark;
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
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Perumal R, Shunmugam L, Naidoo K, Wilkins D, Garzino-Demo A, Brechot C, Vahlne A, Nikolich J. Biological mechanisms underpinning the development of long COVID. iScience 2023; 26:106935. [PMID: 37265584 PMCID: PMC10193768 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As COVID-19 evolves from a pandemic to an endemic disease, the already staggering number of people that have been or will be infected with SARS-CoV-2 is only destined to increase, and the majority of humanity will be infected. It is well understood that COVID-19, like many other viral infections, leaves a significant fraction of the infected with prolonged consequences. Continued high number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, viral evolution with escape from post-infection and vaccinal immunity, and reinfections heighten the potential impact of Long COVID. Hence, the impact of COVID-19 on human health will be seen for years to come until more effective vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments become available. To that effect, it is imperative that the mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations of Long COVID be elucidated. In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of the evidence on several potential mechanisms of Long COVID and discuss their relevance to its pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubeshan Perumal
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Division of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Department of Immunobiology and the University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Letitia Shunmugam
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Dave Wilkins
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 1- 35129, Italy
| | - Christian Brechot
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Infectious Disease and International Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Anders Vahlne
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Janko Nikolich
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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36
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Carrau L, Frere JJ, Golynker I, Fajardo A, Rivera CF, Horiuchi S, Roonprapunt T, Minkoff JM, Blanco-Melo D, TenOever B. Delayed engagement of host defenses enables SARS-CoV-2 viremia and productive infection of distal organs in the hamster model of COVID-19. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg5470. [PMID: 37311033 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg5470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Clinical presentations that develop in response to infection result from interactions between the pathogen and host defenses. SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19, directly antagonizes these defenses, leading to delayed immune engagement in the lungs that materializes only as cells succumb to infection and are phagocytosed. Leveraging the golden hamster model of COVID-19, we sought to understand the dynamics between SARS-CoV-2 infection in the airways and the systemic host response that ensues. We found that early SARS-CoV-2 replication was largely confined to the respiratory tract and olfactory system and, to a lesser extent, the heart and gastrointestinal tract but generated a host antiviral response in every organ as a result of circulating type I and III interferons. Moreover, we showed that diminishing the response in the airways by immunosuppression or administration of SARS-CoV-2 intravenously resulted in decreased immune priming, viremia, and increased viral tropism, including productive infection of the liver, kidney, spleen, and brain. Last, we showed that productive infection of the airways was required for mounting an effective and system-wide antiviral response. Together, these data illustrate how COVID-19 can result in diverse clinical presentations in which disease outcomes can be a by-product of the speed and strength of immune engagement. These studies provide additional evidence for the mechanistic basis of the diverse clinical presentations of COVID-19 and highlight the ability of the respiratory tract to generate a systemic immune defense after pathogen recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carrau
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Justin J Frere
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ilona Golynker
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alvaro Fajardo
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Cristobal F Rivera
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shu Horiuchi
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tyler Roonprapunt
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Judith M Minkoff
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniel Blanco-Melo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Benjamin TenOever
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Talla A, Vasaikar SV, Szeto GL, Lemos MP, Czartoski JL, MacMillan H, Moodie Z, Cohen KW, Fleming LB, Thomson Z, Okada L, Becker LA, Coffey EM, De Rosa SC, Newell EW, Skene PJ, Li X, Bumol TF, Juliana McElrath M, Torgerson TR. Persistent serum protein signatures define an inflammatory subcategory of long COVID. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3417. [PMID: 37296110 PMCID: PMC10252177 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a clinical syndrome featuring diverse symptoms that can persist for months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aetiologies may include persistent inflammation, unresolved tissue damage or delayed clearance of viral protein or RNA, but the biological differences they represent are not fully understood. Here we evaluate the serum proteome in samples, longitudinally collected from 55 PASC individuals with symptoms lasting ≥60 days after onset of acute infection, in comparison to samples from symptomatically recovered SARS-CoV-2 infected and uninfected individuals. Our analysis indicates heterogeneity in PASC and identified subsets with distinct signatures of persistent inflammation. Type II interferon signaling and canonical NF-κB signaling (particularly associated with TNF), appear to be the most differentially enriched signaling pathways, distinguishing a group of patients characterized also by a persistent neutrophil activation signature. These findings help to clarify biological diversity within PASC, identify participants with molecular evidence of persistent inflammation, and highlight dominant pathways that may have diagnostic or therapeutic relevance, including a protein panel that we propose as having diagnostic utility for differentiating inflammatory and non-inflammatory PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Talla
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Suhas V Vasaikar
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seagen, Bothell, WA, USA
| | - Gregory Lee Szeto
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seagen, Bothell, WA, USA
| | - Maria P Lemos
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie L Czartoski
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hugh MacMillan
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zoe Moodie
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristen W Cohen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lamar B Fleming
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Lauren Okada
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Stephen C De Rosa
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan W Newell
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Xiaojun Li
- Allen Institute for Immunology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - M Juliana McElrath
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Komaroff AL, Lipkin WI. ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1187163. [PMID: 37342500 PMCID: PMC10278546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1187163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients remain unwell for months after "recovering" from acute COVID-19. They develop persistent fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, disrupted sleep, myalgias and arthralgias, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms that greatly interfere with their ability to function and that can leave some people housebound and disabled. The illness (Long COVID) is similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as to persisting illnesses that can follow a wide variety of other infectious agents and following major traumatic injury. Together, these illnesses are projected to cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. In this review, we first compare the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long COVID, noting the considerable similarities and the few differences. We then compare in extensive detail the underlying pathophysiology of these two conditions, focusing on abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous system, lungs, heart, vasculature, immune system, gut microbiome, energy metabolism and redox balance. This comparison highlights how strong the evidence is for each abnormality, in each illness, and helps to set priorities for future investigation. The review provides a current road map to the extensive literature on the underlying biology of both illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Komaroff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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39
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Tayar E, Isber R, Isber N. Long COVID treated successfully with antivirals in a rituximab-treated follicular lymphoma patient with persistent negative-antibodies to SARS-CoV2. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17149. [PMID: 37378376 PMCID: PMC10284434 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17149] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is a well-known complication to COVID-19 that affect millions of people worldwide and causes wide range of symptoms. We present a rare case of a previously diagnosed follicular lymphoma patient, who had a long COVID with persistent negative SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and required an aggressive antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nidal Isber
- Richmond University Medical Center, New York, USA
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40
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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41
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Teo A, Chan LLY, Cheung C, Chia PY, Ong SWX, Fong SW, Ng LFP, Renia L, Lye DC, Young BE, Yeo TW. Myeloperoxidase inhibition may protect against endothelial glycocalyx shedding induced by COVID-19 plasma. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2023; 3:62. [PMID: 37147421 PMCID: PMC10160718 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is a threat to public health. Evidence suggests increased neutrophil activation and endothelial glycocalyx (EG) damage are independently associated with severe COVID-19. Here, we hypothesised that an increased level of blood neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) is associated with soluble EG breakdown, and inhibiting MPO activity may reduce EG damage. METHODS Analysing a subset of acute and convalescent COVID-19 plasma, 10 from severe and 15 from non-severe COVID-19 cases, and 9 from pre-COVID-19 controls, we determined MPO levels, MPO activity and soluble EG proteins (syndecan-1 and glypican-1) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro primary human aortic endothelial cells were cultured with plasma untreated or treated with specific MPO inhibitors (MPO-IN-28, AZD5904) to determine EG shedding. We then investigated whether inhibiting MPO activity decreased EG degradation. RESULTS In COVID-19 plasma, MPO levels, MPO activity and levels of soluble EG proteins are significantly raised compared to controls, and concentrations increase in proportion to disease severity. Despite clinical recovery, protein concentrations remain significantly elevated. Interestingly, there is a trend of increasing MPO activity in convalescent plasma in both severe and non-severe groups. MPO levels and MPO activity correlate significantly with soluble EG levels and inhibiting MPO activity leads to reduced syndecan-1 shedding, in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Neutrophil MPO may increase EG shedding in COVID-19, and inhibiting MPO activity may protect against EG degradation. Further research is needed to evaluate the utility of MPO inhibitors as potential therapeutics against severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Teo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Louisa L Y Chan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christine Cheung
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science and Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Po Ying Chia
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sean Wei Xiang Ong
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siew Wai Fong
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Lab (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos #05-13, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Lisa F P Ng
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Lab (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos #05-13, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- National Institute of Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laurent Renia
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Lab (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos #05-13, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David Chien Lye
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Ling School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Barnaby Edward Young
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tsin Wen Yeo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Helou M, Nasr J, El Osta N, Jabbour E, Husni R. Liver manifestations in COVID-19 patients: A review article. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2189-2200. [PMID: 37122526 PMCID: PMC10131011 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i10.2189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initially presented as a disease that affected the lungs. Then, studies revealed that it intricately affected disparate organs in the human body, with the liver being one of the most affected organs. This review aimed to assess the association between COVID-19 and liver function, shedding light on its clinical implication. However, its exact pathophysiology remains unclear, involving many factors, such as active viral replication in the liver cells, direct cytotoxic effects of the virus on the liver or adverse reactions to viral antigens. Liver symptoms are mild-to-moderate transaminase elevation. In some patients, with underlying liver disease, more serious outcomes are observed. Thus, liver function should be meticulously considered in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Helou
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University Medical Center, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Janane Nasr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Osta
- Division of Emergency, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Elsy Jabbour
- Division of Emergency, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Rola Husni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Lebanese American University, School of Medicine, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
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Morón-López S, Riveira-Muñoz E, Urrea V, Gutiérrez-Chamorro L, Ávila-Nieto C, Noguera-Julian M, Carrillo J, Mitjà O, Mateu L, Massanella M, Ballana E, Martinez-Picado J. Comparison of Reverse Transcription (RT)-Quantitative PCR and RT-Droplet Digital PCR for Detection of Genomic and Subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0415922. [PMID: 36943067 PMCID: PMC10100669 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04159-22] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Most individuals acutely infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exhibit mild symptoms. However, 10 to 20% of those infected develop long-term symptoms, referred to as post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition (PCC). One hypothesis is that PCC might be exacerbated by viral persistence in tissue sanctuaries. Therefore, the accurate detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 are not only necessary for viral load monitoring but also crucial for detecting long-term viral persistence and determining whether viral replication is occurring in tissue reservoirs. In this study, the sensitivity and robustness of reverse transcription (RT)-droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and RT-quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques have been compared for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic RNAs from oropharyngeal swabs taken from confirmed SARS-CoV-2-positive, SARS-CoV-2-exposed, and nonexposed individuals as well as from samples from mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. Our data demonstrated that both techniques presented equivalent results in the mid- and high-viral-load ranges. Additionally, RT-ddPCR was more sensitive than RT-qPCR in the low-viral-load range, allowing the accurate detection of positive results in individuals exposed to the virus. Overall, these data suggest that RT-ddPCR might be an alternative to RT-qPCR for detecting low viral loads in samples and for assessing viral persistence in samples from individuals with PCC. IMPORTANCE We developed one-step reverse transcription (RT)-droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) protocols to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA and compared them to the gold-standard RT-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) method. RT-ddPCR was more sensitive than RT-qPCR in the low-viral-load range, while both techniques were equivalent in the mid- and high-viral-load ranges. Overall, these results suggest that RT-ddPCR might be a viable alternative to RT-qPCR when it comes to detecting low viral loads in samples, which is a highly relevant issue for determining viral persistence in as-yet-unknown tissue reservoirs in individuals suffering from post-COVID conditions or long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Morón-López
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Victor Urrea
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | - Marc Noguera-Julian
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Oriol Mitjà
- Fight Infections Foundation, Badalona, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Lihir Medical Centre, International SOS, Londolovit, Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lourdes Mateu
- Fight Infections Foundation, Badalona, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Massanella
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Ester Ballana
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Javier Martinez-Picado
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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44
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Should We Expect an Increase in the Number of Cancer Cases in People with Long COVID? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030713. [PMID: 36985286 PMCID: PMC10051562 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between viral infections and the risk of developing cancer is well known. Multiple mechanisms participate in and determine this process. The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in the deaths of millions of people worldwide. Although the effects of COVID-19 are limited for most people, a large number of people continue to show symptoms for a long period of time (long COVID). Several studies have suggested that cancer could also be a potential long-term complication of the virus; however, the causes of this risk are not yet well understood. In this review, we investigated arguments that could support or reject this possibility.
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Abstract
A comprehensive evaluation of the risks and 1-year burdens of gastrointestinal disorders in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 is needed but is not yet available. Here we use the US Department of Veterans Affairs national health care databases to build a cohort of 154,068 people with COVID-19, 5,638,795 contemporary controls, and 5,859,621 historical controls to estimate the risks and 1-year burdens of a set of pre-specified incident gastrointestinal outcomes. We show that beyond the first 30 days of infection, people with COVID-19 exhibited increased risks and 1-year burdens of incident gastrointestinal disorders spanning several disease categories including motility disorders, acid related disorders (dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease), functional intestinal disorders, acute pancreatitis, hepatic and biliary disease. The risks were evident in people who were not hospitalized during the acute phase of COVID-19 and increased in a graded fashion across the severity spectrum of the acute phase of COVID-19 (non-hospitalized, hospitalized, and admitted to intensive care). The risks were consistent in comparisons including the COVID-19 vs the contemporary control group and COVID-19 vs the historical control group as the referent category. Altogether, our results show that people with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders in the post-acute phase of COVID-19. Post-covid care should involve attention to gastrointestinal health and disease.
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Opsteen S, Files JK, Fram T, Erdmann N. The role of immune activation and antigen persistence in acute and long COVID. J Investig Med 2023; 71:545-562. [PMID: 36879504 PMCID: PMC9996119 DOI: 10.1177/10815589231158041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
In late 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggered the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although most infections cause a self-limited syndrome comparable to other upper respiratory viral pathogens, a portion of individuals develop severe illness leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, an estimated 10%-20% of SARS-CoV-2 infections are followed by post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), or long COVID. Long COVID is associated with a wide variety of clinical manifestations including cardiopulmonary complications, persistent fatigue, and neurocognitive dysfunction. Severe acute COVID-19 is associated with hyperactivation and increased inflammation, which may be an underlying cause of long COVID in a subset of individuals. However, the immunologic mechanisms driving long COVID development are still under investigation. Early in the pandemic, our group and others observed immune dysregulation persisted into convalescence after acute COVID-19. We subsequently observed persistent immune dysregulation in a cohort of individuals experiencing long COVID. We demonstrated increased SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses and antibody affinity in patients experiencing long COVID symptoms. These data suggest a portion of long COVID symptoms may be due to chronic immune activation and the presence of persistent SARS-CoV-2 antigen. This review summarizes the COVID-19 literature to date detailing acute COVID-19 and convalescence and how these observations relate to the development of long COVID. In addition, we discuss recent findings in support of persistent antigen and the evidence that this phenomenon contributes to local and systemic inflammation and the heterogeneous nature of clinical manifestations seen in long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Opsteen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jacob K Files
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tim Fram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nathan Erdmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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47
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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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Davis HE, McCorkell L, Vogel JM, Topol EJ. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:133-146. [PMID: 36639608 PMCID: PMC9839201 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1021] [Impact Index Per Article: 1021.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is an often debilitating illness that occurs in at least 10% of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. More than 200 symptoms have been identified with impacts on multiple organ systems. At least 65 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have long COVID, with cases increasing daily. Biomedical research has made substantial progress in identifying various pathophysiological changes and risk factors and in characterizing the illness; further, similarities with other viral-onset illnesses such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome have laid the groundwork for research in the field. In this Review, we explore the current literature and highlight key findings, the overlap with other conditions, the variable onset of symptoms, long COVID in children and the impact of vaccinations. Although these key findings are critical to understanding long COVID, current diagnostic and treatment options are insufficient, and clinical trials must be prioritized that address leading hypotheses. Additionally, to strengthen long COVID research, future studies must account for biases and SARS-CoV-2 testing issues, build on viral-onset research, be inclusive of marginalized populations and meaningfully engage patients throughout the research process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Moore Vogel
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Topol
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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49
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Quickert S, Stallmach A, Reuken P. Folgen nach SARS-CoV-2-Infektion einschließlich Post-COVID-Syndrom. DIE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023. [PMCID: PMC9972310 DOI: 10.1007/s11377-023-00677-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Eine Infektion mit dem „severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“ (SARS-CoV-2) kann vielfältige gastroenterologische Symptome hervorrufen. Ein relevanter Anteil an Patient:innen klagt über Symptome einer Gastroenteritis; die Zahl der Betroffenen hat mit der Verbreitung der Omikron-Varianten zugenommen. Ebenso finden sich bei Infizierten Zeichen einer Leberbeteiligung, die sich durch erhöhte Leberfermente bis hin zu einer akuten Dekompensation ausdrückt. Bei Patient:innen mit vorbestehenden Lebererkrankungen kann sich diese in der akuten Phase der Infektion verschlechtern und z. B. in ein akut-auf-chronisches Leberversagen übergehen. Hiervon abzugrenzen sind langfristige Folgen der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion. Diese können sich entweder als direkte infektions- oder therapieassoziierte Folgen, wie der Entwicklung einer sekundär-sklerosierenden Cholangitis nach Intensivtherapie, äußern oder als Symptome im Rahmen eines Post-coronavirus-disease(COVID)-Syndroms. Dessen Pathophysiologie ist weiterhin ungeklärt; hier wird ein Einfluss des intestinalen Mikrobioms diskutiert. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die akuten Symptome und chronischen Folgen einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, mit denen man im Alltag zunehmend konfrontiert wird, dargestellt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Quickert
- grid.275559.90000 0000 8517 6224Klinik für Innere Medizin IV – Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- grid.275559.90000 0000 8517 6224Klinik für Innere Medizin IV – Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Deutschland
| | - Philipp Reuken
- grid.275559.90000 0000 8517 6224Klinik für Innere Medizin IV – Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Deutschland
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50
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Lutchmansingh DD, Higuero Sevilla JP, Possick JD, Gulati M. "Long Haulers". Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44:130-142. [PMID: 36646091 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Post-COVID conditions continue to afflict patients long after acute severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) infection. Over 50 symptoms across multiple organ systems have been reported, with pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neuropsychiatric sequelae occurring most frequently. Multiple terms have been used to describe post-COVID conditions including long COVID, long-haul COVID, postacute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long-term effects of COVID, and chronic COVID-19; however, standardized assessments and treatment algorithms for patients have generally been lacking. This review discusses the epidemiology and risk factors for post-COVID conditions and provides a general overview of the diagnostic assessment and treatment of specific manifestations. Data derived from the multitude of observational studies and scientific investigations into pathogenesis are providing a clearer understanding of the distinct phenotypes of post-COVID conditions. Insight gained from these studies and ongoing interventional trials continues to lead to the development of clinical protocols directed toward improving COVID-19 survivors' quality of life and preventing or reducing long-term morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denyse D Lutchmansingh
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jean Paul Higuero Sevilla
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jennifer D Possick
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mridu Gulati
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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