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Ostapchuk YO, Lushova AV, Kan SA, Abdolla N, Kali A, Tleulieva R, Perfilyeva AV, Perfilyeva YV. Long-term changes in the phenotype and cytokine production of monocytes in COVID-19 recovered and vaccinated individuals. Infect Immun 2024:e0021624. [PMID: 38874358 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00216-24] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Monocytes play a crucial role in the immune response against pathogens. Here, we sought to determine COVID-19 and the vaccine Gam-COVID-Vac induce long-term changes in the phenotype and cytokine production of circulating monocytes. Monocytes were purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors who had not had COVID-19 or vaccination, who had received two doses of Gam-COVID-Vac, and who had mild/moderate COVID-19 in the last 6 months and evaluated by flow cytometry. To investigate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, monocytes were cultured for 2 days with or without stimulation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S1 and N peptides. Monocytes obtained from vaccinated and recovered individuals showed increased basal expression of HLA-DR, CD63, CXCR2, and TLR7. We also observed an increased frequency of CD63+ classical monocytes in both groups, as well as an increased frequency of HLA-DR+ non-classical monocytes in the COVID-19-recovered group compared to the control group. Monocytes from vaccinated and recovered donors produced higher basal levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α cytokines. Ex vivo stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 antigens induced increased expression of HLA-DR and TLR7 on monocytes obtained from the control group. The challenge with SARS-CoV-2 antigens had no effect on the production of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α cytokines by monocytes. The acquired data offer compelling evidence of enduring alterations in both the phenotype and functional status of circulating monocytes subsequent to vaccination with Gam-COVID-Vac and mild/moderate COVID-19 infection. At least some of these changes appear to be a consequence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 S1 and N antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekaterina O Ostapchuk
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- ECO-Consulting LLC, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Anzhelika V Lushova
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Sofia A Kan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurshat Abdolla
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Aikyn Kali
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Raikhan Tleulieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Yuliya V Perfilyeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunobiotechnology, M.A. Aitkhozhin's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Almaty Branch of the National Center for Biotechnology, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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2
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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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3
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Liew F, Efstathiou C, Fontanella S, Richardson M, Saunders R, Swieboda D, Sidhu JK, Ascough S, Moore SC, Mohamed N, Nunag J, King C, Leavy OC, Elneima O, McAuley HJC, Shikotra A, Singapuri A, Sereno M, Harris VC, Houchen-Wolloff L, Greening NJ, Lone NI, Thorpe M, Thompson AAR, Rowland-Jones SL, Docherty AB, Chalmers JD, Ho LP, Horsley A, Raman B, Poinasamy K, Marks M, Kon OM, Howard LS, Wootton DG, Quint JK, de Silva TI, Ho A, Chiu C, Harrison EM, Greenhalf W, Baillie JK, Semple MG, Turtle L, Evans RA, Wain LV, Brightling C, Thwaites RS, Openshaw PJM. Large-scale phenotyping of patients with long COVID post-hospitalization reveals mechanistic subtypes of disease. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:607-621. [PMID: 38589621 PMCID: PMC11003868 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01778-0] [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] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
One in ten severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections result in prolonged symptoms termed long coronavirus disease (COVID), yet disease phenotypes and mechanisms are poorly understood1. Here we profiled 368 plasma proteins in 657 participants ≥3 months following hospitalization. Of these, 426 had at least one long COVID symptom and 233 had fully recovered. Elevated markers of myeloid inflammation and complement activation were associated with long COVID. IL-1R2, MATN2 and COLEC12 were associated with cardiorespiratory symptoms, fatigue and anxiety/depression; MATN2, CSF3 and C1QA were elevated in gastrointestinal symptoms and C1QA was elevated in cognitive impairment. Additional markers of alterations in nerve tissue repair (SPON-1 and NFASC) were elevated in those with cognitive impairment and SCG3, suggestive of brain-gut axis disturbance, was elevated in gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was persistently elevated in some individuals with long COVID, but virus was not detected in sputum. Analysis of inflammatory markers in nasal fluids showed no association with symptoms. Our study aimed to understand inflammatory processes that underlie long COVID and was not designed for biomarker discovery. Our findings suggest that specific inflammatory pathways related to tissue damage are implicated in subtypes of long COVID, which might be targeted in future therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Liew
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sara Fontanella
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Richardson
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ruth Saunders
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dawid Swieboda
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jasmin K Sidhu
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Ascough
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Shona C Moore
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Noura Mohamed
- The Imperial Clinical Respiratory Research Unit, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jose Nunag
- Cardiovascular Research Team, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clara King
- Cardiovascular Research Team, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Olivia C Leavy
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Omer Elneima
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Hamish J C McAuley
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Aarti Shikotra
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Amisha Singapuri
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Marco Sereno
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Victoria C Harris
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Linzy Houchen-Wolloff
- Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Neil J Greening
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nazir I Lone
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matthew Thorpe
- Centre for Medical Informatics, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A A Roger Thompson
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah L Rowland-Jones
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Annemarie B Docherty
- Centre for Medical Informatics, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James D Chalmers
- University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Ling-Pei Ho
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Horsley
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Betty Raman
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Michael Marks
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Onn Min Kon
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Luke S Howard
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel G Wootton
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jennifer K Quint
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Thushan I de Silva
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Antonia Ho
- MRC Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Chiu
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ewen M Harrison
- Centre for Medical Informatics, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - William Greenhalf
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Kenneth Baillie
- Centre for Medical Informatics, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Pandemic Science Hub, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Malcolm G Semple
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- The Pandemic Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- The Pandemic Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rachael A Evans
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Louise V Wain
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Christopher Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, Leicester NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ryan S Thwaites
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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5
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Sárközi AT, Tornyi I, Békési E, Horváth I. Co-Morbidity Clusters in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1457. [PMID: 38592290 PMCID: PMC10934165 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051457] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome, characterized by persistent symptoms emerging more than 12 weeks after acute infection, displays diverse manifestations. This study aimed to analyze co-existing organ dysfunctions in post-COVID-19 patients and explore their potential association with the acute COVID-19 episode and functional impairment. Methods: Data from 238 patients attending post-COVID-19 outpatient care between 1 March 2021 and 1 March 2022, after previous hospitalization for acute COVID-19, were retrospectively analyzed with 80 having comprehensive mapping of organ involvement. Results: The average time between acute episode and post-COVID-19 care was 149 days. Spirometry indicated significant abnormalities in lung function. Predominant symptoms included respiratory (75%), fatigue (73%), neurological (62.5%), and ear-nose-throat issues (51.25%). Multiorgan dysfunctions were observed in 87.5% of patients, contributing to an 18.33% reduction in health quality compared to pre-acute COVID-19 levels. Subgroup analysis identified four distinct post-COVID-19 syndrome subgroups, highlighting the coexistence of respiratory and neurological disorders as potential indicators and drivers of further organ involvement. Our results reveal that most patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome suffer from multiorgan disorders. Conclusions: The presence of coexisting respiratory and neurological symptoms suggests the involvement of other organ systems as well. The complexity of multiorgan involvement requires further studies to provide insights into the different symptom clusters and identify potential targets for personalized preventive and therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Teréz Sárközi
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Ilona Tornyi
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Erik Békési
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
| | - Ildikó Horváth
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (A.T.S.); (I.T.); (E.B.)
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, 1121 Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Peluso MJ, Abdel-Mohsen M, Henrich TJ, Roan NR. Systems analysis of innate and adaptive immunity in Long COVID. Semin Immunol 2024; 72:101873. [PMID: 38460395 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2024.101873] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant progress has been made in developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against severe acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the management of Long COVID (LC), an infection-associated chronic condition that has been estimated to affect 5-20% of individuals following SARS-CoV-2 infection, remains challenging due to our limited understanding of its mechanisms. Although LC is a heterogeneous disease that is likely to have several subtypes, immune system disturbances appear common across many cases. The extent to which these immune perturbations contribute to LC symptoms, however, is not entirely clear. Recent advancements in multi-omics technologies, capable of detailed, cell-level analysis, have provided valuable insights into the immune perturbations associated with LC. Although these studies are largely descriptive in nature, they are the crucial first step towards a deeper understanding of the condition and the immune system's role in its development, progression, and resolution. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of immune perturbations in LC, covering both innate and adaptive immune responses, and the cytokines and analytes involved. We explore whether these findings support or challenge the primary hypotheses about LC's underlying mechanisms. We also discuss the crosstalk between various immune system components and how it can be disrupted in LC. Finally, we emphasize the need for more tissue- and subtype-focused analyses of LC, and for enhanced collaborative efforts to analyze common specimens from large cohorts, including those undergoing therapeutic interventions. These collective efforts are vital to unravel the fundaments of this new disease, and could also shed light on the prevention and treatment of the larger family of chronic illnesses linked to other microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Nadia R Roan
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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7
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Mahmoodi M, Mohammadi Henjeroei F, Hassanshahi G, Nosratabadi R. Do chemokine/chemokine receptor axes play paramount parts in trafficking and oriented locomotion of monocytes/macrophages toward the lungs of COVID-19 infected patients? A systematic review. Cytokine 2024; 175:156497. [PMID: 38190792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156497] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a well-defined viral infection, resulting from SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome- coronavirus-2). The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense to limit viral spreading and subsequently stimulate adaptive immune responses by the prominent aids of its cellular and molecular arms. Monocytes are defined as the most prominent innate immune cells (IICs) that are reactive against invading pathogens. These cells support host protection against the virus that is mediated by several non-specific mechanisms such as phagocytosis, producing antiviral enzymes, and recruitment of immune cells toward and into the infected tissues. They have the ability to egress from blood and migrate to the SARS-CoV-2 infected regions by the aid of some defense-related functions like chemotaxis, which is mediated by chemical compounds, e.g., chemokines. Chemokines, in addition to their related ligands are categorized within the most important and deserved agents involved in oriented trafficking of monocytes/macrophages towards and within the lung parenchyma in both steady state and pathological circumstances, including COVID-19-raised infection. However, the overexpression of chemokines could have deleterious effects on various organs through the induction of cytokine storm and may be the most important leading mechanisms in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Authors have aimed the current review article to describe present knowledge about the interplay between monocytes/macrophages and SARS-CoV-2 with a focus on the ability of IICs to migrate and home into the lung of COVID-19 patients through various chemokine-chemokine receptor axes to promote our understanding regarding this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merat Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Immunology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadi Henjeroei
- Department of Medical Immunology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Hassanshahi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, RafsanjanUniversity of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Nosratabadi
- Department of Medical Immunology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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8
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Bohmwald K, Diethelm-Varela B, Rodríguez-Guilarte L, Rivera T, Riedel CA, González PA, Kalergis AM. Pathophysiological, immunological, and inflammatory features of long COVID. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341600. [PMID: 38482000 PMCID: PMC10932978 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause severe global disruption, resulting in significant excess mortality, overwhelming healthcare systems, and imposing substantial social and economic burdens on nations. While most of the attention and therapeutic efforts have concentrated on the acute phase of the disease, a notable proportion of survivors experience persistent symptoms post-infection clearance. This diverse set of symptoms, loosely categorized as long COVID, presents a potential additional public health crisis. It is estimated that 1 in 5 COVID-19 survivors exhibit clinical manifestations consistent with long COVID. Despite this prevalence, the mechanisms and pathophysiology of long COVID remain poorly understood. Alarmingly, evidence suggests that a significant proportion of cases within this clinical condition develop debilitating or disabling symptoms. Hence, urgent priority should be given to further studies on this condition to equip global public health systems for its management. This review provides an overview of available information on this emerging clinical condition, focusing on the affected individuals' epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and immunological and inflammatory profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bohmwald
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benjamín Diethelm-Varela
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Linmar Rodríguez-Guilarte
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Thomas Rivera
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia A. Riedel
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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9
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Campos RP, Messias Oliveira JG, de Oliveira Farias I, de Souza VCV, de Alegria SG, Xavier RS, Lopes AJ. Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on ventilation dynamics measured during exertion in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: A cross-sectional observational study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296707. [PMID: 38306350 PMCID: PMC10836674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in people with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), although there is a lack of studies evaluating its benefits via the most commonly used primary endpoint: the six-minute walk test (6MWT). This study evaluated the effects of PR on the dynamics of ventilation measured during the 6MWT in patients with PACS and, secondarily, evaluated the association of these findings with measures of lung function and structure. METHODS This was an observational cross-sectional study of patients with PACS, in which 33 had undergone PR (PR-PACS group) and 32 had not undergone PR (NPR-PACS group). These patients underwent Spiropalm®-equipped 6MWT with measurement of inspiratory capacity (IC) to evaluate dynamic hyperinflation (DH). In addition, they performed spirometry, impulse oscillometry (IOS) and lung ultrasound (LUS). RESULTS Spirometry was abnormal in 21.2% and 31.3% of participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively (p = 0.36). IOS was abnormal in 28.6% and 66.7% of participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively (p = 0.003). LUS was altered in 39.4% and 43.8% of the participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively (p = 0.72). The 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was greater in the PR-PACS group than in the NPR-PACS group (p = 0.001]. HD was observed in 6.1% and 37.5% of participants in the PR-PACS and NPR-PACS groups, respectively, with a significant difference in ΔIC (p<0.001). The 6MWD correlated significantly with several IOS parameters and with ΔIC. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PACS undergoing PR perform better in the 6MWT, with a higher 6MWD and less HD. In these patients, IOS is able to distinguish the effects of PR that are not differentiated by spirometry or LUS. Furthermore, the better the respiratory mechanics assessed by IOS and the less DH there was, the higher the performance in the 6MWT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Pereira Campos
- Rehabilitation Sciences Post-Graduation Programme, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Samantha Gomes de Alegria
- Pos-Graduation Programme in Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosemere Saldanha Xavier
- Local Development Post-Graduation Programme, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Agnaldo José Lopes
- Rehabilitation Sciences Post-Graduation Programme, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Pos-Graduation Programme in Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Local Development Post-Graduation Programme, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Li J, Zhou Y, Ma J, Zhang Q, Shao J, Liang S, Yu Y, Li W, Wang C. The long-term health outcomes, pathophysiological mechanisms and multidisciplinary management of long COVID. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:416. [PMID: 37907497 PMCID: PMC10618229 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01640-z] [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] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been hundreds of millions of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With the growing population of recovered patients, it is crucial to understand the long-term consequences of the disease and management strategies. Although COVID-19 was initially considered an acute respiratory illness, recent evidence suggests that manifestations including but not limited to those of the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems may persist long after the acute phase. These persistent manifestations, also referred to as long COVID, could impact all patients with COVID-19 across the full spectrum of illness severity. Herein, we comprehensively review the current literature on long COVID, highlighting its epidemiological understanding, the impact of vaccinations, organ-specific sequelae, pathophysiological mechanisms, and multidisciplinary management strategies. In addition, the impact of psychological and psychosomatic factors is also underscored. Despite these crucial findings on long COVID, the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on previous experience and pilot studies remain inadequate, and well-designed clinical trials should be prioritized to validate existing hypotheses. Thus, we propose the primary challenges concerning biological knowledge gaps and efficient remedies as well as discuss the corresponding recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiechao Ma
- AI Lab, Deepwise Healthcare, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Postgraduate Student, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Shao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shufan Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yizhou Yu
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Med-X Center for Manufacturing, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Berentschot JC, Drexhage HA, Aynekulu Mersha DG, Wijkhuijs AJM, GeurtsvanKessel CH, Koopmans MPG, Voermans JJC, Hendriks RW, Nagtzaam NMA, de Bie M, Heijenbrok-Kal MH, Bek LM, Ribbers GM, van den Berg-Emons RJG, Aerts JGJV, Dik WA, Hellemons ME. Immunological profiling in long COVID: overall low grade inflammation and T-lymphocyte senescence and increased monocyte activation correlating with increasing fatigue severity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254899. [PMID: 37881427 PMCID: PMC10597688 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection develop long COVID with fatigue as one of the most disabling symptoms. We performed clinical and immune profiling of fatigued and non-fatigued long COVID patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Methods Long COVID symptoms were assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, including the fatigue assessment scale (FAS, scores ≥22 denote fatigue), and followed up to one year after hospital discharge. We assessed inflammation-related genes in circulating monocytes, serum levels of inflammation-regulating cytokines, and leukocyte and lymphocyte subsets, including major monocyte subsets and senescent T-lymphocytes, at 3-6 months post-discharge. Results We included 37 fatigued and 36 non-fatigued long COVID patients and 42 HCs. Fatigued long COVID patients represented a more severe clinical profile than non-fatigued patients, with many concurrent symptoms (median 9 [IQR 5.0-10.0] vs 3 [1.0-5.0] symptoms, p<0.001), and signs of cognitive failure (41%) and depression (>24%). Immune abnormalities that were found in the entire group of long COVID patients were low grade inflammation (increased inflammatory gene expression in monocytes, increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines) and signs of T-lymphocyte senescence (increased exhausted CD8+ TEMRA-lymphocytes). Immune profiles did not significantly differ between fatigued and non-fatigued long COVID groups. However, the severity of fatigue (total FAS score) significantly correlated with increases of intermediate and non-classical monocytes, upregulated gene levels of CCL2, CCL7, and SERPINB2 in monocytes, increases in serum Galectin-9, and higher CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts. Conclusion Long COVID with fatigue is associated with many concurrent and persistent symptoms lasting up to one year after hospitalization. Increased fatigue severity associated with stronger signs of monocyte activation in long COVID patients and potentially point in the direction of monocyte-endothelial interaction. These abnormalities were present against a background of immune abnormalities common to the entire group of long COVID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C. Berentschot
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hemmo A. Drexhage
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Marion P. G. Koopmans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda J. C. Voermans
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rudi W. Hendriks
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicole M. A. Nagtzaam
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maaike de Bie
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Majanka H. Heijenbrok-Kal
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - L. Martine Bek
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerard M. Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Joachim G. J. V. Aerts
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Willem A. Dik
- Laboratory Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Merel E. Hellemons
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Jacobs LMC, Wintjens MSJN, Nagy M, Willems L, ten Cate H, Spronk HMH, van Kuijk SMJ, Ghossein-Doha C, Netea MG, Groh LA, van Petersen AS, Warlé MC. Biomarkers of sustained systemic inflammation and microvascular dysfunction associated with post-COVID-19 condition symptoms at 24 months after SARS-CoV-2-infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1182182. [PMID: 37868959 PMCID: PMC10586198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1182182] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Comprehensive studies investigating sustained hypercoagulability, endothelial function, and/or inflammation in relation to post-COVID-19 (PCC) symptoms with a prolonged follow-up are currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this single-centre cohort study was to investigate serum biomarkers of coagulation activation, microvascular dysfunction, and inflammation in relation to persisting symptoms two years after acute COVID-19. Methods Patients diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection between February and June 2020 were recruited. Outcome measures included the CORona Follow-Up (CORFU) questionnaire, which is based on an internationally developed and partially validated basic questionnaire on persistent PCC symptoms. Additionally, plasma biomarkers reflecting coagulation activation, endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation were measured. Results 167 individuals were approached of which 148 (89%) completed the CORFU questionnaire. At 24 months after acute infection, fatigue was the most prevalent PCC symptom (84.5%). Over 50% of the patients experienced symptoms related to breathing, cognition, sleep or mobility; 30.3% still experienced at least one severe or extreme (4 or 5 on a 5-point scale) PCC symptom. Multiple correlations were found between several PCC symptoms and markers of endothelial dysfunction (endothelin-1 and von Willebrand factor) and systemic inflammation (Interleukin-1 Receptor antagonist). No positive correlations were found between PCC symptoms and coagulation complexes. Discussion In conclusion, this study shows that at 24 months after acute COVID-19 infection patients experience a high prevalence of PCC symptoms which correlate with inflammatory cytokine IL-1Ra and markers of endothelial dysfunction, especially endothelin-1. Our data may provide a rationale for the selection of treatment strategies for further clinical studies. Trial registration This study was performed in collaboration with the CORona Follow-Up (CORFU) study (NCT05240742, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT05240742).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte M. C. Jacobs
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marieke S. J. N. Wintjens
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Magdolna Nagy
- Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Loes Willems
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hugo ten Cate
- Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Center for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Henri M. H. Spronk
- Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sander M. J. van Kuijk
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Chahinda Ghossein-Doha
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (UMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laszlo A. Groh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Michiel C. Warlé
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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13
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Reis-Goes FS, Silva NN, Gondim TM, Figueiredo RG, Evangelista GDAO, Marchioro SB, Costa RS, Torres AJL, Meyer RJ, Trindade SC, Fortuna V. Exploring dysregulated immune response genes and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers as predictors of severe COVID-19. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110610. [PMID: 37453154 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110610] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Identifying individuals and factors associated with severe cases of COVID-19 is crucial as the pandemic continues to spread globally. Effective biomarkers for predicting severe cases are essential for optimizing clinical management, therapy, and preventing unfavorable outcomes. This exploratory observational study aimed to investigate the expression of dysregulated immune response genes (ARG1, NOS2, ITGA4, and SELPLG) in total leukocytes, plasmatic levels of P-selectin and PSGL-1, and their clinical associations in patients with mild and severe COVID-19. Data from 117 confirmed COVID-19 patients (severe = 58, mild = 59) were collected upon admission. Gene expression was measured using RT-qPCR, and plasma protein levels assessed with ELISA assay. The severe COVID-19 patient group had a higher median age of 62.0 (p = 0.0001), a higher proportion of black individuals (86.2%, p < 0.0001), and more males (65.5%, p = 0.007). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were significantly higher in the severe COVID-19 patient group (p < 0.0001), indicating ongoing systemic inflammation. Severe COVID-19 patients also exhibited increased expression of ARG1 (p < 0.05) and SELPLG (p < 0.0001) genes, as well as higher concentrations of soluble P-selectin (p < 0.005) and PSGL-1 (p < 0.05) proteins. Multivariate analysis revealed that NLR, PLR, the expression of SELPLG and sPSGL-1 were independent predictors of COVID-19 severity. In conclusion, this study suggests that biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and dysregulated leukocyte responses are associated with COVID-19 severity, serving as promising predictive tools for optimizing clinical management and patient monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane S Reis-Goes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Nívia N Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Taiane M Gondim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G Figueiredo
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, State University of Feira de Santana, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana B Marchioro
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ryan S Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Alex José L Torres
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Roberto Jose Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Soraya C Trindade
- Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, State University of Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Vitor Fortuna
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Immunology, Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
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