1
|
Zhang Z, Reynolds SR, Stolrow HG, Chen JQ, Christensen BC, Salas LA. Deciphering the role of immune cell composition in epigenetic age acceleration: Insights from cell-type deconvolution applied to human blood epigenetic clocks. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14071. [PMID: 38146185 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a significant risk factor for various human disorders, and DNA methylation clocks have emerged as powerful tools for estimating biological age and predicting health-related outcomes. Methylation data from blood DNA has been a focus of more recently developed DNA methylation clocks. However, the impact of immune cell composition on epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) remains unclear as only some clocks incorporate partial cell type composition information when analyzing EAA. We investigated associations of 12 immune cell types measured by cell-type deconvolution with EAA predicted by six widely-used DNA methylation clocks in data from >10,000 blood samples. We observed significant associations of immune cell composition with EAA for all six clocks tested. Across the clocks, nine or more of the 12 cell types tested exhibited significant associations with EAA. Higher memory lymphocyte subtype proportions were associated with increased EAA, and naïve lymphocyte subtypes were associated with decreased EAA. To demonstrate the potential confounding of EAA by immune cell composition, we applied EAA in rheumatoid arthritis. Our research maps immune cell type contributions to EAA in human blood and offers opportunities to adjust for immune cell composition in EAA studies to a significantly more granular level. Understanding associations of EAA with immune profiles has implications for the interpretation of epigenetic age and its relevance in aging and disease research. Our detailed map of immune cell type contributions serves as a resource for studies utilizing epigenetic clocks across diverse research fields, including aging-related diseases, precision medicine, and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Samuel R Reynolds
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Hannah G Stolrow
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Ji-Qing Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Lucas A Salas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
- Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Singh S, Giron LB, Shaikh MW, Shankaran S, Engen PA, Bogin ZR, Bambi SA, Goldman AR, Azevedo JLLC, Orgaz L, de Pedro N, González P, Giera M, Verhoeven A, Sánchez-López E, Pandrea I, Kannan T, Tanes CE, Bittinger K, Landay AL, Corley MJ, Keshavarzian A, Abdel-Mohsen M. Distinct intestinal microbial signatures linked to accelerated systemic and intestinal biological aging. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:31. [PMID: 38383483 PMCID: PMC10882811 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01758-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV (PLWH), even when viral replication is controlled through antiretroviral therapy (ART), experience persistent inflammation. This inflammation is partly attributed to intestinal microbial dysbiosis and translocation, which may lead to non-AIDS-related aging-associated comorbidities. The extent to which living with HIV - influenced by the infection itself, ART usage, sexual orientation, or other associated factors - affects the biological age of the intestines is unclear. Furthermore, the role of microbial dysbiosis and translocation in the biological aging of PLWH remains to be elucidated. To investigate these uncertainties, we used a systems biology approach, analyzing colon and ileal biopsies, blood samples, and stool specimens from PLWH on ART and people living without HIV (PLWoH) as controls. RESULTS PLWH exhibit accelerated biological aging in the colon, ileum, and blood, as measured by various epigenetic aging clocks, compared to PLWoH. Investigating the relationship between microbial translocation and biological aging, PLWH had decreased levels of tight junction proteins in the intestines, along with increased microbial translocation. This intestinal permeability correlated with faster biological aging and increased inflammation. When investigating the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and biological aging, the intestines of PLWH had higher abundance of specific pro-inflammatory bacteria, such as Catenibacterium and Prevotella. These bacteria correlated with accelerated biological aging. Conversely, the intestines of PLWH had lower abundance of bacteria known for producing the anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids, such as Subdoligranulum and Erysipelotrichaceae, and these bacteria were associated with slower biological aging. Correlation networks revealed significant links between specific microbial genera in the colon and ileum (but not in feces), increased aging, a rise in pro-inflammatory microbe-related metabolites (e.g., those in the tryptophan metabolism pathway), and a decrease in anti-inflammatory metabolites like hippuric acid. CONCLUSIONS We identified specific microbial compositions and microbiota-related metabolic pathways that are intertwined with intestinal and systemic biological aging. This microbial signature of biological aging is likely reflecting various factors including the HIV infection itself, ART usage, sexual orientation, and other aspects associated with living with HIV. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying these connections could offer potential strategies to mitigate accelerated aging and its associated health complications. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Singh
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leila B Giron
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maliha W Shaikh
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shivanjali Shankaran
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Phillip A Engen
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zlata R Bogin
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Simona A Bambi
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Aaron R Goldman
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Joao L L C Azevedo
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | - Martin Giera
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Aswin Verhoeven
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Sánchez-López
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Toshitha Kannan
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ceylan E Tanes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alan L Landay
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Ali Keshavarzian
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ren J, Zhou X, Huang K, Chen L, Guo W, Feng K, Huang T, Cai YD. Identification of key genes associated with persistent immune changes and secondary immune activation responses induced by influenza vaccination after COVID-19 recovery by machine learning methods. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107883. [PMID: 38157776 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 is hypothesized to exert enduring effects on the immune systems of patients, leading to alterations in immune-related gene expression. This study aimed to scrutinize the persistent implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on gene expression and its influence on subsequent immune activation responses. We designed a machine learning-based approach to analyze transcriptomic data from both healthy individuals and patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Patients were categorized based on their influenza vaccination status and then compared with healthy controls. The initial sample set encompassed 86 blood samples from healthy controls and 72 blood samples from recuperated COVID-19 patients prior to influenza vaccination. The second sample set included 123 blood samples from healthy controls and 106 blood samples from recovered COVID-19 patients who had been vaccinated against influenza. For each sample, the dataset captured expression levels of 17,060 genes. Above two sample sets were first analyzed by seven feature ranking algorithms, yielding seven feature lists for each dataset. Then, each list was fed into the incremental feature selection method, incorporating three classic classification algorithms, to extract essential genes, classification rules and build efficient classifiers. The genes and rules were analyzed in this study. The main findings included that NEXN and ZNF354A were highly expressed in recovered COVID-19 patients, whereas MKI67 and GZMB were highly expressed in patients with secondary immune activation post-COVID-19 recovery. These pivotal genes could provide valuable insights for future health monitoring of COVID-19 patients and guide the creation of continued treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - XianChao Zhou
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ke Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - KaiYan Feng
- Department of Computer Science, Guangdong AIB Polytechnic College, Guangzhou, 510507, China.
| | - Tao Huang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pateev I, Seregina K, Ivanov R, Reshetnikov V. Biodistribution of RNA Vaccines and of Their Products: Evidence from Human and Animal Studies. Biomedicines 2023; 12:59. [PMID: 38255166 PMCID: PMC10812935 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010059] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Explosive developments in mRNA vaccine technology in the last decade have made it possible to achieve great success in clinical trials of mRNA vaccines to prevent infectious diseases and develop cancer treatments and mRNA-based gene therapy products. The approval of the mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has led to mass vaccination (with mRNA vaccines) of several hundred million people around the world, including children. Despite its effectiveness in the fight against COVID-19, rare adverse effects of the vaccination have been shown in some studies, including vascular microcirculation disorders and autoimmune and allergic reactions. The biodistribution of mRNA vaccines remains one of the most poorly investigated topics. This mini-review discussed the results of recent experimental studies on humans and rodents regarding the biodistribution of mRNA vaccines, their constituents (mRNA and lipid nanoparticles), and their encoded antigens. We focused on the dynamics of the biodistribution of mRNA vaccine products and on the possibility of crossing the blood-brain and blood-placental barriers as well as transmission to infants through breast milk. In addition, we critically assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the detection methods that have been applied in these articles, whose results' reliability is becoming a subject of debate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ildus Pateev
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Kristina Seregina
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guvatova ZG, Kobelyatskaya AA, Pudova EA, Tarasova IV, Kudryavtseva AV, Tkacheva ON, Strazhesko ID, Moskalev AA. Decelerated Epigenetic Aging in Long Livers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16867. [PMID: 38069189 PMCID: PMC10707056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316867] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic aging is a hot topic in the field of aging research. The present study estimated epigenetic age in long-lived individuals, who are currently actively being studied worldwide as an example of successful aging due to their longevity. We used Bekaert's blood-based age prediction model to estimate the epigenetic age of 50 conditionally "healthy" and 45 frail long-livers over 90 years old. Frailty assessment in long-livers was conducted using the Frailty Index. The control group was composed of 32 healthy individuals aged 20-60 years. The DNA methylation status of 4 CpG sites (ASPA CpG1, PDE4C CpG1, ELOVL2 CpG6, and EDARADD CpG1) included in the epigenetic clock was assessed through pyrosequencing. According to the model calculations, the epigenetic age of long-livers was significantly lower than their chronological age (on average by 21 years) compared with data from the group of people aged 20 to 60 years. This suggests a slowing of epigenetic and potentially biological aging in long livers. At the same time, the obtained results showed no statistically significant differences in delta age (difference between the predicted and chronological age) between "healthy" long livers and long livers with frailty. We also failed to detect sex differences in epigenetic age either in the group of long livers or in the control group. It is possible that the predictive power of epigenetic clocks based on a small number of CpG sites is insufficient to detect such differences. Nevertheless, this study underscores the need for further research on the epigenetic status of centenarians to gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to delayed aging in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zulfiya G. Guvatova
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 129226, Russia; (I.V.T.); (O.N.T.); (I.D.S.)
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia (E.A.P.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Anastasiya A. Kobelyatskaya
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia (E.A.P.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Elena A. Pudova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia (E.A.P.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Irina V. Tarasova
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 129226, Russia; (I.V.T.); (O.N.T.); (I.D.S.)
| | - Anna V. Kudryavtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia (E.A.P.); (A.V.K.)
| | - Olga N. Tkacheva
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 129226, Russia; (I.V.T.); (O.N.T.); (I.D.S.)
| | - Irina D. Strazhesko
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 129226, Russia; (I.V.T.); (O.N.T.); (I.D.S.)
| | - Alexey A. Moskalev
- Russian Clinical Research Center for Gerontology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 129226, Russia; (I.V.T.); (O.N.T.); (I.D.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nehar-Belaid D, Sokolowski M, Ravichandran S, Banchereau J, Chaussabel D, Ucar D. Baseline immune states (BIS) associated with vaccine responsiveness and factors that shape the BIS. Semin Immunol 2023; 70:101842. [PMID: 37717525 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are among the greatest inventions in medicine, leading to the elimination or control of numerous diseases, including smallpox, polio, measles, rubella, and, most recently, COVID-19. Yet, the effectiveness of vaccines varies among individuals. In fact, while some recipients mount a robust response to vaccination that protects them from the disease, others fail to respond. Multiple clinical and epidemiological factors contribute to this heterogeneity in responsiveness. Systems immunology studies fueled by advances in single-cell biology have been instrumental in uncovering pre-vaccination immune cell types and genomic features (i.e., the baseline immune state, BIS) that have been associated with vaccine responsiveness. Here, we review clinical factors that shape the BIS, and the characteristics of the BIS associated with responsiveness to frequently studied vaccines (i.e., influenza, COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia, malaria). Finally, we discuss potential strategies to enhance vaccine responsiveness in high-risk groups, focusing specifically on older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Sokolowski
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | | | - Damien Chaussabel
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Duygu Ucar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Möller M, Borg K, Janson C, Lerm M, Normark J, Niward K. Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation. J Intern Med 2023; 294:563-581. [PMID: 37766515 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13720] [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] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The long-term effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function have become an area of increasing concern. This paper provides an overview of characteristics, risk factors, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Prolonged cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common impairments in PCC, affecting between 17% and 28% of the individuals more than 12 weeks after the infection and persisting in some cases for several years. Cognitive dysfunctions can be manifested as a wide range of symptoms including memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, and reduced processing speed. Risk factors for developing PCC, with or without cognitive impairments, include advanced age, preexisting medical conditions, and the severity of acute illness. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but proposed contributors include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, vascular damage, and latent virus reactivation not excluding the possibility of direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, illustrating complex viral pathology. As the individual variation of the cognitive impairments is large, a neuropsychological examination and a person-centered multidimensional approach are required. According to the World Health Organization, limited evidence on COVID-19-related cognitive impairments necessitates implementing rehabilitation interventions from established practices of similar conditions. Psychoeducation and compensatory skills training are recommended. Assistive products and environmental modifications adapted to individual needs might be helpful. In specific attention- and working memory dysfunctions, cognitive training-carefully monitored for intensity-might be effective for people who do not suffer from post-exertional malaise. Further research is crucial for evidence-based interventions specific to COVID-19-related cognitive impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marika Möller
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristian Borg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Lerm
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Normark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katarina Niward
- Department of Infectious Diseases, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Singh S, Giron LB, Shaikh MW, Shankaran S, Engen PA, Bogin ZR, Bambi SA, Goldman AR, Azevedo JLLC, Orgaz L, de Pedro N, González P, Giera M, Verhoeven A, Sánchez-López E, Pandrea IV, Kannan T, Tanes CE, Bittinger K, Landay AL, Corley MJ, Keshavarzian A, Abdel-Mohsen M. Distinct Intestinal Microbial Signatures Linked to Accelerated Biological Aging in People with HIV. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3492242. [PMID: 37961645 PMCID: PMC10635386 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3492242/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background People with HIV (PWH), even with controlled viral replication through antiretroviral therapy (ART), experience persistent inflammation. This is partly due to intestinal microbial dysbiosis and translocation. Such ongoing inflammation may lead to the development of non-AIDS-related aging-associated comorbidities. However, there remains uncertainty regarding whether HIV affects the biological age of the intestines and whether microbial dysbiosis and translocation influence the biological aging process in PWH on ART. To fill this knowledge gap, we utilized a systems biology approach, analyzing colon and ileal biopsies, blood samples, and stool specimens from PWH on ART and their matched HIV-negative counterparts. Results Despite having similar chronological ages, PWH on ART exhibit accelerated biological aging in the colon, ileum, and blood, as measured by various epigenetic aging clocks, compared to HIV-negative controls. Investigating the relationship between microbial translocation and biological aging, PWH on ART had decreased levels of tight junction proteins in the colon and ileum, along with increased microbial translocation. This increased intestinal permeability correlated with faster intestinal and systemic biological aging, as well as increased systemic inflammation. When investigating the relationship between microbial dysbiosis and biological aging, the intestines of PWH on ART had higher abundance of specific pro-inflammatory bacterial genera, such as Catenibacterium and Prevotella. These bacteria significantly correlated with accelerated local and systemic biological aging. Conversely, the intestines of PWH on ART had lower abundance of bacterial genera known for producing short-chain fatty acids and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, such as Subdoligranulum and Erysipelotrichaceae, and these bacteria taxa were associated with slower biological aging. Correlation networks revealed significant links between specific microbial genera in the colon and ileum (but not in feces), increased aging, a rise in pro-inflammatory microbial-related metabolites (e.g., those in the tryptophan metabolism pathway), and a decrease in anti-inflammatory metabolites like hippuric acid and oleic acid. Conclusions We identified a specific microbial composition and microbiome-related metabolic pathways that are intertwined with both intestinal and systemic biological aging in PWH on ART. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying these connections could potentially offer strategies to counteract premature aging and its associated health complications in PWH.
Collapse
|
9
|
Napoli C, Coscioni E, Trama U, Strozziero MG, Benincasa G. An evidence-based debate on epigenetics and immunosenescence in COVID-19. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 4:100069. [PMID: 37781451 PMCID: PMC10539895 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100069] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosenescence contributes to the decline of immune function leading to a reduced ability to respond to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in elderly patients. Clinical course of COVID-19 is widely heterogeneous and guided by the possible interplay between genetic background and epigenetic-sensitive mechanisms underlying the immunosenescence which could explain, at least in part, the higher percentage of disease severity in elderly individuals. The most convincing evidence regards the hypomethylation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) promoter gene in lungs as well as the citrullination of histone H3 in neutrophils which have been associated with worsening of COVID-19 outcome in elderly patients. In contrast, centenarians who have showed milder symptoms have been associated to a younger "epigenetic age" based on DNA methylation profiles at specific genomic sites (epigenetic clock). Some large prospective studies showed that the acceleration of epigenetic aging as well as the shortening of telomeres were significantly associated with lymphopenia and poor outcome suggesting prognostic biomarkers in elderly COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials showed that statins, L-arginine, and resveratrol could mediate anti-inflammatory effects via indirect epigenetic interference and might improve COVID-19 outcome. Here, we discuss the epigenetic-sensitive events which might contribute to increase the risk of severity and mortality in older subjects and possible targeted therapies to counteract immunosenescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Napoli
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- U.O.C. Division of Clinical Immunology, Immunohematology, Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialistics, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Coscioni
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggid'Aragona, 84131, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- Regional Pharmaceutical Unit, Campania Region, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Strozziero
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- IRCCS Synlab SDN Naples Italy
| | - Giuditta Benincasa
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baghban R, Ghasemian A, Mahmoodi S. Nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:150. [PMID: 36995507 PMCID: PMC10062302 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected 673,010,496 patients and caused the death of 6,854,959 cases globally until today. Enormous efforts have been made to develop fundamentally different COVID-19 vaccine platforms. Nucleic acid-based vaccines consisting of mRNA and DNA vaccines (third-generation vaccines) have been promising in terms of rapid and convenient production and efficient provocation of immune responses against the COVID-19. Several DNA-based (ZyCoV-D, INO-4800, AG0302-COVID19, and GX-19N) and mRNA-based (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ARCoV) approved vaccine platforms have been utilized for the COVID-19 prevention. mRNA vaccines are at the forefront of all platforms for COVID-19 prevention. However, these vaccines have lower stability, while DNA vaccines are needed with higher doses to stimulate the immune responses. Intracellular delivery of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their adverse events needs further research. Considering re-emergence of the COVID-19 variants of concern, vaccine reassessment and the development of polyvalent vaccines, or pan-coronavirus strategies, is essential for effective infection prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roghayyeh Baghban
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mohamed A, Tzoulis P, Kossler AL, Dosiou C. New Onset or Deterioration of Thyroid Eye Disease After mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:979-985. [PMID: 36251747 PMCID: PMC9619817 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Occurrence of Graves' disease (GD) has been reported following SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administration, but little is known about thyroid eye disease (TED) after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. OBJECTIVE We describe 2 cases of TED activation following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and review additional cases reported in the literature. METHODS We report 2 cases of TED activation following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: 1 case of TED worsening in a patient with GD, and 1 of de novo active TED progressing to dysthyroid optic neuropathy in a patient with a history of Hashimoto hypothyroidism. Our literature search revealed 8 additional reported TED cases associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination until June 2022. We review the characteristics, duration, and management of TED following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in these cases. RESULTS Of all 10 reported TED cases following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, 4 developed new-onset TED and 6 previously stable TED cases experienced significant deterioration. Six patients had known GD and 2 patients had Hashimoto thyroiditis. Two cases progressed to dysthyroid optic neuropathy, 6 had moderate/severe active disease, and 2 had mild disease that did not require treatment. Seven TED cases received teprotumumab and had a favorable response, 2 of whom had prior limited response to initial prednisone or methylprednisolone and tocilizumab therapy. CONCLUSION New diagnosis or deterioration of TED after mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination can occur, with most cases described in patients with underlying autoimmune thyroid disease. Our report raises awareness to this potential complication to promote early recognition and prompt management of TED associated with mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanism, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of TED following mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abubakr Mohamed
- Corresponding Author: Abubakr Mohamed, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive Stanford, CA 94304, USATel.: (650) 723-6054, E-mail:
| | - Ploutarchos Tzoulis
- Department of Metabolism & Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, IASO General Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea Lora Kossler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chrysoula Dosiou
- Division of Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zsichla L, Müller V. Risk Factors of Severe COVID-19: A Review of Host, Viral and Environmental Factors. Viruses 2023; 15:175. [PMID: 36680215 PMCID: PMC9863423 DOI: 10.3390/v15010175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical course and outcome of COVID-19 are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe disease and death. Understanding the risk factors of severe COVID-19 is relevant both in the clinical setting and at the epidemiological level. Here, we provide an overview of host, viral and environmental factors that have been shown or (in some cases) hypothesized to be associated with severe clinical outcomes. The factors considered in detail include the age and frailty, genetic polymorphisms, biological sex (and pregnancy), co- and superinfections, non-communicable comorbidities, immunological history, microbiota, and lifestyle of the patient; viral genetic variation and infecting dose; socioeconomic factors; and air pollution. For each category, we compile (sometimes conflicting) evidence for the association of the factor with COVID-19 outcomes (including the strength of the effect) and outline possible action mechanisms. We also discuss the complex interactions between the various risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Levente Zsichla
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Müller
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Guo Y, Zhang Y, Hu Y. COVID-19 subgroups may slow down biological age acceleration. J Infect 2023; 86:66-117. [PMID: 36273644 PMCID: PMC9584757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Hu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China,Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Impact of epigenetic mechanisms in re-emerging viruses. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 52:102535. [PMID: 36592710 PMCID: PMC9801691 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
15
|
Biological Age Predictors: The Status Quo and Future Trends. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315103. [PMID: 36499430 PMCID: PMC9739540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no single universal biomarker yet to estimate overall health status and longevity prospects. Moreover, a consensual approach to the very concept of aging and the means of its assessment are yet to be developed. Markers of aging could facilitate effective health control, more accurate life expectancy estimates, and improved health and quality of life. Clinicians routinely use several indicators that could be biomarkers of aging. Duly validated in a large cohort, models based on a combination of these markers could provide a highly accurate assessment of biological age and the pace of aging. Biological aging is a complex characteristic of chronological age (usually), health-to-age concordance, and medically estimated life expectancy. This study is a review of the most promising techniques that could soon be used in routine clinical practice. Two main selection criteria were applied: a sufficient sample size and reliability based on validation. The selected biological age calculators were grouped according to the type of biomarker used: (1) standard clinical and laboratory markers; (2) molecular markers; and (3) epigenetic markers. The most accurate were the calculators, which factored in a variety of biomarkers. Despite their demonstrated effectiveness, most of them require further improvement and cannot yet be considered for use in standard clinical practice. To illustrate their clinical application, we reviewed their use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|