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Shahbaz MA, Kuivanen S, Mussalo L, Afonin AM, Kumari K, Behzadpour D, Kalapudas J, Koivisto AM, Penttilä E, Löppönen H, Jalava P, Vapalahti O, Balistreri G, Lampinen R, Kanninen KM. Exposure to urban particulate matter alters responses of olfactory mucosal cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118451. [PMID: 38341073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses have a significant impact on health, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Exposure to air pollution can contribute to viral susceptibility and be associated with severe outcomes, as suggested by recent epidemiological studies. Furthermore, exposure to particulate matter (PM), an important constituent of air pollution, is linked to adverse effects on the brain, including cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The olfactory mucosa (OM), a tissue located at the rooftop of the nasal cavity, is directly exposed to inhaled air and in direct contact with the brain. Increasing evidence of OM dysfunction related to neuropathogenesis and viral infection demonstrates the importance of elucidating the interplay between viruses and air pollutants at the OM. This study examined the effects of subacute exposure to urban PM 0.2 and PM 10-2.5 on SARS-CoV-2 infection using primary human OM cells obtained from cognitively healthy individuals and individuals diagnosed with AD. OM cells were exposed to PM and subsequently infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the presence of pollutants. SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors and replication, toxicological endpoints, cytokine release, oxidative stress markers, and amyloid beta levels were measured. Exposure to PM did not enhance the expression of viral entry receptors or cellular viral load in human OM cells. However, PM-exposed and SARS-CoV-2-infected cells showed alterations in cellular and immune responses when compared to cells infected only with the virus or pollutants. These changes are highly pronounced in AD OM cells. These results suggest that exposure of human OM cells to PM does not increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, but it can alter cellular immune responses to the virus, particularly in AD. Understanding the interplay of air pollutants and COVID-19 can provide important insight for the development of public health policies and interventions to reduce the negative influences of air pollution exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali Shahbaz
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Suvi Kuivanen
- University of Helsinki, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Mussalo
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alexey M Afonin
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kajal Kumari
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Donya Behzadpour
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juho Kalapudas
- University of Eastern Finland, Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Koivisto
- University of Eastern Finland, Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kuopio, Finland; Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Neurology, Neuro Centre, Kuopio, Finland; University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Helsinki University Hospital and Neurosciences, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Penttilä
- University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Löppönen
- University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Pasi Jalava
- University of Eastern Finland, Inhalation Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- University of Helsinki, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giuseppe Balistreri
- University of Helsinki, Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Lampinen
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- University of Eastern Finland, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Kuopio, Finland.
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2
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Yehia A, Abulseoud OA. Melatonin: a ferroptosis inhibitor with potential therapeutic efficacy for the post-COVID-19 trajectory of accelerated brain aging and neurodegeneration. Mol Neurodegener 2024; 19:36. [PMID: 38641847 PMCID: PMC11031980 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-024-00728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 swept millions of lives in a short period, yet its menace continues among its survivors in the form of post-COVID syndrome. An exponentially growing number of COVID-19 survivors suffer from cognitive impairment, with compelling evidence of a trajectory of accelerated aging and neurodegeneration. The novel and enigmatic nature of this yet-to-unfold pathology demands extensive research seeking answers for both the molecular underpinnings and potential therapeutic targets. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, is a strongly proposed underlying mechanism in post-COVID-19 aging and neurodegeneration discourse. COVID-19 incites neuroinflammation, iron dysregulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, antioxidant system repression, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) disruption, and clock gene alteration. These events pave the way for ferroptosis, which shows its signature in COVID-19, premature aging, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the search for a treatment, melatonin shines as a promising ferroptosis inhibitor with its repeatedly reported safety and tolerability. According to various studies, melatonin has proven efficacy in attenuating the severity of certain COVID-19 manifestations, validating its reputation as an anti-viral compound. Melatonin has well-documented anti-aging properties and combating neurodegenerative-related pathologies. Melatonin can block the leading events of ferroptosis since it is an efficient anti-inflammatory, iron chelator, antioxidant, angiotensin II antagonist, and clock gene regulator. Therefore, we propose ferroptosis as the culprit behind the post-COVID-19 trajectory of aging and neurodegeneration and melatonin, a well-fitting ferroptosis inhibitor, as a potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Yehia
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, 58054, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, 58054, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
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3
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Oremus M, Tyas SL, Zeng L, Newall N, Maxwell CJ. The association between memory, COVID-19 testing, and COVID-19 incidence in middle-aged and older adults: a prospective analysis of the CLSA. NEUROPSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT, AND COGNITION. SECTION B, AGING, NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38623833 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2024.2342500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
We investigated the association between pre-COVID-19 memory function and (a) receipt of a COVID-19 test and (b) incidence of COVID-19 using the COVID-19 Questionnaire Study (CQS) of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). The CQS included 28,565 middle-aged and older adults. We regressed receipt of a COVID-19 test on participants' immediate and delayed recall memory scores and re-ran the regression models with COVID-19 incidence as the outcome. All regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health covariates. In the analytical sample (n = 21,930), higher delayed recall memory (better memory) was significantly associated with lower COVID-19 incidence. However, this association was not significant for immediate recall memory. Immediate and delayed recall memory were not associated with receipt of a COVID-19 test. Health policymakers and practitioners may viewmemory status as a potential risk for COVID-19. Memory status may not be a barrier to COVID-19 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Oremus
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Suzanne L Tyas
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Leilei Zeng
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy Newall
- Department of Psychology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Colleen J Maxwell
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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4
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Pulliam L, Sun B, McCafferty E, Soper SA, Witek MA, Hu M, Ford JM, Song S, Kapogiannis D, Glesby MJ, Merenstein D, Tien PC, Freasier H, French A, McKay H, Diaz MM, Ofotokun I, Lake JE, Margolick JB, Kim EY, Levine SR, Fischl MA, Li W, Martinson J, Tang N. Microfluidic Isolation of Neuronal-Enriched Extracellular Vesicles Shows Distinct and Common Neurological Proteins in Long COVID, HIV Infection and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3830. [PMID: 38612641 PMCID: PMC11011771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073830] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LongC) is associated with a myriad of symptoms including cognitive impairment. We reported at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that neuronal-enriched or L1CAM+ extracellular vesicles (nEVs) from people with LongC contained proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since that time, a subset of people with prior COVID infection continue to report neurological problems more than three months after infection. Blood markers to better characterize LongC are elusive. To further identify neuronal proteins associated with LongC, we maximized the number of nEVs isolated from plasma by developing a hybrid EV Microfluidic Affinity Purification (EV-MAP) technique. We isolated nEVs from people with LongC and neurological complaints, AD, and HIV infection with mild cognitive impairment. Using the OLINK platform that assesses 384 neurological proteins, we identified 11 significant proteins increased in LongC and 2 decreased (BST1, GGT1). Fourteen proteins were increased in AD and forty proteins associated with HIV cognitive impairment were elevated with one decreased (IVD). One common protein (BST1) was decreased in LongC and increased in HIV. Six proteins (MIF, ENO1, MESD, NUDT5, TNFSF14 and FYB1) were expressed in both LongC and AD and no proteins were common to HIV and AD. This study begins to identify differences and similarities in the neuronal response to LongC versus AD and HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Pulliam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Bing Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Erin McCafferty
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
| | - Steven A. Soper
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.A.S.); (M.A.W.)
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA;
- Bioengineering Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Malgorzata A. Witek
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA; (S.A.S.); (M.A.W.)
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA;
| | - Mengjia Hu
- Cancer Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA;
| | - Judith M. Ford
- Department of Mental Health, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (J.M.F.); (S.S.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sarah Song
- Department of Mental Health, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (J.M.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Kapogiannis
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Marshall J. Glesby
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Daniel Merenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Phyllis C. Tien
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.C.T.); (H.F.)
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Heather Freasier
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (P.C.T.); (H.F.)
| | - Audrey French
- Department of Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Heather McKay
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Monica M. Diaz
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Jordan E. Lake
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Joseph B. Margolick
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Steven R. Levine
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York College of Medicine and Downstate Medical Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
| | | | - Wei Li
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Jeremy Martinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
| | - Norina Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA; (B.S.); (E.M.); (N.T.)
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5
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Kikinis Z, Castañeyra-Perdomo A, González-Mora JL, Rushmore RJ, Toppa PH, Haggerty K, Papadimitriou G, Rathi Y, Kubicki M, Kikinis R, Heller C, Yeterian E, Besteher B, Pallanti S, Makris N. Investigating the structural network underlying brain-immune interactions using combined histopathology and neuroimaging: a critical review for its relevance in acute and long COVID-19. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337888. [PMID: 38590789 PMCID: PMC11000670 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Current views on immunity support the idea that immunity extends beyond defense functions and is tightly intertwined with several other fields of biology such as virology, microbiology, physiology and ecology. It is also critical for our understanding of autoimmunity and cancer, two topics of great biological relevance and for critical public health considerations such as disease prevention and treatment. Central to this review, the immune system is known to interact intimately with the nervous system and has been recently hypothesized to be involved not only in autonomic and limbic bio-behaviors but also in cognitive function. Herein we review the structural architecture of the brain network involved in immune response. Furthermore, we elaborate upon the implications of inflammatory processes affecting brain-immune interactions as reported recently in pathological conditions due to SARS-Cov-2 virus infection, namely in acute and post-acute COVID-19. Moreover, we discuss how current neuroimaging techniques combined with ad hoc clinical autopsies and histopathological analyses could critically affect the validity of clinical translation in studies of human brain-immune interactions using neuroimaging. Advances in our understanding of brain-immune interactions are expected to translate into novel therapeutic avenues in a vast array of domains including cancer, autoimmune diseases or viral infections such as in acute and post-acute or Long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zora Kikinis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Agustin Castañeyra-Perdomo
- Universidad de La Laguna, Área de Anatomía y Fisiología. Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - José Luis González-Mora
- Universidad de La Laguna, Área de Anatomía y Fisiología. Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Neurosciencias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
| | - Richard Jarrett Rushmore
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Poliana Hartung Toppa
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kayley Haggerty
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - George Papadimitriou
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yogesh Rathi
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marek Kubicki
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ron Kikinis
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carina Heller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Edward Yeterian
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Colby College, Waterville, ME, United States
| | - Bianca Besteher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefano Pallanti
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Florence, Italy
| | - Nikos Makris
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Universidad de La Laguna, Área de Anatomía y Fisiología. Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
- Universidad de La Laguna, Instituto Universitario de Neurosciencias, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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6
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Nawaz AD, Haider MZ, Akhtar S. COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease: Impact of lockdown and other restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:219-229. [PMID: 38078809 PMCID: PMC10950341 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection initially results in respiratory distress symptoms but can also lead to central nervous system (CNS) and neurological manifestations, significantly impacting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, strict lockdown measures introduced to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have raised concerns over the wellbeing of patients with dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this review was to discuss the overlapping molecular pathologies and the potential bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's dementia, as well as the impact of lockdown/restriction measures on the neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the impact of lockdown measures on the NPS of caregivers, exploring its potential effects on the quality and extent of care they provide to dementia patients.We utilized the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to search for articles on COVID-19, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, lockdown, and caregivers. Our review highlights that patients with Alzheimer's disease face an increased risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Additionally, these patients are likely to experience greater cognitive decline. It appears that these issues are primarily caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection and appear to be further exacerbated by restrictive/lockdown measures. Moreover, lockdown measures introduced during the pandemic have negatively impacted both the NPSs of caregivers and their perception of the wellbeing of their Alzheimer's patients. Thus, additional safeguard measures, along with pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, are needed to protect the wellbeing of dementia patients and their caregivers in light of this and possible future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saghir Akhtar
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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7
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Abondio P, Bruno F, Passarino G, Montesanto A, Luiselli D. Pangenomics: A new era in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 94:102180. [PMID: 38163518 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
A pangenome is composed of all the genetic variability of a group of individuals, and its application to the study of neurodegenerative diseases may provide valuable insights into the underlying aspects of genetic heterogenetiy for these complex ailments, including gene expression, epigenetics, and translation mechanisms. Furthermore, a reference pangenome allows for the identification of previously undetected structural commonalities and differences among individuals, which may help in the diagnosis of a disease, support the prediction of what will happen over time (prognosis) and aid in developing novel treatments in the perspective of personalized medicine. Therefore, in the present review, the application of the pangenome concept to the study of neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed and analyzed for its potential to enable an improvement in diagnosis and prognosis for these illnesses, leading to the development of tailored treatments for individual patients from the knowledge of the genomic composition of a whole population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Abondio
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Francesco Bruno
- Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Sciences of Calabria (ASCoC), Lamezia Terme, Italy; Regional Neurogenetic Centre (CRN), Department of Primary Care, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Di Catanzaro, Viale A. Perugini, 88046 Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy; Association for Neurogenetic Research (ARN), Lamezia Terme, CZ, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Passarino
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Alberto Montesanto
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, 48121 Ravenna, Italy
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8
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Shajahan SR, Kumar S, Ramli MDC. Unravelling the connection between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 15:1274452. [PMID: 38259635 PMCID: PMC10800459 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1274452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, there exists a limited comprehension regarding the correlation between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease (AD). To elucidate the interrelationship and its impact on outcomes, a comprehensive investigation was carried out utilising time-unrestricted searches of reputable databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of various medical conditions on severe COVID-19-related events. We focused on identifying and analysing articles that discussed the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients, particularly those pertaining to severe events such as ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, mortality and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) a serious lung condition that causes low blood oxygen. Through careful data analysis and information gathering, we tried to figure out how likely it was that people with conditions, like AD, would have serious events. Our research investigated potential mechanisms that link AD and COVID-19. The ability of the virus to directly invade the central nervous system and the role of ACE-2 receptors were investigated. Furthermore, the OAS1 gene served as the genetic link between AD and COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, our findings suggest that individuals with AD may be more susceptible to experiencing severe outcomes. Consequently, it is crucial to provide personalised care and management for this demographic. Further investigation is required to attain a comprehensive comprehension of the intricate correlation between Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19, as well as its ramifications for patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shah Rezlan Shajahan
- School of Graduate Studies, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Danial Che Ramli
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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9
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Shahbaz MA, Kuivanen S, Lampinen R, Mussalo L, Hron T, Závodná T, Ojha R, Krejčík Z, Saveleva L, Tahir NA, Kalapudas J, Koivisto AM, Penttilä E, Löppönen H, Singh P, Topinka J, Vapalahti O, Chew S, Balistreri G, Kanninen KM. Human-derived air-liquid interface cultures decipher Alzheimer's disease-SARS-CoV-2 crosstalk in the olfactory mucosa. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:299. [PMID: 38098019 PMCID: PMC10722731 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02979-4] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neurological effects of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) raise concerns about potential long-term consequences, such as an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neuroinflammation and other AD-associated pathologies are also suggested to increase the risk of serious SARS-CoV-2 infection. Anosmia is a common neurological symptom reported in COVID-19 and in early AD. The olfactory mucosa (OM) is important for the perception of smell and a proposed site of viral entry to the brain. However, little is known about SARS-CoV-2 infection at the OM of individuals with AD. METHODS To address this gap, we established a 3D in vitro model of the OM from primary cells derived from cognitively healthy and AD individuals. We cultured the cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) to study SARS-CoV-2 infection under controlled experimental conditions. Primary OM cells in ALI expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), and several other known SARS-CoV-2 receptor and were highly vulnerable to infection. Infection was determined by secreted viral RNA content and confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) in the infected cells by immunocytochemistry. Differential responses of healthy and AD individuals-derived OM cells to SARS-CoV-2 were determined by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Results indicate that cells derived from cognitively healthy donors and individuals with AD do not differ in susceptibility to infection with the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, transcriptomic signatures in cells from individuals with AD are highly distinct. Specifically, the cells from AD patients that were infected with the virus showed increased levels of oxidative stress, desensitized inflammation and immune responses, and alterations to genes associated with olfaction. These results imply that individuals with AD may be at a greater risk of experiencing severe outcomes from the infection, potentially driven by pre-existing neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS The study sheds light on the interplay between AD pathology and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Altered transcriptomic signatures in AD cells may contribute to unique symptoms and a more severe disease course, with a notable involvement of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance outcomes for AD patients with viral infection. The study is crucial to better comprehend the relationship between AD, COVID-19, and anosmia. It highlights the importance of ongoing research to develop more effective treatments for those at high risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ali Shahbaz
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Suvi Kuivanen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Institute of Virology, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Riikka Lampinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Laura Mussalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tomáš Hron
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Táňa Závodná
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ravi Ojha
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zdeněk Krejčík
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Liudmila Saveleva
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Numan Ahmad Tahir
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juho Kalapudas
- Department of Neurology, Neuro Centre, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anne M Koivisto
- Department of Neurology, Neuro Centre, Kuopio University Hospital, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
- Brain Research Unit, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Helsinki University Hospital and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Penttilä
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Löppönen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Jan Topinka
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sweelin Chew
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Giuseppe Balistreri
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- The Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland.
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10
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Amadoro G, Latina V, Stigliano E, Micera A. COVID-19 and Alzheimer's Disease Share Common Neurological and Ophthalmological Manifestations: A Bidirectional Risk in the Post-Pandemic Future. Cells 2023; 12:2601. [PMID: 37998336 PMCID: PMC10670749 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence indicates that a neuropathological cross-talk takes place between the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -the pandemic severe pneumonia that has had a tremendous impact on the global economy and health since three years after its outbreak in December 2019- and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia among human beings, reaching 139 million by the year 2050. Even though COVID-19 is a primary respiratory disease, its causative agent, the so-called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is also endowed with high neuro-invasive potential (Neurocovid). The neurological complications of COVID-19, resulting from the direct viral entry into the Central Nervous System (CNS) and/or indirect systemic inflammation and dysregulated activation of immune response, encompass memory decline and anosmia which are typically associated with AD symptomatology. In addition, patients diagnosed with AD are more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection and are inclined to more severe clinical outcomes. In the present review, we better elucidate the intimate connection between COVID-19 and AD by summarizing the involved risk factors/targets and the underlying biological mechanisms shared by these two disorders with a particular focus on the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, APOlipoprotein E (APOE), aging, neuroinflammation and cellular pathways associated with the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)/Amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau neuropathologies. Finally, the involvement of ophthalmological manifestations, including vitreo-retinal abnormalities and visual deficits, in both COVID-19 and AD are also discussed. Understanding the common physiopathological aspects linking COVID-19 and AD will pave the way to novel management and diagnostic/therapeutic approaches to cope with them in the post-pandemic future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Amadoro
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Latina
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Egidio Stigliano
- Area of Pathology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Istituto di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Micera
- Research and Development Laboratory for Biochemical, Molecular and Cellular Applications in Ophthalmological Sciences, IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
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11
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Clement M. The association of microbial infection and adaptive immune cell activation in Alzheimer's disease. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 2:kyad015. [PMID: 38567070 PMCID: PMC10917186 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyad015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia. Early symptoms include the loss of memory and mild cognitive ability; however, as the disease progresses, these symptoms can present with increased severity manifesting as mood and behaviour changes, disorientation, and a loss of motor/body control. AD is one of the leading causes of death in the UK, and with an ever-increasing ageing society, patient numbers are predicted to rise posing a significant global health emergency. AD is a complex neurophysiological disorder where pathology is characterized by the deposition and aggregation of misfolded amyloid-beta (Aβ)-protein that in-turn promotes excessive tau-protein production which together drives neuronal cell dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. It is widely accepted that AD is driven by a combination of both genetic and immunological processes with recent data suggesting that adaptive immune cell activity within the parenchyma occurs throughout disease. The mechanisms behind these observations remain unclear but suggest that manipulating the adaptive immune response during AD may be an effective therapeutic strategy. Using immunotherapy for AD treatment is not a new concept as the only two approved treatments for AD use antibody-based approaches to target Aβ. However, these have been shown to only temporarily ease symptoms or slow progression highlighting the urgent need for newer treatments. This review discusses the role of the adaptive immune system during AD, how microbial infections may be contributing to inflammatory immune activity and suggests how adaptive immune processes can pose as therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Clement
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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12
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Yulug B, Ayyıldız B, Ayyıldız S, Sayman D, Salar AB, Cankaya S, Ozdemir Oktem E, Ozsimsek A, Kurt CC, Lakadamyalı H, Akturk A, Altay Ö, Hanoglu L, Velioglu HA, Mardinoglu A. Infection with COVID-19 is no longer a public emergency: But what about degenerative dementia? J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29072. [PMID: 37724347 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29072] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Although no longer considered a public health threat, post-COVID cognitive syndrome continues to impact on a considerable proportion of individuals who were infected with COVID-19. Recent studies have also suggested that COVID may be represent a critical risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We compared 17 COVID patients with 20 controls and evaluated the effects of COVID-19 on general cognitive performance, hippocampal volume, and connections using structural and seed-based connectivity analysis. We showed that COVID patients exhibited considerably worse cognitive functioning and increased hippocampal connectivity supported by the strong correlation between hippocampal connectivity and cognitive scores. Our findings of higher hippocampal connectivity with no observable hippocampal morphological changes even in mild COVID cases may be represent evidence of a prestructural compensatory mechanism for stimulating additional neuronal resources to combat cognitive dysfunction as recently shown for the prodromal stages of degenerative cognitive disorders. Our findings may be also important in light of recent data showing that other viral infections as well as COVID may constitute a critical risk factor for the development of AD. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated network differences in COVID patients, with a particular focus on compensatory hippocampal connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Yulug
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Behçet Ayyıldız
- Anatomy PhD Program, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kocaeli University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Ayyıldız
- Anatomy PhD Program, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kocaeli University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- TUM-NIC Neuroimaging Center, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dila Sayman
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ali Behram Salar
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Seyda Cankaya
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ece Ozdemir Oktem
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozsimsek
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Cagla Ceren Kurt
- Department of Physiotherapy, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hatice Lakadamyalı
- Department of Radiology, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Aynur Akturk
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Özlem Altay
- KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lutfu Hanoglu
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Halil Aziz Velioglu
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- King's College London, Faculty of Dentistry, London, UK
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13
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de la Monte SM. Malignant Brain Aging: The Formidable Link Between Dysregulated Signaling Through Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Pathways and Alzheimer's Disease (Type 3 Diabetes). J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:1301-1337. [PMID: 37718817 PMCID: PMC10896181 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230555] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Malignant brain aging corresponds to accelerated age-related declines in brain functions eventually derailing the self-sustaining forces that govern independent vitality. Malignant brain aging establishes the path toward dementing neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The full spectrum of AD includes progressive dysfunction of neurons, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, microglia, and the microvascular systems, and is mechanistically driven by insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) deficiencies and resistances with accompanying deficits in energy balance, increased cellular stress, inflammation, and impaired perfusion, mimicking the core features of diabetes mellitus. The underlying pathophysiological derangements result in mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal protein aggregation, increased oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, aberrant autophagy, and abnormal post-translational modification of proteins, all of which are signature features of both AD and dysregulated insulin/IGF-1-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. This article connects the dots from benign to malignant aging to neurodegeneration by reviewing the salient pathologies associated with initially adaptive and later dysfunctional mTOR signaling in the brain. Effective therapeutic and preventive measures must be two-pronged and designed to 1) address complex and shifting impairments in mTOR signaling through the re-purpose of effective anti-diabetes therapeutics that target the brain, and 2) minimize the impact of extrinsic mediators of benign to malignant aging transitions, e.g., inflammatory states, obesity, systemic insulin resistance diseases, and repeated bouts of general anesthesia, by minimizing exposures or implementing neuroprotective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. de la Monte
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medicine, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Lifespan Academic Institutions, and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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