Tag: endothelial injury

Urinary Peptidomic Profiling In Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case-Control Study

Abstract:

Post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-infection (PASC) is challenging to diagnose and treat, and its molecular pathophysiology remains unclear. Urinary peptidomics can provide valuable information on urine peptides that may enable improved and specified PASC diagnosis.
Using standardized capillary electrophoresis-MS, we examined the urinary peptidomes of 50 patients with PASC 10 months after COVID-19 and 50 controls, including healthy individuals (n = 42) and patients with non-COVID-19-associated myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (n = 8).Based on peptide abundance differences between cases and controls, we developed a diagnostic model using a support vector machine. The abundance of 195 urine peptides among PASC patients significantly differed from that in controls, with a predominant abundance of collagen alpha chains. This molecular signature (PASC195) effectively distinguished PASC cases from controls in the training set (AUC of 0.949 [95% CI 0.900–0.998; p < 0.0001]) and independent validation set (AUC of 0.962 [95% CI 0.897–1.00]; p < 0.0001]). In silico assessment suggested exercise, GLP-1RAs and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) as potentially efficacious interventions. We present a novel and non-invasive diagnostic model for PASC. Reflecting its molecular pathophysiology, PASC195 has the potential to advance diagnostics and inform therapeutic interventions.

Statement of Significance of the Study

Despite the recent emergence of omics-derived candidates for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), the pending validation of proposed markers and lack of consensus result in the continuous reliance on symptom-based criteria, being subject to diagnostic uncertainties and potential recall bias. Building upon prior findings of renal involvement in acute COVID-19 pathophysiology and PASC-associated alterations, we hypothesized that the use of urinary peptides for PASC-specific biomarker discovery, unlike conventional specimens that have been utilized thus far, may offer complementary information on putative disease mechanisms.

In the present study, 195 significantly expressed peptides were used to form a classifier termed PASC195, which effectively discriminated PASC from non-PASC (p < 0.0001), including healthy individuals and non-COVID-19-associated myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, in both the derivation (n = 60) and an independent validation set (n = 40). The peptidome profile associated with PASC was consistent with a shift in collagen turnover, with most PASC195 peptides derived from alpha chains. Ongoing inflammatory responses, hemostatic imbalances, and endothelial damage were indicated by cross-sectional variations in endogenous peptide excretion.

Source: Gülmez D, Siwy J, Kurz K, Wendt R, Banasik M, Peters B, Dudoignon E, Depret F, Salgueira M, Nowacki E, Kurnikowski A, Mussnig S, Krenn S, Gonos S, Löffler-Ragg J, Weiss G, Mischak H, Hecking M, Schernhammer E, Beige J; UriCoV Working Group. Urinary Peptidomic Profiling In Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case-Control Study. Proteomics. 2025 Nov 21:e70074. doi: 10.1002/pmic.70074. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41273049. https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmic.70074 (Full text)

A Comparative Study of the Coagulation Systems and Inflammatory Profiles of Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Patients with Long COVID

Abstract:

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a chronic condition that severely debilitates patients, yet it remains largely unfamiliar to many. Faced with scepticism as a real clinical entity for decades, the recognition of ME/CFS has improved with the emergence of Long COVID. This chronic illness manifests after an acute COVID-19 infection. With two-thirds of ME/CFS cases reported to be post-viral, a clear overlap emerges with Long COVID, as both conditions arise following an infectious illness.
The parallels between post-infectious ME/CFS and Long COVID are striking, with similarities in both symptomology and pathophysiology. One overlapping mechanism in both conditions, systemic inflammation, may be perpetuated by pathogen persistence or reactivation. While inflammation alone may not be accountable for the symptoms experienced in both conditions, it can lead to disruption in other physiological mechanisms. Owing to a bi-directional link with inflammation, coagulopathy and vascular changes may be exhibited in ME/CFS and Long COVID. Given the accessibility of blood samples, it is imperative to explore these mechanisms to uncover potential biomarkers for these conditions, both of which currently lack standardised diagnostic biomarkers.
A total of 83 participants were included in the study. The control group consisted of 19 healthy controls and 10 inflammatory controls (individuals with known inflammatory conditions), used to assess inflammation in a step-increase manner. The post-infectious group included 54 individuals, subdivided into 20 ME/CFS patients and 34 Long COVID patients. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 10 and R-Studio, with comparisons made using parametric or non-parametric tests, depending on data distribution. Significant results were considered at P<0.05. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to control for the effects of age and sex on the outcomes.
The techniques utilised in this dissertation focused on Virchow’s triad, a model explaining that hypercoagulability, stasis, and endothelial damage contribute to the aetiology and risk of thrombosis, particularly deep vein thrombosis. Framing the dissertation around this model offered a valuable framework to investigate potential pathological mechanisms and identify relevant biomarkers for these conditions. Common viscoelastic point-of-care devices, including TEG and ClotPro, were employed to examine the hypercoagulability component of Virchow’s triad.
These techniques demonstrated how standard laboratory tests are inefficient in revealing pathological alterations in Long COVID and ME/CFS, and how the insignificance of these results has prompted researchers and healthcare professionals to question the validity of these conditions. Despite this, newly developed fluorescent microscopy techniques revealed an increased presence of plasma structures resistant to fibrinolysis in the post-infectious groups, providing evidence of coagulopathy. This technique effectively distinguished the two conditions, with the Long COVID group showing a 2.75-fold increase in these plasma structures compared to the ME/CFS group. Additionally, the post-infectious groups displayed a marked presence of hyperactivated platelets and megakaryocytes in circulation, with platelet activation and aggregation being 1.35-fold higher in the Long COVID group compared to the ME/CFS group.
However, such microscopy techniques are low-throughput and labour-intensive, making them less practical for diagnostic purposes. An innovative high-throughput diagnostic technique known as real-time deformability cytometry was employed to investigate the second component of Virchow’s triad: alterations in blood rheology.
When isolating anomalous events and large clots in whole blood using the combined filter technique, the Long COVID group showed a 1.30-fold decrease in deformation compared to the ME/CFS group, indicating greater rigidity of these structures. Additionally, the ME/CFS group had a 1.31-fold decrease in the volume of these clots compared to the Long COVID group. Although significant differences were observed in both conditions and likely impact blood rheology, this technique requires further standardisation due to its novelty.
Lastly, endothelial biomarkers previously studied in other inflammatory diseases were investigated to better understand the extent of endothelial damage, the final aspect of Virchow’s triad. The flow luminescence immunoassay revealed a 1.29-fold reduction in cadherin-5 levels in the ME/CFS group compared to healthy controls. No significant differences were found in other endothelial biomarkers between the post-infectious groups, suggesting these biomarkers cannot be repurposed for these conditions.
Furthermore, the lack of replicability in endothelial analyte concentrations among different studies raises concerns about the reproducibility of this technique. When the findings of this dissertation are considered collectively through biomarker stratification, it becomes clear that distinct subgroups may exist within the studied populations. This highlights the importance of a multiparameter approach for diagnosis, although these novel investigations require further validation and should be replicated with larger sample sizes.
Through an examination of these mechanisms, this dissertation illustrated some commonalities between these diseases and demonstrated how Virchow’s triad may be implicated to some extent in both conditions. However, key differences were also identified between the conditions, highlighting the unique challenges each presents. As we investigate whether Long COVID signals the early onset of ME/CFS and consider whether insights gained from decades of combating ME/CFS can enlighten our understanding of Long COVID, we progress toward a deeper understanding of post-infectious conditions and the creative solutions required to address them.
Source: Arron, H. E. 2025. A Comparative Study of the Coagulation Systems and Inflammatory Profiles of Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Patients with Long COVID. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/1a98fb4e-a91f-497b-892e-716a25ee5358

Persistent complement dysregulation with signs of thromboinflammation in active Long Covid

Abstract:

Long Covid is a debilitating condition of unknown etiology. We performed multimodal proteomics analyses of blood serum from COVID-19 patients followed up to 12 months after confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Analysis of >6500 proteins in 268 longitudinal samples revealed dysregulated activation of the complement system, an innate immune protection and homeostasis mechanism, in individuals experiencing Long Covid.

Thus, active Long Covid was characterized by terminal complement system dysregulation and ongoing activation of the alternative and classical complement pathways, the latter associated with increased antibody titers against several herpesviruses possibly stimulating this pathway. Moreover, markers of hemolysis, tissue injury, platelet activation, and monocyte–platelet aggregates were increased in Long Covid. Machine learning confirmed complement and thromboinflammatory proteins as top biomarkers, warranting diagnostic and therapeutic interrogation of these systems.

Source: Carlo Cervia-Hasler et al. Persistent complement dysregulation with signs of thromboinflammation in active Long Covid. Science383,eadg7942(2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adg7942 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adg7942 (Full text)

People With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function

Abstract:

Background: This study aimed to compare flow-mediated dilation values between individuals with Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls to assess the potential implications for clinical management and long-term health outcomes.

Methods: A case-case-control approach was employed, and flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from 51 participants (17 Long COVID patients, 17 ME/CFS patients, and 17 healthy age-matched controls). Flow-mediated dilation values were analysed using one-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons.

Results: Results revealed significantly impaired endothelial function in both Long COVID and ME/CFS groups compared to healthy age-matched controls as determined by maximum % brachial artery diameter post-occlusion compared to pre-occlusion resting diameter (6.99 ± 4.33% and 6.60 ± 3.48% vs. 11.30 ± 4.44%, respectively, both p < 0.05). Notably, there was no difference in flow-mediated dilation between Long COVID and ME/CFS groups (p = 0.949), despite significantly longer illness duration in the ME/CFS group (ME/CFS: 16 ± 11.15 years vs. Long COVID: 1.36 ± 0.51 years, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that both Long COVID and ME/CFS patients exhibit similarly impaired endothelial function, indicating potential vascular involvement in the pathogenesis of these post-viral illnesses. The significant reduction in flow-mediated dilation values suggests an increased cardiovascular risk in these populations, warranting careful monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to improve endothelial function and mitigate long-term health implications.

Source: Marie Mclaughlin Ph.D , Nilihan E.M. Sanal-Hayes Ph.D ,Lawrence D. Hayes Ph.D , Ethan C. Berry BSc , Nicholas F. Sculthorpe Ph.D , People WithLong COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function, The American Journal of Medicine (2023). https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(23)00609-5/fulltext (Full text)

Differential effects of SARS-CoV-2 variants on central nervous system cells and blood–brain barrier functions

Abstract:

Background: Although mainly causing a respiratory syndrome, numerous neurological symptoms have been identified following of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, how the virus affects the brain and how the mutations carried by the different variants modulate those neurological symptoms remain unclear.

Methods: We used primary human pericytes, foetal astrocytes, endothelial cells and a microglial cell line to investigate the effect of several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern or interest on their functional activities. Cells and a 3D blood-brain barrier model were infected with the wild-type form of SARS-CoV-2, Alpha, Beta, Delta, Eta, or Omicron (BA.1) variants at various MOI. Cells and supernatant were used to evaluate cell susceptibility to the virus using a microscopic assay as well as effects of infection on (i) cell metabolic activity using a colorimetric MTS assay; (ii) viral cytopathogenicity using the xCELLigence system; (iii) extracellular glutamate concentration by fluorometric assay; and (iv) modulation of blood-brain barrier permeability.

Results: We demonstrate that productive infection of brain cells is SARS-CoV-2 variant dependent and that all the variants induce stress to CNS cells. The wild-type virus was cytopathic to all cell types except astrocytes, whilst Alpha and Beta variants were only cytopathic for pericytes, and the Omicron variant cytopathic for endothelial cells and pericytes. Lastly wild-type virus increases blood-brain barrier permeability and all variants, except Beta, modulate extracellular glutamate concentration, which can lead to excitotoxicity or altered neurotransmission.

Conclusions: These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is neurotropic, with deleterious consequences for the blood-brain barrier integrity and central nervous system cells, which could underlie neurological disorders following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Source: Proust A, Queval CJ, Harvey R, Adams L, Bennett M, Wilkinson RJ. Differential effects of SARS-CoV-2 variants on central nervous system cells and blood-brain barrier functions. J Neuroinflammation. 2023 Aug 3;20(1):184. doi: 10.1186/s12974-023-02861-3. PMID: 37537664; PMCID: PMC10398935. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10398935/ (Full text)

Long COVID is primarily a Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis

Abstract:

Long COVID describes an array of often debilitating symptoms in the aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with similar symptomatology affecting some people post-vaccination. With an estimated > 200 million Long COVID patients worldwide and cases still rising, the effects on quality of life and the economy are significant, thus warranting urgent attention to understand the pathophysiology. Herein we describe our perspective that Long COVID is a continuation of acute COVID-19 pathology, whereby coagulopathy is the main driver of disease and can cause or exacerbate other pathologies common in Long COVID, such as mast cell activation syndrome and dysautonomia.
Considering the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can independently induce fibrinaloid microclots, platelet activation, and endotheliitis, we predict that persistent spike protein will be a key mechanism driving the continued coagulopathy in Long COVID. We discuss several treatment targets to address the coagulopathy, and predict that (particularly early) treatment with combination anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs will bring significant relief to many patients, supported by a case study. To help focus attention on such treatment targets, we propose Long COVID should be referred to as Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis (SITV). These ideas require urgent testing, especially as the world tries to co-exist with COVID-19.

Source: Kerr R, Carroll HA. Long COVID is primarily a Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis. Research Square; 2023. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2939263/v1. https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-2939263/v1_covered_7190a867-1475-4b57-b220-716a953649f1.pdf?c=1684433225 (Full text)

Review of Neurological Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect any part of the neuraxis. Many neurological conditions have been attributed to be caused by SARS-CoV-2, namely encephalopathy (acute necrotizing encephalopathy and encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesions), seizures, stroke, cranial nerve palsies, meningoencephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis (long and short segment), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and its variants, polyneuritis cranialis, optic neuritis (ON), plexopathy, myasthenia gravis (MG), and myositis.

The pathophysiology differs depending on the time frame of presentation. In patients with concomitant pulmonary disease, for instance, acute neurological illness appears to be caused by endotheliopathy and cytokine storm. Autoimmunity and molecular mimicry are causative for post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-sequelae. It has not yet been shown that the virus can penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) directly.

This review aims to describe the disease and root pathogenic cause of the various neurological manifestations of COVID-19. We searched Pubmed/Medline and Google Scholar using the keywords “SARS-CoV-2” and “neurological illness” for articles published between January 2020 and November 2022. Then, we used the SWIFT-Review (Sciome LLC, North Carolina, United States), a text-mining workbench for systematic review, to classify the 1383 articles into MeSH hierarchical tree codes for articles on various parts of the nervous system, such as the CNS, peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, sensory system, and musculoskeletal system. Finally, we reviewed 152 articles in full text. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in multiple brain areas without any histopathological changes.

Despite the absence of in vivo virions or virus-infected cells, CNS inflammation has been reported, especially in the olfactory bulb and brain stem. SARS-CoV-2 genomes and proteins have been found in affected individuals’ brain tissues, but corresponding neuropathologic changes are seldom found in these cases. Additionally, viral RNA can rarely be identified in neurological patients’ CSF post hoc SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Most patients with neurological symptoms do not have active viral replication in the nervous system and infrequently have typical clinical and laboratory characteristics of viral CNS infections. Endotheliopathy and the systemic inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection play a crucial role in developing neuro-COVID-19, with proinflammatory cytokine release mediating both pathological pathways. The systemic inflammatory mediators likely activate astrocytes and microglia across the blood-brain barrier, indirectly affecting CNS-specific immune activation and tissue injury. The management differs according to co-morbidities and the neurological disorder.

Source: P, Sehgal V, Kapila S, et al. (April 27, 2023) Review of Neurological Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2. Cureus 15(4): e38194. doi:10.7759/cureus.38194 https://www.cureus.com/articles/149269-review-of-neurological-manifestations-of-sars-cov-2#!/ (Full text)

Long COVID: pathophysiological factors and abnormalities of coagulation

Abstract:

Acute COVID-19 infection is followed by prolonged symptoms in approximately one in ten cases: known as Long COVID. The disease affects ~65 million individuals worldwide. Many pathophysiological processes appear to underlie Long COVID, including viral factors (persistence, reactivation, and bacteriophagic action of SARS CoV-2); host factors (chronic inflammation, metabolic and endocrine dysregulation, immune dysregulation, and autoimmunity); and downstream impacts (tissue damage from the initial infection, tissue hypoxia, host dysbiosis, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction).

These mechanisms culminate in the long-term persistence of the disorder characterized by a thrombotic endothelialitis, endothelial inflammation, hyperactivated platelets, and fibrinaloid microclots. These abnormalities of blood vessels and coagulation affect every organ system and represent a unifying pathway for the various symptoms of Long COVID.

Source: Turner S, Khan MA, Putrino D, Woodcock A, Kell DB, Pretorius E. Long COVID: pathophysiological factors and abnormalities of coagulation. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Jun;34(6):321-344. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.03.002. Epub 2023 Apr 19. PMID: 37080828; PMCID: PMC10113134. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10113134/ (Full text)

Damage to endothelial barriers and its contribution to long COVID

Abstract:

The world continues to contend with COVID-19, fueled by the emergence of viral variants. At the same time, a subset of convalescent individuals continues to experience persistent and prolonged sequelae, known as long COVID. Clinical, autopsy, animal and in vitro studies all reveal endothelial injury in acute COVID-19 and convalescent patients. Endothelial dysfunction is now recognized as a central factor in COVID-19 progression and long COVID development.

Different organs contain different types of endothelia, each with specific features, forming different endothelial barriers and executing different physiological functions. Endothelial injury results in contraction of cell margins (increased permeability), shedding of glycocalyx, extension of phosphatidylserine-rich filopods, and barrier damage.

During acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, damaged endothelial cells promote diffuse microthrombi and destroy the endothelial (including blood-air, blood-brain, glomerular filtration and intestinal-blood) barriers, leading to multiple organ dysfunction. During the convalescence period, a subset of patients is unable to fully recover due to persistent endothelial dysfunction, contributing to long COVID. There is still an important knowledge gap between endothelial barrier damage in different organs and COVID-19 sequelae. In this article, we mainly focus on these endothelial barriers and their contribution to long COVID.

Source: Wu X, Xiang M, Jing H, Wang C, Novakovic VA, Shi J. Damage to endothelial barriers and its contribution to long COVID. Angiogenesis. 2023 Apr 27:1–18. doi: 10.1007/s10456-023-09878-5. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37103631; PMCID: PMC10134732. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10134732/ (Full text)

Thrombo-inflammation in Long COVID – the elusive key to post-infection sequelae?

Abstract:

Long COVID is a public health emergency affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by heterogenous symptoms across multiple organs systems. Here, we discuss the current evidence linking thrombo-inflammation to Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).

Studies have found persistence of vascular damage with increased circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction, coagulation abnormalities with increased thrombin generation capacity, and abnormalities in platelet counts in PASC. Neutrophil phenotype resembles acute COVID-19 with an increase in activation and NETosis. These insights are potentially linked by elevated platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation. This hypercoagulable state in turn can lead to microvascular thrombosis, evidenced by microclots and elevated D-Dimer in the circulation, as well as perfusion abnormalities in the lung and brain of Long COVID patients. Also, COVID-19 survivors suffer from an increased rate of arterial and venous thrombotic events.

We discuss three important, potentially intertwined hypotheses, that might contribute to thromboinflammation in Long COVID: Lasting structural changes, most prominently endothelial damage, caused during initial infection, a persistent viral reservoir, and immunopathology driven by a misguided immune system.

Lastly, we outline the necessity for large, well-characterized clinical cohorts and mechanistic studies to clarify the contribution of thromboinflammation to Long COVID.

Source: Nicolai L, Kaiser R, Stark K. Thrombo-inflammation in Long COVID – the elusive key to post-infection sequelae? J Thromb Haemost. 2023 May 11:S1538-7836(23)00400-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.04.039. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37178769; PMCID: PMC10174338. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10174338/ (Full text)