Urine Metabolite Analysis to Identify Pathomechanisms of Long COVID: A Pilot Study

Abstract:

Background: Around 10% of people who had COVID-9 infection suffer from persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, arthralgia/myalgia, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction and impairment of mental health. Different underlying pathomechanisms appear to be involved, in particular inflammation, alterations in amino acid metabolism, autonomic dysfunction and gut dysbiosis.

Aim: As routine tests are often inconspicuous in patients with Long COVID (LC), similarly to patients suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), accessible biomarkers indicating dysregulation of specific pathways are urgently needed to identify underlying pathomechanisms and enable personalized medicine treatment. Within this pilot study we aimed to proof traceability of altered metabolism by urine analysis.

Patients and methods: Urine metabolome analyses were performed to investigate the metabolic signature of patients with LC (n = 25; 20 women, 5 men) in comparison to healthy controls (Ctrl, n = 8; 7 women, 1 man) and individuals with ME/CFS (n = 8; 2 women, 6 men). Concentrations of neurotransmitter precursors tryptophan, phenylalanine and their downstream metabolites, as well as their association with symptoms (fatigue, anxiety and depression) in the patients were examined.

Results and conclusion: Phenylalanine levels were significantly lower in both the LC and ME/CFS patient groups when compared to the Ctrl group. In many LC patients, the concentrations of downstream metabolites of tryptophan and tyrosine, such as serotonin, dopamine and catecholamines, deviated from the reference ranges. Several symptoms (sleep disturbance, pain or autonomic dysfunction) were associated with certain metabolites. Patients experiencing fatigue had lower levels of kynurenine, phenylalanine and a reduced kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (Kyn/Trp). Lower concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and higher activity of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) were observed in patients with anxiety.

Conclusively, our results suggest that amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis is disturbed in patients with LC and ME/CFS. The identified metabolites and their associated dysregulations could serve as potential biomarkers for elucidating underlying pathomechanisms thus enabling personalized treatment strategies for these patient populations.

Source: Taenzer M, Löffler-Ragg J, Schroll A, Monfort-Lanzas P, Engl S, Weiss G, Brigo N, Kurz K. Urine Metabolite Analysis to Identify Pathomechanisms of Long COVID: A Pilot Study. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2023 Dec 22;16:11786469231220781. doi: 10.1177/11786469231220781. PMID: 38144169; PMCID: PMC10748708. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10748708/ (Full text)

Dysregulation of the Kynurenine Pathway, Cytokine Expression Pattern, and Proteomics Profile Link to Symptomology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Abstract:

Dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) is believed to play a significant role in neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders. While some evidence links the KP to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), further studies are needed to clarify the overall picture of how inflammation-driven KP disturbances may contribute to symptomology in ME/CFS.

Here, we report that plasma levels of most bioactive KP metabolites differed significantly between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls in a manner consistent with their known contribution to symptomology in other neurological disorders. Importantly, we found that enhanced production of the first KP metabolite, kynurenine (KYN), correlated with symptom severity, highlighting the relationship between inflammation, KP dysregulation, and ME/CFS symptomology.

Other significant changes in the KP included lower levels of the downstream KP metabolites 3-HK, 3-HAA, QUIN, and PIC that could negatively impact cellular energetics. We also rationalized KP dysregulation to changes in the expression of inflammatory cytokines and, for the first time, assessed levels of the iron (Fe)-regulating hormone hepcidin that is also inflammation-responsive. Levels of hepcidin in ME/CFS decreased nearly by half, which might reflect systemic low Fe levels or possibly ongoing hypoxia.

We next performed a proteomics screen to survey for other significant differences in protein expression in ME/CFS. Interestingly, out of the seven most significantly modulated proteins in ME/CFS patient plasma, 5 proteins have roles in maintaining gut health, which considering the new appreciation of how gut microbiome and health modulates systemic KP could highlight a new explanation of symptomology in ME/CFS patients and potential new prognostic biomarker/s and/or treatment avenues.

Source: Kavyani B, Ahn SB, Missailidis D, Annesley SJ, Fisher PR, Schloeffel R, Guillemin GJ, Lovejoy DB, Heng B. Dysregulation of the Kynurenine Pathway, Cytokine Expression Pattern, and Proteomics Profile Link to Symptomology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Mol Neurobiol. 2023 Nov 28. doi: 10.1007/s12035-023-03784-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38015302. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38015302/

Treatment of Brain Fog of Long COVID Syndrome: A Hypothesis

Abstract:

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus has exacted a significant toll on the global population in terms of fatalities, health consequences, and economics. As of February 2023, there have been almost 800 million confirmed cases of the disorder reported to the WHO [1], although the actual case-positive rate is estimated to be much higher.

While many cases recover, the mortality rate associated with the illness is about 1% (based on the WHO data). Most patients experience the illness as a mild to moderate disorder and recover without significant sequelae. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic has continued, there has emerged a significant group of COVID-19 survivors who experience persistent symptoms beyond the acute course of the illness.

As many as one in eight patients report persistent symptoms 90 to 150 days after the initial infection [2]. These so-called Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome patients are mostly drawn from those who were hospitalised for the disorder, but both non-hospitalised and vaccinated subjects may also experience the syndrome [3]. While an agreed definition of Long COVID is yet to be settled, a multiplicity of symptoms affecting most major organ systems has been reported in patients.

Common Long COVID symptoms include fatigue, dyspnoea, headaches, myalgia, anosmia, dysgeusia, cognitive symptoms, and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety [4]. It is estimated that approximately a third of patients with Long COVID exhibit either fatigue, cognitive impairment, or both up to 12 weeks after a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 [5].

Source: Norman TR. Treatment of Brain Fog of Long COVID Syndrome: A Hypothesis. Psychiatry International. 2023; 4(3):242-245. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint4030024 https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5318/4/3/24 (Full text)

Prolonged indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 activity and associated cellular stress in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract:

Background: Post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) encompass fatigue, post-exertional malaise and cognitive problems. The abundant expression of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 (IDO2) in fatal/severe COVID-19, led us to determine, in an exploratory observational study, whether IDO2 is expressed and active in PASC, and may correlate with pathophysiology.

Methods: Plasma or serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from well-characterized PASC patients and SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals without PASC. We assessed tryptophan and its degradation products by UPLC-MS/MS. IDO2 activity, its potential consequences, and the involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in IDO2 expression were determined in PBMC from another PASC cohort by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for IDO2, IDO1, AHR, kynurenine metabolites, autophagy, and apoptosis. These PBMC were also analyzed by metabolomics and for mitochondrial functioning by respirometry. IHC was also performed on autopsy brain material from two PASC patients.

Findings: IDO2 is expressed and active in PBMC from PASC patients, as well as in brain tissue, long after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is paralleled by autophagy, and in blood cells by reduced mitochondrial functioning, reduced intracellular levels of amino acids and Krebs cycle-related compounds. IDO2 expression and activity is triggered by SARS-CoV-2-infection, but the severity of SARS-CoV-2-induced pathology appears related to the generated specific kynurenine metabolites. Ex vivo, IDO2 expression and autophagy can be halted by an AHR antagonist.

Interpretation: SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers long-lasting IDO2 expression, which can be halted by an AHR antagonist. The specific kynurenine catabolites may relate to SARS-CoV-2-induced symptoms and pathology.

Source: Guo L, Appelman B, Mooij-Kalverda K, Houtkooper RH, van Weeghel M, Vaz FM, Dijkhuis A, Dekker T, Smids BS, Duitman JW, Bugiani M, Brinkman P, Sikkens JJ, Lavell HAA, Wüst RCI, van Vugt M, Lutter R; Amsterdam UMC COVID-19 Biobank study Group. Prolonged indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 activity and associated cellular stress in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. EBioMedicine. 2023 Jul 26;94:104729. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104729. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37506544; PMCID: PMC10406961. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10406961/ (Full text)

A Thesis on Immune Differences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Healthy Controls

Abstract:

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) are debilitating disorders that significantly affect the daily lives of those suffering from them, as well as their loved ones. Both conditions have overlapping clinical features that resemble inflammatory disorders, and overlapping symptoms, such as depression, suggest central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The role of the immune system’s soluble messengers in the pathogenesis of CFS and FM has been under investigation, but so far the results are inconclusive. In addition, there is growing evidence that the kynurenine pathway is involved in the pathology of diseases related to the CNS, yet the role of each metabolite is not clear. The relationship between kynurenine metabolism and CFS and FM has not been extensively explored. Few studies have simultaneously examined the immunological status in both CFS and FM, making this thesis the first to comprehensively evaluate the potential distinct immunological differences between the two disorders.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the CFS and FM with healthy controls, regarding the levels of several soluble blood markers related to the immune system. The markers chosen were:

  • The inflammatory marker high-sensitive CRP (hsCRP)
  • The following cytokines and chemokines: Interferon (IFN)-γ, Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL1ra, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, Interferon gamma-induced protein (IP)-10, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein (MCP)-1, Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α
  • The metabolites and their ratios of the kynurenine pathway: Tryptophan (Try), kynurenine (Kyn), kynurenic acid (KA), 3-hydroxykykynurenine (HK), anthranilic acid (AA), xanthurenic acid (XA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (HAA), quinolinic acid (QA) and picolinic acid (Pic).

Method: The population consisted of three groups: CFS patients (n = 49), FM patients (n = 58), and healthy controls (n = 54). All participants were females aged 18–60. Patients were recruited from a specialised university hospital clinic and controls were recruited by advertisement among the staff and students at the hospital and university.

Plasma levels of hsCRP were analysed at the hospital. The cytokines and chemokines IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-1ra, xii IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IP-10, MCP-1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and TNF-α were analysed by multiplex. Kynurenine metabolites were analysed by LC-MS/MS.

Linear regression models of log-transformed data for hsCRP and the kynurenine metabolites were conducted for comparison of the three groups CFS, FM and controls. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyse differences of cytokines between the three groups. Main findings were controlled for age, body mass index (BMI), and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Results: hsCRP levels were significantly higher for both the CFS and FM groups compared to healthy controls when adjusting for age and BMI (p = .006). There was no difference between the two patient groups. Level of hsCRP was affected by BMI (p < .001) but not age.

MCP-1 was significantly increased in both patient groups compared to healthy controls (p < .001). IL-1β, Il-4, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 (all p < .001), IL-10 (p = .003) and IL17 (p = .002) all were significantly lower in the patient groups compared to healthy controls. IFN-γ was significantly lower in the FM group (p < .001). For IL-8, IP-10 and IL1ra there were no significant difference.

QA differed between CFS and FM patients (p = .036) and was related to higher levels of BMI (p = .002). The KA/QA ratio was lower for CFS patients compared to healthy controls (p = .016). The KA/HK ratio was lower for FM patients compared to healthy controls, and this lower ratio was associated with increased symptoms of pain (p = .002). The kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II) enzymatic activity given by XA/HK was lower for FM patients compared to healthy controls (p = .013). In addition, BMI was negatively associated with enhanced KAT II enzymatic activity (p = .039).

Symptoms of anxiety and depression were not associated with any of the immune markers studied.

Conclusion: In our material hsCRP and MCP-1 are increased in patients both with CFS and with FM, while several other cytokines are either similar or significantly lower in patients than controls. Our study also indicates associations between kynurenine metabolism and CFS and FM. Kynurenine also is associated with single symptoms such as fatigue and pain. Forthcoming studies indicating interactions and causative effects, or restoration of the inflammatory status, may place cytokines and kynurenine metabolites as a target for treatment as well as prevention of these conditions in the future.

Source: Groven, Nina. A Thesis on Immune Differences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Healthy Controls. PhD Thesis [Norwegian University of Science and Technology] https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/3072207 (Full text available as PDF file)

Tryptophan catabolites, inflammation, and insulin resistance as determinants of chronic fatigue syndrome and affective symptoms in long COVID

Abstract:

Critical COVID-19 disease is accompanied by depletion of plasma tryptophan (TRY) and increases in indoleamine-dioxygenase (IDO)-stimulated production of neuroactive tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs), including kynurenine (KYN). The TRYCAT pathway has not been studied extensively in association with the physiosomatic and affective symptoms of Long COVID.

In the present study, we measured serum TRY, TRYCATs, insulin resistance (using the Homeostatic Model Assessment Index 2-insulin resistance, HOMA2-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), physiosomatic, depression, and anxiety symptoms in 90 Long COVID patients, 3–10 months after remission of acute infection.

We were able to construct an endophenotypic class of severe Long COVID (22% of the patients) with very low TRY and oxygen saturation (SpO2, during acute infection), increased kynurenine, KYN/TRY ratio, CRP, and very high ratings on all symptom domains. One factor could be extracted from physiosomatic symptoms (including chronic fatigue-fibromyalgia), depression, and anxiety symptoms, indicating that all domains are manifestations of the common physio-affective phenome.

Three Long COVID biomarkers (CRP, KYN/TRY, and IR) explained around 40% of the variance in the physio-affective phenome. The latter and the KYN/TRY ratio were significantly predicted by peak body temperature (PBT) and lowered SpO2 during acute infection. One validated latent vector could be extracted from the three symptom domains and a composite based on CRP, KYN/TRY, and IR (Long COVID), and PBT and SpO2 (acute COVID-19).

In conclusion, the physio-affective phenome of Long COVID is a manifestation of inflammatory responses during acute and Long COVID, and lowered plasma tryptophan and increased kynurenine may contribute to these effects.

Source: Al-Hakeim HK, Khairi Abed A, Rouf Moustafa S, Almulla AF, Maes M. Tryptophan catabolites, inflammation, and insulin resistance as determinants of chronic fatigue syndrome and affective symptoms in long COVID. Front Mol Neurosci. 2023 Jun 2;16:1194769. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1194769. PMID: 37333619; PMCID: PMC10272345. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10272345/ (Full text)

Kynurenine serves as useful biomarker in acute, Long- and Post-COVID-19 diagnostics

Abstract:

Introduction: In patients with SARS-CoV-2, innate immunity is playing a central role, depicted by hyperinflammation and longer lasting inflammatory response. Reliable inflammatory markers that cover both acute and long-lasting COVID-19 monitoring are still lacking. Thus, we investigated one specific inflammatory marker involved as one key player of the immune system, kynurenine (Kyn), and its use for diagnosis/detection of the Long-/Post-COVID syndrome in comparison to currently used markers in both serum and saliva samples.

Material and methods: The study compromised in total 151 inpatients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized between 03/2020 and 09/2021. The group NC (normal controls) included blood bank donors (n=302, 144f/158m, mean age 47.1 ± 18.3 years (range 18-75)). Two further groups were generated based on Group A (n=85, 27f/58m, mean age 63.1 ± 18.3 years (range 19-90), acute admission to the hospital) and Group B (n=66, 22f/44m, mean age 66.6 ± 17.6 years (range 17-90), admitted either for weaning or for rehabilitation period due to Long-COVID symptoms/syndrome). Plasma concentrations of Kyn, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured on admission. In Group B we determined Kyn 4 weeks after the negative PCR-test. In a subset of patients (n=11) concentrations of Kyn and CRP were measured in sera and saliva two, three and four months after dismission. We identified 12 patients with Post-COVID symptoms >20 weeks with still significant elevated Kyn-levels.

Results: Mean values for NC used as reference were 2.79 ± 0.61 µM, range 1.2-4.1 µM. On admission, patients showed significantly higher concentrations of Kyn compared to NC (p-values < 0.001). Kyn significantly correlated with IL-6 peak-values (r=0.411; p-values <0.001) and CRP (r=0.488, p-values<0.001). Kyn values in Group B (Long-/Post-COVID) showed still significant higher values (8.77 ± 1.72 µM, range 5.5-16.6 µM), whereas CRP values in Group B were in the normal range.

Conclusion: Serum and saliva Kyn are reflecting the acute and long-term pathophysiology of the SARS-CoV-2 disease concerning the innate immune response and thus may serve a useful biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring both Long- and Post-COVID syndrome and its therapy.

Source: Bizjak DA, Stangl M, Börner N, Bösch F, Durner J, Drunin G, Buhl JL, Abendroth D. Kynurenine serves as useful biomarker in acute, Long- and Post-COVID-19 diagnostics. Front Immunol. 2022 Sep 23;13:1004545. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1004545. PMID: 36211365; PMCID: PMC9537769. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9537769/ (Full text)

Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle?

Abstract:

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease with a substantial social and economic impact on individuals and their community. Despite its importance and deteriorating impact, progresses in diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS is limited. This is due to the unclear pathophysiology of the disease and consequently lack of prognostic biomarkers.

To investigate pathophysiology of ME/CFS, several potential pathologic hallmarks have been investigated; however, these studies have failed to report a consistent result. These failures in introducing the underlying reason for ME/CFS have stimulated considering other possible contributing mechanisms such as tryptophan (TRP) metabolism and in particular kynurenine pathway (KP).

KP plays a central role in cellular energy production through the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). In addition, this pathway has been shown to mediate immune response and neuroinflammation through its metabolites. This review, we will discuss the pathology and management of ME/CFS and provide evidence pertaining KP abnormalities and symptoms that are classic characteristics of ME/CFS. Targeting the KP regulation may provide innovative approaches to the management of ME/CFS.

Source: Kavyani B, Lidbury BA, Schloeffel R, Fisher PR, Missailidis D, Annesley SJ, Dehhaghi M, Heng B, Guillemin GJ. Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle? Cell Mol Life Sci. 2022 Jul 11;79(8):412. doi: 10.1007/s00018-022-04380-5. PMID: 35821534. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-022-04380-5  (Full text)

Post-acute COVID-19 cognitive impairment and decline uniquely associate with kynurenine pathway activation: a longitudinal observational study

Abstract:

Cognitive impairment and function post-acute mild to moderate COVID-19 are poorly understood. We report findings of 128 prospectively studied SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Cognition and olfaction were assessed at 2-, 4- and 12-months post-diagnosis. Lung function, physical and mental health were assessed at 2-month post diagnosis. Blood cytokines, neuro-biomarkers, and kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites were measured at 2-, 4-, 8- and 12-months. Mild to moderate cognitive impairment (demographically corrected) was present in 16%, 23%, and 26%, at 2-, 4- and 12-months post diagnosis, respectively. Overall cognitive performance mildly, but significantly (p<.001) declined. Cognitive impairment was more common in those with anosmia (p=.05), but only at 2 months. KP metabolites quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and kynurenine were significantly (p<.001) associated with cognitive decline. The KP as a unique biomarker offers a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19-related cognitive impairment.

Source: Lucette A. CysiqueDavid JakabekSophia G. BrackenYasmin Allen-DavidianBenjamin HengSharron ChowMona DehhaghiAnanda Staats PiresDavid R. DarleyAnthony ByrneChansavath PhetsouphanhAnthony KelleherGregory J. DoreGail V. MatthewsGilles J GuilleminBruce J. Brew. Post-acute COVID-19 cognitive impairment and decline uniquely associate with kynurenine pathway activation: a longitudinal observational study. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.06.07.22276020v1.full-text (Full text)

The Role of Kynurenine Pathway and NAD + Metabolism in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, complex, and highly debilitating long-term illness. People with ME/CFS are typically unable to carry out their routine activities. Key hallmarks of the disease are neurological and gastrointestinal impairments accompanied by pervasive malaise that is exacerbated after physical and/or mental activity. Currently, there is no validated cure of biomarker signature for this illness. Impaired tryptophan (TRYP) metabolism is thought to play significant role in the pathobiology of ME/CFS.

TRYP is an important precursor for serotonin and the essential pyridine nucleotide nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). TRYP has been associated with the development of some parts of the brain responsible for behavioural functions. The main catabolic route for TRYP is the kynurenine pathway (KP). The KP produces NAD+ and several neuroactive metabolites with neuroprotective (i.e., kynurenic acid (KYNA)) and neurotoxic (i.e., quinolinic acid (QUIN)) activities. Hyperactivation of the KP, whether compensatory or a driving mechanism of degeneration can limit the availability of NAD+ and exacerbate the symptoms of ME/CFS.

This review discusses the potential association of altered KP metabolism in ME/CFS. The review also evaluates the role of the patient’s gut microbiota on TRYP availability and KP activation. We propose that strategies aimed at raising the levels of NAD+ (e.g., using nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside) may be a promising intervention to overcome symptoms of fatigue and to improve the quality of life in patients with ME/CFS. Future clinical trials should further assess the potential benefits of NAD+ supplements for reducing some of the clinical features of ME/CFS.

Source: Dehhaghi M, Panahi HKS, Kavyani B, Heng B, Tan V, Braidy N, Guillemin GJ. The Role of Kynurenine Pathway and NAD+ Metabolism in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Aging Dis. 2022 Jun 1;13(3):698-711. doi: 10.14336/AD.2021.0824. PMID: 35656104; PMCID: PMC9116917. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9116917/ (Full text)