Tag: long covid treatment

Vitamin B12 as an epidrug for regulating peripheral blood biomarkers in long COVID-associated visuoconstructive deficit

Abstract:

Approximately four months after recovering from a mild COVID-19 infection, around 25% of individuals developed visuoconstructive deficit (VCD), which was found to be correlated with an increase in peripheral immune markers and alterations in structural and metabolic brain imaging. Recently, it has been demonstrated that supplemental vitamin B12 regulates hyperinflammation during moderate and severe COVID-19 through methyl-dependent epigenetic mechanisms.

Herein, whole peripheral blood cultures were produced using samples obtained from patients with confirmed persistent VCD, and controls without impairment, between 10 and 16 months after mild COVID-19. This experimental model was used to assess the leukocyte expression patterns of 11 biomarkers previously associated with VCD in long COVID and explore the potential of pharmacological B12 in regulating these genes. The results showed that patients with persistent VCD displayed continued upregulation of CCL11 and LIF compared to controls.

It is worth noting that elevated serum levels of CCL11 have been previously linked to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, the addition of 1 nM of vitamin B12 to blood cultures from individuals with VCD normalized the mRNA levels of CCL11, upregulated the neuroprotective HGF, and, to a lesser extent, downregulated CSF2 and CXCL10. There was an inverse correlation observed between CCL11 mRNA levels and methylation levels of specific cytosines in its promoter region.

These findings underscore the significance of systemic inflammation in persistent VCD associated with long COVID. Moreover, the study provides evidence suggesting that B12, acting as an epidrug, shows promise as a therapeutic approach for addressing this cognitive impairment.

Source: Larissa Cassiano, Jonas Paula, Daniela Rosa et al. Vitamin B12 as an epidrug for regulating peripheral blood biomarkers in long COVID-associated visuoconstructive deficit, 11 October 2023, PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3158180/v1] https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3158180/v1 (Full text)

Acupuncture as an Additional Method of Rehabilitation Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract:

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation with and without acupuncture in a hospital setting.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed at Rehabilitation center “Kamenskoe Plato” in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 160 patients with Post COVID-19 condition were randomly equally divided into an acupuncture with complex rehabilitation methods and a only complex rehabilitation methods group in the period from March 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Either groups was performed for an 10-14 days period. The outcome measures were the Bartel index, the Borg scale, Modified Dyspnea Scale and the 6-minute walking test. Adverse events also were monitored and documented.

Results: We found statistically significant improvement after the rehabilitation course with acupuncture in the all scales. And in the group without acupuncture, only on two scales MDS and Borg scale.

Conclusion: Rehabilitation with acupuncture is possible and effective in patients recovering from post-COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients with post-COVID-19.

Source: Omarova I, Akanova A, Kurmanova A, Kurmanova G, Glushkova N, Seidanova A, Turysbekov K. Acupuncture as an Additional Method of Rehabilitation Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial. J Pharmacopuncture. 2023 Sep 30;26(3):238-246. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2023.26.3.238. PMID: 37799621; PMCID: PMC10547817. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10547817/ (Full text)

Pathophysiology and potential treatment of long COVID: A report of signal index cases and call for targeted research

Abstract:

Objective: Long COVID has afflicted tens of millions globally leaving many previously-healthy persons severely and indefinitely debilitated. The objective here was to report cases of complete, rapid remission of severe forms of long COVID following certain monoclonal antibody (MCA) infusions and review the corresponding pathophysiological implications.

Design: Case histories of the first three index events (among others) are presented. Unaware of others with similar remissions, each subject independently completed personal narratives and standardized surveys regarding demographics/occupation, past history, and the presence and respective severity grading of 33 signs/symptoms associated with long COVID, comparing the presence/severity of those symptoms during the pre-COVID, long-COVID, post-vaccination, and post-MCA phases.

Setting: Patient interviews, e-mails and telephone conversations.

Subjects: Three previously healthy, middle-aged, highly-functioning persons, two women and one man (ages 60, 43, and 63 years respectively) who, post-acute COVID-19 infection, developed chronic, unrelenting fatigue and cognitive impairment along with other severe, disabling symptoms. Each then independently reported incidental and unanticipated complete remissions within days of MCA treatment.

Interventions: The casirivimab/imdevimab cocktail.

Measurements and main results: Irrespective of sex, age, vaccination status, or illness duration (18, 8 and 5 months, respectively), each subject experienced the same complete remission of their persistent disabling disease within a week of MCA infusion. Each rapidly returned to normal health and previous lifestyles/occupations with normalized exercise tolerance, still sustained to date nearly two years later.

Conclusions: These index cases provide compelling clinical signals that MCA infusions may be capable of treating long COVID in certain cases, including those with severe debilitation. While the complete and sustained remissions observed here may only apply to long COVID resulting from pre-Delta variants and the specific MCA infused, the striking rapid and complete remissions observed in these cases also provide mechanistic implications for treating/managing other post-viral chronic conditions and long COVID from other variants.

Key points

  • •Question: Considering that long COVID-19 has been devastating for many millions worldwide, what is the proposed pathophysiology and are there any effective treatments?
  • Findings: Previously-healthy middle-aged persons who had developed persistent debilitating post-acute SARS-CoV-2 sequelae, each experienced complete remission their symptoms within days of receiving a specific monoclonal anti-body infusion despite relative differences in sex, age, vaccination status, and long COVID duration.
  • Meaning: Certain monoclonal antibody infusions may be capable of reversing severe long COVID. Beyond providing an effective potential treatment for long COVID, these findings have mechanistic implications for treating other post-viral chronic conditions, including future long COVID variants.

Source: Kenneth A. Scheppke, Paul E. Pepe, Jonathan Jui, Remle P. Crowe, Eric K. Scheppke, Nancy G. Klimas, Aileen M. Marty. Pathophysiology and potential treatment of long COVID: A report of signal index cases and call for targeted research, The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2023. ISSN 0735-6757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2023.09.051. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S073567572300534X

Adipose-derived, autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: an intermediate-size expanded access program

Abstract:

Background: Evolving mutations of the novel coronavirus continue to fuel up the pandemic. The virus affects the human respiratory system along with other body systems, causing several sequelae in the survivors of the disease, presented as post-COVID-19 syndrome or long-COVID-19. This protocol utilized Hope Biosciences’ autologous, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HB-adMSCs) to evaluate safety and efficacy of HB-adMSC therapy to improve signs and symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Methods: Ten eligible subjects with post-COVID-19 syndrome were enrolled in the program for a duration of 40 weeks who received 5 intravenous infusions of 2 × 108 autologous HB-adMSCs each at week 0, 2, 6, 10 and 14 with a follow-up at week 18 and end of the study at week 40. Safety assessments included incidence of adverse and serious adverse events along with the laboratory measures of hematologic, hepatic, and renal function. Efficacy was examined by quality-of-life assessments, fatigue assessments, Visual analog scale (VAS) of symptoms and monitoring of respiration and oxygen saturation rates.

Results: VAS scores and Fatigue Assessment scores (FAS) showed significant improvements post-treatment (P = 0.0039, ES = 0.91) compared to baseline. Respiration rates and oxygen saturation levels that were within the normal range at the baseline remained unchanged at the end of the study (EOS). Paired comparison between baseline and EOS for short-form-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores also showed improved quality-of-life with significant improvements in individual SF-36 evaluations. Mostly mild AEs were reported during the study period with no incidence of serious AEs. Also, no detrimental effects in laboratory values were seen.

Conclusions: The results of the expanded access program indicated that treatment with autologous HB-adMSCs resulted in significant improvements in the signs and symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome as assessed by VAS and FAS scores. Additionally, improvements in the patients’ quality-of-life as demonstrated using SF-36 scores that also showed significant improvements in individual scaled scores. Overall, administration of multiple infusions of autologous HB-adMSCs is safe and efficacious for improvements in the quality-of life of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: NCT04798066. Registered on March 15, 2021. ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04798066?term=hope+biosciences&cond=Post-COVID-19+Syndrome&draw=2&rank=2 ).

Source: Vij R, Kim H, Park H, Cheng T, Lotfi D, Chang D. Adipose-derived, autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: an intermediate-size expanded access program. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2023 Oct 5;14(1):287. doi: 10.1186/s13287-023-03522-1. PMID: 37798650; PMCID: PMC10557203. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10557203/ (Full text)

Observational Study of Repeat Immunoadsorption (RIA) in Post-COVID ME/CFS Patients with Elevated ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies—An Interim Report

Abstract:

There is increasing evidence for an autoimmune aetiology in post-infectious Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). SARS-CoV-2 has now become the main trigger for ME/CFS. We have already conducted two small proof-of-concept studies on IgG depletion by immunoadsorption (IA) in post-infectious ME/CFS, which showed efficacy in most patients.
This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy of IA in patients with post-COVID-19 ME/CFS. The primary objective was to assess the improvement in functional ability. Due to the urgency of finding therapies for post-COVID-Syndrome (PCS), we report here the interim results of the first ten patients, with seven responders defined by an increase of between 10 and 35 points in the Short-Form 36 Physical Function (SF36-PF) at week four after IA. The results of this observational study will provide the basis for patient selection for a randomised controlled trial (RCT), including sham apheresis, and for an RCT combining IA with B-cell depletion therapy. Trial registration number: NCT05629988.
Source: Stein E, Heindrich C, Wittke K, Kedor C, Kim L, Freitag H, Krüger A, Tölle M, Scheibenbogen C. Observational Study of Repeat Immunoadsorption (RIA) in Post-COVID ME/CFS Patients with Elevated ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies—An Interim Report. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12(19):6428. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12196428 https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/19/6428 (Full text)

Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19

Abstract:

The global prevalence of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) stands at approximately 43 % among individuals who have previously had acute COVID-19. In contrast, in the United States, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) estimates that around 11 % of individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 go on to experience long COVID. The underlying causes of PASC remains under investigation, and there are no currently established FDA-approved therapies.

One of the leading hypotheses for the cause of PASC is the persistent activation of innate immune cells with increase systemic inflammation. Naltrexone is a medication with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that has been used in other conditions that overlap with PASC.

We performed a retrospective review of a clinical cohort of 59 patients at a single academic center who received low-dose naltrexone (LDN) off-label as a potential therapeutic intervention for PASC. The use of LDN was associated with a fewer number of symptoms, improved clinical symptoms (fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and abnormal sleep pattern), and a better functional status. This observation warrants testing in rigorous, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Source: Bonilla H, Tian L, Marconi VC, Shafer R, McComsey GA, Miglis M, Yang P, Bonilla A, Eggert L, Geng LN. Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Int Immunopharmacol. 2023 Oct 5;124(Pt B):110966. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110966. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37804660. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576923012912 (Full text)

A brief overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its management strategies: a recent update

Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health crisis, inflicting substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. A diverse range of symptoms, including fever, cough, dyspnea, and fatigue, characterizes COVID-19. A cytokine surge can exacerbate the disease’s severity. This phenomenon involves an increased immune response, marked by the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFNγ, leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction.

Efforts to reduce the cytokine surge and its associated complications have garnered significant attention. Standardized management protocols have incorporated treatment strategies, with corticosteroids, chloroquine, and intravenous immunoglobulin taking the forefront. The recent therapeutic intervention has also assisted in novel strategies like repurposing existing medications and the utilization of in vitro drug screening methods to choose effective molecules against viral infections.

Beyond acute management, the significance of comprehensive post-COVID-19 management strategies, like remedial measures including nutritional guidance, multidisciplinary care, and follow-up, has become increasingly evident. As the understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis deepens, it is becoming increasingly evident that a tailored approach to therapy is imperative.

This review focuses on effective treatment measures aimed at mitigating COVID-19 severity and highlights the significance of comprehensive COVID-19 management strategies that show promise in the battle against COVID-19.

Source: Das A, Pathak S, Premkumar M, Sarpparajan CV, Balaji ER, Duttaroy AK, Banerjee A. A brief overview of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its management strategies: a recent update. Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Sep 24. doi: 10.1007/s11010-023-04848-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37742314. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-023-04848-3 (Full text)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Counters Oxidative Stress/Inflammation-Driven Symptoms in Long COVID-19 Patients: Preliminary Outcomes

Abstract:

Long COVID-19 patients show systemic inflammation and persistent symptoms such as fatigue and malaise, profoundly affecting their quality of life. Since improving oxygenation can oppose inflammation at multiple tissue levels, we hypothesized that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could arrest inflammation progression and thus relieve symptoms of COVID-19.
We evaluated oxy-inflammation biomarkers in long COVID-19 subjects treated with HBOT and monitored with non-invasive methods. Five subjects (two athletes and three patients with other comorbidities) were assigned to receive HBOT: 100% inspired O2 at 2.4 ATA in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber for 90 min (three athletes: 15 HBOT × 5 days/wk for 3 weeks; two patients affected by Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: 30 HBOT × 5 days/wk for 6 weeks; and one patient with osteomyelitis: 30 HBOT × 5 days/wk for week for 6 weeks and, after a 30-day break, followed by a second cycle of 20 HBOT).
Using saliva and/or urine samples, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant capacity, cytokines, lipids peroxidation, DNA damage, and renal status were assessed at T1_pre (basal level) and at T2_pre (basal level after treatment), and the results showed attenuated ROS production, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, NO metabolites, and inflammation biomarker levels, especially in the athletes post-treatment. Thus, HBOT may represent an alternative non-invasive method for treating long COVID-19-induced long-lasting manifestations of oxy-inflammation.
Source: Mrakic-Sposta S, Vezzoli A, Garetto G, Paganini M, Camporesi E, Giacon TA, Dellanoce C, Agrimi J, Bosco G. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Counters Oxidative Stress/Inflammation-Driven Symptoms in Long COVID-19 Patients: Preliminary Outcomes. Metabolites. 2023; 13(10):1032. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13101032 https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/10/1032 (Full text)

Effects of six-month creatine supplementation on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and tissue creatine levels in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Dietary creatine has been recently put forward as a possible intervention strategy to reduce post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome yet no clinical study so far evaluated its efficacy and safety for this perplexing condition. In this parallel-group, randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial, we analyzed the effects of 6-month creatine supplementation (4 g of creatine monohydrate per day) on various patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and tissue creatine levels in 12 patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome.

Creatine intake induced a significant increase in tissue creatine levels in vastus medialis muscle and right parietal white matter compared to the baseline values at both 3-month and 6-month follow-ups (p < .05). Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed a significant difference (treatment vs. time interaction) between interventions in tissue creatine levels (p < .05), with the creatine group was superior to placebo to augment creatine levels at vastus medialis muscle, left frontal white matter, and right parietal white matter.

Creatine supplementation induced a significant reduction in general fatigue after 3 months of intake compared to baseline values (p = .04), and significantly improved scores for several post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome-related symptoms (e.g., ageusia, breathing difficulties, body aches, headache, and difficulties concentrating) at 6-month follow-up (p < .05). Taking creatine for 6 months appears to improve tissue bioenergetics and attenuate clinical features of post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome; additional studies are warranted to confirm our findings in various post-COVID-19 cohorts.

Source: Slankamenac, J., Ranisavljev, M., Todorovic, N., Ostojic, J., Stajer, V., & Ostojic, S. M. (2023). Effects of six-month creatine supplementation on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes, and tissue creatine levels in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome. Food Science & Nutrition, 00, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3597 (Full text)

Clinical Rationale for Dietary Lutein Supplementation in Post COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccine Injury Syndromes

Abstract:

Lutein, a plant-derived xanthophyl-carotenoid, is an exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituent found in food. Elevated concentrations of lutein found in human blood and plasma, due to high dietary intake, are beneficial against eye disease and improve cardiometabolic health.

Lutein plays an important protective role against the development of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has also been shown to be beneficial for liver, kidney and respiratory health. Lutein, acting as a very strong antioxidant, can alleviate oxidative stress and downgrade reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxidative stress is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms in post-COVID and mRNA vaccine injury syndromes.

Recent in silico studies suggest that lutein and other naturally derived antioxidants, by docking at the site where the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) binds to the angiotensin enzyme type 2 (ACE2) receptor, may neutralize the SP-ACE2 interactions. Lutein can be added to a detoxification regimen to aid in clearing Spike protein and relieving symptoms.

In agreement with Hippocrates’ dictum to “Let food be thy medicine,” this review establishes dietary lutein as a valuable therapy in the treatment of post-COVID syndrome, mRNA vaccine injury syndromes, and a wide range of other chronic illnesses.

Source: Kyriakopoulos, A.M.; Nigh, G.; McCullough, P.A.; Seneff, S. Clinical Rationale for Dietary Lutein Supplementation in Post COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccine Injury Syndromes. Preprints 2023, 2023091385. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.1385.v1 https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202309.1385/v1 https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202309.1385/v1 (Full text available as PDF file)