Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A14677-A14677, November 6, 2023. Introduction:SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to development of autoimmune diseases. We describe a case of a patient with untreated thymoma who developed 2 cross-reactive autoantibodies between thymus and brain: collapsing response mediator protein-5 (CRMP-5) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR), triggered by SARS-CoV-2, inducing encephalitis and coma. Emergency thymectomy reduced anti-CRMP-5 and anti-AMPAR antibodies and restored patient neurologic function within 3 months.Description of Case:A 31-year-old male with a known history of thymoma with myasthenia gravis presented with a 1-day history of memory loss, hallucinations, ataxia, involuntary movements, and tachypnea. Rapid nasal swab COVID-19 test was positive. Over several hours, the patient became unresponsive, requiring urgent intubation for airway protection. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium showed no abnormalities. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed leukocytosis with lymphocytic predominance. Four days later, CSF and serum were tested for and demonstrated high levels of CRMP-5 and AMPAR antibodies, consistent with autoimmune encephalitis. Complete robotic thymectomy was performed. Pathologic analysis revealed type B2 thymoma with negative resection margins. Three months after surgical intervention, antibody titers normalized, the patient regained consciousness, and had no neurologic deficits.Discussion:Surgical thymectomy effectively treats autoimmune encephalitis in patients with thymoma and positive CRMP-5 and AMPAR antibodies in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This rare condition is typically seen in patients with thymoma or small cell lung cancer who experience acute viral infection. Although autoantibodies to CRMP-5 and AMPAR are known to be induced by viral infection, this is the first time it has been reported for SARS-CoV-2. Timely surgical intervention is necessary to reverse obtundation and acute encephalitis by removing the cross reactive epitopes in the thymus gland. Future studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 induced immune dysfunction and autoimmunity involving cross-reactive epitopes in this deadly syndrome.
Risultati per: L’eparina inibisce la proteina spike del virus SARS-Cov-2
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Abstract 12680: Analysis of the Impact of Cardiovascular Disease on the Early Post-COVID Period Based on the ACTIV SARS-CoV-2 International Registry
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A12680-A12680, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The early post-hospitalization period following COVID-19 infection is critical due to high incidences of rehospitalization and deaths.Aim:To study the impact of CVD on the first 3 months after hospitalization for COVID-19.Methods:An international registry “ACTIV SARS-CoV-2” (NCT04492384) was established to characterize the course of COVID-19 in the Eurasian region and included 7 countries. The presented subanalysis used data of patients hospitalized during the acute phase of COVID-19. The post-COVID period was assessed based on telephone surveys of the patients 3 months (n=3099) after recovery.Results:79.8% of patients required unscheduled medical care in the first three months post-recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 11.8% necessitating rehospitalization. Decompensation of various CVDs was the most common reason for unscheduled medical care (Table 1).The presence of CVD in people who had COVID-19, significantly increased the likelihood of death in the first 3 months after discharge from the infectious diseases hospital (OR 4.93; 95% CI 2.53-10.8; p
Abstract 17669: Prevailing Racial, Regional, and Income-Based Disparities in Cardiovascular Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women Hospitalized With SARS-CoV-2 in 2020
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A17669-A17669, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Racial, regional, and income disparities have been shown to impact cardiovascular outcomes in postmenopausal women with SARS-CoV-2. Addressing these disparities can improve healthcare equity and outcomes for this vulnerable population.Methods:A retrospective cohort study utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS)-2020 to examine female patients aged over 55 years who were admitted to hospitals in 2020. The study focused on primary endpoints, specifically major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) including all-cause mortality, AMI, cardiac arrest, and stroke. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between demographic factors and cardiovascular outcomes, after controlling for confounding variables.Results:Of the total 547,225 postmenopausal women hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2, 19.8% had MACCE. Racial disparities were significant, as Native American, Hispanic, Asian and African American women exhibited higher rates of MACCE compared to Caucasian women, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.63 (95% CI: 1.33-1.98, p
Abstract 15709: Antagonist of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor Protects Against Cardiopulmonary Injury Induced by rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S Virus Through Rag2 Regulation
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A15709-A15709, November 6, 2023. Background:SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmits a multi-systemic disease that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor (GHRH-R) and its splice variant are expressed in murine and human lung and heart. GHRH-R antagonist, MIA-602, has been shown to regulate inflammation in animal models and immune cell responses to bleomycin lung injury. Using a BSL2-compatible recombinant VSV-eGFP-SARS-CoV-2-S virus (rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S) which mimics native SARS-CoV-2 infection in K18 hACE2tg mice, we tested our hypothesis that MIA-602 attenuates COVID-19-induced cardiopulmonary injury by reducing inflammation.Methods:Male and female K18-hACE2tg mice were infected with SARS-CoV-2/USA-WA1/2020, rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S, or PBS and lung viral load, weight-loss and histopathology were compared (N=8). Mice infected with rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S were subject to daily subcutaneous injections of 10 μg MIA-602 or vehicle (control) starting at 24h post-infection. Pulmonary function was measured via whole-body plethysmography on day 0, day 3, and day 5 (n=7). Five days after viral infection mice were sacrificed, and blood and tissues collected for histopathological analyses, H&E staining, RNA and protein work. Heart and lung tissues were used for RNASeq (n=3 per group). T-test or One-way ANOVA-test was used for statistical analysis.Results:SARS-CoV-2 and rVSV-SARS-CoV-2-S presented similar pathology for weight loss, infectivity (~60%) and histopathologic changes. Daily treatment with MIA-602 ameliorated weight loss, reduced lung inflammation, pneumonia and pulmonary dysfunction evidenced by rescued respiratory rate, expiratory parameters, and dysregulated airway parameters (p
Abstract 12759: Thymidine Phosphorylase Enhances SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Platelet Factor 4 Complex Formation: A Potential Novel Mechanism That May Account for COVID-19-Associated Thrombosis
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A12759-A12759, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Scattered studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) promotes platelet activation, though the exact mechanism is unknown. Thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), which facilitates platelet activation and thrombosis, is significantly increased in the plasma and lungs of COVID-19 patients, suggesting that TYMP may play a role in the COVID-19 milieu.Hypothesis:We hypothesize that TYMP enhances SP/platelet factor 4 (PF4) complex formation and inhibition of TYMP attenuates SP-induced thrombosis and/or inflammation.Methods:BEAS-2B cells were treated with SP- or its receptor binding domain (RBD)-containing COS-7 cell lysate, or control cell lysate (p3.1) and TYMP and STAT3 expression were determined by western blot. The effect of SP on thrombosis was examined in K18-hACE2 and K18-hACE2/Tymp-/-mice using the ferric chloride-induced carotid artery injury thrombosis model. SP-, TYMP-, or PF4-encoding plasmids were co-transfected into COS-7 and their protein interactions were assessed using co-IP, Blue Native-PAGE, and immunocytochemistry.Results:SP increased expression of TYMP and pY705-STAT3 in BEAS-2B. siRNA-mediated knockdown of TYMP reduced STAT3 activation. SP significantly enhanced thrombosis in the K18-hACE2 mice, which was inhibited by simultaneously treating mice with tipiracil, a selective TYMP inhibitor (Figure). K18-hACE2/Tymp-/-mice were resistant to SP-enhanced thrombosis. For the first time, we found that SP, PF4, and TYMP form a complex whose formation is dose-dependently enhanced by TYMP.Conclusions:Our studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 SP enhances TYMP expression and is prothrombotic and proinflammatory. TYMP inhibition, either via genetic knockout or by its chemical inhibitor, attenuates SP-enhanced thrombosis. TYMP promotes the formation of a PF4/SP complex, which provides a novel insight into COVID-19-associated thrombosis. TYMP could be a novel therapeutic target for COVID-19-associated sequelae.
Abstract 15748: Association of Clonal Hematopoiesis in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection With Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Vascular Inflammation
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A15748-A15748, November 6, 2023. Background:Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and common in HIV, but whether CHIP contributes to atherosclerosis in HIV is unknown. We hypothesized CHIP is associated with atherosclerosis and arterial inflammation among people with HIV (PWH).Methods:We studied treated, suppressed PWH ages 35-70 years old with ≥1 CVD risk factor. CHIP mutations were detected with a validated targeted sequencing assay. We measured carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) longitudinally with ultrasound and aortic inflammation and lymph node activity using cross-sectional18F-FDG-PET. Inflammatory biomarkers were measured with a multiplex electrochemiluminescence assay. We used linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, nadir CD4 count, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.Results:We included 231 PWH (52±9 years, 7% female). 32 (14%) had CHIP with median variant allele fraction of 3.1%. Common mutations were in DNM3TA (n=21) and TET2 (n=6). Only age was associated with CHIP (OR 2.3 per decade older, 95%CI 1.2-3.9; p=0.003). Among N=165 (CHIP=22), mean IMT was 1.0 mm with and without CHIP (p=0.63), unchanged after adjustment (Figure). CHIP was not associated with prevalent or incident plaque. Over 3.2 years, IMT progression was faster among those with CHIP (0.033 mm/year; p=0.10), attenuated after adjustment (0.022 mm/year; p=0.27). Among 80 with FDG-PET, CHIP (n=12) was associated with higher lymph node activity (SUV p=0.04) that was attenuated in reference to background activity and adjusted for risk factors. CHIP was not associated with arterial inflammation (p=0.83), inflammatory markers, or viral persistence markers.Conclusions:Among PWH, CHIP mutations were not associated with subclinical atherosclerosis or arterial inflammation, proposed mechanisms of how CHIP could cause CVD. Clinical outcomes studies are needed to ascertain the impact of CHIP on CVD in HIV.
Abstract 16437: An Infectious Rise in Fats – Severe Hypertriglyceridemia Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A16437-A16437, November 6, 2023. IntroThere are many complications because of COVID-19 infections. These have ranged from organ dysfunctions to severe disease states. The global nature of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has allowed clinicians to discover new pathophysiology associated with infections. We present a case of a patient with severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) after a SARS COVID-19 infection and propose a correlation between his infection and elevated triglyceride (TG) levels.CaseA 64 y/o man living with a history of HFpEF, COPD, and HLD presented to our clinic after being diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection two days prior. He had upper respiratory symptoms of a productive cough, fevers, decreased appetite, and mild dyspnea with exertion not requiring supplemental oxygen. He was prescribed paxlovid and discharged home. On follow up his symptoms had improved. He was due for a repeat lipid level and this was drawn during his visit. His last lipid panel results were normal. His repeat TG was 2,186 mg/dL. It was thought his levels were elevated because of his SARS-CoV-2 infection. His fasting TG levels were repeated and found to have normalized with a low-fat diet alone and had no further interventions.DiscussionThere have been few reports demonstrating a rise in TG levels after SARS-CoV-2 infections. Hepatic injury secondary to the infection or medications prescribed for treatment may lead to elevated TGs levels. When these are excluded, it is unknown what leads to HTG. Studies have evaluated lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity levels and how they were decreased after SARS-CoV-2 infections. LPL assists in the metabolism of TG’s and activity is decreased in many disease states. It is thought that the COVID-19 infection causes HTG secondary to acquired LPL deficiency. These patients require close monitoring to decrease complications.ConclusionHTG is known to cause increased incidence of pancreatitis and ASCVD events. While treating these, one must assess the underlying etiology that led to the disease state. In patients found to have elevated TG levels it is important to include questions pertaining to recent infectious processes. Further research is needed to deduce how infectious processes can lead to elevated TG levels. Treatment consists of initiating a low-fat diet and may include fibrates.
Abstract 15132: Proteomic Signatures of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Subclinical Left Atrial Dilation
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A15132-A15132, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Persons living with HIV (PLWH) receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are at higher risk of heart failure (HF) and preceding cardiac abnormalities, including left atrial (LA) dilation, compared to persons without HIV (PWOH). Mechanisms of this excess risk are unclear. We assessed whether plasma proteomic signatures of immune activation are cross-sectionally associated with LA volume index (LAVi) and augmented among PLWH.Methods:We performed Olink proteomics on plasma obtained concurrently with cardiac magnetic resonance among PLWH and PWOH. Proteins were analyzed individually and as clusters agnostically defined using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Associations with HIV serostatus and LAVi were estimated using multivariable linear regression with robust variance. We explored protein relationships using annotated enrichment analysis.Results:Among 352 participants (age 55±6 years; 25% female; 70% Black), mean LAVi was 29±9 mL/m2and 60% were PLWH (88% on cART; 73% with undetectable plasma HIV RNA). Of 2594 proteins, 104 were independently associated with LAVi (false discovery rate, FDR
Abstract 15405: Changes in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A15405-A15405, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection consist of pulmonary and extrapulmonary conditions, including a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes, but it remains unknown whether other cardiometabolic pathways are impacted by infection.Research Question:Does SARS-CoV-2 infection predict worsening cardiometabolic risk factors?Methods:Using data from OneFlorida+ (a PCORnet CRN), we compared changes over time in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We compared an Exposed cohort with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test or COVID-19 diagnosis code between March 2020 – January 2022 (n = 75,217; age: 48.5 y, 64% female), relative to a contemporary Unexposed cohort of adult patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 tests (n = 240,575; age: 52.7 y, 61% female), and an age/sex-matched Historical control cohort (March 2018 – January 2020; n = 75,217; age: 48.5 y, 64% female). We used multiple imputation for missingness in demographic and clinical factors and inverse probability weighting for confounding and loss to follow-up. We used doubly robust marginal structural models to estimate baseline and longitudinal differences in cardiometabolic indicators by cohort.Results:At the start of the follow-up period, adjusted for covariates and relative to the Exposed, the Unexposed (BMI: -0.5 [-0.6,-0.4] kg/m2, SBP: -0.5 [-0.8,-0.2] mmHg, LDL: -7.7 [-14.5, -1.0] mg/dL) and Historical control (BMI: -0.4 [-0.5,-0.3] kg/m2, SBP: -1.0 [-1.5,-0.6] mmHg, LDL: 12.5 [-58.3, 83.3] mg/dL) cohorts had better cardiometabolic profiles (Figure). Relative to changes in the Exposed, control cohorts displayed faster decreases in BMI (Unexposed only), slower increases in SBP, and no changes in LDL during the follow-up period.Conclusions:SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with weight retention and a rise in blood pressure. Longer follow-up can help identify stability and impacts of these cardio-metabolic indices on events and mortality.
Abstract 14877: Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Swine Heart via Redox Impairment of Heme Proteins and Increasing Superoxide Generation
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A14877-A14877, November 6, 2023. The cellular entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus depends on the binding of spike (S) protein to its biological ligand, ACE2. Although the virus commonly causes respiratory distress, cardiac injury can occur in COVID-19 patients, which is consistent with the expression of ACE2 in myocytes. Previous reports indicate SARS-CoV-2 proteins can target cardiac mitochondria and suppress mitochondrial function via enhancing MPTP pore opening and perturbing cardiac bioenergetics. To explore the underlying mechanism of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on cardiac mitochondria, we measured the interactions of SARS-CoV-2 proteins with swine heart mitochondria in vitro. Incubation of recombinant S protein with isolated mitochondria significantly decreased state-3 oxygen consumption rate (OCR, 95.10 vs 65.68 nmol/min/mg) and FCCP uncoupling OCR (82.94 vs 66.95 nmol/min/mg). We further detected that S protein impaired the enzymatic activities of electron transport chain (ETC) (by 15.62% to 34.44%). However, S protein had no effect on TCA cycle enzymes, indicating the involvement of mitochondrial membrane components in decreased OCR by S proteins. Recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein of SAR-CoV-2 had no effect on the OCR and ETC activities of swine mitochondria. S proteins decreased the intensity of mitochondrial heme spectrum determined by dithionite reduction with UV/VIS spectroscopy (by 17.52% hemea, 15.82% hemec1). The results were further assessed using isolated complex III (Cx3) and complex IV (Cx4). Treatment of isolated Cx3 and Cx4 with S protein decreased the spectral intensities of hemeaand hemec1. The spectra of both Cx3 and Cx4 were not affected by N protein. The results suggested S protein downregulates redox potentials of ETC in swine mitochondria. Treatment of swine mitochondria with S proteins enhanced superoxide (.O2–) generation by Cx1 (by 43.7%) and by Cx3 (by 10.9-fold) assessed by EPR and cytochromecreduction assays. However, we detected S proteins modestly decreased.O2–generation by swine mitochondria under state-2 condition (by 9.52%), indicating impairing pH gradient by S protein. In conclusion, the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus mediates mitochondrial dysfunction of swine heart via impairing the redox function and increasing.O2–generation.
Abstract 14911: Effusive Constrictive Pericarditis: A Rare Complication of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A14911-A14911, November 6, 2023. Background:SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in cardiac complications, including myocarditis, left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and acute myocardial injury. Reports of effusive constrictive pericarditis (CP) are rare, and recommendations on management are limited.Description of Case:A 30-year-old male with recurrent episodes of effusive pericarditis after SARS-CoV-2 infection 11 months prior and anasarca presents with worsening fatigue, dyspnea, and weight gain. His echocardiogram showed pericardial thickening, annulus reversus, and interventricular septal bounce. Computed tomography showed pericardial thickening and a complex pericardial effusion. Right and left heart catheterization revealed elevated filling pressures, equalization of diastolic pressures, and ventricular discordance (Figure 1). Infection, malignancy, and autoimmune etiologies of CP were ruled out.Decision Making:The patient was initiated on anti-inflammatory therapy and aggressively diuresed with no improvement in his symptoms. Given recurrent episodes of pericarditis with constriction, the patient underwent a radical pericardiectomy with posterior pericardial release. The pericardium was 1 cm thick with severe fibrosis. Surgical pathology showed acute and chronic pericarditis with negative testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Conclusion:Idiopathic, post-cardiac surgery and post-mediastinal radiation are the most common causes of CP. Acute pericarditis is a known complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but ongoing inflammation leading to CP is rare. CP presents with signs of heart failure and should be considered in patients with persistent symptoms of pericarditis.
Abstract 17360: Epstein Barr Virus in the Heart: A Case of Infectious Mononucleosis Causing Myopericarditis
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A17360-A17360, November 6, 2023. Introduction:The most common causes of myopericarditis are Coxsackie B followed by Coxsackie A, Echovirus, and Poliovirus. However, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) may uncommonly cause myopericarditis and can mimic acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Case:A 19-year-old healthy non-smoker male presented with acute onset of central, positional chest pain preceded by a 5 day-long course of viral prodromal symptoms including sore throat. EKG showed inferolateral ST segment elevations (Figure 1). HS-Troponin T was markedly elevated (initial; 988, 1 hour; 1171). He was started on ibuprofen and colchicine for suspected myopericarditis. TTE showed LVEF 50% with borderline mild posterior and lateral wall hypokinesis with no pericardial effusion (Figure 1). Although, the presentation and PR depression were consistent with pericarditis, focal wall motion abnormality led to consideration of right or circumflex CAD such as coronary dissection. This was ruled out by coronary angiogram (Figure 2). Cardiac MRI demonstrated the epicardial pattern of gadolinium enhancement consistent with myopericarditis (Figure 2). Subsequently, patient tested positive for IgG (6.4) and IgM (3.2) [normal range 0.8 to 1.1] against EBV Capsid Antigens with unremarkable remaining viral panel results. His symptoms improved significantly with ibuprofen and colchicine. He was also treated with metoprolol succinate and lisinopril due to reduced ejection fraction.Conclusions:Cardiac complications from EBV infection are uncommon. Sometimes, the EKG with pericarditis can mimic ACS warranting an invasive test. Therefore, clinicians must maintain a high level of suspicion for myopericarditis resulting from EBV.
Abstract 15524: SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Stimulates Macropinocytosis in Murine and Human Macrophages
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A15524-A15524, November 6, 2023. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergence of this virus has led to millions of deaths and the long-term cardiovascular and respiratory consequences of COVID-19 continue to pose a massive threat to public health. While recent studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 may enter kidney epithelial cells via angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-independent mechanisms by inducing receptor-independent macropinocytosis, it is currently unknown whether this process also occurs in cell types directly relevant to SARS-CoV-2-associated cardiovascular disease or pneumonia. Here, we investigated the ability of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunits to stimulate macropinocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages. Flow cytometry analysis of fluid-phase marker internalization demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunits S1, the receptor binding domain (RBD) of S1, and S2 stimulate macropinocytosis in both human and murine macrophages, but not in human lung epithelial cells. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of macropinocytosis substantially decreased spike protein-induced macropinocytosis in macrophages bothin vitroandin vivo. High resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed spike protein-induced plasma membrane activities characteristic of macropinocytosis. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that inhibition of protein kinase C and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in macrophages blocks SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced macropinocytosis. Further, pharmacological blockade of ACE2 did not inhibit macropinocytosis in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-treated cells. To our knowledge, these results demonstrate for the first time that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunits stimulate macropinocytosis in macrophages. These results may contribute to a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
Abstract 17307: Pre-Existing Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress Inhibits Sars-Co-V2 Entry Into Host Cells Through Modulation of AKT Signaling and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR)
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A17307-A17307, November 6, 2023. Introduction:It is well known that SARS-Co-V2 infection can induce ER stress-associated activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) in various host cells which may contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. However, the interplay between SARS-Co-V2 infection and UPR signaling in pre-existing ER stress associated pathological conditions has not been well elucidated.Hypothesis:We hypothesizedthat modulation of a pre-existing ER stress in host cells could attenuate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection by activating a range of cellular defense.Methods:Increasing concentrations of Tunicamycin (Tm) and Thapsigargin (Tg) have been used to induce ER stress in Huh-7 cells. After 6h treatment, cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped particles (SARS-CoV-2pp) for 48 p.i. SARS-Co-V2-2pp entry was measured using Bright GloTMluciferase assay. Cell viability was measured by cell titer Glo®luminescent cell viability assay. The mRNA and protein expression of UPR markers were evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blot methods.Results:Tm (5 μg/ml) and Tg (1 μM) efficiently inhibited SARS-CoV-2pp entry into cells without any cytotoxic effect. Chemical ER stress-induced inhibition of SARS-CoV-2pp entry was associated with significant reduction of ACE2 expression in Tg-infected cells but not with Tm. Strikingly, Tm and Tg revealed differential effects in modulating the expression of ER stress genes in infected cells. Both Tm and Tg significantly reduced the expression of stress-inducible ER chaperone GRP78/BIP in infected cells. In contrast, the IRE1-XBP1s and PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathways were downregulated in Tg-infected cells only. Additionally, insulin-mediated glucose uptake, phosphorylation of Ser307IRS-1 and downstream p-AKT were enhanced in Tg-infected cells without any change in ERK phosphorylation.Conclusions:These findings suggest that pre-existing ER stress could modulate a specific UPR response in infected cells capable of counteracting the stress-inducible elements signaling, thereby depriving SARS-Co-V2 of essential components for their entry and replication. Pharmacological manipulation of ER stress in host cells might provide new therapeutic strategies to alleviate SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abstract 11882: Acute Cardiac Events Among Older Adults Hospitalized With Laboratory-Confirmed Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Circulation, Volume 148, Issue Suppl_1, Page A11882-A11882, November 6, 2023. Introduction:Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause severe illness among older adults, but potential cardiac complications have not been comprehensively described. We evaluated the frequency and severity of acute cardiac events among older adults hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed RSV to inform recommendations for RSV vaccine candidates in development.Methods:The RSV-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (RSV-NET) abstracted medical record data among all hospitalized patients identified with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection (clinician-ordered testing) in a population-based catchment area of 38 counties in 9 states. Among adults aged ≥50 years hospitalized with RSV during the 2015-16 to 2017-18 RSV seasons, we estimated the period prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) of acute cardiac events, identified from the patient’s discharge diagnoses and ICD-10 codes. Multivariable generalized estimating equation models estimated the adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and in-hospital death by acute cardiac event status.Results:Among 3959 adults aged ≥50 years hospitalized with RSV (mean age 73 years), 20.8% (CI, 19.5-22.1) experienced an acute cardiac event during hospitalization, most frequently acute heart failure (14.3%; CI, 13.2-15.4; Table). Acute cardiac events were common among adults aged ≥75 years (25.0%; CI, 23.1-27.0) and among those with underlying cardiac disease (30.4%; CI: 28.5-32.3). Compared to patients without an acute cardiac event, those with an acute cardiac event were more likely to experience ICU admission (16.8% vs 27.0%; aRR: 1.7, CI: 1.5-1.9) and in-hospital death (4.1% vs 8.8%; aRR: 2.0, CI: 1.6-2.5).Conclusions:One in 5 older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced an acute cardiac event, which was associated with approximately double the risk of severe outcomes. Adults at greater risk of cardiac complications from RSV may benefit from vaccines when available.
Association of SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Early Weeks of Gestation with Situs Inversus
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 389, Issue 18, Page 1722-1724, November 2023.