scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 expression, and systemic organ invasion

Author(s):  
Usman M Ashraf ◽  
Ahmed A Abokor ◽  
Jonnelle M. Edwards ◽  
Emily W. Waigi ◽  
Rachel S. Royfman ◽  
...  

A novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has created a global pandemic in 2020, posing an enormous challenge to healthcare systems and affected communities. COVID-19 is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoronaVirus-2 (CoV-2) that manifests as bronchitis, pneumonia, or a severe respiratory illness. SARS-CoV-2 infects human cells via binding a "spike" protein on its surface to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) within the host. ACE2 is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and negatively regulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the humans. The RAAS is paramount for normal function in multiple organ systems including the lungs, heart, kidney, and vasculature. Given that SARS-CoV-2 internalizes via ACE2, the resultant disruption in ACE2 expression can lead to altered tissue function and exacerbate chronic diseases. The widespread distribution and expression of ACE2 across multiple organs is critical to our understanding of the varied clinical outcomes of COVID-19. This perspective review based on the current literature was prompted to show how disruption of ACE2 by SARS-CoV-2 can affect different organ systems.

Author(s):  
Balraj Singh ◽  
Sarah Ayad ◽  
Parminder Kaur ◽  
Ro-Jay Reid ◽  
Sachin Gupta ◽  
...  

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for the current global pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 usually presents with respiratory symptoms but can affect multiple organ systems. A wide spectrum of complications can occur depending upon the comorbidities of patients. There is limited literature available regarding the presentation and outcome of COVID-19 in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients. We report 2 cases of COVID-19-induced hyperleucocytosis (WBC count >100,000/?l) in CLL patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L. Rosin ◽  
Arzina Jaffer ◽  
Sarthak Sinha ◽  
Rory P. Mulloy ◽  
Carolyn Robinson ◽  
...  

SummaryIn late 2019 a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged, and has since caused a global pandemic. Understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease is necessary to inform development of therapeutics, and management of infected patients. Using scRNAseq of blood drawn from SARS-CoV-2 patients, we asked whether SARS-CoV-2 may exploit immune cells as a ‘Trojan Horse’ to disseminate and access multiple organ systems. Our data suggests that circulating cells are not actively infected with SARS-CoV-2, and do not appear to be a source of viral dissemination.


Author(s):  
Soula Danopoulos ◽  
Gail H. Deutsch ◽  
Claire Dumortier ◽  
Thomas Jay Mariani ◽  
Denise Al Alam

Down Syndrome (DS) is one of the most prevalent chromosomal abnormalities world-wide, affecting 1 in 700 live births. Although multiple organ systems are affected by the chromosomal defects, respiratory failure and lung disease are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality observed in DS. Manifestations of DS in the respiratory system encompass the entire lung starting from the nasopharynx, trachea/upper airways to the lower airways and alveolar spaces, as well as vascular and lymphatic defects. Most of our knowledge on respiratory illness in persons with DS arises from pediatric studies, however many of these disorders present early in infancy supporting developmental mechanisms. In this review we will focus on the different lung phenotypes in DS, as well as the genetic and molecular pathways that may be contributing to these complications during development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-05
Author(s):  
Augustine Owusu-Addo ◽  
Atianashie Miracle A ◽  
Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi ◽  
Larissa Agbemelo-Tsomafo

COVID-19, also known as the ‘novel coronavirus disease 2019’, is a respiratory illness and the causative pathogen is officially named as ‘SARS-CoV-2’. Infections with SARS-CoV-2 have now been amplified to a global pandemic – as of April 3, 2020, nearly 1,018,000 cases have been confirmed in more than 195 countries, including more than 300,000 cases within the United States. Public safety guidelines are followed worldwide to stop the spread of COVID-19 and stay healthy. Despite COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with mode of invasion through the respiratory tract, not the gastrointestinal tract, an average food consumer is anxious and concerned about the food safety. Could an individual catch the deadly contagious COVID-19 from groceries brought home from the supermarket – or from the next restaurant takeout order? This brief review elucidates the epidemiology and pathobiological mechanism(s) of SARS-CoV-2 and its implications in food-borne infections, transmission via food surfaces, food processing and food handling.


2020 ◽  
pp. 000486742096147
Author(s):  
Christos Pantelis ◽  
Mahesh Jayaram ◽  
Anthony J Hannan ◽  
Robb Wesselingh ◽  
Jess Nithianantharajah ◽  
...  

Although COVID-19 is predominantly a respiratory disease, it is known to affect multiple organ systems. In this article, we highlight the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus causing COVID-19) on the central nervous system as there is an urgent need to understand the longitudinal impacts of COVID-19 on brain function, behaviour and cognition. Furthermore, we address the possibility of intergenerational impacts of COVID-19 on the brain, potentially via both maternal and paternal routes. Evidence from preclinical models of earlier coronaviruses has shown direct viral infiltration across the blood–brain barrier and indirect secondary effects due to other organ pathology and inflammation. In the most severely ill patients with pneumonia requiring intensive care, there appears to be additional severe inflammatory response and associated thrombophilia with widespread organ damage, including the brain. Maternal viral (and other) infections during pregnancy can affect the offspring, with greater incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy. Available reports suggest possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2, although longitudinal cohort studies of such offspring are needed. The impact of paternal infection on the offspring and intergenerational effects should also be considered. Research targeted at mechanistic insights into all aspects of pathogenesis, including neurological, neuropsychiatric and haematological systems alongside pulmonary pathology, will be critical in informing future therapeutic approaches. With these future challenges in mind, we highlight the importance of national and international collaborative efforts to gather the required clinical and preclinical data to effectively address the possible long-term sequelae of this global pandemic, particularly with respect to the brain and mental health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina M. Ellison-Hughes ◽  
Liam Colley ◽  
Katie A. O'Brien ◽  
Kirsty A. Roberts ◽  
Thomas A. Agbaedeng ◽  
...  

The global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to 47 m infected cases and 1. 2 m (2.6%) deaths. A hallmark of more severe cases of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) appears to be a virally-induced over-activation or unregulated response of the immune system, termed a “cytokine storm,” featuring elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-22, CXCL10, and TNFα. Whilst the lungs are the primary site of infection for SARS-CoV-2, in more severe cases its effects can be detected in multiple organ systems. Indeed, many COVID-19 positive patients develop cardiovascular complications, such as myocardial injury, myocarditis, cardiac arrhythmia, and thromboembolism, which are associated with higher mortality. Drug and cell therapies targeting immunosuppression have been suggested to help combat the cytokine storm. In particular, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), owing to their powerful immunomodulatory ability, have shown promise in early clinical studies to avoid, prevent or attenuate the cytokine storm. In this review, we will discuss the mechanistic underpinnings of the cytokine storm on the cardiovascular system, and how MSCs potentially attenuate the damage caused by the cytokine storm induced by COVID-19. We will also address how MSC transplantation could alleviate the long-term complications seen in some COVID-19 patients, such as improving tissue repair and regeneration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-504
Author(s):  
Debashis Mania ◽  
T.K. Mandal ◽  
A.K. Bera ◽  
Brig. Rajiv Sethi

COVID-19, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become pandemic after first appearing in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It destroyed the life of millions of people throughout the different parts of Europe, America, Asia and others in the world. Various groups of scientists throughout the globe have claimed on trialing for the corona vaccine and for finding out suitable medication for the treatment of COVID-19. No vaccine or medicines are successfully reported to short out the issue for saving the valuable life of human beings, till date. The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and organ invasion are not understood and it creates difficulty in clinical diagnosis and treatment of corona patients. The pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection is not very much clear and it may invade multiple organ systems of respiratory, digestive and hematological in a confirmed case. The impact of corona virus outbreak on the global and Indian health systems is also reviewed herewith.


Author(s):  
Chaithanya Ratheesh ◽  
Aishwarya Nair

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, affecting multiple organ systems. The disease usually presents as mild to moderate respiratory illness but in many cases has progressed to development of pneumonia and ARDS ultimately requiring ventilatory support and prolonged ICU stay. Prolonged immobilization itself is a harbinger of various complications drastically altering a patient’s functional status. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the management of COVID-19 symptoms as well as in the prevention of complications.  Case Study: This case report describes the progress of a 44-year old female patient diagnosed with COVID-19 presenting with subsequent pneumonia and ARDS. The patient was started with medical management and supplemental oxygen therapy. In combination to the above-mentioned protocols, physiotherapy treatment was also initiated. After 2 weeks of rehabilitation and drug therapy, the patient displayed improved respiratory function at room air and was able to independently ambulate with minimal breathing difficulty. Discussion: This case report aims to highlight the importance of early intervention of physiotherapy in COVID-19 patients. The scope of physiotherapy treatment in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is vast. The treatment protocol adapted for this patient are in tune with the various research articles analysed to ensure evidence-based care. This will enable the healthcare professionals to ensure timely referral and early initiation of Physiotherapy treatment. Conclusion: As per the findings and results of this case report, it is evident that the patient benefited from the timely advent of physiotherapy intervention. The key factor was the correct identification of the problematic areas and accurate prioritization based on the clinical presentation and investigation findings


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