SARS-CoV-2 and EBV; the cost of a second mitochondrial whammy?

Article Cell Biology

Mitochondrial metabolic manipulation by SARS-CoV-2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with COVID-19

Saima Ajaz et al.

Summary: Patients with COVID-19 show compromised mitochondrial function, metabolic alterations, increased inflammation, and severity of symptoms. Targeting mitochondrial metabolic pathways may help define novel treatment strategies for COVID-19.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Gut microbiota composition reflects disease severity and dysfunctional immune responses in patients with COVID-19

Yun Kit Yeoh et al.

Summary: This study found that the gut microbiome composition was significantly altered in patients with COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19 individuals, regardless of medication received. Certain gut commensals known for their immunomodulatory potential were underrepresented in patients and remained low even after disease resolution. Additionally, the altered gut microbiome composition correlated with disease severity and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and blood markers.

GUT (2021)

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Article Infectious Diseases

EBV DNA increase in COVID-19 patients with impaired lymphocyte subpopulation count

Stefania Paolucci et al.

Summary: This study monitored the immunologic profile and opportunistic viral DNA increase in Italian patients with COVID-19 to identify markers of disease severity. It found a correlation between reduced CD8(+) T cells and NK counts, elevated EBV DNA levels, and COVID-19 severity, highlighting the importance of further evaluating the relationship between EBV load and disease severity in longitudinal studies.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

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Review Geriatrics & Gerontology

Impact of COVID-19 on Mitochondrial-Based Immunity in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Riya Ganji et al.

Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a serious threat to global public health, especially the elderly population. Studies have shown that COVID-19 infection damages mitochondria in immune cells, increasing the risk of cell death. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on age-related comorbidities, maintain immune function, and preserve mitochondrial health to prevent COVID-19.

FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Mitochondrial translation is required for sustained killing by cytotoxic T cells

Miriam Lisci et al.

Summary: This study revealed that CTLs require mitochondria for target cell-killing, and this requirement is linked to mitochondrial translation. Inhibition of mitochondrial translation impairs CTL killing by triggering attenuated cytosolic translation, leading to a reduced capacity for sustained killing. Mitochondria emerge as a previously unappreciated homeostatic regulator of protein translation required for serial CTL killing.

SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Cell Biology

Metabolic programs define dysfunctional immune responses in severe COVID-19 patients

Elizabeth A. Thompson et al.

Summary: The study identifies a unique population of T cells expressing increased VDAC1 in severe and recovered COVID-19 patients, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Additionally, specific metabolic phenotypes of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in COVID-19 patients can distinguish between severe and mild disease. These findings offer insight into dysfunctional immune response in COVID-19 patients and potential for developing personalized therapeutic approaches.

CELL REPORTS (2021)

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Article Physiology

The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Oxygen Homeostasis: A Molecular Perspective

Abdu Alayash

Summary: The impact of COVID-19 infection on red blood cells' oxygenation parameters is contradictory, but reports suggest structural protein damage and membrane lipid remodeling may affect RBC function. Understanding the interaction among oxygen carrying, oxygen sensing (HIF proteins), and mitochondrial respiratory mechanisms could provide a target for therapeutic interventions.

FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Virology

Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Replication Induces ACE2 Expression and Enhances SARS-CoV-2 Pseudotyped Virus Entry in Epithelial Cells

Dinesh Verma et al.

Summary: Understanding the factors that affect the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial in combating COVID-19. This study showed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection induced ACE2 expression in epithelial cells, increasing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. The EBV transcriptional activator Zta directly activated the ACE2 promoter, and inhibiting EBV replication may reduce susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.

JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY (2021)

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Review Medicine, General & Internal

Short-term and Long-term Rates of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection A Systematic Review

Destin Groff et al.

Summary: This systematic review found that more than half of COVID-19 survivors experienced PASC 6 months after recovery, with the most common effects being functional mobility impairments, pulmonary abnormalities, and mental health disorders.

JAMA NETWORK OPEN (2021)

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Review Cell Biology

Interspecific interactions that affect ageing: Age-distorters manipulate host ageing to their own evolutionary benefits

Jerome Teuliere et al.

Summary: The concept of age-distorters introduces the idea that external factors such as viruses, parasites, and symbionts can carry genes that interfere with the aging process of other organisms for their own evolutionary benefit. This interference results in organismal aging by manipulating the reproduction and maintenance trade-offs of the host, leading to expanded disposable soma. The acknowledgment of age-distorters as external sources of mutation accumulation and antagonistic pleiotropic genes expands the scope of existing theories on aging and evolutionary biology.

AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Prevalence of Symptoms More Than Seven Months After Diagnosis of Symptomatic COVID-19 in an Outpatient Setting

Mayssam Nehme et al.

Summary: This study characterized symptoms 7 to 9 months after COVID-19 diagnosis. 39% of participants reported residual symptoms, with fatigue being the most common. The findings contribute to recognition of long-term effects of COVID-19 and encourage long-term monitoring by physicians.

ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Cell Biology

Hyperglycemia in acute COVID-19 is characterized by insulin resistance and adipose tissue infectivity by SARS-CoV-2

Moritz Reiterer et al.

Summary: The study found that hyperglycemia is common among patients with ARDS, and in patients with both ARDS and COVID-19, insulin resistance is the main cause of hyperglycemia. COVID-19 patients have lower levels of adiponectin, and SARS-CoV-2 may infect adipocytes, leading to dysfunction of adipose tissue.

CELL METABOLISM (2021)

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Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The central role of mitochondrial fitness on antiviral defenses: An advocacy for physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Johannes Burtscher et al.

Summary: Mitochondria are central regulators of cellular metabolism and can be enhanced through physical activity, which is closely associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and the antiviral immune response. High mitochondrial and cardiorespiratory fitness are considered protective factors against viral infections, including COVID-19. Regular analysis of cardiorespiratory fitness and promotion of physical activity are recommended as preventive measures against viral infection.

REDOX BIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Microbiology

Investigation of Long COVID Prevalence and Its Relationship to Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation

Jeffrey E. Gold et al.

Summary: The study found a prevalence of 30.3% for long COVID symptoms among COVID-19 patients, with some initially asymptomatic patients developing long-term symptoms. Additionally, a significantly higher rate of EBV reactivation was observed in long COVID subjects compared to control subjects, suggesting a potential association between COVID-19 inflammation and EBV reactivation.

PATHOGENS (2021)

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Article Medicine, Research & Experimental

Genetic and phenotypic analysis of the causal relationship between aging and COVID-19

Kejun Ying et al.

Summary: The study found that genetic variations supporting longer lifespan are associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. Acceleration of biological age is linked to future incidence and severity of COVID-19. Low levels of B-cell CD19 indicate increased risk of COVID-19 and decreased life expectancy.

COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Cell Biology

The economic value of targeting aging

Andrew J. J. Scott et al.

Summary: Research shows that compressing morbidity by improving health is more valuable than extending life, and targeting aging may offer larger economic gains. Slowing aging to increase life expectancy by 1 year is worth US$38 trillion, and by 10 years, US$367 trillion.

NATURE AGING (2021)

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Article Biochemical Research Methods

Metabolic Perturbation Associated With COVID-19 Disease Severity and SARS-CoV-2 Replication

Shuba Krishnan et al.

Summary: This study used patient-derived data and in vitro experiments to investigate the relationship between metabolic pathways and the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, finding that severe disease is characterized by increased plasma glucose levels. Immune phenotype analysis revealed altered expression patterns, and glycolysis and glutaminolysis were identified as essential for virus replication.

MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS (2021)

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Review Cell Biology