Scientists at the University of Queensland (Australia) have shown that COVID-19 activates the same inflammatory response in the brain that is observed in Parkinson’s disease. This process can be chronic, being a “silent killer” of neurons that does not manifest itself outwardly for a long time. The discovery is reported in an article published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
It is known that coronavirus infection can cause various, including neurological, chronic conditions. In recent years, more and more studies have been published showing an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in people who have recovered from COVID-19.
An important factor in neurodegenerative processes in the brain are NLRP3 microglial inflammasomes, multiprotein complexes that are responsible for the production of cytokines that promote inflammatory reactions.
To test whether COVID-19 might promote NLRP3 activation, the scientists used a preclinical model: transgenic mice expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). ACE2 is a membrane protein located on the cell surface and is the entry point for SARS-CoV-2.
ACE2 is produced by many cell types, including not only respiratory tract cells, but also brain neurons and microglia (macrophages of the central nervous system), making them potentially vulnerable to infection. SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 of human cells via the viral spike protein S.
It turned out that the virus actually penetrated the rodent brain, where it promoted the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways involving NLRP3. A laboratory model of microglia additionally grown from human monocytes demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 viral particles are able to bind to and enter cells, which directly causes strong inflammatory responses.
Even a purified S-protein, interacting with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglial cells.
When mice with hACE2 infected with SARS-CoV-2 were orally given a drug that blocks NLRP3 activity, they experienced a significant reduction in microglial inflammation. This increased the survival of rodents compared to those animals that did not receive treatment.
To reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus, you should adhere to the rules that protect once morest flu and cold viruses: lead a healthy lifestyle, dress for the weather, and maintain immunity with vitamins. What food will help protect the body? Find out in the gallery:
Read also: Why tinnitus: which doctor to go to and how to treat. Watch the video:
Share:
Recent Articles:
Tags
Table of Contents
Related Posts
© 2024 All rights reserved