Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 cardiovascular symptoms are associated with trace-level cytokines that affect cardiomyocyte function

Jane E. Sinclair, Courtney Vedelago, Feargal J. Ryan, Meagan Carney, Meredith A. Redd, Miriam A. Lynn, Branka Grubor-Bauk, Yuanzhao Cao, Anjali K. Henders, Keng Yih Chew, Deborah Gilroy, Kim Greaves, Larisa Labzin, Laura Ziser, Katharina Ronacher, Leanne M. Wallace, Yiwen Zhang, Kyle Macauslane, Daniel J. Ellis, Sudha RaoLucy Burr, Amanda Bain, Anjana Karawita, Benjamin L. Schulz, Junrong Li, David J. Lynn, Nathan Palpant, Alain Wuethrich, Matt Trau, Kirsty R. Short

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2 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

An estimated 65 million people globally suffer from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), with many experiencing cardiovascular symptoms (PASC-CVS) like chest pain and heart palpitations. This study examines the role of chronic inflammation in PASC-CVS, particularly in individuals with symptoms persisting over a year after infection. Blood samples from three groups—recovered individuals, those with prolonged PASC-CVS and SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals—revealed that those with PASC-CVS had a blood signature linked to inflammation. Trace-level pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected in the plasma from donors with PASC-CVS 18 months post infection using nanotechnology. Importantly, these trace-level cytokines affected the function of primary human cardiomyocytes. Plasma proteomics also demonstrated higher levels of complement and coagulation proteins in the plasma from patients with PASC-CVS. This study highlights chronic inflammation’s role in the symptoms of PASC-CVS.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3135-3147
Number of pages13
JournalNature Microbiology
Volume9
Issue number12
Early online date30 Oct 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC)
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • cardiovascular symptoms
  • trace-level cytokines
  • cardiomyocyte function
  • viral infection
  • PASC-CVS
  • plasma proteome
  • plasma

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