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C-19 Resource Page (Post-COVID Condition & Post-vaccination syndrome)

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Quantitative susceptibility mapping revealed microstructural abnormalities in several medullary clusters associated with respiratory function and body homeostasis in COVID-19 survivors over months after hospitalization

Stool samples from newborns, born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA and S protein at delivery, indicating in utero viral transmission to the fetal intestine

Elevated levels of arthroplasty-relevant metals were found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with arthroplasty implants

Clinical and radiological findings of cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) associated with COVID-19

This study presented clinical, radiological and laboratory features of cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs) in eight COVID-19 patients.

SARS-CoV-2-related inflammation has been found in the epipharynx of patients with long COVID, suggesting the therapeutic potential of epipharyngeal abrasive therapy

These results suggest a possible link between long COVID and chronic epipharyngitis and emphasize the therapeutic potential of EAT in treating the symptoms of long COVID.

The persistence of vaccine-derived S1 protein in CD16+ monocytes and PASC-like cytokine profile up to 245 days after vaccination may contribute to post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome in SARS-CoV-2-uninfected individuals

These findings suggest that the persistence of vaccine-derived S1 protein in CD16+ monocytes, and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19-like cytokine profile, may contribute to persistent post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome.

A case series of 30 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing glomerular diseases after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination (the most common was immunoglobulin A nephropathy)

The most common glomerular disease after COVID-19 vaccination was immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). The absolute risk of glomerular diseases increased after the second or third COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.

SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins as well as HIV-GP120 protein were detected in extracellular vesicles or as free proteins in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from post-COVID patients up to two years after acute COVID-19 and from HIV-positive subjects on HAART therapy with undetectable blood viral load

Most spike and nucleocapsid proteins were contained in the extracellular vesicles. In contrast, most HIV-GP120 proteins were present as free proteins.

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From the Post-COVID Condition/ Post-COVID-vaccination syndrome Page

One year after mRNA COVID-19 immunization, the young people show elevated cytokine levels, suggesting ongoing stimulation of the immune system

De novo onset or exacerbation of psoriasis following the SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID vaccination

Changes in the brain functional connectivity were associated with cognitive dysfunction in individuals with neurological manifestations of post-acute COVID syndrome

Selected Topics

Long COVID/Post-vaccination syndrome & Cardiac Sequelae

A Korean nationwide study conducted on more than 44 million vaccinated individuals found that the incidence of myocarditis associated with COVID vaccination was highest in males aged 12 to 17 years, and the most serious adverse effect was sudden cardiac death

The authors concluded that the findings of sudden cardiac deaths attributable to COVID vaccine-related myocarditis warrant the careful monitoring or warning of sudden cardiac death as a potentially fatal complication of COVID-19 vaccination, especially in individuals younger than 45 years of age who received the mRNA vaccines.

SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein activates human cardiac fibroblasts by priming NLRP3 inflammasomes through NF-κB signaling in an ACE2-dependent way and promotes cardiac fibrosis

The S1 protein activates human CFs by priming NLRP3 inflammasomes through NF-κB signaling in an ACE2-dependent way.

The mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines induce different cardiotoxic effects and dysfunction in isolated rat left ventricular cardiomyocytes

This study showed for the first time that mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccines induced cardiotoxic effects with disturbances of normal contractile function in rat cardiomyocytes. The effects of vaccines differed fundamentally in their pathophysiological mechanisms.

Higher 18F-FDG uptake was detected in the myocardium, axilla, liver, and spleen of asymptomatic vaccinated individuals up to 6 months after the second mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (PET/CT study)

Individuals who were asymptomatic and underwent PET/CT within a period of 180 days following their second vaccination had increased 18Fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the myocardium, axilla, liver, and spleen as compared to unvaccinated individuals.

The VAERS reporting rates of myocarditis/pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination demonstrate a higher reporting rate mainly after the second dose, particularly among young males

In this retrospective pharmacovigilance study of safety signals associated with myocarditis/pericarditis after the primary and up to three booster doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, the second dose of the vaccines showed the strongest signal in vaccinated individuals under 25 years old.

Cardiac MRI showed signs of non-ischemic myocardial fibrosis in a significant portion of the cohort diagnosed with long COVID syndrome (30%)

30% of patients diagnosed with long COVID syndrome had cardiac MRI signs of non-ischemic fibrosis, exceeding the prevalence of this disease in the normal adult population.

Myocardial inflammation and edema have been found in a small proportion of patients diagnosed with acute myocarditis within 14 days of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (PET and MRI study)

PET and MRI visualization of myocardial tissue has shown localized myocardial inflammation and edema in a small proportion of patients with symptomatic myocarditis approximately two months after COVID-19 vaccination.

Patients with acute COVID-19 and convalescents who recovered after severe COVID-19 were found to have elevated levels of anti-desmoglein 2 autoantibodies

The results showed the possible association between anti-Dsg2 autoantibodies and post-COVID-19 cardiac sequelae.

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Post-COVID-19-vaccination syndrome & Immunity

The persistence of vaccine-derived S1 protein in CD16+ monocytes and PASC-like cytokine profile up to 245 days after vaccination may contribute to post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome in SARS-CoV-2-uninfected individuals

One year after mRNA COVID-19 immunization, the young people show elevated cytokine levels, suggesting ongoing stimulation of the immune system

The results showed that vaccination led to increased cytokine levels even one year after vaccination. Furthermore, the results indicated differences in cytokine levels based on gender and age.

Individuals with post-COVID vaccination syndrome were found to have a specific immunological profile, serological evidence of recent Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, and circulating SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein up to 700 days after vaccination

This study demonstrated immunological and other characteristics in individuals experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination.

Autoantibodies against peripheral nerve structures have been found in 18% of patients with post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome

This study has shown that serum prevalence of autoreactive IgGs against peripheral nerve structures was significantly higher in PCVS patients than in healthy controls. IgG binding was directed against axons, paranodes, Schmidt-Lanterman incisures, and Schwann cell nuclei.

The rapid waning of serum antibodies after mRNA vaccination is due to the inability of mRNA vaccines to induce long-lived plasma cells in the bone marrow

This study showed the exclusion of SARS-CoV-2 specificity from the bone marrow long-lived plasma cell (LLPC) compartment and the inability of mRNA vaccines to induce necessary precursor programs to fully mature into the bone marrow LLPC.

Differences in the concentrations of autoantibodies against receptors involved in autonomic regulation between individuals with post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome and vaccinated healthy subjects could be related to dysautonomia

The concentrations of autoantibodies against receptors involved in autonomic regulation and serum levels of IL-6/IL-8 can distinguish individuals with post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome from healthy vaccinated individuals.

A significant proportion (29%) of healthcare workers developed de novo production of antinuclear antibodies after three mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations

A significant proportion (29%) of healthcare workers developed de novo production of antinuclear antibodies after three mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The most prevalent was a homogeneous pattern of ANA.

Vaccinated COVID convalescents were found to have increased T-cell activation in many anatomical regions and SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA in rectosigmoid cells up to 2.5 years after initial infection

A whole-body positron emission tomography with a novel radiopharmaceutical [18F]F-AraG showed increased T cell activation in numerous anatomical regions in vaccinated COVID convalescents up to 2.5 years after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Changes in cytokine responses to heterologous pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 antigens were observed in children aged 5 to 11 years up to six months after their second BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination

Since a decrease in immune response to other pathogens makes children more susceptible to other infections, the authors concluded that these findings highlight the need for further consideration of vaccination policy.

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The persistence of vaccine-derived S1 protein in CD16+ monocytes and PASC-like cytokine profile up to 245 days after vaccination may contribute to post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome in SARS-CoV-2-uninfected individuals

One year after mRNA COVID-19 immunization, the young people show elevated cytokine levels, suggesting ongoing stimulation of the immune system

The results showed that vaccination led to increased cytokine levels even one year after vaccination. Furthermore, the results indicated differences in cytokine levels based on gender and age.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro triggered the inflammation and senescence pathways in A9 dopaminergic neurons (mostly affected by Parkinson’s disease in the substantia nigra) derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Increased risk of viral-induced parkinsonism?

This study demonstrated selective in vitro vulnerability of A9 DA neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated inflammatory and cellular senescence response.

SARS-CoV-2 can infect and replicate in human motor neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells

SARS-CoV-2 is able to infect and replicate in an in vitro model of human motor neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Acyclovir clinically resolved or significantly improved symptoms in patients diagnosed with long COVID syndrome

Two case series studies demonstrated that four patients with long COVID improved with chronic use of acyclovir.

Education

You can download a free book at the Education Page

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New Insights into Endometrial Cancer, MDPI, Basel, 2022

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Diverse functions of mucosal resident memory T cells. Frontiers in Immunology, 2015.

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Textbook of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, 2016

From the Acute COVID-19 Page

“Neurotoxin-like region” of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein modulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (with a high preference for the α7 subtype linked with aggression, anxiety, and depression)

Histamine receptor H1 binds directly to the N-terminal domain on the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein and acts as an ACE2-independent receptor for SARS-CoV-2, but also synergistically interacts with ACE2 and facilitates ACE2-dependent viral entry (antihistamines could be a potential treatment for COVID-19)

SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro triggers the cellular senescence pathway in A9 dopaminergic neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells (increased risk of viral-induced parkinsonism?)

Selected Topics

SARS-CoV-2 & Cardiac Tissue

Marked neovascularization in the form of intussusceptive angiogenesis, associated with a significant infiltration of CD11b+/TIE2+ macrophages, may be the main driver for a specific cardiac injury induced by SARS-CoV-2

The most remarkable finding in the cardiac remodeling triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 infection was a marked neovascularization in the form of intussusceptive angiogenesis, which was associated with a significant infiltration of CD11b+/TIE2+ macrophages, which are drivers of intussusceptive angiogenesis.

The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein acts as an allosteric agonist of β-adrenergic receptors and contributes to sympathetic hyperactivity

This study is the first to show that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates β-adrenergic receptors in cardiomyocytes, contributes to cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity and increases activation of downstream β-adrenergic receptor signaling induced by epinephrine.

SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein activates human cardiac fibroblasts by priming NLRP3 inflammasomes through NF-κB signaling in an ACE2-dependent way and promotes cardiac fibrosis

The S1 protein activates human CFs by priming NLRP3 inflammasomes through NF-κB signaling in an ACE2-dependent way.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and additional hypoxic stress deteriorates cardiac function and disrupts vascular network formation in human cardiac tissue model

Human iPS cell-based cardiac tissue model shows that cardiac tissue exposed to persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection is at high risk for cardiac dysfunction.

Patients with acute COVID-19 and convalescents who recovered after severe COVID-19 were found to have elevated levels of anti-desmoglein 2 autoantibodies

The results showed the possible association between anti-Dsg2 autoantibodies and post-COVID-19 cardiac sequelae.

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SARS-CoV-2 & The Feto-Placental Pathology

Highly expressed markers of vascular impairment and autophagy are co-localized with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in placenta samples of unvaccinated women positive for SARS-CoV-2

Increased expression of VEGF and the endothelial cell marker CD34 indicates alterations, disarrangements, or remodeling of normal vasculature, associated with vascular endothelial injury and endothelitis.

Neurodevelopmental disorders and microcephaly after in utero SARS-CoV-2 exposure (case reports)

Clinical findings, placental pathology, and immunohistochemical analysis strongly suggest that second-trimester maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and placentitis triggered an inflammatory response in the fetoplacental unit that affected the fetal brain.

Maternal-fetal transmission of SARS-CoV-2, viral tropism for various fetal brain cells, and a concerning degree of brain gliosis were observed in the brains of in utero-infected mouse fetuses

The results showed significant level of maternal-fetal transmission of delta variant SARS-CoV-2 in later stages of mice pregnancy, and viral tropism for various fetal brain cells, like endothelial cells of blood vessels, barrier cells of the choroid plexus, neurons, and glial cells.

The SARS-CoV-2 proteins were found in the fetal brain cortical hemorrhages during early gestation

This study reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in fetal brain tissue, associated with cortical hemorrhages, and linked to reduced blood vessel integrity and monocyte infiltration of the hemorrhagic cortex. SARS-COV-2 antigens were also detected in the placenta, amnion, and umbilical cord during early gestation (the first and second trimesters of pregnancy).

Severe vascular remodeling (including severe thickening and fibrosis of the vessel walls, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and vessel lumen occlusion) was found in the placental arteries of women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy

The results show severe vascular remodeling of placental arteries, including severe thickening of the vessel walls and the occlusion of the vessel lumen, in women with COVID-19 during pregnancy.

Stool samples from newborns, born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy, contained SARS-CoV-2 RNA and S protein at delivery, indicating in utero viral transmission to the fetal intestine

The mechanism of in utero transmission to the fetal intestine remains unclear. Since viral RNA was detected in the placenta and amniotic fluid, this might be the pathway of viral transmission.

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Conference Coverage

International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Science. March 26-28, 2026. Singapore and Online

You can find more at the Education Page

From the Multispecialty Page

Brain neurons form excitatory glutamatergic synapses with metastatic cells of non-neural cancers

Azithromycin is superior to other macrolides in improving the respiratory epithelial barrier in vitro

In a 7-year follow-up, 61% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who had no cardiovascular disease were found to have subclinical left ventricular dysfunction

Selected Topics

Sex-specific differences in human medicine

The study of first-onset psychiatric disorders in a large sample size of more than 120,000 women showed that the perimenopause is a period of increased risk of first-onset major depressive disorder and mania

The results showed that the perimenopause (2 years prior and 2 years after the final menstrual period) is a period of increased risk of first-onset major depressive disorder and mania.

Differences in gene transcriptomics in peripheral blood cells of vaccinated patients with post-COVID syndrome are sex-specific

Sex-specific differences in the transcriptome of peripheral blood cells in vaccinated patients with PACS indicate possible sex-specific differences in the pathophysiology of PACS.

A Korean nationwide study conducted on more than 44 million vaccinated individuals found that the incidence of myocarditis associated with COVID vaccination was highest in males aged 12 to 17 years, and the most serious adverse effect was sudden cardiac death

Sex-specific proteomic profiles of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Circulating proteins associated with extracellular matrix organization were overrepresented in women, while those reflecting apoptotic processes were overrepresented in men. The predictive value of circulating proteins measured repeatedly did not differ between sexes, except for endothelin-1 and somatostatin.

Neuroplasticity of the maternal brain during pregnancy and postpartum

The specific changes in physiology and neuroplasticity in the maternal brain during pregnancy prepare the mother for the challenges of motherhood and contribute to the survival of the offspring.

Hypotestosteronemia in COVID-19 or post COVID syndrome could be of hypothalamic origin

A persistent hypotestosteronemia in certain patients with COVID-19 or long COVID syndrome could be of hypothalamic origin due to impaired GnRH function, or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

HERV expression in pregnant women with multiple sclerosis is reduced compared to healthy pregnant women

The expression of HERVs in pregnant women with MS was reduced compared to healthy pregnant women.

The VAERS reporting rates of myocarditis/pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination demonstrate a higher reporting rate mainly after the second dose, particularly among young males

Sex-specific association between depressive symptoms and specific forms of childhood trauma in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders

This study revealed a gender-specific association between depressive symptoms and specific forms of childhood trauma in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In women, the severity of depressive symptoms was associated with childhood sexual abuse, which was three times as often as in men.

Sex-specific association between ultra-processed foods and the increased risk of colorectal cancer

This study found a positive association between the overall consumption of ultra-processed foods and the increased risk of colorectal cancer in men. The association was limited to distal colon cancer.

Plasma and tear fluid concentrations of calcitonin gene-related peptide are related to the endogenous sex hormone levels during the menstrual cycle phases in women suffering from episodic migraine

The increased CGRP release from the trigeminal-vascular system during menstruation could explain the biological predisposition to more frequent, severe, and prolonged migraine attacks during this period

Sex-specific differences in functional brain connectivity are present in utero

Sex-specific differences in brain functional connectivity are present in utero in a way that is consistent and reliable enough to be highly identifiable.

Female college athletes are more likely to have a longer recovery after a sport-related brain concussion

Participants who experienced slow recovery after sport-related brain concussion were more likely to be women and have more symptoms immediately after injury.

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The Mediterranean diet and olive oil

Consumption of olive oil reduces the risk of dementia-related mortality

This study, conducted in two large US prospective cohorts, found that the risk of dementia-related mortality was 28% lower in participants who consumed more than 7 grams per day of olive oil than in participants who never or rarely consumed olive oil.

The Mediterranean diet changed the gut microbiome and decreased the fecal calprotectin concentration in patients in remission of ulcerative colitis

In patients with remission of ulcerative colitis, the Mediterranean diet, compared to the habitual diet, induced changes in the gut microbiome, reduced fecal calprotectin concentrations, and increased fecal short-chain fatty acid levels.

The Mediterranean and low-fat diets reduce the risk of all cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction in patients at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases

This network meta-analysis determined the relative efficacy of structured diet and health behavior programs (dietary programs) for preventing mortality and major cardiovascular events in patients at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk for all-cause dementia

Participants with the highest adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 23% lower risk to develop dementia than those with the lowest level of adherence.

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