Immune system mediated injury rather than the virus entering and killing brain cells may explain why people experience long-term consequences associated with COVID-19 infection.
The COVID causing SARS-CoV-2 protein interacts with alpha-synuclein, speeding up the formation of amyloid plaques, a new study reports.
Some viral infections could increase intercellular spreading of protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disorders, increasing the risk for developing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
ApoE4, a gene associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, also appears to increase susceptibility and the severity of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for coronavirus, increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in ApoE4 neurons and astrocytes in brain organoid models.
Melatonin produced in the lungs acts as a barrier defense against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by blocking the expression of genes that encode proteins in cells acting as viral entry points.
Mice exposed to COVID-19 through the nasal passage, researchers noted a rapid and escalated attack on the brain by the virus that triggered a more severe outcome of the infection, even after the lungs were cleared of the disease. Researchers also found virus levels were over 1,000 times higher in the brain than other parts of the body.
The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can pass through the blood-brain barrier of mice. The protein likely causes the brain to release cytokines and spark neuroinflammation. The findings add to growing evidence that COVID-19 can enter the brain of those infected by the virus.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19 suppresses pain. Findings suggest the pain suppression caused by the infection may be responsible for viral spread, as people do not feel as ill as they actually are.
A new study suggests COVID-19 may deplete testosterone levels in males. Findings reveal as testosterone decreased, the severity of coronavirus increased. Men who died from coronavirus infection had significantly lower mean testosterone than those who recovered. For those who were asymptomatic, 65.2% reported a loss in libido.
People with a history of substance use disorder are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection and have an increased risk of experiencing worse outcomes, a new study reports.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, a Kawasaki-like disease that appears to result from COVID-19 infections, damages the heart to such an extent that children will need lifelong monitoring and interventions.
A new COVID-19 study reveals children with coronavirus, even those who are asymptomatic, can shed the virus for up to three weeks following infection.
