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

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a deadly pandemic with surging mortality rates and no cure. COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with a range of clinical symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, headache, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and a loss of smell or taste. Aged individuals with compromised immunity are highly susceptible to COVID-19 and the likelihood of mortality increases with age and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 highjacks mitochondria of immune cells, replicates within mitochondrial structures, and impairs mitochondrial dynamics leading to cell death. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and are largely involved in maintaining cell immunity, homeostasis, and cell survival/death. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria from COVID-19 infected cells are highly vulnerable, and vulnerability increases with age. The purpose of our article is to summarize the role of various age-related comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological diseases in increasing mortality rates amongst the elderly with COVID-19. Our article also highlights the interaction between coronavirus and mitochondrial dynamics in immune cells. We also highlight the current treatments, lifestyles, and safety measures that can help protect against COVID-19. Further research is urgently needed to understand the molecular mechanisms between the mitochondrial virus and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.

Short-Term Effects of a Conditioning Telerehabilitation Program in Confined Patients Affected by COVID-19 in the Acute Phase. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Different mechanisms could explain why therapeutic exercise may be favorable for these patients, such as improvements in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function [ 26 , 27 , 28 ], strengthening of the immune system [ 23 , 24 ], and improvements in respiratory function [ 11 ]. Therefore, rehabilitation has been recognized as a treatment option in patients with mild and moderate clinical symptoms of COVID-19 [ 29 ].…”

Cytokine Overproduction and Immune System Dysregulation in alloHSCT and COVID-19 Patients

“…It is also postulated that mitochondrial damage may contribute to the symptoms of “long COVID-19”. In the course of COVID-19 mitochondria are exposed to damage, which may result in a low energy potential of the affected cells and from patients’ perspective in long term observed fatigue and a lack of energy ( 44 ). This is also unique for COVID-19 patients ( 45 ).…”

Of mitochondrion and COVID-19

“…SARS-CoV-2 might directly activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, with consequent flaring-up of the inflammation cascade 40 . Hence, SARS-COV-2 alters mitochondrial physiology 46 , 47 .…”