Molecular patterns of neurodegeneration in coronavirus infection caused by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Background: Studies of the neurological and psychiatric consequences of coronavirus infection are of particular relevance due to their lack of knowledge. Molecular patterns of nerve tissue damage are an important task for understanding the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
 Aims: To study the dynamics of changes in the content of markers of neurodegeneration and neuroplasticity in patients with coronavirus infection in the acute and long-term periods.
 Materials and methods: A total of 200 patients aged 51 to 83 years were included and divided into two groups - the first from 51 to 65 years, the second - from 66 to 83 years. Neurodegeneration markers were determined in blood serum: neurofilament heavy chains (NEFH), S100 A6 protein, S100 B protein, -amyloid 142 (Ab1-42), microfilament associated tau protein (MAPt), serum amyloid P (SAP), and neuroplasticity: neurotrophin 3 (NT3), neurotrophin 4 (NT4). The study was performed three times - in the acute period of the disease at the time of admission to the hospital and after discharge after 6 and 12 months.
 Results: Women of the first group in the acute period of coronavirus infection had higher concentrations of S100 A6 (3.20.2), S100 B (0.40.06), NT3 (1.10.1), MAPt (0.130.02), while in men the values of NEFH (0.150.03), Ab1-42 (2.10.1), SAP (4.50.06 ). In the long-term period, there was a general tendency in young men to a long and high persistence of markers of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection compared to women, which indicates a long period of rehabilitation. After 12 months, the level of calcium-binding proteins S100 A6 and S100 B in men was 1.5 0.2 pg / ml and 0.3 0.04 ng / ml, and in women 1.1 0.1 pg / ml and 0.20.04 ng/ml, respectively. The level of SAP in men in the long-term period after 12 months was 4.30.1 versus 3.90.2 ng/ml in women, which is a significant difference.
 Analyzing the results obtained in patients of the second group, it was found that the amount of S100 A6, Ab1-42 in the acute period in women is higher, while men had higher levels of S100 B, NT3, SAP
 Conclusion: The revealed changes in patients with coronavirus infection both in the acute and late periods indicate active neurodegeneration processes in different age groups, which is manifested by an increase in the concentration of specific proteins in the blood serum.