๐ฅ๐งฌ NEW PAPER PUBLISHED! Is there a link between EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) and conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis and Long COVID? ๐ค๐ Dive into this thread and discover how EBV could be behind the symptoms of both pathologies and what therapeutic strategies exist: โฌ๏ธ๐
1/ ๐ค ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ME/CFS and Long COVID are two pathologies that, although arising from different causes, present astonishing similarities in how they affect the body and their symptoms. #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #COVIDSurvivors
Paper link: link.springer.com
Paper link: link.springer.com
2/ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง ๐๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฌ: Those suffering from both diseases might experience extreme fatigue, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive difficulties, and discomfort in the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #LongCOVIDSyndrome
3/ ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ง๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Both diseases show signs of chronic viral infection persistence. That is, the body continues to deal with viral reservoirs long after the initial infection. #PostCOVIDSyndrome #MillionsMissing
4/ ๐ค ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐๐ญ๐: Both pathologies create a chronic inflammation state. Imagine your body as a house, and inflammation is an alarm that keeps ringing. #LongHaulers #COVIDLongTermEffects
5/ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐จ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ: In some cases, the immune system, which typically protects us, starts attacking parts of our own body.
7/ ๐งช ๐๐ฒ๐ฉ๐จ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ: Both diseases are associated with low cortisol levels, a hormone essential for various body functions, including stress management.
8/ ๐ฉธ ๐๐ข๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ญ๐ฌ: Tiny blood clots can form, potentially affecting blood flow and hence the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
9/ ๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐: The reactivation of EBV might be a link between both diseases, leading us to think about a three-step acquired immunodeficiency process:
10/
โขStep 1: EBV latency isn't adequately controlled in people with certain genetic characteristics (EBV "weak" HLA-II haplotypes).
โขStep 2: Zones are formed where EBV hides in various tissues, leading to inflammation and even weaker immune defense.
โขStep 1: EBV latency isn't adequately controlled in people with certain genetic characteristics (EBV "weak" HLA-II haplotypes).
โขStep 2: Zones are formed where EBV hides in various tissues, leading to inflammation and even weaker immune defense.
11/
Step 3: Chronic exposure to these viral antigens wears down the immune system, establishing the disease.
Step 3: Chronic exposure to these viral antigens wears down the immune system, establishing the disease.
12/ ๐In the case of ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, prior to this process, there might've been a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. This previous infection, in individuals with specific genetic features, could be the trigger that makes it hard to adequately control the EBV.
13/ Let's begin by understanding what #EBV is: It's the Epstein-Barr virus, known for causing mononucleosis. But its relationship with our immune and metabolic system goes beyond.
14/ Some people might have what we call "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus. This means their immune system might struggle to control the cells infected by EBV.
15/ Without that control, EBV can "hide" within ectopic lymphoid structures in various tissues. Imagine it as a spy blending in with a crowd.
16/ One of the issues is that these "hidden" cells release something called #EBER, which triggers inflammatory responses. It's as if the spy, while hiding, releases smoke, alerting everyone to his presence.
17/ But, what happens when EBV reactivates more than usual? This might cause the body to produce autoantibodies and release substances named viral dUTPases, further complicating matters.
18/ Now, with more hidden EBV, the virus has more tricks up its sleeve. It can further weaken our immune response, making it harder to fight by creating a latency form that CD4 T cells can't detect in those with weak haplotypes against EBV.
19/ Moreover, the virus has a way to "communicate" with our immune system using EBER and dUTPases to trigger certain "switches" called TLR2 and TLR3. This results in the production of substances causing inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines).
20/ These pro-inflammatory cytokines might cause hypozincemia by increasing the expression of metallothioneins, affecting zinc availability in the blood.
21/ When these metallothioneins are excessively expressed in enterocytes, they reduce Cu uptake, affecting ceruloplasmin synthesis and reducing the activity of Cu-dependent enzymes, resulting in oxidative stress.
22/ Additionally, the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines can result in the formation of amyloid fibrin microclots, which might cause capillary blockage.
23/ One of the body's defenses against infections is IFN-ฮณ. However, high levels of IFN-ฮณ released due to persistent infections can lead to insulin resistance, causing compensatory hyperinsulinemia.
24/ This condition can result in transient hypoglycemia and reduced metabolism, leading to exercise intolerance.
25/ Furthermore, hyperinsulinemia might affect cortisol secretion, a crucial aspect of the body's stress response.
26/ In the intestinal context, the activation of TLR2 and TLR3 affects serotonin absorption, which can cause issues such as increased motility and nausea.
27/ This disruption in serotonin balance is also reflected in the brain, where the opposite occurs. Serotonin levels decrease, causing a sensation of fatigue.
28/ In neuronal terms, quinolinic acid (a tryptophan degradation product) can cause neurotoxicity when interacting with the NMDA receptor, leading to increased nitrosative stress.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme 29/ Ultimately, this environment with elevated oxidative/nitrosative stress could be exploited by EBV-infected cells, allowing them to alter their DNA and hide even more effectively from the immune system.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme 30/ ๐บ๐น Sex Differences in Immunodeficiency: Biological sex can influence the interaction with EBV. Estrogens in women enhance B-cell survival and antibody release but might also amplify risks with EBV, potentially fostering autoimmune conditions.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 31/ ๐ง In men, testosterone shapes the immune response differently, often favoring a more efficient defense against intracellular pathogens. This distinction can affect the progression and manifestation of conditions like ME/CFS and Long COVID.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 32/ ๐ Women's menstrual cycles further complicate this, with phases like ovulation causing potential immunosuppression and increasing vulnerability to viral reactivations.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 33/ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐๐ก ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ฌ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฌ? #LongCOVID #MECFS
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 34/ ๐ก๏ธ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐ง๐: Though one might think treating with hydrocortisone would benefit in addressing hypocortisolism, it has been observed to have limited, even adverse effects in patients with ME/CFS.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 35/ ๐ซ The main reason is that the HPA axis hypofunction is a consequence, not a cause, of immunological alteration. Also, using hydrocortisone could enhance immunodeficiency and EBV reactivation.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 36/ ๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): These might help restore the serotonergic impairment. However, peripherally, they might worsen hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 37/ ๐ For instance, fluvoxamine might alleviate symptoms related to EBV reactivation. But it could also exacerbate intestinal symptoms due to an increase in serotonin at the intestinal level.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 38/ ๐ฉธ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง: This drug could be beneficial. It reduces ROS production, improves insulin sensitivity, and doesn't stimulate endogenous insulin production, so it's not linked to hypoglycemia risk.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 39/ ๐ฆ Antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine (๐๐๐): They might help decrease oxidative stress. They also lower the risk of developing EBV-associated cancer and inhibit NF-ฮบB activation.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 40/ ๐ Other antioxidant supplements like ubiquinol, Zn, vitamin E, C, and melatonin would also be beneficial. Specifically, Zn might suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. But taking high Zn doses can worsen copper absorption.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 41/ ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ก๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐จ๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐: Although it might be useful, it has downsides, such as reactivating EBV, potentially contributing to long-term lymphoma development. Its disadvantages outweigh its benefits.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 42/ ๐ฆ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ like valganciclovir or valacyclovir: They might reduce reactivation, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty 43/ โ ๏ธ ๐๐ฒ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฒ: Presents contradictions. While it generates increased oxidative stress, it could also benefit by reducing replication in tissues with lower oxygen tension.
44/ ๐ In conclusion, the symptoms of individuals with EBV-acquired immunodeficiency could be improved with the combined use of antioxidant supplements, antivirals, and metformin. The use of anticoagulants could also be considered. #Science
@sandralopezleon @Nopanaden @SaludISCIII @SEMG_ES @_REiCOP @SFCencuentro @BrunoPaiva_UNAV @remissionbiome @HexemEducation @healthrising 45/ โณ Let's remember that any treatment should be discussed with a healthcare professional and tailored to the patient and their specific clinical context. #Medicine #EBV #Treatments ๐๐ฉบ๐ #MECFSResearch #microE2324
@sandralopezleon @Nopanaden @SaludISCIII @SEMG_ES @_REiCOP @SFCencuentro @BrunoPaiva_UNAV @remissionbiome @HexemEducation @healthrising 46/๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก: If you're interested in aiding the ongoing investigation into EBV, ME/CFS, and Long COVID, consider contributing. Your donation can make a difference! Help us further the research by donating here: helpify.es
@LongCovidEU @AndaluciaCovid @CovidVictimas @CovidAsturias @AsociacionPEM @elpais_salud @DoctorwithME @DafoeWhitney @ClagueNjc36 @jenniferhulme @Hervorrager @Dakota_150 @zalaly @YaronFishman @VeronicaAtMo @HarrySpoelstra @LCNMUK @MichaelCWilder @CIMA_unav @BhupeshPrusty Edited:
35/ ๐ซ The main reason is that the HPA axis hypofunction is a consequence, not a cause, of immunological alteration. Also, using hydrocortisone could aggravate immunodeficiency and EBV reactivation.
35/ ๐ซ The main reason is that the HPA axis hypofunction is a consequence, not a cause, of immunological alteration. Also, using hydrocortisone could aggravate immunodeficiency and EBV reactivation.
Loading suggestions...