SARS-CoV-2, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Noncoding RNAs: A Connected Triad

Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by important respiratory impairments frequently associated with severe cardiovascular damages. Moreover, patients with pre-existing comorbidity for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) often present a dramatic increase in inflammatory cytokines release, which increases the severity and adverse outcomes of the infection and, finally, mortality risk. Despite this evident association at the clinical level, the mechanisms linking CVD and COVID-19 are still blurry and unresolved. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are functional RNA molecules transcribed from DNA but usually not translated into proteins. They play an important role in the regulation of gene expression, either in relatively stable conditions or as a response to different stimuli, including viral infection, and are therefore considered a possible important target in the design of specific drugs. In this review, we introduce known associations and interactions between COVID-19 and CVD, discussing the role of ncRNAs within SARS-CoV-2 infection from the perspective of the development of efficient pharmacological tools to treat COVID-19 patients and taking into account the equally dramatic associated consequences, such as those affecting the cardiovascular system.

Aortic dissection and Covid-19; a comprehensive systematic review

“…COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Covid-19: Coronavirus disease 19; CT: computed tomography; CTA: Computed tomography angiography; F: female; HTN: hypertension; M: male; NR: not reported; POST-COVID: observed after the COVID-19 infection; not reported in past medical history before COVID-19 infection; R: right; RT-PCR: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for COVID-19 detection; TEE: transesophageal echocardiography; Test +: positive test results; TTE: transthoracic echocardiography. Country Age Sex Clinical manifestation Comorbidities COVID-19 Timing of dissection Dissection Diagnostic method Dissection type (Stanford/Debakey) Extension of dissection Surgical treatment Basheer et al 2 USA 17 M Acute-onset substernal chest pain; COVID-19; Tested positive (test not specified) 14 days after covid test + CTA Stanford Type A; From sinotubular junction to proximal aortic arch Single side branch graft (Gelweave-30mm) Marfan-syndrome Debakey type I Engin et al 8 Turkey 62 M Chest pain radiating to back; COVID-19; Tested positive (test not specified) 20 days after covid symptoms CT Stanford type A; from Aortotomy; AF; DM; lower extremity deep venous insufficiency Debakey type I ascending aorta to iliac bifurcation poly-tetrafluoroethylene tube graft replacement (30mm) Fesharaki et al 11 Iran 43 M …”

“…Since 11th March 2020, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) has been declared as a pandemic disease, causing numerous morbidities and mortalities worldwide. 1 , 2 Although Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) had been Initially known as an acute respiratory distress syndrome, more recently it appeared to affect various organs and organ systems, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, coagulation, and skin disorders; Most of which related to the hyper-inflammatory state in Covid-19. 3 , 4 Multiple findings imply that the inflammatory state in Covid-19 patients is similar to strong inflammatory syndrome; both of which showing abnormal platelet count, increase in D-dimer, increase in Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), endothelialitis, and pro-inflammatory cytokines activation.…”

Coagulopathy and Fibrinolytic Pathophysiology in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

“…In addition to D-dimer, other markers predicting poor prognosis include lymphocytopenia [ 59 , 60 ], thrombocytopenia [ 59 , 60 ], elevated C-reactive protein [ 61 , 62 ], elevated IL-6 [ 60 , 61 , 62 ], elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [ 63 ], elevated ferritin [ 60 ], sphingolipid profile [ 64 ], increases in soluble tumor necrosis factor or its receptor, or an increase in a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) [ 65 ]. Other risk factors for severe disease and death include advanced age [ 48 ], obesity [ 66 ], vitamin D deficiency [ 67 ], zinc deficiency [ 68 ], and coexisting cardiovascular disease [ 69 ]. Combinations of these factors may thus contribute to more accurate assessment of prognosis.…”

Insights into Cardiovascular Defects and Cardiac Epigenome in the Context of COVID-19

“…Apart from histone modifications and DNA methylation, non-coding RNA (nc-RNA) is an important contributor of epigenetic changes. In COVID-19, several nc-RNA are upregulated or downregulated which render them as potential biomarkers of the disease [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. Askari et al reported that several long nc-RNAs and micro RNAs (mi-RNAs) are differentially expressed in COVID-19, some with specific observations in female versus male patients [ 46 ].…”