Association between molecular markers of COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease

Quincozes-Santos, André; Rosa, Rafael Lopes da; Bobermin, Larissa Daniele; Tureta, Emanuela Fernanda; Santi, Lucélia; Beys-da-Silva, Walter Orlando

The COVID-19 pandemic has represented an exceptional health challenge since the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has acute and chronic consequences. Acute events are mainly related to the respiratory tract; however, SARS-CoV-2 may affect cardiovascular system, kidneys, gut, and brain. Several studies have suggested patients with more severe systemic presentations are most affected by neurological symptoms, 1,2 while data from brain of postmortem patients show that SARS-CoV-2 has neuroinvasive properties. The outcomes in the central nervous system (CNS) may be also associated with an exacerbated inflammatory process, or cytokine storm, a well-characterized effect of COVID-19 that result from an overreaction of immune system, particularly involving the augment of interleukin 6 (IL-6). In line with this, SARS-CoV-2 may activate glial cells, thus potentially triggering chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. 3 This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.