Journal article
Why Severe COVID-19 Patients Are at Greater Risk of Developing Depression: A Molecular Perspective
Neuroscientist, Vol.28(1), pp.11-19
2022
Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection
Abstract
The prevailing evidence suggests that patients with severe COVID-19 seem to have an overreaction of the immune system demonstrating exacerbated levels of inflammation caused by a “cytokine storm.” At this early stage, the mechanisms underpinning COVID-19 are still subject to intense scrutiny and the long-term mental health consequences as a result of the disease are unknown. Here we discuss the hypothesis that patients who survive severe COVID-19 and who experience significant activation of the immune system, are at greater risk of developing depression. We posit that a phenomenon known as cytokine storm dramatically activates the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), resulting in the increase in kynurenine metabolites. Kynurenine is metabolized by IDO-1 in the brain, producing chemokines, in which a prolonged exposure may result long-term brain impairment. In this article, we also propose the possibility that a SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion increases the local levels of angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 down-regulation. Thereby, angiotensin II could increase kynurenine metabolites producing pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects, resulting in impairment of cognitive function, enhanced oxidative stress and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It is our premise that patients who experience such a cytokine storm may be at increased risk of long-term mental illness, such as depression.
Details
- Title
- Why Severe COVID-19 Patients Are at Greater Risk of Developing Depression: A Molecular Perspective
- Authors
- Ana Bouças (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson InstituteJakeline Rheinheimer (Author) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulJim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
- Publication details
- Neuroscientist, Vol.28(1), pp.11-19
- Publisher
- Sage Publications, Inc.
- Date published
- 2022
- DOI
- 10.1177/1073858420967892
- ISSN
- 1089-4098
- Organisation Unit
- Thompson Institute; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99487908902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neurosciences
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