Why Severe COVID-19 Patients Are at Greater Risk of Developing Depression: A Molecular Perspective

Ana Bouças; Jakeline Rheinheimer; Jim Lagopoulos

doi:10.1177/1073858420967892

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Why Severe COVID-19 Patients Are at Greater Risk of Developing Depression: A Molecular Perspective

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Why Severe COVID-19 Patients Are at Greater Risk of Developing Depression: A Molecular Perspective

Ana Bouças, Jakeline Rheinheimer and Jim Lagopoulos

Neuroscientist, Vol.28(1), pp.11-19

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858420967892

PMID: 33135582

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858420967892View

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Abstract

cytokine storm

severe COVID-19

long-term mental illness

brain impairment

depression

COVID-19

Molecular Biology

Thompson Institute Special Collection

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

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 Institute
Jakeline Rheinheimer (Author) - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Jim 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
PMID: 33135582
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99487908902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Clinical Neurology; Neurosciences

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