Interestingly, most S and N proteins were contained in the extracellular vesicles in the BAL fluids of patients with post-COVID lung disease. In contrast, most HIV-GP120 proteins were present as free proteins in the BAL fluids from HIV-positive subjects.

This study provides new evidence that SARS-CoV-2 S protein injection given to hACE2 KI mice seven days before transient focal brain ischemia disrupted the RAAS balance by increasing Ang II/AT1R signaling in the brain’s cells at the expense of the Ang II/AT2R protective arm.

The RAAS imbalance increased coagulation and decreased fibrinolysis, which worsened ischemic stroke outcomes, as evidenced by increased infarct size, reduced cerebral blood flow, and increased cognitive impairment.

The most remarkable finding in the cardiac remodeling triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 was a marked neovascularization in the form of intussusceptive angiogenesis, associated with significant infiltration of CD11b+/TIE2+ macrophages, which are drivers of intussusceptive angiogenesis.

Ackermann et al., who examined the lungs of seven people who died from COVID-19, were the first to describe intussusceptive angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Younger participants had a greater increase in VEGF-A, which induces the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and is essential for physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Unbound forms of VEGF could be responsible for diffuse microvascular and neurological damage.

Older adults experienced a more pronounced increase in EGF, IL-6, MCP1, and TNF-α. A gender-specific analysis showed a more significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in men than women.

During early photoreceptor layer development, S protein primarily affected the nucleus and gene expression associated with lipid metabolism. In the later stages, S protein primarily affected gene expression associated with the extracellular matrix and cell membrane composition.

This study showed that chronic exposure to arthroplasty implants was associated with increased blood levels of cobalt, chromium, titanium, niobium, and zirconium. Arthroprosthetic cobalt, chromium, titanium, niobium, and zirconium seemed to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in CSF.

At 10 weeks after the infection, COVID-19 convalescents had higher levels of certain cytokines, which may be considered indicative of Th1-dominated inflammation. These alterations resolved 10  months after infection, and Th2-dominated serum cytokine patterns emerged.

These results showed significantly reduced numbers of adaptive immune cells, including T cells (particularly CD3+CD45RA+CD62L+CD31+ recent thymic emigrants) and B cells (non-class-switched CD19+IgD+CD27+ memory B cells).