Research Shows Covid-19 Can Infect Dopamine Neurons in the Brain and Accelerate Aging.
A study conducted by experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell on January 17. Scientists discovered that dopamine neurons infected with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) ceased to function and sent chemical signals that trigger inflammation, leading to premature aging.
Normally, dopamine serves as a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of pleasure and excitement, supports memory, sleep, and movement. Damage to these neurons can lead to Parkinson’s disease and age-related dementia.
The new study may shed light on neurological symptoms associated with long-term Covid-19 issues such as brain fog, chronic fatigue, and depression.
According to Professor Shuibing Chen from the Gene Health Center at the Hartman Institute for Organ Regeneration, this result was completely unexpected. Previously, Professor Chen had created various types of cells from human stem cells to test which ones nCoV would infect.
They found that a small percentage, about 5%, of dopamine neurons exposed to nCoV were infected. This rate is lower than that of lung cells, which are the primary target of the virus. However, even a small number of infected cells can cause serious problems.
Dopamine neurons (green) in the brains of Covid-19 patients. (Photo: Liuliu Yang)
In the study, experts used transcriptomic profiling to identify how genes altered by nCoV lead to changes in cells. They discovered that only dopamine neurons activated the aging pathway.
Next, they sought to protect the neurons to mitigate health issues following viral infection. Researchers tested two commercially available drugs. The goal was to prevent nCoV infection or to rescue infected dopamine neurons from aging.
Three effective drugs were identified: riluzole (used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), metformin (used to treat diabetes), and imatinib (used to treat cancer). Further research on these drugs could prevent the virus from attacking the brain.
Most people in various countries have had Covid-19 at least once, yet not everyone experiences neurological problems after the illness. Researchers suggest monitoring the health of long-term Covid-19 patients exhibiting symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease to gain a better understanding.
