ABSTRACT
Obesity is a key correlate of severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes while the role of obesity on risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptom phenotype, and immune response remain poorly defined. We examined data from a prospective SARS-CoV-2 cohort study to address these questions. Serostatus, body mass index, demographics, comorbidities, and prior COVID-19 compatible symptoms were assessed at baseline and serostatus and symptoms monthly thereafter. SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays included an IgG ELISA targeting the spike RBD, multiarray Luminex targeting 20 viral antigens, pseudovirus neutralization, and T cell ELISPOT assays. Our results from a large prospective SARS-CoV-2 cohort study indicate symptom phenotype is strongly influenced by obesity among younger but not older age groups; we did not identify evidence to suggest obese individuals are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection; and remarkably homogenous immune activity across BMI categories suggests immune protection across these groups may be similar.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/immunology , Obesity/complications , Obesity/immunology , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Body Mass Index , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/physiopathology , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2/immunology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Obesity is a key correlate of severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes while the role of obesity on risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptom phenotype, and immune response are poorly defined. We examined data from a prospective SARS-CoV-2 cohort study to address these questions. Serostatus, body mass index, demographics, comorbidities, and prior COVID-19 compatible symptoms were assessed at baseline and serostatus and symptoms monthly thereafter. SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays included an IgG ELISA targeting the spike RBD, multiarray Luminex targeting 20 viral antigens, pseudovirus neutralization, and T cell ELISPOT assays. Our results from a large prospective SARS-CoV-2 cohort study indicate symptom phenotype is strongly influenced by obesity among younger but not older age groups; we did not identify evidence to suggest obese individuals are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection; and, remarkably homogenous immune activity across BMI categories suggests natural- and vaccine-induced protection may be similar across these groups.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To present a case of pemphigus vulgaris, involving the conjunctiva, specifically the plica semilunaris, in both eyes of a 33-year-old woman. METHODS: Ocular evaluation showed bilateral plica semilunaris vegetations extending for 3 mm linearly. Sequential excisional biopsies of both affected plica were performed and sent for pathological examination and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS: After each excisional biopsy, the patient's ocular symptoms resolved. Excisional biopsies showed suprabasilar clefting within the epithelium; lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and immunopathology showed intraepithelial intercellular and basement membrane zone staining with immunoglobulin G consistent with pemphigus vulgaris. At 1-year follow-up, the patient continues to be asymptomatic with no signs of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Excisional biopsy, in a very symptomatic patient with pemphigus vulgaris with conjunctival vegetations, may hasten his or her recovery.
Subject(s)
Conjunctival Diseases/diagnosis , Pemphigus/diagnosis , Adult , Biopsy , Conjunctival Diseases/surgery , Eye Pain/diagnosis , Female , Functional Laterality , Humans , Pemphigus/surgery , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a mediator of neuronal cell death and survival in ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study was conducted to further elucidate the role of TNF-alpha and its receptor in an in vivo model of retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury by investigating its effects on retinal histopathology and function. METHODS: Retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury was performed on p55 and p75 knockout (KO) mice and Sprague-Dawley rats using the high intraocular pressure METHOD: The temporal expression of TNF-alpha was ascertained with immunohistochemical staining. Separate rats received intravitreal recombinant TNF-alpha or neutralizing antibody before or after ischemia. TUNEL labeling was performed to assess for cell death, and electroretinography was performed to assess function. RESULTS: TNF-alpha expression peaked at 12 to 24 hours after ischemia-reperfusion injury. TUNEL staining was diminished after intravitreal TNF-alpha antibody. Both transgenic KOs demonstrated significantly less functional impairment. Rats receiving recombinant TNF-alpha 48 hours after ischemia showed exaggerated functional impairment. Animals treated with TNF-alpha antibody before ischemia displayed significant functional improvement. CONCLUSIONS: TNF-alpha plays a largely deleterious role in ischemia-reperfusion injury in an in vivo model of retinal injury. Direct neutralization of this cytokine partially preserves retinal function. The diverse characteristics of TNF-alpha are attributed in part to the timing of its expression after injury. TNF-alpha receptor expression and function, along with combination treatments targeting death receptor-mediated apoptosis, should be further explored to develop neuroprotective therapeutic strategies for acute retinal ischemic disorders.
