Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Oct 17, 2024 4:20:11 GMT
The Growing Understanding of the Pituitary Implication in the Pathogenesis of Long COVID-19 Syndrome: A Narrative Review - Published Feb 14, 2024
Highlights
What are the main findings?
COVID-19 may lead to sequelae extending beyond the acute phase of infection, characterized by fatigue and cognitive impairments, forming a novel pathological entity known as Post COVID-19 Syndrome.
These sequelae resemble antehypophyseal deficiencies, particularly corticotrop and somatotrop deficiencies, suggesting involvement of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis in COVID-19-related long-term symptoms.
What is the implication of the main finding?
This review underscores the importance of investigating the endocrine system, particularly the pituitary gland, in comprehending and addressing the long-term consequences of COVID-19
Recognition of similarities between COVID-19 sequelae and antehypophyseal deficiencies suggests potential implications for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis abnormalities in affected individuals.
Abstract
Long COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a condition where individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 continue to experience a range of symptoms for weeks or even months afterward. While it was initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, it has become clear that Long COVID-19 can involve various organs and systems, including the endocrine system, which includes the pituitary gland. In the context of Long COVID-19, there is a growing understanding of the potential implications for the pituitary gland. The virus can directly affect the pituitary gland, leading to abnormalities in hormone production and regulation. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and mood disturbances. Long COVID-19, the persistent and often debilitating condition following acute COVID-19 infection, may be explained by deficiencies in ACTH and Growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. Corticotropin insufficiency can result in the dysregulation of the body’s stress response and can lead to prolonged feelings of stress, fatigue, and mood disturbances in Long COVID-19 patients. Simultaneously, somatotropin insufficiency can affect growth, muscle function, and energy metabolism, potentially causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and changes in body composition. Recently, some authors have suggested the involvement of the pituitary gland in Post COVID-19 Syndrome. The exact mechanisms of viral action on infected cells remain under discussion, but inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms are primarily implicated. The aim of our study will be to review the main pituitary complications following COVID-19 infection. Moreover, we will explain the possible involvement of the pituitary gland in the persistence of Post COVID-19 Syndrome.
Keywords: Post COVID-19 Syndrome; Long COVID-19; pathophysiology; pituitary; corticotrop insufficiency; somatotrop insufficiency
Highlights
What are the main findings?
COVID-19 may lead to sequelae extending beyond the acute phase of infection, characterized by fatigue and cognitive impairments, forming a novel pathological entity known as Post COVID-19 Syndrome.
These sequelae resemble antehypophyseal deficiencies, particularly corticotrop and somatotrop deficiencies, suggesting involvement of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis in COVID-19-related long-term symptoms.
What is the implication of the main finding?
This review underscores the importance of investigating the endocrine system, particularly the pituitary gland, in comprehending and addressing the long-term consequences of COVID-19
Recognition of similarities between COVID-19 sequelae and antehypophyseal deficiencies suggests potential implications for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis abnormalities in affected individuals.
Abstract
Long COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a condition where individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 continue to experience a range of symptoms for weeks or even months afterward. While it was initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, it has become clear that Long COVID-19 can involve various organs and systems, including the endocrine system, which includes the pituitary gland. In the context of Long COVID-19, there is a growing understanding of the potential implications for the pituitary gland. The virus can directly affect the pituitary gland, leading to abnormalities in hormone production and regulation. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and mood disturbances. Long COVID-19, the persistent and often debilitating condition following acute COVID-19 infection, may be explained by deficiencies in ACTH and Growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. Corticotropin insufficiency can result in the dysregulation of the body’s stress response and can lead to prolonged feelings of stress, fatigue, and mood disturbances in Long COVID-19 patients. Simultaneously, somatotropin insufficiency can affect growth, muscle function, and energy metabolism, potentially causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and changes in body composition. Recently, some authors have suggested the involvement of the pituitary gland in Post COVID-19 Syndrome. The exact mechanisms of viral action on infected cells remain under discussion, but inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms are primarily implicated. The aim of our study will be to review the main pituitary complications following COVID-19 infection. Moreover, we will explain the possible involvement of the pituitary gland in the persistence of Post COVID-19 Syndrome.
Keywords: Post COVID-19 Syndrome; Long COVID-19; pathophysiology; pituitary; corticotrop insufficiency; somatotrop insufficiency