If we suspect a Cytokine Storm.

By SWA

Detecting a cytokine storm, or Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), requires a multifaceted approach due to the complex nature of the immune system's response. CRS is characterized by an overly aggressive immune response, typically to infection or immunotherapy, leading to symptoms like fever, nausea, fatigue, and body aches. Early detection and treatment are crucial as the condition can rapidly worsen.

Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines that persist more than 8 months following convalescence.

"When SARS-CoV-2 infects cells expressing the surface receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, it is recognized by neighbouring epithelial cells, endothelial cells and alveolar macrophages, triggering the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (including IL-6, IP-10 macrophage inflammatory protein 1a (MIP1a), MIP1ẞ and MCP1). These proteins attract monocytes, macrophages and T cells to the site of infection, promoting further inflammation (with the addition of IFNy produced by T cells) and establishing a pro-inflammatory feedback loop.

Image 

In a defective immune response (left side) this may lead to further accumulation of immune cells in the lungs, causing overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which eventually damages the lung infrastructure. The resulting cytokine storm circulates to other organs leading to multi-organ damage. In addition, non-neutralizing antibodies produced by B cells may enhance SARS-CoV-2 infection through antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). further exacerbating organ damage." 

The primary method for detecting cytokines is through immunoassays, with the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) being the most common. This assay uses a primary antibody for capturing cytokines and a secondary antibody, conjugated to an enzyme or radioisotope, for detection.

Key markers of inflammation in cytokine storms include both proinflammatory cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, IL-4, and IL-1ra.

Medical imaging, like chest X-rays, can also provide indications of a cytokine storm, especially in conditions like COVID-19, where lung involvement is common. However, it's important to note that the term “cytokine storm” might not always be used or diagnosed explicitly.

Regarding treatment, the role of antihistamines is notable. Histamine can initiate an abnormal immune response leading to cytokine storm and multi-organ failure. Consequently, antihistaminic medications might help in modulating the immune system, thereby aiding in the treatment of cytokine storms associated with COVID-19 and other inflammatory conditions.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein accelerates systemic sclerosis by increasing inflammatory cytokines, Th17 cells, and fibrosis
https://journal-inflammation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12950-023-00362-x

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is ME CFS Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

By SWA
After a 70-year journey filled with multiple incorrect diagnoses and just as many inappropriate treatments, I finally found an answer to my progressive muscle weakness. Throughout this time, I faced insults and was labeled lazy for my inability to walk long distances or up hills, climb steps, or carry heavy loads. I couldn't ride a bike because sitting on the saddle was impossible. My school grades suffered due to insufficient performance in sports. Instead of receiving comfort from my parents, I was pushed into hard work to strengthen my muscles. Doctors also advised me to exercise my muscles. My life continued with reduced activity, as I had to avoid or quit jobs where standing for extended periods was required or where I couldn't support my skeletal muscle weakness by bracing my elbows. The most excruciatingly painful and weakest period, when I could barely walk, occurred at age 20, during pregnancy. In 2008, an MRI referred by my endocrinologist for permanent adrenal
Read more

Cytokine Storm, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Endothelial Dysfunction and microclots/thrombosis?

By SWA
Image
Could a virus be the stimulus for cytokine production?   It is well established, but rarely  tested, that a cytokine storm is an overactive immune response characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. ( ANA, CRP, and CBC tests are necessary) It can occur in various conditions, such as severe infections (e.g., COVID-19), (and other viruses), autoimmune diseases, and after certain treatments.  Serositis and lymphopenia are common features of systemic lupus erythematosus following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report and literature review These cells are called NKG2D+CD8+ T cells and researchers say their aggressive response is responsible for neurological damage suffered from infections beyond just Zika, like COVID-19 and even septic shock. The aggressive response is the result of the body producing large amounts of inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which in moderation help to coordinate the body’s response in battling an infection or injury by
Read more

WASF3 updated and additional information

By SWA
Image
  WASF3 disrupts mitochondrial respiration and may mediate exercise intolerance in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome Significance​ Chronic fatigue is a debilitating symptom that affects many individuals, but its mechanism remains poorly understood. This study shows that endoplamic reticulum (ER) stress–induced WASF3 protein localizes to mitochondria and disrupts respiratory supercomplex assembly, leading to decreased oxygen consumption and exercise endurance. Alleviating ER stress decreases WASF3 and restores mitochondrial function, indicating that WASF3 can impair skeletal muscle bioenergetics and may be targetable for treating fatigue symptoms. Abstract​ Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by various disabling symptoms including exercise intolerance and is diagnosed in the absence of a specific cause, making its clinical management challenging. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying this apparen
Read more