AI Article Synopsis

  • - The study investigated how COVID-19 affects retinal cells by comparing retinal samples from patients with COVID-19 to control samples, focusing on the presence of ACE2 and the condition of various retinal cells.
  • - Findings showed that a significant percentage of COVID-19 patients experienced disorganized retinal structures, increased gliosis, and severe cone degeneration, with activated microglia being particularly prevalent.
  • - The research concluded that retinal changes in COVID-19 patients are linked to inflammation, lack of oxygen, and factors like age and respiratory issues.

Article Abstract

Background: Different ocular alterations have been described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our aim was to determine whether COVID-19 affected retinal cells and establish correlations with clinical parameters.

Methods: Retinal sections and flat-mount retinas from human donors with COVID-19 (n = 16) and controls (n = 15) were immunostained. The location of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the morphology of microglial cells, Müller cells, astrocytes, and photoreceptors were analyzed by confocal microscopy. Microglial quantification and the area occupied by them were measured. Correlations among retinal and clinical parameters were calculated.

Results: ACE2 was mainly located in the Müller cells, outer segment of cones and retinal pigment epithelium. Cell bodies of Müller cells in COVID-19 group showed greater staining of ACE2 and cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP). The 81.3% of COVID-19 patients presented disorganization of honeycomb-like pattern formed by Müller cells. Gliosis was detected in 56.3% of COVID-19 patients compared to controls (40%) as well as epiretinal membranes (ERMs) or astrocytes protruding (50%). Activated or ameboid-shape microglia was the main sign in the COVID-19 group (93.8%). Microglial migration towards the vessels was greater in the COVID-19 retinas (P < 0.05) and the area occupied by microglia was also reduced (P < 0.01) compared to control group. Cone degeneration was more severe in the COVID-19 group. Duration of the disease, age and respiratory failure were the most relevant clinical data in relation with retinal degeneration.

Conclusions: The retinas of patients with COVID-19 exhibit glial activation and neuronal alterations, mostly related to the inflammation, hypoxic conditions, and age.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9974399PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40662-023-00329-2DOI Listing

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