Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
02:45
Bilateral Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Model for Acute Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: February 2, 2024
1.6K
Kidney Damage in Long COVID: Studies in Experimental Mice
Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy1, Hussain Hussain2, Natalia Ravelo1
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Biology
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Long COVID can cause persistent kidney damage. This study in mice suggests fibrotic events may start early in infection, potentially leading to kidney fibrosis. Therapeutic targeting may prevent long COVID kidney complications.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID, commonly involves multiple organ systems.
- Kidney injury is a recognized complication in COVID-19 patients, supported by findings in animal models.
- Previous studies reported pathophysiological changes in mouse kidneys after acute and long-term infection with mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying kidney pathology in a mouse model of long-term coronavirus infection.
- To identify specific signaling pathways and biomarkers associated with kidney fibrosis post-infection.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting viral spike protein interactions.
Main Methods:
- Pathological examination of mouse kidneys at acute (7 days) and long-term (12 months) post-MHV-1 infection.
- Quantitative mRNA analysis of key fibrotic and inflammatory markers.
- Immunoblotting to assess protein level changes.
- In vivo treatment with a synthetic peptide (SPIKENET) inhibiting spike protein binding.
Main Results:
- Long-term MHV-1 infection led to renal parenchyma edema, inflammation, tubular necrosis, and immune cell infiltration.
- Elevated mRNA levels of TGF-β1, FGF23, NGAL, IL-18, HIF1-α, TLR2, YKL-40, and B2M were observed in long-term infection; NGAL was elevated in acute infection.
- Protein analysis revealed increased HIF1-α, TLR-2, and EGFR in long-term infection, while KIM-1 and MMP-7 increased in acute infection.
- SPIKENET treatment reduced NGAL mRNA in acute infection and decreased TGF-β1, BCL3 mRNA, EGFR, HIF1-α, and TLR-2 protein levels in long-term infection.
Conclusions:
- Kidney fibrosis may initiate early during coronavirus infection, contributing to long COVID-associated renal complications.
- Specific molecular markers like NGAL, TGF-β1, and HIF1-α are implicated in the development of kidney fibrosis.
- Targeting viral spike protein interactions with agents like SPIKENET shows promise in mitigating acute and long-term kidney damage.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
34
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
34
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
29
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
29