Pulmonary Hypertension, Heart Disease and Stroke from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Cell Signaling

The Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 is commonly known to binds to the ACE2 receptor. After binding, the virus enters the cells,  replicates, and COVID-19 disease occurs.

But the Spike protein-ACE2 interaction is not just physical. Biochemical events like cell signaling also happen.

Cell signaling is the ability of cells to talk with one another. The signals can be physical or chemical and reach cells both near and far.

A peer-reviewed study, SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Elicits Cell Signaling in Human Host Cells: Implications for Possible Consequences of COVID-19 Vaccines, was published in the journal, Cell that shows that biochemical events also happens after the spike proteins attach to the ACE2 receptors.

In the study, cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells were treated with the full-length S1 subunit protein in the laboratory. In technical terms,

We found, using the phospho-specific MEK antibody, that the recombinant full-length S1 subunit of SARS-CoV-2 alone at a concentration as low as 130 pM activated MEK, the activator of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and a well-known signal transduction mechanism for cell growth. 

The result of the spike protein-ACE2 receptor is the thickening of the wall, particularly the smooth muscles of the pulmonary artery. The thicker arteries become more rigid instead of rubbery, causing higher pressures within.

Blood from the right side of the heart goes to the pulmonary artery and its branches. Stiff pulmonary arteries increase the work of the right side of the heart.

Initially, the heart can compensate, but eventually, the heart will not pump effectively, and it will fail.

In real life, increased thickness of the pulmonary arteries leads to higher resistance and higher pressures. The resulting condition is called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

PAH is a severe condition. It results in right-sided heart failure. Patients with PAH only live for 2-3 years from diagnosis until death if left untreated.

The symptoms of PAH  are pretty common and can be misdiagnosed. Shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling of the ankles, and dizziness are similar to other diseases. The complaints from the patient may sound vague, making the condition difficult to identify and diagnose. Proper diagnosis is essential to appropriate treatment.

Aside from heart failure, PAH can also lead to other complications like irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias, blood clot formation inside the blood vessels, bleeding in the lungs, and pregnancy complications that can be life-threatening to the mother and her baby.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

Right heart catheterization involves introducing a long thin catheter into the artery at the groin or the wrist to reach the heart. Once in the heart, the catheter can measure the different pressures in the heart and pulmonary artery.

2-D Echocardiogram is a less invasive way to diagnose PAH.

PAH can happen to COVID-19 patients, and among those vaccinated with the spike protein, PAH can happen to any age or gender group.

If the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will not suspect PAH, it will be undiagnosed.

The problem is, PAH is more common in the elderly and can be easily missed in someone young.

Cell Signaling to the coronary arteries and all the arteries in the body.

ACE2 receptors are also found in other arteries outside the lungs. Wherever that ACE2 is, the spike protein can attach to it and cause increased thickness and pressure.

That is why coronary artery disease, strokes, and systemic hypertension are possible consequences of COVID-19 and vaccination with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Clinical proof of PAH in COVID-19 patients

To provide clinical relevance to their laboratory experiment, the study’s authors looked at the computed tomographies or CT scans of the chest of COVID-19 patients. A common finding was pulmonary vascular wall thickening suggestive of PAH.

They also reviewed the postmortem of findings of COVID-19 patients. They found that the smooth muscles of the pulmonary arteries are also thickened, consistent with PAH.

The authors’ conclusion and recommendation

In conclusion, the recent advancement in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-based COVID- 19 vaccine development is exciting and has shed light on how to end the current pandemic. 

These vaccines should benefit elderly people with underlying conditions if they do not exhibit any acute adverse events.

However, we need to consider their long-term consequences carefully, especially when they are administered to otherwise healthy individuals as well as young adults and children.

In addition to evaluating data that will become available from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals as well as those who received the spike protein-based vaccines, further investigations of the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in human cells and appropriate animal models are warranted

I agree.

Take Away Message

If you know someone who had the COVID jab and complained of shortness of breath, easy fatigue, and dizziness for weeks for no reason, think about pulmonary artery hypertension. Talk to your physician about your concern.

Knowledge about Covid-19 is rapidly evolving. Information may update as new studies are made. Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share and like.

Don’t Get Sick!

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7. The Spike Protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Can Cause Vascular Damage
8. Myocarditis and the COVID vaccine
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11. The study shows a 10 fold risk of developing blood clots after the COVID vaccine.

Reference:

Suzuki YJ, Gychka SG. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Elicits Cell Signaling in Human Host Cells: Implications for Possible Consequences of COVID-19 Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel). 2021;9(1):36. Published 2021 Jan 11. doi:10.3390/vaccines9010036

Image credit:

Pulmonary circuit By Arcadian – http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy/images/illu_pulmonary_circuit.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=789677

Pulmonary artery catheter By derivative work: Tariq Abdulla and User: Chikumaya

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