Efeitos da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 sobre os aspectos morfológicos, bioquímicos e funcionais no músculo vasto lateral de humanos

Abstract

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the infectious agent that causes the disease known as COVID-19, has negatively affected the lives of millions of people since last year. COVID-19 is a multi-organ infection that has significant effects on the musculoskeletal system of infected individuals, causing excessive fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, muscle damage, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months after the end of the infection, giving rise to what is known as long COVID-19. However, little is known about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on skeletal muscles, particularly in individuals who did not require ventilatory support and/or hospitalization. Objectives: To assess the impact of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on the human musculoskeletal system, with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the effects of the infection after its acute phase. Methods: This study included participants divided into a control group and a long-COVID group. They underwent muscle biopsy, blood collection, and isokinetic dynamometer testing for morphological, functional, and biochemical analyses. Results: The long-COVID group showed morphological changes in the vastus lateralis muscle, including decreased capillaries, nitric oxide, and myogenin, accompanied by increased IL-1β, Pax7, and ROS. Functionally, an increase in peak torque was observed during isometric sessions, as well as a reduction in the mean frequency of the electromyographic signal. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with muscle changes that can negatively impact the morphology and function of the vastus lateralis muscle in humans, even after the acute period of the disease.