The Institute for Biomedical Research of Girona Dr. Josep Trueta (IDIBGI) has awarded the second Prize for Research in Sepsis and Infectious Diseases of the Girona Health Region. The winning paper was an article published in the scientific journal Infection, with Paula Poyatos as first author, predoctoral researcher of the translational research group in Respiratory Cardiovascular and Cardiovascular Diseases of the IDIBGI, led by Dr. Olga Tura-Ceide. The award-winning article describes the persistence of vascular damage in patients who have overcome COVID-19, in a severe form, up to 12 months after infection, conclusions that have significant implications for the understanding and treatment of the sequelae of this infectious disease.
The award, worth €6,000, aims to recognise and promote research in the field of sepsis and infectious diseases in the Girona Health Region, a key area for public health. The guard is promoted by Dr. Josep Maria Sirvent, head of the research group on Sepsis, Infection and Multiorgan Dysfunction in Critical Patients (IDIBGI - Hospital Trueta). The aim is to recognise projects on sepsis and infectious diseases that have already generated published results. Priority is given to those works that have contributed to or are focused on obtaining a doctoral thesis.
Long-term vascular damage of COVID-19
The study that has been awarded the second Research Award in Sepsis and Infectious Diseases has assessed the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the vascular endothelium in patients with severe disease up to 12 months after infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes severe damage to the vascular endothelium, a layer of cells that lines the inside of blood vessels, such as arteries, veins and capillaries. This damage is essential for the development of cardiovascular complications that can persist for some time after the initial infection.
The research findings show the persistence of vascular signs up to 6 and 12 months after infection, highlighting the importance of following up patients who have seriously overcome COVID-19. Specifically, this research has analysed the number of endothelial progenitor cells, a type of cell that is indicative of vascular damage.
The study has detected a prolonged increase in these cells in post-COVID-19 patients. The angiogenesis process, which is the formation of new blood vessels essential for tissue repair and healing, has also been examined. In this case, the research team found a decrease in angiogenesis biomarkers in post-COVID-19 patients, along with elevated levels of markers of cardiovascular risk and inflammation.
Furthermore, the study found that patients with fewer endothelial progenitor cells have higher levels of inflammatory markers, suggesting a possible protective role of these cells. On the other hand, research has found that persistent COVID-19 syndrome is associated with high levels of ferritin and with female sex.
The results of the study provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular damage associated with COVID-19, opening the door to identifying new therapeutic strategies to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular complications. This research underlines the need for long-term follow-up of patients recovered from severe COVID-19 to avoid more serious health problems in the future.
The work, led by the translational research group in Respiratory Cardiovascular Diseases headed by Dr. Olga Tura-Ceide, has been possible thanks to the close clinical-basic collaboration with the Respiratory Research Group and the Pneumology Service of the Trueta and Santa Caterina Hospitals, led by Dr. Dr. Ramon Orriols and Dr. Marc Bonnin. Dr. Tura-Ceide and Dr. Orriols are corresponding authors of the article. This project has been developed within the framework of grant CP17/00114 of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.
Reference article: Poyatos P, Luque N, Sabater G, Eizaguirre S, Bonnin M, Orriols R, Tura-Ceide O. Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in post-COVID-19 patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection at 6 and 12 months. Infection. 2024 Feb 7. doi: 10.1007/s15010-024-02173-5. Electronic publication ahead of print. PMID: 38324145.
DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02173-5
About IDIBGI
The Institute for Biomedical Research of Girona Dr. Josep Trueta (IDIBGI) carries out translational research to improve people's health and care. IDIBGI is organised into 24 research groups divided into five scientific areas (Cardiovascular and Respiratory, Metabolism and Inflammation, Neurosciences, Oncohematology and Mental Health) that bring together more than 400 people, including health professionals and basic researchers, in the Girona region.
The IDIBGI is a private foundation of the public sector of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and its board of trustees is made up of the Departments of Health and Research, the Catalan Health Institute (ICS) Girona, the Institute of Health Care (IAS), the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) Girona, and the University of Girona. The IDIBGI is a CERCA centre (Research Centres of Catalonia).
