Mpox (Monkeypox) can also cause vascular inflammation and affect cardiovascular health!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 18, 2024 1 month, 1 day, 3 hours, 28 minutes ago
Mpox News: A recent correspondence published in the peer reviewed journal: Health Science Reports, raises concerns about a potential link between the Mpox virus (MPXV) and vascular inflammation, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. Researchers from the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Asia Pacific in Dhaka, Bangladesh, highlight that Mpox, also known as monkeypox, might not only cause skin and respiratory symptoms but could also have significant effects on the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to serious health complications.
Mpox (Monkeypox) can also cause vascular inflammation and
affect cardiovascular health
This
Mpox News report delves into the hypothesis that the Mpox virus could play a role in initiating or exacerbating vascular inflammation, a condition closely associated with cardiovascular diseases. Given the alarming rise in Mpox cases worldwide, understanding this possible connection is more critical than ever.
The Mpox Virus: Beyond Skin Lesions
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus, belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes other viruses like smallpox. While traditionally known for causing skin lesions and respiratory symptoms, researchers are exploring the lesser-known impacts of the virus on the vascular system. The research suggests that Mpox may invade endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, potentially leading to endothelial dysfunction - a key factor in the development of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
How the Virus Invades and Damages
The Mpox virus enters host cells through a series of complex processes involving viral proteins and cell surface receptors. Once inside, it triggers an immune response that includes the release of various inflammatory mediators such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and others. These mediators are known to contribute to endothelial dysfunction by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels.
The virus’s ability to cause endothelial dysfunction could lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques - a hallmark of vascular inflammation. The researchers emphasize that this aspect of Mpox infection has not been thoroughly studied, making it an urgent area for further investigation.
The Role of Inflammatory Mediators
Inflammation is a double-edged sword in the human body. While it is essential for fighting infections, excessive inflammation can lead to chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The study points out that during Mpox infection, the body produces a variety of inflammatory mediators through signaling pathways like NF-κB. These mediators not only help fight the infection but also contribute to inflammation in blood vessels.
The production of ROS during this inflammatory response is particularly concerning. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage cells, including endothelial cells. This damage can reduc
e the cells' ability to function properly, leading to increased permeability of the blood vessels, which in turn facilitates the migration of immune cells into the vessel walls - a key step in the development of vascular inflammation.
Similarities with Other Viral Infections
The researchers draw parallels between Mpox and other viral infections like COVID-19, influenza, and herpes simplex virus, all of which have been linked to vascular inflammation. In COVID-19, for instance, endothelial dysfunction has been identified as a major contributor to the disease’s severe cardiovascular complications.
Similarly, the study suggests that Mpox could cause endothelial cells to express more adhesion molecules - proteins that help immune cells stick to the blood vessel walls. This increased adhesion facilitates the migration of immune cells into the vessel walls, where they can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
The Need for Further Research
Despite the compelling hypothesis presented in this findings, the researchers acknowledge that direct evidence linking Mpox to vascular inflammation is still lacking. They call for more studies to investigate this potential connection, particularly given the increasing global prevalence of Mpox.
The researchers urge the scientific community to explore how Mpox might trigger or exacerbate vascular inflammation, especially in individuals with pre-existing risk factors such as obesity or smoking. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for those affected by Mpox.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
In conclusion, the researchers highlight the pressing need for more research into the potential link between the Mpox virus and vascular inflammation. Given the serious implications of such a connection, understanding this relationship could be crucial for developing effective interventions to prevent cardiovascular complications in Mpox patients. The researchers from the University of Asia Pacific have set the stage for future studies that could have significant implications for public health.
The correspondence was published in the peer-reviewed journal: Health Science Reports.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hsr2.2223
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-may-present-without-typical-skin-lesions-warns-doctor
