Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy triggered by COVID-19 in a previously asymptomatic person living with undiagnosed HIV infection.

This report presents the case of a 47-year-old male patient who worked as a mathematics teacher and experienced the sudden onset of disorientation, aphasia, and acalculia during an online class. The current study reveals the first documented case of HIV and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and human polyomavirus 2 (previously known as John Cunningham virus) in the cerebrospinal fluid. Furthermore, serum analysis revealed elevated concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17, and IL-8, which are potential factors known to reduce the expression of tight junctions and adhesion molecules in the extracellular matrix, thereby affecting the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Finally, the study discusses whether SARS-CoV-2 triggers or exacerbates progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

Immunophenotypic Analysis of T Lymphocytes and Cytokine Production in Elderly Practicing Physical Activities and Its Relationship with Quality of Life and Depression.

Aging is a complex process often associated with a chronic inflammatory profile that alters several biological functions, including the immune system and cognitive and physical capacity. The practice of physical activity is increasingly gaining popularity as a method of preventing infections, depression, and other disorders that affect the quality of life of the elderly. Thus, this work analyzes the profile of cytokines and molecular markers expressed in immune cells of elderly people who practice physical activities or not, evaluating their impacts on the immune system and quality of life. For this, 48 individuals were recruited, and peripheral blood samples were collected for hemogram analysis, cytokine determination, and immunophenotyping. Elderly people were separated into two groups: practitioners with low-intensity physical activity and non-practitioners. Quality of life was assessed using the Whoqol-Old instrument, and depression was assessed using the Beck II Depression Inventory. When comparing the scores of the Whoqol-Old and Beck questionnaires, we observed a significant negative correlation between these two factors. The perception of a higher quality of life was present in the elderly who exercised and was related to greater autonomy and sensory abilities, whereas the presence of depression was lower. In the hemogram, we observed higher basophil and segmented counts in the sedentary elderly, whereas lymphocytes and monocytes had lower counts. Elderly practitioners of physical activities had higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10; increased expression of CD69, PD1, and TIM-3 in CD4+ T lymphocytes and increased CD14+CD80+ and CD14+CD86+ monocytes. Elderly people with an increased perception of quality of life had higher levels of IFN-γ, higher expression of CD14+CD80+CD86+, and decreased levels of TRAIL. An increase in TRAIL was observed in individuals with depression, in addition to an increased expression of CD14+CD86+. These results show a clear correlation between the quality of life, level of depression, physical activity, and immune system function. Although some cytokines with a typical proinflammatory profile (IFN-γ) were observed, the results point to a protective state with benefits reflected in the general well-being of the elderly who exercise.