Reem Yasser - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Reem Yasser

Research paper thumbnail of The role of miRNAs in viral myocarditis, and its possible implication in induction of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines-induced myocarditis

Bulletin of the National Research Centre, Nov 17, 2022

Background: Several reports of unheeded complications secondary to the current mass international... more Background: Several reports of unheeded complications secondary to the current mass international rollout of SARS-COV-2 vaccines, one of which is myocarditis occurring with the FDA fully approved vaccine, Pfizer, and others. Main body of the abstract: Certain miRNAs (non-coding RNA sequences) are involved in the pathogenesis in viral myocarditis, and those miRNAs are interestingly upregulated in severe COVID-19. We hypothesize that the use of mRNA-based vaccines may be triggering the release of host miRNAs or that trigger the occurrence of myocarditis. This is based on the finding of altered host miRNA expression promoting virus-induced myocarditis. Short conclusion: In conclusion, miRNAs are likely implicated in myocarditis associated with mRNA vaccines. Our hypothesis suggests the use of miRNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of mRNA vaccine-induced myocarditis. Additionally, the interplay between viral miRNA and the host immune system could alter inflammatory profiles, hence suggesting the use of therapeutic inhibition to prevent such complications.

Research paper thumbnail of The potential use of lactate blockers for the prevention of COVID-19 worst outcome, insights from exercise immunology

Medical Hypotheses

Following the decline in Physical Activity (PA) due to COVID-19 restrictions in the form of gover... more Following the decline in Physical Activity (PA) due to COVID-19 restrictions in the form of government mandated lockdowns and closures of public spaces, the modulatory effect of physical exercise on immunity is being heavily revisited. In an attempt to comprehend the wide discrepancy in patient response to COVID-19 and the factors that potentially modulate it, we summarize the findings relating PA to inflammation and immunity. A distinction is drawn between moderate intensity and high intensity physical exercise based on the high lactate production observed in the latter. We hypothesize that, the lactate production associated with high intensity anaerobic exercise is implicated in the modulation of several components of the innate and adaptive immunity. In this review, we also summarize these immunomodulatory effects of lactate. These include increasing serum IL-6 levels, the main mediator of cytokine storms, as well as affecting NK cells, Macrophages, Dendritic cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. The implications of high lactate levels in athletic performance are highlighted where athletes should undergo endurance training to increase VO2 max and minimize lactate production. Tumor models of hypoxia were also reported where lactate levels are elevated leading to increased invasiveness and angiogenesis. Accordingly, the novel lactate blocking strategy employed in cancer treatment is evaluated for its potential benefit in COVID-19 in addition to the readily available beta-blockers as an antagonist to lactate. Finally, we suggest the diagnostic/prognostic purpose of the elevated lactate levels that can be determined through sweat lactate testing. It is the detrimental effect of lactate on immunity and its presence in sweat that qualify it to be used as a potential non-invasive marker of poor COVID-19 outcome.

Research paper thumbnail of Can Physical exercise be an effective adjuvant before the potential COVID-19 vaccine? Insights from serological responses and severity of re-infected cases

Background:As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, ... more Background:As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, we flied to think about supporting immunity, So, there are more than 150 coronavirus vaccines and clinical trials are being developed. The success of those vaccines depends mainly on immunologic memory. People who are at high risk of re-infection with COVID-19 don’t show any evidence of having B-cell memory. 10-20% of infected patients don’t develop antibody response. randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional studies proved variant results about the effect of chronic exercise on vaccination function.The aim of this review is to suggest that exercise is an important adjuvant strategy for prevention of re-infection and for development of better protective responses following vaccination.Methods:Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” AND “Re-infection” for relevant publications up to 1st of Nov. 2...

Research paper thumbnail of Can Physical exercise be a priming adjuvant before vaccination? Insights from serological responses and severity of re-infection and reactogenicity of vaccines

Background: As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19,... more Background: As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, we flied to think about supporting immunity, So, there are more than 150 coronavirus vaccines and clinical trials are being developed. The success of those vaccines depends mainly on immunologic memory. People who are at high risk of re-infection with COVID-19 don’t show any evidence of having B-cell memory. 10-20% of infected patients don’t develop antibody response. randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional studies proved variant results about the effect of chronic exercise on vaccination function.The aim of this review is to suggest that exercise is an important adjuvant strategy for prevention of re-infection and for development of better protective responses following vaccination.Methods: Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” AND “Re-infection” for relevant publications up to 1st of Nov....

Research paper thumbnail of Can sarcopenia index serve as a predictor of myocarditis from mRNA based COVID-19 vaccine, insights from clustered cases and potential involvement of micro-RNAs in its pathogenesis

Background: With the current mass international roll out of several vaccines against SARS-Cov-2, ... more Background: With the current mass international roll out of several vaccines against SARS-Cov-2, several reports of unheeded complications have made headlines. One of which involves myocarditis with the now FDA fully approved vaccine, Pfizer, and others. We hypothesize through this study that a dysregulated micro-RNA response resulting from such type of vaccines can be involved in triggering myocarditis. Methodology: Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “mRNA COVID-19 vaccines” AND “Myocarditis” for relevant publications up to 1st of September 2021. The systematic review was performed using PRISMA protocolResults:Literature review has identified 26 cases series and reports involving the development of myocarditis from mRNA vaccines, a total of 89 patients were included. Age range was clearly identified in 66 patients. Among those 66 patients, 94% were below 50 years of age, also out of 89 patients, 94% were males. Myocar...

Research paper thumbnail of Single cell sequencing unraveling genetic basis of severe COVID19 in obesity

Obesity Medicine, 2020

COVID-19 has shown a substantial variation in the rate and severity by which it impacts different... more COVID-19 has shown a substantial variation in the rate and severity by which it impacts different demographic groups. Specifically, it has shown a predilection towards obese patients as well as well as other vulnerable groups including predilection of males over females, old age over young age and black races over Caucasian ones. Single cell sequencing studies have highlighted the role of cell polarity and the co-expression of proteases, such as Furin, along with ACE2 in the genesis of coronavirus disease rather than exclusively link tissue involvement with ACE2 levels thought previously. It has also forged a connection between the genetic and immune cellular mechanisms underlying COVID infection and the inflammatory state of obese patients, offering a more accurate explanation as to why obese patients are at increased risk of poor COVID outcomes. These commonalities encompass macrophage phenotype switching, genetic expression switching, and overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, depletion of the regulatory cytokines, in situ T cell proliferation, and T cell exhaustion. These findings demonstrate the necessity of single cell sequencing as a rapid means to identify and treat those who are most likely to need hospital admission and intensive care, in the hopes of precision medicine. Furthermore, this study underlines the use of immune modulators such as Leptin sensitizers, rather than immune suppressors as antiinflammation therapies to switch the inflammatory response from a drastic immunological type 1 response to a beneficial type 2 effective one.

Research paper thumbnail of Drug pharmacomicrobiomics and toxicomicrobiomics: from scattered reports to systematic studies of drug-microbiome interactions

Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology, 2018

Pharmacomicrobiomics and toxicomicrobiomics study how variations within the human microbiome (the... more Pharmacomicrobiomics and toxicomicrobiomics study how variations within the human microbiome (the combination of human-associated microbial communities and their genomes) affect drug disposition, action, and toxicity. These emerging fields, interconnecting microbiology, bioinformatics, systems pharmacology, and toxicology, complement pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics, expanding the scope of precision medicine. Areas covered: This article reviews some of the most recently reported pharmacomicrobiomic and toxicomicrobiomic interactions. Examples include the impact of the human gut microbiota on cardiovascular drugs, natural products, and chemotherapeutic agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although the gut microbiota has been the most extensively studied, some key drug-microbiome interactions involve vaginal, intratumoral, and environmental bacteria, and are briefly discussed here. Additionally, computational resources, moving the field from cataloging to predicting inte...

Research paper thumbnail of Remapping borders and boundaries in the Middle East: Amitav Ghosh and Mourid Barghouti

The Middle East map has undergone a remarkable change since the rise of geopolitical borders in t... more The Middle East map has undergone a remarkable change since the rise of geopolitical borders in the early twentieth century. These borders constructed by colonial powers and maintained by postcolonial ones have not only divided the region into nation-states but ...

Research paper thumbnail of The role of miRNAs in viral myocarditis, and its possible implication in induction of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines-induced myocarditis

Bulletin of the National Research Centre, Nov 17, 2022

Background: Several reports of unheeded complications secondary to the current mass international... more Background: Several reports of unheeded complications secondary to the current mass international rollout of SARS-COV-2 vaccines, one of which is myocarditis occurring with the FDA fully approved vaccine, Pfizer, and others. Main body of the abstract: Certain miRNAs (non-coding RNA sequences) are involved in the pathogenesis in viral myocarditis, and those miRNAs are interestingly upregulated in severe COVID-19. We hypothesize that the use of mRNA-based vaccines may be triggering the release of host miRNAs or that trigger the occurrence of myocarditis. This is based on the finding of altered host miRNA expression promoting virus-induced myocarditis. Short conclusion: In conclusion, miRNAs are likely implicated in myocarditis associated with mRNA vaccines. Our hypothesis suggests the use of miRNA as a biomarker for the diagnosis of mRNA vaccine-induced myocarditis. Additionally, the interplay between viral miRNA and the host immune system could alter inflammatory profiles, hence suggesting the use of therapeutic inhibition to prevent such complications.

Research paper thumbnail of The potential use of lactate blockers for the prevention of COVID-19 worst outcome, insights from exercise immunology

Medical Hypotheses

Following the decline in Physical Activity (PA) due to COVID-19 restrictions in the form of gover... more Following the decline in Physical Activity (PA) due to COVID-19 restrictions in the form of government mandated lockdowns and closures of public spaces, the modulatory effect of physical exercise on immunity is being heavily revisited. In an attempt to comprehend the wide discrepancy in patient response to COVID-19 and the factors that potentially modulate it, we summarize the findings relating PA to inflammation and immunity. A distinction is drawn between moderate intensity and high intensity physical exercise based on the high lactate production observed in the latter. We hypothesize that, the lactate production associated with high intensity anaerobic exercise is implicated in the modulation of several components of the innate and adaptive immunity. In this review, we also summarize these immunomodulatory effects of lactate. These include increasing serum IL-6 levels, the main mediator of cytokine storms, as well as affecting NK cells, Macrophages, Dendritic cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. The implications of high lactate levels in athletic performance are highlighted where athletes should undergo endurance training to increase VO2 max and minimize lactate production. Tumor models of hypoxia were also reported where lactate levels are elevated leading to increased invasiveness and angiogenesis. Accordingly, the novel lactate blocking strategy employed in cancer treatment is evaluated for its potential benefit in COVID-19 in addition to the readily available beta-blockers as an antagonist to lactate. Finally, we suggest the diagnostic/prognostic purpose of the elevated lactate levels that can be determined through sweat lactate testing. It is the detrimental effect of lactate on immunity and its presence in sweat that qualify it to be used as a potential non-invasive marker of poor COVID-19 outcome.

Research paper thumbnail of Can Physical exercise be an effective adjuvant before the potential COVID-19 vaccine? Insights from serological responses and severity of re-infected cases

Background:As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, ... more Background:As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, we flied to think about supporting immunity, So, there are more than 150 coronavirus vaccines and clinical trials are being developed. The success of those vaccines depends mainly on immunologic memory. People who are at high risk of re-infection with COVID-19 don’t show any evidence of having B-cell memory. 10-20% of infected patients don’t develop antibody response. randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional studies proved variant results about the effect of chronic exercise on vaccination function.The aim of this review is to suggest that exercise is an important adjuvant strategy for prevention of re-infection and for development of better protective responses following vaccination.Methods:Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” AND “Re-infection” for relevant publications up to 1st of Nov. 2...

Research paper thumbnail of Can Physical exercise be a priming adjuvant before vaccination? Insights from serological responses and severity of re-infection and reactogenicity of vaccines

Background: As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19,... more Background: As more than 37 million confirmed cases and 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, we flied to think about supporting immunity, So, there are more than 150 coronavirus vaccines and clinical trials are being developed. The success of those vaccines depends mainly on immunologic memory. People who are at high risk of re-infection with COVID-19 don’t show any evidence of having B-cell memory. 10-20% of infected patients don’t develop antibody response. randomized controlled trials and cross-sectional studies proved variant results about the effect of chronic exercise on vaccination function.The aim of this review is to suggest that exercise is an important adjuvant strategy for prevention of re-infection and for development of better protective responses following vaccination.Methods: Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” AND “Re-infection” for relevant publications up to 1st of Nov....

Research paper thumbnail of Can sarcopenia index serve as a predictor of myocarditis from mRNA based COVID-19 vaccine, insights from clustered cases and potential involvement of micro-RNAs in its pathogenesis

Background: With the current mass international roll out of several vaccines against SARS-Cov-2, ... more Background: With the current mass international roll out of several vaccines against SARS-Cov-2, several reports of unheeded complications have made headlines. One of which involves myocarditis with the now FDA fully approved vaccine, Pfizer, and others. We hypothesize through this study that a dysregulated micro-RNA response resulting from such type of vaccines can be involved in triggering myocarditis. Methodology: Embase, Medline and the Cochrane Central Register were used to search for specific keywords such as “mRNA COVID-19 vaccines” AND “Myocarditis” for relevant publications up to 1st of September 2021. The systematic review was performed using PRISMA protocolResults:Literature review has identified 26 cases series and reports involving the development of myocarditis from mRNA vaccines, a total of 89 patients were included. Age range was clearly identified in 66 patients. Among those 66 patients, 94% were below 50 years of age, also out of 89 patients, 94% were males. Myocar...

Research paper thumbnail of Single cell sequencing unraveling genetic basis of severe COVID19 in obesity

Obesity Medicine, 2020

COVID-19 has shown a substantial variation in the rate and severity by which it impacts different... more COVID-19 has shown a substantial variation in the rate and severity by which it impacts different demographic groups. Specifically, it has shown a predilection towards obese patients as well as well as other vulnerable groups including predilection of males over females, old age over young age and black races over Caucasian ones. Single cell sequencing studies have highlighted the role of cell polarity and the co-expression of proteases, such as Furin, along with ACE2 in the genesis of coronavirus disease rather than exclusively link tissue involvement with ACE2 levels thought previously. It has also forged a connection between the genetic and immune cellular mechanisms underlying COVID infection and the inflammatory state of obese patients, offering a more accurate explanation as to why obese patients are at increased risk of poor COVID outcomes. These commonalities encompass macrophage phenotype switching, genetic expression switching, and overexpression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, depletion of the regulatory cytokines, in situ T cell proliferation, and T cell exhaustion. These findings demonstrate the necessity of single cell sequencing as a rapid means to identify and treat those who are most likely to need hospital admission and intensive care, in the hopes of precision medicine. Furthermore, this study underlines the use of immune modulators such as Leptin sensitizers, rather than immune suppressors as antiinflammation therapies to switch the inflammatory response from a drastic immunological type 1 response to a beneficial type 2 effective one.

Research paper thumbnail of Drug pharmacomicrobiomics and toxicomicrobiomics: from scattered reports to systematic studies of drug-microbiome interactions

Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology, 2018

Pharmacomicrobiomics and toxicomicrobiomics study how variations within the human microbiome (the... more Pharmacomicrobiomics and toxicomicrobiomics study how variations within the human microbiome (the combination of human-associated microbial communities and their genomes) affect drug disposition, action, and toxicity. These emerging fields, interconnecting microbiology, bioinformatics, systems pharmacology, and toxicology, complement pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics, expanding the scope of precision medicine. Areas covered: This article reviews some of the most recently reported pharmacomicrobiomic and toxicomicrobiomic interactions. Examples include the impact of the human gut microbiota on cardiovascular drugs, natural products, and chemotherapeutic agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although the gut microbiota has been the most extensively studied, some key drug-microbiome interactions involve vaginal, intratumoral, and environmental bacteria, and are briefly discussed here. Additionally, computational resources, moving the field from cataloging to predicting inte...

Research paper thumbnail of Remapping borders and boundaries in the Middle East: Amitav Ghosh and Mourid Barghouti

The Middle East map has undergone a remarkable change since the rise of geopolitical borders in t... more The Middle East map has undergone a remarkable change since the rise of geopolitical borders in the early twentieth century. These borders constructed by colonial powers and maintained by postcolonial ones have not only divided the region into nation-states but ...