Zebrafish as a translational model: an experimental alternative to study the mechanisms involved in anosmia and possible neurodegenerative aspects of COVID-19?

Autor(es)

Costal, Karla C. M. ^[1] ; Brigante, Tamires A. V. ^[1] ; Fernandes, Gabriel G. ^[1] ; Scomparin, Davi S. ^[1] ; Scarante, Franciele F. ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Danielle P. ^[2] ; Campos, Alline C. ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Pharmacol Ribeirao Preto, Pharmacol Neuroplast Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, Dept Clin Toxicol & Bromatol Anal, EcoHumanTox Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo de Revisão
• Fonte: ENEURO; v. 8, n. 3 MAY-JUN 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

The Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19) presents a variability of clinical symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory and systemic conditions. In a cohort of patients, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), beyond the classical respiratory manifestations, induces anosmia. Evidence has suggested SARS-CoV-2-induced anosmia can be the result of neurodegeneration of the olfactory pathway. Neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19 have been reported; however, the precise mechanism and possible long-lasting effects remain poorly investigated. Preclinical models are valuable tools for describing and testing new possible treatments for neurological disorders. In this way, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) organism model represents an attractive tool in the field of neuroscience, showing economic and logistical advantages besides genetic and physiologic similarities with mammalian, including the brain structure and functions. Besides, its external embryonic development, high availability of eggs, and fast development allows easy genetic manipulation and fast replications. In the present review, we suggest that the zebrafish model can be advantageous to investigate the neurological features of COVID-19. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized not only by respiratory, but also neurological symptoms that may persevere even longer than the respiratory condition. However, some questions remain unanswered. How does the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enter the brain? Which brain regions are infected? How does the virus affect our behavioral and sensorial responses? Can the brain infection induce alterations that last longer? We propose that the zebrafish is a suitable model to study the effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the brain, especially because of the similarities between the fish' and the human brain. Zebrafish is a cheap animal model and several reproducible and fast animal tests can be used to investigate its behavioral and sensory functions. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 18/24298-2 - Utilização de estratégia de multi-biomarcadores em zebrafish como plataforma para estimar os efeitos neurocomportamentais induzidos por retardantes de chama
• Beneficiário: Danielle Palma de Oliveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 20/05416-4 - Estratégias experimentais na investigação da anosmia induzida pelo COVID-19: há um componente neurodegenerativo envolvido?
• Beneficiário: Alline Cristina de Campos
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular