Dados do Trabalho

Título

Hiperglycemia in a Syrian Hamster experimental model of SARS-CoV-2

Introdução

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2) cases, warning of the possible link between SARS-CoV-2 post-infection syndrome and the increase of hyperglycemia cases. In vivo models for preclinical studies become crucial to evaluate biochemical changes, clinical spectrum, immune response and the infection pathogenesis. Syrian hamsters inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 have proven to be a viable model to analyze the infection due to high homology with human ACE2, immune stimulation and clinical presentation.

Objetivo (s)

Given the increase in DM2 and the correlation of hyperglycemia in SARS-CoV-2 infection, this work aims to evaluate glycemia and biochemical changes of 5 SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, B1.1.28, B1.1.33, Delta and Omicron) in an experimental Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 disease.

Material e Métodos

Syrian hamsters were inoculated by intranasal injection with SARS-CoV-2 variants and euthanized on days 3, 5, 10 and 15dpi. Animals were evaluated for the occurrence of clinical signs of COVID-19 and mortality. Blood was collected for evaluation of biochemical markers. In addition, the oropharyngeal tract, lung and liver were collected for viral load evaluation by RT-PCR.

Resultados e Conclusão

After SARS-CoV-2 infections, there was 100% survival with severe weight loss in B1.1.28 and B1.1.33 groups. Animals showed high viral load and positive RT-PCR until 15dpi in oropharyngeal tract and lungs, with lower viral load in the liver until 5dpi. Animals infected with the omicron variant showed an elevated oxaloacetic transaminase compared to the other variants, leading to a possible link to hepatitis in this experimental model. Hamsters inoculated with the Alpha variant, showed hyperglycemia (>150 mg/dl). Seven animals (n=7/12) infected with B1.1.128 showed hyperglycemia on all days. The animals (n=3/12) evaluated on day 5dpi in the B1.1.33 group showed hyperglycemia. Two animals (n=2/12) infected with the delta variant, one on 3dpi and one on 15dpi, showed hyperglycemia. Finally, 3 animals (n=3/12) infected with the omicron variant (one animal on 5dpi and 2 animals on 15dpi) showed hyperglycemia. 18 of 36 hamsters inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 showed hyperglycemia (>150 mg/dl), suggesting a diabetogenic effect induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, confirming that the hamster model with COVID-19 is useful for studying metabolic disorders related to virus infection.

Palavras-chave

Hiperglycemia. Syrian Golden Hamster. SARS-CoV-2.

Agradecimentos

FAPERJ. CNPq.