New Findings Show Male Rats Are More Susceptible Than Female Rats to Manifesting Behavioral, Biochemical and Histological Alterations After Spike Protein Exposure
A recent rodent study from a team of Turkish researchers has investigated the potential impact of the synthetic version of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring born to mothers exposed to the protein during pregnancy. The study’s findings suggest that the COVID-19 spike protein and adjuvant aluminum hydroxide may affect various parameters differently in normal male and female rats, with male rats exhibiting more significant behavioral changes, biochemical alterations, and histological damage in the brain compared to female rats. This study also provides evidence that exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may induce neuroinflammatory responses and neurobehavioral changes in mice, including cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behavior, symptoms that are connected with ASD. Additionally, this work highlights the potential sex differences in the neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative effects of COVID-19 spike protein and adjuvant aluminum hydroxide exposure. Finally, it emphasizes the need for further research to investigate the potential neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental complications of COVID-19 and develop effective strategies to address the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic effects of the virus.
