Caution: Frequently Engaging in Sexual Activities May Result in Alterations in the Brain and Increase the Risk of Dementia.
A recent study is highlighting worries regarding a rare yet significant risk associated with a prevalent sexual behavior — the possibility of brain injury and dementia caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
HSV-1, the virus responsible for oral herpes, is carried by nearly four billion individuals across the globe. Although it usually results in cold sores, researchers have now uncovered a perilous pathway through which the virus can access the brain — via the nasal passage during oral sexual activity.
Professor Deepak Shukla from the University of Illinois Chicago, who spearheaded the research, explained that HSV-1 particles can enter the nose if it comes into contact with an infected partner’s saliva or skin during oral sex. Once inside the nasal cavity, the virus could move directly to the brain, leading to risks of encephalitis, brain injury, and potentially dementia.
The study, published in the journal *mBio*, also highlighted a crucial human enzyme, **heparanase (HPSE)**, that may render nasal HSV-1 infections particularly harmful. While heparanase usually helps eliminate damaged cells, HSV-1 seems to exploit this enzyme to escalate inflammation in the brain.
“For most individuals, HSV-1 results in occasional cold sores and is not perilous,” stated Professor Shukla. “However, if the infection travels through the nasal route to the brain, it can become significantly more serious.”
To examine this theory, Shukla’s team conducted experiments on mice by introducing HSV-1 into their nasal cavities. Mice with typical levels of heparanase experienced severe symptoms, including nasal swelling, respiratory issues, and ultimately, death. Brain analyses showed nerve damage, elevated inflammation, and abnormal activity in regions associated with smell and virus entry.
Behavioral changes were also observed, including memory decline, anxiety-like symptoms, and balance difficulties — all occurring within six months of infection.
Although herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is uncommon — impacting approximately two to four individuals per million — researchers suspect that cases of nasal HSV-1 are likely underreported. The virus may remain latent in the brain and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease in later life.
Shukla stressed that the effects can vary greatly depending on an individual’s immune response and the frequency of outbreaks.
“Our findings act as a warning,” he remarked. “Uncontrolled herpes can result in long-term behavioral issues, motor dysfunction, and problems with coordination. It’s crucial to comprehend how the virus operates and the seriousness it can reach under certain circumstances.”
Professor Deepak Shukla from the University of Illinois Chicago, who spearheaded the research, explained that HSV-1 particles can enter the nose if it comes into contact with an infected partner’s saliva or skin during oral sex. Once inside the nasal cavity, the virus could move directly to the brain, leading to risks of encephalitis, brain injury, and potentially dementia.
The study, published in the journal *mBio*, also highlighted a crucial human enzyme, **heparanase (HPSE)**, that may render nasal HSV-1 infections particularly harmful. While heparanase usually helps eliminate damaged cells, HSV-1 seems to exploit this enzyme to escalate inflammation in the brain.
“For most individuals, HSV-1 results in occasional cold sores and is not perilous,” stated Professor Shukla. “However, if the infection travels through the nasal route to the brain, it can become significantly more serious.”
To examine this theory, Shukla’s team conducted experiments on mice by introducing HSV-1 into their nasal cavities. Mice with typical levels of heparanase experienced severe symptoms, including nasal swelling, respiratory issues, and ultimately, death. Brain analyses showed nerve damage, elevated inflammation, and abnormal activity in regions associated with smell and virus entry.
Behavioral changes were also observed, including memory decline, anxiety-like symptoms, and balance difficulties — all occurring within six months of infection.
Although herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is uncommon — impacting approximately two to four individuals per million — researchers suspect that cases of nasal HSV-1 are likely underreported. The virus may remain latent in the brain and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease in later life.
Shukla stressed that the effects can vary greatly depending on an individual’s immune response and the frequency of outbreaks.
“Our findings act as a warning,” he remarked. “Uncontrolled herpes can result in long-term behavioral issues, motor dysfunction, and problems with coordination. It’s crucial to comprehend how the virus operates and the seriousness it can reach under certain circumstances.”
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Translated by AI
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