New Study Links COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Myocarditis to Immune Chemical Interaction
A new study from Stanford University suggests that the rare myocarditis observed following COVID-19 vaccination may be linked to the combined effect of two chemicals within the body: CXCL10 and gamma interferon. Researchers found these substances may contribute to myocardial cell damage post-vaccination, potentially leading to myocarditis. This research has currently only been conducted on human cells and in mice, and has not yet been conducted in human clinical trials, requiring further confirmation.
“As cardiologists, we are often asked: How do vaccines cause myocarditis?” stated Joseph Wu, lead author of the study and director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. “We believe this is a very important scientific and clinical issue that is worth investing resources to solve.”
The research team observed that when the body receives an mRNA vaccine, immune cells may release significant amounts of CXCL10 and gamma interferon. These substances may directly damage heart muscle cells and attract additional immune cells to the affected area. Previous studies have indicated higher concentrations of these two chemicals in cases of vaccine-associated myocarditis.
Two-Step Process Proposed
Researchers propose vaccine-induced myocarditis may occur in two steps. First, exposure to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine prompts immune cells—specifically macrophages—to release CXCL10, signaling for additional immune cells. Second, the influx of immune cells leads to the release of gamma interferon. Experiments on mice showed that the combined action of these two substances may directly damage cardiomyocytes, potentially leading to myocarditis.
The release of these substances by immune cells is likely triggered by the detection of mRNA, the genetic material instructing cells to produce proteins, within the vaccine. Experiments involving vaccinated mice showed significant elevations in these two chemicals, alongside inflammatory reactions in other organs like the liver and kidneys.
Wu Qingming noted that the vaccine dose used in the experiments was higher than typical human vaccination doses, suggesting the observed reactions may be more severe than those seen in reality. He added that these substances may likewise contribute to inflammation of blood vessels and potentially explain joint and muscle pain experienced by some after vaccination.
Despite these findings, Wu Qingming emphasized that myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination remains rare, and the risk of myocarditis and other serious complications from COVID-19 infection itself is significantly higher than the risks associated with the vaccine.
Potential Protective Role of Soy Ingredient
Research indicated that administering genistein, a natural ingredient found in soy, to mice before vaccination could prevent myocardial damage without compromising the vaccine’s protective effect. Vaccinated mice receiving genistein maintained a normal immune response and antiviral capabilities. Genistein possesses anti-inflammatory properties and exhibits a weak similarity to estrogen.
Given that myocarditis predominantly affects young men, the research team speculated that estrogen may offer protection against the condition. “But we can’t give estrogen directly to boys, right? So we use genistein, which acts like a very weak plant version of estrogen,” Wu Qingming explained.
The team stressed that this finding was only confirmed in mouse experiments and requires large-scale clinical trials to determine its applicability to humans. The public should not use soy products or supplements as a preventative measure.
Joseph Varon, a professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine and president of the Independent Medical Alliance, stated that the study provides a promising direction for future research and may lead to methods for preventing vaccine-related myocarditis.
Ongoing Investigation into Myocarditis Causes
Wu Qingming clarified that this study explores one potential reason for vaccine-induced myocarditis—the inflammatory response triggered by the vaccine. Other theories suggest the immune system may inadvertently injure itself, with antibodies mistakenly attacking heart tissue due to similarities between the vaccine’s spike protein and proteins found in the body.
Additional studies have also speculated that direct damage from the spike protein or hormonal influences may contribute to myocarditis. Cardiologist Peter McCullough commented that the study did not investigate why the mRNA vaccine triggers the release of these chemicals, and believes the presence of the mRNA and spike protein itself is the primary cause of vaccine-related myocarditis. Previous studies have detected mRNA and spike protein in the heart tissue of patients who developed myocarditis after vaccination.
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