Long-COVID signatures identified in huge analysis of blood proteins

Nature recently published an article (18/01/24) about a study that found notable differences in the composition of proteins in people with long COVID, those who recovered and those who were never infected with Covid-19.

Researchers analyzed blood proteins in COVID-19 patients and found differences between those with long COVID, those recovered, and uninfected people. Certain proteins involved in inflammation, immune function, and blood clotting appear to be biomarkers for long COVID diagnosis and monitoring.

The study included 39 never-infected adults and 113 who had COVID-19, with 40 having persistent symptoms at 6 months and 22 at 12 months (defined as long COVID). Blood samples were analyzed for over 6,500 proteins.

Compared to recovered and healthy groups, long COVID patients had imbalanced blood clotting and inflammation proteins. Machine learning models leveraging these protein biomarkers could predict long COVID development.

While findings fit with existing theories on long COVID causes, the study was small and does not pinpoint root mechanisms. Heterogeneity of long COVID also means larger studies on multiple mechanisms are needed.

Overall, this work identifies potential diagnostic protein biomarkers for long COVID and sheds light on immune and clotting abnormalities. But more research is needed to fully uncover long COVID’s complex underlying pathology and guide treatment development.

The article can be read here.

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