Two leading scientists, Prof. Resia Pretorius and Dr. Douglas Kell, have uncovered key insights into why long COVID causes blood clotting issues. Their groundbreaking research highlights abnormal clots, the role of a protein called galectin-3, and potential treatment options for the millions living with long COVID worldwide.
What’s Happening in the Blood of Long COVID Patients?
People with long COVID often experience symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. Prof. Pretorius and Dr. Kell’s research shows these could be caused by unusual blood clots that disrupt circulation.
The Two Types of Clots
- Amyloid Fibrin Microclots
- These clots are made from fibrinogen, a protein in your blood. In long COVID, fibrinogen becomes misfolded, turning into sticky clumps, similar to tangled hair.
- These microclots trap inflammatory molecules, making it hard for your body to break them down and worsening symptoms.
- Hyperactive Platelet Clumps
- Platelets, the blood cells that stop bleeding, become overactive in long COVID. They form clusters that can block blood flow, like a traffic jam on a motorway.
How Do Scientists Detect These Clots?
The researchers used advanced tools to study blood from long COVID patients:
- Flow Cytometry: This tool works like a blood traffic monitor, counting and analyzing blood cells to reveal abnormal clotting patterns.
- Fluorescent Microscopy: A technique that uses dyes to make clots glow, showing their amyloid-like structure.
These tools provide clear evidence that these clots are biologically different from normal clots.
What’s the Role of Galectin-3?
Galectin-3 is a protein found in the body, but in long COVID, it acts like superglue, making clots stickier and harder to remove.
- Galectin-3 also triggers inflammation and tissue scarring (fibrosis), creating a vicious cycle that worsens long COVID symptoms.
- High levels of galectin-3 in long COVID patients make it a promising target for treatment.
Potential Treatments Based on These Findings
Pretorius and Kell’s work opens the door to several new treatment possibilities:
- Anti-Galectin-3 Drugs
- Drugs targeting galectin-3 are already being tested for other conditions, like heart disease. These could help reduce inflammation and dissolve clots in long COVID.
- Amyloid-Busting Therapies
- Medicines used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, which also target amyloid clumps, could be repurposed for long COVID.
- Anti-Inflammatory Treatments
- Reducing overall inflammation could stop these clots from forming. Lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory diets, and specific medications might help.
- Improved Diagnostics
- Tools like flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy could help identify patients with these clotting issues earlier, leading to faster and more effective treatment.
Challenges and What We Don’t Know Yet
Despite these exciting findings, many questions remain:
- Who is at risk?
Not everyone with long COVID develops these clots. Why some do and others don’t is still unclear. - Reinfection Concerns
Can getting COVID again worsen these clots? More research is needed. - Treatment Risks
Anti-clotting therapies need to be carefully balanced to avoid increasing the risk of bleeding. - Lingering Virus Fragments
Some evidence suggests fragments of the virus might remain in the body, fueling ongoing inflammation. This theory needs further investigation.
Why This Research Is Important
This groundbreaking research validates the experiences of long COVID patients, proving their symptoms are real and rooted in measurable biological changes. The findings also highlight the urgent need for more funding, research, and attention to long COVID—an issue still affecting millions globally.
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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your health.
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