Long COVID Linked to Microscopic Blood Structures
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Recent research has uncovered strange microscopic structures in the blood of individuals with Long COVID, hinting at potential biomarkers for better diagnosis and treatment. The study, led by Prof. Resia Pretorius and Dr.
Alain Thierry, highlights significant increases in both microclots and neutrophil extracellular traps, or NETs, in Long COVID patients compared to healthy controls. Microclots, which are abnormal clumps of blood clotting proteins, were first identified in COVID-19 patients in 2021.
Meanwhile, NETs are formed when neutrophils expel their DNA, creating structures that trap pathogens but can also lead to harmful inflammation and clotting. The researchers utilized advanced imaging techniques and machine learning to analyze blood samples, revealing a structural relationship between microclots and NETs that was particularly pronounced in Long COVID patients.
According to the report, elevated levels of biomarkers linked to both microclots and NETs were observed. Furthermore, the size and abundance of microclots were significantly greater in these patients. This suggests ongoing overproduction of NETs may worsen disease severity by stabilizing microclots and making them resistant to breakdown, leading to chronic complications.
Prof. Pretorius noted that these findings could help in developing precise diagnostic tools and personalized treatments, as the integration of AI allowed for accurate differentiation between Long COVID patients and healthy individuals.
The study emphasizes the need for further exploration into how the interaction between microclots and NETs contributes to the pathophysiology of Long COVID, potentially opening new therapeutic avenues to mitigate thrombo-inflammatory responses.
Ultimately, this research sheds light on the biological processes involved in Long COVID and supports the search for new biomarkers that could enhance diagnosis and management of this complex condition.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of understanding the intricate interplay between microclots and NETs in the context of Long COVID.