- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: Researchers from Karolinska Institute in Sweden have uncovered specific biomarkers in the blood that are connected to long Covid, particularly in patients with severe respiratory issues.
Long Covid refers to a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms, such as fatigue and acute breathlessness, long after the initial Covid-19 infection has subsided. The condition is believed to result from lingering effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19.
In their study, the Swedish research team identified a set of proteins in the blood of people suffering from long Covid, specifically those experiencing significant respiratory problems. These proteins are associated with inflammatory pathways that contribute to cell death and lung damage, which are also seen in other diseases affecting the lungs. Dr. Marcus Buggert, a researcher at the Department of Medicine at Karolinska Institute, explained that these biomarkers are particularly prevalent in patients with long Covid and severe respiratory symptoms.
He stated, “This pattern of biomarkers is linked to inflammatory signalling pathways involved in tissue damage and cell death, which we have observed in other patient groups suffering from serious pulmonary disorders.”
For their study, the team analyzed blood samples from 265 patients across Sweden and the UK. These individuals had contracted Covid-19 before the availability of vaccines. Using advanced techniques, the researchers measured the levels of thousands of proteins present in the blood plasma, comparing the findings to the severity of the patients’ symptoms. The study, which was published in the journal Nature Immunology, provided crucial insights into the biological processes that lead to severe long-term symptoms after Covid-19 infection. This is particularly important since there are no specific biomarkers or treatments currently available for long Covid.
By identifying these elevated proteins, the research team aims to create a platform for developing diagnostic tools and targeted therapies to manage long Covid.
Dr. Buggert emphasized the significance of the findings, noting, “We are laying the groundwork for future diagnostics and treatments by pinpointing the proteins elevated in patients with long Covid.” In the next phase of their research, the team intends to study tissue samples from the lungs and gastrointestinal tract to better understand the origins of these biomarkers.
This will help determine if there is ongoing inflammation or tissue damage in specific organs, which could explain the persistent symptoms seen in long Covid patients. The findings of this study represent an important step toward identifying and treating long Covid, a condition that has affected millions worldwide and remains a significant challenge for healthcare systems. By advancing our understanding of the biological processes underlying long Covid, researchers hope to improve both diagnosis and treatment for those suffering from this lingering condition. With continued research, it is hoped that the development of effective therapies for long Covid will soon become a reality, offering relief to those affected by this debilitating post-viral syndrome
