Omics-based analysis of mitochondrial dysfunction and BBB integrity in post-COVID-19 sequelae

[SWAlexander]

Abstract​

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic has been implicated in a range of neurological issues, such as encephalopathy, stroke, and cognitive decline. Although the precise mechanism causing these issues is unknown, mounting evidence shows that blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption is probable2 a major factor. The integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a highly selective barrier that divides the brain from the systemic circulation, is crucial for preserving normal brain function. By analysing the multi-transcriptome data, this work explores the neurological impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and provides insight into the molecular mechanisms behind BBB breakdown and neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients. The endothelial cells of BBB expresses inflammatory genes in response to the systemic inflammation induced due to SARS-CoV-2 remnants in the body. This raises the possibility that systemic inflammation brought on by SARS-CoV-2 and BBB integrity are correlated. Furthermore, the study highlights the pathways involved in oxidative stress and endothelial cell activation, revealing their role in COVID-19 passage through BBB and induction of systemic inflammation and advancement toward neurological disorders. The article showcases the evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is a major aftermath associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection as the impaired Mitochondria leads to an accumulation of ROS, triggering endothelial dysfunction, and leading to the passage of harmful molecules across the BBB. This study offers insightful information that may open up the possibilities for new treatment plans by targeting biomarkers specifically associated with inflammation and BBB dysfunctioning conditions.
Continue: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82180-6

 

[Wishful]

I read through it, but got the impression that the analysis was a bunch of unsupported speculation. Maybe those pathways are affected as speculated, and maybe cause the observed symptoms, but I didn't see supporting evidence, such as a measured decrease in ATP in the brain (I think technology is available to measure that) or measured leakage of various molecules across the BBB. Ideally, someone would test these claims with actual measurements, but that sort of follow-up research doesn't seem to be popular (or able to get funding?).

 

[linusbert]

lets make our own evidence, lets measure ATP levels of folks in this forum, and see if someone is really sick and has normal or high ATP levels.
my own was in the beginning borderline low, exactly on the cutoff to deficiency.

 

[Wishful]

lets measure ATP levels of folks in this forum,

Darn, I can't find my home ATP monitor.

More seriously, haven't these measurements been done in multiple studies on large numbers of PWME ... with no clear results of abnormalities? I expect there are more studies which weren't published because the lack of clear abnormalities were unlikely to be worth the effort of writing it up, or which contradicted the researcher's theory.

 

[linusbert]

Darn, I can't find my home ATP monitor.

i do, its called mirror and the higher the number of rings under my eyes, the lower my atp level... isnt it obvious?

 

[Wishful]

i do, its called mirror and the higher the number of rings under my eyes, the lower my atp level...

I thought mine just meant I was getting older. I'll have to try a comparison between an energetic day and a lousy day. I so far haven't noticed any physical indications that correlate. Earwax production? Nose hair growth?