Research Highlights Unusual Microclots Driving Long COVID Symptoms

Long COVID remains a major diagnostic and treatment gap today. Millions of Americans battle severe and persistent symptoms each day.

Recent research shows a hidden change could drive these symptoms. Researchers assessed blood samples from Long COVID patients. They found abnormal changes in microscopic blood structures linked to common symptoms like brain fog and fatigue.

These findings could guide future therapies that address this gap. The study found strong links between these biomarkers and Long COVID. The biomarkers appear connected to thrombo-inflammatory activity in the body.

Thrombo-inflammatory activity involves blood clots triggered by inflammation. Inflammation can develop due to disease and immune responses.

How Did Researchers Find New Long COVID Biomarkers?

The study used imaging flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Researchers examined blood samples from 50 Long COVID patients and 38 healthy controls.

Scientists reviewed imaging to detect microclots and NETs. Long COVID samples showed far more microclots than healthy samples. The median increase measured 19.7 times higher. The microclots in Long COVID patients were also larger in size.

Higher NET density matched higher microclot levels in patient samples. Researchers also found a new physical relationship in the samples. NETs appeared embedded inside the microclots. This was seen in both Long COVID and healthy samples.

This was not surprising because NETs are sticky materials. Sticky NETs can help promote and stabilize blood clots. NET-driven clots were far more common in Long COVID samples. Increased NET material could slow clot breakdown and increase buildup.

The consistency of the findings was strong across samples. An AI model identified Long COVID blood samples with 91 percent accuracy. This was true even when all identity data was removed. Microclots and NETs together may become diagnostic biomarkers.

More research is needed to move from correlation to causation. Understanding this process could improve diagnosis and treatment. Better guidance could help those still suffering with Long COVID.

What Led to This New Biomarker Hypothesis?

This new research examined two earlier findings together. Two lead researchers combined their previous discoveries for deeper insight.

In 2021, researchers identified microclots as a possible mechanism for symptoms. Microclots are microscopic and stubborn blood clots. They are smaller than clots that cause stroke or thrombosis. They still disrupt blood flow as it moves through capillaries.

In 2022, a different study discovered extra neutrophil extracellular traps in Long COVID patients. These traps are called NETs and look sticky and web-like. They include DNA and enzymes released by white blood cells. The cells release NETs to confine invading pathogens before destruction.

Normally, NETs dissolve after the pathogen is destroyed. Large amounts or extra-resilient NETs could build up over time. This buildup may disrupt blood flow and present as thrombosis or atherosclerosis.

This new study placed microclots and NETs in conversation. The researchers wanted to see if both could combine. They looked for a combined mechanism that could drive Long COVID symptoms.

Conclusion

Recent research shows strong links between NETs, microclots, and Long COVID symptoms. These findings may improve diagnostic accuracy using clear blood biomarkers. Future research could guide new treatment options.

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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.