Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 03, 2025 4 hours, 14 minutes ago
Medical News: New Research Sheds Light on Hidden Damage
A group of Japanese researchers has uncovered strong evidence that oxidative stress in the body may play a key role in causing lingering symptoms of long COVID, especially the troubling condition commonly known as brain fog. Their findings are based on detailed blood analyses from patients during the Omicron phase of the pandemic. This
Medical News report highlights how the study provides new insight into why so many people continue to suffer months after their initial infection.
Oxidative Stress Markers Linked to Brain Fog in Long COVID
The research was carried out by teams from Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mie University Hospital, Mie University School of Medicine, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, and Yamaguchi University.
What the Study Found
The scientists examined 77 patients with long COVID, comparing their blood to that of over 300 healthy individuals. They measured levels of harmful oxidants called diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and calculated the oxidative stress index (OSI), while also assessing the body’s antioxidant defenses through biological antioxidant potential (BAP).
Results showed patients with long COVID had much higher oxidative stress and lower antioxidant protection than healthy people. Women were particularly affected, with significantly higher d-ROM and OSI levels compared to men. The study also found that higher OSI levels correlated with increased age, body weight, and inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.
Connection to Brain Fog
Among the many symptoms reported, brain fog stood out. Patients who experienced confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues had markedly higher oxidative stress levels than those without brain fog. In women, the difference was even more striking, suggesting a sex-dependent vulnerability. The team determined a specific OSI cut-off level that could help doctors identify which patients are at risk of developing brain fog.
Hormones and Stress Response
The researchers also explored the role of hormones. They found that lower thyroid hormone levels were linked to higher oxidative stress, while elevated cortisol (a stress hormone) was associated with more damage. This suggests that both thyroid and adrenal gland function influence how long COVID affects the brain and body.
Why This Matters
These findings provide a clearer picture of the biological processes driving long COVID. The data show that oxidative stress may not only explain fatigue and brain fog but could also help predict who is most likely to suffer these symptoms. Identifying reliable biomarkers like OSI and d-ROMs could guide future treatment strategies and allow earlier intervention for patients at risk.
Conclusion
The study strongly suggests that oxidative stress plays
a central role in long COVID and its neurological symptoms. Women, older individuals, and those with higher body weight may face greater risks. Importantly, the link between brain fog and elevated oxidative stress offers a promising direction for diagnosis and therapy. While further studies are needed, this research adds a valuable piece to the puzzle of long COVID and could lead to new ways of easing its burden.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/9/1068
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/oxidative-rna-damage-in-covid-19-may-be-driving-dangerous-viral-mutations
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/oxidative-stress-and-damaged-mitochondria-identified-as-major-triggers-of-heart-disease
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/scientists-from-slovakia-explore-how-melatonin-helps-protect-red-blood-cells-against-oxidative-damage
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