Romanian Study Finds That MicroRNAs Are Hidden Players Driving Long COVID Damage
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 14, 2025 6 hours, 21 minutes ago
Medical News: Introduction to a Hidden Biological Culprit
Long COVID, officially known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), is leaving millions with lingering symptoms weeks or even months after recovering from the initial infection. Researchers from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” in Timisoara, Romania, and the Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Romania, have uncovered an important piece of the puzzle: microRNAs, or miRNAs. These are tiny molecules that help regulate how our genes work, but in Long COVID, their activity can become seriously disrupted. This
Medical News report reveals how these molecular messengers influence inflammation, organ damage, and recovery — and why new detection technologies might change the game.
Romanian Study Finds That MicroRNAs Are Hidden Players Driving Long COVID Damage
What Are MicroRNAs and Why They Matter
MicroRNAs are short, non-coding RNA strands that control gene expression after DNA is read. They can turn genes “on” or “off” by binding to messenger RNAs, and they are vital for immune function, tissue repair, and organ health. When SARS-CoV-2 infects the body, it can alter these miRNAs directly or indirectly, leading to immune system imbalance, excessive inflammation, and lasting tissue injury.
Some miRNAs, like miR-146a and miR-21, are particularly important because they regulate inflammation and fibrosis. In Long COVID patients, these molecules often show abnormal activity, which can trigger heart scarring, lung damage, brain inflammation, and even gut problems.
The Link Between Altered miRNAs and Long COVID Symptoms
Studies show that the same miRNAs disrupted during acute COVID-19 can remain abnormal long after the virus clears. This explains why Long COVID affects so many systems at once — from the brain and heart to the kidneys and intestines.
For example:
-Neurological issues like brain fog and headaches are linked to altered miR-9 and miR-124, which protect neurons and control brain inflammation.
-Heart problems such as myocarditis are connected to miR-21 and miR-29, which regulate fibrosis and cardiac cell survival.
-Lung damage and fibrosis often involve a dangerous imbalance between miR-21 (promotes scarring) and miR-29 (prevents scarring).
-Gut symptoms including persistent diarrhea may be driven by miRNAs like miR-155 and miR-122, which affect inflammation and metabolism.
The Promise of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
Traditional methods for detecting miRNAs, such as PCR and Illumina sequencing, have limitations in sensitivity and detecting chemical modifications. A newer technology, Oxford Nanopore Sequencing (ONS), offers real-time, long-read RNA analysis without amplification, preserving natural modifications. This allows scientists to detect subtle changes in miRNAs that may hold the key to diagnosing Long COVID earlier and more accurately.
>Why This Matters for the Future
By mapping miRNA changes in Long COVID, researchers hope to create precise diagnostic tests and even treatments that target these molecules to reduce inflammation and prevent organ damage. Although the technology to measure miRNAs in clinical settings is still being refined, its potential is enormous.
Conclusion
The discovery of miRNA disruptions in Long COVID reveals that this condition is not just “lingering illness” but a complex biological aftermath involving deep molecular changes. Understanding and targeting these changes could transform diagnosis and treatment, reducing the burden on millions worldwide.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Human Genomics.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40246-025-00810-0
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sars-cov-2-proteins-found-to-hijack-mirnas-of-human-lung-cells-and-trigger-dangerous-cellular-changes
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-news-exclusive-deciphering-the-intricate-role-of-mirnas-in-heart-disorders-in-covid-19
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-sars-cov-nsp2-protein-enhances-microrna-mediated-translational-repression-with-serious-long-term-health-implications
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