Study Finds High Plasma Levels Of Neurofilament Light Chain In Those Who Had Mild COVID-19 But Are Having Neurocognitive Symptoms
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Apr 29, 2024 2 weeks, 2 days, 10 hours, 4 minutes ago
Medical News: Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, encompasses a range of symptoms that persist after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these, neurocognitive dysfunction stands out as a significant concern. Studies have highlighted the relevance of plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) levels as a potential biomarker for early central nervous system (CNS) involvement in COVID-19. This
Medical News report delves into a study conducted by researchers from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO-Brazil that explored the association between elevated pNfL levels and neurocognitive symptoms in long COVID patients who previously experienced mild COVID-19.
Study Finds High Plasma Levels Of Neurofilament Light Chain In
Those Who Had Mild COVID-19 But Are Having Neurocognitive Symptoms
Understanding Long COVID and its Impact on Quality of Life
Long COVID refers to a condition where individuals, after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19, continue to experience symptoms for an extended period. These symptoms, which can last for months, include neurological manifestations like cognitive dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and neuropsychiatric complaints such as depression and anxiety. The prevalence of long COVID symptoms varies widely, affecting a substantial proportion of post-COVID-19 individuals and significantly impacting their quality of life.
Mechanisms of Neurological Involvement in COVID-19
Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the neurological manifestations observed in COVID-19 patients, including direct viral invasion of the CNS, immune activation leading to inflammation, vascular damage, and hypoxic effects. Additionally, the interaction between viral proteins and human tissues, particularly in the nervous system, may trigger autoimmune reactions and neuronal damage. These mechanisms contribute to the complex pathophysiology of long COVID, highlighting the need for biomarkers to assess CNS involvement and prognosis.
Role of Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain as a Biomarker
Plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) has emerged as a promising biomarker for neuroaxonal damage. Studies have shown elevated pNfL levels in acute COVID-19 patients, indicating CNS injury even in mild cases. This study aimed to evaluate whether elevated pNfL levels persist in long COVID patients with neurocognitive symptoms post-mild COVID-19, providing insights into ongoing CNS damage and the potential for neurodegenerative consequences.
Findings from the Study
The study examined 63 long COVID patients with neurocognitive symptoms, measuring pNfL levels using Single molecule array (SIMOA) assays. The results revealed significantly higher pNfL levels in long COVID patients compared to healthy controls, indicating ongoing CNS injury. Furthermore, patients with cognitive impairment and fatigue showed even higher pNfL levels, emphasizing the association between specific neurocognitive symptoms and CN
S damage. Correlation analyses confirmed the link between cognitive deficits, fatigue severity, and elevated pNfL levels, underscoring the utility of pNfL as a prognostic biomarker in long COVID.
Implications and Future Directions
The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the CNS, especially in individuals with mild initial disease. Elevated pNfL levels suggest ongoing neuroaxonal damage, which may contribute to persistent neurocognitive symptoms in long COVID patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying CNS injury in long COVID and to develop targeted interventions for affected individuals.
Limitations and Conclusion
While the study provides valuable insights into the association between pNfL levels and neurocognitive symptoms in long COVID, it has limitations such as sample size and the absence of pre-infection neurocognitive assessments. Despite these limitations, the study underscores the potential of pNfL as a biomarker for CNS injury in long COVID and emphasizes the need for comprehensive monitoring and treatment strategies for affected individuals. Future studies should explore the long-term implications of elevated pNfL levels and their correlation with neurological outcomes in long COVID patients.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Molecular Psychiatry.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-024-02554-0
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