New research indicates that an overload of various inflammatory molecules “trapped” inside insoluble microscopic blood clots could be the cause of some of the lingering symptoms of long COVID.
The finding was made by Professor Resia Pretorius from Stellenbosch University.
She said: “We found high levels of various inflammatory molecules trapped in micro clots present in the blood of individuals with long COVID. Some of the trapped molecules contain clotting proteins such as fibrinogen, as well as alpha(2)-antiplasmin.”
Alpha(2)-antiplasmin is a molecule that prevents the breakdown of blood clots, while fibrinogen is the main clotting protein. Under normal conditions the body’s plasmin–antiplasmin system maintains a fine balance between blood clotting and fibrinolysis.
With high levels of alpha(2)-antiplasmin in the blood of COVID-19 patients and those suffering from long COVID, the body’s ability to break down the clots is significantly inhibited.
Further research is recommended into a regimen of therapies to support clotting and fibrinolytic system function in individuals with lingering long COVID symptoms.
Image credit | Science-Photo-Library
