A Surprising Discovery: Gut’s Role in Long Covid
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the lingering effects of long Covid.
They’ve identified a commonality among patients with this condition: they possess residual traces of the virus in their gut and reduced levels of serotonin, often referred to as the ‘feel good’ hormone.
While serotonin is commonly associated with brain function, a surprising 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.
This discovery points to a potential connection between gut serotonin and long Covid symptoms.
The Multifaceted Role of Serotonin
Serotonin is a versatile molecule, far beyond its influence on mood. It plays essential roles in various bodily functions, including sleep regulation, digestion, nausea management, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, and libido.
All of these areas have shown disruption in long Covid patients, reinforcing the idea that serotonin deficiency might be at the heart of these persistent health issues.
Studying Long Covid Patients: An Insightful Comparison
To delve deeper into this theory, the scientists studied 58 patients grappling with long Covid, analyzing their blood samples up to 22 months after their initial infection.
They compared these results to the blood profiles of 30 individuals who remained symptom-free after their Covid infections and 60 people in the acute, severe stage of Covid.
Notably, serotonin was the only significant molecule that didn’t return to its pre-infection levels in long Covid patients.
Viral Remnants and Immune Response
Intriguingly, the researchers also examined stool samples from long Covid patients and found traces of the virus.
These viral remnants trigger the immune system to release interferons, proteins responsible for fighting infections.
This immune response leads to inflammation, which, in turn, affects the body’s ability to absorb tryptophan, an amino acid crucial for serotonin production in the gut.
Additionally, blood clot formation after a Covid infection can hinder serotonin circulation, compounding the serotonin imbalance.
The Vagus Nerve Connection and Memory Issues
Serotonin levels also play a critical role in the vagus nerve system, which communicates between the brain and body.
This interaction is essential for various bodily functions.
Moreover, serotonin has a part in short-term memory, suggesting that diminished serotonin levels may contribute to the memory problems experienced by long Covid patients.
A Deeper Understanding of Long Covid
This groundbreaking study was published in the journal Cell, shedding new light on long Covid, a condition defined by the World Health Organization as the emergence of novel virus-related symptoms three months after the initial Covid infection.
The symptoms can persist for months or even years, encompassing a wide range of issues, from breathlessness and cognitive fog to fatigue and depression.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7.5% of US adults have long Covid, debate persists about its true scale and severity.
Some studies suggest that many individuals with this condition would experience common symptoms even in the absence of a Covid infection, adding complexity to the understanding of long Covid.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn