SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), presents a spectrum of manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to fatal outcomes. While the innate and adaptive immune systems typically control the virus effectively, leading to recovery in most immunocompetent individuals, the aftermath of the infection is not always straightforward.
Studies have shown that long COVID (LC) symptoms are not confined to those who were hospitalized, affecting a broad range of patients. The incidence of LC varies widely, estimated between 10% and 60%, depending on various factors including the definition of LC and the demographics of the study cohort.
LC encompasses a diverse set of sequelae impacting multiple organ systems, significantly affecting individuals’ functional status and work capabilities. Commonly reported LC symptoms include breathlessness, headache, cough, chest and abdominal pain, muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive issues (“brain fog”), anxiety, and diarrhea. Surveys indicate that a significant proportion of patients, ranging from 50 to 80%, continue to experience these symptoms three months post-recovery, even after the virus is no longer detectable in their bodies.
Interestingly, about 10% of recovered patients may continue to experience symptoms over a year after initial infection. These symptoms bear a resemblance to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and/or systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs). In cases where SARS-CoV-2 causes damage to multiple organs such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys, long-lasting symptoms can be more readily attributed to this organ damage. However, many patients experiencing post-infectious fatigue did not suffer discernible organ damage, particularly those with milder forms of the disease.
For those with severe post-COVID fatigue without chronic organ dysfunction, one plausible explanation is chronic low-grade neuroinflammation. SARS-CoV-2 is capable of forming reservoirs in various organs, including the brain, intestine, and liver, leading to ongoing damage. The virus can enter the brain through multiple routes, including the olfactory mucosa, the cribriform plate, vagal pathways, and potentially direct translocation across the blood-brain barrier. This invasion can result in chronic neuroinflammation and hypoxic injury, contributing to long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Another perspective on LC is the broad immune response triggered by the initial infection. This response, characterized by inflammation and immune dysregulation, could induce fatigue through various mechanisms. The activation of a “fatigue nucleus” in the brain by cytokines, which inhibits energy-consuming activities to focus on healing, is one such mechanism. Additionally, oxidative stress, altered T cell metabolism, and immune changes are suggested to contribute significantly to symptoms in patients with idiopathic ME/CFS.
This cohort was compared with individuals who had SARS-CoV-2 infection but remained asymptomatic, and a control group of healthy individuals unexposed to the virus. Further comparison was made with patients who experienced severe acute COVID-19 and were admitted to the ICU.
These comparative analyses were aimed at deciphering the metabolomic profiles of these diverse groups, offering deeper insights into the long-term impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This research, conducted at the University of Alberta hospital, was facilitated by collaborations with patient community groups and the Alberta Long-COVID Facebook community, highlighting the crucial role of community engagement in understanding and addressing this complex syndrome.
The Association of Sarcosine and Serine with Clinical Manifestations in Long COVID: A Detailed Investigation
The persisting health challenges faced by individuals after recovering from the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, commonly referred to as Long COVID (LC), continue to perplex the medical community. Our research delves into the metabolic alterations associated with LC, particularly focusing on the roles of sarcosine and serine.
Metabolomic Insights into Long COVID
The investigations centered on metabolite levels and their association with common LC symptoms like cognitive impairment, anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, no significant links were found between serotonin, tryptophan, aspartate, and kynurenine plasma levels and these symptoms. However, a notable inverse correlation emerged between sarcosine concentrations and cognitive dysfunction, as well as depression scores in LC patients. Similar associations were observed with plasma serine levels, particularly relating to anxiety and depression.
Metabolomic Alterations in LC and Recovery Groups
The comprehensive metabolomic analysis extended beyond individual metabolites to encompass broader metabolic pathways. This analysis revealed persistent alterations in various metabolic pathways in both LC and recovered (R) individuals, even 12 months post-COVID-19 onset. While these findings are primarily descriptive, they offer valuable insights into the long-lasting metabolomic changes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Key observations included reduced glutamine and ornithine levels, suggesting disruptions in amino acid and nitrogen metabolism, similar to patterns seen in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Serine and Sarcosine: Potential Therapeutic Targets
The reduction in serine concentration in LC patients is particularly significant given its essential role in central nervous system function. Its decline has been linked to severe neurological disorders, thus highlighting the importance of recognizing serine deficiency in LC. Conversely, sarcosine, known for its antidepressant properties, also showed a significant decline in plasma levels in LC patients. These observations open the possibility of exploring sarcosine supplementation as a therapeutic intervention for cognitive and depressive symptoms in LC.
Broader Implications and Future Directions
The study demonstrates that the metabolic aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection is far-reaching, potentially affecting multiple organ systems and lasting for months, if not years. This includes potential impacts on mitochondrial function and energy production pathways, which might explain the persistent fatigue and other symptoms experienced by LC patients.
The research highlights the importance of considering metabolic factors in the management and treatment of LC. The inverse correlations between sarcosine/serine levels and cognitive/depression symptoms suggest potential therapeutic applications for these supplements in LC patients. However, further research and clinical trials are essential to validate these findings and establish effective treatments.
Study Limitations and Future Studies
This study, while providing crucial insights, has limitations, including being single-centered and limited in cohort diversity. Future research should include larger, more diverse cohorts and consider the impact of different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Additionally, the incorporation of lipid metabolism into metabolomic analyses could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the metabolic alterations in LC.
In conclusion, our study adds to the growing body of evidence that LC is a complex syndrome involving persistent immune activation, metabolic alterations, and potential mitochondrial dysfunction. Understanding these intricate interactions is key to developing effective therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from the long-term effects of COVID-19.
reference link : https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341843/full