In a recent study published in Nature Communications, it was discovered that markers indicating brain injury persist in the blood for extended periods after a COVID-19 infection, despite normal inflammation blood test results.
The research focused on individuals who experienced neurological issues during their COVID-19 illness and identified ongoing indicators of brain injury months after infection.
Examining samples from over 800 hospitalized COVID-19 patients across England and Wales, half of whom had developed new neurological conditions, the researchers analyzed various markers such as brain injury indicators, inflammatory proteins (cytokines), antibodies, and neuroglial injury proteins.
Their findings revealed that during the acute phase of COVID-19, there was an increase in inflammatory proteins and brain injury markers. Surprisingly, even after discharge from the hospital, robust evidence of ongoing brain injury markers persisted for months.
This continued presence of brain injury markers was notably higher in patients who experienced neurological issues during the acute phase and persisted during their recovery.
The inflammatory markers observed during the acute phase indicate abnormal immune responses, prompting researchers to consider them as potential targets for therapy not only for COVID-19 but also for other infections leading to acute brain dysfunction.
Professor Benedict Michael, the principal investigator and director of the University of Liverpool, emphasized, “Our study highlights the persistence of brain injury markers in the blood months after COVID-19 infection, especially in those who experienced COVID-19-induced brain complications such as inflammation or stroke. This suggests the possibility of ongoing inflammation and injury within the brain that might not be detectable by standard blood tests for inflammation.”
Professor Leonie Taams from King’s College London added, “By integrating immunology, neurology, and infection research, we uncovered several biomarkers associated with COVID-19’s neurological complications. This research lays the groundwork for understanding the potential underlying mechanisms behind these complications.”