Redox imbalance links COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, by Bindu D Paul, Marian D Lemle, Anthony L Komaroff, Solomon H Snyder in PNAS August 24, 2021 118 (34); [doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2024358118]
Review abstract:
Although most patients recover from acute COVID-19, some experience postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (PASC). One subgroup of PASC is a syndrome called “long COVID-19,” reminiscent of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
ME/CFS is a debilitating condition, often triggered by viral and bacterial infections, leading to years-long debilitating symptoms including profound fatigue, postexertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive deficits, and orthostatic intolerance. Some are skeptical that either ME/CFS or long COVID-19 involves underlying biological abnormalities.
However, in this review, we we summarize the evidence that people with acute COVID-19 and with ME/CFS have biological abnormalities including redox imbalance, systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, an impaired ability to generate adenosine triphosphate, and a general hypometabolic state.
Redox biology refers to low levels of ROS that activate signaling pathways to initiate biological processes while oxidative stress denotes high levels of ROS that incur damage to DNA, protein or lipids. Schieber & Chandel
These phenomena have not yet been well studied in people with long COVID-19, and each of them has been reported in other diseases as well, particularly neurological diseases.
We also examine the bidirectional relationship between redox imbalance, inflammation, energy metabolic deficits, and a hypometabolic state. We speculate as to what may be causing these abnormalities. Thus, understanding the molecular underpinnings of both PASC and ME/CFS may lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Comments:
News-medical.net: Review highlights similarities between long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, by Emily Henderson 26 Aug 2021
John Hopkins: For many, long COVID looks a lot like chronic fatigue 25 Aug 2021
Health Rising: Could a Free Radical Explosion Be Causing ME/CFS and Long COVID?, by Cort Johnson 21 Aug 2021
Solve ME: Newly published research connects ME/CFS and COVID-19, 26 Aug 2021
A comprehensive review of ME/CFS and Long Covid research published this week suggests that symptoms of both may be caused by redox imbalance, which is linked to inflammation and reduction of cellular energy production. [Redox imbalance occurs when oxidants and antioxidants in a cell are in a state of disequilibrium, which can lead to cell death and contribute to disease development.]
