Novel biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in Long COVID patients

Szögi, Titanilla and Borsos, Barbara Nikolett and Masic, Dejana and Radics, Bence and Bella, Zsolt and Bánfi, Andrea Csilla and Ördög, Nóra and Zsiros, Csenge and Kiricsi, Ágnes and Pankotai-Bodó, Gabriella and Kovács, Ágnes and Paróczai, Dóra and Botkáné Lugosi, Andrea and Kajtár, Béla and Sükösd, Farkas and Lehoczki, Andrea Marianna and Polgár, Tamás Ferenc and Letoha, Annamária and Pankotai, Tibor and Tiszlavicz, László (2025) Novel biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in Long COVID patients. GEROSCIENCE: OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN AGING ASSOCIATION (AGE), 47 (2). pp. 2245-2261. ISSN 2509-2715

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Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome, and while most individuals recover within weeks, approximately 30–40% experience persistent symptoms collectively known as Long COVID, post-COVID-19 syndrome, or post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC). These enduring symptoms, including fatigue, respiratory difficulties, body pain, short-term memory loss, concentration issues, and sleep disturbances, can persist for months. According to recent studies, SARS-CoV-2 infection causes prolonged disruptions in mitochondrial function, significantly altering cellular energy metabolism. Our research employed transmission electron microscopy to reveal distinct mitochondrial structural abnormalities in Long COVID patients, notably including significant swelling, disrupted cristae, and an overall irregular morphology, which collectively indicates severe mitochondrial distress. We noted increased levels of superoxide dismutase 1 which signals oxidative stress and elevated autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase levels, indicating disruptions in mitophagy. Importantly, our analysis also identified reduced levels of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) in these patients, serving as a novel biomarker for the condition. These findings underscore the crucial role of persistent mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Long COVID. Further exploration of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying post-viral mitochondrial dysfunction is critical, particularly to understand the roles of autoimmune reactions and the reactivation of latent viruses in perpetuating these conditions. This comprehensive understanding could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions designed to alleviate the chronic impacts of Long COVID. By utilizing circulating ccf-mtDNA and other novel mitochondrial biomarkers, we can enhance our diagnostic capabilities and improve the management of this complex syndrome.

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