Relationships between plasma fatty acids in adults with mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 and the development of post-acute sequelae

Abstract

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 has infected millions across the globe. Many individuals are left with persistent symptoms, termed post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), for months after infection. Hyperinflammation in the acute and convalescent stages has emerged as a risk factor for poor disease outcomes, and this may be exacerbated by dietary inadequacies. Specifically, fatty acids are powerful inflammatory mediators and may have a significant role in COVID-19 disease modulation.ObjectiveThe major objective of this project was to pilot an investigation of plasma fatty acid (PFA) levels in adults with COVID-19 and to evaluate associations with disease severity and PASC.Methods and proceduresPlasma from adults with (N = 41) and without (N = 9) COVID-19 was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess differences between the concentrations of 18 PFA during acute infection (≤14 days post-PCR + diagnosis) in adults with varying disease severity. Participants were grouped based on mild, moderate, and severe disease, alongside the presence of PASC, a condition identified in patients who were followed beyond acute-stage infection (N = 23).ResultsSignificant differences in PFA profiles were observed between individuals who experienced moderate or severe disease compared to those with mild infection or no history of infection. Palmitic acid, a saturated fat, was elevated in adults with severe disease (p = 0.04), while behenic (p = 0.03) and lignoceric acid (p = 0.009) were lower in adults with moderate disease. Lower levels of the unsaturated fatty acids, γ-linolenic acid (GLA) (p = 0.03), linoleic (p = 0.03), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (p = 0.007), were observed in adults with moderate disease. Oleic acid distinguished adults with moderate disease from severe disease (p = 0.04), and this difference was independent of BMI. Early recovery-stage depletion of GLA (p = 0.02) and EPA (p = 0.0003) was associated with the development of PASC.ConclusionPilot findings from this study support the significance of PFA profile alterations during COVID-19 infection and are molecular targets for follow-up attention in larger cohorts. Fatty acids are practical, affordable nutritional targets and may be beneficial for modifying the course of disease after a COVID-19 diagnosis. Moreover, these findings can be particularly important for overweight and obese adults with altered PFA profiles and at higher risk for PASC.Clinical trial registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04603677].

ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature

“…Patients with more depleted levels of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) during recovery from acute COVID-19 are more likely to develop Long COVID (393). Depletion of EPA impairs vasodilation, worsens oxidative stress and enhances inflammation, making it a plausible contributor to the pathogenesis of Long COVID (394).…”

Antinociceptive effects of gamma-linolenic acid in the formalin test in the rats

“…In various clinical studies, GLA adjuvant has been studied as a potential treatment for influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and Hansen’s disease 33 . Also, changes in blood GLA levels have been reported in some diseases 34 . In our search, we found only a few studies that describe the use of GLA for pain 17 , 20 .…”

Palmitate Stimulates Expression of the von Willebrand Factor and Modulates Toll-like Receptors Level and Activity in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs)

“…Nowadays, particular interest is focused on vascular complications of COVID-19, especially in obese patients [ 45 ]. It was shown that a relatively higher risk of vascular complications and thrombosis occurs in those with elevated levels of palmitate but not unsaturated FAs in the plasma [ 46 ]. Furthermore, a higher risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients was attributed to an elevated vWF level [ 47 ].…”