Malaysian Researchers Identify Long COVID Subphenotypes and Find That Probiotics Can Mitigate Many Symptoms
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 25, 2025 1 day, 16 hours, 40 minutes ago
Medical News: Malaysian researchers have achieved a remarkable milestone in understanding Long COVID, a condition affecting millions worldwide. By analyzing diverse symptoms and their progression, these experts have identified specific subphenotypes of Long COVID and demonstrated the potential of probiotics in alleviating many of its debilitating symptoms. This
Medical News report delves into the details of their findings, shedding light on this critical issue.
The mechanism of action of probiotics in Long COVID
Collaborative Effort Across Renowned Institutions
The study, titled Subphenotypes of Long COVID and the Clinical Applications of Probiotics, involved experts from the Sunway Microbiome Centre and the School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University in Malaysia, and the Microbiome Research Group at the Research Centre for Life Science and Healthcare, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China. The collaboration highlights a united global effort to unravel the complexities of Long COVID.
Long COVID - A Persistent Challenge
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), manifests as prolonged symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, respiratory difficulties, and more, persisting for months or even years after initial infection. Approximately 10-30% of non-hospitalized, 50-70% of hospitalized, and 10-12% of vaccinated individuals experience this syndrome.
The researchers’ primary goal was to categorize these symptoms into distinct subphenotypes and identify effective treatments. Their findings uncovered four main subphenotypes, each characterized by unique symptom clusters:
-Cardiac and Renal Dysfunction
-Respiratory, Sleep, and Anxiety Disorders
-Musculoskeletal and Nervous System Conditions
-Digestive and Gastrointestinal Issues
Key Study Findings
-Subphenotype Identification
The research employed advanced machine learning tools to classify symptoms into these four categories. The first subphenotype involved severe heart and kidney complications, often marked by symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, and heart failure. The second category encompassed respiratory challenges and anxiety disorders, while the third highlighted neurological and musculoskeletal issues. Finally, digestive disturbances defined the fourth subphenotype.
-Role of Gut Microbiota and Probiotics
A significant finding was the link between gut microbiota imbalance, or dysbiosis, and Long COVID symptoms. The researchers emphasized that dysbiosis contributes to systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction, exacerbating symptoms across all subphenotypes. Probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria, emerged as a promising intervention.
Probiotics can restore gut microbiota balance, modulate immune responses, and reduce inflammation. By targeting gut-brain, gut-lung, and gut-kidney axes, these microorganisms ha
ve the potential to alleviate various Long COVID symptoms.
Probiotics in Action: Study Highlights
1. Symptom Relief with Probiotics
The study reviewed clinical trials assessing the efficacy of probiotics for Long COVID. A notable trial involving a probiotic mixture called SIM01 showed promising results. Administered to 463 participants, SIM01 significantly reduced fatigue, brain fog, and gastrointestinal distress. The probiotics helped restore gut microbiota by increasing beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, while reducing harmful strains.
Another study highlighted the efficacy of VSL#3®, a proprietary blend of eight bacterial strains. Participants who consumed VSL#3® reported significant improvements in fatigue and gastrointestinal health compared to a placebo group.
2. Immune Modulation
Probiotics were shown to modulate the immune system effectively. Specific strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium longum, reduced inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α while boosting anti-inflammatory markers like IL-10. These effects helped counteract the chronic inflammation observed in Long COVID patients.
3. Gut-Brain Axis Support
Probiotics also demonstrated benefits for mental health. Strains like Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum improved anxiety and mood by influencing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These findings underscore the role of the gut-brain axis in addressing cognitive and psychological symptoms of Long COVID.
Implications for Future Research
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to optimize probiotic formulations tailored to specific subphenotypes. They suggested focusing on:
-Selecting bacterial strains with targeted benefits
-Determining optimal dosages and treatment durations
-Exploring combinations of probiotics with prebiotics (synbiotics) to enhance efficacy
A Step Toward Hope
The findings offer a glimmer of hope for millions grappling with Long COVID. By addressing microbiota dysbiosis and its systemic effects, probiotics present a natural, accessible solution for symptom management.
Conclusion
The comprehensive research by Malaysian and Chinese institutions provides crucial insights into the diverse manifestations of Long COVID and the transformative potential of probiotics. As science continues to uncover the intricate links between gut health and overall well-being, probiotics could play a pivotal role in alleviating the burden of Long COVID. This research sets the stage for future advancements in personalized medicine, offering a roadmap to improved health outcomes for countless individuals.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332225000496
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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