Persistent endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are found in women with post-COVID-19 health issues

Medical News: The lingering effects of COVID-19 continue to unfold, with recent research shedding light on the long-term health issues faced by women, particularly those who have gone through menopause.


Persistent endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are found
in women with post-COVID-19 health issues

 A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems in Irkutsk, Russia, reveals a concerning trend: persistent endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in women who have recovered from COVID-19. This Medical News report delves into the findings of this study, focusing on the ongoing health challenges posed by these factors.
 
Study Overview: Unveiling Post-COVID-19 Health Challenges
The study involved 92 women aged 45 to 69 years, categorized into four groups: women with no history of COVID-19, women currently infected with COVID-19, women who had recovered from COVID-19 12 months earlier, and women who had asymptomatic COVID-19. The researchers sought to assess the long-term impact of COVID-19 on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in these women.
 
Persistent Oxidative Stress: A Continuing Concern
One of the most alarming findings from the study was the persistence of oxidative stress in women who had recovered from COVID-19. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, leading to cellular damage. This imbalance was evident in the lower levels of crucial antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), observed in women who had symptomatic COVID-19. These enzymes play a vital role in neutralizing harmful free radicals, protecting cells from damage.
 
In addition to the decreased activity of GPx and SOD, the study revealed higher levels of glutathione reductase (GR) activity and glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTpi) in these women. These enzymes are involved in detoxification processes, indicating that the body was still actively trying to combat the ongoing oxidative stress. Despite these efforts, the persistent oxidative stress suggests that the body’s defenses were overwhelmed, leading to potential long-term health consequences.
 
The Role of Lipid Peroxidation in Post-COVID-19 Complications
A critical aspect of the study was the examination of lipid peroxidation, a process where free radicals attack lipids in cell membranes, leading to cell damage and contributing to the development of various diseases. The study found elevated levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs), a marker of lipid peroxidation, in women who had symptomatic COVID-19. The high levels of TBARs persisted even 12 months after recovery, indicating that lipid peroxidation continued to be an issue long after the initial infection had cleared.
 
Lipid peroxidation is particula rly concerning because it can lead to the formation of toxic compounds that further exacerbate oxidative stress and damage endothelial cells. The ongoing lipid peroxidation, combined with the decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, suggests that the cells were under significant stress, potentially leading to long-term damage and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
 
Endothelial Dysfunction: A Persistent Threat
Endothelial dysfunction, a condition where the inner lining of blood vessels does not function normally, was another major finding of the study. Endothelial dysfunction is a known precursor to cardiovascular diseases and is closely linked to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The researchers measured levels of endothelin, a peptide that constricts blood vessels and serves as a marker of endothelial dysfunction.
 
In women with symptomatic COVID-19, endothelin-1 (END-1) and endothelin-2 (END-2) levels were significantly higher than in the control group, indicating ongoing endothelial dysfunction. These elevated levels of endothelin persisted even 12 months post-infection, suggesting that the vascular damage caused by COVID-19 may have long-lasting effects, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications.
 
Asymptomatic COVID-19: Protective Role of Antioxidants
Interestingly, the study also compared women who had asymptomatic COVID-19 with those who had symptomatic cases. The results showed that women who had asymptomatic COVID-19 had higher levels of glutathione (GSH) and a better GSH/GSSG ratio, which is an indicator of a healthy antioxidant system. This suggests that a stronger antioxidant defense may help prevent the severe symptoms of COVID-19 and protect against long-term complications such as lipid peroxidation and endothelial dysfunction.
 
The higher glutathione levels in these women likely played a role in preventing the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products, thereby reducing the risk of cellular damage and subsequent health issues. This finding aligns with previous research suggesting that individuals with higher initial levels of antioxidants may experience milder COVID-19 symptoms and have better long-term outcomes.
 
Long-Term Implications for Women's Health
The findings of this study have significant implications for the long-term health of women who have had COVID-19. The persistent oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and endothelial dysfunction observed in these women could increase their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and other chronic conditions. These risks are particularly concerning for postmenopausal women, who are already at an increased risk for these health issues due to hormonal changes.
 
This study underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and potential interventions to manage these risks. Healthcare providers may need to consider antioxidant supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and other strategies to support the recovery and long-term health of women who have had COVID-19, particularly those who experienced moderate to severe symptoms.
 
Conclusion: The Need for Continued Research and Intervention
In conclusion, the study highlights the persistent nature of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in women who have recovered from COVID-19, especially those who experienced moderate symptoms. These findings suggest that these women may be at an increased risk for long-term health issues, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is needed to explore potential interventions that could mitigate these risks and improve long-term outcomes for women affected by COVID-19.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Pathophysiology.
https://www.mdpi.com/1873-149X/31/3/33
 
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-insights-into-post-covid-autoimmune-conditions-a-case-of-anti-oj-antibody-positive-anti-synthetase-syndrome
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-42-6-percent-of-those-infected-with-covid-19-exhibit-persistent-musculoskeletal-pain
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/long-covid-patients-face-hidden-lung-problems-leading-to-persistent-breathlessness