Mona Alotaibi, MBBS

The fast spread of COVID-19 infection throughout populations across the globe has led to an increasing variety of symptoms. Some of these include prolongation of COVID-19 infection symptoms, also known as post-acute sequela of COVID-19 (PASC), or long haul COVID-19. PASC has a considerable negative influence on both a person's quality of life and their ability to return to work. Studies have reported that females are more likely to develop PASC than males following acute infection. It has not yet been determined if the Omicron variant, which is now the most common, contributes to PASC and if it does, to what extent. We want to analyze the metabolic signature (chemical makeup) of PASC in relation to the  many COVID-19 variants in an effort to identify biomarkers that have the potential to be used in diagnostics and therapy. To do this, we will employ a method called unbiased metabolomics. We will identify metabolic signatures for risk of developing PASC in relation to different variants and in relation to sex. 

Update:

Our research aims to uncover the role of eicosanoids—molecules involved in inflammation and immunity—in the development of long COVID. We have analyzed over 500 eicosanoids and eicosanoids related molecules in 600 subjects, identifying distinct inflammatory patterns between those with long COVID and those fully recovered. In the second year of the grant, we will examine changes in eicosanoids across different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Omicron vs. pre-Omicron) and their long-term impact on symptoms involving the brain, heart and lungs in long COVID. Additionally, we will explore how eiconsanoids vary between sexes, focusing on their association with increased PASC risk and severity in females. Our findings aim to uncover molecular mechanisms and critical biomarkers for PASC.