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Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States
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Accelerating discovery: A novel flow cytometric method for detecting fibrin(ogen) amyloid microclots using long COVID
Simone Turner1, Gert Jacobus Laubscher2, M Asad Khan3
1Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
Heliyon
|October 9, 2023
Summary
Researchers found increased amyloid microclots in Long COVID patients using imaging flow cytometry. This technique offers a more accurate and accessible method for detecting these clots, potentially aiding diagnosis and treatment for Long COVID and similar conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Long COVID presents a significant global health and economic challenge.
- Hypercoagulability, leading to resistant amyloid microclots, is a key factor in Long COVID pathophysiology.
- Previous detection methods like fluorescence microscopy lacked robustness and throughput.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of amyloid microclots in Long COVID patients.
- To evaluate imaging flow cytometry as a diagnostic tool for Long COVID-associated microclots.
- To assess the potential of conventional flow cytometry for microclot detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized imaging flow cytometry to analyze microclots in Long COVID patients and controls.
- Quantified microclot concentration and size, noting variations in fluorescence.
- Compared imaging flow cytometry with conventional flow cytometry for diagnostic potential.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significantly increased concentration and size of amyloid microclots in Long COVID patients.
- Observed distinct variations in microclot size and fluorescence compared to controls.
- Indicated that microclot signals are detectable with conventional flow cytometry.
Conclusions:
- Imaging flow cytometry provides a robust and accurate method for detecting amyloid microclots.
- Conventional flow cytometry may serve as a more accessible diagnostic tool for Long COVID.
- These findings could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Long COVID and related conditions.
