Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of fatigue in patients with long Covid, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases. Led by Associate Professor Aaron Johnson, the team identified a specific protein that travels from the brain to muscles, leading to muscle dysfunction and reduced energy levels.
Also Read: Cambridge Researchers Develop AI Tool To Predict Early Dementia Progression
The study, published in Science Immunology, used fruit flies and mice to model three different diseases: E. coli bacterial infection, SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, and Alzheimer’s. The researchers found that brain inflammation triggers the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), which travels through the bloodstream and reduces energy production in muscle mitochondria.
Notably, the team discovered that IL-6 activates the JAK-STAT pathway in muscle, leading to reduced energy production. Fortunately, several FDA-approved therapeutics can block this pathway, offering potential treatment options for muscle wasting caused by bacterial infections, Alzheimer’s disease, and long Covid.
This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the mysterious connection between brain inflammation and muscle fatigue, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies to address these debilitating symptoms.
The Rouse Avenue Court dismissed a petition by SUV driver Manoj Kathuria, the accused in…
The Delhi High Court emphasized the need to revisit compulsory attendance norms in colleges and…
Rashid defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Baramulla during the elections
Modi’s agenda in Poland includes meetings with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda
The event drew attention as former BJP MP and spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam attended as…
A video circulating on social media shows Maurya approaching Municipal Corporation employees with a rifle,…