Pathological inflammation
SARS CoV2 is known to be able to trigger pathological and , in the case of Long COVID , lasting inflammation . Long COVID patients show increased levels of cytokines and other proinflammatory markers [ 6 ]. This ongoing inflammation is one of the factors that contribute to organ damage . However , it is worth noting that unresolved inflammation does not necessarily match the severity of symptoms such as fatigue and / or dyspnea [ 9 ]. Inflammation of the endothelium is one of the factors that produce hypercoagulability of blood and micro-clots that contribute to stroke and ongoing pathology of the lungs [ 8 ].
There is a substantial body of evidence showing that inflammation can be reduced through natural means , including plant-based and Mediterranean diets , dietary supplements , stress reduction , breathing training and exercise , and it seems prudent and even essential to address these factors in patients with Long COVID to assist their recovery [ 10 ].
Persistence of Virus
The persistence of inflammation long after the initial infection may be due to lingering virus , evidence of which can be found for up to 6 months in some patients [ 6 ]. This might explain why even individuals with mild and asymptomatic COVID 19 can develop Long COVID . Elimination of residual virus through activation of a more robust immune response is also thought to explain why 58 % of Long COVID patients report reduction or elimination of their symptoms after subsequent vaccination [ 11 ]. The more evolved humoral / cellular immune response produced by vaccination is associated with increased levels of a particular antigen called the nucleocapsid antigen . Increased levels of this antigen post-vaccination , rather than spike protein antigen , are correlated with symptom reduction in Long COVID patients [ 9 , 12 ].
The risk of contracting COVID , and especially a severe case , is reduced in individuals who are fully vaccinated , further reducing their risk of Long COVID [ 13 , 14 ]. There are some published and anecdotal reports of certain individuals developing Long COVID-type symptoms post-vaccine and many questions remain regarding which type of patients might be susceptible [ 15 ]. However , several large studies on cohorts of patients that have included patients with pre-existing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( ME / CFS ) seem to indicate that on balance average symptoms are reduced rather than increased after vaccination [ 16 ].
ATMS Research Grants
ATMS invites applications for a grant of up to $ 10,000 for natural medicine research that supports the goals of the ATMS Strategic Plan .
> The Applicant must be a financial Accredited / Life / Fellow member of ATMS .
> The Chief Investigator of the project must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident and currently reside in Australia .
Proposals must be for a clearly identifiable 12-month project , even if part of a larger research initiative . Funding is not intended to provide long-term support for projects or top-up funding for ongoing studies .
If your project involves practice-based research your Public Indemnity Insurance must specifically cover this .
To ensure a fair and transparent process for all applicants we ask that all relevant questions be sent via email to president @ atms . com . au so that the responses can be made available on the ATMS website and visible to all potential applicants .
Application forms can be downloaded from the
ATMS website . Applications close on Friday 14th October 2022 at 5.00pm AEST .