Long-term dysregulation of plasma peptidome in mild and multiple COVID-19 recovered patients revealed by a novel peptidomics workflow, 2024, Song+

Long-term dysregulation of plasma peptidome in mild and multiple COVID-19 recovered patients revealed by a novel efficient peptidomics workflow
Song, Zhijing; Liu, Chaoran; Liu, Yaozhou; Bian, Zheng; Sun, Qing; He, Ting; Su, Rong; Huang, Shengchun; Dai, Ningbin; Zhao, Ke li; Li, Yan; Liang, Kai

After recovering from COVID-19, many patients experience “long COVID” symptoms. Existing research has predominantly focused on moderate to severe cases, with limited studies examining mild cases and recurrent infections. The circulating low-molecular-weight (LMW) peptidome, involving lipid metabolism, coagulation, and immune pathways, is crucial for understanding COVID-19’s long-term effects.

We developed a peptidomics workflow utilizing solid-phase extraction with highly wrinkled GO-Fe3O4 composite materials (HWGO-F) and nanoLC-MS/MS detection. By altering the pH, HWGO-F enhances plasma peptide adsorption and purification. Compared to traditional methods, our workflow offers improved detection depth and reproducibility for over 70% of peptide signals with CV < 20%. We investigated plasma peptide profiles in mild COVID-19 patients post-recovery from single or second infections. The findings indicate persistent abnormalities in initial COVID-19 infections’ plasma peptide profiles, gradually diminishing over time. Secondary infections prolong recovery. Disrupted functions include lipid metabolism, coagulation and complement cascades, and infection-related pathways.

Lipid metabolism may normalize within 3 months, while coagulation and immune abnormalities can last 3–6 months. After secondary infections, lipid metabolism irregularities may last at least 1 month, with extended coagulation and immune imbalances. These results provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the widespread occurrence of long COVID and guide recovery care for mild cases.

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