Post-COVID Fatigue Relates to Bioenergetic Dysfunctions in the Posterior Cingulate Gyrus

Motivation: Persistent fatigue after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 shows pathologies comparable to chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). It is unknown if disruptions in mitochondrial functions caused by SARS-CoV-2 persists in post COVID fatigue as dysregulated mitochondrial homeostasis. Goal(s): We aim to investigate if post-COVID fatigue relates to perturbations of mitochondrial function in the brain representing signs of neuroinflammation, redox imbalance, and neuronal dysfunctions. Approach: Proton MR spectroscopy was performed on post-COVID fatigue patients targeting at posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG), one of the most metabolically active regions. Results: We found reduced level of antioxidants and neuronal activity in post-COVID fatigue patients. Impact: Proton MR spectroscopy in PCG of post-COVID fatigue patients shows signs of redox imbalance and reduced neuronal activity, suggesting of long-term dysregulations in mitochondrial homeostasis persisting after SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to further neurodegenerations post-recovery.