Another interview with Prof. Pretorius (by Dr. Amy Proal). Probably from ~2 weeks ago, as discusses Omicron. Focuses on LC, but does discuss ME.
YouTube link
A few points made in this interview, complementing prior discussions —
YouTube link
A few points made in this interview, complementing prior discussions —
- Spike protein is forming a unique type of micro-clot, in very large numbers in patients
- Spike protein forms micro-clots in healthy blood, in vitro (e.g. using spike purchased from Sigma)
- No difference in wild-type -> delta spikes (omicron spike not yet evaluated)
- Concern that omicron "mild" disease could still lead to significant LC
- Those going on to LC are probably not clearing the micro-clots [that form in many/all?]
- Thioflavin-T binds to the micro-clot misfolded fibrinogen (cheap marker, not just Alzheimer-type amyloid of its original usage)
- LC micro-clots are spongy, likely able to squeeze through fine blood vessels
- Describes a healthy friend who had Covid (initially asymptomatic, found on random test, then mild illness). Formed micro-clots and hyperactivated platelets, which cleared after a few weeks during observation
- Apheresis made many patients "healthy again"
- Apheresis significantly reduces micro-clot load (18 patients: pre, 6hrs, 24hrs post)
- Emphasises urgent need for controlled trials of pharmaceutical regimens
- Children's LC under-recognised and under-studied (makes economic argument to complement the moral imperative)
- ME under-studied - affirms not psychological, just the marker hasn't been shown yet
- Want to evaluate ME with proteomics
- Implores ME and LC patients to not give up: the researchers are working as hard as possible and think they are on to something