Latest news with #PASC
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Post-Acute COVID Biomarker Patterns Vary by Symptom and Time
In patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), biomarker profiles varied according to symptom type and time since infection, and levels of inflammatory biomarkers (IFN gamma and CD163) and vascular activation biomarkers (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) showed strong correlations with specific long-COVID symptoms. METHODOLOGY: PASC affects a considerable number of people after mild acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, but data on its pathophysiologic mechanisms remain limited. In this study, researchers explored symptoms associated with PASC and examined its association with a range of blood biomarkers. They included participants with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection either asymptomatic or without persistent symptoms categorized into recovered (n = 490) and PASC (n = 311) groups, using data from three French population-based cohorts collected between February 2020 and October 2021. Participants received two home visits at baseline and 6 months for biological sample collection and completed questionnaires covering medical history, infection status, vaccination status, symptoms, and mental health. Researchers assessed 14 blood biomarkers, including cytokines, chemokines, immune checkpoints, cell adhesion molecules, and markers of macrophage activation and vascular damage, which are known to be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. TAKEAWAY: Participants with PASC commonly reported persistent fatigue, breathlessness, cough, and sleep disorders, along with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Inflammatory biomarkers linked to COVID-19 severity (IFN gamma and CD163) and vascular activation markers (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1) showed significant correlations with specific PASC symptoms, particularly among participants infected within the past year; however, these associations largely disappeared over time. Viral activation markers (PD-L1 and IP-10) were positively associated with acute-phase symptoms such as anosmia/ageusia and cough, particularly in recent infections. Complete symptom resolution was more common among participants with recent infections (< 1 year ago) than among those infected a year ago, occurring in 38% vs 20% of cases ( P = .04). Overall, 74% of individuals experienced a resolution of at least one symptom. IN PRACTICE: 'Biomarker profiles appear to vary according to symptom type and the time elapsed since infection. Consequently, research efforts and treatment strategies should take these parameters into account,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Olivier Robineau, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Institut Pierre-Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France. It was published online on May 30, 2025, in eBioMedicine . LIMITATIONS: Individuals with more severe symptoms may have been particularly motivated to participate, introducing selection bias. Additionally, as most biomarker measurements were taken long after participants' initial infection and only a few participants had recent infections, the ability to identify associations specific to the acute phase was likely diminished. DISCLOSURES: This study received funding from the French Ministry of Health and Prevention and the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. Two authors disclosed receiving financial support from Gilead, ViiV, MSD, Moderna, or Pfizer or nonfinancial support from Nordic Pharma France.
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
How a lung gene is linked to post-COVID symptoms as per genetics study
More than four years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the disease remains a global health concern — not because of new surges but because of what persists. Long COVID, or technically post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the initial illness clears. These include fatigue, breathing problems, and cognitive issues. The World Health Organization defines long COVID as symptoms that begin within three months of infection and last at least two months without another explanation. Why some people develop long COVID while others recover quickly remains unclear. A recent genome-wide association study published in Nature Genetics analysed genetic data from six major global ancestries to investigate whether inherited differences play a role. A diverse study The study, conducted under the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative at the Germans Trias i Pujol research institute in Spain, used a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify genetic risk factors for long COVID. GWAS scans the genome for small 'spelling mistakes'— also known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms — in the DNA sequence that appear more often in people with a condition than in those without. This method has helped uncover links to many complex and chronic disorders. The analysis used data from 33 groups across 19 countries, making it one of the largest efforts to date in this area. The researchers first analysed data from 6,450 long COVID cases and over one million population controls. In this discovery phase, they identified a genetic signal near the FOXP4 gene. This signal was then tested in a separate replication cohort of more than 9,500 cases and nearly 8,00,000 controls, and the association was confirmed. The researchers applied two definitions of long COVID: a strict one requiring test-confirmed infection and ongoing symptoms, and a broader one that included self-reported or clinical diagnoses. Controls were also defined strictly (infected but recovered) or broadly (general population without long COVID). This helped the team test whether its results held up across different clinical definitions. Gene linked to long COVID risk The analysis found a strong association between long COVID and a region on chromosome 6, near the FOXP4 gene. A specific variant in the region, called rs9367106, increased the risk of developing long COVID. People with the 'C' version of this variant were about 63% more likely to have long COVID symptoms than those without it. Notably, FOXP4 increased long COVID risk even in people who weren't hospitalised, suggesting its effect is not tied solely to the severity of the initial infection. The variant's frequency also varied across populations. It appeared in about 1.6% of non-Finnish Europeans but up to 36% of East Asians. Because it was more common in some groups, its effects were easier to detect, even in smaller samples. This highlights why genetic studies that include diverse populations are more reliable and globally relevant. From lungs to immunity To understand the connection between FOXP4 and long COVID, the researchers examined how active this gene was in different tissues and cell types and how its activity related to the condition. The authors noted that the variant lies in a stretch of DNA that is especially 'active' in lung tissue, suggesting it may affect how lungs function. Using GTEx, a large gene activity database, they found that a nearby variant (rs12660421), often inherited with rs9367106, was linked to higher levels of FOXP4 expression in the lung. This made it more likely that the gene influences how the lungs respond to infection and injury. Going further, the researchers checked which lung cells produced FOXP4 most strongly. They found high activity in type 2 alveolar cells, key players in keeping air sacs open, clearing fluids, and repairing tissue damage. These cells also help coordinate the immune response to respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The same genetic region has also been associated with lung cancer in earlier research, suggesting that FOXP4 may influence multiple lung-related conditions via shared biological pathways. To test whether FOXP4 activity — and not just the genetic variant — might be linked to long COVID, researchers analysed blood samples from people who had recovered from the initial phase of infection. They found that individuals with moderately higher levels of FOXP4 had more than twice the odds of developing long COVID. This association persisted even outside the acute illness phase, suggesting a longer-term role for the gene. Finally, a technique called co-localisation analysis showed a 91% probability that the same genetic signal affects both FOXP4 activity and long COVID risk, reinforcing the gene's biological importance. India's genomic gaps The study has important implications for India, given its large population, genetic diversity, and significant COVID-19 burden. Multiple waves of infection and unequal access to care mean many Indians may continue to face lasting symptoms, often undiagnosed or untreated due to limited awareness and clinical follow-up. Indian studies suggest a wide range in long COVID prevalence: from 45% to nearly 80% depending on design, follow-up, and illness severity. One multicentre study across Hyderabad, Vellore, Mumbai, and Thiruvalla found that 16.5% of hospitalised patients self-reported symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness even a year after discharge. Although the GWAS included participants from six ancestry groups, the authors said most datasets were of European origin. South Asian representation was limited or unclear. This is a broader issue across GWAS in general, many of which have focused on European populations. Thus, it remains uncertain how frequently the FOXP4 variant occurs in the Indian population or whether its effects are similar in local contexts, particularly given region-specific factors such as air pollution, metabolic risk, and healthcare variability. India's growing genomic infrastructure is beginning to close foundational data gaps. The GenomeIndia Project has released genomic data on 10,000 individuals from diverse Indian populations. While the project is not focused on disease mapping, it provides a foundational catalogue of genetic variation across populations. This reference can support future studies, such as an India-specific GWAS on long COVID, thus building confidence in translating findings into clinical or diagnostic settings in local contexts. Some limitations This large-scale international study identifies FOXP4 as a genetic factor linked to long COVID, offering a new clue as to why some individuals experience prolonged symptoms after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the authors also note several limitations. Most data were collected before widespread vaccination and the emergence of newer variants like Omicron, making it unclear if the findings apply to all populations today. They also caution that evolving definitions of long COVID may have led to misclassification in some cohorts. Additionally, the overall genetic contribution to long COVID appears modest, suggesting that other factors, including immunity and pre-existing conditions, also play key roles. As India continues to address the long-term effects of the pandemic, studies like this highlight the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research. Such efforts can improve public health responses and help tailor care for those living with long COVID. Anirban Mukhopadhyay is a geneticist by training and science communicator from Delhi.
United News of India
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- United News of India
RIR Power Electronics expands SiC diode production
New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) In a significant step towards bolstering India's indigenous semiconductor capabilities, RIR Power Electronics Ltd. on Thursday announced the successful expansion of its 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC) diode production through a strategic collaboration with Taiwan-based Pro Asia Semiconductor Corporation (PASC). The partnership is expected to fast-track RIR's go-to-market strategy by enabling the rollout of SiC devices in various voltage and current ratings, thereby de-risking operations and accelerating the ramp-up of high-efficiency power solutions from RIR's upcoming fabrication facility in Odisha. As part of the initiative, 1200V Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs) ranging from 2A to 60A—covering the most widely used configurations across multiple applications—have already been manufactured at PASC's state-of-the-art fab in Taiwan and shipped to India. The company has secured purchase orders from Richardson Electronics (USA) and Ankit Plastics (India), both major players in the commercial, industrial, and defence supply chains. "This milestone strengthens RIR's position as a serious player in the global power semiconductor space," said Dr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman and Director of RIR Power Electronics Ltd. "It also lays the foundation for full-fledged production from our planned Odisha SiC fab, which will serve high-growth markets such as automotive, renewable energy, industrial, and defence." The production expansion is backed by a comprehensive technology transfer agreement signed on October 17, 2024, with Sicamore Semi, USA. Under the agreement, RIR holds exclusive manufacturing and commercialisation rights for SiC diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs based on Sicamore's proven IP. The technology, originally developed for 4-inch wafers, has been successfully scaled up to 6-inch production with support from Vortex Semi (USA) and PASC. RIR's Odisha facility, with a proposed investment of Rs 618 crore, forms a crucial part of India's 'Make in India' semiconductor drive. It is expected to reduce the country's import dependency in strategic sectors, create employment, and position India as a competitive player in global advanced electronics manufacturing. UNI BDN RN
Business Standard
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
RIR expands manufacturing and shipment of 1200V SiC diodes from Taiwan
RIR Power Electronics announced the successful production expansion and shipment of 1200V SiC diodes from Taiwan. This milestone was achieved through a strategic collaboration with a contract fab at Pro Asia Semiconductor Corporation (PASC), Taiwan and by leveraging technology IP that RIR Power had acquired from Sicamore Semi, USA. The product portfolio includes 1200V Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs) ranging from 2 amps to 60 amps, addressing the most common ratings used across multiple applications and markets globally. Besides serving existing domestic Indian and the USA customers, shipping from Taiwan also provides improved access to strategic high-growth markets for SiC devices in the South East Asian region. RIR Power's SiC technology and portfolio are the result of a comprehensive technology transfer agreement signed with Sicamore Semi on October 17, 2024. The agreement granted RIR Power exclusive rights to manufacture, market and commercialize SiC diodes, Metal Oxide Silicon Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) and Insulated Gated Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) using Sicamore's proven IP and process knowhow. Originally developed for 4-inch wafers, the technology has been successfully adapted for 6-inch wafer production. The scale-up was achieved with technical support from Vortex Semi, USA and PASC. The 1200V SiC diodes, produced at PASC's state-of-the-art fabrication facility in Taiwan, have been shipped to India and validated to meet global industry standards. RIR Power has already secured purchase orders from Richardson Electronics (USA) and Ankit Plastics (India), both key suppliers to the commercial, industrial and defence sectors. This achievement marks a significant leap for RIR's power electronics manufacturing capabilities and helps to expedite the ramp up and shipment of SiC devices on 6-Inch wafers from RIR's proposed Odisha Fab, said Dr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman & Director, RIR Power Electronics Ltd. By successfully scaling up world-class SiC technology, RIR Power is positioned to serve global high-growth markets including automotive, industrial, renewable energy, and defence, while strengthening the domestic semiconductor ecosystem. This achievement aligns with India's Make in India initiative, reinforcing the nation's semiconductor supply chain and reducing reliance on imports for critical defence technologies. RIR Power's new SiC semiconductor facility in Odisha, with a strategic investment of ₹618 crore, is set to further enhance India's indigenous manufacturing capabilities, generate employment, and support the country's ambition to emerge as a global leader in advanced commercial, industrial and defence electronics.
Business Upturn
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
RIR Power Electronics expands SiC diode production in partnership with Taiwan's Pro Asia Semiconductor
RIR Power Electronics Limited has announced a significant manufacturing milestone with the expansion of its 1200V Silicon Carbide (SiC) diode production in collaboration with Pro Asia Semiconductor Corporation (PASC), Taiwan. This move supports RIR's aggressive go-to-market strategy for high-efficiency power solutions and aligns with India's 'Make in India' semiconductor ambitions. The new product line includes 1200V Schottky Barrier Diodes (SBDs) ranging from 2 amps to 60 amps. These diodes have been manufactured at PASC's facility and successfully shipped to India. RIR has already secured purchase orders from Richardson Electronics (USA) and Ankit Plastics (India), underlining global demand for SiC devices in commercial, industrial, and defence applications. This manufacturing initiative leverages the SiC technology acquired by RIR Power from Sicamore Semi (USA) in October 2024. Originally designed for 4-inch wafers, the technology has been scaled to 6-inch wafers with support from Vortex Semi (USA) and PASC, Taiwan. Dr. Harshad Mehta, Chairman & Director of RIR Power, said, 'This achievement strengthens RIR's capability to serve global high-growth sectors including automotive, industrial, renewable energy, and defence.' The company also plans to commence production from its upcoming ₹618 crore SiC semiconductor facility in Odisha. The strategic expansion is expected to generate employment and enhance India's self-reliance in critical electronics manufacturing.
