Evaluating the Long-term Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Rehabilitation Therapies to Speed Convalescence
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
The proposed focuses on improving both morbidity and mortality in older Veterans and those recovering from COVID-19 by developing rehabilitation therapies to augment vascular endothelial function by combating the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with aging and further induced by COVID-19. The investigators expected outcomes will have an important positive impact because they will provide scientifically sound recommendations for rehabilitation to improve vascular endothelial function and minimize the long-term consequences of COVID-19.
Description
COVID-19 induces profound vascular endothelial dysfunction, the long-term impact of which is unknown. Moreover, recovery from COVID-19 is delayed in a substantial number of COVID-19 patients (\~ 30-40%) and characterized by persistent symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and neurocognitive deficits commonly referred to as "long-COVID". The overall objective of this project is to evaluate the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in older Veterans and provide scientifically sound recommendations for vascular endothelial function-based rehabilitation in older Veterans after COVID-19 and older Veterans i…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 50+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 50 years of age or greater * Long-COVID and COVID-recovered patients must have SARS-CoV-19 positive test near the time of COVID-19 diagnosis * Long-COVID and COVID-recovered patients must be 3-12 months post-initial COVID-19 diagnosis * Ability to sign informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * BMI \>45 kg/m2 * Unstable (\<6 months) or severe coronary artery disease (CAD-RADS score = 4A), peripheral artery disease (Ankle Brachial Index \<0.40), cerebrovascular disease (identified by previous stroke in last 12 months), severe COPD (=Stage III), uncontrolled hypertension (\>…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementMitoquinone
Mito-Q is a supplement that targets mitochondrial function. Linking a triphenyl-phosphonium cation to coenzyme-Q, to produce Mito-Q, results in a lipophilic compound, which, due to the large mitochondrial membrane potential, selectively accumulates within mitochondria. This targeted antioxidant approach results in 50- to 100-fold more Mito-Q accumulation compared to non-targeted antioxidant delivery.
- Dietary SupplementPlacebo
A placebo will be used in combination with exercise rehabilitation allowing for a double blinded placebo controlled design.
Location
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UTSalt Lake City, Utah