TLC Sessions - Living with Long Covid Episode 44: Prof. Doug Kell - More on microclots
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Sep 14, 2022 Professor Doug Kell, a systems biologist and researcher, discusses his groundbreaking work on microclots and their relevance to long COVID. He explains how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can convert fibrinogen into bizarre amyloid-like microclots, leading to tissue hypoxia and various symptoms. Kell also delves into the potential of microclots as diagnostic biomarkers and outlines treatment strategies involving proteases. His insights link microclots to other chronic conditions, highlighting the need for better testing and therapeutic options.
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Iron, LPS And Amyloid Microclots
- Doug Kell connects iron dysregulation and bacterial LPS to anomalous, amyloid-like fibrin clots seen in many chronic inflammatory diseases.
- He says these microclots resist breakdown and can explain widespread symptoms by blocking capillaries and reducing oxygen delivery.
Spike Protein Directly Triggers Microclots
- Kell showed purified SARS-CoV-2 spike protein alone induces the same anomalous microclotting in normal plasma.
- He argues spike presence in blood—not only endothelial damage—can flip fibrinogen into amyloid clots.
Why Microclots Persist And Harm Tissue
- The amyloid fibrin microclots are more resistant to proteases and mechanically tougher than normal clots.
- Kell suggests their persistence lets them lodge in microcapillaries and cause diverse long COVID symptoms via tissue hypoxia.