Leitzke et al. (2025)
- Authors: Marco Leitzke, Donald Troy Roach, Swen Hesse, Peter Schönknecht, Georg-Alexander Becker, Marianne Rullmann, Bernd Sattler, Thies Sattler, Marianne Patt, Osama Sabri
- Institutes: Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Therapy and Palliative Medicine, Helios Klinik Leisnig, Leisnig, Germany
- Publisher: Bioelectronic Medicine
- Link: YouTube
Summary
This research provides a groundbreaking biological explanation for Long COVID by identifying a molecular ‘blockade’ of the nervous system. By demonstrating through advanced imaging that nicotine can physically displace viral proteins and restore nerve signaling, the study validates a low-cost, accessible treatment for millions of patients. These findings suggest that many post-viral conditions, including ME/CFS, may share this common mechanism of cholinergic dysfunction.
What was researched?
The study investigated whether Long COVID symptoms are caused by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and if nicotine 💊 patches can restore normal signaling.
Why was it researched?
It was researched to explain the persistent and diverse symptoms of Long COVID, such as brain fog and fatigue, which resemble a systemic breakdown of the body’s primary communication network.
How was it researched?
Researchers performed a comprehensive literature review and a clinical case study using advanced (-)-[18F]Flubatine PET-CT/MRI imaging to visualize acetylcholine receptor availability in a patient before and after therapy.
What has been found?
The study found that the viral spike protein has a high affinity for nAChRs, effectively ‘poisoning’ the receptors. Imaging results proved that nicotine displaces these proteins, leading to the restoration of receptor function and rapid clinical improvement in neurological and respiratory symptoms.
Discussion
The findings are significant because they provide the first objective imaging evidence for the ‘cholinergic hypothesis’ of Long COVID. While the results are compelling, the researchers emphasize the need for larger randomized trials to standardize dosing and confirm efficacy across broader patient groups.
Conclusion & Future Work
The researchers conclude that Long COVID is a treatable disruption of the cholinergic system. They suggest that nicotine patch therapy represents a physiological approach to ‘unblocking’ the nervous system and regaining health.