Home Health News New study finds: Connection between brain inflammation and muscle fatigue!
Health News

New study finds: Connection between brain inflammation and muscle fatigue!

Share
Brain Health
Brain Health
Share

Muscle fatigue may be causes brain inflammation in the brain, per a recent study from Washington University School of Medicine. The findings provide fresh hope for the treatment of weariness and muscle soreness in conditions like long-term COVID and Alzheimer’s!

Brain inflammation linked to muscle fatigue, new study finds - India Today

In a recent study, it was discover that brain inflammation can lead to loss of muscle function and fatigue. The relationship between muscle and brain inflammation was the subject of interest by investigators from Washington University School of Medicine. Inflamme brain releases proteins which in turn reduce skeletal muscle energy.

Hence in most instances leads to tiredness and decreased strength.

Research on fruit flies and mice was done, and the results were published in the journal Science Immunology.

It discovered strategies to obstruct this process, providing fresh hope for the management of weariness and muscle soreness in conditions like Alzheimer’s and prolonged COVID.

The study claims that Neuroinflammation, or inflammation of the brain, is brought on by infections. long-term illnesses like Alzheimer’s, and aging naturally. Neuroinflammation alters the structure of neurons, which impairs neural function.

It primarily affects the central nervous system (CNS), but it also results in issues with the muscles.

“This goes beyond feeling unwell and not wanting to move around,” said Dr. Aaron Johnson, the study’s senior author.

He continued, “These processes reduce energy levels in skeletal muscle, decreasing the capacity to move and function normally.”

In order to investigate how CNS stressors impact motor function.

The study modeled three different disease types: Alzheimer’s disease, SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, and E. Coli bacterial infection.

They found that reactive oxygen species build up in the brain due to inflammatory proteins, and that this causes mice to produce interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Consequently, the JAK-STAT pathway in muscles is triggered, leading to a decrease in motor function and mitochondrial malfunction.

Studies reveales that motor function was diminished in flies and mice whose brains contains Covid-associated proteins.

Johnson added, “We also see evidence that this effect can become chronic.” “In our experiments, the reduced muscle performance lasts for many days even after an infection is quickly cleare.”

These results, according to the researchers, probably apply to people.

For example, autopsies of Covid-19 patients have revealed the presence of inflammatory SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their brains, and many Covid patients continue to experience extreme fatigue and muscle weakness long after the initial infection has cleared.

The finding that the JAK-STAT pathway in muscles decreases. the production of mitochondrial energy suggests possible therapies for muscle weakness associated with inflammation in the brain.

It’s unclear, though, why these diseases cause the brain to send a signal that impairs muscle function.

Read Also – How To Calm Your Mind Instantly? 5 Meditation For Mental Health You Must Try

Although they stress the need for more research. the researchers hypothesize that it could be a mechanism for the brain to reallocate resources during illness.

Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't Miss

Latest News

5 Common Foods That Are Slowly Damaging Your Liver

The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body, responsible for detoxification, metabolizing nutrients, and regulating essential biochemical processes, and...

Latest News

How Stress Is Affecting Your Immunity—and What You Can Do About It

Chronic stress has a profound and often underestimated impact on the immune system, influencing the body’s ability to fight infections, heal wounds, and...

Latest News

Why Sleep Deprivation Is the Hidden Cause of Weight Gain and Fatigue

Sleep deprivation is increasingly recognized as a major but often overlooked factor contributing to weight gain and persistent fatigue, and understanding its effects...

Foods For Heart Health
Latest News

10 Morning Habits That Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Starting your day with healthy habits can have a significant impact on your long-term heart health, and adopting certain morning routines may help...

Latest News

Nipah Virus Infection in India 2026: WHO Updates, Symptoms, Risks, and Safety Measures

On 26 January 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified by India’s National IHR Focal Point of two confirmed cases of Nipah...

Section title

Related Articles
Breast Cancer
Health NewsOncology

Breast Cancer Isn’t the Only Threat: 7 Cancers Women Need to Know About

When people think about women’s health and cancer, breast cancer often dominates...

Cancer
Health NewsLatest NewsOncology

World Cancer Day 2026: The Cancers Women Often Miss—and the Early Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

When conversations around women’s cancers arise, breast and cervical cancer understandably dominate...

The Nipah virus is considered one of the deadliest zoonotic infections globally, not because it spreads rapidly like influenza or COVID-19, but because of its extremely high fatality rate, rapid progression, and severe brain involvement. Medical experts warn that once symptoms escalate, the disease can turn fatal within days. According to available data, the case fatality rate of Nipah virus ranges between 50 and 75 per cent, placing it among the most lethal viral infections known to humans. In this explainer, Dr Dip Narayan Mukherjee, Consultant – Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, sheds light on why the virus is so dangerous and difficult to control. Why Is the Nipah Virus So Deadly? According to Dr Mukherjee, Nipah’s lethality lies in a combination of delayed symptom recognition, aggressive disease progression, and early involvement of the brain. “Nipah virus often begins with very non-specific symptoms, which makes early detection difficult. By the time it is clinically suspected, the virus may have already affected the brain,” he explains. Early Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed One of the biggest challenges in controlling Nipah virus is that its initial symptoms closely resemble common viral illnesses, leading to delays in diagnosis and isolation. Early symptoms include: Fever Headache Cough Muscle pain General weakness “These symptoms are easily mistaken for flu, viral fever, or respiratory infections,” says Dr Mukherjee. “This delay gives the virus time to progress silently.” Severe Brain Infection Drives High Mortality The most dangerous aspect of Nipah virus infection is its neurological involvement. The virus frequently causes encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which significantly increases the risk of death. Neurological symptoms may include: Seizures Confusion and altered consciousness Extreme drowsiness Coma “Once the central nervous system is involved, the disease becomes very difficult to manage,” Dr Mukherjee notes. “At this stage, treatment is largely supportive because there is no specific antiviral therapy available.” This lack of targeted treatment options makes early detection critical. Human-to-Human Transmission Raises Risk While Nipah virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats, it can also spread from person to person, particularly in healthcare settings. Dr Mukherjee points out that: Caregivers and healthcare workers are at higher risk Exposure to high viral loads can worsen outcomes Inadequate infection control increases transmission risk “Strict adherence to infection control practices is essential. Even a small lapse can result in secondary infections,” he says. Zoonotic Nature Makes Exposure Hard to Predict Nipah virus is transmitted from fruit bats, either directly or through intermediate hosts such as pigs. This zoonotic pattern makes outbreaks unpredictable, especially in regions where humans, animals, and wildlife interact closely. Adding to the challenge: There is no approved vaccine Treatment options remain limited Isolation protocols must be strictly enforced What Can Reduce Nipah Fatalities? According to experts, early action remains the most effective defence against Nipah virus. Key measures include: Early isolation of suspected cases Strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Rapid escalation and referral to specialised centres Strong hospital infection control protocols “The earlier the virus is identified and contained, the better the chances of preventing severe disease and fatalities,” Dr Mukherjee emphasises. The Bottom Line Nipah virus continues to be a serious public health threat because of its high fatality rate, neurological complications, and lack of targeted treatment. Its ability to masquerade as a mild illness in the early stages makes vigilance crucial. Health experts stress that awareness, early suspicion, and strict infection control are currently the most powerful tools to reduce deaths linked to this deadly virus. As Dr Mukherjee concludes, “With Nipah, time is the most critical factor. Early recognition can save lives.”
Exclusive SectionExperts OpinionHealth News

Is India Prepared for the Next Nipah Outbreak? Experts Weigh In | EXCLUSIVE

India has faced sporadic outbreaks of the Nipah virus over the past...

×