Figure 5.

Schematic representation of a putatively suppressed angiogenic response in PCS versus PCS/CFS patients. In response to certain clinical manifestations in PCS and PCS/CFS, specifically microvascular hypoperfusion and local endothelial dysfunction, a systemic counterreaction could be triggered which directly affects endothelial cells (EC) and promotes angiogenesis. This compensatory EC response is likely to differ among PCS and PCS/CFS patients as shown in this study by a distinct secretion profile and angiogenic response of HUVECs following serum incubation. PCS, post-COVID-19 syndrome. PCS/CFS, post-COVID-19 syndrome with ME/CFS.