A Brazilian study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology reports that blood clotting in the capillary vessels of the lungs is one of the initial consequences of severe COVID-19, occurring even before the onset of respiratory distress.
The study reveals sub-cellular details of endothelial damage and associated thrombotic phenomena caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, highlighting the role of acute inflammation in lung microvascular circulation as a key factor in severe COVID-19.
The findings provide a deeper understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology and suggest novel therapeutic strategies are needed.
The study conducted autopsies on nine patients who died from severe COVID-19 and found evidence of thrombotic microangiopathy, indicating microscopic blood clots in small arteries and capillaries in their lung tissue.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus appears to have a specific attraction (tropism) for the endothelium, the layer of cells lining blood vessels. When the virus invades endothelial cells, it primarily affects microvascular circulation, particularly in the capillaries of the lungs.
The study highlights that severe COVID-19 should be considered a thrombotic disease, and the virus’s impact on endothelial cells and the subsequent clotting process in microcirculation play a crucial role in its pathogenesis.
The endothelial glycocalyx, a gel-like layer of glycoproteins lining the endothelium, acts as a barrier that regulates access to the endothelial surface and prevents clotting in blood vessels.
SARS-CoV-2’s invasion of endothelial cells triggers the shedding and destruction of the glycocalyx, leading to clot formation.
The researchers stress the importance of keeping COVID-19 patients hydrated and using appropriate anti-coagulant treatments to prevent and treat clotting, as endothelial dysfunction is a primary obstacle in severe COVID-19 cases.
This study sheds light on the early vascular consequences of severe COVID-19, emphasizing the role of blood clotting in lung capillaries and the need for targeted treatments to address endothelial damage and thrombosis in patients.
Understanding the microvascular aspects of the disease can lead to more effective therapeutic strategies and better outcomes for individuals with severe COVID-19.
If you care about COVID, please read studies about Vitamin D deficiency linked to severe COVID-19, and how diets could help manage post-COVID syndrome.
For more information about COVID, please see recent studies about new evidence on rare blood clots after COVID-19 vaccination, and results showing zinc could help reduce COVID-19 infection risk.
The research findings can be found in Journal of Applied Physiology.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
