Scientists from the University of Missouri School of Medicine discovered that the virus that causes COVID-19 can destroy the protective barrier of the retina and trigger a hyperinflammatory response in the retina. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen in the body for a long time can lead to microaneurysms in the inner membrane of the eyes and other dangerous consequences. Research results published In the journal PLOS Pathogens.
During the experiment, scientists infected a group of laboratory mice with SARS-CoV-2. They found that the virus can penetrate the inner surface of the eyes even without direct contact with the organs of vision. The researchers explained that once SARS-CoV-2 enters the body, it is able to penetrate the blood-retinal barrier, a tight junction of epithelial cells that normally prevents various large molecules from entering the retinal tissue through blood vessels.
Scientists also found that the long-term presence of SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen in the retina can cause an inflammatory process and destruction of blood-retinal barrier cells. This increases the risk of dangerous pathologies such as retinal microaneurysm (abnormal dilation of blood vessels), arterial occlusion (acute circulatory disorder) and rupture of ocular vessels. The longer viral agents remain in the eyes, the greater the likelihood of developing serious visual impairment.
It is stated that in people with weak immune systems, viruses and bacteria mainly cross the blood-retina barrier. However, according to scientists, SARS-CoV-2 is also dangerous for people with normal immune function. The researchers also explained that patients with hypertension or diabetes may experience the most adverse outcomes due to antigen entering the retina.
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Source: Gazeta
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