Scientists from the University of Plymouth have discovered that the structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause chronic inflammation in the tissues surrounding the tooth. Work published in preprint catalog bioRxiv.
Periodontal fibrosis is a chronic inflammation of the tissues surrounding the tooth with replacement of functional tissue by coarse fibrous tissue. Usually this condition is asymptomatic. Researchers studied the effect of structural components of the SARS-CoV-2 virus envelope on human periodontal cells and tissues.
The scientists discovered that the membrane and envelope components of SARS-CoV-2 change the way fatty acids necessary to maintain the cell’s energy balance are broken down in the mitochondria. This fibrosis causes increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) and accelerated senescence.
Other previous studies have identified a link between similar processes in the mitochondria and fibrosis in the lungs and kidneys. The scientists’ findings may contribute to a better understanding of the long course of COVID and the development of treatments.
The results of the study are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.