Scientists from Harvard Medical School discovered that after coronavirus infection, the immune system can damage healthy organs (including the heart), causing inflammation and malfunction. Research results published In Circulation magazine.
In their study, the researchers focused on examining immune cells known as cardiac macrophages. They normally play an important role in maintaining the structural properties and functioning of heart tissue. However, in some cases, the same cells can activate inflammation in response to injury (or pre-existing heart problems).
To find out what might cause unwanted activity of cardiac macrophages, scientists analyzed tissue samples taken from the hearts of people who died of acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, myocardial tissue of people whose cause of death was not COVID-19 was also examined. The researchers also infected mice with SARS-CoV-2 to monitor what happened to macrophages after infection.
They found that SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the total number of cardiac macrophages in both humans and mice. Additionally, the infection caused abnormal activity and inflammation, which damaged the heart and caused impairments in its function. Scientists noted that the inflammatory process in Covid-19 can weaken other organs.
The research team also found that blocking the immune response in mice with a neutralizing antibody stopped the influx of inflammatory cardiac macrophages and preserved heart function. According to scientists, this type of therapy can play a preventive role for Covid-19 patients and their existing diseases.
It was before discovered New gene that causes heart failure in men.