COVID-19: Why respiratory problems occur
The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus COVID-19 can to one acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a fatal outcome. A research team has now discovered why some infected people get it Atemproblemen comes.
Researchers investigated why some SARS-CoV-2 infected people have problems with oxygen uptake. To do this, they examined the so-called autoantibodies, which are directed against structures in the lungs of people suffering from COVID-19. The results were published in the journal “American Journal of Respirators and Critical Care Medicine” released.
Severe course can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome
Like in the Message of the University Hospital Tübingen, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can occur in severe cases of COVID-19.
Prof. Dr. Lukas Flatz and Dr. Tobias Sinnberg from the Department of Dermato-Oncology at the University Department of Dermatology in Tübingen researched the causes of this early stage as part of an international study lack of oxygen.
For this purpose, the scientists took blood samples and lung tissue and liquid from seriously ill COVID-19 patients from hospitals in Switzerland and Germany under the microscope. A severe COVID-19 disease was present if oxygen had to be supplied due to the corona infection.
Cause of corona-related lung failure identified
The results of previous research have already shown that the lungs of COVID-19 sufferers are similar to those who have not been infected with the coronavirus but nevertheless have acute respiratory failure or are partially or fully collapsed.
Breathing problems became apparent before the organ damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 reached the lungs. As the first research group, the Tübingen scientists have now been able to determine the cause of the corona-related lung failure identify.
lack of mucosal secretion
When infected with SARS-CoV-2, Autoantibodieswhich in turn form endogenous antigens. “We were able to show that patients with a severe course of Covid-19 produce a rapid and sustained production of the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) during the early immune response to the infection.”, explains Dr. Sinnberg, first author of the study.
The result are increased IgA levels. IgA are proteins that are part of the body’s immune system and are found both in the blood and in the mucous membrane secretions. On the mucous membranes, they form protection against pathogens such as the corona virus by neutralizing them and preventing them from penetrating further into the body.
The IgA antibodies bind to proteins in the mucosal secretion Surfactant produced by the lung cells in the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs). These proteins are necessary for the oxygen exchange in the lungs and together with the surfactant they are essential for the stability of the alveoli.
“The study results show that in the case of an infection with the coronavirus, the increased levels of the IgA antibody lead to a deficiency of this mucous membrane secretion”says Prof. Flatz. “As a result, the lungs collapse and it develops shortness of breath.“ Affected patients therefore need support when breathing through additional oxygen supplied. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.