Scientists have found a new cause of long Covid Treatment. In the lungs, suggesting that a rheumatoid arthritis treatment could stop its chronic inflammation
Scientists Discover Lung-Based Cause of Long Covid
Researchers have discovered a new cause of long Covid, focusing on the lungs. Additionally Published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that a treatment previously used for rheumatoid arthritis could help stop chronic inflammation seen in long Covid.
Long Covid: A Widespread Issue
Long Covid, known as Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, affects around 65 million people globally. Common symptoms also include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and brain fog, lasting from weeks to years. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, significantly impacting daily life. While many theories exist about the cause of long Covid, the exact reasons for its persistence in some individuals are still unclear. Current treatments mostly focus on managing symptoms rather than curing the condition.
The Focus on Lung Tissue
Past research has mostly looked at blood samples, leaving the immune status within the affected organs less explored. Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine took a different approach. They analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from the lower airways of human patients with and without long Covid and from animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Key Findings: Chronic Inflammation for Covid Treatment
The study found significant changes in immune cells within the lung tissue of long Covid patients. Normally, immune cells like macrophages and T cells help fight infections. However, in long Covid patients, these cells remained active even after the initial infection had passed, causing chronic inflammation. The researchers noted that high levels of macrophages in the lungs led to scarring and inflammation. Additionally, T cells produced a protein called Interferon-y, which played a crucial role in the immune system problems observed in long Covid patients.
Potential New Covid Treatment: Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs
Interestingly, treatments like baricitinib, which are traditionally used for rheumatoid arthritis, might help. These drugs have received emergency authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe Covid-19 inflammation. The study suggests that these drugs could be repurposed to treat long Covid by targeting the same inflammatory pathway.
Call for Global Clinical Trials
Dr. Jie Sun, the study’s lead author, hopes these findings will lead to clinical studies repurposing FDA-approved drugs for respiratory long Covid. He and his team are calling for global clinical trials to test the effectiveness of baricitinib or similar drugs in treating long Covid.
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This new discovery brings hope for better treatments for long Covid sufferers, potentially improving the quality of life for millions affected by this condition.