Research Highlights: Researchers have demonstra
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Researchers have demonstrated for the first time a potential route of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein damaging the heart.
In study evaluating mice and human heart cells, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inflamed the heart muscle cells, which can lead to heart injury.
Embargoed until 8 a.m. CT/9 a.m. ET, Monday, July 25, 2022
(NewMediaWire) - July 25, 2022 - CHICAGO Heart damage is common among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, leading many to wonder how the virus affects the heart. Now, researchers have found that the spike protein from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus can lead to heart muscle injury through the inflammatory process, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2022. The meeting, held in Chicago on July 25-28, offers the latest research on basic and translational cardiovascular science.
The spike protein is found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Spike proteins latch onto receptors known as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on target cells. The spike protein facilitates virus entry into healthy cells, which is the first step in infection. In addition to infecting the lungs, the virus can also spread to other organs leading to more damage to the body, severe infection and, among some people, death.
"It's already known from the clinical side that COVID-19 infection can induce heart injury, however, what we don't know is the mechanistic details of how this occurs. What we suspect is that the spike protein has unknown pathological roles," said Zhiqiang Lin, Ph.D., lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica, New York. "Our data show that the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 causes heart muscle damage. That's why it's important to get vaccinated and prevent this disease."
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