Elderly people with COVID 19 and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease and chronic lung disease are at increased risk of developing the disease. Is more
Now a study explains why these groups have a higher risk of disease and serious complications and death.
The study, by Brown University in the United States, described the cellular and molecular activities that increase the risk in these groups.
Researchers say this is a major breakthrough for COVID 19.
He said the results showed that the level of chitinase in a protein increases with age and in those suffering from chronic diseases. The higher the protein level, the higher the risk of COVID infection and serious complications. ۔
He said the results not only provided answers to the complex mechanisms of the corona virus, but also helped to develop a treatment for controlling the viral infection.
The research team focused on enzymes and enzyme-like molecules such as chitinase and similar proteins, especially chitinase 3-like-1, a molecule found in the blood.
"We have been researching this gene family for a long time and we know that it has a number of biological effects, which play a very important role in terms of health and diseases," he said.
Research has shown that levels of this protein increase during infections, especially in diseases that cause inflammation and tissue changes, all of which increase the risk of COVID 19.
According to research, even in old age, the level of this protein naturally increases, which makes them more likely to have high levels of COVID .
The researchers found that the protein also activates the S2 receptor, which is used to infect the corona virus.
Following this discovery, the researchers developed a monoclonal antibody FRG that targeted this protein in a specific area.
According to researchers, these antibodies and a molecule were effective in blocking the S2 receptor.
He said that in this way the virus does not enter the host system, as a result of which the severity of the disease is reduced.
The research team is now looking at how antibodies and molecules affect different types of corona virus.
The results of the study were published in the medical journal JCI Insight.
