Covid-19 effects on human kidney cells
Date: 15 June 2021 Tags: MiscellaneousIssue
Researchers have indulged in studying the effects of SARS CoV-2 virus on kidney cells of humans in lab settings.
Background
Kidney failure and long term organ damage is a common symptom of people infected with Covid-19 as well as those recovered.
Details
The study gave observations such as:
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Till now there is no clear evidence to determine if the damage is a direct result of virus infection or response of body to infection.
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The SARS Cov-2 virus was able to replicate in kidney cells when they were infected. This however did not result in death of the cell.
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Already damaged kidney cells are more vulnerable for getting infected from the virus than normal healthy cells.
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Interferon molecules in cells created inflammatory response as a result of infection. Cells that did not contain interferon molecules died and that prevented spread of infection.
Take-away
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The studies emphasised that virus was not the primary reason for damage of kidney cells and prior injury may be the main reason.
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If such prior injury already exists in kidneys, the virus makes use of the opportunity and jumps onto such cells. Protection of kidney may prevent fatal damage during infection.