Scientists reveal tissues that the Corona virus attacks!

A new study found that the Corona virus infects fat cells and some immune cells found in fat.

The New York Times reported that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may directly infect fat cells and specific immune cells found in fat tissue.

In a recent study published in the bioRxiv database on October 25, scientists conducted experiments on fatty tissue obtained from bariatric surgery, to see if the tissue could be infected with the Corona virus. They found that fat cells, known as adipocytes, can become infected and develop a low level of inflammation. They also found that immune cells found within fatty tissue, called macrophages, also became infected and triggered a more intense inflammatory response.

In addition to these experiments, the team examined the fatty tissues of patients who died of “Covid-19” infection and found coronavirus particles in the fat surrounding various organs. Viruses such as HIV and influenza can burrow into fatty tissue, as a way to hide from the immune system; Several experts told The Times that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could theoretically do something similar, making fat a reservoir for the virus.

The new study has not been reviewed or published in a scientific journal yet, but assuming its results stand up to scrutiny, “bottom line,” the virus can infect fat cells directly, said Philip Scherer, a scientist who studies fat cells at UT Southwestern Medical Center. in Dallas, who was not involved in the study.

Since the early days of the epidemic, obese people have faced a greater risk of developing severe symptoms that require hospitalization and death from “Covid-19,” Live Science previously reported. A number of theories have attempted to explain why fat increases the risk of poor Covid-19 outcomes.

For starters, excess belly fat can put pressure on the diaphragm and thus restrict airflow in the lungs; If people are already struggling to get enough oxygen into their lungs on a good day, they may fare worse against the disease, Science magazine reported. In addition, the blood of obese people tends to clot more easily than those with lower lipid levels – another major problem in the context of Covid, which can lead to widespread coagulation.

In addition, as fat accumulates in the body, fat cells infiltrate the spleen, bone marrow, and thymus, where many immune cells are produced. This can weaken the immune system by reducing the number and undermining the effectiveness of immune-producing cells. Science reports that excess fat can also induce chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body, as fat cells release inflammatory substances called cytokines and macrophages do the same, trying to remove dead fat cells from the body.

While all of these factors may exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes for people with obesity, there is now new evidence that the virus directly infects fat cells.

“This may contribute to serious illness,” lead researcher Dr. Catherine Bleich, an immunologist and professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, told The Times.