US Researchers: "COVID-19 Damages Not Only Respiratory System but Also Heart, Brain, and More"

Novel coronavirus (Provided by the US NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] A study has revealed that the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) damages not only the lungs but also the kidneys, liver, heart, brain and nervous system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.

On the 11th (local time), according to CNN, a research team at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center in New York City analyzed their own research results and reports from global medical teams, concluding that COVID-19 affects almost all major systems of the human body. The paper was published in the latest issue of Nature Medicine.

According to the study, COVID-19 directly damages organs, causes blood clots, and even leads to irregular heartbeats. It was also confirmed to reduce blood and protein levels in the kidneys and cause skin rashes. Moreover, in addition to typical respiratory symptoms such as cough and fever, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, muscle pain, and abdominal pain were observed.

Accordingly, the researchers stated, "Doctors need to consider COVID-19 as a multisystem disease."

The research team emphasized, "While there is much discussion about blood clots, treatment should consider that COVID-19 causes damage not only to the respiratory system but also to the kidneys, heart, and brain."

The researchers identified the reason for these multisystem effects as the affinity for a receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

ACE2 is a receptor used by various coronaviruses to enter cells. This receptor is expressed in the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, and digestive system through polymerase chain reaction.

Additionally, the researchers said, "Cells in the blood vessels, kidneys, pancreas, and respiratory tract within the intestines are all covered with ACE2 receptors."

They added, "These findings suggest that, at least in part, multiple organs can be affected due to direct viral tissue damage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.