provides detailed information on possible long-term complications of Covid-19.
Covid survivors are so far known to experience debilitating, long-lasting symptoms affecting the heart, brain, lungs, and other parts of the body. However, the full spectrum of clinical manifestations, especially the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on bone metabolism, is still not fully understood.
How does COVID affect bones?
To study the effect of Covid infection on bone metabolism, Syrian hamsters were challenged intranasally with SARS-CoV-2, and their bone tissues were then mass collected after infection. coincide.
Using three-dimensional computed tomography, the research team determined that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused 20% to 50% of severe bone loss, especially the trapezius bone in the body. long bones of the lumbar vertebrae.
This effect extends from the acute to the chronic phase of the infection. Pathological osteoporosis – in which the protein and mineral content of bone tissue is reduced – has been found to be associated with inflammatory activation of osteoclasts – a type of cell responsible for bone resorption.
The research team is the first to report the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on bone metabolism using a well-established Syrian hamster model that closely resembles human Covid-19.
Source: IANS
