According to a study published in the journal “Nature Metabolism,” the virus causes damage to the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, leading to oxidative stress and cellular malfunction.
The researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria. This oxidative stress impaired the respiratory chain, leading to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in cellular damage.
However, the team also discovered that administering antioxidants before or after infection could help mitigate the damage caused by the virus. Specifically, they found that the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was effective in reducing ROS production and preserving mitochondrial function.
These findings suggest that antioxidant therapies could be a promising approach for treating the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with COVID-19. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosing and timing of antioxidant administration, as well as to explore other potential antioxidant compounds.
preclinical data indicate that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to mitochondrial dysfunction through oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapies, such as N-acetylcysteine, may offer a potential solution for mitigating this damage and preserving mitochondrial function.
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1.Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2.We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it