Possible blood-clotting mechanism in COVID-19 found

Date:
September 2, 2020
Source:
Uppsala University
Summary:
Why so many COVID-19 patients get blood clots (thrombosis) remains
uncertain. But scientists have now identified a mechanism they
believe to be implicated. A particular protein triggers a part of
our immune system that can boost the blood's tendency to coagulate
and form clots.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
Why so many COVID-19 patients get blood clots (thrombosis) remains
uncertain.

But scientists at Uppsala University and the University Hospital have
now identified a mechanism they believe to be implicated. A particular
protein triggers a part of our immune system that can boost the blood's tendency to coagulate and form clots. The study is now published in
Thrombosis and Haemostasis.


========================================================================== Since thrombosis has proved to be a common complication in severe
COVID-19, most people receiving hospital care for the disease get them.

In a new study, researchers at Uppsala University have found that a key mechanism of clot formation in COVID-19 may be activation of what is
known as the complement system, which is part of the immune system we
are born with.

This can be initiated by certain proteins, one example being
mannose-binding lectin (MBL).

Sixty-five patients receiving intensive care at Uppsala University
Hospital had their MBL levels and activity measured. In all those who
developed thrombosis during their hospital stay, MBL activity and levels
were found to be elevated.

The scientists believe that when the complement system is activated
by means of MBL, it contributes to a massive activation of the blood coagulation system as well. This change, seen in many COVID-19 patients, results in thrombosis. The study indicates that the complement system
not only is included in our immune defences, but can also serve to boost
the blood's clotting propensity.

"Our results are especially interesting since we think MBL activates blood coagulation in a way that blood-thinning drugs can't prevent. This might explain why so many patients suffer from clots in spite of treatment,"
says the study's lead author Oskar Eriksson, a doctor at the University Hospital and researcher at the Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University.

The scientists think their results might eventually lead to testing of
MBL activity in COVID-19 patients to identify those who are at high risk
of getting thrombosis. MBL could also be a possible target in future development of drugs to prevent the condition.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Uppsala_University. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Robert Frithiof, Michael Hultstro"m, Oskar Eriksson, Barbro Persson,
Miklos Lipcsey, Kristina Nilsson Ekdahl, Bo Nilsson. Mannose-Binding
Lectin is Associated with Thrombosis and Coagulopathy in Critically
Ill COVID-19 Patients. Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 2020; DOI:
10.1055/s-0040- 1715835 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200902101812.htm

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