Researchers from the United States found out that one of the causes of damage to blood vessels in patients with severe coronavirus infection is impaired interaction between the lining cells of the endothelium and platelets. The article of scientists is published in the journal Science Advances.
Scientists from New York and California Universities have found in platelets of severe patients with COVID-19 increased expression of two genes, forcing those producing MRP8 and MRP14 proteins. The presence of coronavirus increased the production of these proteins by platelets by 166 percent. The high level of the MRP8 and MRP14 in the cells of the immune system turned out to be associated with an increased level of thrombosis, inflammation of the vessels, the severity of infection and a large period of hospitalization.
In addition, scientists found out that the platelets exposed to the virus with the help of p-selectins – adhesion molecules – endothelium cells more sticky. At the same time, blocking the activation of platelets with the help of surface protein reduced the expression of genes and reduced inflammation associated with coronavirus.