–
New Canadian research has shown that smokers and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be more likely to develop serious cases of Covid-19 due to the presence of more molecules in their lungs. allows the virus to enter it and trigger the infection.
This new study, conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia and St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, analyzed samples from the lungs of 21 subjects with COPD and 21 participants who did not have COPD. .
Scientists tested the samples to measure the levels of a molecule called angiotensin (which converts the enzymes ACE-2), which is found on the surface of the lungs and acts as an “entry point” for coronavirus in lung cells.
Other patient factors, such as whether they were current smokers, former smokers or whether they had never touched a cigarette, were also recorded.
Their results, reported today in theEuropean Respiratory Journal, have shown that people with COPD have a higher level of ACE-2 enzymes in their lungs compared to patients without COPD. In addition, a higher concentration of these enzymes was also found in participants who smoked.
Higher rates among smokers
The researchers then compared their data to two pre-existing study groups comprising a total of 249 people (smokers, non-smokers, former smokers and current smokers).
Their results showed once again that people who were smoking at the time of the study had increased levels of ACE-2 in their lungs, while non-smokers and even former smokers had much lower rates.
Lead author Dr. Janice Leung commented on the results, noting that “data emerging from China suggests that patients with COPD are at greater risk of developing a more serious form of Covid-19.” We therefore hypothesized that this could be explained by the levels of ACE-2 in their respiratory tract which could be higher in comparison with people not suffering from COPD, which could perhaps facilitate the respiratory tract infection with the virus. “
“We found that COPD patients and people who continued to smoke had higher levels of ACE-2 in their airways, which could increase their risk of developing more serious Covid-19 infections. COPD patients should therefore be advised to strictly observe social distancing and effective hand washing to prevent infection, “added Dr. Leung.
“These data should encourage smokers to quit in order to protect themselves from Covid-19”
“We also found that ex-smokers had similar levels of ACE-2 compared to people who had never smoked.” The data should encourage smokers to quit in order to protect themselves from Covid-19, the scientist continued.
Professor Tobias Welte, an infectious disease specialist with the European Respiratory Society who also took part in this study, adds that “this study gives an idea as to why some people are more at risk of developing more serious symptoms of Covid-19 than others. But she doesn’t tell us if it is possible to manipulate ACE-2 levels to improve the survival of patients infected with Covid-19 or if it would make a difference in patients with COPD who contract the infection. “
–
