Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in adipose tissue

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TL;DR Summary

Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in adipose tissue determines organ and systemic lipid metabolism in hamsters and humans

Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in adipose tissue determines organ and systemic lipid metabolism in hamsters and humans

Altogether, we provide direct evidence that adipose tissue depots, especially from male individuals with obesity, are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413121006215?via=ihub

In addition, it could be shown in cell culture in mature adipocytes (fat cells) that the intracellular lipid metabolism is a decisive factor for the spread of SARS-CoV-2. For example, blocking fat breakdown by a lipase inhibitor reduces virus replication in mature adipocytes by a factor of 100. The replication could be suppressed even further by the simultaneous administration of a drug which is used to lower cholesterol. "Since these are two active ingredients that have already been approved against other clinical pictures, our results could form a basis for new treatment strategies against COVID-19," explains Gülşah Gabriel, head of the HPI department "Viral Zoonoses - One Health" and professor of virology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo), the results.

Source (original German, quote via Google translate):
https://www.hpi-hamburg.de/de/aktue...webe-wichtiger-replikationsort-von-sars-cov-2

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

These findings are very interesting and could lead to new treatments for COVID-19. It is encouraging to see that two active ingredients that have already been approved for other medical conditions could be used to suppress the replication of SARS-CoV-2. This could be a great advancement in the fight against the virus.