Diabetes, most cancers, publicity to pesticide improve COVID-19 danger: Examine, Science Information

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According to a new study, people with metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes or cancer, or those exposed to organophosphate pesticides, are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 Infection.

The study was carried out by a team from the US University of South Carolina and led by Saurabh Chatterjee.

Chatterjee and his team identified a basic inflammation-related mechanism that can increase the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection in people exposed to organophosphates.

Their results show that people who have cancer and / or type 2 diabetes may also be at a higher risk for COVID-19, as the body tends to have a similar type of inflammation with such conditions.

Also read | People with an O blood type less prone to COVID-19: Indian research facility

Gulf War Disease, a multisymptomatic disorder whose symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, insomnia, respiratory problems, rashes and diarrhea, etc .; is also caused by exposure to organophosphate pesticides.

The team also conducted an investigation into the increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection related to exposure to the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos and increased levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6).

Several groups of cells were created as part of their study. A group of human pulmonary airway epithelial cells were exposed to either IL-6 or chlorpyrifos or a combination of both for six hours. While serving as controls, the other group of cells received no exposure.

The cells were then treated with the spike proteins that cover the outside of SARS-CoV-2. During the course of the infection, a process begins that enables the virus to release its genetic material into the healthy cell. This happens when spike proteins bind to angiotensin and convert enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors into our cells.

The researchers discovered that when the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was present, cells exposed to IL-6 and the pesticide showed increased apoptosis or controlled cell death.

Compared to cells that were not or only exposed to the pesticide, cells that were exposed to both the pesticide and IL-6 showed, in particular, greater ACE2 expression on the apical cell surface. While the basolateral membrane touches the surrounding tissue, the apical membrane of the airway cells points towards the inside of the airway. The researchers explained that increased ACE2 receptor expression on the apical surface means that additional viruses are attaching to the cells.

Lead researcher Saurabh Chatterjee also said, “Since people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or cancer also have high levels of IL-6 in their bloodstream, we believe that people with these disorders are also more susceptible to disease because of the increased translocation SARS-CoV-2 infections show the ACE2 receptor on the apical cell surface ”.

The results of the study will be presented at the Virtual Experimental Biology (EB) 2021 meeting from April 27-30.