Obesity as an amplifier of inflammation and organ injury in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: prognostic potential and therapeutic target

Recent research shows that 77% of COVID-19 patients treated in a Dutch Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were overweight. There is evidence that there is a positive correlation between obesity and the severity of COVID-19. It is not yet known why overweight people often come to the ICU with serious symptoms of COVID-19. Research and outcomes This study investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms behind the enhancing role of excess adipose tissue on the response of the COVID-19 patient. Research has been conducted into exactly how excess fatty tissue contributes to the development of organ failure, especially failing lungs and kidneys. The study found that substances secreted by excess adipose tissue are associated with severe COVID-19 cases, including hospitalization, ventilation and organ support in intensive care. In contrast, there was no direct link with death. Similar changes in these substances were also observed in non-COVID-19 patients. The study also found that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes more organ damage than bacterial infections. Although the virus attacks fatty tissue, the released virus particles have limited ability to re-infect other cells. In addition, the study showed that the dietary supplement resveratrol has a strong and long-lasting antiviral effect on SARS-CoV-2.