An unusual form of cell death could lead to a Covid patient 's lungs suffering extreme damage, potentially resulting in life-threatening conditions such as inflammation and acute respiratory disorders, according to new research. The ability to inhibit this unusual form of cell death -- ferroptosis -- can offer doctors new ways of to treat Covid-19 lung disease, the study suggested. In this study, researchers analysed human tissues and collected autopsies of patients who died of respiratory failure caused by Covid-19 infection.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto) Cell death, where a cell stops functioning, can be natural or could result from causes such as a disease or an injury. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! The most common form of cell death involves cells "chopping up" the molecules inside, researchers explained, adding that this occurs in humans, both when they are ill or are ageing.
(Also Read | Delhi sizzles at 47 degrees; 10 important dos and don'ts to follow during heatwave ) However, in ferroptosis, the relatively uncommon form of cell death, cells die because their outer fat layers collapse, the researchers at Columbia University, US, said. In this study, they analysed human tissues and collected autopsies of patients who died of respiratory failure caused by Covid-19 infection. Samples from hamsters were also analysed.
The team found that most cells were dying through the ferroptosis m.