SARS-CoV-2 induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation but can be ameliorated by ACE inhibitor Captopril.

ABSTRACT: Although the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 is mainly respiratory symptoms, approximately 20% of patients suffer from cardiac complications. COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease have higher severity of myocardial injury and poor outcomes. The underlying mechanism of myocardial injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. Using a non-transgenic mouse model infected with Beta variant (B.1.351), we found that the viral RNA could be detected in lungs and hearts of infected mice. Pathological analysis showed thinner ventricular wall, disorganized and ruptured myocardial fiber, mild inflammatory infiltration, and mild epicardia or interstitial fibrosis in hearts of infected mice. We also found that SARS-CoV-2 could infect cardiomyocytes and produce infectious progeny virus

SUBMITTER: Huang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10191704 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature