Researchers have discovered an important line of attack used by the novel coronavirus: it targets the mitochondria, which not only generate the energy that powers a cell's biochemical reactions but also play important roles in immune function. "We knew that when the virus attacks cells, bad things happen - but we didn't know why," said Dr. Pinchas Cohen of the University of Southern California, whose team published its findings this month in the journal Scientific Reports. "Now we can say, when the virus attacks cells, it damages the mitochondria." The researchers found that the virus caused "dramatic changes and impairment" in the genes that regulate mitochondrial function, Cohen told Reuters. The implication, he said, is that energy production in the cells and innate immunity are then impaired. Another implication is that having healthy mitochondria would help people combat the virus if they do become infected, he said. "We know that a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle promote mitochondrial health," Cohen said, whereas mitochondrial function deteriorates with age and with many chronic conditions including diabetes and heart disease. In the future, Cohen added, researchers may develop COVID-19 interventions to help improve mitochondrial health. —Reuters Staff Source
