Chinese scientists have recorded the destruction of hemoglobin in the blood of a person sick with coronavirus, and possible treatment. The study was published in the archives of preprints of scientific papers ChemRxiv.
Experts have noticed that the overwhelming number of infected SARS-CoV-2 has been a sharp drop of hemoglobin, the protein necessary for gas exchange in the lungs. The created model of development of the disease showed that the hemoglobin does not attack the virus particle and viral proteins. In particular, proteins displace iron from heme and porphyrin bind. Attacked lung cells react to the penetration of the virus increased inflammation.
Scientists said that if their model is correct, then a number of drugs can effectively fight the disease. In particular, used to combat malaria chloroquine can protect hemoglobin from the attack of viral proteins. Antiviral medication favipiravir capable of inhibiting the linkage of proteins and to prevent the penetration of the virus into healthy cells.
the doctors said that given their findings so far have not been tested, so only available for academic discussion. Specialists have doubts about the effectiveness of drugs against malaria and other viruses. In particular, the ability of chloroquine to inhibit structural protein is not particularly obvious, so the therapeutic effect of the drug in different patients may vary.
Chloroquine is used to treat coronavirus infections in Russian hospitals. In addition to the antimalarial Ministry of health recommended the use for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir+ritonavir, azithromycin (together with gidroksihlorohina), interferons.
