Recent findings indicate that identifying enduring lung injury following a COVID-19 infection could be achieved through a straightforward blood screening. 🩸

Investigations conducted in the UK revealed that individuals suffering from lasting lung irregularities months after being hospitalized showed increased concentrations of two specific biological markers. 🧬

The first marker, MMP-7, plays a role in tissue decomposition as the body strives to repair and restructure itself. The second, KL-6, signals inflammation or harm within the lungs, with higher counts typically observed in those diagnosed with different forms of interstitial lung disease.

When these indicators remain high, it suggests continuous damage to the epithelium, the fragile outer lining of our respiratory organs. 🫁

Discovery of these patterns offers vital insight into the biological processes driving the respiratory symptoms some individuals continue to face following acute Covid-19, and may offer explanations regarding Long COVID cases as well. 🔎

Gaining a clearer grasp of these mechanisms brings us closer to developing effective therapies! 🙌

1/