SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins are Genotoxic and Cause DNA Damage!

Medical News: Scientists Uncover a New Health Threat From COVID-19
A groundbreaking European study has raised serious concerns about the long-term health effects of COVID-19, revealing that SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins are genotoxic, meaning they can cause damage to human DNA. The study, conducted by researchers from Başkent University in Türkiye, the Medical University of Bialystok in Poland, Université Paris-Saclay in France, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the University of Latvia, sheds light on how the virus could lead to severe genetic consequences in infected individuals.


SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins are Genotoxic and Cause DNA Damage!
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For years, scientists believed that because SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, it would not directly interfere with the genetic material of human cells. However, this Medical News report reveals a different reality: the spike protein of the virus can damage DNA and disrupt crucial repair mechanisms, leading to a cascade of potential health risks, including accelerated aging, chronic diseases, and even cancer.
 
The Study and Its Key Findings
The research team analyzed blood samples from COVID-19 patients and compared them with healthy individuals. The results were alarming. The scientists found significantly increased levels of DNA damage in nucleated blood cells of patients who had suffered from severe forms of COVID-19. They used a specialized technique called the comet assay, which detects DNA breaks in cells. Their findings suggest that the spike protein plays a key role in breaking DNA strands and impairing the body's natural ability to repair damaged genetic material.
 
Additionally, the study highlighted that COVID-19 patients exhibited increased oxidative stress, a condition in which harmful molecules called free radicals attack and destabilize DNA. Oxidative stress has long been associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
 
How SARS-CoV-2 Causes DNA Damage
The study suggests multiple pathways through which SARS-CoV-2 causes DNA damage:
 
-Direct DNA Breakage: The spike protein appears to trigger oxidative stress, leading to DNA strand breaks in affected cells.
 
-Disruption of DNA Repair Mechanisms: The virus interferes with the natural repair processes that cells use to fix damaged DNA. When DNA repair is impaired, errors accumulate, increasing the risk of mutations and long-term health problems.
 
-Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of cells, generate energy. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to cause mitochondrial damage, further exacerbating oxidative stress and DNA instability.
 
-Inflammatory Responses: The body's immune reaction to COVID-19 can itself lead to DNA damage. A phenomenon known as the "cytokine storm" results in excessive inflammation, harming cells and genetic material.
 
/> DNA Damage and Long-Term Health Risks
The implications of this study are profound. DNA damage is a known contributor to various chronic illnesses, and the findings suggest that COVID-19 survivors may be at increased risk for several conditions, including:
 
-Cancer: Unrepaired DNA damage can lead to mutations that promote the development of cancerous cells.
 
-Neurodegenerative Disorders: DNA breaks in brain cells have been linked to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
 
-Cardiovascular Diseases: Damaged DNA in blood vessels may contribute to heart attacks and strokes.
 
-Premature Aging: Accumulated genetic damage accelerates aging processes, leading to earlier onset of age-related diseases.
 
The Role of Coexisting Conditions and Medications
The study also suggests that certain pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, may worsen the effects of DNA damage caused by COVID-19. Additionally, some antiviral medications used to treat COVID-19 may have unintended genotoxic effects, further complicating the disease’s long-term impact. The researchers specifically examined the effects of drugs like Favipiravir and Molnupiravir, which are known to induce oxidative DNA damage. This raises concerns about whether certain treatments might contribute to increased genetic instability in patients recovering from COVID-19.
 
The Growing Concerns Around COVID-19’s Long-Term Effects
This study adds to growing concerns about the long-term consequences of COVID-19, often referred to as "long COVID" or "post-COVID syndrome." Many survivors continue to experience lingering symptoms months after recovering from the acute phase of the infection. These include chronic fatigue, memory problems, and muscle weakness. The discovery that COVID-19 can induce genetic damage further complicates the disease’s long-term effects and emphasizes the need for continued research and monitoring.
 
What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Risk?
While the findings are concerning, researchers believe there may be ways to minimize DNA damage caused by SARS-CoV-2. Some of the suggested approaches include:
 
-Antioxidant Therapy: Since oxidative stress plays a major role in DNA damage, increasing antioxidant intake through diet or supplements may help counteract the effects.
 
-Regular Health Monitoring: Individuals who have had COVID-19, particularly severe cases, should undergo regular health screenings to detect early signs of genetic damage or related health complications.
 
Further Research into DNA Repair Mechanisms: Scientists are investigating potential treatments that could enhance the body's ability to repair damaged DNA and mitigate the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
 
Concluding Remarks
The findings from this European study highlight the need for continued vigilance regarding COVID-19’s long-term effects. While much of the world is moving past the pandemic, its potential consequences on human health remain an area of serious concern. DNA damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 may have long-term implications for survivors, potentially increasing their risk of chronic illnesses, cancer, and accelerated aging. Understanding these risks is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
 
As research progresses, it is essential for healthcare professionals and policymakers to incorporate these findings into public health recommendations. Individuals recovering from COVID-19 should also be made aware of potential risks and take proactive steps to safeguard their health.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Infection, Genetics and Evolution.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567134825000176
 
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