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COVID-19

Thrombotic Diseases: A Leading Cause of Death and Hospitalization

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thrombotic diseases have emerged as a major public health concern, accounting for a significant portion of deaths and hospitalizations worldwide. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the association between severe viral infections and thrombotic complications, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. A recent study published in Communications Biology by a research team from the University of Padua sheds light on the molecular mechanisms by which Sars-Cov-2 infections trigger coagulation activation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thrombotic diseases are the leading cause of death and hospitalization, with 15% of all deaths worldwide attributed to these conditions (Source: World Health Organization).
  • Infectious diseases, including severe cases of Covid-19, can trigger a strong activation of the innate immune response, leading to a massive release of pro-inflammatory proteins and peptides, which in turn activate coagulation (Source: University of Padua study).
  • The main protease (M pro) from Sars-Cov-2 is capable of triggering plasma clotting in vitro by activating coagulation factors VII and FXII, providing a new molecular target for the development of antithrombotic drugs (University of Padua study).
  • The study highlights the potential for antithrombotic drugs to target M pro, preventing both the maturation and replication of the virus and the thrombotic effects associated with Covid-19 infection (University of Padua study).
  • Thrombotic diseases are associated with complications of other diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, inflammatory autoimmune diseases, and amyloidosis (Source: University of Padua).
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in thrombotic events, with research suggesting that the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood (Source: University of Padua study).

Statistics:

  • 15% of all deaths worldwide are attributed to thrombotic diseases (Source: World Health Organization).
  • 50% of patients with severe Covid-19 develop thrombotic complications (Source: University of Padua study).
  • The main protease (M pro) is capable of activating coagulation factors VII and FXII with an efficiency comparable to that of the natural coagulation activators (University of Padua study).

Sources:

  • World Health Organization. (n.d.). Thrombotic Diseases. Retrieved from
  • University of Padua. (2022). The main protease (M pro) from SARS-CoV-2 triggers plasma clotting in vitro by activating coagulation factors VII and FXII. Communications Biology, 5(1), 1-12. doi: 10.1038/s42003-022-03725-8

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