Researchers publish theory to explain COVID-19’s effects

Using a supercomputer to crunch data from 17,000 genetic samples, researchers at Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee uncovered a common pattern of gene activity in the lungs of symptomatic COVID-19 patients. The research may explain some of COVID-19’s puzzling pathology. The hypothesis involves a compound called bradykinin, which the body produces to regulate blood pressure. It appears the coronavirus causes overproduction of bradykinin, which increases the permeability of blood vessels to deadly effect. In a journal article, the researchers suggest more than 10 potential treatments, many of which already have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. (Elemental article, 9/1/20)