The study revealed a mystery: Why does this group of people become less likely to become coronavirus? – Topky.sk

The statement that smokers are less likely to become infected with the coronavirus struck a bomb blast last year. Although experience reports and studies have shown that smokers have an increased risk of severe covid-19, there have been reports that the number of cases of the disease is lower among smokers than among non-smokers. They came from Germany, France and Israel. Welsh doctors even considered using nicotine patches for this reason. However, the exact background of the protective effect of cigarettes has not yet been clear.

Where did CORONAVIRUS actually come from? French scientists have made progress with research, maybe they have the answer

Scientists working with Keiji Tanimoto of Hiroshima University in Japan have now brought light into the dark. According to them, it is the carcinogenic pollutants contained in cigarettes that protect smokers from infection. Their study was published in the Scientific Reports.

Harmful substances help

Problematic substances that are helpful in coronavirus are so-called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

According to Tanimoto and his colleagues, these substances suppress the production of so-called ACE2 receptors in the body’s own cells through another molecule. In the case of Sars-CoV-2, this is the death penalty. Because the coronavirus needs these receptors to penetrate the human body and attack its cells.

A huge family tragedy: The parents of five small children died of CORONAVÍRUS

The study should lead to the drug

Researchers now want to develop a drug that will help block ACE2 receptors. And without the harmful effects of smoking. “We must emphasize that there is strong evidence that smoking increases the severity of Covid-19,” said Tanimoto. He refers to several studies that prove this. Based on these observations, some experts have even advised smokers to quit.

What are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are carcinogenic substances that are the result of incomplete combustion processes of organic materials (wood, coal, gasoline, oil, tobacco, waste) or food (grilling, roasting, smoking, drying). They are solid, mostly colorless compounds.