Can SARS-CoV-2 Cause Adrenal Dysfunction?

Adrenal glands are vulnerable targets for invading pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. A critical question arising is whether SARS-CoV-2 can contribute to adrenal dysfunction, or can cause slow recovery of patients with long COVID. A team of researchers conducted a study to find the root cause of adrenal damage in COVID-19 infections and whether or not the virus has a direct or indirect effect on the adrenal glands. The findings of this study are published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Study Adrenal gland tissues of 40 patients who died due to COVID-19 were compared with the adrenal glands of patients who died before the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 shares common morphological features, including the ACE2 protein and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2, making it a prominent target for viral infection. Monoclonal antibodies were used to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2…