COVID-19 study at UVA could help treat chronic lung problems

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- A COVID-19 study done at the University of Virginia (UVA) has the potential to create new treatment approaches for chronic lung problems.

The UVA School of Medicine recently completed research targeting the impact COVID-19 has on the lungs, as well as immune cell repair capability. Through the study, researchers observed that viral infections like COVID-19 or the flu can impair parts of immune cells that help repair damaged lung tissue.

However, they also discovered that sodium phenylbutyrate -- an FDA-approved drug -- can help support the immune cells and subsequently aid the immune system in repairing lung damage.

This research, led by UVA's Jie Sun, PhD., is particularly important for those who may be suffering from "long COVID" -- described by the CDC as a chronic condition that remains for "at least 3 months" after the initial infection.

According to the university, those infected with COVID-19 experience lingering lung inflammation and scarring due to damage of structures inside the cells called peroxisomes. Although there is further research to be done, the discovery of these structures and the role they play in post-infection problems will help create better treatment for those experiencing chronic problems.

Read the full announcement on UVA's website. To view the full published findings of the study, click here.