Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: hmbrindley on 07/05/2020 11:41:32
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Could biophysics cast some light on the effects of the virus? In particular, the behaviour of the lipid bilayer / fluid mosaic of the different cell membranes.
Temperature profiles
Bats have the most extreme thermal regime of any mammal, and they do not regulate their body temperature in the same way. This must affect the biophysical basis of their physiology.
Older people tend to have lower body temperatures than younger people. COVID-Toe: toes are usually colder than other parts of the body. For a virus adapted to the normal fluctuation of temperatures encountered in bats, the human body's fever response may be inadequate.
Sex hormones
Levels (and relative levels) of estrogens and androgens have significant effects on membrane activity both at the plasmalemma and nucleus. Men are disproportionately affected compared to women.
Membrane integrity
General leakiness of membranes contributing to pneumonia, conjunctivitis, strokes and intracellular / immune signalling problems
Phospholipid metabolism
I have seen at least 2 papers which suggest altered phospholipid metabolism in COVID-19 patients. It is worth noting that altered phospholipid metabolism is one of the earliest signs of cancer.
Diet
Interestingly, pangolins are very fussy eaters and focus on ants. Many bat species eat insects. Insects are extremely high in fat, and their metabolism is centred around the use of the reserves on the fat body.