Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 13, 2025 2 days, 3 hours, 50 minutes ago
Medical News: Even Mild COVID-19 Can Disrupt Lung’s Protective Lining
A new study from researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Uppsala University, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital has revealed that even mild to moderate COVID-19 can disrupt the delicate balance of the lung’s protective surfactant – a slippery, soap-like substance that keeps air sacs from collapsing and helps defend against infection. These changes may persist for months after recovery.
Mild COVID-19 Alters Lung Surfactant and Can Cause Lasting Airway Changes
Pulmonary surfactant is made up mostly of fats (phospholipids) and proteins. It plays a critical role in breathing by reducing surface tension in the tiny air sacs of the lungs and also acts as part of the body’s immune defense. Damage to this system has already been documented in severe COVID-19, but little was known about its condition in milder cases. This
Medical News report highlights that the disruption is not exclusive to those who were severely ill.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team examined 29 people with mild to moderate COVID-19 and compared them with 17 healthy controls. They used a non-invasive method called PExA to collect tiny particles from the airways and analyzed both protein and fat (lipid) content. Participants were tested during the acute stage and again around six months later.
Key Findings – Lipid Changes Linger
The scientists identified 95 types of lipids and 46 proteins in the airway lining samples. During the acute infection, patients showed changes in 13 lipid types compared to healthy people. At follow-up, 24 lipid types were still altered. Notably, levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) – a key surfactant component – were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients even months later.
Some oxidized lipids increased, suggesting ongoing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. Lipids containing linoleic acid, a fatty acid linked to inflammatory processes, were reduced – possibly because they were consumed in producing inflammatory molecules. These persistent changes may weaken the lungs’ defenses and contribute to lingering symptoms.
Protein Profile Remained Stable
Unlike the lipid changes, protein levels in the surfactant did not differ significantly between patients and healthy controls. However, certain proteins linked to inflammation and clotting correlated with small airway dysfunction, hinting that subtle inflammatory processes may still be at play.
Why It Matters
Even without hospitalization, COVID-19 can alter the lungs’ protective lining, potentially explaining why some people experience prolonged cough, fatigue, or breathlessness. The study suggests that small airway inflammation and surfactant imbalance might be an under-recognized driver of post-COVID symptoms.
Conclusion&l
t;br />
The findings show that mild COVID-19 can cause measurable, lasting changes to the surfactant in the lungs, especially in its lipid composition. These alterations may persist for months and could contribute to ongoing breathing issues. More research is needed to see if treatments targeting surfactant balance could help recovery.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: PLOS One.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0325153
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-causes-disruptions-in-blood-brain-barrier-via-mitochondria-impairment-and-endothelial-dysfunction
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-sounds-alarm-that-covid-19-is-causing-decline-in-kidney-function
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-german-researchers-discover-that-sars-cov-2-virus-proteins-manipulate-autophagy-in-human-host-cells
Share
Tweet
Share
