Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 24, 2026 1 hour, 25 minutes ago
Medical News: Scientists Uncover a Key Biological Signal Behind Lingering Lung Damage
A new study has revealed a potentially crucial clue behind why some people continue to suffer from lung problems long after recovering from COVID-19. Researchers found that a protein called mTOR, which plays a central role in cell growth and inflammation, is significantly elevated in patients showing signs of long-term lung damage. These findings suggest that this molecule could help doctors identify and monitor patients at risk of developing persistent respiratory complications.
Elevated mTOR levels may signal hidden lung damage in COVID-19 survivors
The research was conducted by scientists from Mugla Sitki Kocman University Faculty of Medicine in Türkiye, including experts from the departments of pulmonology, medical biology, and radiology. This
Medical News report highlights how the study sheds light on the biological processes driving post-COVID lung abnormalities and opens new doors for early detection.
What the Study Found About Lung Changes After COVID-19
The study analyzed 70 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. Half of them showed fibrotic-like lung changes on CT scans, which are abnormalities that resemble early stages of lung scarring. These changes included patterns such as tissue thickening, bronchial distortion, and band-like structures in the lungs.
Researchers discovered that patients with these lung changes had much higher levels of mTOR in their blood compared to those without such abnormalities. In fact, a threshold level of 6.15 ng/mL was identified as a strong indicator of lung damage, correctly identifying affected patients with high accuracy.
Importantly, the study also found that higher mTOR levels were linked to more severe breathing difficulties, reduced lung capacity, and lower oxygen levels in the blood. Patients with elevated mTOR often reported greater shortness of breath and showed poorer results in lung function tests.
A Closer Look at How mTOR May Be Driving Damage
mTOR is known to regulate how cells grow, repair, and respond to stress. When overactivated, it may contribute to excessive tissue repair processes that lead to scarring instead of healing. In the context of COVID-19, prolonged inflammation and immune responses may trigger this pathway, causing ongoing damage even after the virus is gone.
The study also showed that mTOR levels were strongly linked to factors such as longer hospital stays, ICU admissions, and the need for mechanical ventilation. This suggests that more severe initial infections may set off biological changes that continue to affect the lungs months later.
According to data summarized in tables on pages 4 and 5 of the study, patients with lung abnormalities had significantly lower lung function scores and oxygen saturation, reinforcing the clinical importance of these findings.
Why This Discovery Matters for Patients
Currently, there are n
o widely accepted blood tests to predict or monitor long-term lung damage after COVID-19. The identification of mTOR as a potential biomarker could change that. Doctors may one day use simple blood tests to determine which patients need closer follow-up or early intervention.
However, researchers caution that this is an early-stage discovery. The study was conducted at a single center with a relatively small group of participants, meaning larger studies are needed to confirm the results.
Conclusion
This study provides compelling evidence that elevated mTOR levels are closely linked to post-COVID lung damage and worsening respiratory symptoms. While not yet ready for routine clinical use, mTOR shows strong potential as a warning signal for patients at risk. Early identification could allow doctors to monitor and manage complications more effectively, possibly preventing long-term disability. As research continues, this discovery may play a key role in improving outcomes for millions affected by long COVID.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Diagnostics.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/16/6/958
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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