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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Unilateral Lung Volume Analysis Using Micro-CT for Enhanced Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Preclinical Models
Published on: June 20, 2025
COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis: therapeutics in clinical trials, repurposing, and potential development
Joowon Yim1, Hee Hyun Lim1, Youngjoo Kwon2
1College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, 120-750, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Insights
This study explores the link between COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on angiotensin converting enzyme-2. It reviews imaging techniques and potential treatments for this severe lung condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Virology
- Radiology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic causing severe lung damage and mortality.
- Pulmonary fibrosis is a significant complication in many COVID-19 patients, leading to long-term respiratory issues.
- Effective treatments for COVID-19 and its associated lung complications remain a critical unmet need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the relationship between COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis, with a specific emphasis on the role of angiotensin converting enzyme-2.
- To evaluate the utility of radiological imaging methods, including computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray (CXR), in assessing lung conditions in COVID-19 patients.
- To review and categorize potential therapeutic strategies for COVID-19, considering treatments related and unrelated to lung disease, and those in various stages of clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Analysis of the role of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 in the context of COVID-19-induced lung injury.
- Evaluation of diagnostic imaging modalities (CT, CXR) for visualizing lung abnormalities.
- Systematic review of existing and emerging therapeutic interventions for COVID-19.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 infection is associated with an increased risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis, potentially mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme-2 pathways.
- Computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray (CXR) are valuable tools for monitoring lung damage and fibrotic changes in COVID-19 patients.
- A wide range of therapeutic approaches are under investigation, but many face challenges such as limited trial data and small sample sizes.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
- Radiological imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of lung complications in COVID-19.
- Further rigorous clinical trials are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of potential COVID-19 therapeutics, particularly for preventing or treating pulmonary fibrosis.
Abstract:
In 2019, an unprecedented disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged and spread across the globe. Although the rapid transmission of COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of deaths and severe lung damage, conclusive treatment is not available. However, three COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized, and two more will be approved soon, according to a World Health Organization report on December 12, 2020. Many COVID-19 patients show symptoms of acute lung injury that eventually leads to pulmonary fibrosis. Our aim in this article is to present the relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19, with a focus on angiotensin converting enzyme-2. We also evaluate the radiological imaging methods computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray (CXR) for visualization of patient lung condition. Moreover, we review possible therapeutics for COVID-19 using four categories: treatments related and unrelated to lung disease and treatments that have and have not entered clinical trials. Although many treatments have started clinical trials, they have some drawbacks, such as short-term and small-group testing, that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
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