Nitric oxide ’s physiologic effects and potential as a therapeutic agent against COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for COVID-19
pneumonia, a pandemic that precipitates huge pressures on the world ’s social and economic systems.
Disease severity varies among individuals. SARS-CoV-2 infection can be associated with e.g. flu-like
symptoms, dyspnoea, severe interstitial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan
dysfunction, and generalized coagulopathy. Nitric oxide (NO), is a small signal molecule that
impacts pleiotropic functions in human physiology, which can be involved in the significant effects
of COVID-19 infection. NO is a neurotransmitter involved in the neural olfactory processes in the
central nervous system, and some infected patients have reported anosmia as a symptom. Additionally,
NO is a well-known vasodilator, important coagulation mediator, anti-microbial effector and
inhibitor of SARS-CoV replication. Exhaled NO is strongly related to the type-2 inflammatory
response ...

Source: Journal of Breath Research - December 5, 2020 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Fabio Luigi Massimo Ricciardolo, Francesca Bertolini, Vitina Carriero and Marieann H ögman Source Type: research