Possible therapeutic interventions in COVID-19 induced ARDS by cotinine as an ACE-2 promoter and AT-1R blocker.

Possible therapeutic interventions in COVID-19 induced ARDS by cotinine as an ACE-2 promoter and AT-1R blocker. Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2020 Dec 18;: Authors: Sharma T, Mehan S Abstract In these challenging times of the pandemic, as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has taken over the planet, its complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have the potential to wipe out a large portion of our population. Whereas a serious lack of ventilators, vaccine being months away makes the condition even worse. That's why promising drug therapy is required. One of them was suggested in this article. It is the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) to which the COVID-19 virus binds and upon downregulation of which the pulmonary permeability increases and results in the filling of alveoli by proteinaceous fluids, which finally results in ARDS. ARDS can be assisted by angiotensinII type-1 receptor (AT-1R) blocker and ACE-2 upregulator. AT-1R blocker will prevent vasoconstriction, the proinflammatory effect seen otherwise upon its activation. ACE-2 upregulation will ensure less formation of angiotensin II, vasodilatory effects due to the formation of angiotensin (1-7), increased breakdown of bradykinin at lung level. Overall, decreased vasoconstriction of vessels supplying lungs and decreased vasodilation of lung tissues will ensure decreased pulmonary permeability and eventually relieve ARDS. It should also be considered...
Source: Infectious Disorders Drug Targets - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Infect Disord Drug Targets Source Type: research