Implications of SARS-Cov-2 infection on eNOS and iNOS activity: Consequences for the respiratory and vascular systems

Author(s)

Guimaraes, Lara M. F. ^[1] ; Rossini, Caio V. T. ^[1] ; Lameu, Claudiana ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Bioquim, Av Lineu Prestes 748, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: NITRIC OXIDE-BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY; v. 111, p. 64-71, JUN 1 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Symptoms of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic/mild symptoms to severe illness and death, consequence of an excessive inflammatory process triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The diffuse inflammation leads to endothelium dysfunction in pulmonary blood vessels, uncoupling eNOS activity, lowering NO production, causing pulmonary physiological alterations and coagulopathy. On the other hand, iNOS activity is increased, which may be advantageous for host defense, once NO plays antiviral effects. However, overproduction of NO may be deleterious, generating a pro-inflammatory effect. In this review, we discussed the role of endogenous NO as a protective or deleterious agent of the respiratory and vascular systems, the most affected in COVID-19 patients, focusing on eNOS and iNOS roles. We also reviewed the currently available NO therapies and pointed out possible alternative treatments targeting NO metabolism, which could help mitigate health crises in the present and future CoV's spillovers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/08999-3 - Evaluation of the efficacy of Bj-PRO-10c in the prevention and treatment of cachexia induced by Pancreatic Cancer
• Grantee: Caio Vinícius Teles Rossini
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 15/19128-2 - Metastasis mechanisms of childhood tumors to bone marrow
• Grantee: Claudiana Lameu
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants