Enoxaparin improves COVID-19 by reducing Neutrophils Extracellular Traps (NETs) production

Author(s):Show less -

Corneo, Emily S. ; Veras, Flavio Protasio ; Gomes, Giovanni F. ; Schneider, Ayda H. ; Manuella, Bruna ; Almeida, Cicero J. L. R. ; Silva, Camila M. ; Martins, Ronaldo B. ; Batah, Sabrina S. ; Simon, Carla S. ; Prestes, Gabriele da S. ; Alves-Filho, Jose Carlos ; Arruda, Eurico ; Louzada-Junior, Paulo ; de Oliveira, Rene D. R. ; Fabro, Alexandre T. ; Cunha, Thiago M. ; Cunha, Fernando Queiroz ; Dal-Pizzol, Felipe

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Clinical Immunology; v. 257, p. 12-pg., 2023-11-11.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 causes consequences such as imbalance of the immune system and thrombotic events. During the infection process, NETs in excess induce a pro-inflammatory response and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We evaluated the role of enoxaparin as a potential inhibitor of NETs.Methods: K18-hACE2 animals infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a group of 23 individuals admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 treated with enoxaparin or without treatment and controls without the disease were included.Results: Enoxaparin decreased the levels of NETs, reduced the signs of the disease and mitigated lung damage in the animals infected with SARS-CoV-2. These effects were partially associated with prevention of SARS-CoV-2 entry and NETs synthesis. Clinical data revealed that treatment with enoxaparin decreased the levels of inflammatory markers, the levels of NETs in isolated neutrophils and the organ dysfunction.Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the beneficial effects of enoxaparin in COVID-19 in addition to its anticoagulant role. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08216-2 - CRID - Center for Research in Inflammatory Diseases
• Grantee: Fernando de Queiroz Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 20/05601-6 - Neutrophil extracelular traps (NETs): role in the pathophysiology and potential as a therapeutic target on COVID-19
• Grantee: Fernando de Queiroz Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants