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Review
. 2021 Nov;52(8):777-787.
doi: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2021.05.007. Epub 2021 Jun 5.

Vasoactive Peptides: Role in COVID-19 Pathogenesis and Potential Use as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Pariya Khodabakhsh  1 , Afsaneh Asgari Taei  2 , Moein Mohseni  3 , Dorsa Bahrami Zanjanbar  3 , Hasti Khalili  3 , Kimia Masoumi  3 , Alireza Haji Abbas Shirazi  3 , Leila Dargahi  4
Affiliations
Review

Vasoactive Peptides: Role in COVID-19 Pathogenesis and Potential Use as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Pariya Khodabakhsh et al. Arch Med Res. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Background: The ongoing outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as the latest threat to global health, causes overwhelming effects for the public healthcare systems worldwide. Of note, in addition to the respiratory complications, some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also develop serious cardiovascular injuries. Vasoactive peptides play an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions.

Aim: With the urgent need for exploring the specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the emerging COVID-19, the general aim of this review is to discuss the potentials of the vasoactive peptides including Angiotensin II (Ang II), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), natriuretic peptides, substance P (SP) and bradykinin (BK) as therapeutic targets and/or prognostic indicators for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: Based on various observations some authors conclude that the assessment of vasoactive peptides shall be considered a routine part of COVID-19 patient monitoring, and they can serve as potential therapeutic targets for the disease management.

Keywords: Angiotensin II; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Vasoactive peptides.

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Figures

Image, graphical abstract
Graphical abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
The renin-angiotensin system and action mechanisms of their inhibitor. ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; ACEi, ACE inhibitor; ARBs, angiotensin receptor blockers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) and proposed effects of SARS-CoV-2 on related pathways. BK, bradykinin; Lys-BK, Lys-bradykinin; DABK, des-Arg BK; Lys-DABK, Lys-des-Arg BK; HMWK, high molecular weight kininogen; LMWK, low‐molecular‐weight kininogen; CPM, carboxypeptidase M; CPN, carboxypeptidase N; ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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