Relationship between cytokine storm and SARS-CoV-2 infection’s worsening
Baya Guermouche 1, Majda Dali-Sahi 2, Nouria Dennouni-Medjati 3, Youssouf Kachekouche 4, Hafida Merzouk 5
1 Physiology, Physiopathology and Biochemistry of Nutrition Laboratory; Department of Biology, University of Tlemcen. Tlemcen, Algeria; 2 Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Laboratory; Department of Biology, University of Tlemcen. Tlemcen, Algeria; 3 Analytical Chemistry and Electrochemistry Laboratory, Tlemcen, Algeria; 4 Department of Biology, University of Tlemcen. Tlemcen, Algeria; 5 Physiology, Physiopathology and Biochemistry of Nutrition Laboratory, Tlemcen, Algeria
*Correspondence: Baya Guermouche, Email not available
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an infectious disease that causes severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its complications, this appears to be related to an increase in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, described as “the cytokine storm.” SARS-CoV-2 by binding to its receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 triggers an imbalance in the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, inducing an increase in angiotensin (Ang) 2 and a decrease in Ang 1-7 levels. The cytokine storm is the major cause of respiratory distress syndrome from which suffers patients with severe forms of COVID- 19 as well as multi organ failure (lung, heart, kidney, liver, and brain). To resist this cytokine storm, interleukin-1 and 6 inhibitors, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interferon inhibitors, and steroid immunomodulators have been used. This review article summarizes COVID-19 patients, disease manifestations, cytokine storm characteristics, general clinical signs symptoms, and targeting the cytokine storm with cytokine inhibitors.
