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Mucus targeting as a plausible approach to improve lung function in covid-19 patients

Publication Type : Journal Article

Publisher : Medical Hypotheses.

Source : Medical Hypotheses. 2021 Sep 15:110680

Url : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2021.11068

Keywords : Airway mucus; Cytokine storm; Mucins; Mucus Hypersecretion; Respiratory distress; SARS CoV 2.

Campus : Kochi

School : School of Pharmacy

Center : Research & Projects

Department : Pharmacognosy

Verified : Yes

Year : 2021

Abstract : COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as one of the worst pandemics that have tormented the globe due to its highly contagious nature. Even if the disease manifests fever-like symptoms mostly, the disease may progress to the pulmonary-hyper inflammatory phase, with severe pneumonia, hypoxia and subsequent multiple organ infection. This subsequently creates a huge burden to the health care systems across the globe for an immediate arrangement of ventilator facilities, oxygen supply and advanced health care. We evaluated the pathological similarity of COVID-19 with other airway obstructive disorders such as COPD and asthma and found typical mucus hypersecretion and mucus plugging in COVID-19 subjects. From several bronchoscopy and clinical autopsy carried out in COVID-19 patients, the overexpression of mucin gene was evident which play a significant role in mucus hypersecretion and accumulation, leading to airway obstruction and further to respiratory distress. In the present work, we highlight the need for intense research inputs to elucidate the exact role the mucus plays in worsening COVID-19 symptoms. This will further help to find a proper approach to quantify the airway mucus plugging in each patient and to develop an appropriate therapy either to inhibit mucus secretion or to improve mucus clearance through well-designed clinical trials.

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