Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in SARS-CoV-2- and Chlamydia pneumoniae-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Throughout the years, a growing number of studies have provided evidence that oxidative stress and inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of infectious agent-related cardiovascular diseases. Amongst the numerous respiratory pathogens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus responsible for the global ongoing pandemic, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, a widely known intracellular obligate bacteria, seem to have an essential role in promoting reactive oxygen species and cytokine production. The present review highlights the common oxidative and inflammatory molecular pathways underlying the cardiovascular diseases associated with SARS-CoV-2 or C. pneumoniae infections. The main therapeutic and preventive approaches using natural antioxidant compounds will be also discussed.

Modulating the Antioxidant Response for Better Oxidative Stress-Inducing Therapies: How to Take Advantage of Two Sides of the Same Medal?

“…Different cellular and molecular pathways have been proposed to further explore the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased oxidative stress. More precisely, the downregulation of ACE2 expression on the SARS-CoV-2 infected endothelial cell surface leads to endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation-inducing the imbalance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and triggering the production of RONS via NOX activation and reduced availability of NO• via decreased eNOS activity [195].…”

“…Thereby, targeting oxidative stress by modulating the sensitive redox pathways to regulate the immune response represents a promising therapeutic approach to fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among several natural products, vitamins, and compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties already tested, we can mention NAC, GSH, polyphenols, vitamins C, D, and E, melatonin, pentoxifylline, selenium, high-dose zinc, or inhaled nitric oxide [182,195,[198][199][200]. To date, even though data have been collected, the efficacy of such treatments targeting oxidative stress is still controversial, and more research is necessary [195,201].…”

“…Among several natural products, vitamins, and compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties already tested, we can mention NAC, GSH, polyphenols, vitamins C, D, and E, melatonin, pentoxifylline, selenium, high-dose zinc, or inhaled nitric oxide [182,195,[198][199][200]. To date, even though data have been collected, the efficacy of such treatments targeting oxidative stress is still controversial, and more research is necessary [195,201]. For example, a clinical trial revealed that treatment with antioxidant supplements (vitamin C and E, N-acetylcysteine, melatonin, and pentoxifylline) was found to reduce the severity and lethal outcomes of COVID-19 infection [185,187,193,201].…”