Abstract
Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation, is involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, exerting a cytoprotective role by its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory functions. HO-1 and its end products, biliverdin, carbon monoxide and free iron (Fe2+), confer cytoprotection against inflammatory and oxidative injury. Additionally, HO-1 exerts antiviral properties against a diverse range of viral infections by interfering with replication or activating the interferon (IFN) pathway. Severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are characterized by systemic hyperinflammation, which, in some cases, leads to severe or fatal symptoms as a consequence of respiratory failure, lung and heart damage, kidney failure, and nervous system complications. This review summarizes the current research on the protective role of HO-1 in inflammatory diseases and against a wide range of viral infections, positioning HO-1 as an attractive target to ameliorate clinical manifestations during COVID-19.
Highlights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China
Among the severe respiratory diseases caused by SARS-CoV-2, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI) [20,21] are complications mainly caused by an exacerbated immune response in elders and patients with comorbidities [22]
Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)′s inducers are grouped into protoporphyrins, a type of porphyrins that forms heme; phytochemicals, natural antioxidants compounds contained in plants; and approved drugs, compounds that were previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Summary
Ayelen Toro 1,2, * , María Sol Ruiz 1,2 , Sofia Lage-Vickers 1,2 , Pablo Sanchis 1,2 , Agustina Sabater 1,2 , Gaston Pascual 1,2 , Rocio Seniuk 1,2 , Florencia Cascardo 1,2 , Sabrina Ledesma-Bazan 1,2 , Felipe Vilicich 1,2 , Elba Vazquez 1,2 and Geraldine Gueron 1,2, *. Clearance: Why Does It Matter on the COVID-19 Scene? CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y
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