The Relevance of Oxytocin & Dynorphin in COVID-19: Towards a Prophylactic Treatment

Abstract

With more than 72 million worldwide recorded cases of COVID-19 so far in 2020, 1.2 million deaths and more than 43 million people recovering from the virus, there a huge risk of further viral spread and mortalities, as well as severe health issues emerging in many survivors. This paper explores the COVID-19 infection mechanism and pathology from a dynorphin and oxytocin neuropeptide framework, and explores the angiotensin system, µ-opioid receptor, post viral pathology, and seasonal depression in a literature review and analysis. We detail the many factors leading to the well documented elevated pre-infection levels of dynorphin surrounding COVID-19 which may predispose individuals to the virus and detail how oxytocin could be used as prophylactic antiviral, as well as treatment for during and after COVID-19 infection to reduce mortality and residual pathology. Vitamin D and dynorphin suppressants that reduce PDYN expression by REST-1 protein activation are identified as possible candidates for co-application with oxytocin in a synergistic manner. Furthermore, the paper identifies possible oxytocic routes for the treatment of HIV, a virus that down-regulates the oxytocin receptor and suppresses the immune system, as well as multiple sclerosis. Lastly, the neuropeptides oxytocin and dynorphin are raised as potential biomarkers surrounding immune system health and disease risk. Low-cost assays that could rapidly screen populations for oxytocin and dynorphin levels are proposed to help in the response to COVID-19.