Understanding the heart-brain axis response in COVID-19 patients: A suggestive perspective for therapeutic development. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lionetti, Vincenzo; Bollini, Sveva; Coppini, Raffaele; Gerbino, Andrea; Ghigo, Alessandra; Iaccarino, Guido; Madonna, Rosalinda; Mangiacapra, Fabio; Miragoli, Michele; Moccia, Francesco; Munaron, Luca; Pagliaro, Pasquale; Parenti, Astrid; Pasqua, Teresa; Penna, Claudia; Quaini, Federico; Rocca, Carmine; Samaja, Michele; Sartiani, Laura; Soda, Teresa; Tocchetti, Carlo Gabriele; Angelone, Tommaso
• Is Part Of: Pharmacological research. Volume 168(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Heart-brain axis -- Multiorgan disease syndrome -- COVID-19; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Médicaments -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Pharmacologie -- Périodiques; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6618

Abstract

Abstract: In-depth characterization of heart-brain communication in critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory failure is attracting significant interest in the COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic era during intensive care unit (ICU) stay and after ICU or hospital discharge. Emerging research has provided new insights into pathogenic role of the deregulation of the heart-brain axis (HBA), a bidirectional flow of information, in leading to severe multiorgan disease syndrome (MODS) in patients with confirmed infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Noteworthy, HBA dysfunction may worsen the outcome of the COVID-19 patients. In this review, we discuss the critical role HBA plays in both promoting and limiting MODS in COVID-19. We also highlight the role of HBA as new target for novel therapeutic strategies in COVID-19 in order to open new translational frontiers of care. This is a translational perspective from the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Researches. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: Dysregulated heart-brain axis (HBA) may contribute to severe multiorgan disease syndrome (MODS) in COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 may interfere with HBA either through direct neurotropism either through direct endothelial injury. Definition of HBA disorders in COVID-19 patients will help to personalize pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.