Nanoceria as a possible agent for the management of COVID-19. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allawadhi, Prince; Khurana, Amit; Allwadhi, Sachin; Joshi, Kamaldeep; Packirisamy, Gopinath; Bharani, Kala Kumar
• Is Part Of: Nano today. Volume 35(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Nanoceria -- Cytokine storm -- Lung fibrosis -- SARS-CoV-2; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanosciences -- Périodiques; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2020.100982
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0132

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Nanoceria is a unique rare earth nanomedicine with catalase and SOD mimetic activity. It possesses promising anti-inflammatory and TGF-β inhibitory activity. Nanoceria may reduce the complications of COVID-19 by inhibition of MAPKs and NFκB signaling. It may be nebulized at very low concentration with beneficial pharmacological effects. It may halt lung fibrosis and prove to be a useful tool for the management of COVID-19. Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented global healthcare emergency and has devastated the global economy. The SARS-CoV-2 virus replicates in the host cells and is seemingly much more virulent compared to other flu viruses, as well as the SARS-CoV-1. The respiratory complications of the disease include acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cytokine storm, systemic inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis. Nanoceria (NC) is a versatile rare earth nanoparticle with remarkable catalase and superoxide dismutase mimetic redox regenerative properties. Interestingly, NC possesses promising anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic properties, making it an attractive tool to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 as well as the associated systemic complications. Until now, there is no clinically approved vaccine or drug for the treatment of COVID-19, and the conquest to find a novel therapy for this global havoc is being undertaken at a warlike pace. Herein, based on preclinical evidence, we hypothesize that NC owing to its unique pharmacological properties, might be an attractive preclinical candidate to win the battle over COVID-19. Further, it may be used as a prevention or treatment strategy in combination with other drugs.