1. Possible Beneficial Actions of Caffeine in SARS-CoV-2.
- Author
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Romero-Martínez BS, Montaño LM, Solís-Chagoyán H, Sommer B, Ramírez-Salinas GL, Pérez-Figueroa GE, and Flores-Soto E
- Subjects
- COVID-19 metabolism, COVID-19 physiopathology, Humans, Immunologic Factors pharmacology, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Muscle, Smooth metabolism, Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors pharmacology, Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases metabolism, Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology, Antiviral Agents pharmacology, COVID-19 diet therapy, Caffeine pharmacology, Drug Repositioning methods, Muscle, Smooth drug effects, SARS-CoV-2 drug effects
- Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has established an unparalleled necessity to rapidly find effective treatments for the illness; unfortunately, no specific treatment has been found yet. As this is a new emerging chaotic situation, already existing drugs have been suggested to ameliorate the infection of SARS-CoV-2. The consumption of caffeine has been suggested primarily because it improves exercise performance, reduces fatigue, and increases wakefulness and awareness. Caffeine has been proven to be an effective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulator. In airway smooth muscle, it has bronchodilator effects mainly due to its activity as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and adenosine receptor antagonist. In addition, a recent published document has suggested the potential antiviral activity of this drug using in silico molecular dynamics and molecular docking; in this regard, caffeine might block the viral entrance into host cells by inhibiting the formation of a receptor-binding domain and the angiotensin-converting enzyme complex and, additionally, might reduce viral replication by the inhibition of the activity of 3-chymotrypsin-like proteases. Here, we discuss how caffeine through certain mechanisms of action could be beneficial in SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, further studies are required for validation through in vitro and in vivo models.
- Published
- 2021
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