Author/Authors :
Mario, Limodio Infectious and Tropical Diseases - Spaziani Hospital, Frosinone, Italy , Roberto, Menicagli Biochemistry Senior Scientist Consultant - University Milan, Italy , Marta, Limodio Pharmacological Researcher, ASST, Frosinone, Italy , Teresa, Casotti Maria Department of Radiodiagnostic - Pisa University, Italy , Laura, Menicagli Department of Radiodiagnostic - Policliclinico San Donato - Milan University, Italy
Abstract :
Backgound: Bacterial or viral infections often cause acute and severe systemic inflammation,
which affects the lungs lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a pathogenic component of the membrane of
gram‑negative bacteria, stimulates active innate immune cells, monocytes, macrophages to produce
inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Excess production of this compound occurs in COVID‑19
resulting in inflammatory cascade and thromboembolism. We intend to propose the use of sildenafil
to reduce this production. Method: The analysis of biochemical pathways shows that viral infection
produces a high amount of nitric oxide (NO), with an acute inflammatory process. Results: In
the case of COVID‑19 infection we verified that numerous biochemical processes activate a
cascade of inflammatory processes through the activation of iNOS with uncontrolled generation
of (NO). Conclusions: iNOS is the cause of damage to host cells with a consequent pulmonary
thromboembolic lung phenomenon in a contest of interstitial pneumonia. This study proposes the use
of sildenafil to counter the inflammatory cascade and thromboembolic episodes.
