N-acetylcysteine for prevention and treatment of COVID-19: Current state of evidence and future directions.

ABSTRACT: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can be associated with serious complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. This condition is accompanied by a massive release of cytokines, also denominated cytokine storm, development of systemic oxidative stress and a prothrombotic state. In this context, it has been proposed a role for acetylcysteine (NAC) in the management of patients with COVID-19. NAC is a molecule classically known for its mucolytic effect, but it also has direct and indirect antioxidant activity as a precursor of reduced glutathione. Other effects of NAC have also been described, such as modulating the immune and inflammatory response, counteracting the thrombotic state, and having

SUBMITTER: Izquierdo-Alonso JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9651994 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature