Role of melatonin in the treatment of COVID-19; as an adjuvant through cluster differentiation 147 (CD147).
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of melatonin in COVID-19, mediated by its suppression of CD147 protein activity.
Results Summary
The study suggests melatonin may prevent severe symptoms and reduce symptom severity in COVID-19 by blocking CD147 activity, which mediates viral invasion and cytokine storms. It also highlights melatonin's potential to mitigate adverse effects of other antiviral drugs.
Population
COVID-19 patients, particularly the elderly and immune-compromised.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | cardiac damage | - | - | reduce cardiac damage | #1 |
melatonin | decrease | severe symptoms | COVID-19 patients | - | prevent severe symptoms | #2 |
melatonin | decrease | symptom severity | COVID-19 patients | - | reduce symptom severity | #3 |
melatonin | decrease | adverse effects of the other antiviral drugs | COVID-19 patients | - | reduce the adverse effects | #4 |
COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak quickly has turned into a pandemic. However, no specific antiviral agent is yet available. In this communication, we aimed to evaluate the significance of CD147 protein and the potential protective effect of melatonin that is mediated by this protein in COVID-19. CD147 is a glycoprotein that is responsible for the cytokine storm in the lungs through the mediation of viral invasion. Melatonin use previously was shown to reduce cardiac damage by blocking the CD147 activity. Hence, melatonin, a safe drug, may prevent severe symptoms, reduce symptom severity and the adverse effects of the other antiviral drugs in COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, the use of melatonin, which is reduced in the elderly and immune-compromised patients, should be considered as an adjuvant through its CD147 suppressor and immunomodulatory effect.