What is the evidence for mesenchymal stem cell therapy in
COVID-19 patients?
Mesenchymal stem cells may exert antiviral mechanisms in the context of
SARS-CoV-2 infection. The basal IFN-stimulated gene expression of
mesenchymal stem cells is high. This enhances MSC responsiveness to IFN
signaling, potentially inducing broad viral resistance. Mesenchymal stem
cell therapy is being used in some centers but its efficacy in COVID-19
has not been proven. Data available are mainly experimental with few
records in humans and no reports on its efficacy in randomized clinical
trials.199
Are common anti-hypertensive drugs useful in the
prevention and treatment of COVID-19? Common anti-hypertensive drugs
inhibit ACE, but not ACE2. Importantly, ACE2 opposes ACE actions and
lowers blood pressure by converting angiotensin-II (a vasoconstrictor
peptide) into its metabolites- angiotensin (1–7)
(vasodilators).200 Other common related
antihypertensive drugs are angiotensin-2 receptors blockers, which block
AT-1, a receptor for angiotensin-II, through which it exerts its
vasoconstrictor effect. However, AT-1 is not known to be used by
SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. It was shown in animal models that ACE
inhibitors might increase ACE2 expression, thus increasing
susceptibility to infection. It has not been proven in humans but it
raised the concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic200.
Based on the data available to date, antihypertensive treatment with
these medications should be continued.201