Application of Methylene Blue -Vitamin C-N-acetyl Cysteine for Treatment
of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients, Preliminary Report of a Phase-I
Clinical Trial
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 is a global catastrophic event that causes severe
acute respiratory syndrome. The mechanism of the disease remains
unclear, and hypoxia is one of the main complications. There is no
currently approved protocol for treatment. The microbial threat as
induced by COVID-19 causes the activation of macrophages to produce a
huge amount of inflammatory molecules and nitric oxide (NO). Activation
of macrophages population into a pro-inflammatory phenotype induces a
self-reinforcing cycle. Oxidative stress and NO contribute to this
cycle, establishing a cascade inflammatory state that can kill the
patient. Interrupting this vicious cycle by a simple remedy may save
critical patients’ lives. Methods: Nitrite, nitrate (the metabolites of
NO), methemoglobin, and prooxidant-antioxidant-balance levels were
measured in 25 ICU COVID-19 patients and 25 healthy individuals. As the
last therapeutic option, five patients were administered methylene
blue-vitamin C-N-acetyl Cysteine (MCN). Results: Nitrite, nitrate,
methemoglobin, and oxidative stress were significantly increased in
patients in comparison to healthy individuals. Four of the five patients
responded well to treatment. Discussion: NO, methemoglobin and oxidative
stress may play a central role in the pathogenesis of critical COVID-19
disease. MCN treatment seems to increase the survival rate of these
patients. Considering the vicious cycle of macrophage activation leading
to deadly NO, oxidative stress, and cytokine cascade syndrome; the
therapeutic effect of MCN seems to be reasonable. Accordingly, a wider
clinical trial has been designed. It should be noted that the protocol
is using the low-cost drugs which the FDA approved for other diseases.