Hypothesis Article: The Potential Therapeutic Effects of Colchicine for
Prevention of Cytokine Storms Consequences in COVID-19 Patients
Abstract
Background and Purpose. Since the onset of COVID-19 many clinical trials
of drugs and/or vaccines are continuing and new ones are introduce
daily. Yet the international research process failed to develop a
preventative vaccine or potent therapeutic drugs for relieving the
severity of the disease. Therefore, at present the best recommendation
to people to slow the spread of the disease is; please stay at home and
maintain social distancing! Experimental approach. Many aspects of
pharmacotherapeutic mechanism of action of some previously approved
drugs with anti-inflammatory effects, such as colchicine, in various
disorders is not fully understood. Therefore, many potential therapeutic
uses for these drugs and its analogues can be imagined. In this
hypothesis article, an attempt has been made to evaluate some potential
therapeutic effects of colchicine that may be benefit against COVID-19.
Key Results. Prophylactic therapy with colchicine regulates the innate
inflammatory response by blocking intracellular signaling pathways. This
can inhibit respiratory alveolar destruction following COVID-19
pneumonia, which is the main cause of ARDS and death in these patients.
Conclusion and Implications Since the macrophage and granulocytes are
the main pro-inflammatory mediators in the lung, it seems application of
therapeutic doses of colchicine, before the onset of respiratory
problems, will protect the lung against severe damages and respiratory
failure in COVID-19 patients. Obviously, many clinical trials are
required to prove the validity of this claim.