Molecular Insights on the Pathophysiology and Treatment of COVID-19
- Hussin Rothan,
- Arpan Acharya ,
- St Patrick Reid,
- Siddappa Byrareddy
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 infection has been considered a global pandemic due to
its widespread transmission and high rate of fatality. As of April 11,
2020, globally, there are 1.76 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, of
which 108,281 people succumbed to the disease. In the absence of
therapeutic intervention and a possible vaccine candidate, the spread of
the disease and associated fatalities are on the rise. The
epidemiological data indicate age and country-specific bias in the
spread and severity of COVID-19. In this review, we discussed the recent
update on the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 among men and women, including
children. Further, we also discuss the role of the cellular receptors
and co-receptors used by the virus to enter host cells in the virus
pathogenesis on differential infection among men and women. Further,
highlighted the co-morbidity of COVID-19 with cardio-metabolic disease,
and the potential treatments to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally,
we summarize the prospective treatment options that have been evaluated
or are in the pipeline at different stages of clinical trials to fight
against COVID-19.