Title:The Potential Mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in Treating COVID-19
Volume: 22
Issue: 12
Author(s): Nan Zhou, Xiaofan Yang, Aie Huang and Zhenbing Chen*
Affiliation:
- Department of Hand Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022,China
Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, N-acetylcysteine, mechanism, drug, treatment.
Abstract: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has been proposed to be used to treat Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19). By reviewing the existing pathological studies of COVID-19, it was found that abundant
mucus secretion, formation of a hyaline membrane (supportive of acute respiratory distress
syndrome), and interstitial fibrous exudation may be important characteristics of COVID-19 and
pathological targets of drug therapy. In addition, multiple extrapulmonary organ injuries in COVID-
19 may be associated with cytokine storm. NAC is an important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
drug. NAC has been demonstrated to have mucolytic effects in bronchitis, relieve respiratory failure
in acute respiratory distress syndrome, and inhibit fibrous exudation in interstitial lung disease in
clinical studies. These findings suggest that NAC may have a therapeutic effect on the pathological
targets of COVID-19. Furthermore, NAC decreases TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-17 serum
levels in patients with sepsis, severe burns, acute liver failure, or peritoneal dialysis and may
also reduce cytokine storm in COVID-19. The antiviral effect of NAC on other respiratory viruses
may also benefit COVID-19 patients. Summarizing the potential mechanisms of NAC in treating
COVID-19 suggests that the role of NAC in COVID-19 treatment is worthy of further research.