Potential role of memantine in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: its antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and beyond
Recently, Leung et al. [1] proposed that α7-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) antagonists might decrease angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 receptor expression in respiratory epithelium and, hence, prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invasion of pulmonary epithelial cells. Let us further theoretically evaluate this assertion and contribute to the quest for potential medications that might reduce virulence and pathogenicity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Smoking may be associated with progression and negative outcome of COVID-19 [1]. The receptor-binding domain of the S protein (spike) on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 interacts with the ACE2 receptor, which is an entry point of the virus into host respiratory cells [2]. Memantine, as an antagonist of α7-nAChR and NMDA receptors, may decrease ACE2 receptor expression and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, memantine may potentially reduce SARS-CoV-2 virulence. https://bit.ly/2AZHiVg