©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Virol. Mar 25, 2022; 11(2): 104-106
Published online Mar 25, 2022. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i2.104
Published online Mar 25, 2022. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i2.104
Therapeutic potential of N-acetyl cysteine during COVID-19 epoch
Ajita Kapur, Department of Pharmacology, V.P. Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
Munish Sharma, Hindu Rao Hospital and NDMC Medical College, Delhi 110007, India
Geetanjali Sageena, Environmental Studies, Keshav Mahavidyalaya University of Delhi, New Delhi 110034, India
Author contributions: Kapur A designed the editorial; Kapur A, Sharma M, and Sageena G wrote the manuscript; All authors gave final approval for publication.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare no conflict of interest.
Corresponding author: Geetanjali Sageena, PhD, Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies, Keshav Mahavidyalaya University of Delhi, H-4-5 Zone Pitampura, New Delhi 110034, India. geetanjali.sageena@keshav.du.ac.in
Received: August 7, 2021
Peer-review started: August 7, 2021
First decision: November 11, 2021
Revised: November 22, 2021
Accepted: February 23, 2022
Article in press: February 23, 2022
Published online: March 25, 2022
Processing time: 226 Days and 12.3 Hours
Peer-review started: August 7, 2021
First decision: November 11, 2021
Revised: November 22, 2021
Accepted: February 23, 2022
Article in press: February 23, 2022
Published online: March 25, 2022
Processing time: 226 Days and 12.3 Hours
Abstract
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a promising drug for prophylaxis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies with cautious approach are needed to establish the benefits and risks before considering NAC as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19.
Keywords: N-acetyl cysteine; COVID-19; Coagulopathy; Therapeutic potential; Prophylaxis; Treatment
Core Tip: Risk of coagulopathy is noteworthy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and cerebral hemorrhage could be a potential risk in COVID-19 patients receiving N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Results of well-designed randomized controlled trials should be awaited before NAC becomes a common practice for prophylaxis and treatment of patients with COVID-19.