COVID-19, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Iodide

14 Pages Posted: 22 May 2020 Last revised: 3 Jun 2020

Date Written: June 3, 2020

Abstract

Recently, attention around COVID-19 has shifted from respiratory symptoms to endothelial and other symptoms. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 is known to downregulate ACE2.

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are considered a key factor in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). VEGF concentrations were observed to be significantly higher in both ICU and non-ICU COVID-19 patients than in healthy controls. Although VEGFs promote angiogenesis, neurogenesis and neuroprotection, they also induce vascular leakiness and permeability. 

ACE2 antagonizes VEGF-A to reduce vascular permeability during acute lung injury. Also in breast cancer cells, ACE2 downregulated the expression of VEGF-A. Since SARS-CoV-2 downregulates ACE2, it likely cancels the VEGF-A-antagonizing effect of ACE2, leading to upregulation of VEGF and thus increase of vascular permeability and aggravation of endothelial damage. VEGF might be upregulated also in normoxic conditions.

Iodide is a VEGF modulator, increasing lymphatic system related VEGF-C/D expression while simultaneously suppressing endothelial cell related VEGF-A/B expression. It may thus revert VEGF-A/B increase caused by SARS-CoV-2 downregulation of ACE2. 

Protein kinase B (Akt) induces protective nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells, including inhibition of thrombosis and platelet aggregation. In one study, excess iodide activated PI3K/Akt pathway.

In addition, iodide was demonstrated to accumulate in upper airway secretions and inhibit viral infections by participating in a nonspecific, broad spectrum mechanism applicable to multiple types of viruses. Also, in a mouse model, iodide was observed to protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury, which may be relevant for e.g. COVID-19 associated acute limb ischemia.

It has also been suggested that inorganic iodides act as antioxidants through an ancient direct mechanism. Recently, a computer simulation suggested that iodide may protect against SARS-CoV-2 directly by exhausting the electron donor property of the S protein by acting as a strong electron sink.

There is initial evidence to warrant comprehensive clinical and basic research on the related pathways and possible benefits of iodide for treatment of COVID-19. 

Note: Funding: None.

Conflict of Interest: None.

Ethical Approval: Not applicable.

Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, iodide, iodine, endothelium, ischemia, reperfusion injury, lactoperoxidase, vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, furin, HIF-1, hypoxia, TNF-1, neuropilin, semaphorin, PI3K, Akt

Suggested Citation

Turkia, Mika, COVID-19, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Iodide (June 3, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3604987 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3604987

Mika Turkia (Contact Author)

Independent ( email )

Helsinki
Finland

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