Potential role of free-radical processes in biomolecules damage during COVID-19 and ways of their regulation

Abstract

It has been shown that the development of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), especially in severe cases, is accompanied by hypoxia as a result of several pathological processes: alveolar blood supply disorders, hemolysis, COVID-associated coagulopathy. Under these conditions, the level of reactive oxygen species is increased and it is more likely that free-radical damage to biomolecules is caused by the process of free-radical fragmentation than oxidation. In contrast to the oxidation process, free-radical fragmentation reactions are more effectively inhibited by oxidizing agents than reducing agents. Therefore, the use of substances possessing both reducing and oxidizing properties, such as natural and synthetic quinones, bioflavonoids, curcuminoids, should reduce the probability of biomolecule destruction by oxidation as well as free-radical fragmentation processes.

Highlights

• COVID-19 is accompanied by the iron release from the heme and «silent» hypoxia

• ROS initiate fragmentation reactions of biomolecules under conditions of hypoxia

• Blocking of fragmentation process by oxidizers may lead to mitigation of COVID-19

Keywords:

• Hypoxia
• hydroxyl-containing biomolecules
• free-radical fragmentation
• COVID-19
• inhibitors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).