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Polish scientists have proposed another research project that may turn out to be valuable in the fight against the coronavirus. This is spironolactone, a high blood pressure drug that will be tested for its effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.
Spironolactone in the fight against COVID-19
The Medical Research Agency has compiled a list of project proposals that could benefit in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Beginning research on spironolactone in the context of COVID-19, proposed by the Pomeranian Medical University. The research group is headed by dr hab. Katarzyna Kotfis, MD, PhD.
Spironolactone is usually administered in the form of tablets for high blood pressure because it has a diuretic effect and accelerates the removal of water from the body. The side effects of the drug are well known and the low risk of toxicity has been confirmed. Conducting studies on the effectiveness of spironolactone in the case of coronavirus infections is important especially for patients at risk of severe disease and complications.
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Scientists suspect that spironolactone may have anti-fibrotic effects in the lungs. Such a phenomenon in the respiratory system occurs in some patients as a result of COVID-19 disease. Patients from high-risk groups are particularly at risk, because they are most likely to have severe coronavirus infection and acute respiratory failure. If the results of the tests prove promising, spironolactone could be used to treat pulmonary fibrosis in patients with COVID-19.
Why do researchers put their hope on spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and various animal models indicate that it is an antioxidant. Therefore, it strengthens the antioxidant activity of the body, reduces the production of free radicals and reduces the formation of damage in internal organs caused by oxidative stress. In the context of the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, spironolactone may prove to be effective due to its anti-oedematous effect and the reduction of inflammatory infiltrates in the lungs.
As part of the Pomeranian Medical University project, scientists will check whether spironolactone will actually prove effective in preventing pulmonary fibrosis in people suffering from COVID-19.
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