The Interactions among Hypertension, Cancer, and COVID-19: Perspective with Regard to Ca²⁺/cAMP Signalling

The hypothesis that hypertension is clinically associated with an enhanced risk of developing cancer has been highlighted. However, the working principles involved in this link are still under intensive discussion. A correlation among inflammation, hypertension, and cancer could accurately describe the clinical link between these diseases. In addition, dyshomeostasis of Ca²⁺ has been considered to be involved in both cancer and hypertension, and inflammation. There is a strong link between Ca²⁺ signalling, e.g. enhanced Ca²⁺ signals, and inflammatory outcomes. cAMP also modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory outcomes; pharmaceuticals, which increase intracellular cAMP levels, can decrease the production of proinflammatory mediators and enhance the production of antiinflammatory outcomes.

This article highlights the participation of Ca²⁺/cAMP signalling in the clinical association among inflammation, hypertension, and an enhanced risk for the development of cancer. In addition, considering that research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving field, this article also reviews recent reports related to the role of Ca²⁺ channel blockers in restoring Ca²⁺ signalling disruption due to COVID-19, including the relationship among COVID-19, cancer, and hypertension.

An understanding of the association among these diseases could expand current pharmacotherapy, involving Ca²⁺ channel blockers and pharmaceuticals that facilitate a rise in cAMP levels.