Cardiovascular Dysfunction in COVID-19: Association Between Endothelial Cell Injury and Lactate

Kun Yang1,2, Matthew Holt3, Min Fan1,2

  • 1Department of Surgery, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States.

Insights

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes endothelial cell injury, a key factor in COVID-19 severity. This review explores cardiovascular damage, metabolic changes, and lactate's potential role in SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Metabolic Processes

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health crisis.
  • Endothelial cell damage is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in COVID-19 pathogenesis, severity, and mortality.
  • Metabolic alterations are closely linked to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review cardiovascular injuries associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To examine metabolic alterations in COVID-19 patients.
  • To propose lactate as a potential mediator of endothelial cell injury in COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of emerging evidence on COVID-19 pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of studies linking metabolic processes to infectious diseases.
  • Exploration of lactate's role in endothelial barrier function.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to significant cardiovascular injuries.
  • Metabolic dysregulation is a common feature in COVID-19.
  • Lactate has been identified as a potential biomarker and mediator of endothelial barrier dysfunction.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelial cell damage is a central mechanism in COVID-19.
  • Metabolic alterations, particularly involving lactate, may contribute to COVID-19 severity.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of lactate in SARS-CoV-2-induced endothelial injury.

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