Exp Neurobiol.  2021 Feb;30(1):1-12. 10.5607/en20048.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Coronavirus Disease-19-Associated Ischemic Stroke: A Novel Avenue in Neuroscience

• Pramitasuri TI
• Laksmidewi AAAP
• Putra IBK
• Dalimartha FA

• KMID: 2513407
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en20048

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is one of the catastrophic neurological events that are being increasingly recognized among Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 patients. The recent studies have revealed about a possible connection among COVID-19, ischemic stroke, and excessive Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) formation. This paper establishes an overview of coronaviruses and NETs, NETs in pathogenesis of COVID-19 induced-ischemic stroke, and future directions using related recent literatures. NETs are normally functioned for a defense against pathogens, but in immoderate amount, they can trigger series of destructive events. Vasculopathy and neuroinflammation are the pathological mechanisms of NETs suggested to link COVID-19 and ischemic stroke. Based on newly discovered possible mechanisms, the potential clinical implications that could be applied consists of inhibition of NET formation, disrupting cholesterol synthesis, and interfering inflammatory pathway. A considerable number of scientific works are needed in order to complete the current understanding of the emerging relationship among COVID-19, NETs, and ischemic stroke. Although the exact mechanism is still unknown, these novel findings are a worthwhile contribution in defining future studies, suitable future frameworks, and therapeutic strategies.

Keyword

Stroke; Coronavirus; Neutrophil; Extracellular traps