Vasoactive Peptides: Role in COVID-19 Pathogenesis and Potential Use as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

BACKGROUND: The ongoing outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), as the latest threat to global health, causes overwhelming effects for the public healthcare systems worldwide. Of note, in addition to the respiratory complications, some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) also develop serious cardiovascular injuries. Vasoactive peptides play an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. AIM: With the urgent need for exploring the specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the emerging COVID-19, the general aim of this review is to discuss the potentials of the vasoactive peptides including Angiotensin II (Ang II), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), natriuretic peptides, substance P (SP) and bradykinin (BK) as therapeutic targets and/or prognostic indicators for the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Based on various observations some authors conclude that the assessment of vasoactive peptides shall be considered a routine part of COVID-19 patient monitoring, and they can serve as potential therapeutic targets for the disease management.