Hydrogen Sulfide: Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Implications Against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) poses a major menace to economic and public health worldwide. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are two host proteins that play an essential function in the entry of SARS-- COV-2 into host cells. Hydrogen sulfide (HS), a new gasotransmitter, has been shown to protect the lungs from potential damage through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-aging effects. It is well known that HS is crucial in controlling the inflammatory reaction and the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm. Therefore, it has been suggested that some HS donors may help treat acute lung inflammation. Furthermore, recent research illuminates a number of mechanisms of action that may explain the antiviral properties of HS. Some early clinical findings indicate a negative correlation between endogenous HS concentrations and COVID-19 intensity. Therefore, reusing HS-releasing drugs could represent a curative option for COVID-19 therapy.