Fig 2.

Contribution of SARS-CoV-2 to neurodegeneration via its systemic effects. Occupation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) by the virus will reduce ACE-2/Angiotensin (1-7)/Mas axis activity, which acts as a neuroprotective mechanism. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-induced hypoxemia along with the sepsis-induced hyper-coagulation and the resultant tendency towards formation of local thrombosis in brain vessels will cause hypoperfusion exacerbate oxidative stress and promote neurodegeneration