The role of 5-lipoxygenase in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and its therapeutic implications

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes cytokine release syndrome (CRS), leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney and cardiac injury, liver dysfunction, and multiorgan failure. Although several studies have discussed the role of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in viral infections, such as influenzae and SARS, it remains unexplored in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. 5-LOX acts on free arachidonic acid (AA) to form proinflammatory leukotrienes (LTs). Of note, numerous cells involved with COVID-19 (e.g., inflammatory and smooth muscle cells, platelets, and vascular endothelium) widely express leukotriene receptors. Moreover, 5-LOX metabolites induce the release of cytokines (e.g., tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-1α [IL-1α], and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]) and express tissue factor on cell membranes and activate plasmin. Since macrophages, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils can express lipoxygenases, activation of 5-LOX and the subsequent release of LTs may contribute to the severity of COVID-19. This review sheds light on the potential implications of 5-LOX in SARS-CoV-2-mediated infection and the anticipated therapeutic role of 5-LOX inhibitors.

Introduction

In December 2019, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported as the third lethal coronavirus outbreak [1], following the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) [2]. In September 2020, COVID-19 affected 216 countries [3], areas or regions with almost 29 million confirmed cases and about 922,000 deaths [4]. Characterised by crown-like glycoprotein spikes on their surface, coronaviruses belong to the family Coronaviridae [5] in the order of Nidovirales [6]. SARS-CoV-2 is a single, positive-stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus that causes cytokine release syndrome (CRS), leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney injury (AKI), acute cardiac disorders, and liver dysfunction [7, 8]. The current treatment of COVID-19 is mainly supportive; thus, there is a pressing need to find effective interventions [6]. In SARS-CoV-2-mediated ARDS, agents such as 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibitors may reduce the virus-induced direct cytopathic effects, by immediate action on critical immune cells and mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which is associated with the inflammatory CRS in COVID-19 [7, 9]. Interestingly, 5-LOX inhibitors have cardiovascular (CV), neuronal, gastrointestinal (GI), kidney, cerebral, and vascular protective properties [10, 11]. Recent reports have demonstrated that COVID-19 has affected such organs [12]. During the CRS in coronaviruses, higher levels of circulating tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-1 (Interleukin 1), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, interferon γ [IFN-γ], and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), contribute to immune cell infiltration and multiorgan dysfunction [13–17]. SARS-CoV-2 is more contagious and is more likely to impact patients with comorbidities [18–20]. The earlier phase of both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infections is commonly associated with acute lung injury (ALI) and the later stage is characterised by diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with acute pneumoniae [16]. Herein, we hypothesise that using 5-LOX inhibitors in COVID-19 may help prevent the progression of the disease.

Clinical manifestations and stages of COVID-19

COVID-19 comprises 2 overlapping pathological subsets: the SARS-CoV-2 triggers the first subset, while the host response initiates the second one [21]. The following systematic model proposes the 3 distinct stages of COVID-19, which might enable appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Stage 1: early stage of infection

This stage involves an incubation period with mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, dry cough, eating disorder (i.e., anorexia), muscle pain, and sputum production, with less common symptoms (e.g., headache and rhinorrhoea). Approximately 81% of the cases are mild or asymptomatic [22]. In this phase, the SARS-COV-2 viral infection targets the lung with limited involvement of inborn immune mechanisms (i.e., innate immunity) [23]. More than 80% of non-survivors and critically-ill COVID-19 patients had an onset of progressive lymphopaenia or reduced lymphocyte blood count [24, 25]. A higher number of blood neutrophils (also called neutrophilia) contributes to the initiation and progression of pulmonary inflammation in later stages. In relation to SARS-COV-2, Blanco-Miguez et al., have identified 9 potential proinflammatory inducing peptides (PIPS) that may be linked to an increase in host inflammation [26]. Neutrophil elastase (NE) (i.e., a cellular trap component) acts on these PIPS and showed homology against T-cell (T lymphocyte) epitopes only, suggesting that the underlying mechanism behind the viral proinflammatory response was T cell-related [27]. Furthermore, the enzymatic cleavage on the spike glycoproteins, the second most abundantly expressed transcript of the virus, produces 78% of these PIPS [28].

In response to SARS-CoV-2, neutrophils release inflammatory peptides, suggesting their association with the pulmonary strike [26]. Neutrophils accumulate early at the site of inflammation followed by a sustained population of monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors mediate the SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology in the lungs, heart, and kidneys [24, 29]. At this stage, the human body needs the adaptive immune response to halt the progression and limit the viral actions [21, 30]. Migration of neutrophils and activation of T-cell maintain immune homeostasis and prevent the hyper inflammatory responses [31]. Therefore, this article aims at examining early therapeutic intervention by mitigating the overactivated host inflammatory response to attenuate disease severity and prevent progression.

Stage 2: the pulmonary stage (moderate-to-severe)

During this stage, the host intrinsic immune system triggers a vigorous response upon the SARS-CoV-2 infection [23]. SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates the lung parenchyma and proliferate where patients develop viral pneumoniae with or without hypoxia [21, 24]. Here, the disease can progress from moderate-to-severe illness, with dyspnoea and a respiratory rate of > 22/min and SPO₂ < 94% to > 24/min and SPO₂ < 92% on room air. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed bilateral infiltrates or ground-glass opacities 5–8 days at the onset of symptoms [24]. The host inflammatory response is activated with a declining viral load that postulates pulmonary involvement, leading to vasodilation, endothelial permeability, recruitment of leukocytes, hypoxaemia, and CV stress [24].

Severe COVID-19 causes 50% of lung involvement, and histopathological data suggest pulmonary alveolar oedema, inducing laboured breathing and hyperplasia of pneumocytes [32]. Additionally, intestinal expression of ACE2 causes GI symptoms, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and nausea. Cutaneous manifestations include vestibular eruptions on the trunk, acral erythema but with a mild disease course; in severe stages, livedo, necrosis, and acral ischaemia are associated with elevated D-dimer [33]. Mild symptoms of the central nervous system (CNS) include confusion and dizziness, while severe impairments comprise ataxia that is associated with encephalitis, skeletal muscle injury, and epilepsy, through ACE2 expression. This occurs by affecting the brainstem pathway and potential for transneural viral transmission [34]. In this review, the proposed inhibitor might alleviate neuroinflammatory disorders [35].

Stage 3: systemic hyper inflammation stage

In a small denomination of patients, pulmonary immunopathogenesis is exacerbated, and the host inflammatory response multiplies, leading to systemic hyper inflammation [24]. This exaggerated systemic inflammation can injure organs, especially those that have high ACE2 expressions on the intestine and kidneys. The damaged cells induce extreme inflammation in the lungs primarily mediated by the proinflammatory macrophages and granulocytes [30]. Tissue destruction leading to pulmonary systemic hyper inflammation is the leading cause of fatal respiratory disorders , requiring mechanical ventilation [21]. This advanced stage of acute illness is characterised by multiorgan failure and elevation of critical inflammatory biomarkers, procalcitonin, and D-dimer, whose elevation with lymphopaenia shows deteriorated consequence [24]. Elevated troponin-I and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are related to acute cardiac injury [36]. Non-survivors exhibit most of these biomarkers, including intravascular coagulation [22]. There is an overall reduced outcome with compromised immunity and comorbidities [24]. Vasoplegia, shock, and cardiopulmonary collapse manifest [21]. Highly elevated reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin levels, coagulopathy, AKI and abnormal liver function is evidence of macrophage activation syndrome kind of immunopathology, associated with type I interferon (IFN-1) responses and T cells hyperactivation [22, 37, 38]. Poor survival is noted in patients with elevated plasma levels of IL-6 is a critical biomarker that requires further investigations . Studies have shown that timing of anti-IL-6 has demonstrated an impact on tissue remodelling [22]. Albeit the risk of reactivating other respiratory infections and elevated liver enzymes, tociluzumab is currently being used. In this phase, judicial use of corticosteroids is made, while the consensus is to avoid them at early stages due to delayed viral clearance [21]. This review suggests that early mitigation of key mediators may cease progression towards multiorgan failure.

Role of 5-LOX in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Respiratory symptoms are the most common manifestations of SARS-COV-2 infection [38, 39]. The virus infects alveolar macrophages and the respiratory epithelium via ACE2 receptors, which are highly expressed in the lungs, heart, vascular endothelium, and gastrointestinal tract [39, 40]. Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRS22)—a serine protease inhibitor found on various cells, especially the small intestine—has also been implicated in aiding viral entry [41, 42]. Current evidence suggests that macrophages play a vital role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. SARS-COV-2 NP⁺ CD 169⁺ macrophages found in secondary lymphoid organs of COVID-19 patients suggests either direct uptake of the virus or virus-infected cells by the macrophages [38, 43]. Dysregulated iron metabolism in acute inflammation might contribute to 5-LOX-mediated activation of macrophages [43]. Cytolysis of infected cells triggers local inflammatory pathways, activating phospholipase A2 and releasing bioactive lipids [44].

The 5-LOX enzyme in association with the nuclear membrane 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) acts on free arachidonic acid (AA) and leads to the formation of proinflammatory leukotrienes (LT). LTB4 is a potent monocyte-macrophage and neutrophil chemoattractant, and is involved in T-cell migration and enhances dendritic cell activity and promotes their migration draining lymph nodes. It also increases the production of TNF-α and acts synergistically with IL-4 to activate B-cells (B lymphocyte). LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 induce tissue oedema, mucus secretion, and bronchoconstriction. LTA4 precursor is a potent eosinophil chemoattractant and induces neutrophil and monocyte migration and activation. 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) , an intermediate in the 5-LOX pathway, is a weak activator of neutrophils and eosinophils . LT receptors are widely distributed on inflammatory cells, smooth muscle cells, platelets, and vascular endothelium [9, 45–54].

Although 5-LOX is mainly expressed in myeloid cells like monocyte-macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils and mast cells, synthesis of LT can occur in cells other than leucocytes, such as bronchial epithelial cells and fibroblasts. Receptors of LTB4 type 1 (BLT1) and type 2 (BLT2) are mainly expressed in leukocytes and spleen, respectively [49]. Receptors of LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 (CysLTs) are shown in various cells like interstitial macrophages and respiratory epithelium. The expression of some of these enzymes and receptors involved in the synthesis of LT increases during acute inflammation [9, 47]. Fang et al., suggested a close association between the expression of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and biosynthesis of LT in activated murine macrophages [46]. TLRs play an essential role in the activation of immune cells in response to an invading pathogen [50]. Moreover, Behrens et al., suggested that sustained TLR stimulation might lead to macrophage activation-like syndrome in mice models[51]. In addition, Wang et al., showed that LTB4 increased macrophage expression of inflammatory microRNAs via its action on the BLT1 receptor in murine models [55].

Activation of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway has an essential role in the development of inflammation. COX–1/COX–2 pathways lead to the formation of prostaglandins (PG) like PGE2 and PGI2 (prostacyclin). Metabolites of the COX pathway are involved in various aspects of inflammation, including cytokine release, migration of leukocyte , increased vascular permeability, and fever. Thromboxane causes smooth muscle contraction and platelet aggregation. PGE2 increases the production of IL-6 by leukocytes and might be involved in viral pathogenesis [47].

In a subset of patients, rapid viral replication induces cell death and release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) , such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nucleic acids, and ASC oligomers. This triggers the activation of inflammasome and pyroptosis, leading to the recruitment of even more inflammatory cells [41, 56, 57]. The virus suppresses the release of  IFN-1 in the early stages of infection by various mechanisms, hindering viral clearance by T-cells [57]. IFN-γ is released after an initial delay and binds to IFN receptors on macrophages in the late phase of inflammation, recruiting more macrophages and releasing large amounts of proinflammatory cytokines [38, 39, 58]. The cytokine storm in COVID-19 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 1.

An illustration of the cytokine storm in COVID-19 [38, 41, 56, 70, 114, 115]

Fig. 2.

A proposed model for the role of 5-LOX enzyme in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 [48, 93, 116, 117]

Although the exact mechanism that SARS-CoV-2 employs to trigger the cytokine storm remains unknown, current preliminary reports and postmortem evidence suggest  the widespread immune activation and the presence of high levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, and TNF; chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CXCL10, and soluble IL-2 receptor [38].

A similar cytokine profile can also be observed in sepsis due to other infections. Namely, SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers an immune dysregulation in a subset of patients, which forms the crux of the cytokine surge, as previously observed in SARS and MERS infections. Similarly, SARS-CoV-2 can also cause a cytokine surge [30, 59].

Intermediates of the LT and PG pathways (e.g., PGH2 and LTA4) undergo a complex mechanism of transcellular biosynthesis. This might provide an insight about how local inflammation expands into systemic involvement [47, 48, 60].

Regulation of 5-LOX is complex, since  studies suggest that PGE2, IL-4, and IL-13 decrease the expression of 5-LOX in monocytes, in contrast to both IL-1 and IFNγ- [48]. A study conducted on human synovial fibroblasts and mice models suggested that 5-LOX is involved in TNF-α-induced cytokine release and that 5-LOX inhibitors inhibit the translocation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-B) subunits p50 and p65 into the nucleus and decreased TNF-α-induced IL-6 and MCP-1 release [9]. Generation of  TNF-α in the lungs is enhanced by LTB4 [47].

Bioactive lipids and their metabolites have been shown to promote virus propagation in other Ccoronaviruses. A study done using human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and UPLC–MS indicates that the linoleic acid (LA)-AA axis and their metabolites could be vital for understanding the pathophysiology of SARS-COV-2 [52, 61].

Several studies have documented lymphopaenia, thrombocytopaenia, increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a temporary increase in inflammatory indices likelactate dehydrogenase (LDH) , CRP , ferritin-dimers, and coagulation abnormalities, to be more marked in severe COVID-19 patients as compared to milder cases. Levels of proinflammatory IL-6 significantly increased in critically-ill COVID-19 patients, suggesting the possible role of hyper inflammation in the development of the other cellular abnormalities [38, 39].

Global T-cell lymphopaenia mainly involving CD8⁺ T cells was observed in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection . Currently, there is no evidence to suggest the direct invasion of T-cells by SARS-CoV-2. T-cell lymphopaenia may occur due to local recruitment, thereby reducing their levels in the systemic circulation [38]. Sustained high levels of inflammatory mediators might also play a role in depletion of lymphocytes [38, 39].

Upregulation of exhaustion markers such as natural killer G2 receptor  (NKG2A) on CD8⁺ T and NK cells was observed in COVID-19 patients. This could indicate immune exhaustion due to severe sustained immune activation [25].

Weide et al., suggested that plasmin from the intrinsic coagulation pathway might be liable to stimulation of 5-LOX in humans [62]. Damage to vascular endothelial cells and activation of coagulation cascade by inflammatory mediators or direct cell damage by SARS-CoV-2 can lead to  disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), such as intravascular coagulation observed in sepsis. Platelets play an essential proinflammatory role where platelet-neutrophil aggregates are involved in the pathogenesis of ALI and sepsis [63]. The interactions between inflammation and coagulation might inflate the body's immune response manifold and contribute to the increase in disease severity [25, 64–66].

Complement activation has been established as a cause of ARDS due to other diseases, but whether it is involved in the development of ARDS in COVID-19 is yet unclear [25, 67, 68]. Complements C3a and C5a activate the proinflammatory LOX pathway and may have a synergistic role in the development of eicosanoid surge and ARDS [69]. Recently, Risitano et al., showed widespread complement activation in lung biopsy from severe COVID-19 patients [67]. Several cells and metabolites of the inflammatory cascade can cleave C3 and C5, where C5a favours the pathway, leading to further recruitment of inflammatory cells and mediators [62]. Additionally, the sustained severe inflammation observed in cytokine storms prevents the body's immune resolution mechanisms, including resolvins and lipoxins from kicking in. Individuals who are deficient in lipoxins are more susceptible to develop severe pneumoniae due to other infections [57, 70].

The infiltrating inflammatory cells release reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a bid to clear the infection, leading to the production of oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs), which accumulate locally in the lungs. Furthermore, OxPLs lead to the recruitment of activated macrophages and release of TNF-α and IL-1β [45]. OxPLs were detected in the lungs of SARS-CoV patients, suggesting a similar mechanism to involve ALI in SARS-CoV-2 [38]. Destruction of alveolar macrophages by SARS-COV-2 leads to a pattern of lung injury observed in secondary alveolar proteinosis, accumulating fluid in alveolar spaces and worsening hypoxia [71]. In addition, innate and adaptive immune mechanisms eventually activate the humoural immune response. B-cells are activated through antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as macrophages and dendritic cells along with PGs and LTs that possibly induce the production of non-neutralising antibodies. An increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titer was associated with poor outcomes in SARS-CoV-2, facilitating the antibody-dependent viral entry into the cells, thereby accentuating viral damage. [25, 41]. Although the most commonly involved organ system is the respiratory system, involvement of the heart and kidneys have been reported in severe COVID-19 patients as well, but the exact mechanism is not yet well understood [20, 72]. Collin et al., suggested that metabolites of 5-LOX might play an essential role in the development of multiple organ dysfunction by increasing the expression of adhesion molecules CD11b/CD18 in murine models [73]. Microvascular thrombosis also contributes to organ injury and decline in organ functions [66].

Residual lung fibrosis  has been one of the most severe sequelae observed in survivors of SARS-CoV infection [74, 75]. Although evidence of long-term sequelae in COVID-19 is unavailable till present, given the close similarities between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, such sequelae might also be observed in survivors of severe SARS-CoV-2. Mechanical ventilation contributes to the development of lung fibrosis. Virus-induced hyper inflammatory reaction-mediated activation of growth receptors and proliferation of fibroblasts might be implicated in lung fibrosis and other organs observed in survivors of SARS-CoV [9, 38, 74]. The LOX pathway might play a role in pulmonary fibrosis by direct or indirect activation of inflammation [72, 76].

Genetic variations in the host could also be responsible for the increased susceptibility and severity in specific individuals as compared to others, where a similar process was observed in SARS-CoV [77]. Based on the current treatment modalities employed in management of COVID-19, reducing viral loads using antivirals alone does not seem to prevent the worsening of disease severity and reduce mortality in severe COVID-19 cases. There are complex interconnections between the various pathways of inflammation, which are not completely understood [7, 78, 79]. It might be pertinent to consider the vital importance of 5-LOX and the LT pathway in this regard [80, 81]. McCarthy et al., demonstrated that using celecoxib, neuraminidase inhibitor, and aminosalicylate reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and the mortality rate on H₅N₁ infected mice [47]. There are strong reasons to consider that 5-LOX and metabolites of the LT pathway play an essential role in the extension of inflammation from local to systemic pathways. Moreover, it is reasonable to believe that disease progression, the development of systemic inflammation, and the involvement of organs such as the heart and kidneys, follow temporal progress [70]. Given this, we hypothesise that 5-LOX inhibitors could be used as as an adjuvant to the antiviral treatment as a novel combination in the management of COVID-19 [82]. Introducing such a regimen early in the disease course has the potential to prevent disease progression from mild-to-severe stage, avoid the development of CRS and multiorgan damage, long-term sequelae (e.g., lung fibrosis), and reduce both the need for mechanical ventilation and mortality in severe COVID-19 patients [76, 82].

5-LOX and their roles in viral diseases

Leukotrienes are lipid mediators that have a pivotal role in homeostasis and self-defence of the body [83]. Proinflammatory LT and antiinflammatory lipoxins are produced via the LOX pathway. They can be derived from AA, or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with AA being the preferred substrate [84, 85]. Several enzymes mediate the LOX pathway, including 5-LOX, 12-LOX, 12/15-LOX, 15-LOX type 2, 12(R)-LOX, and the epidermal LOX, where each number refers to the oxygen insertion position on AA [86].

Inflammatory signs associated with the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of infection are linked to the chemotactic effects of dihydroxy LTB4, which is a powerful stimulant of chemotaxis on several inflammatory cells, including T-cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells [87]. Similarly, the sulfidopeptide LTC4 and LTE4 contribute to the inflammatory response by producing bronchoconstriction, smooth muscle contraction, and increased permeability of postcapillary venules, leading to airway oedema and enhanced secretion of viscous mucus [86, 88]. 5-LOX enzymes are involved in the rise and resolution of some inflammatory conditions because they have an essential role in the production of the specialised proresolving lipid mediators and proinflammatory LT [84].

The role of 5-LOX enzymes in the pathogenesis of several infections as well as allergic reactions is well established. For example, levels of 5-LOX and LTA4H in the airway are higher in patients with asthma than in those without asthma, with 5-LOX being the most potent LT to trigger the proinflammatory cascade. Moreover, the inhibition of 5-LOX might suppress the production of LTB4 [83]. Recently, 5-LOX inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of asthma [89]. Similarly, Shirey et al., concluded that targeting the 5-LOX pathway could hold possible therapeutic benefits against respiratory viral infections [88]. Importantly, LOX enzymes are involved in different phases of influenzae viral infection. Different levels of 5-LOX and 12/15-LOX were required in the pathogenic and resolution period, respectively. Clinically, disease severity and immune response were due to the increase in the 5-LOX-derived metabolites and the reduction of 12/15-LOX metabolites [81]. Furthermore, patients with influenzae infections exhibited higher levels of lipid mediators from the LOX pathway with elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines [81], suggesting that their levels are interrelated. Ebola virus has shown that levels of LOX enzymes rise within one hour, highlighting their role in the initial immune response [90].

The role of 5-LOX enzymes  in the pathogenesis of lung injuries is unclear. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis show an increase in lung LTB4 and LTC4 levels, suggesting the constitutive activation of this pathway [91]. Coronavirus species has illustrated the vital activity of LOX enzyme as well as the downstream metabolites of AA via the LOX pathway in humans [52]. An increase in LTB4 is responsible for the increased neutrophil migration via chemotaxis to the lungs in SARS-CoV infections [92].

LTs are known to fuel local inflammation in various diseases. Targeted antiinflammatory drugs, especially 5-LOX inhibitors, may prove as crucial as antiviral drugs to modulate severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. The power of 5-LOX inhibitors in COVID-19 merits further investigations.s

5-LOX inhibitors

Arachidonic acid is the primary precursor of LTs that act as crucial promoters for cytokine release [93]. 5-LOX inhibitors limit the production of LTs, affecting the production of proinflammatory cytokines and their deleterious effects as well [94]. Recent studies (not peer-reviewed), directly link the action of 5-LOX in the lung tissue from COVID-19 deceased patients [95]. There is a growing body of evidence concerning the role of 5-LOX in COVID-19, which has been reported through this review. Presently, 5-LOX inhibitors have been widely explored as a treatment for several diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and asthma, but not as a possible treatment for the hyper inflammatory states of COVID-19 [96].   5-LOX inhibitors may be beneficial to halt the inflammatory cascade in its initial stages and prevent the progression to severe stages. We suggest that introducing 5-LOX inhibitors at the onset of the moderate stage of COVID-19, as illustrated by the CDC and the pulmonologists' international guidelines for the identification of phases of COVID-19, can reduce disease severity, prevent progression from moderate-to-severe and critical stages of COVID-19, and prevent the need for complex interventions. Subsequently,  this would reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, expensive and difficult to obtain drugs, and the mortality rate in COVID-19 patients.

Zileuton

Zileuton—the only 5-LOX inhibitor approved by the FDA—was initially developed for asthma patients [94, 97]. It acts by chelating the active site of an iron component in the 5-LOX enzyme [97]. Zileuton showed promising results as a potential treatment for sepsis and other cytokine-associated conditions by reducing multiple organ injury and dysfunction in mice. Moreover, it reduced leukocyte infiltration into the lungs, one of the critical characteristics of COVID-19 [73, 98]. Recent studies suggest that zileuton is not only a mild 5-LOX inhibitor in humans, but also causes hepatotoxicity, has troublesome dosing regimen, and has inappropriate pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) profile [73, 96, 97, 99, 100].

PF-4191834

PF-4191834—primarily designed for pain and rheumatoid arthritis—is a novel non-redox selective 5-LOX potent inhibitor with a more adequate response in humans than that of zileuton. Studies demonstrated that PF-4191834 has the potential to provide all the benefits inhibiting 5-LOX in humans, making it a promising agent for COVID-19 [94, 96, 97]. Due to its low activity on COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, it has shown little impact on pain management [95–97]. According to AdisInsight, Pfizer initiated phase II trials for patients with knee osteoarthritis; however, the study was terminated due to the potential risk–benefit of PF-4191834 that missed its primary target. It is imperative to reevaluate the risk assessment profile to be able to use PF-4191834 for the treatment of COVID-19 patient.

Firazyr^® (Icatibant)

Licensed in 37 countries, icatibant—a first-in-class highly selective competitive antagonist of bradykinin B₂ receptor—is indicated for the treatment of acute hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in adults and is resistant to degradation by bradykinin-cleaving enzymes [101–103]. COVID-19 binds to ACE2 to enter the host cells whose one of their activities is to hydrolyse the active bradykinin metabolite [des-Arg973] BK (DABK). Reducing the expression of ACE2 by the virus impairs the inactivation of DABK. This enhances its signalling through the bradykinin B₁ receptor (BKB1R) that is highly inducible by inflammation, leading to fluid leakage and leukocyte recruitment to the lung. High levels of inflammatory mediators through the activation of the BK system may increase the risk of capillary permeability, ARDS, and multiple organ failure [104]. Inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-4, -6, -8 and -13 via intracellular NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal to induce the expression of bradykinin [105]. Selective BKB1R blocker could be a promising agent to prevent tissue inflammation and ARDS in COVID-19 [104, 106]. Icatibant has not been used in the control of the CRS in COVID-19 [107]. Administration of BKB1R antagonists in experimental models of sepsis has prevented haemodynamic derangement and attenuated the risk of multiorgan failure [104]. Blocking the production of bradykinin receptors may open a new potential therapeutic window for the treatment of COVID-19-induced ARDS, particularly before patients enter the irrevocable stages.

5-LOX inhibitors under development

BRP-187 has shown to be a potent inhibitor of LT biosynthesis in-vitro and in-vivo, by blocking 5-LOX/FLAP complex assembly in activated human monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and an inhibitor of the microsomal PGE2 synthase 1 [108, 109]. AM803 (currently known as GSK2190915) is a FLAP inhibitor that potently inhibits the formation of LTB4 and is currently under investigation in clinical trials [108].

The molecular structure of LOX and the complex nature of the involvement of LT in the initiation and resolution of inflammation, have not been yet clearly understood. This could be one of the reasons that several LOX inhibitors are not approved for clinical use [109]. Combination of 5-LOX/LT inhibitors that can act on upstream or downstream mediators of the inflammatory pathways, can be used as an effective treatment option to abort acute inflammation in various diseases [110].

Conclusions and recommendations

Understanding the role of 5-LOX enzymes in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 enables clinical researchers to develop novel and more effective therapeutic strategies. Current treatment modalities employed in management of COVID-19 aim at reducing viral loads [111], or simultaneously targeting 1 or 2 proinflammatory metabolites. For example, tocilizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-6 receptor . On the contrary, 5-LOX inhibitors act on the initial steps of inflammation;therefore, preventing the expression of multiple proinflammatory metabolites, such as ILs, TNF, and LTs. It is noteworthy to mention that 5-LOX enzymes are involved in numerous processes that intertwine to foment the hyper inflammatory states in SARS-CoV-2 infection, contributing to lung fibrosis, multiorgan failure, and ultimately death. More importantly, such inhibitory strategies should be adopted in parallel with maintaining an adequate inflammatory response for SARS-CoV-2 eradication. In-vitro and in-vivo mouse models should be carried out to test the efficacy of 5-LOX inhibitors, have an in-depth understanding of the role of 5-LOX enzymes and if there are possible crosstalk with other inflammatory pathways in COVID-19. This review has also shed light on potential 5-LOX inhibitors that have been developed in recent years, which might be the silver bullet against the deleterious effects of the hyper inflammatory states in COVID-19.

PGs, 5-LOX, LTs, and thromboxanes have proinflammatory actions but they are not the only molecules involved in the inflammatory cascade. The AA cascade and related metabolites show critical response in SARS-CoV-2-mediated pathophysiology and poor patient outcomes, including multiorgan failure and deaths. In addition to the inhibition of 5-LOX, we should direct our attention to further test the proinflammatory actions of other AA-related metabolites in COVID-19 (e.g., LTs, PGs, and thromboxanes). We should also investigate the potential antiinflammatory actions of derivatives of unsaturated fatty acids, including resolvins, lipoxins, maresins, and protectins, to augment the macrophage phagocytic capacity and to counteract the SARS-CoV-2-mediated cytokine release and reduce the viral load [112, 113].

Abbreviations

ACE2

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2

AKI

Acute Kidney Injury

NP+ 

Nucleoprotein Positive

FLAP

5-Lipoxygenase Activating Protein

5-LOX/ LO

5-Lipoxygenase

COX

Cyclooxygenase

LT

Leukotriene

UPLC-MS

Ultra-high-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

OxPL

Oxidized Phospholipid

ALI

Acute Lung Injury

PGs

Prostaglandins

Ig

Immunoglobulin

ADE

Antibody-Dependent Enhancement

DAMPs

Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns

IFN

Interferon

IL

Interleukin

TNF

Tumour Necrosis Factor

NOS

Nitric Oxide Synthase

SARS

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

MERS

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

CoV

Coronavirus

ARDS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

AKI

Acute Kidney Injury

CCL

Chemokine

AA

Arachidonic Acid

LA

Linoleic Acid

APCs

Antigen Presenting Cells

Author contributions

NCAS, NR, ZF, and MMA conceived the review, developed the preliminary search strategy, and drafted the manuscript. Rest of the authors refined the search strategy by conducting iterative database queries and incorporating new search terms; searched and collected the articles. RS, AJRM and KD conducted the quality assessment. All authors critically reviewed the manuscript for relevant intellectual content. All authors have read and approved the final version of the paper.

Funding

CEMIC Mental Health Clinic, Cabrero Calle Real #42–62, Cartagena, Colombia 13003.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Declarations

Conflict of interest

All authors report no potential conflicts.

Ethical approval

Approval was not required.