Photosynthetically Controlled Spirulina, but Not Solar Spirulina, Inhibits TNF-α Secretion: Potential Implications for COVID-19-Related Cytokine Storm Therapy.
Mar Biotechnol (NY)
; 23(1): 149-155, 2021 Feb.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1074429
ABSTRACT
An array of infections, including the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), trigger macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and subsequently hypercytokinemia, commonly referred to as a cytokine storm (CS). It is postulated that CS is mainly responsible for critical COVID-19 cases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recognizing the therapeutic potential of Spirulina blue-green algae (Arthrospira platensis), in this in vitro stimulation study, LPS-activated macrophages and monocytes were treated with aqueous extracts of Spirulina, cultivated in either natural or controlled light conditions. We report that an extract of photosynthetically controlled Spirulina (LED Spirulina), at a concentration of 0.1 µg/mL, decreases macrophage and monocyte-induced TNF-α secretion levels by over 70% and 40%, respectively. We propose prompt in vivo studies in animal models and human subjects to determine the putative effectiveness of a natural, algae-based treatment for viral CS and ARDS, and explore the potential of a novel anti-TNF-α therapy.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Monocytes
/
Cell Extracts
/
Cytokine Release Syndrome
/
COVID-19
/
Macrophages
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Mar Biotechnol (NY)
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Biotechnology
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S10126-021-10020-z
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