摘要
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBO2T)useful to counteract severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)in positive asymptomatic patients?Asymptomatic persons seem to account for approximately 45%of SARS-CoV-2 infections,and they can transmit the virus to others for an extended period,perhaps longer than 14days.In patients dying from SARS-CoV-2 infection,the mean number of concomitant diseases was 3.6(median 3,standard deviation 2.1).Many of these diseases are correlated with the nitric oxide synthase genetic polymorphism and reduced nitric oxide synthesis[risk for coronary heart disease:odds ratio(95%confidence interval)=2.74(1.78-3.85)].HBO2T significantly increases the production of nitric oxide and free radicals which,in laboratory tests,inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV.HBO2T upregulates hypoxia inducible factor,which promotes the expression of human antiviral peptides:defensins and cathelicidins,both effective to block the virus.Thus,HBO2T regulates the inflammatory response.We share our pilot study conclusions as a basis for clinical trials.
