Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor 1 Alpha (Hif‐1Α) Stimulated and P2x7 Receptor Activated by Covid-19, As a Potential Therapeutic Target and Risk Factor for Epilepsy Publisher Pubmed



Zalpoor H^{1, 2} ; Akbari A^{1, 2} ; Nabiafjadi M³ ; Forghaniesfidvajani R² ; Tavakol C⁴ ; Barzegar Z¹ ; Iravanpour F¹ ; Hosseini M¹ ; Mousavi SR^{1, 5} ; Farrokhi MR^{1, 5}
Source: Human Cell Published:2022

Abstract

Based on available evidence, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a neuroinvasive virus. According to the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause epilepsy. In this line, COVID-19 can stimulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and activate P2X7 receptor. Both HIF-1α and P2X7 receptors are linked to epileptogenesis and seizures. Therefore, in the current study, we suggested that COVID-19 may have a role in epileptogenesis and seizure through HIF-1α stimulation and P2X7 receptor activation. Consequently, pharmacological targeting of these factors could be a promising therapeutic approach for such patients. © 2022, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Japan Human Cell Society.