The present invention relates to the field of medical technology. Mechanistic studies have found that the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein activates an Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway by means of binding to ACE2 receptors of intestinal epithelial cells, thereby promoting the secretion of VEGF by intestinal epithelial cells. However, the pathway is not altered in endothelial cells. An ERK or VEGF blocker can remedy Spike protein-enhanced vascular permeability and alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms in mice. The results indicate that in gastrointestinal tracts, especially in duodenum in which ACE2 is highly expressed, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can directly bind to ACE2 in the intestinal epithelial cells, activate a downstream ERK/VEGF signal pathway, and induce an increase in vascular permeability, thereby leading to inflammation-related gastrointestinal symptoms. The present study provides an explanatory mechanism and a treatment strategy for gastrointestinal symptoms in patients having COVID-19.
MECHANISM BASED ON GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY SARS-COV-2 AND APPLICATION THEREFOR