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Mol Cell Biochem
. 2022 Feb 11.
doi: 10.1007/s11010-022-04381-9. Online ahead of print.
The crucial role of prolactin-lactogenic hormone in Covid-19
Hayder M Al-Kuraishy 1 , Ali I Al-Gareeb 1 , Monica Butnariu 2 , Gaber El-Saber Batiha 3
Affiliations
- PMID: 35147901
- DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04381-9
Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone secreted from anterior pituitary involved in milk production in the females and regulation of sex drive in both sexes. PRL has pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions. High PRL serum level or hyperprolactinemia is associated with different viral infections. In coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which caused by positive-sense single-strand RNA virus known as severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), PRL serum level is increased. PRL in Covid-19 may exacerbate the underlying inflammatory status by induction release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, PRL through its anti-inflammatory effects may reduce the hyperinflammatory status in Covid-19. The underlying mechanism of increasing PRL in Covid-19 is poorly understood. Therefore, in this review we try to find the potential anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory role of PRL in Covid-19. As well, this review was aimed to discuss the underlying causes and mechanisms for Covid-19-induced hyperprolactinemia.
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory effects; Covid-19; Pro-inflammatory cytokines; Prolactin.