TLDR Spironolactone may help reduce COVID-19 severity in men by blocking harmful effects of certain hormones.
The study examined the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 on endothelial cells, revealing that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) worsened endothelial injury and inflammation, as indicated by increased markers like VCAM-1 and E-selectin. Spironolactone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, effectively reduced these effects, suggesting its potential as a treatment for COVID-19-related vascular damage. The research highlighted sex differences, with men showing higher levels of endothelial injury markers, possibly due to androgen signaling. The study involved 242 patients, providing a substantial sample size to support these findings and the potential therapeutic role of spironolactone in COVID-19.
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