Endocrine-disrupting pesticides and SARS-CoV-2 infection: Role of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CD147

Abstract

COVID-19 is a global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The three main receptors used by SARS-CoV-2 to bind and gain entry into human cells are ACE, TMPRSS2, and CD147. These molecular factors have crucial roles in human metabolism and homeostasis, but the upregulation of these factors causes severe diseases such as myocarditis, prostate cancer, and other endocrine-related cancers. Studies have found that once humans come into contact with SARS-CoV-2, the chances of being affected by such disorders increase; indeed, infection with the virus is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from heart attacks and pulmonary inflammation. Notably, exposure to some pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and imidacloprid, which are identified as potential endocrine disruptors, causes such disorders by interfering with hormonal signaling pathways, such as the insulinglucagon pathway and the thyroid pathway. This review focuses on the potential role of pesticides in exacerbating the comorbidities linked with SARS-CoV-2 and their effect on the molecular factors associated with SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the potential therapeutic implications of this link between SARS-CoV-2 severity and pesticides requires further clinical trials and investigations.