Nox2 activation in Covid-19

Nox2 is responsible for artery dysfunction via production of reactive oxidant species. RNA viruses may activate Nox2, but it is unknown if this occurs in coronavirus 2019(Covid-19). Nox2 activation by soluble Nox2-derived peptide(sNox2-dp) was measured in patients hospitalized for Covid-19 (n = 182) and controls (n = 91). sNox2-dp values were higher in Covid-19 patients versus controls and in severe versus non severe Covid-19. Patients with thrombotic events(n = 35,19%) had higher sNox2-dp than thrombotic event-free ones. A logistic regression analysis showed that sNox2 and coronary heart disease predicted thrombotic events. Oxidative stress by Nox2 activation is associated severe disease and thrombotic events in Covid-19 patients. •Nox2 is responsible for artery dysfunction via production of reactive oxidant species.•sNox2-dp values, markers of Nox2 activation, were high in Covid-19 patients and higher in those with severe disease.•A logistic regression analysis showed that sNox2 predicted thrombotic events.•Oxidative stress by Nox2 activation is associated severe disease and thrombotic events in Covid-19 patients.