Hatter Cardiovascular Institute Publishes Its First COVID-19 Research Paper

We are pleased to announce the first publication, specific to COVID-19 research by the team at the Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, has now been published. The invited paper entitled “The cytokine storm of COVID-19: a spotlight on prevention and protection” was authored by Dr Lucie Pearce, Prof Sean Davidson and Prof Derek Yellon and published in the recent issue of the journal Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets. (read paper here)

In the paper, the authors discuss how the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) of COVID-19 is associated with the development of critical illness requiring multi-organ support. They highlight the need for further research into how best to halt progression of multi-organ injury induced by hyper-inflammation, which leads to endothelial activation and circulatory collapse. They propose that as Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) reduces the inflammation of sepsis in animal models, this modality should be considered as a low risk intervention, in combination with cardiovascular protection to address CRS of COVID-19.

The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute is currently undertaking a multi-site study to evaluate the benefits of RIC upon early diagnosis of COVID-19 and through its activation of survival pathways, prevent patients from deteriorating to critical care. We are actively working with colleagues in Brazil and South Africa to expand the research programme and better understand the application to populations worldwide.