The Effect of SARS-COV-2 Viruses on the Function of Different Organs, Especially the Nervous System

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has recently emerged around the world as a pandemic. The disease has various symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and fever. The disease causes failure in different organs, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, kidney, and central nervous systems. The exact pathobiology of the virus is incompletely known. In this study, by reviewing previous evidence and studies, we have reviewed the possible mechanisms and ways of contracting the central nervous system.

One way for coronavirus to enter the nervous system is through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. This receptor express in different tissues and the severity of virus infection are directly related to the amount of receptor in the tissues. Viruses can enter the brain directly through neuronal and blood circulation pathways. Common symptoms of the central nervous system during `SARS-CoV-2 infection include dizziness, headaches, weakness, decreased consciousness, and paresthesia. Encephalitis, demyelination, neuropathy, and stroke have been reported in association with SARS-CoV-2. Invasion of the medullary cardiorespiratory control center by SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to the refractory respiratory failure observed in severe COVID-19 infected patients. The neuro-invasive and neurotrophic effects of coronaviruses might be related to the entry of pro-inflammatory cytokines from the peripheral circulatory system during the cytokine storm, as well as the production of these cytokines by microglia and astrocytes.