The effects of prolactin on the immune system, its relationship with the severity of COVID-19, and its potential immunomodulatory therapeutic effect.
PMID 37320963 | PMCID PMC10247151 | DOI 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156253 · Cytokine · 2023
Prolactin (PRL) is an endocrine hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that has a variety of physiological effects, including milk production, immune system regulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Elevated levels of PRL have been found in several viral infections, including 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), a viral pathogen that has recently spread worldwide. PRL production is increased in SARS-CoV2 infection. While PRL can trigger the production of proinflammatory cytokines, it also has several anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce hyperinflammation. The exact mechanism of PRL's contribution to the severity of COVID-19 is unknown. The purpose of this review is to discuss the interaction between PRL and SARS-CoV2 infection and its possible association with the severity of COVID-19.
Validated evidence
| Type | Entity | Source evidence | Confidence | Extractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| phenotype | COVID-19 | “The effects of prolactin on the immune system, its relationship with the severity of COVID-19, and its potential immunomodulatory therapeutic effect.” | 0.98 | phenotype_alias_lexicon_v2 |
| phenotype | SARS | “Elevated levels of PRL have been found in several viral infections, including 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), a viral pathogen that has recently spread worldwide.” | 0.93 | phenotype_alias_lexicon_v2 |