%0 Journal Article
%T Calcitonin gene-related peptide: A biomarker for stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infection?
%A Ouerdane Y
%A Khlidj Y
%A Attia MS
%A Korissi R
%J Med Hypotheses
%V 162
%N 0
%D May 2022
%M 35228771
%F 4.411
%R 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110807
%X COVID-19 infection was mainly associated with respiratory symptoms, but lately, ischemic stroke (IS) has been reported in several cases. The incidence of IS in SARS-CoV-2 infection is increasing, and its mechanism is still not fully understood. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) -the abundantly expressed protein in the peripheral and central nervous system- showed low expression in SARS-CoV-2 patients. This peptide is strongly implicated in regulating cerebral blood flow (CBF) and improving neurological deficits after cerebral arterial occlusion. We assume that a possible interplay between the low circulating levels of CGRP may affect CBF, thus worsening the symptoms of IS in SARS-CoV-2 patients.