The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought a great threat to global public health. Currently, mounting evidence has shown the occurrence of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19. However, the detailed mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 attacks the brain is not well characterized. Recent investigations have revealed that a cytokine storm contributes to brain inflammation and subsequently triggers neurological manifestations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Targeting brain inflammation may provide significant clues to the treatment of neurologic complications caused by SARS-CoV-2. Vascular growth factor (VEGF), which is widely distributed in the brain, probably plays a crucial role in brain inflammation via facilitating the recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating the level of angiopoietins II (Ang II). Also, Ang II is considered as the products of SARS-CoV-2-attacking target, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Further investigation of the therapeutic potential and the underlying mechanisms of VEGF-targeted drugs on the neurological signs of COVID-19 are warranted. In any case, VEGF is deemed a promising therapeutic target in suppressing inflammation during SARS-CoV-2 infection with neurological symptoms.

中文翻译：

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血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）作为COVID-19爆发期间脑部炎症的重要靶标。

冠状病毒疾病19（COVID-19）大流行对全球公共卫生构成了巨大威胁。目前，越来越多的证据表明COVID-19患者发生神经系统症状。但是，SARS-CoV-2攻击大脑的详细机制尚不十分清楚。最近的研究表明，细胞因子风暴可导致脑部炎症，并随后在COVID-19爆发期间触发神经系统表现。靶向脑部炎症可能为治疗由SARS-CoV-2引起的神经系统并发症提供重要线索。在大脑中广泛分布的血管生长因子（VEGF）可能通过促进炎症细胞的募集和调节血管生成素II（Ang II）的水平在脑部炎症中起关键作用。也，Ang II被认为是SARS-CoV-2攻击靶标，血管紧张素转化酶2（ACE2）的产物。有必要进一步研究针对VEGF的药物对COVID-19神经症状的治疗潜力和潜在机制。无论如何，VEGF被认为是抑制具有神经系统症状的SARS-CoV-2感染期间炎症的有希望的治疗靶标。