Therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 based on its pathophysiological mechanisms

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began in Wuhan, China in early December 2019, which dominated by pneumonia. As of March 11, 2020, the overall confirmed cases in China had reached 80 955. Part of them became seriously ill, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, and was associated with ICU admission and high mortality. Therefore, how to prevent the patients from becoming serious is a key point in the treatment and control of COVID-19. This review provides an overview of pathophysiology of cytokine storm which was associated with COVID-19 severity, and proposes that anti-inflammation, antioxidation and oxygen-therapy at the early stage of disease are better therapeutic option to save COVID-19 patients.