The Human Coronavirus Disease COVID-19: Its Origin, Characteristics, and Insights into Potential Drugs and Its Mechanisms

The emerging coronavirus disease (COVID-19) swept across the world, affecting more than 200 countries and territories. Genomic analysis suggests that the COVID-19 virus originated in bats and transmitted to humans through unknown intermediate hosts in the Wuhan seafood market, China, in December of 2019. This virus belongs to the Betacoronavirus group, the same group of the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and for the similarity, it was named SARS-CoV-2. Given the lack of registered clinical therapies or vaccines, many physicians and scientists are investigating previously used clinical drugs for COVID-19 treatment. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the CoVs origin, pathogenicity, and genomic structure, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2. Besides, we summarize the recently investigated drugs that constitute an option for COVID-19 treatment.

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer: Latest Evidence and Future Steps

Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) plays a vital role in calcium homeostasis, skeletal metabolism, and immune, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems' functions. The worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is approximately 1 billion. Vitamin D deficiency is a serious health problem with numerous health consequences; it is associated with diabetes, rheumatic arthritis, Parkinson, Alzheimer diseases, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and fractures in adults and cancers. Many reports showed an inverse association between serum vitamin D concentration and incidence of several cancers, including breast, colorectal, kidney, lung, and pancreatic. About 20 different cancers have incidence rates inversely related to solar UV-B doses and serum vitamin D concentration. Considering the rising incidence of breast cancer and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, this review aimed to reflect an association between serum vitamin D concentration and breast cancer risk, reveal the link between vitamin D receptor genetic polymorphisms and breast cancer risk, and review the relationship between vitamin D level, breast cancer risk, and prognostic factors such as tumor stage, grade, size, lymph node involvement, and hormone receptor status.

Association between circulating vitamin D, the Taq1 vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk among Jordanians

BACKGROUND

The physiological role of vitamin D extends beyond bone health and calcium-phosphate homeostasis to effects on cancer risk, mainly for colorectal cancer. Vitamin D may have an anticancer effect in colorectal cancer mediated by binding of the active form 1,25(OH)2D to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The Taq1 VDR gene polymorphism, a C-to-T base substitution (rs731236) in exon 9 may influence its expression and function. The aim of this study was to determine the 25(OH)D vitamin D level and to investigate the association between circulating vitamin D level and Taq1VDR gene polymorphism among Jordanian colorectal cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case control study enrolled ninety-three patients and one hundred and two healthy Jordanian volunteers from AL-Basheer Hospital/Amman (2012-2013). Ethical approval and signed consent forms were obtained from all participants before sample collection. 25(OH)D levels were determined by competitive immunoassay Elecsys (Roche Diagnostic, France). DNA was extracted (Promega, USA) and amplified by PCR followed by VDR Taq1 restriction enzyme digestion. The genotype distribution was evaluated by paired t-test and chi-square. Comparison between vitamin D levels among CRC and control were assessed by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The vitamin D serum level was significantly lower among colorectal cancer patients (8.34 ng/ml) compared to the healthy control group (21.02 ng/ml). Patients deficient in vitamin D (less than 10.0 ng/ml) had increased colorectal cancer risk 19.2 fold compared to control. Only 2.2% of CRC patients had optimal vitamin D compared to 23.5% among healthy control. TT, Tt and tt Taq1 genotype frequencies among CRC cases was 35.5%, 50.5% and 14% compared to 43.1%, 41.2% and 15.7% among healthy control; respectively. CRC patients had lower mean vitamin D level among TT (8.91 ± 4.31) and Tt (9.15 ± 5.25) genotypes compared to control ((21.3 ± 8.31) and (19.3 ± 7.68); respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant association between low 25(OH)D serum level and colorectal cancer risk. The VDRTaq1 polymorphism was associated with increased colorectal cancer risk among patient with VDRTaq1 TT and Tt genotypes. Understanding the functional mechanism of VDRTaq1 TT and Tt may provide a strategy for colorectal cancer prevention and treatment.

Relationships among serum CA15-3 tumor marker, TNM staging, and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in benign and malignant breast lesions

Serum tumor marker CA15-3 is widely used in follow-up for assessment of breast cancer prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels among healthy females and patients, to assess differences with tumor stage and grade, and to determine the relationship with estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. One hundred and thirty six Jordanian females were enrolled in this study: Forty-five were healthy females; seventy-two were diagnosed with breast cancer and nineteen diagnosed with benign breast lesions. Elevated serum CA15-3 level was significantly observed among breast cancer patients (37.95±6.65) compared to both healthy (14.97±0.8) and benign females (12.30±1.55), but no significant association was detected between serum CA15-3 level and age of cancer onset, menarche age, menopause age, parity and BMI. Decreased CA15-3 level was significantly associated with hormone therapy and oral contraceptive consumption among breast cancer patients. Significantly elevated CA15-3 serum levels were found among grade II, III and stage II and III breast cancer females compared to normal healthy females. Elevated CA15-3 serum levels were also found among ER+/PR+ (54.242±7.89) and ER+/PR- (37.08±8.22) compared to healthy control females.

The Fok1 vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and 25(OH) D serum levels and prostate cancer among Jordanian men

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplasms and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the Western world. Vitamin D (1,25dihydroxy vitamin D) is linked to many biological processes that influence oncogenesis but data on relations between its genetic variants and cancer risk have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine associations between a vitamin D genetic polymorphism and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from 124 Jordanian prostate cancer patients and 100 healthy volunteers. Ethical approval was granted from the ethical committee at Hashemite University and written consent was given by all patients. PCR was used to amplify the vitamin D receptor Fok1 polymorphism fragment. 25(OH)D serum levels were measured by competitive immunoassay.

RESULTS

All genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Genotype frequency for Fok1 genotypes FF, Ff and ff was 30.7%, 61.3% and 8.06%, for prostate cancer patients, while frequencies for the control group was 28.0%, 66.0% and 6.0%, respectively, with no significant differences. Vitamin D serum level was significantly lower in prostate cancer patients (mean 7.7 ng/ml) compared to the control group (21.8 ng/ml). No significant association was noted between 25(OH)D and VDR Fok1 gene polymorphism among Jordanians overall, but significant associations were evident among prostate cancer patients (FF, Ff and ff : 25(OH)D levels of 6.2, 8.2 and 9.9) and controls (19.0, 22.5 and 26.3, respectively). An inverse association was noted between 25(OH)D serum level less than 10 ng/ml and prostate cancer risk (OR 35.5 and 95% CI 14.3- 88.0).

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong inverse association between 25(OH)D serum level less than 10 ng/ml level and prostate cancer risk.

Association between Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D Concentration and TaqI Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism among Jordanian Females with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among females. Genetic polymorphisms might have a role in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether C to T base substitution within TaqI Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (rs731236) in exon 9 was a risk factor among patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was drawn from 122 Jordanian breast cancer patients and 100 healthy Jordanian volunteers in Al-Basheer Hospital during the summer months (from June to November of 2013, 2014, and 2015). DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by TaqI restriction enzyme digestion. Quantification of serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25[OH]D) level was determined by competitive immunoassay Elecsys.

RESULTS

Genotypic frequencies for TaqI TT, Tt, and tt genotypes were 41%, 46%, and 13% for breast cancer compared to 42%, 50%, and 8% for control, respectively. Vitamin D serum level was significantly lower in the breast cancer patients (8.1 ± 0.3 ng/ml) compared to the control group (21.2 ± 0.6 ng/ml; P= 0.001). This study showed an inverse association between 25(OH)D serum level and breast cancer risk (odds ratio [OR], 22.72, 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.06-51.29).

CONCLUSIONS

An inverse association was found between 25(OH)D serum level and breast cancer risk. Statistical difference was also found between different VDR TaqI genotypes and circulating levels of 25(OH)D among Jordanian females with breast cancer.

ACC interleukin-10 gene promoter haplotype as a breast cancer risk factor predictor among Jordanian females

INTRODUCTION

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifactorial cytokine with a complex biological role in breast cancer. The aims of this study were to investigate any association between IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms, 1082A>/G, -819T>C, and -592A>C, or haplotypes and breast cancer risk among Jordanian women and to evaluate any association between the most common haplotype with clinicopathological features of breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 202 breast cancer patients and 210 age-matched healthy control subjects were genotyped for -1082A/G, -819T/C, and -592A/C single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the IL-10 gene by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Study patients and control subjects were recruited from Prince Hamzah Hospital, Amman, Jordan (2012-2013). Ethical approval and signed consent forms were signed by all participants. DNA was extracted, and polymerase chain reaction fragments were amplified and restriction digested by MnII, MaeIII, and RsaI.

RESULTS

This study showed no statistically significant difference between -1082A/G, -819T/C, and -592A/C IL-10 genotypes or alleles among breast cancer patients or controls. Four different haplotypes ATA, ACC, GTA, and ACA within the IL-10 promoter gene were determined among both breast cancer and control groups. The most frequent haplotype was ACC among breast cancer patients and controls (41.6% and 40.7%, respectively). No statistical differences in these haplotypes among breast cancer patients or controls were determined. Analysis of the most common ACC haplotype showed statistical difference in positive estrogen receptor (P=0.022), positive progesterone receptor (P=0.004), cancer grade (P=0.0001), and cancer stage (P=0.009) among the ACC haplotype compared to non-ACC haplotype.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report studying the association of IL-10 haplotype with breast cancer risk events among Jordanian females. The most frequent IL-10 haplotype among Jordanian breast cancer females is ACC haplotype. Patients carrying the ACC haplotype are associated with higher positive estrogen and progesterone receptors and advanced breast cancer grade and stage. These patients also had lower survival rate in the Kaplan-Meier survival plot compared to those with non-ACC haplotype.

Association of alanine-valine manganese superoxide dismutase gene polymorphism and microheterogeneity manganese superoxide dismutase activity in breast cancer and benign breast tissue

PURPOSE

Although the etiology of breast cancer is multifactorial, oxidative stress plays an important role in carcinogenesis. In this study, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene polymorphism and activity were evaluated in benign and breast cancer tissue.

METHODS

One hundred and one females were enrolled in this study, 65 who were histopathologically diagnosed with breast cancer and 46 who were benign patients. MnSOD enzyme activity was determined using an indirect competitive inhibition assay and MnSOD gene polymorphism using poly merase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

MnSOD enzymatic activity (79.83±42.14) was lower in breast cancer tissue compared to benign tumors (236.18±46.37). At the same time, MnSOD enzymatic activity among Ala/Val patients was significantly lower in breast cancer tissue (39.19±7.33) than in Val/Val malignant breast tumors tissue (96.9±22.9). MnSOD enzymatic activity was significantly lower in Val/Val cancer tissue (96.9±22.9) than in benign tissue (255.44±42.7).

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer tumors contain less MnSOD than benign breast samples. Patients with Ala/Val polymorphism had reduced MnSOD activity compared to patients with Val/Val breast cancer. Ala/Val gene polymorphism may be a risk factor associated with more advanced breast cancer stage. MnSOD gene polymorphism Ala/Val may be a risk factor associated with more advanced breast cancer stage, and reduction of MnSOD activity may be a mechanism of the progression of benign to malignant tumors. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the role of MnSOD in breast cancer progression.

Reduction in breast cancer susceptibility due to XbaI gene polymorphism of alpha estrogen receptor gene in Jordanians

Breast cancer is a global health concern among women worldwide. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) mediates diverse polymorphic effects in breast tissues that may relate to breast cancer susceptibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of -397 PvuII (T/C) and -351 XbaI (A/G) restriction fragment length polymorphism within intron 1 of ERα, and its effect on breast cancer susceptibility. A total of 156 women who were histopathologically diagnosed with breast cancer and 142 healthy Jordanian women were enrolled in this case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole peripheral blood, and the desired fragment was amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction digestion with PvuII and XbaI restriction enzymes. The results showed no significant association between PvuII polymorphism and breast cancer risk. However, a significant association was found between XbaI polymorphism and reduction in breast cancer risk within the "x" allele of heterozygotes (odds ratio [OR] 0.199, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.044) and heterozygotes (OR 0.208, 95% CI 0.09-0.047). The combined analysis of PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms revealed a synergistic effect of Pp/Xx and pp/xx genotypes and a significant reduction in breast cancer risk with these genotypes. The results also showed no statistical differences among PvuII or XbaI polymorphisms based on stage, ER, progesterone receptor and expression of hormone receptor such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. This case-control study showed that XbaI polymorphism of alpha estrogen gene modified and reduced breast cancer susceptibility among Jordanians.

Mutation analysis of the breast cancer gene BRCA1 among breast cancer Jordanian females

OBJECTIVE

To screen mutations of the tumor suppressor breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) within 3 exons among Jordanian breast cancer females.

METHODS

A total of 135 Jordanian breast cancer females were genetically analyzed by denaturing gradient electrophoresis (DGGE) for mutation detection in 3 BRCA1 exons (2, 11 and 20) between 2000-2002 in Al-Basheer Hospital, Amman, Jordan.

RESULTS

Of the studied patients 50 had a family history of breast cancer, 28 had a family history of cancer other than breast cancer, and 57 had no family history of any cancer. Five germline mutations were detected among breast cancer females with a family history of breast cancers (one in exon 2 and 4 mutations in exon 11). Another germline mutation (within exon 11) was detected among breast cancer females with family history of cancer other than breast cancer, and no mutation was detected among breast cancer females with no family history of any cancer or among normal control females.

CONCLUSION

Screening mutations within exon 2, exon 11 and exon 20 showed that most screened mutations were within BRCA1 exon 11 among breast cancer Jordanian families with a family history of breast cancer.

Paving New Roads Using Allium sativum as a Repurposed Drug and Analyzing its Antiviral Action Using Artificial Intelligence Technology

CONTEXT

The whole universe is facing a coronavirus catastrophe, and prompt treatment for the health crisis is primarily significant. The primary way to improve health conditions in this battle is to boost our immunity and alter our diet patterns. A common bulb veggie used to flavor cuisine is garlic. Compounds in the plant that are physiologically active are present, contributing to its pharmacological characteristics. Among several food items with nutritional value and immunity improvement, garlic stood predominant and more resourceful natural antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antiviral potency against diverse viruses. However, earlier reports have depicted its efficacy in the treatment of a variety of viral illnesses. Nonetheless, there is no information on its antiviral activities and underlying molecular mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES

The bioactive compounds in garlic include organosulfur (allicin and alliin) and flavonoid (quercetin) compounds. These compounds have shown immunomodulatory effects and inhibited attachment of coronavirus to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and the Mpro of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further, we have discussed the contradictory impacts of garlic used as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus.

METHOD

The GC/MS analysis revealed 18 active chemicals, including 17 organosulfur compounds in garlic. Using the molecular docking technique, we report for the first time the inhibitory effect of the under-consideration compounds on the host receptor ACE2 protein in the human body, providing a crucial foundation for understanding individual compound coronavirus resistance on the main protease protein of SARS-CoV-2. Allyl disulfide and allyl trisulfide, which make up the majority of the compounds in garlic, exhibit the most potent activity.

RESULTS

Conventional medicine has proven its efficiency from ancient times. Currently, our article's prime spotlight was on the activity of Allium sativum on the relegation of viral load and further highlighted artificial intelligence technology to study the attachment of the allicin compound to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor to reveal its efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered interest among researchers to conduct future research on molecular docking with clinical trials before releasing salutary remedies against the deadly malady.

Comparison of some risk factors between non-familial and familial breast cancer females in Jordan

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk factors such as age, menopause, menarche, age at the first pregnancy, number of pregnancies and breast feeding period between the familial and non-familial breast cancer females in Jordan.

METHODS

This study was carried out in Al-Basheer Hospital, Amman, Jordan during the period 2000 and 2002. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 99 females who were histologically and pathologically diagnosed with breast cancer. Data of the questionnaire were entered and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences.

RESULTS

The highest percentage of non-familial and familial breast cancer occurrence was among age group 51-60 years. The age of the first pregnancy is another risk factor of which the highest percentage of breast cancer was reported for both familial (57.1%) and non-familial (65.4) breast cancer females who have their first pregnancy while they were 20-years-old and above. More than 4 pregnancies also represents a risk factor for both non-familial (67.9%) and familial (68.6%) breast cancer patients. In this study, there are no statistical differences between menopause and menarche age among the breast cancer females. Finally, an inverse relationship was shown between breast feeding period (equal or more than 24 months) and the occurrence of breast cancer in both non-familial (2%) and familial (0%) breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

This study found that age 51-60 years and the increase number of pregnancies (more than 4) in the age of 20 years or more are risk factors for both types of breast cancer. On the other hand, longer period of breast feeding (more than 24 months) decreases the risk of breast cancer in both types.

Lifestyle related risk factors for breast cancer in Jordanian females

OBJECTIVE

To compare the lifestyle related risk factors for breast cancer such as physical activity, cigarette smoking, the use of contraceptive pills and increased body weight between non-familial and familial breast cancer females in Jordan.

METHODS

This study was carried out in the Kingdom of Jordan during the period 2000 through to 2002. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 99 females who were histologically and pathologically diagnosed for breast cancer. Data of the questionnaire was entered and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences.

RESULTS

This study showed no significant difference between familial, non-familial breast cancer females and controls in the following risk factors: physical activity, contraceptive methods, and smoking. On the other hand, a statistically significant difference in weight was found between the familial breast cancer females, the total breast cancer females and the controls. In addition, the highest percentage of overweight and obese was found among postmenopausal breast cancer females.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal obesity is a significant risk factor among Jordanian breast cancer females.

Association of Leptin Receptor Q223R Gene Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Patients: A Case Control Study

INTRODUCTION

Leptin is a hormone secreted from adipocytes that regulates metabolism and energy homeostasis through the leptin receptor (LEPR). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of leptin receptor gene Q223R gene polymorphism, and plasma leptin level among obese breast cancer females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study enrolled 160 breast cancer patients and 160 healthy control females. LEPR Q223R polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Serum leptin was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay human leptin kit.  Immunohistochemical tests from paraffin blocks were carried out for estrogen and progesterone staging using the precise antibodies.

RESULTS

An association was found between LEPR gene Q223R gene polymorphism among obese breast cancer females. Statistical difference was found between GG (60.6%) Arg/Arg genotype (OR=2.986; 95%CI=1.540 to 5.789; p= 0.001) compared to AA (33.1%) Gln/Gln genotype. GG Q223R LEPR polymorphism showed statistically significant difference among obese breast cancer patients (BMI more than 25) compared to control (P < 0.0001). GG genotype of Q223R LEPR polymorphism showed statistically significant increased leptin level (p-value =0.0001) among obese patients (mean± SD; 23.39±4.32) compared to control (17.83±5.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Q223R LEPR polymorphism GG genotype was associated with increased leptin profile among obese breast cancer females.