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Liang Y, Quan X, Gu R, Meng Z, Gan H, Wu Z, Sun Y, Pan H, Han P, Liu S, Dou G. Repurposing existing drugs for the treatment ofCOVID-19/SARS-CoV-2: A review of pharmacological effects and mechanism of action. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35988. [PMID: 39247343 PMCID: PMC11379597 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the coronavirus disease-2019 outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is an ongoing need to seek drugs that target COVID-19. First off, novel drugs have a long development cycle, high investment cost, and are high risk. Second, novel drugs must be evaluated for activity, efficacy, safety, and metabolic performance, contributing to the development cycle, investment cost, and risk. We searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register (including PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, and medRxiv), Web of Science (Science Citation Index, Emerging Citation Index), and WHO COVID-19 Coronaviral Disease Global Literature to identify completed and ongoing studies as of February 20, 2024. We evaluated the pharmacological effects, in vivo and in vitro data of the 16 candidates in the paper. The difficulty of studying these candidates in clinical trials involving COVID-19 patients, dosage of repurposed drugs, etc. is discussed in detail. Ultimately, Metformin is more suitable for prophylactic administration or mildly ill patients; the combination of Oseltamivir, Tamoxifen, and Dexamethasone is suitable for moderately and severely ill patients; and more clinical trials are needed for Azvudine, Ribavirin, Colchicine, and Cepharanthine to demonstrate efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Quan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
- Scientific Experimental Center of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ruolan Gu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyun Meng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Gan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuona Wu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yunbo Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huajie Pan
- General Internal Medicine Department, Jingnan Medical District, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Han
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guifang Dou
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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González M, Al-Adib M, Rodríguez AB, Carrasco C. COVID-19 and menstrual-related disturbances: a Spanish retrospective observational study in formerly menstruating women. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1393765. [PMID: 39140011 PMCID: PMC11319254 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1393765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Four years after the start of the pandemic, there is limited evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the women's health regardless of their reproductive status. Objective The aim was to analyze the prevalence and associated factors of menstrual-related disturbances in formerly menstruating women following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Study design A retrospective observational study of adult women in Spain was conducted during the month of December 2021 using an online survey (N = 17,512). The present analysis includes a subpopulation of SARS-CoV-2-infected and formerly menstruating women (n = 72). The collected data included general characteristics, medical history, and specific information on COVID-19. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests were performed. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to investigate possible associations between the occurrence of menstrual-related disturbances after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results 38.8% of participants experienced menstrual-related disturbances following COVID-19. Among these, unexpected vaginal bleeding (20.8%) was the most common event, followed by spotting (11.1%) ( Table 1). Other reported changes were in the length (shorter = 12.5%) and flow (heavier = 30.3%) of menstrual bleeding in comparison to their previous experience. Regression analysis revealed that being a perimenopausal woman [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.721, CI 95%, 1.022-21.796, p = 0.047] and having a previous diagnosis of menorrhagia (AOR 5.824 CI 95%, 1.521-22.310, p = 0.010) were factors associated with the event. Conclusion These findings could help health professionals provide their patients with up-to-date scientific information to empower them to actively manage their reproductive health, especially in societies where menstrual health is still taboo.
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Affiliation(s)
- María González
- Grupo de investigación Neuroinmunofisiología y Crononutrición, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Miriam Al-Adib
- Grupo de investigación Neuroinmunofisiología y Crononutrición, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics “Miriam Gine”, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana B. Rodríguez
- Grupo de investigación Neuroinmunofisiología y Crononutrición, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Cristina Carrasco
- Grupo de investigación Neuroinmunofisiología y Crononutrición, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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Vlachovsky SG, Di Ciano LA, Oddo EM, Azurmendi PJ, Silberstein C, Ibarra FR. Role of Female Sex Hormones and Immune Response in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension Development: Evidence from Experimental Models. Curr Hypertens Rep 2023; 25:405-419. [PMID: 37676461 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSEOF REVIEW Female sex hormones have systemic effects unrelated to their reproductive function. We describe experiences of different research groups and our own, on aspects related to the importance of female sex hormones on blood pressure (BP) regulation and salt-sensitivity-mediated BP response and salt sensitivity without alterations in BP, as well as renal sodium handling and interactions with the immune system. RECENT FINDINGS Changes in sodium intake in normotensive premenopausal women cause more BP variations than in men. After menopause, women often develop arterial hypertension (HT) with a profile of sodium sensitivity. Besides, experimental results have shown that in adult rat models resembling the postmenopausal hormonal state induced by ovariectomy, controlling BP is not enough to avoid renal and other tissue infiltration with immune cells, which does not occur when sodium intake is low or normal. Therefore, excess sodium promotes an inflammatory state with the involvement of immune cells. The evidence of activation of adaptive immunity, besides changes in T cell subpopulations, includes changes in sodium transporters and receptors. More studies are needed to evaluate the particular sodium sensitivity of women and its meaning. Changes in lifestyle and sodium intake reduction are the main therapeutic steps. However, to face the actual burden of salt-sensitive HT in postmenopausal women and its associated inflammatory/immune changes, it seems reasonable to work on immune cell activity by considering the peripheral blood mononuclear cell phenotypes of molecules and transport proteins related to sodium handle, both to screen for and treat cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra G Vlachovsky
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Medicas A. Lanari, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Combatientes de Malvinas 3150, Buenos Aires, 1427, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis A Di Ciano
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Medicas A. Lanari, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Combatientes de Malvinas 3150, Buenos Aires, 1427, Argentina
| | - Elisabet M Oddo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Medicas A. Lanari, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Combatientes de Malvinas 3150, Buenos Aires, 1427, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo J Azurmendi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Medicas A. Lanari, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Combatientes de Malvinas 3150, Buenos Aires, 1427, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Silberstein
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica B. Houssay (IFIBIO-Houssay), Laboratorio de Fisiología Renal, Paraguay 2155, piso 4, Buenos Aires, 1121, Argentina.
| | - Fernando R Ibarra
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Medicas A. Lanari, Laboratorio de Nefrología Experimental y Bioquímica Molecular, Combatientes de Malvinas 3150, Buenos Aires, 1427, Argentina.
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas A. Lanari, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas. Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica B. Houssay (IFIBIO-Houssay), Laboratorio de Fisiología Renal, Paraguay 2155, piso 4, Buenos Aires, 1121, Argentina.
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McMahon CL, Castro J, Silvas J, Muniz Perez A, Estrada M, Carrion R, Hsieh J. Fetal brain vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 112:188-205. [PMID: 37329995 PMCID: PMC10270733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether or not SARS-CoV-2 can cross from mother to fetus during a prenatal infection has been controversial; however, recent evidence such as viral RNA detection in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid, as well as the discovery of additional entry receptors in fetal tissues suggests a potential for viral transmission to and infection of the fetus. Furthermore, neonates exposed to maternal COVID-19 during later development have displayed neurodevelopmental and motor skill deficiencies, suggesting the potential for consequential neurological infection or inflammation in utero. Thus, we investigated transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2 and the consequences of infection on the developing brain using human ACE2 knock-in mice. In this model, we found that viral transmission to the fetal tissues, including the brain, occurred at later developmental stages, and that infection primarily targeted male fetuses. In the brain, SARS-CoV-2 infection largely occurred within the vasculature, but also within other cells such as neurons, glia, and choroid plexus cells; however, viral replication and increased cell death were not observed in fetal tissues. Interestingly, early gross developmental differences were observed between infected and mock-infected offspring, and high levels of gliosis were seen in the infected brains 7 days post initial infection despite viral clearance at this time point. In the pregnant mice, we also observed more severe COVID-19 infections, with greater weight loss and viral dissemination to the brain, compared to non-pregnant mice. Surprisingly, we did not observe an increase in maternal inflammation or the antiviral IFN response in these infected mice, despite showing clinical signs of disease. Overall, these findings have concerning implications regarding neurodevelopment and pregnancy complications of the mother following prenatal COVID-19 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L McMahon
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Brain Health Consortium, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Joshua Castro
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Jesus Silvas
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Aranis Muniz Perez
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Brain Health Consortium, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Manuel Estrada
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Brain Health Consortium, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Ricardo Carrion
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA
| | - Jenny Hsieh
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; Brain Health Consortium, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Gotelli E, Soldano S, Hysa E, Paolino S, Campitiello R, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. Vitamin D and COVID-19: Narrative Review after 3 Years of Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224907. [PMID: 36432593 PMCID: PMC9699333 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Active vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3-calcitriol] is a secosteroid hormone whose receptor is expressed on all cells of the immune system. Vitamin D has a global anti-inflammatory effect and its role in the management of a SARS-CoV-2 infection has been investigated since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this narrative review, the laboratory and clinical results of a vitamin D supplementation have been collected from both open-label and blinded randomized clinical trials. The results are generally in favor of the utility of maintaining the serum concentrations of calcifediol [25(OH)D3] at around 40 ng/mL and of the absolute usefulness of its supplementation in subjects with deficient serum levels. However, two very recent large-scale studies (one open-label, one placebo-controlled) have called into question the contribution of vitamin D to clinical practice in the era of COVID-19 vaccinations. The precise role of a vitamin D supplementation in the anti-COVID-19 armamentarium requires further investigations in light of the breakthrough which has been achieved with mass vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Inflammation Research Center (IRC), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Wang ZP, Hua M, Jiu T, Ge RL, Bai Z. Biofunctional roles of estrogen in coronavirus disease 2019: Beyond a steroid hormone. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1003469. [PMID: 36339571 PMCID: PMC9626865 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1003469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), epidemic poses a major global public health threat with more than one million daily new infections and hundreds of deaths. To combat this global pandemic, efficient prevention and management strategies are urgently needed. Together with the main characteristics of COVID-19, impaired coagulation with dysfunctions of the immune response in COVID-19 pathophysiology causes high mortality and morbidity. From recent clinical observations, increased expression of specific types of estrogen appears to protect patients from SARS-CoV-2 infection, thereby, reducing mortality. COVID-19 severity is less common in women than in men, particularly in menopausal women. Furthermore, estrogen levels are negatively correlated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. These findings suggest that estrogen plays a protective role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the potential roles of estrogen in blocking the SARS-CoV-2 from invading alveolar cells and replicating, and summarize the potential mechanisms of anti-inflammation, immune modulation, reactive oxygen species resistance, anti-thrombosis, vascular dilation, and vascular endothelium protection. Finally, the potential therapeutic effects of estrogen against COVID-19 are reviewed. This review provides insights into the role of estrogen and its use as a potential strategy to reduce the mortality associated with COVID-19, and possibly other viral infections and discusses the possible challenges and pertinent questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Ping Wang
- Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Mao Hua
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Tai Jiu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ri-Li Ge
- Research Center of High-Altitude Medicine, School of Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Joint Lab of Qinghai-Utah for High Altitude Medicine, School of Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Zhenzhong Bai
- Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Research Center of High-Altitude Medicine, School of Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Joint Lab of Qinghai-Utah for High Altitude Medicine, School of Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
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7
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Bao J, Guo Z, He J, Leng T, Wei Z, Wang C, Chen F. Semen parameters and sex hormones as affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review. Prog Urol 2022; 32:1431-1439. [PMID: 36153222 PMCID: PMC9468308 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Impaired semen quality and reproductive hormone levels were observed in patients during and after recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which raised concerns about negative effects on male fertility. Therefore, this study systematically reviews available data on semen parameters and sex hormones in patients with COVID-19. Methods Systematic search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar until July 18th, 2022. We identified relevant articles that discussed the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on male fertility. Results A total number of 1,684 articles were identified by using a suitable keyword search strategy. After screening, 26 articles were considered eligible for inclusion in this study. These articles included a total of 1,960 controls and 2,106 patients. When all studies were considered, the results showed that the semen parameters and sex hormone levels of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited some significant differences compared with controls. Fortunately, these differences gradually disappear as patients recover from COVID-19. Conclusion While present data show the negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility, this does not appear to be long-term. Semen quality and hormone levels will gradually increase to normal as patients recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bao
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
| | - Z Guo
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
| | - J He
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
| | - T Leng
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
| | - Z Wei
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
| | - C Wang
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
| | - F Chen
- Jining Medical University, 133, Hehua Road, 272067 Jining, China.
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Averyanova M, Vishnyakova P, Yureneva S, Yakushevskaya O, Fatkhudinov T, Elchaninov A, Sukhikh G. Sex hormones and immune system: Menopausal hormone therapy in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Front Immunol 2022; 13:928171. [PMID: 35983046 PMCID: PMC9379861 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.928171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fatal outcomes of COVID-19 are related to the high reactivity of the innate wing of immunity. Estrogens could exert anti-inflammatory effects during SARS-CoV-2 infection at different stages: from increasing the antiviral resistance of individual cells to counteracting the pro-inflammatory cytokine production. A complex relationship between sex hormones and immune system implies that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) has pleiotropic effects on immunity in peri- and postmenopausal patients. The definite immunological benefits of perimenopausal MHT confirm the important role of estrogens in regulation of immune functionalities. In this review, we attempt to explore how sex hormones and MHT affect immunological parameters of the organism at different level (in vitro, in vivo) and what mechanisms are involved in their protective response to the new coronavirus infection. The correlation of sex steroid levels with severity and lethality of the disease indicates the potential of using hormone therapy to modulate the immune response and increase the resilience to adverse outcomes. The overall success of MHT is based on decades of experience in clinical trials. According to the current standards, MHT should not be discontinued in COVID-19 with the exception of critical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Averyanova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Vishnyakova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Medical Institute, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Polina Vishnyakova,
| | - Svetlana Yureneva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Oksana Yakushevskaya
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Medical Institute, Moscow, Russia
- A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Laboratory of Growth and Development, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Elchaninov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Chen J, Vitetta L, Henson JD, Hall S. The intestinal microbiota and improving the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations. J Funct Foods 2021; 87:104850. [PMID: 34777578 PMCID: PMC8578005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most COVID-19 cases are mild or asymptomatic and recover well, suggesting that effective immune responses ensue, which successfully eliminate SARS-CoV-2 viruses. However, a small proportion of patients develop severe COVID-19 with pathological immune responses. This indicates that a strong immune system balanced with anti-inflammatory mechanisms is critical for the recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infections. Many vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have now been developed for eliciting effective immune responses to protect from SARS-CoV-2 infections or reduce the severity of the disease if infected. Although uncommon, serious morbidity and mortality have resulted from both COVID-19 vaccine adverse reactions and lack of efficacy, and further improvement of efficacy and prevention of adverse effects are urgently warranted. Many factors could affect efficacy of these vaccines to achieve optimal immune responses. Dysregulation of the gut microbiota (gut dysbiosis) could be an important risk factor as the gut microbiota is associated with the development and maintenance of an effective immune system response. In this narrative review, we discuss the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, how COVID-19 vaccines elicit protective immune responses, gut dysbiosis involvement in inefficacy and adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines and the modulation of the gut microbiota by functional foods to improve COVID-19 vaccine immunisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Chen
- Medlab Clinical, Department of Research, Sydney 2015, Australia
| | - Luis Vitetta
- Medlab Clinical, Department of Research, Sydney 2015, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Jeremy D Henson
- Medlab Clinical, Department of Research, Sydney 2015, Australia.,The University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sean Hall
- Medlab Clinical, Department of Research, Sydney 2015, Australia
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