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Liu JW, Li YY, Wang MK, Yang JS. Combined prevention and treatment measures are essential to control nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. World J Virol 2024; 13:91286. [DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i2.91286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a highly contagious positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that has rapidly spread worldwide. As of December 17, 2023, 772838745 confirmed cases including 6988679 deaths have been reported globally. This virus primarily spreads through droplets, airborne transmission, and direct contact. Hospitals harbor a substantial number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and asymptomatic carriers, accompanied by high population density and a larger susceptible population. These factors serve as potential triggers for nosocomial infections, posing a threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nosocomial infections occur to varying degrees across different countries worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for a practical approach to prevent and control the intra-hospital spread of COVID-19. This study primarily concentrated on a novel strategy combining preventive measures with treatment for combating COVID-19 nosocomial infections. It suggests preventive methods, such as vaccination, disinfection, and training of heathcare personnel to curb viral infections. Additionally, it explored therapeutic strategies targeting cellular inflammatory factors and certain new medications for COVID-19 patients. These methods hold promise in rapidly and effectively preventing and controlling nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a reliable reference for adopting preventive measures in the future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Liu
- Medical Care Center, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yue-Yue Li
- Medical Care Center, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ming-Ke Wang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Ji-Shun Yang
- Medical Care Center, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200052, China
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2
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Njuguna AG, Wangombe AW, Walekhwa MN, Kamondo DK. Clinical Course and Factors Associated With Hospital Admission and Mortality among Sars-Cov 2 Patients within Nairobi Metropolitan Area. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.15.24307403. [PMID: 38798388 PMCID: PMC11118643 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.24307403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the clinical course and factors associated with hospital admission and mortality among SARS-CoV-2 patients within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. The study utilizes a multicenter retrospective cohort design, collecting clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients from March 2020 to May 2022. Data analysis includes percentages, frequencies, chi-square tests, Kaplan-Meier analysis, pairwise comparisons, and multivariate regression models. Ethical considerations are observed throughout the research process. The study findings highlight significant associations between comorbidities, such as hypertension, and increased mortality risk due to COVID-19. Symptoms including fever, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, sore throat, and loss of smell/taste are also identified as predictors of mortality. Abnormal laboratory parameters, such as oxygen saturation, procalcitonin, glucose levels, serum creatinine, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, are associated with mortality. However, demographic factors and certain vital signs do not exhibit significant associations. Recommendations based on this study suggest increased monitoring and management of comorbidities, early identification and management of symptoms, regular monitoring of laboratory parameters, continued research and collaboration, and implementation of preventive measures. Overall, a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the public is crucial to improve COVID-19 outcomes and reduce mortality rates. Adaptation of strategies based on emerging evidence and resource allocation is essential for effective management of the pandemic.
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3
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Chavda V, Dodiya P, Apostolopoulos V. Adverse drug reactions associated with COVID-19 management. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03137-0. [PMID: 38743117 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, which causes COVID-19, had a devastating impact on both people's lives and the global economy. During the course of the pandemic, the lack of specific drugs or treatments tailored for COVID-19 led to extensive repurposing of existing drugs in the pursuit of effective treatments. Some drug molecules demonstrated efficacy, while others proved ineffective. In this context, the approach of drug repurposing emerged as a novel strategy for combating COVID-19. Repurposed drugs and biologics have shown effectiveness, leading to improved clinical outcomes among patients with COVID-19. Similarly, It is equally important to assess the risk-benefit ratio associated with drugs and biologics adapted for COVID-19 treatment. Herein, we primarily focus on evaluating adverse drug events linked to repurposed COVID-19 medications, repurposed biologics, and COVID-specific drug molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Payal Dodiya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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4
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Boon ACM, Bricker TL, Fritch EJ, Leist SR, Gully K, Baric RS, Graham RL, Troan BV, Mahoney M, Janetka JW. Efficacy of host cell serine protease inhibitor MM3122 against SARS-CoV-2 for treatment and prevention of COVID-19. J Virol 2024; 98:e0190323. [PMID: 38593045 PMCID: PMC11092322 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01903-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
We developed a novel class of peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting several host cell human serine proteases, including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), matriptase, and hepsin. TMPRSS2 is a membrane-associated protease that is highly expressed in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses to proteolytically process their glycoproteins, enabling host cell entry, replication, and dissemination of new virus particles. We have previously shown that compound MM3122 exhibited subnanomolar potency against all three proteases and displayed potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell viability assay. Herein, we demonstrate that MM3122 potently inhibits viral replication in human lung epithelial cells and is also effective against the EG.5.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, we evaluated MM3122 in a mouse model of COVID-19 and demonstrated that MM3122 administered intraperitoneally (IP) before (prophylactic) or after (therapeutic) SARS-CoV-2 infection had significant protective effects against weight loss and lung congestion and reduced pathology. Amelioration of COVID-19 disease was associated with a reduction in proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic, but not therapeutic, administration of MM3122 also reduced virus titers in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Therefore, MM3122 is a promising lead candidate small-molecule drug for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging RNA coronaviruses are a present and future threat in causing widespread endemic and pandemic infection and disease. In this paper, we have shown that the novel host cell protease inhibitor, MM3122, blocks SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and is efficacious as both a prophylactic and a therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 given intraperitoneally in mice. Targeting host proteins and pathways in antiviral therapy is an underexplored area of research, but this approach promises to avoid drug resistance by the virus, which is common in current antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianus C. M. Boon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Traci L. Bricker
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ethan J. Fritch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah R. Leist
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kendra Gully
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ralph S. Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L. Graham
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Matthew Mahoney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - James W. Janetka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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5
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Ahmed N, Oluwole O, Mahmoudjafari Z, Suleman N, McGuirk JP. Managing Infection Complications in the Setting of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) Therapy. Clin Hematol Int 2024; 6:31-45. [PMID: 38817309 PMCID: PMC11086990 DOI: 10.46989/001c.115932] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy has changed the paradigm of management of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma. Infection complications have emerged as a concern that can arise in the setting of therapy and lead to morbidity and mortality. In this review, we classified infection complications into three categories, pre-infusion phase from the time pre- lymphodepletion (LD) up to day zero, early phase from day of infusion to day 30 post-infusion, and late phase after day 30 onwards. Infections arising in the pre-infusion phase are closely related to previous chemotherapy and bridging therapy. Infections arising in the early phase are more likely related to LD chemo and the expected brief period of grade 3-4 neutropenia. Infections arising in the late phase are particularly worrisome because they are associated with adverse risk features including prolonged neutropenia, dysregulation of humoral and adaptive immunity with lymphopenia, hypogammaglobinemia, and B cell aplasia. Bacterial, respiratory and other viral infections, protozoal and fungal infections can occur during this time . We recommend enhanced supportive care including prompt recognition and treatment of neutropenia with growth factor support, surveillance testing for specific viruses in the appropriate instance, management of hypogammaglobulinemia with repletion as appropriate and extended antimicrobial prophylaxis in those at higher risk (e.g. high dose steroid use and prolonged cytopenia). Finally, we recommend re-immunizing patients post CAR-T based on CDC and transplant guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nausheen Ahmed
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Cancer Center
| | - Olalekan Oluwole
- Medicine, Hematology and OncologyVanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Zahra Mahmoudjafari
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Cancer Center
| | - Nahid Suleman
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Cancer Center
| | - Joseph P McGuirk
- Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular TherapeuticsUniversity of Kansas Cancer Center
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Ciaglia T, Vestuto V, Di Sarno V, Musella S, Smaldone G, Di Matteo F, Napolitano V, Miranda MR, Pepe G, Basilicata MG, Novi S, Capolupo I, Bifulco G, Campiglia P, Gomez-Monterrey I, Snoeck R, Andrei G, Manfra M, Ostacolo C, Lauro G, Bertamino A. Peptidomimetics as potent dual SARS-CoV-2 cathepsin-L and main protease inhibitors: In silico design, synthesis and pharmacological characterization. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116128. [PMID: 38232463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we present the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of peptidomimetics acting as potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Starting from our previously described Main Protease (MPro) and Papain Like Protease (PLPro) dual inhibitor, CV11, here we disclose its high inhibitory activity against cathepsin L (CTSL) (IC50 = 19.80 ± 4.44 nM), an emerging target in SARS-CoV-2 infection machinery. An in silico design, inspired by the structure of CV11, led to the development of a library of peptidomimetics showing interesting activities against CTSL and Mpro, allowing us to trace the chemical requirements for the binding to both enzymes. The screening in Vero cells infected with 5 different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns, highlighted sub-micromolar activities for most of the synthesized compounds (13, 15, 16, 17 and 31) in agreement with the enzymatic inhibition assays results. The compounds showed lack of activity against several different RNA viruses except for the 229E and OC43 human coronavirus strains, also characterized by a cathepsin-L dependent release into the host cells. The most promising derivatives were also evaluated for their chemical and metabolic in-vitro stability, with derivatives 15 and 17 showing a suitable profile for further preclinical characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Ciaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vestuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Veronica Di Sarno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Simona Musella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gerardina Smaldone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Matteo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria Napolitano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Miranda
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Sara Novi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capolupo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy; European Biomedical Research Institute (EBRIS), Via S. De Renzi 50, 84125, Salerno, Italy
| | - Isabel Gomez-Monterrey
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II of Naples, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, BE-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michele Manfra
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Via Dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmine Ostacolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy.
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7
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Boon ACM, L Bricker T, Fritch EJ, Leist SR, Gully K, Baric RS, Graham RL, Troan BV, Mahoney M, Janetka JW. Efficacy of Host Cell Serine Protease Inhibitor MM3122 against SARS-CoV-2 for Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.09.579701. [PMID: 38405752 PMCID: PMC10888838 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
We have developed a novel class of peptidomimetic inhibitors targeting several host cell human serine proteases including transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), matriptase and hepsin. TMPRSS2 is a membrane associated protease which is highly expressed in the upper and lower respiratory tract and is utilized by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses to proteolytically process their glycoproteins, enabling host cell receptor binding, entry, replication, and dissemination of new virion particles. We have previously shown that compound MM3122 exhibited sub nanomolar potency against all three proteases and displayed potent antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in a cell-viability assay. Herein, we demonstrate that MM3122 potently inhibits viral replication in human lung epithelial cells and is also effective against the EG.5.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2. Further, we have evaluated MM3122 in a mouse model of COVID-19 and have demonstrated that MM3122 administered intraperitoneally (IP) before (prophylactic) or after (therapeutic) SARS-CoV-2 infection had significant protective effects against weight loss and lung congestion, and reduced pathology. Amelioration of COVID-19 disease was associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic, but not therapeutic, administration of MM3122 also reduced virus titers in the lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected mice. Therefore, MM3122 is a promising lead candidate small molecule drug for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging RNA coronaviruses are a present and future threat in causing widespread endemic and pandemic infection and disease. In this paper, we have shown that the novel host-cell protease inhibitor, MM3122, blocks SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and is efficacious as both a prophylactic and therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in mice. Targeting host proteins and pathways in antiviral therapy is an underexplored area of research but this approach promises to avoid drug resistance by the virus, which is common in current antiviral treatments.
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8
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Khalifa HO, Al Ramahi YM. After the Hurricane: Anti-COVID-19 Drugs Development, Molecular Mechanisms of Action and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:739. [PMID: 38255813 PMCID: PMC10815681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new coronavirus in the Coronaviridae family. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has undoubtedly been the largest crisis of the twenty-first century, resulting in over 6.8 million deaths and 686 million confirmed cases, creating a global public health issue. Hundreds of notable articles have been published since the onset of this pandemic to justify the cause of viral spread, viable preventive measures, and future therapeutic approaches. As a result, this review was developed to provide a summary of the current anti-COVID-19 drugs, as well as their timeline, molecular mode of action, and efficacy. It also sheds light on potential future treatment options. Several medications, notably hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir, were initially claimed to be effective in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 but eventually demonstrated inadequate activity, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew hydroxychloroquine. Clinical trials and investigations, on the other hand, have demonstrated the efficacy of remdesivir, convalescent plasma, and monoclonal antibodies, 6-Thioguanine, hepatitis C protease inhibitors, and molnupiravir. Other therapeutics, including inhaled medicines, flavonoids, and aptamers, could pave the way for the creation of novel anti-COVID-19 therapies. As future pandemics are unavoidable, this article urges immediate action and extensive research efforts to develop potent specialized anti-COVID-19 medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazim O. Khalifa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 1555, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Yousef M. Al Ramahi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 1555, United Arab Emirates;
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9
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Hussain MS, Sharma G. The Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases Due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 72:40-50. [PMID: 35987194 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that produces respiratory symptoms and has serious consequences for people's cardiovascular systems (CVS). It is a severe issue and a major task not only for health care experts but also for governments to contain this pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh member of the human coronavirus family to be implicated in this zoonotic outbreak. COVID-19's CV interactions are comparable to those of SARS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and influenza. Those who have COVID-19 and underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are at a higher risk of serious illness and mortality, and disease has been linked to several direct and indirect CV consequences. COVID-19 causes CVDs such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, myocarditis, stress-cardiomyopathy, and acute myocardial damage (AMD) as a consequence of acute coronary syndrome. The provision of CV care may expose health care professionals to risk as they become hosts or vectors of viral transmission. It binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor, causing constitutional and pulmonary signs in the beginning, and then as the infection advances, it affects other organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, CVS, neurological system, and so on. COVID-19 mortality is increased by underlying CVDs comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sadique Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ganesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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10
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Schimunek J, Seidl P, Elez K, Hempel T, Le T, Noé F, Olsson S, Raich L, Winter R, Gokcan H, Gusev F, Gutkin EM, Isayev O, Kurnikova MG, Narangoda CH, Zubatyuk R, Bosko IP, Furs KV, Karpenko AD, Kornoushenko YV, Shuldau M, Yushkevich A, Benabderrahmane MB, Bousquet-Melou P, Bureau R, Charton B, Cirou BC, Gil G, Allen WJ, Sirimulla S, Watowich S, Antonopoulos N, Epitropakis N, Krasoulis A, Itsikalis V, Theodorakis S, Kozlovskii I, Maliutin A, Medvedev A, Popov P, Zaretckii M, Eghbal-Zadeh H, Halmich C, Hochreiter S, Mayr A, Ruch P, Widrich M, Berenger F, Kumar A, Yamanishi Y, Zhang KYJ, Bengio E, Bengio Y, Jain MJ, Korablyov M, Liu CH, Marcou G, Glaab E, Barnsley K, Iyengar SM, Ondrechen MJ, Haupt VJ, Kaiser F, Schroeder M, Pugliese L, Albani S, Athanasiou C, Beccari A, Carloni P, D'Arrigo G, Gianquinto E, Goßen J, Hanke A, Joseph BP, Kokh DB, Kovachka S, Manelfi C, Mukherjee G, Muñiz-Chicharro A, Musiani F, Nunes-Alves A, Paiardi G, Rossetti G, Sadiq SK, Spyrakis F, Talarico C, Tsengenes A, Wade RC, Copeland C, Gaiser J, Olson DR, Roy A, Venkatraman V, Wheeler TJ, Arthanari H, Blaschitz K, Cespugli M, Durmaz V, Fackeldey K, Fischer PD, Gorgulla C, Gruber C, Gruber K, Hetmann M, Kinney JE, Padmanabha Das KM, Pandita S, Singh A, Steinkellner G, Tesseyre G, Wagner G, Wang ZF, Yust RJ, Druzhilovskiy DS, Filimonov DA, Pogodin PV, Poroikov V, Rudik AV, Stolbov LA, Veselovsky AV, De Rosa M, De Simone G, Gulotta MR, Lombino J, Mekni N, Perricone U, Casini A, Embree A, Gordon DB, Lei D, Pratt K, Voigt CA, Chen KY, Jacob Y, Krischuns T, Lafaye P, Zettor A, Rodríguez ML, White KM, Fearon D, Von Delft F, Walsh MA, Horvath D, Brooks CL, Falsafi B, Ford B, García-Sastre A, Yup Lee S, Naffakh N, Varnek A, Klambauer G, Hermans TM. A community effort in SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery. Mol Inform 2024; 43:e202300262. [PMID: 37833243 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202300262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a substantial threat to human lives and is likely to do so for years to come. Despite the availability of vaccines, searching for efficient small-molecule drugs that are widely available, including in low- and middle-income countries, is an ongoing challenge. In this work, we report the results of an open science community effort, the "Billion molecules against COVID-19 challenge", to identify small-molecule inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 or relevant human receptors. Participating teams used a wide variety of computational methods to screen a minimum of 1 billion virtual molecules against 6 protein targets. Overall, 31 teams participated, and they suggested a total of 639,024 molecules, which were subsequently ranked to find 'consensus compounds'. The organizing team coordinated with various contract research organizations (CROs) and collaborating institutions to synthesize and test 878 compounds for biological activity against proteases (Nsp5, Nsp3, TMPRSS2), nucleocapsid N, RdRP (only the Nsp12 domain), and (alpha) spike protein S. Overall, 27 compounds with weak inhibition/binding were experimentally identified by binding-, cleavage-, and/or viral suppression assays and are presented here. Open science approaches such as the one presented here contribute to the knowledge base of future drug discovery efforts in finding better SARS-CoV-2 treatments.
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11
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Jash R, Prasanth DSNBK, Jash M, Suneetha A. Small molecules in the race of COVID-19 drug development. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2023; 25:1133-1154. [PMID: 37066495 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2023.2197595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spreading worldwide, regardless of different continents, increasing the death toll to almost five million, with more than 300 million reported cases. Researchers have been fighting the greatest threats to human civilization. This report provides a glimpse of ongoing small-molecule research on COVID-19 drugs to save millions of lives, which may provide researchers with a better understanding of rigorously investigated therapeutic agents. This report emphasizes the chemical structures and mechanisms of activity along with drug target information for several small molecules, including marketable drugs and agents under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Jash
- Department of Pharmacy, Sanaka Educational Trust Group of Institutions, Durgapur, West Bengal 713 212, India
| | - D S N B K Prasanth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520 010, India
| | - Moumita Jash
- Department of Pharmacy, Sanaka Educational Trust Group of Institutions, Durgapur, West Bengal 713 212, India
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342037, India
| | - Achanti Suneetha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh 520 010, India
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Pitsillou E, Beh RC, Liang JJ, Tang TS, Zhou X, Siow YY, Ma Y, Hu Z, Wu Z, Hung A, Karagiannis TC. EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection: Compound selection, ADMET analysis, and utilisation in the context of potential SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108602. [PMID: 37597309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Antiviral drugs are important for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, as vaccines and antibodies may have reduced efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. Antiviral drugs that have been made available for use, albeit with questionable efficacy, include remdesivir (Veklury®), nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid™), and molnupiravir (Lagevrio®). To expand the options available for COVID-19 and prepare for future pandemics, there is a need to investigate new uses for existing drugs and design novel compounds. To support these efforts, we have created a comprehensive library of 750 molecules that have been sourced from in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. It is publicly available at our dedicated website (https://epimedlab.org/crl/). The EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection consists of compounds that have been divided into 10 main classes based on antiviral properties, as well as the potential to be used for the management, prevention, or treatment of COVID-19 related complications. A detailed description of each compound is provided, along with the molecular formula, canonical SMILES, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval status. The chemical structures have been obtained and are available for download. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic properties of the ligands have been characterised. To demonstrate an application of the EpiMed Coronabank Chemical Collection, molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding characteristics of ligands against SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural and accessory proteins. Overall, our database can be used to aid the drug repositioning process, and for gaining further insight into the molecular mechanisms of action of potential compounds of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pitsillou
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Raymond C Beh
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Julia J Liang
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Thinh Sieu Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ya Yun Siow
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Yinghao Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Zifang Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Zifei Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory at prospED, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Jones T, Monakhova N, Guivel-Benhassine F, Lepioshkin A, Bruel T, Lane TR, Schwartz O, Puhl AC, Makarov V, Ekins S. Synthesis and Evaluation of 9-Aminoacridines with SARS-CoV-2 Antiviral Activity. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:40817-40822. [PMID: 37929131 PMCID: PMC10620940 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
There have been relatively few small molecules developed with direct activity against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Two existing antimalarial drugs, pyronaridine and quinacrine, display whole cell activity against SARS-CoV-2 in A549 + ACE2 cells (pretreatment, IC50 = 0.23 and 0.19 μM, respectively) with moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 = 11.53 and 9.24 μM, respectively). Moreover, pyronaridine displays in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro (IC50 = 1.8 μM). Given their existing antiviral activity, these compounds are strong candidates for repurposing against COVID-19 and prompt us to study the structure-activity relationship of the 9-aminoacridine scaffold against SARS-CoV-2 using traditional medicinal chemistry to identify promising new analogs. Our studies identified several novel analogs possessing potent in vitro activity in U2-OS ACE2 GFP 1-10 and 1-11 (IC50 < 1.0 μM) as well as moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 > 4.0 μM). Compounds such as 7g, 9c, and 7e were more active, demonstrating selectivity indices SI > 10, and 9c displayed the strongest activity (IC50 ≤ 0.42 μM, CC50 ≥ 4.41 μM, SI > 10) among them, indicating that it has potential as a new lead molecule in this series against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thane Jones
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Natalia Monakhova
- Federal
Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the
Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS), 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | | | - Alexander Lepioshkin
- Federal
Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the
Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS), 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Timothée Bruel
- Institut
Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris Cedex 15 75724, France
| | - Thomas R. Lane
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Olivier Schwartz
- Institut
Pasteur, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris Cedex 15 75724, France
| | - Ana C. Puhl
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Vadim Makarov
- Federal
Research Centre “Fundamentals of Biotechnology” of the
Russian Academy of Sciences (Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS), 33-2 Leninsky Prospect, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 840 Main Campus Drive, Lab 3510, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
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McGrath J, O'Doherty L, Conlon N, Dunne J, Brady G, Ibrahim A, McCormack W, Walsh C, Domegan L, Walsh S, Kenny C, Allen N, Fleming C, Bergin C. Point of care detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and neutralisation capacity-lateral flow immunoassay evaluation compared to commercial assay to inform potential role in therapeutic and surveillance practices. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1245464. [PMID: 37841735 PMCID: PMC10569692 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1245464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As the COVID-19 pandemic moves towards endemic status, testing strategies are being de-escalated. A rapid and effective point of care test (POCT) assessment of SARS-CoV-2 immune responses can inform clinical decision-making and epidemiological monitoring of the disease. This cross-sectional seroprevalence study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Irish healthcare workers assessed how rapid anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing can be compared to a standard laboratory assay, discusses its effectiveness in neutralisation assessment and its uses into the future of the pandemic. Methods A point of care lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)-receptor binding domain (RBD) neutralising antibodies (Healgen SARS-CoV-2 neutralising Antibody Rapid Test Cassette) was compared to the Roche Elecsys/-S anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays and an in vitro surrogate neutralisation assay. A correlation between anti-spike (S), anti-nucleocapsid (N) titres, and in vitro neutralisation was also assessed. Results 1,777 serology samples were tested using Roche Elecsys/-S anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays to detect total anti-N/S antibodies. 1,562 samples were tested using the POC LFA (including 50 negative controls), and 90 samples were tested using an in vitro ACE2-RBD binding inhibition surrogate neutralisation assay. The POCT demonstrated 97.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 61% in comparison to the commercial assay. Anti-S antibody titres determined by the Roche assay stratified by the POC LFA result groups demonstrated statistically significant differences between the "Positive" and "Negative" LFA groups (p < 0.0001) and the "Weak Positive" and "Positive" LFA groups (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference in ACE2-RBD binding inhibition was demonstrated when stratified by the LFA POC results. A positive, statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the in vitro pseudo-neutralisation assay results and anti-S antibody titres (rho 0.423, p < 0.001) and anti-N antibody titres (rho = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Conclusion High sensitivity, specificity, and PPV were demonstrated for the POC LFA for the detection of anti-S-RBD antibodies in comparison to the commercial assay. The LFA was not a reliable determinant of the neutralisation capacity of identified antibodies. POC LFA are useful tools in sero-epidemiology settings, pandemic preparedness and may act as supportive tools in treatment decisions through the rapid identification of anti-Spike antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan McGrath
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases (GUIDe), St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura O'Doherty
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases (GUIDe), St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niall Conlon
- Department of Immunology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jean Dunne
- Department of Immunology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gareth Brady
- Trinity College, Trinity Health Kidney Centre, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aya Ibrahim
- Department of Immunology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William McCormack
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cathal Walsh
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Domegan
- Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Claire Kenny
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Niamh Allen
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases (GUIDe), St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine Fleming
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Colm Bergin
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases (GUIDe), St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Gáspár Z, Szabó BG, Ábrahám A, Várnai Z, Kiss-Dala N, Szlávik J, Sinkó J, Vályi-Nagy I, Lakatos B. Outcomes of high-risk adult outpatients treated with early remdesivir therapy during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) omicron era: experiences from the national centre of Hungary. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1857-1862. [PMID: 36892627 PMCID: PMC9995722 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02456-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that remdesivir might improve clinical outcome of high-risk outpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our aim was to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of nonhospitalised adults diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated with early remdesivir therapy during the omicron wave. A single-centre prospective cohort study was performed among adult patients between February and June 2022, during the circulation of phylogenetic assignment of named global outbreak (PANGO) subvariants BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 in Hungary. Patients were enrolled based on pre-defined criteria. Clinical characteristics (demography, comorbidities, vaccination status, imaging, treatment, and disease course) and outcomes (COVID-19 related hospitalisation, oxygen supplementation, intensive care support, and all-cause death) were assessed at 28 days post-treatment. A subgroup analysis of patients with and without active haematological malignancies was also carried out. Altogether, 127 patients were enrolled: 51.2% (65/127) were female with a median age of 59 (IQR: 22, range: 21‒92) years, and 48.8% (62/127) had active haematological malignancy. At 28 days post-treatment, 7.1% (9/127) of patients required COVID-19-related hospitalisation, 2.4% (3/127) required oxygen supplementation, 1.6% (2/127) required intensive care, and 0.8% (1/127) died due to a non-COVID-19-related secondary infection at the intensive care unit, all with haematological malignancies. Early remdesivir treatment might be a feasible strategy among high-risk outpatients with COVID-19 during the omicron wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Gáspár
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26., 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Gergely Szabó
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26., 1085, Budapest, Hungary.
- Departmental Group of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary.
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anita Ábrahám
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Várnai
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Kiss-Dala
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26., 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Szlávik
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Sinkó
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26., 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- Departmental Group of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Vályi-Nagy
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Botond Lakatos
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, Üllői Street 26., 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- Departmental Group of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- National Institute of Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, Albert Flórián Street 5-7., 1097, Budapest, Hungary
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Arai T, Kurahara Y, Moda M, Kobayashi T, Matsuda Y, Kagawa T, Sugawara R, Tsuyuguchi K, Inoue Y. COVID-19 in Patients with Pre-Existing Interstitial Lung Disease: Potential Value of a Steroid-Based Treatment Strategy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4940. [PMID: 37568341 PMCID: PMC10419957 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154940] [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] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pre-existing interstitial lung disease (preILD) is poor, and no effective treatment strategy has been determined. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a steroid-based treatment strategy for patients with COVID-19 and preILD. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 610 consecutive patients with COVID-19 treated at our institution between 1 March 2020 and 30 October 2021 and identified 7 patients with preILD, all of whom were treated with corticosteroids and remdesivir. All the patients were men with a median age of 63 years. Three of four patients with severe disease required invasive positive-pressure ventilation (n = 2) or nasal high-flow therapy (n = 1). All three patients could be weaned from respiratory support; however, one died in hospital. The remaining patient with severe COVID-19 had a do-not-resuscitate order in place and died while hospitalized. All three patients with moderate COVID-19 were discharged. The 30-day mortality was 0%, and the mortality rate during the entire observation period was 28.5%. The prognosis of our patients with COVID-19 and preILD has been better than in previous reports. Our management strategy using corticosteroids may have improved these patients' prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Arai
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yu Kurahara
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Moda
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Takehiko Kobayashi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yoshinobu Matsuda
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Tomoko Kagawa
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Reiko Sugawara
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Kazunari Tsuyuguchi
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Yoshikazu Inoue
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Sakai City 591-8555, Osaka Prefecture, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.K.); (Y.M.); (T.K.); (K.T.); (Y.I.)
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Gao M, Kang D, Liu N, Liu Y. In Silico Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. Molecules 2023; 28:5320. [PMID: 37513194 PMCID: PMC10383128 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145320] [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] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe health threat globally, and novel SARS-Cov-2 inhibitors are urgently needed for antiviral treatment. The main protease (Mpro) of the virus is one of the most effective and conserved targets for anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development. In this study, we utilized a molecular docking-based virtual screening approach against the conserved catalytic site to identify small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Further biological evaluation helped us identify two compounds, AF-399/40713777 and AI-942/42301830, with moderate inhibitory activity. Besides that, the in silico data, including molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, binding free energy calculations, and AMDET profiles, suggested that these two hits could serve as the starting point for the future development of COVID-19 intervention treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Gao
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China
- Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yanna Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China
- Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan 250117, China
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Pieralli F, Pomero F, Dentali F, Norbiato C, Attardo T, Vicari S, Magnani E, Marzilli MA, Piccolo P, Valerio A, Manfellotto D. Real-world use of remdesivir for the treatment of patients admitted to Italian hospitals with COVID-19: the nationwide retrospective FADOI-RECOVER study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:454. [PMID: 37422621 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08422-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remdesivir is widely used for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 treated with remdesivir, and their outcomes during hospitalization. METHODS This retrospective observational multicenter study included consecutive patients, hospitalized for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (September 2020-September 2021), who were treated with remdesivir. RESULTS One thousand four patients were enrolled, all with onset of symptoms occurring less than 10 days before starting remdesivir; 17% of patients had 4 or more concomitant diseases. Remdesivir was well tolerated, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) being reported in 2.3% of patients. In-hospital death occurred in 80 patients (8.0%). The median timing of the first remdesivir dose was 5 days after symptom onset. The following endpoints did not differ according to the time span from the onset of symptoms to the first dose: length of hospitalization, in-hospital death, composite outcome (in-hospital death and/or endotracheal intubation). Advanced age, number of comorbidities ≥ 4, and severity of respiratory failure at admission were associated with poor in-hospital outcomes. CONCLUSION In a real-world setting, remdesivir proved to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for moderate-to-severe COVID-19. In patients receiving remdesivir less than 3 or 5 days from the onset of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation did not differ from the rest of the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pieralli
- Internal Medicine and Intermediate Care Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Fulvio Pomero
- Internal Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Department of Emergency of High-Specialty and Medical Center, ASST-Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Claudio Norbiato
- Internal Medicine, Ordine Mauriziano di Torino Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Attardo
- Internal Medicine Department, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, ASST-Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Susanna Vicari
- Internal Medicine, Bentivoglio Hospital, AUSL Bologna, Bentivoglio, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Magnani
- Internal Medicine, M. Bufalini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | - Paola Piccolo
- Internal Medicine, Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina Hospital, Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Valerio
- Research Department, FADOI Foundation, Piazzale Cadorna, 15, 20123, Milan, Italy.
| | - Dario Manfellotto
- Internal Medicine, Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina Hospital, Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
- Research Department, FADOI Foundation, Piazzale Cadorna, 15, 20123, Milan, Italy
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19
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Dechtman ID, Ankory R, Sokolinsky K, Krasner E, Weiss L, Gal Y. Clinically Evaluated COVID-19 Drugs with Therapeutic Potential for Biological Warfare Agents. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1577. [PMID: 37375079 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak resulted in hundreds of millions of coronavirus cases, as well as millions of deaths worldwide. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the disease resulting from exposure to this pathogen, is characterized, among other features, by a pulmonary pathology, which can progress to "cytokine storm", acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), respiratory failure and death. Vaccines are the unsurpassed strategy for prevention and protection against the SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there is still an extremely high number of severely ill people from at-risk populations. This may be attributed to waning immune response, variant-induced breakthrough infections, unvaccinated population, etc. It is therefore of high importance to utilize pharmacological-based treatments, despite the progression of the global vaccination campaign. Until the approval of Paxlovid, an efficient and highly selective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug, and the broad-spectrum antiviral agent Lagevrio, many pharmacological-based countermeasures were, and still are, being evaluated in clinical trials. Some of these are host-directed therapies (HDTs), which modulate the endogenic response against the virus, and therefore may confer efficient protection against a wide array of pathogens. These could potentially include Biological Warfare Agents (BWAs), exposure to which may lead to mass casualties due to disease severity and a possible lack of efficient treatment. In this review, we assessed the recent literature on drugs under advanced clinical evaluation for COVID-19 with broad spectrum activity, including antiviral agents and HDTs, which may be relevant for future coping with BWAs, as well as with other agents, in particular respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido-David Dechtman
- Pulmonology Department, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, 62 Halochamim Street, Holon 5822012, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ran Ankory
- The Israel Defense Force Medical Corps, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Military Post 02149, Israel
| | - Keren Sokolinsky
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Division, Ministry of Defense, HaKirya, Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
| | - Esther Krasner
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Division, Ministry of Defense, HaKirya, Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
| | - Libby Weiss
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Division, Ministry of Defense, HaKirya, Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
| | - Yoav Gal
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Division, Ministry of Defense, HaKirya, Tel Aviv 61909, Israel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona 74100, Israel
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20
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Rezapour A, Behroozi Z, Nasirzadeh M, Rezaeian M, Barzegar M, Tashakori-Miyanroudi M, Sayyad A, Souresrafil A. Cost-effectiveness of remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a systematic review. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:39. [PMID: 37081575 PMCID: PMC10116457 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01092-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remdesivir is being studied and used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to systematically identify, critically evaluate, and summarize the findings of the studies on the cost-effectiveness of remdesivir in the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS In this systematic review, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between 2019 and 2022. We included all full economic evaluations of remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Data were summarized in a structured and narrative manner. RESULTS Out of 616 articles obtained in this literature search, 12 studies were included in the final analysis. The mean score of the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) for the studies was 87.66 (high quality). All studies were conducted in high-income countries (eight studies in the USA and one study in England), except for three studies from middle-to-high-income countries (China, South Africa, and Turkey). Six studies conducted their economic analysis in terms of a health system perspective; five studies conducted their economic analysis from a payer perspective; three studies from the perspective of a health care provider. The results of five studies showed that remdesivir was cost-effective compared to standard treatment. Furthermore, the therapeutic strategy of combining remdesivir with baricitinib was cost-effective compared to remdesivir alone. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the present study, remdesivir appears to be cost-effective in comparison with the standard of care in China, Turkey, and South Africa. Studies conducted in the United States show conflicting results, and combining remdesivir with baricitinib is cost-effective compared with remdesivir alone. However, the cost-effectiveness of remdesivir in low-income countries remains unknown. Thus, more studies in different countries are required to determine the cost-effectiveness of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Rezapour
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Behroozi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mostafa Nasirzadeh
- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rezaeian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Barzegar
- Department of English Language Teaching, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Tashakori-Miyanroudi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdollah Sayyad
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aghdas Souresrafil
- Department of Health Services and Health Promotion, School of Health, Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
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21
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Ceja-Gálvez HR, Renteria-Flores FI, Nicoletti F, Hernández-Bello J, Macedo-Ojeda G, Muñoz-Valle JF. Severe COVID-19: Drugs and Clinical Trials. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082893. [PMID: 37109231 PMCID: PMC10142549 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082893] [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] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
By January of 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a reported total of 6,700,883 deaths and 662,631,114 cases worldwide. To date, there have been no effective therapies or standardized treatment schemes for this disease; therefore, the search for effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies is a primary goal that must be addressed. This review aims to provide an analysis of the most efficient and promising therapies and drugs for the prevention and treatment of severe COVID-19, comparing their degree of success, scope, and limitations, with the aim of providing support to health professionals in choosing the best pharmacological approach. An investigation of the most promising and effective treatments against COVID-19 that are currently available was carried out by employing search terms including "Convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19" or "Viral polymerase inhibitors" and "COVID-19" in the Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases. From the current perspective and with the information available from the various clinical trials assessing the efficacy of different therapeutic options, we conclude that it is necessary to standardize certain variables-such as the viral clearance time, biomarkers associated with severity, hospital stay, requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate-in order to facilitate verification of the efficacy of such treatments and to better assess the repeatability of the most effective and promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazael Ramiro Ceja-Gálvez
- Institute of Research in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Francisco Israel Renteria-Flores
- Institute of Research in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Jorge Hernández-Bello
- Institute of Research in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Macedo-Ojeda
- Institute of Research in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Institute of Research in Biomedical Sciences, University Center of Health Sciences (CUCS), University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
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22
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Marocco R, Del Borgo C, Tortellini E, Garattini S, Carraro A, Di Trento D, Gasperin A, Grimaldi A, Tieghi T, Belvisi V, Kertusha B, Guardiani M, Zuccalà P, Alunni Fegatelli D, Spagnoli A, Lichtner M. Use of Remdesivir in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia in a Real-Life Setting during the Second and Third COVID-19 Epidemic Waves. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040947. [PMID: 37112927 PMCID: PMC10143300 DOI: 10.3390/v15040947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this retrospective comparative study, we evaluated the effectiveness of remdesivir (RDSV) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Individuals hospitalized between March 2020 and August 2022 at S.M. Goretti Hospital, Latina, with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 and, concomitantly, pneumonia, were included. The overall survival was the primary endpoint. The composite secondary endpoint included death or progression in severe ARDS at 40 days. The study population was stratified according to treatment into two groups: the RDSV group (patients treated with RDSV-based regimens) and the no-RDSV group (patients treated with any other, not RDSV-based, regimens). Factors associated with death and progression to severe ARDS or death were assessed by multivariable analysis. A total of 1153 patients (632 belonging to the RDSV group and 521 to the no-RDSV group) were studied. The groups were comparable in terms of sex, PaO2/FiO2 at admission, and duration of symptoms before hospitalization. Further, 54 patients (8.5%) in the RDSV group and 113 (21.7%) in the no-RDSV group (p < 0.001) died. RDSV was associated with a significantly reduced hazard ratio (HR) of death (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.49-0.97]; p = 0.03), compared to the no-RDSV group, as well as a significantly reduced OR of progression in severe ARDS or death (OR, 0.70 [95% CI 0.49-0.98]; p = 0.04). An overall significantly higher survival rate was observed in the RDSV group (p < 0.001, by log-rank test). These findings reinforce the survival benefit of RDSV and support its routine clinical use for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Marocco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Cosmo Del Borgo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Eeva Tortellini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Garattini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Carraro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Trento
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Andrea Gasperin
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Grimaldi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Tieghi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Valeria Belvisi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Blerta Kertusha
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariasilvia Guardiani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Zuccalà
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Danilo Alunni Fegatelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Spagnoli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Miriam Lichtner
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Santa Maria (SM) Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sense Organs, NESMOS, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
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23
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D'Angelo D, Quarta E, Glieca S, Varacca G, Flammini L, Bertoni S, Brandolini M, Sambri V, Grumiro L, Gatti G, Dirani G, Taddei F, Bianchera A, Sonvico F, Bettini R, Buttini F. An Enhanced Dissolving Cyclosporin-A Inhalable Powder Efficiently Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15031023. [PMID: 36986883 PMCID: PMC10055879 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15031023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This work illustrates the development of a dry inhalation powder of cyclosporine-A for the prevention of rejection after lung transplantation and for the treatment of COVID-19. The influence of excipients on the spray-dried powder's critical quality attributes was explored. The best-performing powder in terms of dissolution time and respirability was obtained starting from a concentration of ethanol of 45% (v/v) in the feedstock solution and 20% (w/w) of mannitol. This powder showed a faster dissolution profile (Weibull dissolution time of 59.5 min) than the poorly soluble raw material (169.0 min). The powder exhibited a fine particle fraction of 66.5% and an MMAD of 2.97 µm. The inhalable powder, when tested on A549 and THP-1, did not show cytotoxic effects up to a concentration of 10 µg/mL. Furthermore, the CsA inhalation powder showed efficiency in reducing IL-6 when tested on A549/THP-1 co-culture. A reduction in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 on Vero E6 cells was observed when the CsA powder was tested adopting the post-infection or simultaneous treatment. This formulation could represent a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of lung rejection, but is also a viable approach for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and the COVID-19 pulmonary inflammatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide D'Angelo
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Eride Quarta
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Glieca
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giada Varacca
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Lisa Flammini
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Bertoni
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Brandolini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Piazza della Liberazione 60, Pievesestina, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Microbiology Unit, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Piazza della Liberazione 60, Pievesestina, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Microbiology Unit, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Piazza della Liberazione 60, Pievesestina, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gatti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Microbiology Unit, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Piazza della Liberazione 60, Pievesestina, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Microbiology Unit, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Piazza della Liberazione 60, Pievesestina, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bianchera
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Sonvico
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Ruggero Bettini
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Buttini
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27a, 43124 Parma, Italy
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24
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Quah Y, Lee YY, Lee SJ, Kim SD, Rhee MH, Park SC. In silico investigation of Panax ginseng lead compounds against COVID-19 associated platelet activation and thromboembolism. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:283-290. [PMID: 36160270 PMCID: PMC9482091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.09.001] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypercoagulability is frequently observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Platelets are a favorable target for effectively treating hypercoagulability in COVID-19 patients as platelet hyperactivity has also been observed. It is difficult to develop a treatment for COVID-19 that will be effective against all variants and the use of antivirals may not be fully effective against COVID-19 as activated platelets have been detected in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, patients with less severe side effects often turn toward natural remedies. Numerous phytochemicals are being investigated for their potential to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer and bacterial and viral infections. Natural products have been used to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. Panax ginseng has potential for managing cardiovascular diseases and could be a treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the coagulation cascade and platelet activation. Using molecular docking, we analyzed the interactions of bioactive chemicals in P. ginseng with important proteins and receptors involved in platelet activation. Furthermore, the SwissADME online tool was used to calculate the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of the lead compounds of P. ginseng. Dianthramine, deoxyharrtingtonine, and suchilactone were determined to have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixian Quah
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuan Yee Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Lee
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Dae Kim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Hee Rhee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author. Laboratory of Physiology and Cell Signaling, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Chun Park
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author. College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Mehdinezhad H, Karim B, Ahmadi N, Ahangar RM, Asadolahzadeh A, Haddad‐Zavareh MS, khoshkhou F, Qolami Z, Gorji NM, Delavar MA. Vaccination status and outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Iran during the dominant Delta variant period. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e790. [PMID: 36840484 PMCID: PMC9950873 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.790] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the characteristics, vaccination status, and outcomes of confidence interval (COVID-19) patients, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Iran during the predominant severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant period. METHODS This retrospective study assessed the medical records of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to a tertiary hospital from July 10 to September 15, 2021. Adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with poor outcomes. RESULTS More than 25% of hospitalized patients received at least one vaccine dose of SARS-CoV-2. The Sinopharm BIBP vaccine (China) was the most commonly received vaccine (73.3%). After adjusting for age and comorbidities, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for poor outcomes was significantly lower in hospitalized patients who received Remdesivir compared to those not receiving Remdesivir (AOR: 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15, 0.78; p < .010). Besides, age ≥50 years (AOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.38, 4.59; p < .003), low educational level (AOR: 3.99; 95% CI: 1.17, 13.53; p < .027), work outside in the past year (AOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.00; p < .041), and diabetes mellitus (AOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.66, 3.26; p = .011) were associated with more poor outcomes. CONCLUSION Based on the present results, the risk of mortality and the risk of poor outcomes were lower in patients who received Remdesivir compared to those not receiving Remdesivir. The number of vaccinated patients was smaller than the unvaccinated among hospitalized patients. It is important to emphasize that vaccination reduced the need for hospitalization and that only vaccinated patients with comorbidities required hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mehdinezhad
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Rouhani HospitalBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Bardia Karim
- Department of Internal MedicineBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Niloufar Ahmadi
- Department of Internal MedicineBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Reza Mohseni Ahangar
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Rouhani HospitalBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Ali Asadolahzadeh
- Department of Internal MedicineBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Mahmoud Sadeghi Haddad‐Zavareh
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute Rouhani HospitalBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Fatemeh khoshkhou
- Department of Internal MedicineBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Zeynab Qolami
- Department of Internal MedicineBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Neda Mahdinezhad Gorji
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research InstituteBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
| | - Mouloud Agajani Delavar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research InstituteBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolMazandaranIran
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26
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Kirkwood‐Johnson L, Marikawa Y. Developmental toxicity of remdesivir, an anti-COVID-19 drug, is implicated by in vitro assays using morphogenetic embryoid bodies of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:224-239. [PMID: 36349436 PMCID: PMC9877128 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remdesivir is an antiviral drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19, whose developmental toxicity remains unclear. More information about the safety of remdesivir is urgently needed for people of childbearing potential, who are affected by the ongoing pandemic. Morphogenetic embryoid bodies (MEBs) are three-dimensional (3D) aggregates of pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate embryonic body patterning in vitro, and have been used as effective embryo models to detect the developmental toxicity of chemical exposures specifically and sensitively. METHODS MEBs were generated from mouse P19C5 and human H9 pluripotent stem cells, and used to examine the effects of remdesivir. The morphological effects were assessed by analyzing the morphometric parameters of MEBs after exposure to varying concentrations of remdesivir. The molecular impact of remdesivir was evaluated by measuring the transcript levels of developmental regulator genes. RESULTS The mouse MEB morphogenesis was impaired by remdesivir at 1-8 μM. Remdesivir affected MEBs in a manner dependent on metabolic conversion, and its potency was higher than GS-441524 and GS-621763, presumptive anti-COVID-19 drugs that act similarly to remdesivir. The expressions of developmental regulator genes, particularly those involved in axial and somite patterning, were dysregulated by remdesivir. The early stage of MEB development was more vulnerable to remdesivir exposure than the later stage. The morphogenesis and gene expression profiles of human MEBs were also impaired by remdesivir at 1-8 μM. CONCLUSIONS Remdesivir impaired mouse and human MEBs at concentrations that are comparable to the therapeutic plasma levels in humans, urging further investigation into the potential impact of remdesivir on developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kirkwood‐Johnson
- Developmental and Reproductive Biology Graduate Program, Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and PhysiologyJohn A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at ManoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
| | - Yusuke Marikawa
- Developmental and Reproductive Biology Graduate Program, Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and PhysiologyJohn A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at ManoaHonoluluHawaiiUSA
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27
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Clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with remdesivir: a retrospective analysis of a large tertiary care center in Germany. Infection 2023; 51:97-108. [PMID: 35553032 PMCID: PMC9098143 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01841-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The benefits of antiviral treatment with remdesivir in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 remain controversial. Clinical analyses are needed to demonstrate which patient populations are most likely to benefit. METHODS In a retrospective monocentric analysis, patients with COVID-19 treated between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 at Hospital St. Georg, Leipzig, Germany were evaluated. The primary endpoint was time to clinical improvement, and the secondary endpoint was 28-day mortality. Propensity score matching was used for the endpoint analysis. RESULTS A total of 839 patients were fully evaluated, 68% of whom received specific COVID-19 drug therapy. Remdesivir was used in 31.3% of the patients, corticosteroids in 61.7%, and monoclonal antibodies in 2.3%. While dexamethasone administration was the most common therapeutic approach during the second pandemic wave, combination therapy with remdesivir and corticosteroids predominated during the third wave. Cox regression analysis revealed that combination therapy was not associated with faster clinical improvement (median: 13 days in both matched groups, HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.77-1.21], P = 0.762). By contrast, 28-day mortality was significantly lower in the corticosteroid-remdesivir group (14.8% versus 22.2% in the corticosteroid group, HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.39-0.95], P = 0.03) in the low-care setting. This effect was also demonstrated in a subgroup analysis of patients with remdesivir monotherapy (n = 44) versus standard of care (SOC). CONCLUSION In COVID-19 patients with only mild disease (low-flow oxygen therapy and treatment in a normal ward) who received corticosteroids and/or remdesivir in addition to SOC, early administration of remdesivir was associated with a measurable survival benefit.
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Zhang YF, Zhao Q. Comparison of Chest CT and RT-PCR Assay for Indication of Disease Course of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia. Curr Med Imaging 2022; 18:1462-1469. [PMID: 35579141 DOI: 10.2174/1573405618666220509115914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 patients' courses vary in length, indicating a variable prognosis. The disease duration revealed by different examination methods may differ. OBJECTIVE The study aims to compare the differences in the disease course of patients with COVID-19 by chest computed tomography (CT) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and explore the factors that affect the course of the illness. METHODS 106 patients confirmed with COVID-19 were enrolled and divided into two groups (age <60 years and age ≥60 years). The clinical characteristics of the two groups were analyzed. The intervals from symptoms onset to initial positive time point (ISIP), symptoms onset to the initial negative time point (ISIN), and initial positive to initial negative time point (IIPN) indicated by chest CT and RTPCR assay were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the correlations between independent factors and the intervals. RESULTS Chest CT showed an earlier positive time point, a later negative time point, and a longer disease duration than the RT-PCR assay (P<.001, respectively). Older patients over 60 years old showed a later negative time point and a longer disease duration by chest CT than younger patients (P<.01 vs. P<.05, respectively). The CT score and clinical grades of older patients were greater than those of younger patients (P<.001, respectively). Age and clinical grades were significantly correlated with the disease course shown by chest CT (P<.05, respectively), and CT score was positively correlated with the illness course shown by chest CT and RT-PCR assay (P<.01, respectively). CONCLUSION The disease course revealed by chest CT and RT-PCR assay was asynchronous. Chest CT showed a 17-day longer period compared to the RT-PCR assay. Older patients had a longer duration than younger ones. A prolonged course is predicted by increasing age, CT score, and clinical grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, P.R. China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Department of Ultrasonography, the Fifth Hospital in Wuhan, 430050, P.R. China
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Govender K, Chuturgoon A. An Overview of Repurposed Drugs for Potential COVID-19 Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1678. [PMID: 36551336 PMCID: PMC9774286 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has placed severe constraints on healthcare systems around the globe. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused upheaval in the healthcare and economic sectors worldwide. On the 20th of May 2020, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic due to the unprecedented number of cases reported around the globe. As of the 4th of November 2022, there were 637,117,429 coronavirus cases reported globally by Worldometer stats, with 6,602,572 related deaths. In South Africa, there were approximately 4,029,496 coronavirus cases and 102,311 associated deaths. As such, there is a need for efficacious therapeutic regimes. There has been a paucity of knowledge encompassing the use of effective and specific antiviral drug therapies for treating COVID-19 since the outbreak. In this review, we provide valuable insights into the repurposing of current drugs for COVID-19. Drug repurposing provides a suitable option for the discovery of efficacious drugs for COVID-19, thereby decreasing the costs and turnaround times of drug development strategies. This review provides an overview of ten drugs, including antimalarial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, nucleoside analogue, monoclonal-antibody drugs, that were repurposed for the potential treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Govender
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa
| | - Anil Chuturgoon
- Discipline of Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa
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Cheng Q, Zhao G, Chen J, Jia Q, Fang Z. Comparative efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions for severe COVID-19 patients: An updated network meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30998. [PMID: 36254081 PMCID: PMC9575403 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, there has been little agreement on what drug is the "best" drug for treating severe COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of different medications available at present for severe COVID-19. METHODS We searched databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to February 28, 2022, with no language restrictions, of medications recommended for patients (aged 16 years or older) with severe COVID-19 infection. We extracted data on trials and patient characteristics, and the following primary outcomes: all-cause mortality (ACM), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS We identified 4021 abstracts and of these included 48 RCTs comprising 9147 participants through database searches and other sources. For decrease in ACM, we found that ivermectin/doxycycline, C-IVIG (i.e., a hyperimmune anti-COVID-19 intravenous immunoglobulin), methylprednisolone, interferon-beta/standard-of-care (SOC), interferon-beta-1b, convalescent plasma, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, immunoglobulin gamma, high dosage sarilumab (HS), auxora, and imatinib were effective when compared with placebo or SOC group. We found that colchicine and interferon-beta/SOC were only associated with the TEAEs of severe COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION This study suggested that ivermectin/doxycycline, C-IVIG, methylprednisolone, interferon-beta/SOC, interferon-beta-1b, convalescent plasma (CP), remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, immunoglobulin gamma, HS, auxora, and imatinib were efficacious for treating severe COVID-19 patients. We found that most medications were safe in treating severe COVID-19. More large-scale RCTs are still needed to confirm the results of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglin Cheng
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglin Cheng, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 568 Mingshi Road, Hangzhou 310021, China (e-mail: )
| | - Gang Zhao
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfang Chen
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingjun Jia
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zijian Fang
- Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
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Costa L, Martins J, Costa M, Oliveira AI, Leal D, Lencastre L. Clinical Characteristics and Mortality-Associated Factors in COVID-19 Critical Patients in a Portuguese ICU. Cureus 2022; 14:e29610. [PMID: 36320987 PMCID: PMC9601929 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Severe COVID-19 is associated with serious complications and poor outcomes. Older age and underlying comorbidities are known risk factors for severe COVID-19, but a better understanding of baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 is urgently needed. Methods: This study was a retrospective case series of 227 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at our institution between March 2020 and December 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: The median age of patients was 65 years, and 180 (79.3%) were male. Cardiovascular comorbidities were frequent and included hypertension (n=148; 65.2%), dyslipidemia (n=116; 51.1%), obesity (n=114; 50.2%), and diabetes mellitus (n=80; 35.2%). About 20% of the patients had the chronic respiratory disease, with sleep apnea being the most common. Immunosuppression was identified in 13% of the patients, with autoimmunity, post-transplantation, and neoplasms being the most represented causes. Most patients were admitted to the ICU at six to 15 days after symptom onset, corresponding to stages IIb (pulmonary involvement/hypoxia) and III (hyperinflammatory). All patients received systemic steroids, with an average treatment duration of 22 days. Several ventilatory support strategies were used; 80 patients were supported entirely noninvasively with high flow nasal oxygenation and noninvasive ventilation, while 164 patients were invasively ventilated. Most intubations (65%) occurred in the first 24 hours after admission, and the mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 14 days. The reintubation rate was 10%, occurring on average two to three days after planned extubation. Thirty-two tracheostomies were performed. Bacterial co-infection was treated in 75% of patients, and Aspergillus co-infection complicating COVID-19 pneumonia was diagnosed in eight patients. Median ICU and hospital stays were 15 and 25 days, respectively, and the 28-day mortality rate was 38%. Patients over 75 years experienced a higher mortality rate (56%). Increased age and multimorbidity, particularly comprising cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors, were significantly more common in patients who died within 28 days after ICU admission. Conclusions: A large proportion of critically ill COVID-19 patients required prolonged mechanical ventilation. ICU/hospital stay and mortality were particularly elevated in older patients and patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Considerable discrepancy existed between the proportion of patients with microbiological documentation of bacterial infections and those receiving antimicrobials. Improved methods for adequate microbiological diagnosis are needed and stewardship programs should be reinforced.
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Zhang Q, Melchert PW, Markowitz JS. In vitro evaluation of the impact of Covid-19 therapeutic agents on the hydrolysis of the antiviral prodrug remdesivir. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 365:110097. [PMID: 35964681 PMCID: PMC9367181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Remdesivir (RDV, Veklury®) is an FDA-approved prodrug for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Recent in vitro studies have indicated that human carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) is the major metabolic enzyme catalyzing RDV activation. COVID-19 treatment for hospitalized patients typically also involves a number of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Further, individuals who are carriers of a CES1 variant (polymorphism in exon 4 codon 143 [G143E]) may experience impairment in their ability to metabolize therapeutic agents which are CES1 substrates. The present study assessed the potential influence of nine therapeutic agents (hydroxychloroquine, ivermectin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, and dexamethasone) commonly used in treating COVID-19 and 5 known CES1 inhibitors on the metabolism of RDV. Additionally, we further analyzed the mechanism of inhibition of cannabidiol (CBD), as well as the impact of the G143E polymorphism on RDV metabolism. An in vitro S9 fraction incubation method and in vitro to in vivo pharmacokinetic scaling were utilized. None of the nine therapeutic agents evaluated produced significant inhibition of RDV hydrolysis; CBD was found to inhibit RDV hydrolysis by a mixed type of competitive and noncompetitive partial inhibition mechanism. In vitro to in vivo modeling suggested a possible reduction of RDV clearance and increase of AUC when coadministration with CBD. The same scaling method also suggested a potentially lower clearance and higher AUC in the presence of the G143E variant. In conclusion, a potential CES1-mediated DDI between RDV and the nine assessed medications appears unlikely. However, a potential CES1-mediated DDI between RDV and CBD may be possible with sufficient exposure to the cannabinoid. Patients carrying the CES1 G143E variant may exhibit a slower biotransformation and clearance of RDV. Further clinical studies would be required to evaluate and characterize the clinical significance of a CBD-RDV interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Philip W Melchert
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John S Markowitz
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Lin Q, Lu C, Hong Y, Li R, Chen J, Chen W, Chen J. Animal models for studying coronavirus infections and developing antiviral agents and vaccines. Antiviral Res 2022; 203:105345. [PMID: 35605699 PMCID: PMC9122840 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In addition to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 has become the third deadly coronavirus that infects humans and causes the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). COVID-19 has already caused more than six million deaths worldwide and it is likely the biggest pandemic of this century faced by mankind. Although many studies on SARS-CoV-2 have been conducted, a detailed understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 is still lacking. Animal models are indispensable for studying its pathogenesis and developing vaccines and antivirals. In this review, we analyze animal models of coronavirus infections and explore their applications on antivirals and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qisheng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chunni Lu
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Yuqi Hong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Runfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Jinding Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Weisan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Jianxin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Islam T, Hasan M, Rahman MS, Islam MR. Comparative evaluation of authorized drugs for treating Covid-19 patients. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e671. [PMID: 35734340 PMCID: PMC9194463 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Vaccines are the first line of defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19). However, the antiviral drugs provide a new tool to fight the Covid‐19 pandemic. Here we aimed for a comparative evaluation of authorized drugs for treating Covid‐19 patients. Methods We searched in PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords and terms such as Covid, SARS‐CoV‐2, Coronavirus disease 2019, therapeutic management, hospitalized Covid‐19 patients, Covid‐19 treatment. We also gathered information from reputed newspapers, web portals, and websites. We thoroughly observed, screened, and included the studies relevant to our inclusion criteria. We included only the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized drugs for this review. Results We found that molnupiravir and paxlovid are available for oral use, and remdesivir is for only hospitalized patients. Paxlovid is a combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, nirmatrelvir is a protease inhibitor (ritonavir increases the concentration of nirmatrelvir), and the other two (remdesivir and molnupiravir) are nucleoside analog prodrugs. Remdesivir and molnupiravir doses do not need to adjust in renal and hepatic impairment. However, the paxlovid dose adjustment is required for mild to moderate renal or hepatic impaired patients. Also, the drug is not allowed for Covid‐19 patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. Preliminary studies showed oral antiviral drugs significantly reduce hospitalization or death among mild to severe patients. Moreover, the US FDA has approved four monoclonal antibodies for Covid‐19 treatment. Studies suggest that these drugs would reduce the risk of hospitalization or severity of symptoms. World Health Organization strongly recommended the use of corticosteroids along with other antiviral drugs for severe or critically hospitalized patients. Conclusion All authorized drugs are effective in inhibiting viral replication for most SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Therefore, along with vaccines, these drugs might potentially aid in fighting the Covid‐19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Towhidul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh
| | - Moynul Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy Jagannath University Dhaka Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy University of Asia Pacific Dhaka Bangladesh
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Lu J, Lu W, Jiang H, Yang C, Dong X. Molecular Docking and Dynamics of Phytochemicals From Chinese Herbs With SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221105693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are effective for diseases caused by viral infection, and their effects on COVID-19 are currently being examined. To directly evaluate the role of Chinese herbs in inhibiting replication of SARS-CoV-2, we investigated how the phytochemicals from Chinese herbs interact with the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). Total 1025 compounds were screened, and then 181compounds were selected for molecular docking analysis. Four phytochemicals licorice glycoside E, diisooctyl phthalate, (-)-medicocarpin, and glycyroside showed good binding affinity with RdRp. The best complex licorice glycoside E/RdRp forms 3 hydrogen bonds, 4 hydrophobic interactions, 1 pair of Pi-cation/stacking, and 4 salt bridges. Furthermore, docking complexes licorice glycoside E/RdRp and diisooctyl phthalate/RdRp were optimized by molecular dynamics simulation to obtain the stable conformation. These studies indicate that they are promising as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Lu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenpeng Lu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Houli Jiang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Changshui Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Dong
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Freund O, Tau L, Weiss TE, Zornitzki L, Frydman S, Jacob G, Bornstein G. Associations of vaccine status with characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients in the booster era. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268050. [PMID: 35536849 PMCID: PMC9089907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The resurgence of COVID-19 cases since June 2021, referred to as the fourth COVID-19 wave, has led to the approval and administration of booster vaccines. Our study aims to identify any associations between vaccine status with the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 disease. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all COVID-19 patients admitted to a large tertiary center between July 25 and October 25, 2021 (fourth wave in Israel). Univariant and multivariant analyses of variables associated with vaccine status were performed. FINDINGS Overall, 349 patients with severe or critical disease were included. Patients were either not vaccinated (58%), had the first two vaccine doses (35%) or had the booster vaccine (7%). Vaccinated patients were significantly older, male predominant, and with a higher number of comorbidities including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, immunodeficient state, kidney disease and cognitive decline. Time from the first symptom to hospital admission was longer among non-vaccinated patients (7.2 ± 4.4 days, p = 0.002). Critical disease (p<0.05), admissions to the intensive care unit (p = 0.01) and advanced oxygen support (p = 0.004) were inversely proportional to the number of vaccines given, lowest among the booster vaccine group. Death (20%, p = 0.83) and hospital stay duration (8.05± 8.47, p = 0.19) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION Hospitalized vaccinated patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly higher rates of most known risk factors for COVID-19 adverse outcomes. Still, all disease outcomes were similar or better compared with the non-vaccinated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophir Freund
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Luba Tau
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tali Epstein Weiss
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Zornitzki
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shir Frydman
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Giris Jacob
- Medicine F, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Bornstein
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Marikawa Y, Alarcon VB. Remdesivir impairs mouse preimplantation embryo development at therapeutic concentrations. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 111:135-147. [PMID: 35605700 PMCID: PMC9122741 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Remdesivir (RDV) is the first antiviral drug to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of COVID-19. While the general safety of RDV has been studied, its reproductive risk, including embryotoxicity, is largely unknown. Here, to gain insights into its embryotoxic potential, we investigated the effects of RDV on mouse preimplantation embryos cultured in vitro at the concentrations comparable to the therapeutic plasma levels. Exposure to RDV (2–8 µM) did not affect the initiation of blastocyst formation, although the maintenance of the cavity failed at 8 µM due to increased cell death. While exposure to 2–4 µM permitted the cavity maintenance, expressions of developmental regulator genes associated with the inner cell mass (ICM) lineage were significantly diminished. Adverse effects of RDV depended on the duration and timing of exposure, as treatment between the 8-cell to early blastocyst stage most sensitively affected cavity expansion, gene expressions, and cell proliferation, particularly of the ICM than the trophectoderm lineage. GS-441524, a major metabolite of RDV, did not impair blastocyst formation or cavity expansion, although it altered gene expressions in a manner differently from RDV. Additionally, RDV reduced the viability of human embryonic stem cells, which were used as a model for the human ICM lineage, more potently than GS-441524. These findings suggest that RDV is potentially embryotoxic to impair the pluripotent lineage, and will be useful for designing and interpreting further in vitro and in vivo studies on the reproductive toxicity of RDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Marikawa
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Vernadeth B Alarcon
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
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Combination Therapy of Ledipasvir and Itraconazole in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients Coinfected with Black Fungus: An In Silico Statement. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5904261. [PMID: 35463967 PMCID: PMC9020143 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5904261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The manuscript mainly aimed at providing clues on improving the innate immunity of coronavirus patients and safeguarding them from both new mutant strains and black fungus infections. Coronavirus is readily mutating from one variant to another. Among the several variants, we selected SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 in this study. Upon infection of any virus, ideally, the phagocytic cells of the host engulf and destroy the virus by a mechanism called phagocytosis. However, compromised immunity impairs phagocytosis, and thus, restoring the immune system is crucial for a speedy recovery of infected patients. The autophagy and activation of Toll-like receptor-4 are the only ways to restore innate immunity. Recently, immunocompromised COVID-19 patients have been suffering from the coinfection of black fungus. Rhizomucor, a black fungus species, causes more than 75% of cases of mucormycosis. Here, we present the results of molecular docking studies of sixty approved antiviral drugs targeting receptors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 B 1.1.7 variant (PDB id: 7NEH), activating the innate immune system (PDB id: 5YEC and 5IJC). We also studied the twenty approved antifungal drugs with Rhizomucor miehei lipase propeptide (PDB id: 6QPR) to identify the possible combination therapy for patients coinfected with coronavirus and black fungus. The ledipasvir showed excellent docking interactions with the 7NEH, 5YEC, and 5IJC, indicating that it is a perfect candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Itraconazole showed significant interaction with 6QPR of Rhizomucor miehei, suggesting that itraconazole can treat black fungus infections. In conclusion, the combination therapy of ledipasvir and itraconazole can be a better alternative for treating COVID-19 patients coinfected with black fungus.
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García-Lledó A, Gómez-Pavón J, González Del Castillo J, Hernández-Sampelayo T, Martín-Delgado MC, Martín Sánchez FJ, Martínez-Sellés M, Molero García JM, Moreno Guillén S, Rodríguez-Artalejo FJ, Ruiz-Galiana J, Cantón R, De Lucas Ramos P, García-Botella A, Bouza E. Pharmacological treatment of COVID-19: an opinion paper. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2022; 35:115-130. [PMID: 34894208 PMCID: PMC8972693 DOI: 10.37201/req/158.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The precocity and efficacy of the vaccines developed so far against COVID-19 has been the most significant and saving advance against the pandemic. The development of vaccines has not prevented, during the whole period of the pandemic, the constant search for therapeutic medicines, both among existing drugs with different indications and in the development of new drugs. The Scientific Committee of the COVID-19 of the Illustrious College of Physicians of Madrid wanted to offer an early, simplified and critical approach to these new drugs, to new developments in immunotherapy and to what has been learned from the immune response modulators already known and which have proven effective against the virus, in order to help understand the current situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - E Bouza
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense. CIBERES. Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias. Madrid, Spain.
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Gonzalez BL, de Oliveira NC, Ritter MR, Tonin FS, Melo EB, Sanches ACC, Fernandez-Llimos F, Petruco MV, de Mello JCP, Chierrito D, de Medeiros Araújo DC. The naturally-derived alkaloids as a potential treatment for COVID-19: A scoping review. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2686-2709. [PMID: 35355337 PMCID: PMC9111026 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which has a high mortality rate and transmissibility. In this context, medicinal plants have attracted attention due to the wide availability and variety of therapeutic compounds, such as alkaloids, a vast class with several proven pharmacological effects, like the antiviral and anti‐inflammatory activities. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to summarize the current knowledge of the potential applicability of alkaloids for treating COVID‐19. A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Scopus, from database inception to August 2021. Among the 63 eligible studies, 65.07% were in silico model, 20.63% in vitro and 14.28% clinical trials and observational studies. According to the in silico assessments, the alkaloids 10‐hydroxyusambarensine, cryptospirolepine, crambescidin 826, deoxynortryptoquivaline, ergotamine, michellamine B, nigellidine, norboldine and quinadoline B showed higher binding energy with more than two target proteins. The remaining studies showed potential use of berberine, cephaeline, emetine, homoharringtonine, lycorine, narciclasine, quinine, papaverine and colchicine. The possible ability of alkaloids to inhibit protein targets and to reduce inflammatory markers show the potential for development of new treatment strategies against COVID‐19. However, more high quality analyses/reviews in this field are necessary to firmly establish the effectiveness/safety of the alkaloids here described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fernanda Stumpf Tonin
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Paraná-UFPR, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Borges Melo
- Centro de Ciências Médicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná-UNIOESTE, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Danielly Chierrito
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá-UEM, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Qin S, Li R, Zheng Z, Zeng X, Wang Y, Wang X. Review of selected animal models for respiratory coronavirus infection and its application in drug research. J Med Virol 2022; 94:3032-3042. [PMID: 35285034 PMCID: PMC9088459 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Numerous viral pneumonia cases have been reported in Wuhan, Hubei in December 2019. The pathogen has been identified as a novel coronavirus, which was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The biological characteristics and pathogenesis mechanism of SARS‐CoV‐2 are unclear and under progress. At present, no specific preventive and therapeutic drugs are available. Animal models can reproduce the viral replication cycle and the significant functions of respiratory coronavirus infection and are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy of drugs and vaccines, the transmission route of respiratory coronavirus, clinical features, and so on. We reviewed the current animal models of respiratory coronavirus (SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and made a comparative analysis of the route of inoculation, virus replication, clinical signs, histopathology, application, advantages, and disadvantages. Animal models of respiratory coronavirus include susceptible animal models, genetically modified models, and various animal models of infected virus adaptation strains, such as nonhuman primates, mice, hamsters, ferrets, New Zealand rabbits, cats, and other animal models, all of which have distinct advantages and limitations. This review will provide relevant information and important insights for disease management and control. Animal models for coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengle Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, GuangdongChina
| | - Runfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, GuangdongChina
| | | | - Xuxin Zeng
- School of MedicineFoshan UniversityFoshanChina
| | - Yutao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou, GuangdongChina
| | - Xinhua Wang
- School of MedicineFoshan UniversityFoshanChina
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has somehow affected the lives of 80% of the world's population. Iran has also experienced numerous outbreaks of this disease. The fifth wave having occurred in August 2021 was one of the most agonizing incidences of the pandemic in the country. METHOD We reviewed all of publications and govermental statistics about COVID-19 pandemic In Iran between 2019 to 2021. RESULTS The current study discusses the possible dimensions and causes of successive waves of COVID-19 in Iran, namely, the consequences of a significant delay in vaccination administration in due time, the collective overwhelming fallacy toward immunization, the polypharmacy controversy, inadequate community-based participation in risk reduction, and noticeable decrease in the public's resilience. CONCLUSION A variety of strategies have been recommended in the article to modify the principal challenges in order to help control the pandemic in the country.
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Most published systematic reviews of remdesivir for COVID-19 were redundant and lacked currency. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 146:22-31. [PMID: 35192923 PMCID: PMC8858007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the completeness and currency of published systematic reviews of remdesivir for COVID-19 and to compare this with a living guidelines approach. Study Design and Setting In this cross-sectional study, we searched Europe PMC on May 20, 2021 for systematic reviews of remdesivir (including preprints, living review updates). Completeness and currency were based on the inclusion of four major randomized trials of remdesivir available at the time of publication of the review (including as preliminary results and preprints). Results We included 38 reviews (45 reports), equivalent to a new publication every 9 days. 23 (51%) reports were out of date at the time of publication. Eleven reviews that were current on publication had a median survival time of 10 days (range 4–57). A third of reviews cited other systematic reviews, but only four provided justifications for why another review was necessary. Eight (21%) of the reviews were registered in PROSPERO. The Australian COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce living guidelines were updated within 14 days for three of the remdesivir trials, and within 28 days for the fourth. Conclusion There was considerable duplication of systematic reviews of remdesivir, and half were already out of date at the time of publication.
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Gregory GE, Gregory HM, Liaqat H, Ghaly MM, Johnson-Pich KD. Remdesivir-Associated Sinus Arrest in COVID-19: A Potential Indication for Close Cardiac Monitoring. Cureus 2022; 14:e22328. [PMID: 35317046 PMCID: PMC8934108 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Remdesivir is an antiviral, nucleoside analog used extensively during the coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with proven efficacy against COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our case report details the clinical course of a 50-year-old, COVID-19-positive patient who developed sinus arrest after being treated with remdesivir. Within 24 hours of discontinuing remdesivir therapy, the patient’s sinus arrest resolved to a normal sinus rhythm. The findings from our case report add to a growing body of evidence on the cardiotoxic profile of remdesivir. Remdesivir’s ability to cause bradyarrhythmias, and specifically sinus arrest, should be acknowledged when considering the use of this drug in at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant E Gregory
- Medical School, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Hannah M Gregory
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, USA
| | - Hamza Liaqat
- Internal Medicine, Wah Medical College, Wah Cantonment, PAK
| | - Mina M Ghaly
- Internal Medicine, Southeast Health Medical Center, Dothan, USA
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Kumari K, Kumar A, Singh P, Kaushik NK. In silico study of remdesivir with and without ionic liquids having different cations using DFT calculations and molecular docking. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2022. [PMCID: PMC8720381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2021.100328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Acharya A, Pandey K, Thurman M, Klug E, Trivedi J, Sharma K, Lorson CL, Singh K, Byrareddy SN. Discovery and Evaluation of Entry Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 and Its Emerging Variants. J Virol 2021; 95:e0143721. [PMID: 34550770 PMCID: PMC8610590 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01437-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite unprecedented research and developmental efforts, SARS-CoV-2-specific antivirals are still unavailable for the treatment of COVID-19. In most instances, SARS-CoV-2 infection initiates with the binding of Spike glycoprotein to the host cell ACE2 receptor. Utilizing the crystal structure of the ACE2/Spike receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) complex (PDB file 6M0J) in a computer-aided drug design approach, we identified and validated five potential inhibitors of S-RBD and ACE-2 interaction. Two of the five compounds, MU-UNMC-1 and MU-UNMC-2, blocked the entry of pseudovirus particles expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein. In live SARS-CoV-2 infection assays, both compounds showed antiviral activity with IC50 values in the micromolar range (MU-UNMC-1: IC50 = 0.67 μM and MU-UNMC-2: IC50 = 1.72 μM) in human bronchial epithelial cells. Furthermore, MU-UNMC-1 and MU-UNMC-2 effectively blocked the replication of rapidly transmitting variants of concern: South African variant B.1.351 (IC50 = 9.27 and 3.00 μM) and Scotland variant B.1.222 (IC50 = 2.64 and 1.39 μM), respectively. Following these assays, we conducted "induced-fit (flexible) docking" to understand the binding mode of MU-UNMC-1/MU-UNMC-2 at the S-RBD/ACE2 interface. Our data showed that mutation N501Y (present in B.1.351 variant) alters the binding mode of MU-UNMC-2 such that it is partially exposed to the solvent and has reduced polar contacts. Finally, MU-UNMC-2 displayed high synergy with remdesivir, the only approved drug for treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. IMPORTANCE The ongoing coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). More than 207 million people have been infected globally, and 4.3 million have died due to this viral outbreak. While a few vaccines have been deployed, a SARS-CoV-2-specific antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19 is yet to be approved. As the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with ACE2 is critical for cellular entry, using a combination of a computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach and cell-based in vitro assays, we report the identification of five potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors. Out of the five, two compounds (MU-UNMC-1 and MU-UNMC-2) have antiviral activity against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants from South Africa and Scotland. Furthermore, MU-UNMC-2 acts synergistically with remdesivir (RDV), suggesting that RDV and MU-UNMC-2 can be developed as a combination therapy to treat COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kabita Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Michellie Thurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Elizabeth Klug
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jay Trivedi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kalicharan Sharma
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, India
| | - Christian L. Lorson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Tulbah AS, Lee WH. Physicochemical Characteristics and In Vitro Toxicity/Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Favipiravir Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1059. [PMID: 34681283 PMCID: PMC8540419 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide has driven the need to discover and develop novel therapeutics with superior efficacy to treat this disease. This study aims to develop an innovative aerosolized nano-formulation of favipiravir (FPV) as an anti-viral agent against coronavirus infection. The local delivery of FPV nanoparticles (NPs) via nebulization ensures that the drug can reach the site of infection, the lungs. Solid lipid NPs of favipiravir (FPV-SLNs) were formulated utilizing the hot-evaporation method. The physicochemical formulation properties were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The aerosol formulation performance was evaluated using an Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) at a flow rate of 15 L/min. The FPV-SLN formulation's in vitro anti-viral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was also evaluated using the SARS-CoV-2 pathogen (hCoV-19/Egypt/NRC-3/2020 isolate). The FPV-SLNs' morphology was defined utilizing transmission electron microscopy, showing an irregular shape. By means of FPV-SLNs' nebulization, a fine particle fraction of 60.2 ± 1.7% was produced with 60.2 ± 1.7%, and this finding suggests that FPV-SLNs were appropriate for inhalation drug delivery with a particle size of 537.6 ± 55.72 nm. Importantly, the FPV-SLNs showed anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2 with CC50 and IC50 values of 449.6 and 29.9 µg/mL, respectively. This study suggests that inhaled solid lipid NPs of favipiravir could potentially be used against coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa S. Tulbah
- Pharmaceutics Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah 24243, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wing-Hin Lee
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Royal College of Medicine Perak, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL RCMP), Perak 30450, Malaysia;
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Jukič M, Janežič D, Bren U. Potential Novel Thioether-Amide or Guanidine-Linker Class of SARS-CoV-2 Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors Identified by High-Throughput Virtual Screening Coupled to Free-Energy Calculations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11143. [PMID: 34681802 PMCID: PMC8540652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, represents a new pathogen from the family of Coronaviridae that caused a global pandemic of COVID-19 disease. In the absence of effective antiviral drugs, research of novel therapeutic targets such as SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) becomes essential. This viral protein is without a human counterpart and thus represents a unique prospective drug target. However, in vitro biological evaluation testing on RdRp remains difficult and is not widely available. Therefore, we prepared a database of commercial small-molecule compounds and performed an in silico high-throughput virtual screening on the active site of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp using ensemble docking. We identified a novel thioether-amide or guanidine-linker class of potential RdRp inhibitors and calculated favorable binding free energies of representative hits by molecular dynamics simulations coupled with Linear Interaction Energy calculations. This innovative procedure maximized the respective phase-space sampling and yielded non-covalent inhibitors representing small optimizable molecules that are synthetically readily accessible, commercially available as well as suitable for further biological evaluation and mode of action studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Jukič
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Dušanka Janežič
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Urban Bren
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Thermodynamics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia
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Jacobs J, Johnson AK, Boshara A, Hunt B, Khouri C, Cruz J, Glick N. COVID-19 health inequities and association with mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of stay at an urban safety-net health system in Chicago. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258243. [PMID: 34644327 PMCID: PMC8513837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of Americans have been infected with COVID-19 and communities of color have been disproportionately burdened. We investigated the relationship between demographic characteristics and COVID-19 positivity, and comorbidities and severe COVID-19 illness (use of mechanical ventilation and length of stay) within a racial/ethnic minority population. Patients tested for COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2021 (N = 14171) were 49.9% (n = 7072) female; 50.1% (n = 7104) non-Hispanic Black; 33.2% (n = 4698) Hispanic; and 23.6% (n = 3348) aged 65+. Overall COVID-19 positivity was 16.1% (n = 2286). Compared to females, males were 1.1 times more likely to test positive (p = 0.014). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic persons were 1.4 (p = 0.003) and 2.4 (p<0.001) times more likely, respectively, to test positive. Compared to persons ages 18-24, the odds of testing positive were statistically significantly higher for every age group except 25-34, and those aged 65+ were 2.8 times more likely to test positive (p<0.001). Adjusted for race, sex, and age, COVID-positive patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were 1.9 times more likely to require a ventilator compared to those without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.001). Length of stay was not statistically significantly associated with any of the comorbidity variables. Our findings emphasize the importance of documenting COVID-19 disparities in marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Jacobs
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, Sinai Health System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Arianna Boshara
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, Sinai Health System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Bijou Hunt
- Sinai Urban Health Institute, Sinai Health System, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Sinai Infectious Disease Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Christina Khouri
- Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Javier Cruz
- Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Nancy Glick
- Sinai Infectious Disease Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Rasouli M, Vakilian F, Ranjbari J. Therapeutic and protective potential of mesenchymal stem cells, pharmaceutical agents and current vaccines against covid-19. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:166-185. [PMID: 34530719 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666201221151853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been almost 18 months since the first outbreak of COVID-19 disease was reported in Wuhan, China. This unexpected devastating phenomenon, raised a great deal of concerns and anxiety among people around the world and imposed a huge economic burden on the nations' health care systems. Accordingly, clinical scientists, pharmacologists and physicians worldwide felt an urgent demand for a safe, effective therapeutic agent, treatment strategy or vaccine in order to prevent or cure the recently-emerged disease. Initially, due to lack of specific pharmacological agents and approved vaccines to combat the COVID-19, the disease control in the confirmed cases was limited to supportive care. Accordingly, repositioning or repurposing current drugs and examining their possible therapeutic efficacy received a great deal of attention. Despite revealing promising results in some clinical trials, the overall results are conflicting. For this reason, there is an urgent to seek and investigate other potential therapeutics. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) representing immunomodulatory and regenerative capacity to treat both curable and intractable diseases, have been investigated in COVID-19 clinical trials carried out in different parts of the world. Nevertheless, up to now, none of MSC-based approaches has been approved in controlling COVID-19 infection. Thanks to the fact that the final solution for defeating the pandemic is developing a safe, effective vaccine, enormous efforts and clinical research have been carried out. In this review, we will concisely discuss the safety and efficacy of the most relevant pharmacological agents, MSC-based approaches and candidate vaccines for treating and preventing COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rasouli
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | | | - Javad Ranjbari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
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