1
|
Chakraborty A, Ghosh R, Soumya Mohapatra S, Barik S, Biswas A, Chowdhuri S. Repurposing of antimycobacterium drugs for COVID-19 treatment by targeting SARS CoV-2 main protease: An in-silico perspective. Gene 2024; 922:148553. [PMID: 38734190 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148553] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The global mortality rate has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus. Although the pursuit for a potent antiviral is still in progress, experimental therapies based on repurposing of existing drugs is being attempted. One important therapeutic target for COVID-19 is the main protease (Mpro) that cleaves the viral polyprotein in its replication process. Recently minocycline, an antimycobacterium drug, has been successfully implemented for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. But it's mode of action is still far from clear. Furthermore, it remains unresolved whether alternative antimycobacterium drugs can effectively regulate SARS CoV-2 by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Mpro. To comprehend these facets, eight well-established antimycobacterium drugs were put through molecular docking experiments. Four of the antimycobacterium drugs (minocycline, rifampicin, clofazimine and ofloxacin) were selected by comparing their binding affinities towards Mpro. All of the four drugs interacted with both the catalytic residues of Mpro (His41 and Cys145). Additionally, molecular dynamics experiments demonstrated that the Mpro-minocyline complex has enhanced stability, experiences reduced conformational fluctuations and greater compactness than other three Mpro-antimycobacterium and Mpro-N3/lopinavir complexes. This research furnishes evidences for implementation of minocycline against SARS CoV-2. In addition, our findings also indicate other three antimycobacterium/antituberculosis drugs (rifampicin, clofazimine and ofloxacin) could potentially be evaluated for COVID-19 therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayon Chakraborty
- University Institute of Biotechnology, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajesh Ghosh
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Subhashree Barik
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ashis Biswas
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
| | - Snehasis Chowdhuri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Akpoviroro O, Sauers NK, Uwandu Q, Castagne M, Akpoviroro OP, Humayun S, Mirza W, Woodard J. Severe COVID-19 infection: An institutional review and literature overview. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304960. [PMID: 39163410 PMCID: PMC11335168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aimed to describe the group of severe COVID-19 patients at an institutional level, and determine factors associated with different outcomes. METHODS A retrospective chart review of patients admitted with severe acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 infection. Based on outcomes, we categorized 3 groups of severe COVID-19: (1) Favorable outcome: progressive care unit admission and discharge (2) Intermediate outcome: ICU care (3) Poor outcome: in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Eighty-nine patients met our inclusion criteria; 42.7% were female. The average age was 59.7 (standard deviation (SD):13.7). Most of the population were Caucasian (95.5%) and non-Hispanic (91.0%). Age, sex, race, and ethnicity were similar between outcome groups. Medicare and Medicaid patients accounted for 62.9%. The average BMI was 33.5 (SD:8.2). Moderate comorbidity was observed, with an average Charlson Comorbidity index (CCI) of 3.8 (SD:2.6). There were no differences in the average CCI between groups(p = 0.291). Many patients (67.4%) had hypertension, diabetes (42.7%) and chronic lung disease (32.6%). A statistical difference was found when chronic lung disease was evaluated; p = 0.002. The prevalence of chronic lung disease was 19.6%, 27.8%, and 40% in the favorable, intermediate, and poor outcome groups, respectively. Smoking history was associated with poor outcomes (p = 0.04). Only 7.9% were fully vaccinated. Almost half (46.1%) were intubated and mechanically ventilated. Patients spent an average of 12.1 days ventilated (SD:8.5), with an average of 6.0 days from admission to ventilation (SD:5.1). The intermediate group had a shorter average interval from admission to ventilator (77.2 hours, SD:67.6), than the poor group (212.8 hours, SD:126.8); (p = 0.001). The presence of bacterial pneumonia was greatest in the intermediate group (72.2%), compared to the favorable group (17.4%), and the poor group (56%); this was significant (p<0.0001). In-hospital mortality was seen in 28.1%. CONCLUSION Most patients were male, obese, had moderate-level comorbidity, a history of tobacco abuse, and government-funded insurance. Nearly 50% required mechanical ventilation, and about 28% died during hospitalization. Bacterial pneumonia was most prevalent in intubated groups. Patients who were intubated with a good outcome were intubated earlier during their hospital course, with an average difference of 135.6 hours. A history of cigarette smoking and chronic lung disease were associated with poor outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ogheneyoma Akpoviroro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nathan Kyle Sauers
- Department of Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Queeneth Uwandu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Myriam Castagne
- Clinical & Translational Science Institute, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Sara Humayun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wasique Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jameson Woodard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luo M, Luan X, Yang C, Chen X, Yuan S, Cao Y, Zhang J, Xie J, Luo Q, Chen L, Li S, Xiang W, Zhou J. Revisiting the potential of regulated cell death in glioma treatment: a focus on autophagy-dependent cell death, anoikis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, immunogenic cell death, and the crosstalk between them. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1397863. [PMID: 39184045 PMCID: PMC11341384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1397863] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are primary tumors that originate in the central nervous system. The conventional treatment options for gliomas typically encompass surgical resection and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. However, despite aggressive interventions, the median survival for glioma patients is merely about 14.6 months. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to explore innovative therapeutic strategies for treating glioma. The foundational study of regulated cell death (RCD) can be traced back to Karl Vogt's seminal observations of cellular demise in toads, which were documented in 1842. In the past decade, the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) has systematically classified and delineated various forms and mechanisms of cell death, synthesizing morphological, biochemical, and functional characteristics. Cell death primarily manifests in two forms: accidental cell death (ACD), which is caused by external factors such as physical, chemical, or mechanical disruptions; and RCD, a gene-directed intrinsic process that coordinates an orderly cellular demise in response to both physiological and pathological cues. Advancements in our understanding of RCD have shed light on the manipulation of cell death modulation - either through induction or suppression - as a potentially groundbreaking approach in oncology, holding significant promise. However, obstacles persist at the interface of research and clinical application, with significant impediments encountered in translating to therapeutic modalities. It is increasingly apparent that an integrative examination of the molecular underpinnings of cell death is imperative for advancing the field, particularly within the framework of inter-pathway functional synergy. In this review, we provide an overview of various forms of RCD, including autophagy-dependent cell death, anoikis, ferroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis and immunogenic cell death. We summarize the latest advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate RCD in glioma and explore the interconnections between different cell death processes. By comprehending these connections and developing targeted strategies, we have the potential to enhance glioma therapy through manipulation of RCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maowen Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingzhao Luan
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaoge Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Suxin Yuan
- School of Clinical Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
| | - Youlin Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Panzhihua University, Panzhihua, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaying Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinglian Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenjie Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Neurosurgery, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Islam MA, Pathak K, Saikia R, Pramanik P, Das A, Talukdar P, Shakya A, Ghosh SK, Singh UP, Bhat HR. An in-depth analysis of COVID-19 treatment: Present situation and prospects. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400307. [PMID: 39106224 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400307] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) the most contagious infection caused by the unique type of coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), produced a global pandemic that wreaked havoc on the health-care system, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Several methods were implemented to tackle the virus, including the repurposing of existing medications and the development of vaccinations. The purpose of this article is to provide a complete summary of the current state and future possibilities for COVID-19 therapies. We describe the many treatment classes, such as antivirals, immunomodulators, and monoclonal antibodies, that have been repurposed or developed to treat COVID-19. We also looked at the clinical evidence for these treatments, including findings from observational studies and randomized-controlled clinical trials, and highlighted the problems and limitations of the available evidence. Furthermore, we reviewed existing clinical trials and prospective COVID-19 therapeutic options, such as novel medication candidates and combination therapies. Finally, we discussed the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and the importance of ongoing research into the development of viable treatments. This review will help physicians, researchers, and policymakers to understand the prevention and mitigation of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ariful Islam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Kalyani Pathak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Riya Saikia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Pallab Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Aparoop Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Prasenjit Talukdar
- Department of Petroleum Engineering, DUIET, Dibrugarh, University, Assam, India
| | - Anshul Shakya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Surajit Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Udaya Pratap Singh
- Drug Design & Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hans Raj Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Deora H, Raheja A, Mishra S, Tandon V, Agosti E, Veiceschi P, Garg K, Naik V, Kedia S, Meena R, Munjal SS, Chaurasia B, Wellington J, Locatelli D, Fontanella MM, Singh M, Chandra PS, Kale SS, Arnautovic K. Lessons learned during COVID-19 pandemic, a worldwide survey: evolution of global neurosurgical practice. J Neurosurg Sci 2024; 68:428-438. [PMID: 35416460 DOI: 10.23736/s0390-5616.22.05733-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, a multitude of surveys have analyzed the impact virus spreading on the everyday medical practice, including neurosurgery. However, none have examined the perceptions of neurosurgeons towards the pandemic, their life changes, and the strategies they implemented to be able to deal with their patients in such a difficult time. METHODS From April 2021 to May 2021 a modified Delphi method was used to construct, pilot, and refine the questionnaire focused on the evolution of global neurosurgical practice during the pandemic. This survey was distributed among 1000 neurosurgeons; the responses were then collected and critically analyzed. RESULTS Outpatient department practices changed with a rapid rise in teleservices. 63.9% of respondents reported that they have changed their OT practices to emergency cases with occasional elective cases. 40.0% of respondents and 47.9% of their family members reported to have suffered from COVID-19. 56.2% of the respondents reported having felt depressed in the last 1 year. 40.9% of respondents reported having faced financial difficulties. 80.6% of the respondents found online webinars to be a good source of learning. 47.8% of respondents tried to improve their neurosurgical knowledge while 31.6% spent the extra time in research activities. CONCLUSIONS Progressive increase in operative waiting lists, preferential use of telemedicine, reduction in tendency to complete stoppage of physical clinic services and drop in the use of PPE kits were evident. Respondents' age had an impact on how the clinical services and operative practices have evolved. Financial concerns overshadow mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Deora
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Amol Raheja
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashwat Mishra
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Tandon
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Edoardo Agosti
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pierlorenzo Veiceschi
- School of Specialization in Neurosurgery, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Kanwaljeet Garg
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India -
| | - Vikas Naik
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | - Shweta Kedia
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Meena
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Satya S Munjal
- Department of Neurosurgery, ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Davide Locatelli
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Head and Neck Surgery and Forensic Dissection Research Center (HNS&FDRc), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco M Fontanella
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manmohan Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - P S Chandra
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashank S Kale
- Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kenan Arnautovic
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Semmes Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute, Memphis, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mercadé-Besora N, Guo Y, Du M, Li X, Ramírez-Anguita JM, Moreno A, Valente A, Villalobos F, Cheng IL, Carrasco-Ribelles LA, van Swieten MMH, Merkelbach M, Magoya M, Lasalvia P, Pericàs-Pulido P, Berg P, Bosco-Lévy P, Lillini R, Ribeiro R, Bagga TK, Ramella V, Khalid S, Mayer MA, Leis A, Jödicke AM, Burn E, Prieto-Alhambra D, Català M, Prats-Uribe A. Incident Use of Hydroxychloroquine for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:1173-1178. [PMID: 38523562 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We studied whether the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for COVID-19 resulted in supply shortages for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS We used US claims data (IQVIA PHARMETRICS® Plus for Academics [PHARMETRICS]) and hospital electronic records from Spain (Institut Municipal d'Assistència Sanitària Information System [IMASIS]) to estimate monthly rates of HCQ use between January 2019 and March 2022, in the general population and in patients with RA and SLE. Methotrexate (MTX) use was estimated as a control. RESULTS More than 13.5 million individuals (13,311,811 PHARMETRICS, 207,646 IMASIS) were included in the general population cohort. RA and SLE cohorts enrolled 135,259 and 39,295 patients, respectively, in PHARMETRICS. Incidence of MTX and HCQ were stable before March 2020. On March 2020, the incidence of HCQ increased by 9- and 67-fold in PHARMETRICS and IMASIS, respectively, and decreased in May 2020. Usage rates of HCQ went back to prepandemic trends in Spain but remained high in the United States, mimicking waves of COVID-19. No significant changes in HCQ use were noted among patients with RA and SLE. MTX use rates decreased during HCQ approval period for COVID-19 treatment. CONCLUSION Use of HCQ increased dramatically in the general population in both Spain and the United States during March and April 2020. Whereas Spain returned to prepandemic rates after the first wave, use of HCQ remained high and followed waves of COVID-19 in the United States. However, we found no evidence of general shortages in the use of HCQ for both RA and SLE in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Núria Mercadé-Besora
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom and Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yuchen Guo
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Du
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xintong Li
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alberto Moreno
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla IBiS, and Universidad de Sevilla CSIC, Andalusia, Spain
| | | | - Felipe Villalobos
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iek Leng Cheng
- UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucía A Carrasco-Ribelles
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Mary Magoya
- Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paolo Lasalvia
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Pau Pericàs-Pulido
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears - IdISBa, Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Pauline Bosco-Lévy
- Bordeaux PharmacoEpi, University of Bordeaux, National Institute of Health and Medical Research CIC-P1401, Bordeaux, France
| | - Roberto Lillini
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Trinamjot Kaur Bagga
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali, India
| | | | - Sara Khalid
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Annika M Jödicke
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Burn
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Prieto-Alhambra
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martí Català
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Albert Prats-Uribe
- Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology Group, Health Data Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Azevedo MA, Baetu TM. Applying EBM epistemology and the GRADE system to address practitioners' disagreements in medical malpractice allegations during COVID-19 pandemic. J Eval Clin Pract 2024; 30:860-866. [PMID: 37820015 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The GRADE system of clinical recommendations has deontic implications and can discriminate between mandatory, prohibited, and merely permitted medical decisions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The recommendation categories of the GRADE framework map onto deontological imperatives that can lead to a better understanding and management of allegations of imprudence and appropriateness of treatments. Allegations made during the worst phase of COVID-19 pandemic are used as a case study for exploring the deontic implications of GRADE. METHOD Conceptual theoretical analysis, case study analysis, and argumentation in defence of hypotheses. RESULTS Strong GRADE recommendations for or against treatment are justified by high-quality evidence and can be construed as ethical obligations and prohibitions. In contrast, when evidence for benefit or harm is of lower quality, GRADE yields weak, discretionary recommendations. In such grey area cases, the absence of a duty to prescribe or refuse to prescribe a requested treatment is compatible with the privilege of considering unproven but possibly beneficial options in a private setting. This privilege, however, does not extend to healthcare policymakers, who have a duty to promote actions that serve the public and whose recommendations should not be guided by personal or idiosyncratic preferences or values. CONCLUSION If there is no prima facie evidence that a proposed treatment is harmful, doctors are not negligent in considering it in shared doctor-patient decision-making. But these clinical decisions under uncertainty do not transfer obligations to health authorities, who are not part of the decision-making process in clinical settings. The clinical decision-making process concerns particulars and is guided by contextual and specific reasons that do not fall within the scope of a general policy. Thus, in the context of a serious epidemic in which patients need and demand treatments, if the body of evidence is still changing and fragile, an attitude of tolerance and connivance may ensure a smoother transition to a more stable phase of progress, both in scientific and clinical medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco A Azevedo
- Department of Philosophy, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tudor M Baetu
- Département de Philosophie et des Arts, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liew YY, Dong Q, Lakshman N, Khajuria A. The 100 most-cited articles in COVID-19: a bibliometric analysis. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:744-752. [PMID: 38970903 PMCID: PMC11293834 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckae098] [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: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, sparked by the emergence of a novel coronavirus in early 2020, has prompted a surge in published articles. This study aims to systematically analyse the characteristics and trends of impactful research in the field. The 100 most-cited publications associated with COVID-19 were identified by two independent reviewers using the 'Web of Science' database across all available journals up to the year 2023. Data collected include country, citation count, subject, level of evidence (using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine System 2011), impact factor, funding, and study design. We identified 394 038 publications, and the 100 most-cited publications were ranked. These were cited by a total of 283 034 articles (median citation = 767), median impact factor of 66.9 and 72 articles with fundings. China (n = 44), USA (n = 19), and UK (n = 13) were the three highest contributors (n = 220 505). Most articles were level 5 evidence (n = 48), followed by level 3 (n = 28), 4 (n = 14), 2 (n = 7), and 1 (n = 3). The main subjects were mechanism of action and structures of SARS-CoV-2 virus (n = 18) and impact of COVID-19 on public health (n = 18). Publications in 2022 and 2023 predominantly focused on the impact of COVID-19. Majority of the highly cited studies were of low-to-moderate quality, with only 10 consisting of randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis. These findings reflect a growing interest in understanding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on public and mental health. This analysis found the potential for future double-blinded randomized controlled trials to validate existing findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Y Liew
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Qiming Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD, United States
| | | | - Ankur Khajuria
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yue Y, Ren Y, Lu C, Li P, Zhang G. Epigenetic regulation of human FOXP3+ Tregs: from homeostasis maintenance to pathogen defense. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1444533. [PMID: 39144146 PMCID: PMC11323565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1444533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), characterized by the expression of Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3), constitute a distinct subset of T cells crucial for immune regulation. Tregs can exert direct and indirect control over immune homeostasis by releasing inhibitory factors or differentiating into Th-like Treg (Th-Treg), thereby actively contributing to the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The epigenetic regulation of FOXP3, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, and post-translational modifications, governs the development and optimal suppressive function of Tregs. In addition, Tregs can also possess the ability to maintain homeostasis in diverse microenvironments through non-suppressive mechanisms. In this review, we primarily focus on elucidating the epigenetic regulation of Tregs as well as their multifaceted roles within diverse physiological contexts while looking forward to potential strategies involving augmentation or suppression of Tregs activity for disease management, particularly in light of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guojun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hitti EG, Muazzen Z, Moghrabi W, Al-Yahya S, Khabar KSA. Hydroxychloroquine attenuates double-stranded RNA-stimulated hyper-phosphorylation of tristetraprolin/ZFP36 and AU-rich mRNA stabilization. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 39046234 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13835] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The human innate immune system recognizes dsRNA as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern that induces a potent inflammatory response. The primary source of pathogenic dsRNA is cells infected with replicating viruses, but can also be released from uninfected necrotic cells. Here, we show that the dsRNA poly(I:C) challenge in human macrophages activates the p38 MAPK-MK2 signalling pathway and subsequently the phosphorylation of tristetraprolin (TTP/ZFP36). The latter is an mRNA decay-promoting protein that controls the stability of AU-rich mRNAs (AREs) that code for many inflammatory mediators. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a common anti-malaria drug, is used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and, controversially, during acute COVID-19 disease. We found that HCQ reduced the dsRNA-dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and its downstream kinase MK2. Subsequently, HCQ reduced the abundance and protein stability of the inactive (phosphorylated) form of TTP. HCQ reduced the levels and the mRNA stability of poly (I:C)-induced cytokines and inflammatory mRNAs like TNF, IL-6, COX-2, and IL-8 in THP-1 and primary blood monocytes. Our results demonstrate a new mechanism of the anti-inflammatory role of HCQ at post-transcriptional level (TTP phosphorylation) in a model of dsRNA activation, which usually occurs in viral infections or RNA release from necrotic tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward G Hitti
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeyad Muazzen
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walid Moghrabi
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhad Al-Yahya
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S A Khabar
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Das S, Nath S, Shahjahan, Dey SK. Plausible mechanism of drug resistance and side-effects of COVID-19 therapeutics: a bottleneck for its eradication. Daru 2024:10.1007/s40199-024-00524-z. [PMID: 39026019 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-024-00524-z] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down by meddling with our normal lives. While there is no definitive drug against SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs that are already in the market, are being repurposed against it, could now complete long-term as well as all age-specific investigations, and they are successful in saving millions of lives. Nevertheless, side-effects are emergingly seen in the patients undergoing treatment, and ineffectiveness is increasingly found due to the emerging notorious variants of the virus. Many of them are also facing serious co-infections including black fungus, Zika, and H1N1 virus to name a few. OBJECTIVES Therefore, this review highlights both drug resistance, their side-effects, and the significance for proper and long-term clinical trials of all age groups including children. METHODS We have explored and proposed the mechanisms of drug resistance that may arise due to the misuse or overuse of drugs based on available experimental reports. RESULTS The review provides solutions to the aforesaid issues of drug-resistance and side-effects by providing combination therapies, ancillary treatments, and other preventive strategies that can be useful in preventing drawbacks thereby curbing COVID-19 or similar future infections to maintain our normal lives. CONCLUSION COVID-19 and its long-term effects, if any, can be eradicated with strategic and mindful use of related therapeutics in a controlled manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swarnali Das
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Sreyashi Nath
- Imaging Cell Signaling and Therapeutics Lab, Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Shahjahan
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Dey
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abisheva S, Rutskaya-Moroshan K, Nuranova G, Batyrkhan T, Abisheva A. Antimalarial Drugs at the Intersection of SARS-CoV-2 and Rheumatic Diseases: What Are the Potential Opportunities? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1171. [PMID: 39064600 PMCID: PMC11279047 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60071171] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a serious threat to humanity and is considered a global health emergency. Antimalarial drugs (ADs) have been used in the treatment of immuno-inflammatory arthritis (IIA) and coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The aim of this review is to analyze the current knowledge about the immunomodulatory and antiviral mechanisms of action, characteristics of use, and side effects of antimalarial drugs. Material and Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were the results of randomized and cohort studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and original full-text manuscripts in the English language containing statistically confirmed conclusions. The exclusion criteria were summary reports, newspaper articles, and personal messages. Qualitative methods were used for theoretical knowledge on antimalarial drug usage in AIRDs and SARS-CoV-2 such as a summarization of the literature and a comparison of the treatment methods. Results: The ADs were considered a "candidate" for the therapy of a new coronavirus infection due to mechanisms of antiviral activity, such as interactions with endocytic pathways, the prevention of glycosylation of the ACE2 receptors, blocking sialic acid receptors, and reducing the manifestations of cytokine storms. The majority of clinical trials suggest no role of antimalarial drugs in COVID-19 treatment or prevention. These circumstances do not allow for their use in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Conclusions: The mechanisms of hydroxychloroquine are related to potential cardiotoxic manifestations and demonstrate potential adverse effects when used for COVID-19. Furthermore, the need for high doses in the treatment of viral infections increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects, the prolongation of QT, and retinopathy. Large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have refuted the fact that there is a positive effect on the course and results of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saule Abisheva
- Department of Family Medicine №1, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.A.); (T.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Kristina Rutskaya-Moroshan
- Department of Family Medicine №1, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.A.); (T.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Gulnaz Nuranova
- Department of Children’s Diseases with Courses in Pulmonology and Nephrology, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Tansholpan Batyrkhan
- Department of Family Medicine №1, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.A.); (T.B.); (A.A.)
| | - Anilim Abisheva
- Department of Family Medicine №1, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.A.); (T.B.); (A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hu GN, Liu WL, Chang CH, Ruan SY, Chung KP, Chien JY, Yu CJ. Microbial dynamics, risk factors and outcomes of secondary pneumonia in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A multicenter retrospective cohort study. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00316-4. [PMID: 39013749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.07.013] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary pneumonia has a significant clinical impact on critically ill patients with COVID-19. AIM Considering potential geographic variations, this study explores the clinical implications of secondary pneumonia within East Asian populations. METHODS This multicenter, retrospective cohort study enrolled critical COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care units (ICUs) admission in Taiwan from December 31, 2020, to June 1, 2022. FINDINGS Among the 187 critical COVID-19 patients, 80 (42.8%) developed secondary pneumonia. The primary causative pathogens were gram-negative bacilli (GNB) (76.8%). Gram-positive cocci and fungi were mainly observed during the initial two weeks of ICU stay. Notably, the incidence of pulmonary aspergillosis was 9.2% during the first week of ICU stay and all Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to methicillin. Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) were responsible for 28.3% of the cases, exhibiting significantly longer ICU stays compared to the non-MDRO group (median, 27 vs. 14 days, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were associated with a significantly increased risk of secondary pneumonia. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with secondary pneumonia than in those without (37.7% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.02) and survival analysis demonstrated gram-negative bacilli-related secondary pneumonia contributed to a worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Secondary pneumonia in critical COVID-19 patients significantly raised in-hospital mortality and extended hospital and ICU stays. Moreover, the presence of GNB notably predicted an unfavorable prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geng-Ning Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Liu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Data Science Center, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hao Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yuan Ruan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Pin Chung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Yien Chien
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chong-Jen Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
da Silva MBF, Teixeira CMLL. Cyanobacterial and microalgae polymers: antiviral activity and applications. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01452-5. [PMID: 39008244 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01452-5] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
At the end of 2019, the world witnessed the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an aggressive viral infection, the entire world remained attentive to new discoveries about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its effects in the human body. The search for new antivirals capable of preventing and/or controlling the infection became one of the main goals of research during this time. New biocompounds from marine sources, especially microalgae and cyanobacteria, with pharmacological benefits, such as anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral attracted particular interest. Polysaccharides (PS) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), especially those containing sulfated groups in their structure, have potential antiviral activity against several types of viruses including HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 1, and SARS-CoV-2. We review the main characteristics of PS and EPS with antiviral activity, the mechanisms of action, and the different extraction methodologies from microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barbalho Farias da Silva
- Laboratório de Genética Microbiana, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chan JFW, Yuan S, Chu H, Sridhar S, Yuen KY. COVID-19 drug discovery and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:391-407. [PMID: 38622352 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused substantial morbidity and mortality, and serious social and economic disruptions worldwide. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated older individuals with underlying diseases are especially prone to severe disease. In patients with non-fatal disease, long COVID affecting multiple body systems may persist for months. Unlike SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which have either been mitigated or remained geographically restricted, SARS-CoV-2 has disseminated globally and is likely to continue circulating in humans with possible emergence of new variants that may render vaccines less effective. Thus, safe, effective and readily available COVID-19 therapeutics are urgently needed. In this Review, we summarize the major drug discovery approaches, preclinical antiviral evaluation models, representative virus-targeting and host-targeting therapeutic options, and key therapeutics currently in clinical use for COVID-19. Preparedness against future coronavirus pandemics relies not only on effective vaccines but also on broad-spectrum antivirals targeting conserved viral components or universal host targets, and new therapeutics that can precisely modulate the immune response during infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wolfes J, Kirchner L, Doldi F, Wegner F, Rath B, Eckardt L, Ellermann C, Frommeyer G. Electrophysiological Profile of Different Antiviral Therapies in a Rabbit Whole-Heart Model. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2024; 24:656-666. [PMID: 38851664 PMCID: PMC11211193 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-024-09872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Antiviral therapies for treatment of COVID-19 may be associated with significant proarrhythmic potential. In the present study, the potential cardiotoxic side effects of these therapies were evaluated using a Langendorff model of the isolated rabbit heart. 51 hearts of female rabbits were retrogradely perfused, employing a Langendorff-setup. Eight catheters were placed endo- and epicardially to perform an electrophysiology study, thus obtaining cycle length-dependent action potential duration at 90% of repolarization (APD90), QT intervals and dispersion of repolarization. After generating baseline data, the hearts were assigned to four groups: In group 1 (HXC), hearts were treated with 1 µM hydroxychloroquine. Thereafter, 3 µM hydroxychloroquine were infused additionally. Group 2 (HXC + AZI) was perfused with 3 µM hydroxychloroquine followed by 150 µM azithromycin. In group 3 (LOP) the hearts were perfused with 3 µM lopinavir followed by 5 µM and 10 µM lopinavir. Group 4 (REM) was perfused with 1 µM remdesivir followed by 5 µM and 10 µM remdesivir. Hydroxychloroquine- and azithromycin-based therapies have a significant proarrhythmic potential mediated by action potential prolongation and an increase in dispersion. Lopinavir and remdesivir showed overall significantly less pronounced changes in electrophysiology. In accordance with the reported bradycardic events under remdesivir, it significantly reduced the rate of the ventricular escape rhythm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Wolfes
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Lina Kirchner
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Doldi
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Felix Wegner
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rath
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Ellermann
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerrit Frommeyer
- Department of Cardiology II (Electrophysiology), University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gagliotti C, Banchelli F, Buttazzi R, Ricchizzi E, Canziani LM, Rolli M, Tacconelli E, Moro ML, Berti E. Use of Azithromycin Attributable to Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5857. [PMID: 38988208 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5857] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, preliminary results that later proved to be incorrect suggested the possible efficacy of anti-infective drugs such as azithromycin for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These preliminary data may have influenced the prescription of azithromycin. However, no individual-level data linking the use of this antibiotic to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection are available. The present analysis aims to fill this gap. METHODS A retrospective population-based cohort design was used including patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the period ranging from February 2020 to February 2022. The data source for antibiotic consumption was the drug database of outpatient prescriptions of Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). Antibiotics were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. Consumption rates and percentages of azithromycin DDDs (defined daily doses) during the acute phase of the infection were compared with a previous control period and with the post-acute phase. Analyses were stratified by four groups according to the prevalent virus variant at time of diagnosis. RESULTS Comparing the previous control period with the acute phase of infections, the rates of azithromycin consumption (DDD per 1000 individuals per day) increased from 1.17 to 23.11, from 0.80 to 33.03, from 0.81 to 21.01, and from 1.02 to 9.76, in the pre-Alpha, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron periods, respectively. Similarly, the percentages of individuals receiving azithromycin, and the azithromycin DDDs percentages over total systemic antibiotics DDDs increased in acute phases of infection compared with control periods. The consumption rates and percentages returned to preinfection levels in the post-acute phase. In the study period, 12.9% of the use of azithromycin in the entire adult population of Emilia-Romagna was attributable to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS Considering the low likelihood of bacterial coinfections, the increased azithromycin consumption in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection suggests inappropriate prescribing of this antibiotic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Gagliotti
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella Buttazzi
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Ricchizzi
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maurizia Rolli
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Evelina Tacconelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Moro
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Berti
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
- Regional Health and Social Care Agency, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bhimraj A, Morgan RL, Shumaker AH, Baden L, Cheng VCC, Edwards KM, Gallagher JC, Gandhi RT, Muller WJ, Nakamura MM, O’Horo JC, Shafer RW, Shoham S, Murad MH, Mustafa RA, Sultan S, Falck-Ytter Y. Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Treatment and Management of Patients With COVID-19 (September 2022). Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:e250-e349. [PMID: 36063397 PMCID: PMC9494372 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many pharmacologic therapies that are being used or considered for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with rapidly changing efficacy and safety evidence from trials. The objective was to develop evidence-based, rapid, living guidelines intended to support patients, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals in their decisions about treatment and management of patients with COVID-19. In March 2020, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel of infectious disease clinicians, pharmacists, and methodologists with varied areas of expertise to regularly review the evidence and make recommendations about the treatment and management of persons with COVID-19. The process used a living guideline approach and followed a rapid recommendation development checklist. The panel prioritized questions and outcomes. A systematic review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature was conducted at regular intervals. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence and make recommendations. Based on the most recent search conducted on 31 May 2022, the IDSA guideline panel has made 32 recommendations for the treatment and management of the following groups/populations: pre- and postexposure prophylaxis, ambulatory with mild-to-moderate disease, and hospitalized with mild-to-moderate, severe but not critical, and critical disease. As these are living guidelines, the most recent recommendations can be found online at: https://idsociety.org/COVID19guidelines. At the inception of its work, the panel has expressed the overarching goal that patients be recruited into ongoing trials. Since then, many trials were conducted that provided much-needed evidence for COVID-19 therapies. There still remain many unanswered questions as the pandemic evolved, which we hope future trials can answer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Bhimraj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Rebecca L Morgan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Amy Hirsch Shumaker
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Vincent Chi Chung Cheng
- Queen Mary Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kathryn M Edwards
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center,Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jason C Gallagher
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rajesh T Gandhi
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William J Muller
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mari M Nakamura
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John C O’Horo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Joint Appointment Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Robert W Shafer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Shmuel Shoham
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Reem A Mustafa
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Shahnaz Sultan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Yngve Falck-Ytter
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
- VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Alkhofash NF, Ali BR. The Evaluation of Drugs as Potential Modulators of the Trafficking and Maturation of ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor. Biomolecules 2024; 14:764. [PMID: 39062478 PMCID: PMC11274373 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070764] [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: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ACE2, part of the angiotensin-converting enzyme family and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), plays vital roles in cardiovascular and renal functions. It is also the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2, enabling its entry into cells. This project aimed to study ACE2's cellular trafficking and maturation to the cell surface and assess the impact of various drugs and compounds on these processes. We used cellular and biochemical analyses to evaluate these compounds as potential leads for COVID-19 therapeutics. Our screening assay focused on ACE2 maturation levels and subcellular localization with and without drug treatments. Results showed that ACE2 maturation is generally fast and robust, with certain drugs having a mild impact. Out of twenty-three tested compounds, eight significantly reduced ACE2 maturation levels, and three caused approximately 20% decreases. Screening trafficking inhibitors revealed significant effects from most molecular modulators of protein trafficking, mild effects from most proposed COVID-19 drugs, and no effects from statins. This study noted that manipulating ACE2 levels could be beneficial or harmful, depending on the context. Thus, using this approach to uncover leads for COVID-19 therapeutics requires a thorough understanding ACE2's biogenesis and biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen F. Alkhofash
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Bassam R. Ali
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
- ASPIRE Precision Medicine Research Institute Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Giacomelli A, Ciubotariu CL, Zacheo M, Rabbione A, Pieruzzi M, Barone F, Poloni A, Casalini G, Pozza G, Colaneri M, Passerini M, Ridolfo AL, Gervasoni C, Cattaneo D, Gori A, Antinori S. Mismanagement of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Pre Hospitalisation during the Omicron Era: Antibiotics and Steroids Instead of Early Antivirals. Viruses 2024; 16:1005. [PMID: 39066168 PMCID: PMC11281468 DOI: 10.3390/v16071005] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of inappropriate treatment among hospitalised patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection before hospital admission during the Omicron era. This single-centre, retrospective observational study included all the patients hospitalised because of SARS-CoV-2 infection during three periods characterised by the Italian prevalence of an Omicron variant of concern: (1) January-May 2022 (BA.1-BA.2), (2) June-October 2022 (BA.5), and (3) November 2022-March 2023 (BQ.1-XBB). Inappropriate treatment was defined as pre-hospitalisation exposure to antibiotics and/or steroids in the absence of a documented bacterial infection or the need for steroid treatment of an underlying medical condition. A total of 931 subjects were hospitalised: 394 in period 1, 334 in period 2, and 203 in period 3. Of the 157 patients undergoing inappropriate treatment (16.9%), 142 (15.3%) received antibiotics and 52 (5.6%) steroids. The proportion of inappropriately treated patients significantly decreased over time, from 23.1% in period 1 to 11.7% in period 2 and 13.3% in period 3 (p < 0.001), and there was a parallel decrease in antibiotic (p < 0.001) and steroid treatment (p < 0.013). Only 13 subjects (1.4%) received early pre-hospitalisation treatment for SARS-CoV-2. A significant proportion of hospitalised COVID-19 patients were exposed to inappropriate treatment before hospital admission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giacomelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Cosmin Lucian Ciubotariu
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Martina Zacheo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Andrea Rabbione
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Margherita Pieruzzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Federico Barone
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Andrea Poloni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Giacomo Casalini
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Giacomo Pozza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Marta Colaneri
- II Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Passerini
- II Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Ridolfo
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Cristina Gervasoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- Gestione Ambulatoriale Politerapie Outpatient Clinic, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy;
| | - Dario Cattaneo
- Gestione Ambulatoriale Politerapie Outpatient Clinic, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- II Infectious Diseases Unit, Ospedale Luigi Sacco, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.P.)
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (A.G.); (C.L.C.); (M.Z.); (A.R.); (M.P.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (G.P.); (C.G.); (A.G.)
- III Division of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (A.L.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shao HH, Yin RX. Pathogenic mechanisms of cardiovascular damage in COVID-19. Mol Med 2024; 30:92. [PMID: 38898389 PMCID: PMC11186295 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00855-2] [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: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a new infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). Since the outbreak in December 2019, it has caused an unprecedented world pandemic, leading to a global human health crisis. Although SARS CoV-2 mainly affects the lungs, causing interstitial pneumonia and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, a number of patients often have extensive clinical manifestations, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular damage and renal dysfunction. PURPOSE This review article discusses the pathogenic mechanisms of cardiovascular damage in COVID-19 patients and provides some useful suggestions for future clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention. METHODS An English-language literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases up to 12th April, 2024 for the terms "COVID-19", "SARS CoV-2", "cardiovascular damage", "myocardial injury", "myocarditis", "hypertension", "arrhythmia", "heart failure" and "coronary heart disease", especially update articles in 2023 and 2024. Salient medical literatures regarding the cardiovascular damage of COVID-19 were selected, extracted and synthesized. RESULTS The most common cardiovascular damage was myocarditis and pericarditis, hypertension, arrhythmia, myocardial injury and heart failure, coronary heart disease, stress cardiomyopathy, ischemic stroke, blood coagulation abnormalities, and dyslipidemia. Two important pathogenic mechanisms of the cardiovascular damage may be direct viral cytotoxicity as well as indirect hyperimmune responses of the body to SARS CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS Cardiovascular damage in COVID-19 patients is common and portends a worse prognosis. Although the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular damage related to COVID-19 are not completely clear, two important pathogenic mechanisms of cardiovascular damage may be the direct damage of the SARSCoV-2 infection and the indirect hyperimmune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Hua Shao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS Clinical Treatment Center of Guangxi (Nanning), The Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, No. 1 Erli, Changgang Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530023, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Xing Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS Clinical Treatment Center of Guangxi (Nanning), The Fourth People's Hospital of Nanning, No. 1 Erli, Changgang Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530023, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zheng Y, Feng J, Ling M, Yu Y, Tao Y, Wang X. A comprehensive review on targeting cluster of differentiation: An attractive strategy for inhibiting viruses through host proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:132200. [PMID: 38723834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132200] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Viral infections continue to pose a significant global public health threat. Targeting host proteins, such as cluster of differentiation (CD) macromolecules, may offer a promising alternative approach to developing antiviral treatments. CDs are cell-surface biological macromolecules mainly expressed on leukocytes that viruses can use to enter cells, thereby evading immune detection and promoting their replication. The manipulation of CDs by viruses may represent an effective and clever means of survival through the prolonged co-evolution of hosts and viruses. Targeting of CDs is anticipated to hinder the invasion of related viruses, modulate the body's immune system, and diminish the incidence of subsequent inflammation. They have become crucial for biomedical diagnosis, and some have been used as valuable tools for resisting viral infections. However, a summary of the structures and functions of CDs involved in viral infection is currently lacking. The development of drugs targeting these biological macromolecules is restricted both in terms of their availability and the number of compounds currently identified. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical role of CD proteins in virus invasion and a list of relevant targeted antiviral agents, which will serve as a valuable reference for future research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youle Zheng
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Jin Feng
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Min Ling
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yixin Yu
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yanfei Tao
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU), MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China; MOA Laboratory for Risk Assessment of Quality and Safety of Livestock and Poultry Products, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Huang S, Ma X, Cao J, Du M, Zhao Z, Wang D, Xu X, Liang J, Sun L. Effect of traditional therapeutics on prevalence and clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 in Chinese patients with autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2024; 8:100227. [PMID: 38188040 PMCID: PMC10764252 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100227] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on autoimmune diseases (AID) patients has been an important focus. This study was undertaken to characterize the incidence, clinical manifestations and hospitalization among AID affected by COVID-19 and to analyze the association between immunomodulatory medication and these outcomes. Clinical, demographic, maintenance treatment, symptoms and disease course data and outcomes of AID patients with COVID-19 infection were assessed via an online survey tool and printed copy from 1 January till February 28, 2023. A total of 432 patients with AID were enrolled in the study. The results showed the most common conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) was hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The usage of csDMARDs didn't increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Patients who warranted hospitalization were significantly older. ILD was associated with higher hospitalization rate. No csDMARDs other than calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) was associated with increased risk of hospitalization. HCQ intake was associated with cough. Compared with no glucocorticoids (GCs) group, high doses of GCs were accompanied with higher proportion of gastrointestinal symptoms and tachycardia, lower proportion of sore throat and ageusia. GCs didn't provoke the COVID-19 infection in patients with AID, but chronic use of oral GCs was significantly more common in those requiring hospitalization, and higher dose of GCs were correlated with higher risk of hospitalization. 97 patients discontinued csDMARDs after infection, which resulted in an elevated risk of hospitalization. Meanwhile, withdrawal of csDMARDs was associated with higher odds of disease flare and lower proportion of remission than maintenance groups. Collectively, our analysis provides the evidence that maintenance treatment of csDMARDs may be more prudent for AID patients during COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Xiaolei Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Juan Cao
- Department of Geriatrics, Nanjing Drum Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Mengru Du
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Zhiling Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Xue Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University , 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210008, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dong J, Liu W, Liu W, Wen Y, Liu Q, Wang H, Xiang G, Liu Y, Hao H. Acute lung injury: a view from the perspective of necroptosis. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:997-1018. [PMID: 38615296 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01879-4] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ALI/ARDS is a syndrome of acute onset characterized by progressive hypoxemia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema as the primary clinical manifestations. Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell necrosis that is precisely regulated by molecular signals. This process is characterized by organelle swelling and membrane rupture, is highly immunogenic, involves extensive crosstalk with various cellular stress mechanisms, and is significantly implicated in the onset and progression of ALI/ARDS. METHODS The current body of literature on necroptosis and ALI/ARDS was thoroughly reviewed. Initially, an overview of the molecular mechanism of necroptosis was provided, followed by an examination of its interactions with apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, PANOptosis, and NETosis. Subsequently, the involvement of necroptosis in various stages of ALI/ARDS progression was delineated. Lastly, drugs targeting necroptosis, biomarkers, and current obstacles were presented. CONCLUSION Necroptosis plays an important role in the progression of ALI/ARDS. However, since ALI/ARDS is a clinical syndrome caused by a variety of mechanisms, we emphasize that while focusing on necroptosis, it may be more beneficial to treat ALI/ARDS by collaborating with other mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Dong
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Weihong Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Wenli Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Yuqi Wen
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Qingkuo Liu
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Hongtao Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Guohan Xiang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China.
| | - Hao Hao
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250000, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fotouh A, Abdel-Maguid DS, Abdelhaseib M, Zaki RS, Darweish M. Pathological and pharmacovigilance monitoring as toxicological imputations of azithromycin and its residues in broilers. Vet World 2024; 17:1271-1280. [PMID: 39077436 PMCID: PMC11283599 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1271-1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim The importance of monitoring antimicrobial residues in food is underlined by increasing worries about food safety and public health. The potential toxicity of azithromycin (Az) on broilers and its impact on chicken meat residues require further investigation. This study assesses Az's toxicity effects and associated risks in broiler chickens through evaluation. Materials and Methods One hundred and twenty chicks were distributed into four equal groups randomly. Each group received different daily oral doses of Az: 200 mg/kg for Az1, 100 mg/kg for Az2, and 50 mg/kg for Az3. The FAz group was given plain water. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure Az residue levels in muscle and liver. Oxidative markers (malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]), liver and kidney function tests, and histopathological examination were conducted. Results The levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase increased in Az1 and Az2 groups from 8 h to 3 days and decreased slightly in Az2 by 7 days, while they remained normal in Az3. The levels of uric acid and creatine in the Az1 and Az2 groups increased from 8 h to 3 days and subsequently decreased in Az2 by the 7th day. Az1 group showed the highest increase in MDA levels within 7 days. With higher Az doses, SOD and CAT levels showed a more significant decrease post-treatment. 9.1 μg/kg Az1 liver had the highest residues, whereas none were detected in muscle. Conclusion At higher doses, Az caused significant liver and kidney damage, whereas lower doses had negligible effects. Muscle tissue contains fewer Az residues than liver. Assessing risks and ensuring compliance with regulations necessitate constant surveillance of Az residues in food. The health implications and risk management insights necessitate further investigation into the long-term effects of Az residues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Fotouh
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El Kharga, Egypt
- MBA, Marywood University, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Doaa Safwat Abdel-Maguid
- Department of Forensic and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El Kharga, Egypt
| | - Maha Abdelhaseib
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Rania Samir Zaki
- Department of Food Hygiene, Safety and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, El Kharga, Egypt
| | - Marwa Darweish
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, 13736, Moshtohor, Toukh, Qaluiobia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Han X, Shi W, Yang Y. The efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 prophylaxis and clinical assessment: an updated meta-analysis of randomized trials. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:2983-2993. [PMID: 38883686 PMCID: PMC11170382 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1043] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease that affected tens of millions of people, upended the lives of countless individuals around the globe. The chloroquine (CQ) and its analogue hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were the most frequently cited as potential treatments and preventatives against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The primary aim of this investigation was to scrutinize the effectiveness and safety of HCQ for COVID-19 prevention and to present powerful evidence and reference for clinical practice. Methods PubMed, Ovid and the Cochrane COVID-19 Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were systematically searched from inception to January 31, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) trials that included participants who were SARS-CoV-2 negative at the time of registration were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The intervention group took HCQ or CQ orally. The control group was not blinded by quinine or placebo. Pooled relative risk (RR) of SARS-CoV-2 infection, mortality, hospitalization, adverse events, and compliance were calculated. The software tools utilized for statistical analyses were Stata 14 and Review Manager 5.3. Results A total of 9 studies including 7,825 participants were enrolled. Bias of individual studies were assessed as low risk. The pooled RR for SARS-CoV-2 infection was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-0.83] (z=-4.01, P<0.0001; I2=11%). The pooled RR for hospitalization was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.35-1.50) (z=0.87, P=0.39; I2=0.0%). The pooled RR for mortality and adverse events were 3.26 (95% CI: 0.13-79.74) (z=0.72, P=0.47; I2=0.0%) and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.20-3.02) (z=2.73, P=0.0063; I2=94%). Conclusions Results of this meta-analysis indicated significant impact of HCQ on SARS-CoV-2 infection with higher risk of adverse events. These findings must be considered with caution, and further research is necessary to delineate the specific circumstances where HCQ may be effective for COVID-19 prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Han
- Nursing Department, Dahua Hospital, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Nursing Department, Dahua Hospital, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya Yang
- Nursing Department, Dahua Hospital, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shyu R, Weng C. Enabling Semantic Topic Modeling on Twitter Using MetaMap. AMIA JOINT SUMMITS ON TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE PROCEEDINGS. AMIA JOINT SUMMITS ON TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 2024:670-678. [PMID: 38827089 PMCID: PMC11141808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Topic modeling performs poorly on short phrases or sentences and ever-changing slang, which are common in social media, such as X, formerly known as Twitter. This study investigates whether concept annotation tools such as MetaMap can enable topic modeling at the semantic level. Using tweets mentioning "hydroxychloroquine" for a case study, we extracted 56,017 posted between 03/01/2020-12/31/2021. The tweets were run through MetaMap to encode concepts with UMLS Concept Unique Identifiers (CUIs) and then we used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to identify the optimal model for two datasets: 1) tweets with the original text and 2) tweets with the replaced CUIs. We found that the MetaMap LDA models outperformed the non-MetaMap models in terms of coherence and representativeness and identified topics timely relevant to social and political discussions. We concluded that integrating MetaMap to standardize tweets through UMLS concepts improved semantic topic modeling performance amidst noise in the text.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Shyu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Chunhua Weng
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Qamar F, Sharif Z, Idrees J, Wasim A, Haider S, Salman S. SARS-CoV-2-induced phosphorylation and its pharmacotherapy backed by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Future Sci OA 2024; 10:FSO917. [PMID: 38827795 PMCID: PMC11140666 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0112] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims: To investigate the role of phosphorylation in SARS-CoV-2 infection, potential therapeutic targets and its harmful genetic sequences. Materials & Methods: Data mining techniques were employed to identify upregulated kinases responsible for proteomic changes induced by SARS-CoV-2. Spike and nucleocapsid proteins' sequences were analyzed using predictive tools, including SNAP2, MutPred2, PhD-SNP, SNPs&Go, MetaSNP, Predict-SNP and PolyPhen-2. Missense variants were identified using ensemble-based algorithms and homology/structure-based models like SIFT, PROVEAN, Predict-SNP and MutPred-2. Results: Eight missense variants were identified in viral sequences. Four damaging variants were found, with SNPs&Go and PolyPhen-2. Promising therapeutic candidates, including gilteritinib, pictilisib, sorafenib, RO5126766 and omipalisib, were identified. Conclusion: This research offers insights into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity, highlighting potential treatments and harmful variants in viral proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fouzia Qamar
- Department of Biology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore-54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Zubair Sharif
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Superior University, Lahore-54000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Idrees
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Monitoring Authority, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar-25000, Pakistan
| | - Asif Wasim
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University of IT & Emerging Sciences, Peshawar-25000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Sana Haider
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University of IT & Emerging Sciences, Peshawar-25000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Saad Salman
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University of IT & Emerging Sciences, Peshawar-25000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rasul HO, Thomas NV, Ghafour DD, Aziz BK, Salgado M G, Mendoza-Huizar LH, Candia LG. Searching possible SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors in constituents from herbal medicines using in silico studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4234-4248. [PMID: 37349945 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The largest threat to civilization since the Second World War is the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic medicines to treat COVID-19. Reusing bio-actives is a workable and efficient strategy in the battle against new epidemics because the process of developing new drugs is time-consuming. This research aimed to identify which herbal remedies had the highest affinity for the receptor and assess a variety of them for potential targets to suppress the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The use of AutoDock Vina for structure-based virtual screening was done first due to the importance of protein interactions in the development of drugs. Molecular docking was used in the comparative study to assess 89 different chemicals from medicinal herbs. To anticipate their effectiveness against the primary protease of SARS-CoV-2, more analysis was done on the ADMET profile, drug-likeness, and Lipinski's rule of five. The next step involved three replicas of 100 ns-long molecular dynamics simulations on the potential candidates, which were preceded by calculations of the binding free energy of MM-GBSA. The outcomes showed that Achyrodimer A, Cinchonain Ib, Symphonone F, and Lupeol acetate all performed well and had the highest 6LU7 binding affinities. Using RMSD, RMSF, and protein-ligand interactions, the stability of the protein-ligand complex was assessed. The studies indicate that bioactive substances obtained from herbal medicines may function as a COVID-19 therapeutic agent, necessitating additional wet lab research to confirm their therapeutic potential, efficacy, and pharmacological capacity against the condition.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hezha O Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science, Charmo University, Chamchamal, Sulaimani, Iraq
| | - Noel Vinay Thomas
- Department of BioMedical Science, College of Science, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimani, Iraq
| | - Dlzar D Ghafour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Science, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimani, Iraq
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq
| | - Bakhtyar K Aziz
- Department of Nanoscience and Applied Chemistry, College of Science, Charmo University, Chamchamal, Sulaimani, Iraq
| | | | - L H Mendoza-Huizar
- Academic Area of Chemistry, Mineral de la Reforma, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Hidalgo, México
| | - Lorena Gerli Candia
- Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nagahawatta DP, Liyanage NM, Jayawardena TU, Jayawardhana HHACK, Jeong SH, Kwon HJ, Jeon YJ. Role of marine natural products in the development of antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2: potential and prospects. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:280-297. [PMID: 38827130 PMCID: PMC11136918 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus, known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has surfaced and caused global concern owing to its ferocity. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019; however, it was only discovered at the end of the year and was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Therefore, the development of novel potent inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks is urgently required. Numerous naturally occurring bioactive substances have been studied in the clinical setting for diverse disorders. The intricate infection and replication mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 offers diverse therapeutic drug targets for developing antiviral medicines by employing natural products that are safer than synthetic compounds. Marine natural products (MNPs) have received increased attention in the development of novel drugs owing to their high diversity and availability. Therefore, this review article investigates the infection and replication mechanisms, including the function of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and structure. Furthermore, we highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic intervention efforts utilizing MNPs and predicted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor design. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00215-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. P. Nagahawatta
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
| | - N. M. Liyanage
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
| | - Thilina U. Jayawardena
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3 Canada
| | | | - Seong-Hun Jeong
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Jun Kwon
- Functional Biomaterial Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Jeongeup-si, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Jin Jeon
- Department of Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, 690-756 Republic of Korea
- Marine Science Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, 63333 Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hasdeu S, Beliera A, Alvarez J, Sanchez-Viamonte J. [Asymmetries between national articulation and the autonomy of state governments in implementing health technologies to fight COVID-19 in Argentina]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2024; 40:e00117923. [PMID: 38695457 PMCID: PMC11057482 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xes117923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Argentina, as other countries, showed several public policies related to the health technologies implemented to fight and treat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to analyze how articulation vs. cooperation and autonomy vs. division of powers between entities occurred in Argentina, exploring asymmetries between several entities in implementing public policies related to health technologies during the pandemic and the influences of other actors. For this, a documentary research was carried out related to 2020-2021 (technical reports published by the World Health Organization, national agencies and scientific societies, laws, court decisions, press, and research and in-depth interviews with members of the Argentine Ministries of Health). The processes and results of decision-making in the Ministries of Health were analyzed, outlining the coverage and orientations of each technology and the political party in power in the province. This study found heterogeneous results and processes between Ministries and disputes within them. It also observed the poor adherence to official guidelines due to technical-political criteria (power relations, social, media, academic, judiciary, and legislative pressure). Some cases showed a strong tension between the government and its opposition over the discussion of technologies. Each province in Argentina has autonomously defined its policies on health technologies for COVID-19, and decision-making in public administration was disorderly, complex, and non-linear during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Hasdeu
- Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Neuquén, Argentina
- RedARETS, Neuquén, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gacheri J, Hamilton KA, Munywoki P, Wakahiu S, Kiambi K, Fèvre EM, Oluka MN, Guantai EM, Moodley A, Muloi DM. Antibiotic prescribing practices in community and clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nairobi, Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003046. [PMID: 38662675 PMCID: PMC11045065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems, including antibiotic use practices. We present data on patterns of antibiotic dispensing and use in community and hospital settings respectively in Nairobi, Kenya during the pandemic. We conducted interviews with 243 pharmacies in Nairobi using a standardised questionnaire from November to December 2021. The data collected included demographic characteristics, antibiotic customers, types of antibiotics sold, and antibiotic prescribing practices. Additionally, we retrospectively reviewed health records for 992 and 738 patients admitted in COVID-19 and general wards at two large inpatient hospitals between April 2020 and May 2021, and January 2019 to October 2021, respectively. Demographic, utilisation of laboratory services, treatment, clinical, and outcome data were collected using a modified Global WHO Point Prevalence Surveys (Global-PPS) tool. Almost all pharmacies (91.4%) served customers suspected of having COVID-19 with a mean weekly number of 15.6 customers. All pharmacies dispensed antibiotics, mainly azithromycin and beta lactams to suspected COVID-19 infected customers. 83.4% of hospitalised COVID-19 patients received at least one antibiotic at some point during their hospitalisation, which was significantly higher than the 53.8% in general ward patients (p<0.001). Similarly, the average number of antibiotics administered to COVID-19 patients was higher than that of patients in the general ward (1.74 vs 0.9). Azithromycin and ceftriaxone were the most commonly used antibiotics in COVID-19 patients compared to ceftriaxone and metronidazole in the general wards. Only 2% of antibiotic prescriptions for COVID-19 patients were supported by microbiological investigations, which was consistent with the proportion of 6.8% among the general ward population. Antibiotics were commonly prescribed to customers and patients suspected of having COVID-19 either in community pharmacies or in hospital, without a prescription or laboratory diagnosis. These findings emphasize the crucial role of antibiotic stewardship, particularly in community pharmacies, in the context of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- June Gacheri
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katie A. Hamilton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Karen Kiambi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric M. Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret N. Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eric M. Guantai
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Arshnee Moodley
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Dishon M. Muloi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jiang Y, Sadun RE. What the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Has Taught Us About Immunosuppression, Vaccinations, and Immune Dysregulation: The Rheumatology Experience. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2024; 24:221-232. [PMID: 38568321 PMCID: PMC11245734 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-024-01139-9] [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] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the field of rheumatology, emphasizing resulting insights related to the risks of viral infections in immunosuppressed patients, vaccine immunogenicity in immunocompromised patients, and immune dysregulation in the setting of viral infection. RECENT FINDINGS During the pandemic, global patient registries provided real-time insights into the risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in rheumatology patients. Updated evidence-based recommendations from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guided rheumatology practice during a time of considerable uncertainty. Studies on COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised populations enhanced our understanding of specific immunosuppressive therapies on vaccine efficacy. The immune dysregulation seen in severe COVID-19 underscored a role for immunomodulation in this and other severe infections. Furthermore, novel post-infectious conditions, namely multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Long COVID, reshaped our understanding of post-viral syndromes and revealed novel pathological mechanisms. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the power of collaborative research. The scientific revelations from this dreadful time will, nonetheless, benefit the practice of rheumatology for years to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yike Jiang
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca E Sadun
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hossain S, Rafi RH, Ripa FA, Khan MRI, Hosen ME, Molla MKI, Faruqe MO, Al-Bari MAA, Das S. Modulating the antibacterial effect of the existing antibiotics along with repurposing drug metformin. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:190. [PMID: 38519821 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03917-5] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Owing to the extensive prevalence of resistant bacteria to numerous antibiotic classes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a well-known hazard to world health. As an alternate approach in the field of antimicrobial drug discovery, repurposing the available medications which are also called antibiotic resistance breakers has been pursued for the treatment of infections with antimicrobial resistance pathogens. In this study, we used Haloperidol, Metformin and Hydroxychloroquine as repurposing drugs in in vitro (Antibacterial Antibiotic Sensitivity Test and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration-MIC) and in vivo (Shigellosis in Swiss albino mice) tests in combination with traditional antibiotics (Oxytetracycline, Erythromycin, Doxycycline, Gentamicin, Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, and Penicillin) against a group of AMR resistance bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella boydii). After observing the results of the conducted in vitro experiments we studied the effects of the above non antibiotic drugs in combination with the said antibiotics. As an repurposing adjuvant antibiotic drug, Metformin exhibited noteworthy activity in almost all in vitro, in vivo and in silico tests (Zone of inhibition for 30 to 43 mm for E.coli in combination with Doxycycline; MIC value decreased 50 µM to 0.781 µM with Doxycycline on S. boydii).In rodents Doxycycline and Metformin showed prominent against Shigellosis in White blood cell count (6.47 ± 0.152 thousand/mm3) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (10.5 ± 1.73 mm/hr). Our findings indicated that Metformin and Doxycycline combination has a crucial impact on Shigellosis. The molecular docking study was performed targeting the Acriflavine resistance protein B (AcrB) (PDB ID: 4CDI) and MexA protein (PDB ID: 6IOK) protein with Metformin (met8) drug which showed the highest binding energy with - 6.4 kcal/mol and - 5.5 kcal/mol respectively. Further, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the docked complexes were relatively stable during the 100 ns simulation period. This study suggest Metformin and other experimented drugs can be used as adjuvants boost up antibiosis but further study is needed to find out the safety and efficacy of this non-antibiotic drug as potent antibiotic adjuvant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Somlal Das
- University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, 6205, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vitti JN, Vitti R, Chu K, Mellis S. The ethics of clinical research in the era of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1359654. [PMID: 38510356 PMCID: PMC10950982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1359654] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for increased understanding of COVID-19 and strategies for its prevention, treatment, and mitigation. All participants in the research enterprise, including institutional review boards, have an ethical duty to protect participants and ensure that the benefits gained from such research do not conflict with the core principles that guided researchers prior to the pandemic. In this review, we discuss the ethical issues surrounding initiation and conduct of clinical trials, focusing on novel COVID-19 therapeutic, vaccine, or biospecimen research, using the principles of autonomy, beneficence, and justice. We discuss strategies to manage the practical challenges associated with the conduct of clinical trials, with an emphasis on maintaining the rights and welfare of research participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Vitti
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
| | - Karen Chu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
| | - Scott Mellis
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
González R, Goncé A, Gil MDM, Mazarico E, Ferriols‐Pérez E, Toro P, Llurba E, Saéz E, Rodríguez‐Zambrano MÁ, García‐Otero L, López M, Santacruz B, Román MÁ, Payà A, Alonso S, Cruz‐Lemini M, Pons‐Duran C, Herrera LB, Chen H, Bardají A, Quintó L, Menendez C. Efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevention of COVID-19 severity in pregnant and postpartum women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:602-610. [PMID: 38098221 PMCID: PMC10867357 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14745] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnant women have an increased risk of severe COVID-19. Evaluation of drugs with a safety reproductive toxicity profile is a priority. At the beginning of the pandemic, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was recommended for COVID-19 treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in eight teaching hospitals in Spain to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HCQ in reducing viral shedding and preventing COVID-19 progression. Pregnant and postpartum women with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR (with or without mild COVID-19 signs/symptoms) and a normal electrocardiogram were randomized to receive either HCQ orally (400 mg/day for 3 days and 200 mg/day for 11 days) or placebo. PCR and electrocardiogram were repeated at day 21 after treatment start. Enrollment was stopped before reaching the target sample due to low recruitment rate. Trial registration EudraCT #: 2020-001587-29, on April 2, 2020. CLINICAL TRIALS gov # NCT04410562, registered on June 1, 2020. RESULTS A total of 116 women (75 pregnant and 41 post-partum) were enrolled from May 2020 to June 2021. The proportion of women with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR at day 21 was lower in the HCQ group (21.8%, 12/55) than in the placebo group (31.6%, 18/57), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.499). No differences were observed in COVID-19 progression, adverse events, median change in QTc, hospital admissions, preeclampsia or poor pregnancy and perinatal outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS HCQ was found to be safe in pregnant and postpartum women with asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although the prevalence of infection was decreased in the HCQ group, the statistical power was insufficient to confirm the potential beneficial effect of HCQ for COVID-19 treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)
- Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM)ManhiçaMozambique
| | - Anna Goncé
- BCNATAL | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic de BarcelonaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Mª. del Mar Gil
- Obstetrics and Gynecology DepartmentHospital Universitario de TorrejónMadridSpain
- School of MedicineUniversidad Francisco de VitoriaMadridSpain
| | - Edurne Mazarico
- BCNatal | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital ClínicUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Paloma Toro
- Obstetrics and Gynecology DepartmentHospital General de SegoviaSegoviaSpain
| | - Elisa Llurba
- Women and Perinatal Health Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyInstitut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau‐IIB Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBarcelonaSpain
| | - Elisa Saéz
- Obstetrics and Gynecology DepartmentHospital Universitario Infanta LeonorMadridSpain
| | | | | | - Marta López
- BCNATAL | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Clínic de BarcelonaUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Belén Santacruz
- Obstetrics and Gynecology DepartmentHospital Universitario de TorrejónMadridSpain
- School of MedicineUniversidad Francisco de VitoriaMadridSpain
| | - Mª. Ángeles Román
- BCNatal | Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital ClínicUniversitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Antoni Payà
- Obstetrics and Gynecology DepartmentHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
| | - Sofia Alonso
- Obstetrics and Gynecology DepartmentHospital General de SegoviaSegoviaSpain
| | - Mónica Cruz‐Lemini
- Women and Perinatal Health Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyInstitut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau‐IIB Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauBarcelonaSpain
| | - Clara Pons‐Duran
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Haily Chen
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)
- Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM)ManhiçaMozambique
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)
- Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM)ManhiçaMozambique
| | - Clara Menendez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic‐Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)
- Manhiça Health Research Center (CISM)ManhiçaMozambique
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Brogna C, Montano L, Zanolin ME, Bisaccia DR, Ciammetti G, Viduto V, Fabrowski M, Baig AM, Gerlach J, Gennaro I, Bignardi E, Brogna B, Frongillo A, Cristoni S, Piscopo M. A retrospective cohort study on early antibiotic use in vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29507. [PMID: 38504586 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29507] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The bacteriophage behavior of SARS-CoV-2 during the acute and post-COVID-19 phases appears to be an important factor in the development of the disease. The early use of antibiotics seems to be crucial to inhibit disease progression-to prevent viral replication in the gut microbiome, and control toxicological production from the human microbiome. To study the impact of specific antibiotics on recovery from COVID-19 and long COVID (LC) taking into account: vaccination status, comorbidities, SARS-CoV-2 wave, time of initiation of antibiotic therapy and concomitant use of corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). A total of 211 COVID-19 patients were included in the study: of which 59 were vaccinated with mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 while 152 were unvaccinated. Patients were enrolled in three waves: from September 2020 to October 2022, corresponding to the emergence of the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The three criteria for enrolling patients were: oropharyngeal swab positivity or fecal findings; moderate symptoms with antibiotic intake; and measurement of blood oxygen saturation during the period of illness. The use of antibiotic combinations, such as amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (875 + 125 mg tablets, every 12 h) plus rifaximin (400 mg tablets every 12 h), as first choice, as suggested from the previous data, or azithromycin (500 mg tablets every 24 h), plus rifaximin as above, allows healthcare professionals to focus on the gut microbiome and its implications in COVID-19 disease during patient care. The primary outcome measured in this study was the estimated average treatment effect, which quantified the difference in mean recovery between patients receiving antibiotics and those not receiving antibiotics at 3 and 9 days after the start of treatment. In the analysis, both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups had a median illness duration of 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6-9 days for each; recovery crude hazard ratio [HR] = 0.94, p = 0.700). The median illness duration for the pre-Delta and Delta waves was 8 days (IQR 7-10 days), while it was shorter, 6.5 days, for Omicron (IQR 6-8 days; recovery crude HR = 1.71, p < 0.001). These results were confirmed by multivariate analysis. Patients with comorbidities had a significantly longer disease duration: median 8 days (IQR 7-10 days) compared to 7 days (IQR 6-8 days) for those without comorbidities (crude HR = 0.75, p = 0.038), but this result was not confirmed in multivariate analysis as statistical significance was lost. Early initiation of antibiotic therapy resulted in a significantly shorter recovery time (crude HR = 4.74, p < 0.001). Concomitant use of NSAIDs did not reduce disease duration and in multivariate analysis prolonged the disease (p = 0.041). A subgroup of 42 patients receiving corticosteroids for a median of 3 days (IQR 3-6 days) had a longer recovery time (median 9 days, IQR 8-10 days) compared to others (median 7 days, IQR 6-8 days; crude HR = 0.542, p < 0.001), as confirmed also by the adjusted HR. In this study, a statistically significant reduction in recovery time was observed among patients who received early antibiotic treatment. Early initiation of antibiotics played a crucial role in maintaining higher levels of blood oxygen saturation. In addition, it is worth noting that a significant number of patients who received antibiotics in the first 3 days and for a duration of 7 days, during the acute phase did not develop LC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Brogna
- Craniomed Group Srl. Research Facility, Bresso, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in Uro-Andrology, Local Health Authority (ASL), Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Ciammetti
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Hospital Ferdinando Veneziale Isernia, Regional Health Authority of Molise, Italy
| | | | - Mark Fabrowski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Royal Sussex County Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Abdul M Baig
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Iapicca Gennaro
- Pineta Grande Hospital Group, Department of Urology, Santa Rita Clinic, Atripalda, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Brogna
- Department of Radiology, Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy
| | | | | | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ramdani I, Bouazza B. Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19 story: is the low-dose treatment the missing link? A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1181-1188. [PMID: 37639021 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02688-y] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been repurposed and used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients; however, its efficacy remains controversial, maybe partly due to the dosage, ranging from 200 to 800 mg/day, reported in different studies. Indeed, HCQ low dose (≤ 2.4 g/5 days) showed a lower risk of side effects compared to high doses. In this study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of low-dose HCQ used alone on three outcomes including in-hospital mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission in COVID-19 patients. A systematic review of English literature was conducted from January 2020 to April 2022, in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies reporting a dosage of 400 mg twice the first day, followed by 200 mg twice for four days were included. Pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using random-effects models. Eleven studies (12,503 patients) were retained in the quantitative analysis, four observational cohort studies, and seven RCTs. When pooling both observational and RCTs, low-dose HCQ was associated with decreased mortality (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: [0.55-0.97], I2 = 58%), but not with mechanical ventilation need (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: [0.56-1.89], I2 = 67%) and ICU admission rate (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: [0.42-1.17], I2 = 47%). However, no effect was observed when pooling only RCTs. Despite RCTs limitations, treatment with low-dose HCQ was not associated with improvement in mortality, mechanical ventilation need and ICU admission rate in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Idir Ramdani
- Ecology, Biotechnology and Health Lab. Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Route de Hasnaoua, 15000, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria
| | - Belaid Bouazza
- Ecology, Biotechnology and Health Lab. Faculty of Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Route de Hasnaoua, 15000, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria.
- National Center for Biotechnology Research, Constantine, Algeria.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zyoud SH. Global landscape of COVID-19 research: a visualization analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:14. [PMID: 38252392 PMCID: PMC10803477 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01254-3] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 in 2019 has resulted in a significant global health crisis. Consequently, extensive research was published to understand and mitigate the disease. In particular, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been considered the benchmark for assessing the efficacy and safety of interventions. Hence, the present study strives to present a comprehensive overview of the global research landscape pertaining to RCTs and COVID-19. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Scopus database. The search parameters included articles published from 2020 to 2022 using keywords specifically related to COVID-19 and RCTs. The data were analyzed using various bibliometric indicators. The volume of publications, contributions of countries and institutions, funding agencies, active journals, citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and future research direction analysis were specifically analyzed. A total of 223,480 research articles concerning COVID-19 were published, with 3,727 of them related to RCTs and COVID-19. The ten most productive countries collectively produced 75.8% of the documents, with the United States leading the way by contributing 31.77%, followed by the UK with 14.03% (n = 523), China with 12.96% (n = 483) and Canada with 7.16% (n = 267). Trials (n = 173, 4.64%), BMJ Open (n = 81, 2.17%), PLOS One (n = 73, 1.96%) and JAMA Network Open (n = 53, 1.42%) were the most active journals in publishing articles related to COVID-19 RCTs. The co-occurrence analysis identified four clusters of research areas: the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, mental health strategies to cope with the impact of the pandemic, the use of monoclonal antibodies to treat patients with COVID-19, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses of COVID-19 research. This paper offers a detailed examination of the global research environment pertaining to RCTs and their use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The comprehensive body of research findings was found to have been generated by the collaborative efforts of multiple countries, institutions, and funding organizations. The predominant research areas encompassed COVID-19 vaccines, strategies for mental health, monoclonal antibodies, and systematic reviews. This information has the potential to aid researchers, policymakers, and funders in discerning areas of weakness and establishing areas of priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sa'ed H Zyoud
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
- Clinical Research Centre, An-Najah National University Hospital, Nablus, 44839, Palestine.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Aiello F, Balzano F, Uccello Barretta G, D'Acquarica I, Mazzoccanti G, Agranat I. Chiral distinction between hydroxychloroquine enantiomers in binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the forward receptor of SARS-CoV-2. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 237:115770. [PMID: 37879140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115770] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Soon after the outset of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March-April 2020), formulations of the old antimalarial racemic drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) sulfate were authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A call for the chiral switch of HCQ to the single enantiomer (S)-(+)-HCQ for treating the disease followed. The above authorizations were later withdrawn. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been recognized to be the forward receptor of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the chiral distinction in the potential preferential binding of the HCQ enantiomers to ACE2, as a basis for its future drug repurposing, using high-field solution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Proton selective spin-lattice relaxation rates were measured for selected diagnostic nuclei; in particular, protons belonging to the quinoline ring proved to be the most affected by the presence of the protein, for both (S)-(+)-HCQ and (R)-(-)-HCQ enantiomers. An increase in mono-selective relaxation rates was observed for both enantiomers. A significant difference in the magnitude of the increase was detected for all protons investigated, up to a 5-fold and an 8-fold increase in the case of (R)-(-)-HCQ and (S)-(+)-HCQ, respectively. Furthermore, comparison between the normalized mono-selective relaxation rates of the two HCQ enantiomers in their binary mixtures with ACE2 pointed out a certain preference for the (S)-(+)-HCQ enantiomer over (R)-(-)-HCQ in the interaction with ACE2. The findings form the basis for a future application of the drug repurposing/chiral-switch combination strategy to racemic HCQ in previously reported indications for hydroxychloroquine treatment and in the search for new indications in which ACE2 receptors are involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Aiello
- Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Federica Balzano
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gloria Uccello Barretta
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Acquarica
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Mazzoccanti
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Israel Agranat
- Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kulikova NG, Al-Zamil MK, Zhilokov ZG, Tkachenko AS. [Method of comprehensive physiotherapy of dental patients after COVID-19]. VOPROSY KURORTOLOGII, FIZIOTERAPII, I LECHEBNOI FIZICHESKOI KULTURY 2024; 101:18-23. [PMID: 38934954 DOI: 10.17116/kurort202410103118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Functional gastrointestinal disorders, which had an impact on the dentofacial system (pain, loose teeth and falling out of them) in patients who have had COVID-19, drew the close attention of specialists of different profiles. The pathogenesis of worsening post-COVID edentulism is insufficiently studied, as many issues of adequate therapy remain unsolved, in which the role of non-drug technologies in the treatment of dental patients who have suffered from COVID-19 is extremely high. OBJECTIVE To describe the mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness of the developed combined physiotherapy method, including the induced technique of piracetam iontophoresis on the frontooccipital technic and acupuncture laser therapy in dental patients with complaints of edentulism progression after COVID-19 on the basis of the analysis of single studies on the post-COVID loss of teeth treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS A number of patients equal 120 who complained of tooth loss after COVID-19 during the past 6 months were examined. The following initial and end points were considered: dental bleeding and inflammation scores, vascular and endothelial dysfunction markers - levels of intercellular adhesion molecules and their receptors (SlCAM-1, SVCAM-1, VEGF-A, ET-1) before and after treatment. RESULTS Negative correlation between VEGF-A (pg/ml) concentration in peripheral blood serum and sVCAM-1 (ng/ml) level in the examined patients (r=0.4830, p<0.05) and strong inverse correlation between slCAM-1 (ng/ml) level and sVCAM-1 (r=0.7696, p<0.01) have been established. More significant effects after application of the combined induced method on the head's structures and laser acupuncture have been noted than after acupuncture laser exposure and after inducing technique separately, namely in the form of dental inflammation score correction by 1.76 times (p<0.001), decrease of bleeding score by 2.6 (p<0.05), decrease of concentration of SVCAM-1 by 1.7 times and SlCAM-1 by 2 times (p<0.001), increase of endothelin level by 1.7 times as well as the initial low VEGF-A (pg/ml) by 1.5 times (p<0.01). CONCLUSION The developed physiotherapeutic complex, which includes laser acupuncture physiotherapy and induced technique of 5% piracetam iontophoresis, can potentially be considered as a physioprophylactic and therapeutic model of post-COVID edentulism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N G Kulikova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - M Kh Al-Zamil
- Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z G Zhilokov
- Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
- »ViDentis» Dental Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Tkachenko
- Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
- »ViDentis» Dental Center, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Friedrich S, Friede T. On the role of benchmarking data sets and simulations in method comparison studies. Biom J 2024; 66:e2200212. [PMID: 36810737 DOI: 10.1002/bimj.202200212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Method comparisons are essential to provide recommendations and guidance for applied researchers, who often have to choose from a plethora of available approaches. While many comparisons exist in the literature, these are often not neutral but favor a novel method. Apart from the choice of design and a proper reporting of the findings, there are different approaches concerning the underlying data for such method comparison studies. Most manuscripts on statistical methodology rely on simulation studies and provide a single real-world data set as an example to motivate and illustrate the methodology investigated. In the context of supervised learning, in contrast, methods are often evaluated using so-called benchmarking data sets, that is, real-world data that serve as gold standard in the community. Simulation studies, on the other hand, are much less common in this context. The aim of this paper is to investigate differences and similarities between these approaches, to discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately to develop new approaches to the evaluation of methods picking the best of both worlds. To this aim, we borrow ideas from different contexts such as mixed methods research and Clinical Scenario Evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Friedrich
- Institute of Mathematics, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Centre for Advanced Analytics and Predictive Sciences, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tim Friede
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee, Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Maiti AK. Therapeutic Challenges in COVID-19. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:14-25. [PMID: 36567277 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666221222162641] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV2 is a novel respiratory coronavirus and, understanding its molecular mechanism is a prerequisite to developing effective treatment for COVID-19. This RNA genome-carrying virus has a protein coat with spikes (S) that attaches to the ACE2 receptor at the cell surface of human cells. Several repurposed drugs are used to treat COVID-19 patients that are proven to be largely unsuccessful or have limited success in reducing mortalities. Several vaccines are in use to reduce the viral load to prevent developing symptoms. Major challenges to their efficacy include the inability of antibody molecules to enter cells but remain effective in the bloodstream to kill the virus. The efficacy of vaccines also depends on their neutralizing ability to constantly evolve new virus strains due to novel mutations and evolutionary survival dynamics. Taken together, SARS-CoV2 antibody vaccines may not be very effective and other approaches based on genetic, genomic, and protein interactome could be fruitful to identify therapeutic targets to reduce disease-related mortalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Maiti
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Mydnavar, 28475 Greenfield Rd, Southfield MI 48076, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hooda U, Feola N, Nabors C, Dhand A. Arrhythmias in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Treated With Hydroxychloroquine and/or Azithromycin. Am J Ther 2024; 31:e57-e59. [PMID: 33852488 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abhay Dhand
- Departments of Medicine
- Transplant Infectious Diseases, Westchester Medical Center/New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mia ME, Howlader M, Akter F, Hossain MM. Preclinical and Clinical Investigations of Potential Drugs and Vaccines for COVID-19 Therapy: A Comprehensive Review With Recent Update. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2024; 17:2632010X241263054. [PMID: 39070952 PMCID: PMC11282570 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x241263054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic-led worldwide healthcare crisis necessitates prompt societal, ecological, and medical efforts to stop or reduce the rising number of fatalities. Numerous mRNA based vaccines and vaccines for viral vectors have been licensed for use in emergencies which showed 90% to 95% efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, safety issues, vaccine reluctance, and skepticism remain major concerns for making mass vaccination a successful approach to treat COVID-19. Hence, alternative therapeutics is needed for eradicating the global burden of COVID-19 from developed and low-resource countries. Repurposing current medications and drug candidates could be a more viable option for treating SARS-CoV-2 as these therapies have previously passed a number of significant checkpoints for drug development and patient care. Besides vaccines, this review focused on the potential usage of alternative therapeutic agents including antiviral, antiparasitic, and antibacterial drugs, protease inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies that are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical investigations to assess their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19. Among the repurposed drugs, remdesivir is considered as the most promising agent, while favipiravir, molnupiravir, paxlovid, and lopinavir/ritonavir exhibited improved therapeutic effects in terms of elimination of viruses. However, the outcomes of treatment with oseltamivir, umifenovir, disulfiram, teicoplanin, and ivermectin were not significant. It is noteworthy that combining multiple drugs as therapy showcases impressive effectiveness in managing individuals with COVID-19. Tocilizumab is presently employed for the treatment of patients who exhibit COVID-19-related pneumonia. Numerous antiviral drugs such as galidesivir, griffithsin, and thapsigargin are under clinical trials which could be promising for treating COVID-19 individuals with severe symptoms. Supportive treatment for patients of COVID-19 may involve the use of corticosteroids, convalescent plasma, stem cells, pooled antibodies, vitamins, and natural substances. This study provides an updated progress in SARS-CoV-2 medications and a crucial guide for inventing novel interventions against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md. Easin Mia
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Mithu Howlader
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Farzana Akter
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Murad Hossain
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Nag K, Tripura K, Datta A, Karmakar N, Singh M, Singh M, Singal K, Pradhan P. Effect of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin Combination Use in COVID-19 Patients - An Umbrella Review. Indian J Community Med 2024; 49:22-27. [PMID: 38425958 PMCID: PMC10900474 DOI: 10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_983_22] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin combination was used rampantly in management of COVID-19 patients in different countries. Present review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin combination compared to the control (standard care) and any adverse effect following this combination use in COVID-19 patients if any. Material and Methods We included all the systematic review with or without meta-analysis reporting the effect of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Azithromycin (AZM) combination use in COVID-19 patient using three databases namely PubMed, medline, CINHAL, Web of Science from July 2020 till Jan 2022. Results The systematic search strategy has identified 104 studies in total, after removal of duplicates only 4 systematic reviews were included in the qualitative synthesis. The various tools for assessing and reporting the data in the reviews were PRISMA, ROBINS-I, Robs2, AMSTAR, MASTER checklists. Mortality among the hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin combination group was significantly higher than among the Standard Care group. The duration of hospital stay in days was shorter in the Standard Care group in comparison with the hydroxychloroquine group or the hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin combination group. Of the 4 systematic reviews included, 3 had low risk of bias and one had unclear risk of bias using the ROBIS tool. Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine combination did not shorten the duration of hospital stay. Conclusion Rampant use of Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine alone or with Azithromycin combination caused adverse effects like QT prolongation. Finally, there is no evidence to support use of either Hydroxychloroquine with or without Azithromycin, for the treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Nag
- Department of Community Medicine, Tripura Medical College and Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Hapania, Agartala, Tripura, India
| | - Kaushik Tripura
- Department of Community Medicine, Tripura Medical College and Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Hapania, Agartala, Tripura, India
| | - Anjan Datta
- Department of Community Medicine, Tripura Medical College and Dr. BRAM Teaching Hospital, Hapania, Agartala, Tripura, India
| | - Nabarun Karmakar
- Department of Community Medicine, Dr. B.C. Roy Multi-Speciality Medical Research Centre, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Manvi Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Meenu Singh
- Executive Director, AIIMS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kusum Singal
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatric Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pranita Pradhan
- Librarian, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ajmeera D, Ajumeera R. Drug repurposing: A novel strategy to target cancer stem cells and therapeutic resistance. Genes Dis 2024; 11:148-175. [PMID: 37588226 PMCID: PMC10425757 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is an effortless and frequently used approach in cancer therapy. However, in most cases, it can only prolong life expectancy and does not guarantee a complete cure. Furthermore, chemotherapy is associated with severe adverse effects, one of the major complications of effective cancer therapy. In addition, newly published research outputs show that cancer stem cells are involved in cancer disease progression, drug resistance, metastasis, and recurrence and that they are functional in the trans-differentiation capacity of cancer stem cells to cancer cells in response to treatments. Novel strategies are therefore required for better management of cancer therapy. The prime approach would be to synthesize and develop novel drugs that need extensive resources, time, and endurance to be brought into therapeutic use. The subsequent approach would be to screen the anti-cancer activity of available non-cancerous drugs. This concept of repurposing non-cancer drugs as an alternative to current cancer therapy has become popular in recent years because using existing anticancer drugs has several adverse effects. Micronutrients have also been investigated for cancer therapy due to their significant anti-cancer effects with negligible or no side effects and availability in food sources. In this paper, we discuss an ideal hypothesis for screening available non-cancerous drugs with anticancer activity, with a focus on cancer stem cells and their clinical application for cancer treatment. Further, drug repurposing and the combination of micronutrients that can target both cancers and cancer stem cells may result in a better therapeutic approach leading to maximum tumor growth control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Ajmeera
- Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Rajanna Ajumeera
- Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Njonnou SRS, Eloumba EAMS, Men-do E, Mboule RME, Sango AJF, Lekpa FK, Essomba MJN, Balti EV, Ouankou CN, Djotah J, Bangbang CFE, Sob-ze MS, Choukem SP. Knowledge, perceptions and practices of COVID19 among the came-roonian population. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2718. [PMID: 38523804 PMCID: PMC10959157 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2718] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID19 is an emerging infectious disease that has spread all over the world and became a pandemic. Cameroon is the 7th most affected country in Africa, with most of the cases in metropoles. The main objective was to assess the knowledge, perceptions and practices of the Cameroonian populations about COVID19 infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15th to July 15th, 2020; targeting all Cameroonians over 15 years old living in Cameroon. A standard Google Forms® questionnaire was submitted via social media (WhatsApp and Facebook particularly). The sampling was consecutive and not exhaustive. The data were processed on Excel 2016 and analyzed through EPI info 3.5. The questionnaire included knowledge, perceptions and practices about the disease's existence, its functional signs, prevention and control. Knowledge, perceptions and practices were considered good for a response score ≥75% and poor for a score ≤25%. Intermediate scores were considered average and insufficient. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were performed to identify the factors associated with a significance level (P#x003C;0.05). Of the 996 (507 males) participants, the median age was 26±8 years. Health workers represented 20.8% of participants. A large proportion of the population (78.6%) had good knowledge, while more than half (56.5%) had good perceptions, but only (23.1%) had good practices. Having reached higher education (P=0.007), and being a health worker (P=0.0008) were associated with a good level of knowledge. High school education (P=0.040) and being a health worker (P=0.049) were associated with positive perceptions. Being employed (P=0.003) and having secondary education level (P=0.033) were associated with good practices. Knowledge and perceptions were good among the study population, but the practice level is still insufficient to effectively fight the COVID19 pandemic. Educational level, being employed or being healthcare workers were associated with good knowledge, perceptions and practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Raoul Simeni Njonnou
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | | | - Edwige Men-do
- Departement of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde
- Ebolowa Regional Hospital, Ebolowa
| | - Raissa Manuela Ewala Mboule
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang
| | - Anne Juliette Flore Sango
- Yaounde Central Hospital
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medicine and Biomedical Scienc-es, University of Buea, Buea
| | - Fernando Kemta Lekpa
- Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for The Elimination of COVID19 (UNITED#COVID19 ), Dschang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Marie-Josiane Ntsama Essomba
- Yaounde Central Hospital
- Departement of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde
| | - Eric Vounsia Balti
- Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for The Elimination of COVID19 (UNITED#COVID19 ), Dschang
| | - Christian Ngongang Ouankou
- Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for The Elimination of COVID19 (UNITED#COVID19 ), Dschang
| | | | | | - Martin Sanou Sob-ze
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for The Elimination of COVID19 (UNITED#COVID19 ), Dschang
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang
| | - Simeon Pierre Choukem
- Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang
- The University of Dschang Taskforce for The Elimination of COVID19 (UNITED#COVID19 ), Dschang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Arman BY, Brun J, Hill ML, Zitzmann N, von Delft A. An Update on SARS-CoV-2 Clinical Trial Results-What We Can Learn for the Next Pandemic. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:354. [PMID: 38203525 PMCID: PMC10779148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010354] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed over 7 million lives worldwide, providing a stark reminder of the importance of pandemic preparedness. Due to the lack of approved antiviral drugs effective against coronaviruses at the start of the pandemic, the world largely relied on repurposed efforts. Here, we summarise results from randomised controlled trials to date, as well as selected in vitro data of directly acting antivirals, host-targeting antivirals, and immunomodulatory drugs. Overall, repurposing efforts evaluating directly acting antivirals targeting other viral families were largely unsuccessful, whereas several immunomodulatory drugs led to clinical improvement in hospitalised patients with severe disease. In addition, accelerated drug discovery efforts during the pandemic progressed to multiple novel directly acting antivirals with clinical efficacy, including small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. We argue that large-scale investment is required to prepare for future pandemics; both to develop an arsenal of broad-spectrum antivirals beyond coronaviruses and build worldwide clinical trial networks that can be rapidly utilised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benediktus Yohan Arman
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Unit, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; (J.B.); (N.Z.)
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Juliane Brun
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Unit, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; (J.B.); (N.Z.)
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Michelle L. Hill
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK;
| | - Nicole Zitzmann
- Antiviral Drug Discovery Unit, Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK; (J.B.); (N.Z.)
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Annette von Delft
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Centre for Medicine Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lipworth W, Kerridge I, Stewart C, Silva D, Upshur R. The Fragility of Scientific Rigour and Integrity in "Sped up Science": Research Misconduct, Bias, and Hype and in the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:607-616. [PMID: 38064166 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-023-10289-w] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
During the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, preclinical and clinical research were sped up and scaled up in both the public and private sectors and in partnerships between them. This resulted in some extraordinary advances, but it also raised a range of issues regarding the ethics, rigour, and integrity of scientific research, academic publication, and public communication. Many of the failures of scientific rigour and integrity that occurred during the pandemic were exacerbated by the rush to generate, disseminate, and implement research findings, which not only created opportunities for unscrupulous actors but also compromised the methodological, peer review, and advisory processes that would usually identify sub-standard research and prevent compromised clinical or policy-level decisions. While it would be tempting to attribute these failures of science and its translation solely to the "unprecedented" circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality is that they preceded the pandemic and will continue to arise once it is over. Existing strategies for promoting scientific rigour and integrity need to be made more rigorous, better integrated into research training and institutional cultures, and made more sophisticated. They might also need to be modified or supplemented with other strategies that are fit for purpose not only in public health emergencies but in any research that is sped-up and scaled up to address urgent unmet medical needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Lipworth
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - I Kerridge
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Royal North Shore Hospital and Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Stewart
- Sydney Law School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D Silva
- Sydney Health Ethics, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Upshur
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|