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Ebrahimi M, Farhadian N, Soflaei SS, Amiri A, Tanbakuchi D, Oskooee RK, Karimi M. Utilizing the sublingual form of squalene in COVID-19 patients: a randomized clinical trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4532. [PMID: 38402329 PMCID: PMC10894301 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54843-x] [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: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, the efficacy of sublingual squalene in decreasing the mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 was investigated. Squalene was extracted from pumpkin seed oil with a novel method. Then, the microemulsion form of squalene was prepared for sublingual usage. In the clinical study, among 850 admitted patients, 602 eligible COVID-19 patients were divided in two groups of control (N = 301) and cases (N = 301) between Nov 2021 and Jan 2022. Groups were statistically the same in terms of age, sex, BMI, lymphocyte count on 1st admission day, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory disease, immunosuppressive disease, and required standard treatments. The treatment group received five drops of sublingual squalene every 4 h for 5 days plus standard treatment, while the control group received only standard treatment. Patients were followed up for 30 days after discharge from the hospital. The sublingual form of squalene in the microemulsion form was associated with a significant decrease in the mortality rate (p < 0.001), in which 285 (94.7%) cases were alive after one month while 245 (81.4%) controls were alive after 1 month of discharge from the hospital. In addition, squalene appears to be effective in preventing re-hospitalization due to COVID-19 (p < 0.001), with 141 of controls (46.8%) versus 58 cases (19.3%). This study suggests sublingual squalene in the microemulsion as an effective drug for reducing mortality and re-hospitalization rates in COVID-19 patients.Trial Registration Number: IRCT20200927048848N3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Ebrahimi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Farhadian
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Sara Saffar Soflaei
- Department of Modern Sciences & Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Amiri
- Emergency Medicine Department, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Davoud Tanbakuchi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Karimi
- Emergency Medicine Department, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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Renata RBN, Arely GRA, Gabriela LMA, Esther MLM. Immunomodulatory Role of Microelements in COVID-19 Outcome: a Relationship with Nutritional Status. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:1596-1614. [PMID: 35668151 PMCID: PMC9170122 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03290-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infection can activate innate and adaptive immune responses and result in massive inflammatory responses in the disease. A comprehensive understanding of the participation of micronutrients in the immune response to COVID-19 will allow the creation of prevention and supplementation scenarios in malnutrition states. Microelement deficiency can be decisive in the progression of diseases and their optimal levels can act as protective factors, helping to maintain homeostasis. Vitamin A, B, D, selenium, zinc, and copper, through their complementary and synergistic effects, allow the components of innate and adaptive immunity to counteract infections like those occurring in the respiratory tract.Thus, alterations in nutritional status are related to metabolic diseases, systemic inflammation, and deterioration of the immune system that alter the response against viral infections, such as COVID-19. The aim of this review is to describe the micronutrients that play an important role as immunomodulators and its relationship between malnutrition and the development of respiratory infections with an emphasis on severe and critical COVID-19. We conclude that although an unbalanced diet is not the only risk factor that predisposes to COVID-19, a correct and balanced diet, which provides the optimal amount of micronutrients and favors an adequate nutritional status, could confer beneficial effects for prevention and improvement of clinical results. The potential usefulness of micronutrient supplementation in special cases is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roldán-Bretón Nuria Renata
- Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Dr. Humberto Torres Sanginés S/N, Centro Cívico, 21000, Mexicali, Baja California, México
| | - González-Rascón Anna Arely
- Facultad de Odontología Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, Baja California, México
| | - Leija-Montoya Ana Gabriela
- Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Dr. Humberto Torres Sanginés S/N, Centro Cívico, 21000, Mexicali, Baja California, México
| | - Mejía-León María Esther
- Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Dr. Humberto Torres Sanginés S/N, Centro Cívico, 21000, Mexicali, Baja California, México.
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Shrivastava AK, Sahu PK, Cecchi T, Shrestha L, Shah SK, Gupta A, Palikhey A, Joshi B, Gupta PP, Upadhyaya J, Paudel M, Koirala N. An emerging natural antioxidant therapy for COVID‐19 infection patients: Current and future directions. FOOD FRONTIERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/fft2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Shrivastava
- Department of Pharmacology Universal College of Medical Sciences Bhairahawa Rupandehi Nepal
| | - Prafulla Kumar Sahu
- School of Pharmacy Centurion University of Technology and Management Bhubaneswar Odisha India
| | | | - Laxmi Shrestha
- Department of Pharmacology Universal College of Medical Sciences Bhairahawa Rupandehi Nepal
| | - Sanjay Kumar Shah
- Department of Reproductive MedicineJoint Inter‐national Research Laboratory of Reproduction and DevelopmentChongquing Medical University ChongqingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Anamika Gupta
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Sciences University of Sharjah Sharjah United Arab Emirates
| | - Anjan Palikhey
- Department of Pharmacology Universal College of Medical Sciences Bhairahawa Rupandehi Nepal
| | - Bishal Joshi
- Department of Physiology, Universal College of Medical Sciences Bhairahawa Rupandehi Nepal
| | - Pramodkumar P. Gupta
- School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics D. Y. Patil Deemed to be University, CBD Belapur Navi Mumbai India
| | - Jitendra Upadhyaya
- Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Tribhuvan University Chitwan Nepal
| | - Mahendra Paudel
- Department of Agri‐Botany and Ecology Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science Tribhuvan University Mahendranagar Nepal
| | - Niranjan Koirala
- Natural Products Research FacilityGandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology Pokhara, Gandaki Province Nepal
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Dufrusine B, Valentinuzzi S, Bibbò S, Damiani V, Lanuti P, Pieragostino D, Del Boccio P, D’Alessandro E, Rabottini A, Berghella A, Allocati N, Falasca K, Ucciferri C, Mucedola F, Di Perna M, Martino L, Vecchiet J, De Laurenzi V, Dainese E. Iron Dyshomeostasis in COVID-19: Biomarkers Reveal a Functional Link to 5-Lipoxygenase Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:15. [PMID: 36613462 PMCID: PMC9819889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms. After acute infection, some subjects develop a post-COVID-19 syndrome known as long-COVID. This study aims to recognize the molecular and functional mechanisms that occur in COVID-19 and long-COVID patients and identify useful biomarkers for the management of patients with COVID-19 and long-COVID. Here, we profiled the response to COVID-19 by performing a proteomic analysis of lymphocytes isolated from patients. We identified significant changes in proteins involved in iron metabolism using different biochemical analyses, considering ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Tf), hemopexin (HPX), lipocalin 2 (LCN2), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). Moreover, our results show an activation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in COVID-19 and in long-COVID possibly through an iron-dependent post-translational mechanism. Furthermore, this work defines leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and lipocalin 2 (LCN2) as possible markers of COVID-19 and long-COVID and suggests novel opportunities for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Dufrusine
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Silvia Valentinuzzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sandra Bibbò
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Verena Damiani
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Damiana Pieragostino
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Del Boccio
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ersilia D’Alessandro
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto Rabottini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Berghella
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nerino Allocati
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Katia Falasca
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, S.S. Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Claudio Ucciferri
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, S.S. Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Mucedola
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, S.S. Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Di Perna
- Pneumology Department, “SS Annunziata” Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Martino
- Pneumology Department, “SS Annunziata” Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vecchiet
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, S.S. Annunziata Hospital, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Enrico Dainese
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Notarbartolo V, Montante C, Ferrante G, Giuffrè M. Antioxidant Effects of Dietary Supplements on Adult COVID-19 Patients: Why Do We Not Also Use Them in Children? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091638. [PMID: 36139712 PMCID: PMC9495518 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are very common in children, especially in the first five years of life, and several viruses, such as the influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Rhinovirus, are triggers for symptoms that usually affect the upper airways. It has been known that during respiratory viral infections, a condition of oxidative stress (OS) occurs, and many studies have suggested the potential use of antioxidants as complementary components in prophylaxis and/or therapy of respiratory viral infections. Preliminary data have demonstrated that antioxidants may also interfere with the new coronavirus 2’s entry and replication in human cells, and that they have a role in the downregulation of several pathogenetic mechanisms involved in disease severity. Starting from preclinical data, the aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the current evidence about the main antioxidants that are potentially useful for preventing and treating Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in adults and to speculate on their possible use in children by exploring the most relevant issues affecting their use in clinical practice, as well as the associated evidence gaps and research limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Notarbartolo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Montante
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Ferrante
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Pediatric Division, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mario Giuffrè
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Fossum CJ, Laatsch BF, Lowater HR, Narkiewicz-Jodko AW, Lonzarich L, Hati S, Bhattacharyya S. Pre-Existing Oxidative Stress Creates a Docking-Ready Conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2022; 2:84-93. [PMID: 37155555 PMCID: PMC8631169 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.1c00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
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The redox-dependent changes on the binding between the receptor-binding domain of the
severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 spike protein and the peptidase domain
of the human cell surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme II were investigated by
performing molecular dynamics simulations. The reduced states of the protein partners
were generated in silico by converting the disulfides to thiols. The role of redox
transformation on the protein–protein binding affinity was assessed from the
time-evolved structures after 200 ns simulations using electrostatic field calculations
and implicit solvation. The present simulations revealed that the bending motion at the
protein–protein interface is significantly altered when the disulfides are
reduced to thiols. In the native complex, the presence of disulfide bonds preserves the
structural complementarity of the protein partners and maintains the intrinsic
conformational dynamics. Also, the study demonstrates that when already bound, the
disulfide-to-thiol conversion of the receptor-binding domain has a limited impact on the
binding of the spike protein to the receptor. However, if the reduction occurs before
binding to the receptor, a spectacular conformational change of the receptor-binding
domain occurs that fully impairs the binding. In other words, the formation of disulfide
bonds, prevalent during oxidative stress, creates a conformation ready to bind to the
receptor. Taken together, the present study demonstrates the role of pre-existing
oxidative stress in elevating the binding affinity of the spike protein for the human
receptor, offering future clues for alternate therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl J. Fossum
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
| | - Bethany F. Laatsch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
| | - Harrison R. Lowater
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
| | - Alex W. Narkiewicz-Jodko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
| | - Leo Lonzarich
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
| | - Sanchita Hati
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
| | - Sudeep Bhattacharyya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin101 Roosevelt Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States
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7
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Antioxidant status in children and adolescents with COVID-19. ACTA BIOMEDICA SCIENTIFICA 2021. [DOI: 10.29413/abs.2021-6.6-2.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the importance of this problem to the first stage and has affected healthcare system around the world. Despite the more favorable COVID-19 course, the child population should be at focus of special attention, due to the active participation in its distribution. The course of COVID-19 includes a cascade of pathological processes accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species, which can have extremely negative consequences for the developing organism. The research of these processes in children is vital and will improve the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic measures. The aim: to analyze changes in enzymatic and non-enzymatic links in the antioxidant defense in children and adolescents with diagnosed COVID-19 infection.Materials and methods. 17 children and adolescents (average age – 12.35 ± 4.01 years) were examined, including 8 boys (47 %) and 9 girls (53 %) with COVID-19 infection. The control group of children and adolescents (practically healthy) according to the «copy-pair» principle was selected. We used spectrophotometric methods.Results. In the group of children and adolescents with diagnosed COVID-19 infection, there were lower levels of total antioxidant activity (p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase activity (p < 0.0001), content of reduced glutathione (p = 0.048) and retinol (p = 0.015), increase in glutathione reductase activity (p = 0.015) relative to the control.Conclusion. The obtained data indicate the insufficiency of antioxidant system components number in children and adolescents with diagnosed COVID-19 infection and indicate the advisability of antioxidant therapy using to stabilize these indicators.
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Cumpstey AF, Clark AD, Santolini J, Jackson AA, Feelisch M. COVID-19: A Redox Disease-What a Stress Pandemic Can Teach Us About Resilience and What We May Learn from the Reactive Species Interactome About Its Treatment. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:1226-1268. [PMID: 33985343 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), affects every aspect of human life by challenging bodily, socioeconomic, and political systems at unprecedented levels. As vaccines become available, their distribution, safety, and efficacy against emerging variants remain uncertain, and specific treatments are lacking. Recent Advances: Initially affecting the lungs, COVID-19 is a complex multisystems disease that disturbs the whole-body redox balance and can be long-lasting (Long-COVID). Numerous risk factors have been identified, but the reasons for variations in susceptibility to infection, disease severity, and outcome are poorly understood. The reactive species interactome (RSI) was recently introduced as a framework to conceptualize how cells and whole organisms sense, integrate, and accommodate stress. Critical Issues: We here consider COVID-19 as a redox disease, offering a holistic perspective of its effects on the human body, considering the vulnerability of complex interconnected systems with multiorgan/multilevel interdependencies. Host/viral glycan interactions underpin SARS-CoV-2's extraordinary efficiency in gaining cellular access, crossing the epithelial/endothelial barrier to spread along the vascular/lymphatic endothelium, and evading antiviral/antioxidant defences. An inflammation-driven "oxidative storm" alters the redox landscape, eliciting epithelial, endothelial, mitochondrial, metabolic, and immune dysfunction, and coagulopathy. Concomitantly reduced nitric oxide availability renders the sulfur-based redox circuitry vulnerable to oxidation, with eventual catastrophic failure in redox communication/regulation. Host nutrient limitations are crucial determinants of resilience at the individual and population level. Future Directions: While inflicting considerable damage to health and well-being, COVID-19 may provide the ultimate testing ground to improve the diagnosis and treatment of redox-related stress diseases. "Redox phenotyping" of patients to characterize whole-body RSI status as the disease progresses may inform new therapeutic approaches to regain redox balance, reduce mortality in COVID-19 and other redox diseases, and provide opportunities to tackle Long-COVID. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 1226-1268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew F Cumpstey
- Respiratory and Critical Care Research Group, Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Anna D Clark
- Respiratory and Critical Care Research Group, Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jérôme Santolini
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Universite Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Alan A Jackson
- Human Nutrition, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Feelisch
- Respiratory and Critical Care Research Group, Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Ebrahimi M, Farhadian N, Amiri AR, Hataminia F, Soflaei SS, Karimi M. Evaluating the efficacy of extracted squalene from seed oil in the form of microemulsion for the treatment of COVID-19: A clinical study. J Med Virol 2021; 94:119-130. [PMID: 34403141 PMCID: PMC8427120 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of the nanostructure of squalene in the form of microemulsion on COVID‐19 patients. In this blinded clinical trial, a comparison was made between the efficacy of squalene treatment and controls. A total of 30 COVID‐19 patients admitted to the emergency department, and the infection ward was equally allocated to case (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups according to their age and underlying diseases. The baseline characteristics of subjects, including age, gender, time of treatment onset, underlying condition, white blood cells count, and lymphocyte count were similar (p < 0.05). Baseline laboratory tests and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for the study groups. The treatment group received 5 mg of intravenous squalene twice a day and standard treatment for 6 days, while controls received only standard treatment. After 6 days of treatment, clinical and CT scan changes were evaluated and compared in intervention and control groups. The need for oxygen therapy (p = 0.020), 2 days of no fever (p = 0.025), cough alleviation (p = 0.010), and lung high‐resolution computed tomography improvement (p = 0.033) were significantly different between cases and controls within 7 days of admission. No adverse effects were observed in the treatment group. Our data suggest that squalene could be considered as a potential treatment for COVID‐19, and further studies are required to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Ebrahimi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Farhadian
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Amiri
- Emergency Medicine Department, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hataminia
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Saffar Soflaei
- Department of Modern Sciences & Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimi
- Emergency Medicine Department, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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10
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Khatiwada S, Subedi A. A Mechanistic Link Between Selenium and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Curr Nutr Rep 2021; 10:125-136. [PMID: 33835432 PMCID: PMC8033553 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-021-00354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly emerging disease caused by a highly contagious virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and this disease has affected millions of people across the world and led to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. Nutrition is a key factor related to this disease, and nutritional status may determine the risk and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Selenium is one of the major trace elements required for redox functions and has significant roles in viral infections. The purpose of this review was to examine the current evidence on the role of selenium in COVID-19. We reviewed studies on selenium and COVID-19, and other relevant studies to understand how selenium status can modify the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and how selenium status might affect a person post-infection. Recent Findings We found that oxidative stress is a characteristic feature of COVID-19 disease, which is linked with the immunopathological disorder observed in individuals with severe COVID-19. Selenium plays a key role in strengthening immunity, reducing oxidative stress, preventing viral infections and supporting critical illness. Moreover, selenium deficiency is related to oxidative stress and hyperinflammation seen in critical illness, and selenium deficiency is found to be associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease. Summary Selenium supplementation at an appropriate dose may act as supportive therapy in COVID-19. Future studies in large cohorts of COVID-19 are warranted to verify the benefits of selenium supplementation for reducing risk and severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Astha Subedi
- Medicine ICU, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Kozlov EM, Ivanova E, Grechko AV, Wu WK, Starodubova AV, Orekhov AN. Involvement of Oxidative Stress and the Innate Immune System in SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9010017. [PMID: 33668325 PMCID: PMC8005963 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the novel coronavirus in December 2019 in China marked the beginning of a pandemic that impacted healthcare systems and economic life all over the world. The virus primarily targets the respiratory system causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in some patients, and therefore received the name of SARS-CoV-2. The pathogen stands out among other coronaviruses by its rapid transmission from human to human, with the majority of infected individuals being asymptomatic or presenting with only minor illness, therefore facilitating the pathogen spread. At the same time, people from the risk groups, such as the elderly, patients suffering from chronic diseases, or obese individuals, have increased chances of developing a severe or even fatal disease. The search for risk factors explaining this phenomenon continues. In this review, we focus on the known mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection affecting the functioning of the immune system and discuss potential risk factors responsible for the severe disease course. Oxidative stress is one of such factors, which plays a prominent role in innate immunity activity, and recent research has revealed its tight involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss these recent findings and the development of excessive inflammation and cytokine storm observed during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we consider potential use of antioxidant drugs for alleviating the severe symptoms in affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii M. Kozlov
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina Ivanova
- Department of Basic Research, Institute of Atherosclerosis Research, 121609 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +7-(495)4159594
| | - Andrey V. Grechko
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, 14-3 Solyanka Street, 109240 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Wei-Kai Wu
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Antonina V. Starodubova
- Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, 2/14 Ustinsky Passage, 109240 Moscow, Russia;
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 1 Ostrovitianov Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N. Orekhov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Infectious Pathology and Molecular Microecology, Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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Peters EMJ, Schedlowski M, Watzl C, Gimsa U. To stress or not to stress: Brain-behavior-immune interaction may weaken or promote the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100296. [PMID: 33527083 PMCID: PMC7839386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to strongly affect people with health disadvantages, creating a heavy burden on medical systems and societies worldwide. Research is growing rapidly and recently revealed that stress-related factors such as socio-economic status, may also play a pivotal role. However, stress research investigating the underlying psychoneuroimmune interactions is missing. Here we address the question whether stress-associated neuroendocrine-immune mechanisms can possibly contribute to an increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections and influence the course of COVID-19 disease. Additionally, we discuss that not all forms of stress (e.g. acute versus chronic) are detrimental and that some types of stress could attenuate infection-risk and -progression. The overall aim of this review is to motivate future research efforts to clarify whether psychosocial interventions have the potential to optimize neuroendocrine-immune responses against respiratory viral infections during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The current state of research on different types of stress is summarized in a comprehensive narrative review to promote a psychoneuroimmune understanding of how stress and its mediators cortisol, (nor)adrenaline, neuropeptides and neurotrophins can shape the immune defense against viral diseases. Based on this understanding, we describe how people with high psychosocial stress can be identified, which behaviors and psychosocial interventions may contribute to optimal stress management, and how psychoneuroimmune knowledge can be used to improve adequate care for COVID-19 and other patients with viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M J Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen and Universitätsmedizin-Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) at TU Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Gimsa
- Psychophysiology Unit, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
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Bellavite P, Donzelli A. Hesperidin and SARS-CoV-2: New Light on the Healthy Function of Citrus Fruits. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E742. [PMID: 32823497 PMCID: PMC7465267 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many approaches to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention, the possible role of nutrition has so far been rather underestimated. Foods are very rich in substances, with a potential beneficial effect on health, and some of these could have an antiviral action or be important in modulating the immune system and in defending cells from the oxidative stress associated with infection. This short review draws the attention on some components of citrus fruits, and especially of the orange (Citrus sinensis), well known for its vitamin and flavonoid content. Among the flavonoids, hesperidin has recently attracted the attention of researchers, because it binds to the key proteins of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several computational methods, independently applied by different researchers, showed that hesperidin has a low binding energy, both with the coronavirus "spike" protein, and with the main protease that transforms the early proteins of the virus (pp1a and ppa1b) into the complex responsible for viral replication. The binding energy of hesperidin to these important components is lower than that of lopinavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, suggesting that it could perform an effective antiviral action. Furthermore, both hesperidin and ascorbic acid counteract the cell damaging effects of the oxygen free radicals triggered by virus infection and inflammation. There is discussion about the preventive efficacy of vitamin C, at the dose achievable by the diet, but recent reviews suggest that this substance can be useful in the case of strong immune system burden caused by viral disease. Computational methods and laboratory studies support the need to undertake apposite preclinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies on the potential benefits of citrus fruit components for the prevention of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona Medical School, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Donzelli
- Medical Doctor, Scientific Committee of Fondazione Allineare Sanità e Salute, 20122 Milano, Italy;
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