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Velikova T, Valkov H, Aleksandrova A, Peshevska-Sekulovska M, Sekulovski M, Shumnalieva R. Harnessing immunity: Immunomodulatory therapies in COVID-19. World J Virol 2024; 13:92521. [PMID: 38984079 PMCID: PMC11229839 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i2.92521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
An overly exuberant immune response, characterized by a cytokine storm and uncontrolled inflammation, has been identified as a significant driver of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Consequently, deciphering the intricacies of immune dysregulation in COVID-19 is imperative to identify specific targets for intervention and modulation. With these delicate dynamics in mind, immunomodulatory therapies have emerged as a promising avenue for mitigating the challenges posed by COVID-19. Precision in manipulating immune pathways presents an opportunity to alter the host response, optimizing antiviral defenses while curbing deleterious inflammation. This review article comprehensively analyzes immunomodulatory interventions in managing COVID-19. We explore diverse approaches to mitigating the hyperactive immune response and its impact, from corticosteroids and non-steroidal drugs to targeted biologics, including anti-viral drugs, cytokine inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, cell-based therapies (i.e., CAR T, etc.). By summarizing the current evidence, we aim to provide a clear roadmap for clinicians and researchers navigating the complex landscape of immunomodulation in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetelina Velikova
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Valkov
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital “Tsaritsa Yoanna-ISUL”, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia 1527, Bulgaria
| | | | - Monika Peshevska-Sekulovska
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Metodija Sekulovski
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Russka Shumnalieva
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital "St. Ivan Rilski", Medical University-Sofia, Sofia 1612, Bulgaria
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2
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Baldelli A, Jerry Wong CY, Oguzlu H, Gholizadeh H, Guo Y, Ong HX, Singh A, Traini D, Pratap-Singh A. Nasal delivery of encapsulated recombinant ACE2 as a prophylactic drug for SARS-CoV-2. Int J Pharm 2024; 655:124009. [PMID: 38493838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124009] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is responsible for cell fusion with SARS-CoV viruses. ACE2 is contained in different areas of the human body, including the nasal cavity, which is considered the main entrance for different types of airborne viruses. We took advantage of the roles of ACE2 and the nasal cavity in SARS-CoV-2 replication and transmission to develop a nasal dry powder. Recombinant ACE2 (rhACE2), after a proper encapsulation achieved via spray freeze drying, shows a binding efficiency with spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 higher than 77 % at quantities lower than 5 µg/ml. Once delivered to the nose, encapsulated rhACE2 led to viability and permeability of RPMI 2650 cells of at least 90.20 ± 0.67 % and 47.96 ± 4.46 %, respectively, for concentrations lower than 1 mg/ml. These results were validated using nasal dry powder containing rhACE2 to prevent or treat infections derived from SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Baldelli
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Canada; School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - Chun Yuen Jerry Wong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hale Oguzlu
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hanieh Gholizadeh
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yigong Guo
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hui Xin Ong
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia; Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University Australia Sydney, Australia
| | - Anika Singh
- Natural Health and Food Products Research Group, Centre for Applied Research, and Innovation (CARI), British Columbia Institute of Technology, Canada
| | - Daniela Traini
- Respiratory Technology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia; Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University Australia Sydney, Australia
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Nakhaie S, Yazdani R, Shakibi M, Torabian S, Pezeshki S, Bazrafshani MS, Azimi M, Salajegheh F. The effects of antihypertensive medications on severity and outcomes of hypertensive patients with COVID-19. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:511-518. [PMID: 35790875 PMCID: PMC9255835 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-022-00716-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In Covid-19 pandemic, specific comorbidities are associated with the increased risk of worse outcomes and increased severity of lung injury and mortality. the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of antihypertensive medications on the severity and outcomes of hypertensive patients with COVID-19. This retrospective observational study conducted on patients with COVID-19 who referred to Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran during the six months from 19 February 2020 to 20 July 2020. The data were collected through medical chart reviews. We assessed 265 patients with Covid-19 and they stratified based on hypertension and type of antihypertension medications. The data were described and Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact test were run to compare the patients 'demographical and clinical information. The qualitative variables were compared using the by SPSS software version 23. The results of the present study showed that hypertension was a prevalent comorbidity among patients with COVID-19 and hypertensive patients compared to other patients without any comorbidity who were older (P-value: 0.03). The oxygen saturation was higher for the patients in the control group than hypertensive patients (P-value: 0.01). The severity of COVID-19 and its outcome were not different between the patients who took or did not take antihypertensive medications and also the type of antihypertensive medications. Hypertensive patients did not show any significant difference in survival, hospital stay, ICU admission, disease severity, and invasive medical ventilation in other normotensive patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Nakhaie
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Rostam Yazdani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Shakibi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Soheila Torabian
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Pezeshki
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maliheh Sadat Bazrafshani
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Azimi
- Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Faranak Salajegheh
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Valipour M, Di Giacomo S, Di Sotto A, Irannejad H. Discovery of Chalcone-Based Hybrid Structures as High Affinity and Site-Specific Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Structural Analysis Based on Various Host-Based and Viral Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108789. [PMID: 37240149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108789] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that natural-based chalcones have significant inhibitory effects on the coronavirus enzymes 3CLpro and PLpro as well as modulation of some host-based antiviral targets (HBATs). In this study, a comprehensive computational and structural study was performed to investigate the affinity of our compound library consisting of 757 chalcone-based structures (CHA-1 to CHA-757) for inhibiting the 3CLpro and PLpro enzymes and against twelve selected host-based targets. Our results indicated that CHA-12 (VUF 4819) is the most potent and multi-target inhibitor in our chemical library over all viral and host-based targets. Correspondingly, CHA-384 and its congeners containing ureide moieties were found to be potent and selective 3CLpro inhibitors, and benzotriazole moiety in CHA-37 was found to be a main fragment for inhibiting the 3CLpro and PLpro. Surprisingly, our results indicate that the ureide and sulfonamide moieties are integral fragments for the optimum 3CLpro inhibition while occupying the S1 and S3 subsites, which is fully consistent with recent reports on the site-specific 3CLpro inhibitors. Finding the multi-target inhibitor CHA-12, previously reported as an LTD4 antagonist for the treatment of inflammatory pulmonary diseases, prompted us to suggest it as a concomitant agent for relieving respiratory symptoms and suppressing COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1545913487, Iran
| | - Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4847116547, Iran
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Chen D, Yun X, Lee D, DiCostanzo JR, Donini O, Shikuma CM, Thompson K, Lehrer AT, Shimoda L, Suk JS. Telmisartan Nanosuspension for Inhaled Therapy of COVID-19 Lung Disease and Other Respiratory Infections. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:750-757. [PMID: 36448927 PMCID: PMC9718101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy and the occurrence of elusive variants necessitate further treatment options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Accumulated evidence indicates that clinically used hypertensive drugs, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may benefit patients by mitigating disease severity and/or viral propagation. However, current clinical formulations administered orally pose systemic safety concerns and likely require a very high dose to achieve the desired therapeutic window in the lung. To address these limitations, we have developed a nanosuspension formulation of an ARB, entirely based on clinically approved materials, for inhaled treatment of COVID-19. We confirmed in vitro that our formulation exhibits physiological stability, inherent drug activity, and inhibitory effect against SARV-CoV-2 replication. Our formulation also demonstrates excellent lung pharmacokinetics and acceptable tolerability in rodents and/or nonhuman primates following direct administration into the lung. Thus, we are currently pursuing clinical development of our formulation for its uses in patients with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiqin Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Xin Yun
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daiheon Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | | | - Cecilia M. Shikuma
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Karen Thompson
- Department of Pathology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Axel T. Lehrer
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology & Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Larissa Shimoda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Kanapeckaitė A, Mažeikienė A, Geris L, Burokienė N, Cottrell GS, Widera D. Computational pharmacology: New avenues for COVID-19 therapeutics search and better preparedness for future pandemic crises. Biophys Chem 2022; 290:106891. [PMID: 36137310 PMCID: PMC9464258 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106891] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented global healthcare emergency prompting the exploration of new therapeutic avenues, including drug repurposing. A large number of ongoing studies revealed pervasive issues in clinical research, such as the lack of accessible and organised data. Moreover, current shortcomings in clinical studies highlighted the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle this health crisis. Thus, we set out to explore and develop new strategies for drug repositioning by employing computational pharmacology, data mining, systems biology, and computational chemistry to advance shared efforts in identifying key targets, affected networks, and potential pharmaceutical intervention options. Our study revealed that formulating pharmacological strategies should rely on both therapeutic targets and their networks. We showed how data mining can reveal regulatory patterns, capture novel targets, alert about side-effects, and help identify new therapeutic avenues. We also highlighted the importance of the miRNA regulatory layer and how this information could be used to monitor disease progression or devise treatment strategies. Importantly, our work bridged the interactome with the chemical compound space to better understand the complex landscape of COVID-19 drugs. Machine and deep learning allowed us to showcase limitations in current chemical libraries for COVID-19 suggesting that both in silico and experimental analyses should be combined to retrieve therapeutically valuable compounds. Based on the gathered data, we strongly advocate for taking this opportunity to establish robust practices for treating today's and future infectious diseases by preparing solid analytical frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austė Kanapeckaitė
- AK Consulting, Laisvės g. 7, LT 12007 Vilnius, Lithuania,Corresponding author
| | - Asta Mažeikienė
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio g. 21, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Hôpital, Avenue de l'Hôpital 11 (B34), Liège 4000, Belgium,Biomechanics Section, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300C (2419), Leuven 3001, Belgium,Skeletel Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 (813), Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Neringa Burokienė
- Clinics of Internal Diseases, Family Medicine and Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Čiurlionio str. 21/27, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Graeme S. Cottrell
- University of Reading, School of Pharmacy, Hopkins Building, Reading RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
| | - Darius Widera
- University of Reading, School of Pharmacy, Hopkins Building, Reading RG6 6UB, United Kingdom
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Mirjalili M, Soodejani MT, Raadabadi M, Dehghani A, Salemi F. Does Losartan reduce the severity of COVID-19 in hypertensive patients? BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:116. [PMID: 35305551 PMCID: PMC8933856 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the global problems is to control the coronavirus epidemic, and the role of different medicines is still unknown to policymakers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of losartan on the mortality rate of COVID-19 in hypertensive patients. METHODS The research sample of analytical study included 1458 patients presenting to COVID-19 diagnostic centers in Yazd that were examined in the first six months of 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as chi-square, Fisher's exact test, t test, and logistic regression. RESULTS Of 1458 subjects that were studied, 280 were hypertensive of whom 179 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 PCR. The results showed a lower chance of death by more than 5 times in hypertensive patients who used losartan (P = 0.003). Moreover, regarding the effect of losartan on the prevention of COVID-19 in hypertensive patients, it was found that this medicine played a protective role although this relationship was not statistically significant (P = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS The results showed that losartan reduced the chance of mortality in hypertensive patients. It is recommended that the effect of losartan and other blood pressure medicines on COVID-19 patients be investigated in larger studies as well as laboratory investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Mirjalili
- Internal Medicine Department, Medical College, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Moslem Taheri Soodejani
- Center for Healthcare Data Modeling, Departments of biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of public health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raadabadi
- Health Policy and Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Dehghani
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Department, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Fateme Salemi
- School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, Catalano A, Saturnino C, Pellegrino M, Mariconda A, Longo P, Sinicropi MS, Aquaro S. COVID-19 at a Glance: An Up-to-Date Overview on Variants, Drug Design and Therapies. Viruses 2022; 14:573. [PMID: 35336980 PMCID: PMC8950852 DOI: 10.3390/v14030573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a member of the Coronavirus family which caused the worldwide pandemic of human respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Presumably emerging at the end of 2019, it poses a severe threat to public health and safety, with a high incidence of transmission, predominately through aerosols and/or direct contact with infected surfaces. In 2020, the search for vaccines began, leading to the obtaining of, to date, about twenty COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in at least one country. However, COVID-19 continues to spread and new genetic mutations and variants have been discovered, requiring pharmacological treatments. The most common therapies for COVID-19 are represented by antiviral and antimalarial agents, antibiotics, immunomodulators, angiotensin II receptor blockers, bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids. In addition, nutraceuticals, vitamins D and C, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics are under study. Finally, drug repositioning, which concerns the investigation of existing drugs for new therapeutic target indications, has been widely proposed in the literature for COVID-19 therapies. Considering the importance of this ongoing global public health emergency, this review aims to offer a synthetic up-to-date overview regarding diagnoses, variants and vaccines for COVID-19, with particular attention paid to the adopted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Annaluisa Mariconda
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
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Zaheer J, Kim H, Kim JS. Correlation of ACE2 with RAS components after Losartan treatment in light of COVID-19. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24397. [PMID: 34937861 PMCID: PMC8695574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an important factor in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) interactions. Losartan (LOS) belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) family. Additionally, the protective role of ACE2 restored by LOS has been suggested and clinically examined in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, clinical trials with LOS have been conducted. However, the mechanism through which LOS enhances ACE2 expression remains unclear. In addition, the response of ACE2 to LOS differs among patients. Our LOS-treated patient data revealed a correlated mechanism of ACE2 with components of the renin-angiotensinogen system. We observed a significant positive regulation of MAS1 and ACE2 expression. In the context of LOS treatment of COVID-19, ACE2 expression could depend on LOS regulated MAS1. Thus, MAS1 expression could predict the COVID-19 treatment response of LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javeria Zaheer
- Division of RI Application, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, 75 Nowon-Gil, Gongneung-Dong, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01812, Korea
- Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 01812, Korea
| | - Hyeongi Kim
- Division of RI Application, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, 75 Nowon-Gil, Gongneung-Dong, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01812, Korea
| | - Jin Su Kim
- Division of RI Application, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, 75 Nowon-Gil, Gongneung-Dong, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01812, Korea.
- Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 01812, Korea.
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10
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Batiha GES, Gari A, Elshony N, Shaheen HM, Abubakar MB, Adeyemi SB, Al-kuraishy HM. Hypertension and its management in COVID-19 patients: The assorted view. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY. CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AND PREVENTION 2021; 11:200121. [PMID: 34806090 PMCID: PMC8590508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2021.200121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is suspected to mainly be more deleterious in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases (CVD). There is a strong association between hypertension and COVID-19 severity. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) leads to deregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) through down-regulation of ACE2 with subsequent increment of the harmful Ang II serum levels and reduction of the protective Ang-(1-7). Both angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are commonly used to manage hypertension. OBJECTIVE Objective was to illustrate the potential link between hypertension and COVID-19 regarding the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in hypertensive patients with COVID-19. METHODS We carried out comprehensive databases search from late December 2019 to early January 2021 by using online engines of Web of Science, Research gate, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed for published and preprinted articles. RESULTS The present study's findings showed that hypertension is regarded as an independent risk factor for COVID-19 severity. Both ACEIs and ARBs are beneficial in managing hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION This study concluded that hypertension increases COVID-19 severity due to underlying endothelial dysfunctions and coagulopathy. COVID-19 might augment the hypertensive complications due to down-regulation of ACE2. The use of ACEIs or ARBs might be beneficial in the management of hypertensive patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahim Gari
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Dept, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norhan Elshony
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Hazem M. Shaheen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
| | - Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, PMB 2254, Sokoto, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, PMB 2254, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Sherif Babatunde Adeyemi
- Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- CG Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology, Uka Tarsadia University, Gopal Vidyanagar, Bardoli-Mahuva Road, Tarsadi, Surat, 394350, Gujarat, India
| | - Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutic Medicine, College of Medicine, AL-mustansiriyiah University, Baghdad, Iraq
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11
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Nouri‐Vaskeh M, Kalami N, Zand R, Soroureddin Z, Varshochi M, Ansarin K, Rezaee H, Taghizadieh A, Sadeghi A, Ahangari Maleki M, Esmailnajad A, Saleh P, Haghdoost M, Maleki M, Sharifi A. Comparison of losartan and amlodipine effects on the outcomes of patient with COVID-19 and primary hypertension: A randomised clinical trial. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14124. [PMID: 33650197 PMCID: PMC7995089 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the drug selection in hypertension (HTN) management in patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to compare the effects of losartan and amlodipine in patients with primary HTN and COVID-19. METHODS In this randomised clinical trial, hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and primary HTN were enrolled in the study. One arm received losartan, 25 mg, twice a day and the other arm received amlodipine, 5 mg per day for 2 weeks. The main outcomes were compare 30-day mortality rate and length of hospital stay. RESULTS The mean age of patients treated with losartan (N = 41) and amlodipine (N = 39) was 67.3 ± 14.8 and 60.1 ± 17.3 years, respectively (P value = .068). The length of hospital stay in losartan and amlodipine groups was 4.57 ± 2.59 and 7.30 ± 8.70 days, respectively (P value = .085). Also, the length of ICU admission in losartan and amlodipine group was 7.13 ± 5.99 and 7.15 ± 9.95 days, respectively (P value = .994). The 30-day mortality was two and five patients in losartan and amlodipine groups, respectively (P value = .241). CONCLUSIONS There was no priority in losartan or amlodipine administration in COVID-19 patients with primary HTN in decreasing mortality rate, hospital and ICU length stay. Further studies need to clarify the first-line anti-HTN medications in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Nouri‐Vaskeh
- Immunology Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA)Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN)TehranIran
| | - Niusha Kalami
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of NeurologyNeuroscience InstituteGeisinger Health SystemDanvillePAUSA
| | - Zahra Soroureddin
- Cardiovascular DivisionImam Hossein HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mojtaba Varshochi
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Khalil Ansarin
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Haleh Rezaee
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Ali Taghizadieh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Armin Sadeghi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Masoud Ahangari Maleki
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Azam Esmailnajad
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Parviz Saleh
- Kidney Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Mehdi Haghdoost
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Mehdi Maleki
- Cardiovascular Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Akbar Sharifi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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12
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A review of potential suggested drugs for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 895:173890. [PMID: 33482181 PMCID: PMC7816644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The latest pandemic, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), is associated with high prevalence and easy transmission, which is expanding globally with no conventional treatment or vaccine. The new virus revealed 79% and 50% genomic similarities with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), respectively. Accordingly, since the disease resists testing and adopting new therapeutics, repositioning pre-existing drugs may present a fast and attractive strategy with known safety, characteristics, and dosage used. However, they are not specific and targeted. Therefore, several drugs have been investigated for their efficacy and safety in the treatment of COVID-19; most of them are undergoing clinical trials. This article summarizes clinical investigations of potential therapeutic drugs used as COVID-19 therapy. Subsequently, it prepares a pattern of results and therapeutic targets to help further experiment designs. We have investigated drugs as classified in the following three groups; 1) The drugs which computationally showed effectiveness (in silico) but needed further lab confirmations; 2) Emetine, Teicoplanin, and Nelfinavir have shown effectiveness in vitro; 3) The drugs currently under clinical trial.
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13
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Sahebnasagh A, Avan R, Saghafi F, Mojtahedzadeh M, Sadremomtaz A, Arasteh O, Tanzifi A, Faramarzi F, Negarandeh R, Safdari M, Khataminia M, Rezai Ghaleno H, Habtemariam S, Khoshi A. Pharmacological treatments of COVID-19. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1446-1478. [PMID: 32816200 PMCID: PMC7439639 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00152-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The viral infection due to the new coronavirus or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was reported for the first time in December 2019, was named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2), because of the very similar genome and also its related symptoms to SARS-CoV1. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with significant mortality, morbidity, and socioeconomic impact is considered by the WHO as a global public health emergency. Since there is no specific treatment available for SARS-CoV2 infection, and or COVID-19, several clinical and sub-clinical studies are currently undertaken to find a gold-standard therapeutic regimen with high efficacy and low side effect. Based on the published scientific evidence published to date, we summarized herein the effects of different potential therapies and up-to-date clinical trials. The review is intended to help readers aware of potentially effective COVID-19 treatment and provide useful references for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeleh Sahebnasagh
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Razieh Avan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saghafi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mojataba Mojtahedzadeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Sadremomtaz
- XB20 Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Omid Arasteh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asal Tanzifi
- Sepanta Faragene Azma Research Laboratory. Co. LTD., Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faramarzi
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Negarandeh
- Student Research Committee, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Safdari
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Masoud Khataminia
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Rezai Ghaleno
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories and Herbal Analysis Services, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham-Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB UK
| | - Amirhosein Khoshi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Arkan roadway, Bojnurd, Iran
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14
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Poduri R, Joshi G, Jagadeesh G. Drugs targeting various stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle: Exploring promising drugs for the treatment of Covid-19. Cell Signal 2020; 74:109721. [PMID: 32711111 PMCID: PMC7375293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that causes the potentially lethal Covid-19 respiratory tract infection. It does so by binding to host cell angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, leading to endocytosis with the receptor, and subsequently using the host cell's machinery to replicate copies of itself and invade new cells. The extent of the spread of infection in the body is dependent on the pattern of ACE2 expression and overreaction of the immune system. Additionally, by inducing an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the loss of ACE2 would favour the progression of inflammatory and thrombotic processes in the lungs. No drug or vaccine has yet been approved to treat human coronaviruses. Hundreds of clinical trials on existing approved drugs from different classes acting on a multitude of targets in the virus life cycle are ongoing to examine potential effectiveness for the prevention and treatment of the infection. This review summarizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus life cycle in the host cell and provides a biological and pathological point of view for repurposed and experimental drugs for this novel coronavirus. The viral life cycle provides potential targets for drug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramarao Poduri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India.
| | - Gaurav Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151001, India.
| | - Gowraganahalli Jagadeesh
- Office of Cardiology, Hematology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, CDER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
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15
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Muchtaridi M, Fauzi M, Khairul Ikram NK, Mohd Gazzali A, Wahab HA. Natural Flavonoids as Potential Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Inhibitors for Anti-SARS-CoV-2. Molecules 2020; 25:E3980. [PMID: 32882868 PMCID: PMC7504743 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, coronaviruses (CoV) have posed a severe public health threat, causing an increase in mortality and morbidity rates throughout the world. The recent outbreak of a novel coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that affected more than 215 countries with over 23 million cases and 800,000 deaths as of today. The situation is critical, especially with the absence of specific medicines or vaccines; hence, efforts toward the development of anti-COVID-19 medicines are being intensively undertaken. One of the potential therapeutic targets of anti-COVID-19 drugs is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 was identified as a key functional receptor for CoV associated with COVID-19. ACE2, which is located on the surface of the host cells, binds effectively to the spike protein of CoV, thus enabling the virus to infect the epithelial cells of the host. Previous studies showed that certain flavonoids exhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition activity, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure. Thus, it is being postulated that these flavonoids might also interact with ACE2. This postulation might be of interest because these compounds also show antiviral activity in vitro. This article summarizes the natural flavonoids with potential efficacy against COVID-19 through ACE2 receptor inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muchtaridi Muchtaridi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl Raya 21.5, Bandung-Sumedang 45363, Indonesia;
| | - M. Fauzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl Raya 21.5, Bandung-Sumedang 45363, Indonesia;
| | - Nur Kusaira Khairul Ikram
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Amirah Mohd Gazzali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia;
| | - Habibah A. Wahab
- Pharmaceutical Design and Simulation Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
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16
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Barati F, Pouresmaieli M, Ekrami E, Asghari S, Ziarani FR, Mamoudifard M. Potential Drugs and Remedies for the Treatment of COVID-19: a Critical Review. Biol Proced Online 2020; 22:15. [PMID: 32754003 PMCID: PMC7377207 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-020-00129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT COVID-19 disease with a high rate of contagious and highly nonspecific symptoms, is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms such as respiratory symptoms, cough, dyspnea, fever, and viral pneumonia and recover without any special cure. However, some others need special and emergency treatment to get rid of this widespread disease. Till now, there are numbers of proposed novel compounds as well as standards therapeutics agent existed for other conditions seems to have efficacy against the 2019-nCoV. Some which are being tested for MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV are validated that could be also efficient against this new coronavirus. However, there are currently no effective specific antivirals or drug combinations introduced for 2019-nCoV specifically that be supported by high-level evidence. The main purpose of this paper is to review typical and ongoing treatments for coronavirus disease including home remedies, herbal medicine, chemical drugs, plasma therapy, and also vaccinies. In this regards, famous herbal medicines and common chemical drugs which are routinely to be prescribed for patients are introduced. Moreover, a section is assigned to the drug interactions and some outdated drugs which have been proved to be inefficient. We hope that this work could pave the way for researchers to develop faster and more reliable methods for earlier treatment of patients and rescue more people. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Barati
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Pouresmaieli
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Elena Ekrami
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Asghari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Ramezani Ziarani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Matin Mamoudifard
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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17
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Biţă A, Scorei IR, Mogoantă L, Bejenaru C, Mogoşanu GD, Bejenaru LE. Natural and semisynthetic candidate molecules for COVID-19 prophylaxis and treatment. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2020; 61:321-334. [PMID: 33544784 PMCID: PMC7864303 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.61.2.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs) represent a family of viruses that have numerous animal hosts, and they cause severe respiratory, as well as systemic and enteric infections, in humans. Currently, there are limited antiviral strategies for treating patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of specific antiviral medicines and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines continues to aggravate the situation. Natural product-based antiviral drugs have been used in the two previous CoV outbreaks: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the first SARS-CoV. This review emphasizes the role of natural and semisynthetic candidate molecules for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prophylaxis and treatment. The experimental evidence suggests that nature could offer huge possibilities for treatment of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Biţă
- BioBoron Research Institute, S.C. Natural Research S.R.L., Podari, Dolj County, Romania;
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