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Yang L, Wu Y, Jin W, Mo N, Ye G, Su Z, Tang L, Wang Y, Li Y, Du J. The potential role of ferroptosis in COVID-19-related cardiovascular injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115637. [PMID: 37844358 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged as a global health threat in 2019. An important feature of the disease is that multiorgan symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection persist after recovery. Evidence indicates that people who recovered from COVID-19, even those under the age of 65 years without cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease for up to one year after diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 for potential cardiovascular damage that may manifest at a later stage. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death characterized by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased lipid peroxide levels. Several studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis plays an important role in cancer, ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI), and other cardiovascular diseases. Altered iron metabolism, upregulation of reactive oxygen species, and glutathione peroxidase 4 inactivation are striking features of COVID-19-related cardiovascular injury. SARS-CoV-2 can cause cardiovascular ferroptosis, leading to cardiovascular damage. Understanding the mechanism of ferroptosis in COVID-19-related cardiovascular injuries will contribute to the development of treatment regimens for preventing or reducing COVID-19-related cardiovascular complications. In this article, we go over the pathophysiological underpinnings of SARS-CoV-2-induced acute and chronic cardiovascular injury, the function of ferroptosis, and prospective treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunyi Wu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Jin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Mo
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaoqi Ye
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zixin Su
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lusheng Tang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Gamarra-Morales Y, Herrera-Quintana L, Molina-López J, Vázquez-Lorente H, Machado-Casas JF, Castaño-Pérez J, Pérez-Villares JM, Planells E. Response to Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19. Nutrients 2023; 15:2235. [PMID: 37405379 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Administering N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could counteract the effect of free radicals, improving the clinical evolution of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This study aimed to investigate the clinical and biochemical effects of administering NAC to critically ill patients with COVID-19. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on ICU patients (n = 140) with COVID-19 and divided into two groups: patients treated with NAC (NAC-treated group) and patients without NAC treatment (control group). NAC was administered as a continuous infusion with a loading dose and a maintenance dose during the study period (from admission until the third day of ICU stay). NAC-treated patients showed higher PaO2/FiO2 (p ≤ 0.014) after 3 days in ICU than their control group counterparts. Moreover, C-reactive protein (p ≤ 0.001), D-dimer (p ≤ 0.042), and lactate dehydrogenase (p ≤ 0.001) levels decreased on the third day in NAC-treated patients. Glutathione concentrations decreased in both NAC-treated (p ≤ 0.004) and control (p ≤ 0.047) groups after 3 days in ICU; whereas glutathione peroxidase did not change during the ICU stay. The administration of NAC manages to improve the clinical and analytical response of seriously ill patients with COVID-19 compared to the control group. NAC is able to stop the decrease in glutathione concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lourdes Herrera-Quintana
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge Molina-López
- Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sports Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - Héctor Vázquez-Lorente
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - José Castaño-Pérez
- Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves Hospital, Fuerzas Armadas Avenue, 18014 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Elena Planells
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix", University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Tsermpini EE, Glamočlija U, Ulucan-Karnak F, Redenšek Trampuž S, Dolžan V. Molecular Mechanisms Related to Responses to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapies in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1609. [PMID: 36009328 PMCID: PMC9405444 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a leading global health and economic challenge. What defines the disease's progression is not entirely understood, but there are strong indications that oxidative stress and the defense against reactive oxygen species are crucial players. A big influx of immune cells to the site of infection is marked by the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Our article aims to highlight the critical role of oxidative stress in the emergence and severity of COVID-19 and, more importantly, to shed light on the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. We have reviewed the available literature and clinical trials to extract the relevant genetic variants within the oxidative stress pathway associated with COVID-19 and the anti-oxidative therapies currently evaluated in the clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, in particular clinical trials on glutathione and N-acetylcysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Eirini Tsermpini
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Una Glamočlija
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sara Redenšek Trampuž
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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du Preez HN, Aldous C, Kruger HG, Johnson L. N-Acetylcysteine and Other Sulfur-Donors as a Preventative and Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2022; 2022:4555490. [PMID: 35992575 PMCID: PMC9385285 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4555490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelial glycocalyx plays an important role in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 entry into the epithelial cells, while the endothelial glycocalyx contributes to vascular permeability and tone, as well as modulating immune, inflammatory, and coagulation responses. With ample evidence in the scientific literature that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is related to epithelial and endothelial dysfunction, preserving the glycocalyx should be the main focus of any COVID-19 treatment protocol. The most studied functional unit of the glycocalyx is the glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate, where the degree and position of the sulfate groups determine the biological activity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and other sulfur donors contribute to the inorganic sulfate pool, the rate-limiting molecule in sulfation. NAC is not only a precursor to glutathione but also converts to hydrogen sulfide, inorganic sulfate, taurine, Coenzyme A, and albumin. By optimising inorganic sulfate availability, and therefore sulfation, it is proposed that COVID-19 can be prevented or at least most of the symptoms attenuated. A comprehensive COVID-19 treatment protocol is needed to preserve the glycocalyx in both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The use of NAC at a dosage of 600 mg bid for the prevention of COVID-19 is proposed, but a higher dosage of NAC (1200 mg bid) should be administered upon the first onset of symptoms. In the severe to critically ill, it is advised that IV NAC should be administered immediately upon hospital admission, and in the late stage of the disease, IV sodium thiosulfate should be considered. Doxycycline as a protease inhibitor will prevent shedding and further degradation of the glycocalyx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi N du Preez
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Colleen Aldous
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G Kruger
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lin Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Jamal W, Sharif M, Sayeed A, Ur Rehman S, Nashwan AJ. Post-COVID-19 pneumonia pneumatoceles: a case report. Eur Clin Respir J 2022; 9:2028423. [PMID: 35059144 PMCID: PMC8765272 DOI: 10.1080/20018525.2022.2028423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Jamal
- Pulmonology Department, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Sharif
- Pulmonology Department, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asma Sayeed
- Family Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad Ur Rehman
- Family Medicine Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
- Nursing Department, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Mousapour P, Hamidi Farahani R, Mosaed R, Asgari A, Hazrati E. Efficacy and safety of acetylcysteine for the prevention of liver injury in COVID-19 intensive care unit patients under treatment with remdesivir. GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY FROM BED TO BENCH 2022; 15:241-248. [PMID: 36311968 PMCID: PMC9589135 DOI: 10.22037/ghfbb.v15i3.2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The present double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial evaluated prophylactic use of acetylcysteine for the prevention of liver injury in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia under treatment with remdesivir. BACKGROUND Liver injury is reportedly common in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and can occur not only as a result of disease progression, but as an iatrogenic reaction to remdesivir. METHODS A total of 83 adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were randomly assigned in parallel groups to receive either acetylcysteine or placebo. All the patients received standard care according to institutional protocols, including remdesivir for a total of five days. One gram acetylcysteine was administered intravenously every 12 hours for 42 patients, and 41 patients received the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride as placebo (Trial Registration: www.irct.ir identifier, IRCT20210726051995N1). RESULTS After 5 days, median aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were significantly lower in the acetylcysteine than in the placebo group. Of those who received the placebo, 30 (73.2%), 4 (9.7%), and 3 (7.3%) patients had serum AST levels elevated between 1-2.5, 2.5-5, and over 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), respectively; while in the acetylcysteine group, 33 (78.6%) and 0 patients had AST levels between 1-2.5 and over 2.5 times ULN, respectively (p-value=0.037). In the acetylcysteine group, 23 (54.8%), 1 (2.4%), and 1 (2.4%) patient had serum ALT levels elevated between 1-2.5, 2.5-5, and over 5 times ULN, respectively; in the placebo group, however, 24 (58.5%), 7 (17.1%), and 1 (2.4%) patient had serum ALT levels between 1-2.5, 2.5-5, and over 5 times ULN, respectively (p-value=0.073). CONCLUSION Intravenous administration of acetylcysteine significantly prevents liver transaminases elevation and liver injury in seriously ill COVID-19 patients treated with remdesivir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Mousapour
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Hamidi Farahani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mosaed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Asgari
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Hazrati
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Al-Hadidi SH, Alhussain H, Abdel Hadi H, Johar A, Yassine HM, Al Thani AA, Eltai NO. The Spectrum of Antibiotic Prescribing During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review. Microb Drug Resist 2021; 27:1705-1725. [PMID: 34077290 PMCID: PMC8713256 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2020.0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Over the last decades, there has been a significant increase in antimicrobial prescribing and consumption associated with the development of patients' adverse events and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the point of becoming a global priority. This study aims at evaluating antibiotic prescribing during COVID-19 pandemic from November 2019 to December 2020. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted primarily through the NCBI database, using PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant literature for the period between November 1, 2019 and December 19, 2020, using the keywords: COVID-19 OR SARS-Cov-2 AND antibiotics restricted to the English language excluding nonclinical articles. Five hundred twenty-seven titles were identified; all articles fulfilling the study criteria were included, 133 through the NCBI, and 8 through Google Scholar with a combined total of 141 studies. The patient's spectrum included all ages from neonates to elderly with all associated comorbidities, including immune suppression. Results: Of 28,093 patients included in the combined studies, 58.7% received antibiotics (16,490/28,093), ranging from 1.3% to 100% coverage. Antibiotics coverage was less in children (57%) than in adults with comorbidities (75%). Broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed presumptively without pathogen identifications, which might contribute to adverse outcomes. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant and wide range of antibiotic prescribing in patients affected by the disease, particularly in adults with underlying comorbidities, despite the paucity of evidence of associated bacterial infections. The current practice might increase patients' immediate and long-term risks of adverse events, susceptibility to secondary infections as well as aggravating AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamad Abdel Hadi
- Infectious Disease Division, Communicable Diseases Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | - Nahla O. Eltai
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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8
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Saeed H, Osama H, Abdelrahman MA, Madney YM, Harb HS, Abdelrahim MEA, Ali F. Vitamins and other immune-supportive elements as cofactors for passing the COVID-19 pandemic. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2021; 10:71. [PMID: 34729372 PMCID: PMC8554510 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-021-00163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease that causes a respiratory disorder, started in December of 2019 in China. Several vitamins and trace elements could help in enhancing host immunity producing antioxidant or anti-inflammatory action. This work aimed to identify the role of different nutrition, vitamins, and trace elements on the immunity status of the infected subject and the possibility of the beneficial role of these elements in the management of COVID-19. MAIN BODY After collecting (PubMed, scholar, OVID, Embase, Cochrane Library) and investigating published articles, testing the effect of these elements on viral infection, it was found that most of these elements have a significant role during viral infection through a different mechanism, like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulation. Nutritional interventions in COVID-19 infections are very important currently, and it was reported that vitamin C and D reduce the risk of acute respiratory infections. In addition, low vitamin A diets compromise the effectiveness of inactivated bovine coronavirus vaccines. Administration of N-acetyl cysteine showed a beneficial inhibitory effect in viral infections and enhanced glutathione production. The deficiency of selenium on COVID-19 subjects has a significant impact on the clinical outcome of the subjects. In addition, supplementation with vitamins proved to enhance immune response during viral infection. Vitamins and trace elements not only showed a beneficial effect but also Omega 3 fatty acids showed an immunomodulating effect during infections. SHORT CONCLUSIONS Assessment of levels for these trace elements at the baseline and providing supplementation containing different vitamins and elements could result in better control and clinical outcomes in the case of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Saeed
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hasnaa Osama
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona A. Abdelrahman
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M. Madney
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hadeer S. Harb
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | | | - Fatma Ali
- Food Hygiene, Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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9
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Novel Synthesis of N-Acetylcysteine Medicine Using an Effective Method. MOLBANK 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/m1288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is mainly administrated as a mucolytic medication, antioxidant supplement, antidote in paracetamol overdose, and a drug for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease. Its effect has been investigated for the treatment of several diseases such as COVID-19. In this work, an effective method for high-yield synthesis of N-acetylcysteine is proposed. This drug can be synthesized in a single-batch step instead of using a multi-stage process. The proposed method has shown the potential to be considered as an alternative method for producing NAC. The purification process was carried out using suitable solvents to reach a high level of purity. The characterization of the synthesized drug was undertaken through Elemental analysis, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and melting point analyses.
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10
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Dai J, Teng X, Jin S, Wu Y. The Antiviral Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide by Blocking the Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Its Potential Cell Surface Receptors. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7866992. [PMID: 34497683 PMCID: PMC8421161 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7866992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is posing a great threat to the global economy and public health security. Together with the acknowledged angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, glucose-regulated protein 78, transferrin receptor, AXL, kidney injury molecule-1, and neuropilin 1 are also identified as potential receptors to mediate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, how to inhibit or delay the binding of SARS-CoV-2 with the abovementioned receptors is a key step for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. As the third gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays an important role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recently, survivors were reported to have significantly higher H2S levels in COVID-19 patients, and mortality was significantly greater among patients with decreased H2S levels. Considering that the beneficial role of H2S against COVID-19 and COVID-19-induced comorbidities and multiorgan damage has been well-examined and reported in some excellent reviews, this review will discuss the recent findings on the potential receptors of SARS-CoV-2 and how H2S modulates the above receptors, in turn blocking SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dai
- Department of Clinical Diagnostics, Hebei Medical University, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Xu Teng
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Sheng Jin
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Yuming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Hebei Medical University, Hebei 050017, China
- Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei 050017, China
- Key Laboratory of Vascular Medicine of Hebei Province, Hebei 050017, China
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11
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Gorini F, Del Turco S, Sabatino L, Gaggini M, Vassalle C. H 2S as a Bridge Linking Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Biology: A Possible Defense in the Fight against SARS-CoV-2 Infection? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091107. [PMID: 34572292 PMCID: PMC8472626 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091107] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium controls vascular homeostasis through a delicate balance between secretion of vasodilators and vasoconstrictors. The loss of physiological homeostasis leads to endothelial dysfunction, for which inflammatory events represent critical determinants. In this context, therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation-related vascular injury may help for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and a multitude of other conditions related to endothelium dysfunction, including COVID-19. In recent years, within the complexity of the inflammatory scenario related to loss of vessel integrity, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has aroused great interest due to its importance in different signaling pathways at the endothelial level. In this review, we discuss the effects of H2S, a molecule which has been reported to demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, in addition to many other biological functions related to endothelium and sulfur-drugs as new possible therapeutic options in diseases involving vascular pathobiology, such as in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gorini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.S.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.D.T.); (C.V.)
| | - Serena Del Turco
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.S.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.D.T.); (C.V.)
| | - Laura Sabatino
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Melania Gaggini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Cristina Vassalle
- Fondazione CNR-Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.D.T.); (C.V.)
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Abstract
There is a possible role for oxidative stress, a state characterized by an altered balance between the production of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the genesis of which is quite complex. Excessive oxidative stress could be responsible for the alveolar damage, thrombosis, and red blood cell dysregulation observed in COVID-19. Apparently, deficiency of glutathione (GSH), a low-molecular-weight thiol that is the most important non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule and has the potential to keep the cytokine storm in check, is a plausible explanation for the severe manifestations and death in COVID-19 patients. Thiol drugs, which are considered mucolytic, also possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They exhibit antibacterial activity against a variety of medically important bacteria and may be an effective strategy against influenza virus infection. The importance of oxidative stress during COVID-19 and the various pharmacological characteristics of thiol-based drugs suggest a possible role of thiols in the treatment of COVID-19. Oral and intravenous GSH, as well as GSH precursors such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or drugs containing the thiol moiety (erdosteine) may represent a novel therapeutic approach to block NF-kB and address the cytokine storm syndrome and respiratory distress observed in COVID-19 pneumonia patients
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Frohman EM, Villemarette-Pittman NR, Rodriguez A, Glanzman R, Rugheimer S, Komogortsev O, Zamvil SS, Cruz RA, Varkey TC, Frohman AN, Frohman AR, Parsons MS, Konkle EH, Frohman TC. Application of an evidence-based, out-patient treatment strategy for COVID-19: Multidisciplinary medical practice principles to prevent severe disease. J Neurol Sci 2021; 426:117463. [PMID: 33971376 PMCID: PMC8055502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117463] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated individuals, families, and institutions throughout the world. Despite the breakneck speed of vaccine development, the human population remains at risk of further devastation. The decision to not become vaccinated, the protracted rollout of available vaccine, vaccine failure, mutational forms of the SARS virus, which may exhibit mounting resistance to our molecular strike at only one form of the viral family, and the rapid ability of the virus(es) to hitch a ride on our global transportation systems, means that we are will likely continue to confront an invisible, yet devastating foe. The enemy targets one of our human physiology's most important and vulnerable life-preserving body tissues, our broncho-alveolar gas exchange apparatus. Notwithstanding the fear and the fury of this microbe's potential to raise existential questions across the entire spectrum of human endeavor, the application of an early treatment intervention initiative may represent a crucial tool in our defensive strategy. This strategy is driven by evidence-based medical practice principles, those not likely to become antiquated, given the molecular diversity and mutational evolution of this very clever "world traveler".
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot M Frohman
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Professor Lawrence Steinman, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America.
| | | | - Adriana Rodriguez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cook Children's Medical Center, Ft. Worth, TX, United States of America
| | - Robert Glanzman
- Clene Nanomedicine, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84121, United States of America.
| | - Sarah Rugheimer
- Department of Physics, University Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK.
| | - Oleg Komogortsev
- Department of Computer Sciences, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States of America.
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- Department of Neurology and Program in Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
| | - Roberto Alejandro Cruz
- Department of Neurology, Doctor's Health at Renaissance Health Neurology Institute, United States of America; Department of Neurology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Thomas C Varkey
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, United States of America.
| | | | | | - Matthew S Parsons
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, United States of America; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | | | - Teresa C Frohman
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Professor Lawrence Steinman, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America.
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14
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Wong KK, Lee SWH, Kua KP. N-Acetylcysteine as Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19 - A Perspective on the Current State of the Evidence. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2993-3013. [PMID: 34262324 PMCID: PMC8274825 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s306849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The looming severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a long-lasting pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) around the globe with substantial morbidity and mortality. N-acetylcysteine, being a nutraceutical precursor of an important antioxidant glutathione, can perform several biological functions in mammals and microbes. It has consequently garnered a growing interest as a potential adjunctive therapy for coronavirus disease. Here, we review evidence concerning the effects of N-acetylcysteine in respiratory viral infections based on currently available in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical investigations. The repurposing of a known drug such as N-acetylcysteine may significantly hasten the deployment of a novel approach for COVID-19. Since the drug candidate has already been translated into the clinic for several decades, its established pharmacological properties and safety and side-effect profiles expedite preclinical and clinical assessment for the treatment of COVID-19. In vitro data have depicted that N-acetylcysteine increases antioxidant capacity, interferes with virus replication, and suppresses expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cells infected with influenza viruses or respiratory syncytial virus. Furthermore, findings from in vivo studies have displayed that, by virtue of immune modulation and anti-inflammatory mechanism, N-acetylcysteine reduces the mortality rate in influenza-infected mice animal models. The promising in vitro and in vivo results have prompted the initiation of human subject research for the treatment of COVID-19, including severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Albeit some evidence of benefits has been observed in clinical outcomes of patients, precision nanoparticle design of N-acetylcysteine may allow for greater therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kon Ken Wong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, The National University of Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Asian Centre for Evidence Synthesis in Population, Implementation, and Clinical Outcomes (PICO), Health and Well-being Cluster, Global Asia in the 21st Century (GA21) Platform, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Gerontechnology Laboratory, Global Asia in the 21st Century (GA21) Platform, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kok Pim Kua
- Puchong Health Clinic, Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Petaling, Selangor, Malaysia
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15
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Cárdenas-Rodríguez N, Bandala C, Vanoye-Carlo A, Ignacio-Mejía I, Gómez-Manzo S, Hernández-Cruz EY, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Carmona-Aparicio L, Hernández-Ochoa B. Use of Antioxidants for the Neuro-Therapeutic Management of COVID-19. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:971. [PMID: 34204362 PMCID: PMC8235474 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060971] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an emergent infectious disease that has caused millions of deaths throughout the world. COVID-19 infection's main symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue, and neurological manifestations such as headache, myalgias, anosmia, ageusia, impaired consciousness, seizures, and even neuromuscular junctions' disorders. In addition, it is known that this disease causes a series of systemic complications such as adverse respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac injury, acute kidney injury, and liver dysfunction. Due to the neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, damage in the central nervous system has been suggested as well as the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2. It is known that CoV infections are associated with an inflammation process related to the imbalance of the antioxidant system; cellular changes caused by oxidative stress contribute to brain tissue damage. Although anti-COVID-19 vaccines are under development, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and its clinical manifestations and complications; only supportive treatments with immunomodulators, anti-vascular endothelial growth factors, modulating drugs, statins, or nutritional supplements have been used. In the present work, we analyzed the potential of antioxidants as adjuvants for the treatment of COVID-19 and specifically their possible role in preventing or decreasing the neurological manifestations and neurological complications present in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Cárdenas-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secreatría de Salud, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico; (A.V.-C.); (L.C.-A.)
| | - Cindy Bandala
- Division de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México 14389, Mexico;
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - América Vanoye-Carlo
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secreatría de Salud, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico; (A.V.-C.); (L.C.-A.)
| | - Iván Ignacio-Mejía
- Laboratorio de Medicina Traslacional, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, SEDENA, Ciudad de México 11200, Mexico;
| | - Saúl Gómez-Manzo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Genética, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico;
| | | | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, UNAM, Ciudad de México 04150, Mexico; (E.Y.H.-C.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - Liliana Carmona-Aparicio
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secreatría de Salud, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico; (A.V.-C.); (L.C.-A.)
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Ochoa
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico;
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16
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Taher A, Lashgari M, Sedighi L, Rahimi-bashar F, Poorolajal J, Mehrpooya M. A pilot study on intravenous N-Acetylcysteine treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1650-1659. [PMID: 34114174 PMCID: PMC8191712 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background We designed this single-centre clinical trial to assess the potential benefits of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) in patients with COVID19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods Ninety-two patients with mild-to-moderate COVID19-associated ARDS were allocated to the placebo (45-cases) or NAC groups (47-cases). Besides standard-of-care treatment, the patients received either intravenous NAC at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day or the placebo for three consecutive days. The efficacy outcomes were overall mortality over 28-day, clinical status on day 28, based on the WHO Master Protocol, the proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, changes in ARDS-severity (based on the PaO2/FiO2 ratio), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores 48 and 96 h after intervention, Results No differences were found in the 28-day mortality rate between the two groups (25.5% vs. 31.1% in the NAC and placebo groups, respectively). Although the distribution of the clinical status at day 28 shifted towards better outcomes in the NAC-treated group, it did not reach a statistical significance level (p value = 0.83). Similar results were achieved in terms of the proportion of patients who required invasive ventilator support (38.3% vs. 44.4%), the number of ventilator-free days (17.4 vs. 16.6), and median time of ICU and hospital stay. Results regarding the change in PaO2/FiO2 ratio and SOFA scores also showed no significant differences between the groups. Conclusions Our pilot study did not support the potential benefits of intravenous NAC in treating patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS. More studies are needed to determine which COVID-19 patients benefit from the NAC administration. Trial registration The trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier code: IRCT20120215009014N355). Registration date: 2020-05-18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Taher
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Marjan Lashgari
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ladan Sedighi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Rahimi-bashar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Jalal Poorolajal
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mehrpooya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Ave, 6517838678 Hamadan, Iran
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17
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Schwalfenberg GK. N-Acetylcysteine: A Review of Clinical Usefulness (an Old Drug with New Tricks). J Nutr Metab 2021; 2021:9949453. [PMID: 34221501 PMCID: PMC8211525 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9949453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the clinical usefulness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as treatment or adjunctive therapy in a number of medical conditions. Use in Tylenol overdose, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive lung disease has been well documented, but there is emerging evidence many other conditions would benefit from this safe, simple, and inexpensive intervention. Quality of Evidence. PubMed, several books, and conference proceedings were searched for articles on NAC and health conditions listed above reviewing supportive evidence. This study uses a traditional integrated review format, and clinically relevant information is assessed using the American Family Physician Evidence-Based Medicine Toolkit. A table summarizing the potential mechanisms of action for N-acetylcysteine in these conditions is presented. Main Message. N-acetylcysteine may be useful as an adjuvant in treating various medical conditions, especially chronic diseases. These conditions include polycystic ovary disease, male infertility, sleep apnea, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, influenza, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, stroke outcomes, diabetic neuropathy, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and obsessive compulsive disorder; it can also be useful as a chelator for heavy metals and nanoparticles. There are also a number of other conditions that may show benefit; however, the evidence is not as robust. CONCLUSION The use of N-acetylcysteine should be considered in a number of conditions as our population ages and levels of glutathione drop. Supplementation may contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality in some chronic conditions as outlined in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry K. Schwalfenberg
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, No. 301, 9509-156 Street, Edmonton T5P 4J5, AB, Canada
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18
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Alkotaji M, Al-Zidan RN. Indomethacin: Can It Counteract Bradykinin Effects in COVID-19 Patients? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 7:102-106. [PMID: 33907665 PMCID: PMC8062113 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-021-00257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 represents the biggest health challenge. Although the mortality rate of COVID-19 is low, the high numbers of infected people and those with post-COVID-19 symptoms represent a real problem for the health system. A high number of patients with COVID-19 or people recovered from COVID-19 suffer from a dry cough and/or myalgia. Interestingly, an imbalance in bradykinin was observed in COVID-19 patients, which might be due to the accumulation of bradykinin as a result of a reduction in the degradation of bradykinin. This finding inspired the idea of possible similitude between the dry cough that is induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and the COVID-19-induced dry cough. Both of these types of cough are mediated, at least partially, by bradykinin. They both manifested as a persistent dry cough that is not responded to traditional dry cough remedies. However, several drugs were previously investigated for the treatment of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced dry cough. Here, we hypothesized that such treatment might be useful in COVID-19-induced dry cough and other bradykinin-related symptoms such as generalized pain and myalgia. In this article, evidence was presented to support the use of indomethacin as a potential treatment of COVID-19-induced dry cough. The choice of indomethacin was based on its ability to suppress the cyclooxygenase enzyme while also lowering the level of the inflammatory mediator bradykinin. Furthermore, indomethacin has been shown to be effective in treating angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor–induced dry cough. Moreover, indomethacin is a long-established, low-cost, effective, and readily available medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myasar Alkotaji
- College of Pharmacy, University of Nineveh, Mosul, Iraq
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
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19
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Dominari A, Hathaway III D, Kapasi A, Paul T, Makkar SS, Castaneda V, Gara S, Singh BM, Agadi K, Butt M, Retnakumar V, Chittajallu S, Taugir R, Sana MK, KC M, Razzack S, Moallem N, Alvarez A, Talalaev M. Bottom-up analysis of emergent properties of N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19. World J Virol 2021; 10:34-52. [PMID: 33816149 PMCID: PMC7995409 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v10.i2.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an abundantly available antioxidant with a wide range of antidotal properties currently best studied for its use in treating acetaminophen overdose. It has a robustly established safety profile with easily tolerated side effects and presents the Food and Drug Administration's approval for use in treating acetaminophen overdose patients. It has been proven efficacious in off-label uses, such as in respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and seasonal influenza. Clinical trials have recently shown that NAC's capacity to replenish glutathione stores may significantly improve coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, especially in high risk individuals. Interestingly, individuals with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency have been shown to experience even greater benefit. The same study has concluded that NAC's ability to mitigate the impact of the cytokine storm and prevent elevation of liver enzymes, C-reactive protein, and ferritin is associated with higher success rates weaning from the ventilator and return to normal function in COVID-19 patients. Considering the background knowledge of biochemistry, current uses of NAC in clinical practice, and newly acquired evidence on its potential efficacy against COVID-19, it is worthwhile to investigate further whether this agent can be used as a treatment or adjuvant for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asimina Dominari
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Donald Hathaway III
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Abdulhusein Kapasi
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Trissa Paul
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sarabjot Singh Makkar
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Valeria Castaneda
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sirisha Gara
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Bishnu Mohan Singh
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Kuchalambal Agadi
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Maliha Butt
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Varadha Retnakumar
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Spandana Chittajallu
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Rahima Taugir
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Muhammad Khawar Sana
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Manish KC
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Sarah Razzack
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Niala Moallem
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Alina Alvarez
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
| | - Michael Talalaev
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Health System, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
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20
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Shi Z, Puyo CA. N-Acetylcysteine to Combat COVID-19: An Evidence Review. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2020; 16:1047-1055. [PMID: 33177829 PMCID: PMC7649937 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s273700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus (SARS-Cov-2) and is known for inducing multisystem organ dysfunction associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 have failed to effectively reduce mortality rate, especially for elderly patients. A newly developed vaccine against SARS-Cov-2 has been reported to induce the production of neutralizing antibodies in young volunteers. However, the vaccine has shown limited benefit in the elderly, suggesting an age-dependent immune response. As a result, exploring new applications of existing medications could potentially provide valuable treatments for COVID-19. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used in clinical practice to treat critically ill septic patients, and more recently for COVID-19 patients. NAC has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating characteristics that may prove beneficial in the treatment and prevention of SARS-Cov-2. This review offers a thorough analysis of NAC and discusses its potential use for treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongcheng Shi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carlos A Puyo
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Holy Family Hospital, Steward Health Care, Methuen, MA, USA
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