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Mady B, Ibrahim HF, ElAziz Mm A, Basta M, Assem S, Ahmed Ali M, El Mottelib LMMAA. The potential ameliorating effect of vitamin E on bleomycin - induced lung fibrosis in adult albino rats. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112375. [PMID: 38823182 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is a critical interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop a proper and cost-effective therapeutic modality that can reverse and/or ameliorate lung fibrosis. Vitamin E is one of the widely investigated dietary antioxidants which has been linked to improvement of many health problems. The current study was conducted to evaluate the possible roles of vitamin E in prevention and treatment of bleomycin (BLM) induced lung fibrosis. Physiological, anatomical, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were done to assess and compare between the structure and function of the lung tissue in lung fibrosis model, early and late treated groups with vitamin E. Furthermore, measurement of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), E-cadherin, Smad-3, BAX, BCL2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were done. The study revealed that administration of vitamin E helped to improve signs of lung fibrosis, as reflected by amelioration of structure and functions of lungs as well as the decrease in TGF-β levels and inhibition of α-SMA/collagen I profibrotic pathway. These findings highlight the importance of administration of vitamin E as a prophylactic agent prior to BLM therapy and as an adjuvant treatment in cases of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Mady
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt.
| | - Heba F Ibrahim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Abd ElAziz Mm
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Marianne Basta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Sara Assem
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Manal Ahmed Ali
- Veterinarian, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Lobna M M A Abd El Mottelib
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Dr Fahmi Abdelmeguid St., Mowassah Campus, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, American University for Medical Sciences (AUMS), Eqaila, Block 6, Street 103, Building 2, Kuwait
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Majumder MAA, Bharatha A, Kumar S, Chatterjee M, Gupta S, Harewood H, Singh K, Johnson WMS, Rajasundaram A, Dutta SB, Prasad SV, Rahman S, Kabir R, Parsa AD, Gaur U, Rabbi AMF, Krishnamurthy K, Mohammad S, Chode V, Haque M, Campbell MH. Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17083. [PMID: 38590705 PMCID: PMC11000642 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days-soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study's findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine's first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in the context of booster doses, thereby contributing to the global understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Anwarul Azim Majumder
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
- Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ambadasu Bharatha
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | | | - Madhuri Chatterjee
- Shri Ramkrishna Institute of Medical Science, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Subir Gupta
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Heather Harewood
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Keerti Singh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - WMS Johnson
- Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Sudeshna Banerjee Dutta
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing (Critical care nursing), Shri Anand Institute of Nursing, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Sayeeda Rahman
- American University of Integrative Sciences (AUIS), Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Russell Kabir
- Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
| | | | - Uma Gaur
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | | | - Kandamaran Krishnamurthy
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Shegufta Mohammad
- Health Education Department, Empower Me First College, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Mainul Haque
- National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Michael H. Campbell
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Bridgetown, Barbados
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Dutta S, Singhal S, Shah R. A Systematic Analysis of COVID-19 Clinical Trials Registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India. Cureus 2024; 16:e57939. [PMID: 38738059 PMCID: PMC11082480 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Clinical Trials Registry - India (CTRI) database is a registry of various trials conducted in India and this study scrutinized the studies registered for COVID-19 from the database to detect patterns in trial design, appraising the target regions of therapies and comprehending the terrain of research endeavors. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed the registered trials for COVID-19 between March 2020 and September 2023. A trial search was conducted on the CTRI database to include all types of studies registered for COVID-19 with keywords like "COVID" and "coronavirus" and studies conducted on conditions other than COVID-19 were excluded. The data regarding study characteristics were noted under various sections in a preformed proforma. RESULTS A total of 807 trials were taken for final analysis and there were about 344 prospective and 260 retrospective interventional trials, 35 prospective and 165 retrospective observational studies, and two prospective and one retrospective post-marketing surveillance study. The majority of the studies had duration under 12 months (91%). The maximum number of studies were registered from AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and allied therapies (n = 283), with about 104 types of interventions, followed by the drug category having 119 trials registered and about 57 types of interventions. Kabasura Kudineer and yoga in the AYUSH category, molnupiravir, colchicine, and favipiravir in the drug category, and tocilizumab and convalescent plasma among biologics were some common interventions used. The majority of trials did not mention the trial phase and declared it as not applicable (54%), whereas 15% were registered as phase 2 and 13% as phase 3. About 54% of the studies were randomized and randomized parallel-group design (20%) was the most common study design. Only 6% of the trials were post-graduate thesis and the majority of the trials (n = 535) denied sharing their individual participant data. Only 0.86% and 0.61% of the trials were terminated and suspended, respectively, denoting proper design and conduct of the trials. CONCLUSION In the CTRI database, the majority of trials were prospective interventional studies, with a predominance of AYUSH therapies and drug interventions. Common interventions included Kabasura Kudineer and yoga in AYUSH, and molnupiravir, colchicine, and favipiravir in drugs. Most studies had durations under 12 months and randomized parallel-group design was the most common study design. The intention to use and promote an indigenous system of medicine looks promising in the absence of any definite therapy. A minute number of registered suspended and terminated trials might be a positive picture of meticulously designed and executed trials even during a pandemic situation in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Dutta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Shubha Singhal
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Rima Shah
- Department of Pharmacology, All India institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
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Hosni S, Gani SSA, Orsat V, Hassan M, Abdullah S. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants from Melastoma malabathricum Linn.: Modeling and Optimization Using Box-Behnken Design. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020487. [PMID: 36677546 PMCID: PMC9863510 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study presents modeling and optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of Melastoma malabathricum with the objective of evaluating its phytochemical properties. This one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) procedure was conducted to screen for optimization variables whose domains included extraction temperature (XET), ultrasonic time (XUT), solvent concentration (XSC), and sample-to-liquid ratio (XSLR). Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to establish optimum conditions for maximum antioxidant extraction. Modeling and optimization conditions of UAE at 37 kHz, XET 32 °C for XUT 16 min and dissolved in an XSC 70% ethanol concentration at a XSLR 1:10 ratio yielded scavenging effects on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) at 96% ± 1.48 and recorded values of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) at 803.456 ± 32.48 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalents)/g, and 102.972 ± 2.51 mg QE (quercetin equivalents)/g, respectively. The presence of high flavonoid compounds was verified using TWIMS-QTOFMS. Chromatic evaluation of phytochemicals using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed the presence of 14 phytocompounds widely documented to play significant roles in human health. This study provides a comparative evaluation with other studies and may be used for validation of the species' potential for its much-acclaimed medicinal and cosmeceutical uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzziyana Hosni
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Salwa Abd Gani
- Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Agriculture Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Natural Medicine and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Biosceince, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Valérie Orsat
- Macdonald Campus, McGill University, Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC 21111, Canada
| | - Masriana Hassan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sumaiyah Abdullah
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Evaluating Risk: Benefit Ratio of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation to SARS-CoV-2-Infected Autoimmune and Cancer Patients: Do Vitamin–Drug Interactions Exist? Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101654. [PMID: 36295089 PMCID: PMC9604733 DOI: 10.3390/life12101654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review brings attention to a crucial yet under-investigated subject which is vitamin–drug interactions. Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K have been proven to possess many beneficial effects in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Moreover, it has been reported that deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins have been directly linked to COVID-19 infection-related morbidity and mortality, especially in high-risk populations such as cancer and autoimmune patients. However, many vitamin–drug interactions exist between most of the newly COVID-19 FDA-approved medications and fat-soluble vitamins. Hence, this mandates personalizing the COVID-19 treatment protocols, especially for patients who have any deficiency in any of these vital vitamins. Weighing the risk-to-benefit ratio of supplementing any of these fat-soluble vitamins with COVID-19 medications is considered crucial to maximize the therapeutic benefit and decrease the side effects of these drugs. Abstract COVID-19 is a recent pandemic that mandated the scientific society to provide effective evidence-based therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment for such a global threat, especially to those patients who hold a higher risk of infection and complications, such as patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. Recent research has examined the role of various fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infection. Studies showed that deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins abrogates the immune system, thus rendering individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, another line of evidence showed that supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins during the course of infection enhances the viral clearance episode by promoting an adequate immune response. However, more thorough research is needed to define the adequate use of vitamin supplements in cancer and autoimmune patients infected with COVID-19. Moreover, it is crucial to highlight the vitamin–drug interactions of the COVID-19 therapeutic modalities and fat-soluble vitamins. With an emphasis on cancer and autoimmune patients, the current review aims to clarify the role of fat-soluble vitamins in SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the risk-to-benefit ratio of a fat-soluble supplement administered to patients taking FDA-approved COVID-19 medications such as antivirals, anti-inflammatory, receptor blockers, and monoclonal antibodies.
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Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment? Foods 2022; 11:foods11182884. [PMID: 36141012 PMCID: PMC9498392 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? After two years mastered by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are now witnessing a turnaround. The reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 led to increasing importance of a new disease called post-COVID syndrome. The term post-COVID is used to indicate permanency of symptoms in patients who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Immune, antiviral, antimicrobial therapies, as well as ozone therapy have been used to treat COVID-19 disease. Vaccines have then become available and administered worldwide to prevent the insurgence of the disease. However, the pandemic is not over yet at all given the emergence of new omicron variants. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this view, great interest was found in nutraceutical products, including vitamins (C, D, and E), minerals (zinc), melatonin, probiotics, flavonoids (quercetin), and curcumin. This review summarizes the role of nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.
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Pisoschi AM, Pop A, Iordache F, Stanca L, Geicu OI, Bilteanu L, Serban AI. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of vitamins in COVID-19 therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114175. [PMID: 35151223 PMCID: PMC8813210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
oxidative stress is caused by an abundant generation of reactive oxygen species, associated to a diminished capacity of the endogenous systems of the organism to counteract them. Activation of pro-oxidative pathways and boosting of inflammatory cytokines are always encountered in viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. So, the importance of counteracting cytokine storm in COVID-19 pathology is highly important, to hamper the immunogenic damage of the endothelium and alveolar membranes. Antioxidants prevent oxidative processes, by impeding radical species generation. It has been proved that vitamin intake lowers oxidative stress markers, alleviates cytokine storm and has a potential role in reducing disease severity, by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, hampering hyperinflammation and organ failure. For the approached compounds, direct antiviral roles are also discussed in this review, as these activities encompass secretion of antiviral peptides, modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor expression and interaction with spike protein, inactivation of furin protease, or inhibition of pathogen replication by nucleic acid impairment induction. Vitamin administration results in beneficial effects. Nevertheless, timing, dosage and mutual influences of these micronutrients should be carefullly regarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Magdalena Pisoschi
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Aneta Pop
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Iordache
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Loredana Stanca
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Ionut Geicu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liviu Bilteanu
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania; Molecular Nanotechnology Laboratory, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Iren Serban
- University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department Preclinical Sciences, 105 Splaiul Independentei, 050097, Bucharest, Romania; University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 91-95 Blvd, Splaiul Independentei, 050095, Bucharest, Romania
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Dubey AK, Chaudhry SK, Singh HB, Gupta VK, Kaushik A. Perspectives on nano-nutraceuticals to manage pre and post COVID-19 infections. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 33:e00712. [PMID: 35186674 PMCID: PMC8832856 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Optimized therapeutic bio-compounds supported by bio-acceptable nanosystems (i.e., precise nanomedicine) have ability to promote health via maintaining body structure, organ function, and controlling chronic and acute effects. Therefore, nano-nutraceuticals (designed to neutralize virus, inhibit virus bindings with receptors, and support immunity) utilization can manage COVID-19 pre/post-infection effects. To explore these approaches well, our mini-review explores optimized bio-active compounds, their ability to influence SARS-CoV-2 infection, improvement in performance supported by precise nanomedicine approach, and challenges along with prospects. Such optimized pharmacologically relevant therapeutic cargo not only affect SARS-CoV-2 but will support other organs which show functional alternation due to SARS-CoV-2 for example, neurological functions. Hence, coupling the nutraceuticals with the nano-pharmacology perspective of higher efficacy via targeted delivery action can pave a novel way for health experts to plan future research needed to manage post COVID-19 infection effect where a longer efficacy with no side-effects is a key requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Kumar Dubey
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India
- Institute of Scholars (InSc), Bengaluru, 560091, Karnataka, India
| | - Suman Kumar Chaudhry
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tezpur University, Sonitpur, Assam, 784028, India
| | | | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
- Center for Safe and Improved Food, SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Health Systems Engineering, Department of Natural Sciences, Florida Polytechnic University, Lakeland, FL, 33805, United States of America
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Dutta S, Kaur RJ, Bhardwaj P, Ambwani S, Godman B, Jha PA, Sukhija S, Venkatesh SS, Lugova H, Islam S, Charan J, Haque M. Demand of COVID-19 medicines without prescription among community pharmacies in Jodhpur, India: Findings and implications. J Family Med Prim Care 2022; 11:503-511. [PMID: 35360769 PMCID: PMC8963618 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1250_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic led to increased self-medication of antimicrobials, vitamins, and immune boosters among the common people and consuming without prescription can lead to adverse consequences including antimicrobial resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on community pharmacies in Jodhpur, India. They were inquired regarding the prescription and increased sales (<25%, 25—50%, 50--75%, or 75--100%) of various medicines (Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin, Ivermectin, and Vitamin C) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between requests for certain COVID-19 medications and an increase in their sale. Results: A total of 204 pharmacies took part, and 88.23% reported patients to approach them without prescriptions. Most of the pharmacies revealed that <25% of patients came without prescription. The majority came for azithromycin (68%) and vitamin C (92%). Increased sales of the four targeted medications were seen by 85.92% of pharmacies compared to last year. A majority (51.5%) reported <25% increased sales of azithromycin, but no change in the sale of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. However, 39.6% reported >75% increase in vitamin C sales. Conclusion: There was an increase in the demand for COVID-19 medications without prescription. This study was unable to detect a significant increase in sales of antimicrobials, which is encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Dutta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rimple J Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Pankaj Bhardwaj
- Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sneha Ambwani
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Pallavi A Jha
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanchi Sukhija
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Suman S Venkatesh
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Halyna Lugova
- Unit of Community Medicine, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Salequl Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jaykaran Charan
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mainul Haque
- Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Abdelhamid L, Luo XM. Diet and Hygiene in Modulating Autoimmunity During the Pandemic Era. Front Immunol 2022; 12:749774. [PMID: 35069526 PMCID: PMC8766844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system is an efficiently toned machinery that discriminates between friends and foes for achieving both host defense and homeostasis. Deviation of immune recognition from foreign to self and/or long-lasting inflammatory responses results in the breakdown of tolerance. Meanwhile, educating the immune system and developing immunological memory are crucial for mounting defensive immune responses while protecting against autoimmunity. Still to elucidate is how diverse environmental factors could shape autoimmunity. The emergence of a world pandemic such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) not only threatens the more vulnerable individuals including those with autoimmune conditions but also promotes an unprecedented shift in people's dietary approaches while urging for extraordinary hygiene measures that likely contribute to the development or exacerbation of autoimmunity. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand how environmental factors modulate systemic autoimmunity to better mitigate the incidence and or severity of COVID-19 among the more vulnerable populations. Here, we discuss the effects of diet (macronutrients and micronutrients) and hygiene (the use of disinfectants) on autoimmunity with a focus on systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Abdelhamid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Xin M. Luo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Dutta S, Kaur R, Charan J, Bhardwaj P, Ambwani SR, Babu S, Goyal JP, Haque M. Analysis of Neurological Adverse Events Reported in VigiBase From COVID-19 Vaccines. Cureus 2022; 14:e21376. [PMID: 35198288 PMCID: PMC8852793 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fifteen COVID-19 vaccines have been granted emergency approval before the completion of conventional phases of clinical trials. The present study aimed to analyze the neurological adverse events (AEs) post-COVID-19 vaccination and focuses on determining the association of AEs with the vaccine. METHODOLOGY The neurological AEs reported for COVID-19 vaccines in the WHO pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase) were extracted from the System Organ Classes - neurological disorders and investigations. Descriptive statistics are reported as percentage and frequency and the disproportionality analysis was also conducted. RESULTS For the neurological system, 19,529 AEs were reported. Of these, 15,638 events were reported from BNT162b2 vaccine, 2,751 from AZD1222 vaccine, 1,075 from mRNA-1273 vaccine, eight from Vero vaccine, two from Covaxin, and for 55 AEs, vaccine name was not mentioned. The reason for more AEs reported with BNT162b2 can be maximum vaccination with BNT162b2 vaccine in the study period. According to the disproportionality analysis based on IC025 value, ageusia, anosmia, burning sensation, dizziness, facial paralysis, headache, hypoaesthesia, lethargy, migraine, neuralgia, paresis, parosmia, poor sleep quality, seizure, transient ischemic attack, and tremor are some of the AEs that can be associated with the administration of the vaccine. CONCLUSION The vaccines should be monitored for these AEs till the causality of these AEs with COVID-19 vaccines is established through further long-term follow-up studies. These neurological AEs reported in VigiBase should not be taken as conclusive and mass vaccination should be carried out to control the pandemic until a definite link of these adverse effects is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Dutta
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Rajkot, IND
| | - Rimplejeet Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Jaykaran Charan
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Pankaj Bhardwaj
- Department of Community Medicine & Family Medicine and School of Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Sneha R Ambwani
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Shoban Babu
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Jagdish P Goyal
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Jodhpur, IND
| | - Mainul Haque
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
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Koç E, Karayiğit B. Assessment of Biofortification Approaches Used to Improve Micronutrient-Dense Plants That Are a Sustainable Solution to Combat Hidden Hunger. JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION 2022; 22:475-500. [PMID: 34754134 PMCID: PMC8567986 DOI: 10.1007/s42729-021-00663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Malnutrition causes diseases, immune system disorders, deterioration in physical growth, mental development, and learning capacity worldwide. Micronutrient deficiency, known as hidden hunger, is a serious global problem. Biofortification is a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural strategy for increasing the concentrations or bioavailability of essential elements in the edible parts of plants, minimizing the risks of toxic metals, and thus reducing malnutrition. It has the advantage of delivering micronutrient-dense food crops to a large part of the global population, especially poor populations. Agronomic biofortification and biofertilization, traditional plant breeding, and optimized fertilizer applications are more globally accepted methods today; however, genetic biofortification based on genetic engineering such as increasing or manipulating (such as CRISPR-Cas9) the expression of genes that affect the regulation of metal homeostasis and carrier proteins that serve to increase the micronutrient content for higher nutrient concentration and greater productivity or that affect bioavailability is also seen as a promising high-potential strategy in solving this micronutrient deficiency problem. Data that micronutrients can help strengthen the immune system against the COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases has highlighted the importance of tackling micronutrient deficiencies. In this study, biofortification approaches such as plant breeding, agronomic techniques, microbial fertilization, and some genetic and nanotechnological methods used in the fight against micronutrient deficiency worldwide were compiled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Koç
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Belgizar Karayiğit
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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Yusof YM, Haque M. Do dietary supplements help in boosting the immunity of individuals during the COVID-19 outbreak? ADVANCES IN HUMAN BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/aihb.aihb_157_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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