1
|
Dawadi P, Syangtan G, Lama B, Kanel SR, Raj Joshi D, Pokhrel LR, Adhikari R, Joshi HR, Pavel I. Understanding COVID-19 Situation in Nepal and Implications for SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Management. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221104348. [PMID: 35694428 PMCID: PMC9178984 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221104348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), one of the most infectious diseases in the modern history, is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has had a profound health and economic toll, globally. This paper identifies the overall health status associated with COVID-19 pandemic in all 7 provinces of Nepal, a developing country in South Asia, analyzing data from January 2020 to February 2022. It focuses on the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence, transmission through wastewater and other routes, diagnostics, treatment options, and alternative medicines, thereby offering key perspectives for its management. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies regarding coronavirus spanning the 2017 to 2022 period were searched on the web, Nepalese database, and Web of Science. Refined criteria included SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater of Nepal or worldwide. Demographic data (sex, age-group, and geographic location) were also obtained from websites and relevant reports of the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) of Nepal, ranging from January 2020 to February 2022. Moreover, trends concerning lockdown, business, and border activities in Nepal between February 2020 and October 2020 were evaluated. The viral dissemination pathways, diagnosis, and available treatment options, including the Ayurvedic medicine, were also examined. RESULTS Aerosols generated during the hospital, industrial, recreational, and household activities were found to contribute to the propagation of SARS-CoV-2 into environmental wastewater, thereby putting the surrounding communities at risk of infection. When lockdown ended and businesses opened in October 2020, the number of active cases of COVID-19 increased exponentially. Bagmati Province had the highest number of cases (53.84%), while the remaining 6 provinces tallied 46.16%. Kathmandu district had the highest number of COVID-19 cases (138, 319 cases), while Manang district had the smallest number of infections (81 cases). The male population was found to be predominantly infected (58.7%). The most affected age groups were the 31 to 40 years old males (25.92%) and the 21 to 30 years old females (26.85%). CONCLUSION The pandemic impacted the public health and economic growth in our study duration. SARS-CoV-2 was prevalent in the wastewater of Nepal. The Terai districts and the megacities were mostly affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections. Working-age groups and males were identified as the highest risk groups. More investigations on the therapeutic and alternative cures are recommended. These findings may guide the researchers and professionals with handling the COVID-19 challenges in developing countries such as Nepal and better prepare for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabin Dawadi
- Biological Resources Unit, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, Bagmati, Nepal
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Gopiram Syangtan
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
- Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Bhupendra Lama
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Sushil R. Kanel
- Department of Chemistry, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Dev Raj Joshi
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Lok R. Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Rameshwar Adhikari
- Research Center for Applied Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Hem R. Joshi
- Department of Mathematics, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ioana Pavel
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahmad W, Shabbiri K. Two years of SARS-CoV-2 infection (2019-2021): structural biology, vaccination, and current global situation. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022; 34:5. [PMID: 35043040 PMCID: PMC8759062 DOI: 10.1186/s43162-021-00092-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected more than 259,502,031 confirmed cases with 5,183,003 deaths in 223 countries during the last 22 months (Dec 2019-Nov 2021), whereas approximately 7,702,859,718, vaccine doses have been administered (WHO: https://covid19.who.int/) as of the 24th of Nov 2021. Recent announcements of test trial completion of several new vaccines resulted in the launching of immunization for the common person around the globe highlighting a ray of hope to cope with this infection. Meanwhile, genetic variations in SARS-CoV-2 and third layer of infection spread in numerous countries emerged as a stronger prototype than the parental. New and parental SARS-CoV-2 strains appeared as a risk factor for other pre-existing diseases like cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, kidney, liver, heart, and eye injury. This situation requires more attention and re-structuring of the currently developed vaccines and/or drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although a decline in COVID-19 infection has been reported globally, an increase in COVID-19 cases in the subcontinent and east Mediterranean area could be alarming. In this review, we have summarized the current information about the SARS-CoV-2 biology, its interaction and possible infection pathways within the host, epidemiology, risk factors, economic collapse, and possible vaccine and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waqar Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thoughts and attitudes of adults about medicines used for COVID-19; A descriptive study. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.16899/jcm.984577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
4
|
Gjorgieva A, Maksimova V, Smilkov K. Plant bioactive compounds affecting biomarkers and final outcome of COVID-19. ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm72-36150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal medicinal products are known for their widespread use toward various viral infections and ease of disease symptoms. Therefore, the sudden appearance of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19 disease was no exception. Bioactive compounds from natural plant origin could act on several disease levels: through essential immunological pathways, affecting COVID-19 biomarkers, or by halting or modulating SARS-CoV-2. In this paper, we review the recently published data regarding the use of plant bioactive compounds in the prevention/treatment of COVID-19. The mode of actions responsible for these effects is discussed, including the inhibition of attachment, penetration and release of the virus, actions affecting RNA, protein synthesis and viral proteases, as well as other mechanisms. The reviewed information suggests that plant bioactive compounds can be used alone or in combinations, but upcoming, extensive and global studies on several factors involved are needed to recognize indicative characteristics and various patterns of bioactive compounds use, related with an array of biomarkers connected to different elements of inflammatory and immune-related processes of COVID-19 disease.
Collapse
|
5
|
KÜÇÜK BEYZANUR, ŞİMŞEK RAHİME, ERDEMLİ KÖSE SELİNAYBAŞAK, YİRÜN ANIL, Erkekoglu P. Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Treatments: A Special Focus on Susceptible Populations. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2022; 41:45-64. [DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2022039271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
6
|
Levy E, Stintzi A, Cohen A, Desjardins Y, Marette A, Spahis S. Critical appraisal of the mechanisms of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary infection by COVID-19. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 321:G99-G112. [PMID: 34009033 PMCID: PMC8289353 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00106.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 represents a novel infectious disease induced by SARS-CoV-2. It has to date affected 24,240,000 individuals and killed 2,735,805 people worldwide. The highly infectious virus attacks mainly the lung, causing fever, cough, and fatigue in symptomatic patients, but also pneumonia in severe cases. However, growing evidence highlights SARS-CoV-2-mediated extrarespiratory manifestations, namely, gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic complications. The detection of 1) the virus in the GI system (duodenum, colon, rectum, anal region, and feces); 2) the high expression of additional candidate coreceptors/auxiliary proteins to facilitate the virus entry; 3) the abundant viral angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor; 4) the substantial expression of host transmembrane serine protease 2, necessary to induce virus-cell fusion; 5) the viral replication in the intestinal epithelial cells; and 6) the primarily GI disorders in the absence of respiratory symptoms lead to increased awareness of the risk of disease transmission via the fecal-oral route. The objectives of this review are to provide a brief update of COVID-19 pathogenesis and prevalence, present a critical overview of its GI and liver complications that affect clinical COVID-19 outcomes, clarify associated mechanisms (notably microbiota-related), define whether gut/liver disorders occur more frequently among critically ill patients with COVID-19, determine the impact of COVID-19 on preexisting gut/liver complications and vice versa, and discuss the available strategies for prevention and treatment to improve prognosis of the patients. The novel SARS-CoV-2 can cause gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary manifestations. Metagenomics studies of virobiota in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection are necessary to highlight the contribution of bacterial microflora to COVID-19 phenotype, which is crucial for developing biomarkers and therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emile Levy
- 1Research Centre, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada,2Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada,3Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada,4Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alain Stintzi
- 5Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Albert Cohen
- 6Division of Gastroenterology, Jewish General Hospital, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yves Desjardins
- 4Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - André Marette
- 4Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Schohraya Spahis
- 1Research Centre, Sainte-Justine University Health Center, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada,2Department of Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada,4Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Unal MA, Bitirim CV, Summak GY, Bereketoglu S, Cevher Zeytin I, Besbinar O, Gurcan C, Aydos D, Goksoy E, Kocakaya E, Eran Z, Murat M, Demir N, Aksoy Ozer ZB, Somers J, Demir E, Nazir H, Ozkan SA, Ozkul A, Azap A, Yilmazer A, Akcali KC. Ribavirin shows antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and downregulates the activity of TMPRSS2 and the expression of ACE2 in vitro. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 99:449-460. [PMID: 33689451 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ribavirin is a guanosine analog with broad-spectrum antiviral activity against RNA viruses. Based on this, we aimed to show the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of this drug molecule via in vitro, in silico, and molecular techniques. Ribavirin showed antiviral activity in Vero E6 cells following SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas the drug itself did not show any toxic effect over the concentration range tested. In silico analysis suggested that ribavirin has a broad-spectrum impact on SARS-CoV-2, acting at different viral proteins. According to the detailed molecular techniques, ribavirin was shown to decrease the expression of TMPRSS2 at both mRNA and protein levels 48 h after treatment. The suppressive effect of ribavirin in ACE2 protein expression was shown to be dependent on cell types. Finally, proteolytic activity assays showed that ribavirin also showed an inhibitory effect on the TMPRSS2 enzyme. Based on these results, we hypothesized that ribavirin may inhibit the expression of TMPRSS2 by modulating the formation of inhibitory G-quadruplex structures at the TMPRSS2 promoter. As a conclusion, ribavirin is a potential antiviral drug for the treatment against SARS-CoV-2, and it interferes with the effects of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sidar Bereketoglu
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Omur Besbinar
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cansu Gurcan
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dunya Aydos
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Goksoy
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ebru Kocakaya
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Eran
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Murat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, TR-06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nil Demir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, TR-06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Julia Somers
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3222 SW Research Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Emek Demir
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3222 SW Research Drive, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Hasan Nazir
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sibel Aysil Ozkan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aykut Ozkul
- Faculty of Veterinary, Department of Virology, Ankara University, TR-06110 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alpay Azap
- School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ankara University, TR-06230 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Acelya Yilmazer
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ankara University, TR-06830 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kamil Can Akcali
- Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, TR-06100 Ankara, Turkey.,School of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Ankara University, TR-06230 Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alper K. Case Report: Famotidine for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:614393. [PMID: 33425958 PMCID: PMC7786260 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.614393] [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: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Famotidine is of interest as a possible treatment for COVID-19, with effects on disease-related symptoms and survival reported in observational and retrospective studies, as well as in silico predictions of binding to potential SARS-CoV-2 drug targets. Published studies of famotidine for COVID-19 have focused on acute illness, and none have reported on neuropsychiatric symptoms. This case study reports on an 18-year-old man who sought psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety, disruptive interpersonal conflicts, and impairments in attention and motivation following mildly symptomatic illness with COVID-19. The neuropsychiatric symptoms, which had been present for 16 weeks at the time of the initial evaluation represented a significant departure from the patient's previous behavioral baseline. The patient had no prior psychiatric history preceding his illness with COVID-19, and no history of any prior treatment with psychopharmacological medications. Famotidine 20 mg twice daily administered orally was begun without any additional medications. At 1-week follow-up the patient was much improved. Improvement was sustained through 12 weeks of follow-up during which the patient continued to take famotidine without apparent side effects. With progression of the COVID-19 pandemic it has become evident that persistent disease-related symptoms may follow acute COVID-19 and may include neuropsychiatric symptoms. Controlled clinical research on famotidine for COVID-19 should follow, as well as the development of valid and reliable research diagnostic criteria to define and operationalize the features of a putative COVID-19 neuropsychiatric residual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Alper
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Remali J, Aizat WM. A Review on Plant Bioactive Compounds and Their Modes of Action Against Coronavirus Infection. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:589044. [PMID: 33519449 PMCID: PMC7845143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.589044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has demonstrated the need for development of new vaccine candidates and therapeutic drugs to fight against the underlying virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, no antiviral treatment is available to treat COVID-19 as treatment is mostly directed to only relieving the symptoms. Retrospectively, herbal medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years as a medicinal alternative including for the treatment of various viral illnesses. However, a comprehensive description using various medicinal plants in treating coronavirus infection has not to date been described adequately, especially their modes of action. Most other reports and reviews have also only focused on selected ethnobotanical herbs such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, yet more plants can be considered to enrich the source of the anti-viral compounds. In this review, we have screened and identified potential herbal medicinal plants as anti-coronavirus medication across major literature databases without being limited to any regions or ethnobotanic criteria. As such we have successfully gathered experimentally validated in vivo, in vitro, or in silico findings of more than 30 plants in which these plant extracts or their related compounds, such as those of Artemisia annua L., Houttuynia cordata Thunb., and Sambucus formosana Nakai, are described through their respective modes of action against specific mechanisms or pathways during the viral infection. This includes inhibition of viral attachment and penetration, inhibition of viral RNA and protein synthesis, inhibition of viral key proteins such as 3-chymotrypsin-like cysteine protease (3CLpro) and papain-like protease 2 (PLpro), as well as other mechanisms including inhibition of the viral release and enhanced host immunity. We hope this compilation will help researchers and clinicians to identify the source of appropriate anti-viral drugs from plants in combating COVID-19 and, ultimately, save millions of affected human lives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wan Mohd Aizat
- Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Marei HE, Althani A, Afifi N, Pozzoli G, Caceci T, Angelini F, Cenciarelli C. Pandemic COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2: genetic structure, vaccination, and therapeutic approaches. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6513-6524. [PMID: 34398427 PMCID: PMC8365286 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06630-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We give a summary of SARS-genetic CoV-2's structure and evolution, as well as current attempts to develop efficient vaccine and treatment methods for SARS-CoV-2 infection, in this article. Most therapeutic strategies are based on repurposing of existing therapeutic agents used against various virus infections and focused mainly on inhibition of the virus replication cycle, enhancement of innate immunity, and alleviation of CRS caused by COVID-19. Currently, more than 100 clinical trials on COVID-19 aim to provide robust evidence on the efficacy of the currently available anti-SARS-CoV-2 antiviral substances, such as the nucleotide analogue remdesivir, the antimalarial drug chloroquine, and drugs directed against docking of SARS-CoV-2 to the membrane-associated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) such as transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). The current vaccination campaign is ongoing worldwide using different types of vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Novavax, and others with efficacy ranging from 72-95%. In March 2021 Germany limited the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to people 60 years of age and older due to concerns that it may be causing blood clots. Further study and more data are needed to confirm the safety of different available vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hany E Marei
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Giacomo Pozzoli
- Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Caceci
- Biomedical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tsai SC, Lu CC, Bau DT, Chiu YJ, Yen YT, Hsu YM, Fu CW, Kuo SC, Lo YS, Chiu HY, Juan YN, Tsai FJ, Yang JS. Approaches towards fighting the COVID‑19 pandemic (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:3-22. [PMID: 33236131 PMCID: PMC7723515 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) outbreak, which has caused >46 millions confirmed infections and >1.2 million coronavirus related deaths, is one of the most devastating worldwide crises in recent years. Infection with COVID‑19 results in a fever, dry cough, general fatigue, respiratory symptoms, diarrhoea and a sore throat, similar to those of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The causative agent of COVID‑19, SARS‑CoV‑2, is a novel coronavirus strain. To date, remdesivir has been granted emergency use authorization for use in the management of infection. Additionally, several efficient diagnostic tools are being actively developed, and novel drugs and vaccines are being evaluated for their efficacy as therapeutic agents against COVID‑19, or in the prevention of infection. The present review highlights the prevalent clinical manifestations of COVID‑19, characterizes the SARS‑CoV‑2 viral genome sequence and life cycle, highlights the optimal methods for preventing viral transmission, and discusses possible molecular pharmacological mechanisms and approaches in the development of anti‑SARS‑CoV‑2 therapeutic agents. In addition, the use of traditional Chinese medicines for management of COVID‑19 is discussed. It is expected that novel anti‑viral agents, vaccines or an effective combination therapy for treatment/management of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and spread therapy will be developed and implemented in 2021, and we would like to extend our best regards to the frontline health workers across the world in their fight against COVID‑19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chang Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University
| | - Chi-Cheng Lu
- Department of Sport Performance, National Taiwan University of Sport
| | - Da-Tian Bau
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354
| | - Yu-Jen Chiu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veteran General Hospital
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11217
| | - Yu-Ting Yen
- Drug Development Center, Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402
| | - Yuan-Man Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University
| | - Chih-Wei Fu
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 310401
| | - Sheng-Chu Kuo
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402
| | - Yu-Shiang Lo
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447
| | - Hong-Yi Chiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 97002
- Master and PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004
- General Education Center, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97005
| | - Yu-Ning Juan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447
| | - Fuu-Jen Tsai
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University
- China Medical University Children's Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jai-Sing Yang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40447
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Huchting J. Targeting viral genome synthesis as broad-spectrum approach against RNA virus infections. Antivir Chem Chemother 2020; 28:2040206620976786. [PMID: 33297724 PMCID: PMC7734526 DOI: 10.1177/2040206620976786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic spillover, i.e. pathogen transmission from animal to human, has repeatedly introduced RNA viruses into the human population. In some cases, where these viruses were then efficiently transmitted between humans, they caused large disease outbreaks such as the 1918 flu pandemic or, more recently, outbreaks of Ebola and Coronavirus disease. These examples demonstrate that RNA viruses pose an immense burden on individual and public health with outbreaks threatening the economy and social cohesion within and across borders. And while emerging RNA viruses are introduced more frequently as human activities increasingly disrupt wild-life eco-systems, therapeutic or preventative medicines satisfying the “one drug-multiple bugs”-aim are unavailable. As one central aspect of preparedness efforts, this review digs into the development of broadly acting antivirals via targeting viral genome synthesis with host- or virus-directed drugs centering around nucleotides, the genomes’ universal building blocks. Following the first strategy, selected examples of host de novo nucleotide synthesis inhibitors are presented that ultimately interfere with viral nucleic acid synthesis, with ribavirin being the most prominent and widely used example. For directly targeting the viral polymerase, nucleoside and nucleotide analogues (NNAs) have long been at the core of antiviral drug development and this review illustrates different molecular strategies by which NNAs inhibit viral infection. Highlighting well-known as well as recent, clinically promising compounds, structural features and mechanistic details that may confer broad-spectrum activity are discussed. The final part addresses limitations of NNAs for clinical development such as low efficacy or mitochondrial toxicity and illustrates strategies to overcome these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huchting
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wensman JJ, Stokstad M. Could Naturally Occurring Coronaviral Diseases in Animals Serve as Models for COVID-19? A Review Focusing on the Bovine Model. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9120991. [PMID: 33256111 PMCID: PMC7760055 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9120991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The current pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of basic studies on coronaviruses (CoVs) in general, and severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in particular. CoVs have for long been studied in veterinary medicine, due to their impact on animal health and welfare, production, and economy. Several animal models using coronaviral disease in the natural host have been suggested. In this review, different animal models are discussed, with the main focus on bovine CoV (BCoV). BCoV is endemic in the cattle population worldwide and has been known and studied for several decades. SARS-CoV-2 and BCoV are both betacoronaviruses, where BCoV is highly similar to human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43, encompassing the same virus species (Betacoronavirus 1). BCoV causes respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in young and adult cattle. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the similarities and dissimilarities between BCoV and SARS-CoV-2, as well as discussing the usage of BCoV as a model for human CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Johansson Wensman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-18-671446
| | - Maria Stokstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 0102 Oslo, Norway;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tang B, Zhu J, Cong Y, Yang W, Kong C, Chen W, Wang Y, Zeng Y, Ji J. The Landscape of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Integrated Analysis SARS-CoV-2 Receptors and Potential Inhibitors in Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:577032. [PMID: 33195212 PMCID: PMC7644800 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.577032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the largest health threat worldwide, with more than 34.40 million positive cases and over 1.02 million deaths confirmed. In this study, we confirmed that significantly differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 patients were mainly involved in the regulation of immune and inflammation-related signaling pathways. It is worth noting that many infected COVID-19 patients have malignant tumors, and their prognosis is poor. To explore the susceptibility factors of cancer patients, we assessed the expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and the endocytic regulator AAK1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients and explored their effects on immune infiltration. We found that the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in LUAD patients was significantly increased, which may explain why LUAD patients are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and the patients with high-expression genes presented increased infiltration of immune cells such as B cells and CD4 T cells. In addition, we also identified miR-432-5p as a potential targeted molecule and bexarotene as a potential targeted drug of the three genes through bioinformatic analysis and further verified the anti-inflammatory effect of bexarotene, providing new ideas for the treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bufu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, China
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, China
- Department of Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Cong
- Department of Microbiology, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lishui, China
| | - Weibin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, China
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Chunli Kong
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, China
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Weiyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, China
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Qingtian County Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lishui, China
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Lishui, China
- Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Di Matteo G, Spano M, Grosso M, Salvo A, Ingallina C, Russo M, Ritieni A, Mannina L. Food and COVID-19: Preventive/Co-therapeutic Strategies Explored by Current Clinical Trials and in Silico Studies. Foods 2020; 9:E1036. [PMID: 32752217 PMCID: PMC7466271 DOI: 10.3390/foods9081036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Foods, food ingredients, and their balanced consumption are recognized to have an important role in achieving or maintaining a state of wellbeing by acting as carriers of functional components and bioactive molecules. However, the potential contribution of foods to consumers' health has so far only been partially exploited. The rapidly evolving scenario of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is stimulating profound reflection on the relationships between food and the etiological agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, the status of knowledge regarding food as a possible defense/co-therapeutic strategy against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is considered through the discussion of two main current lines of research. One line of research relates to the role of micronutrients, food components, and diets in the strengthening of the immune system through clinical trials; formulations could be developed as immune system enhancers or as co-adjuvants in therapies. The other line of research relates to investigation of the chemical interactions that specific food compounds can have with host or virus targets so as to interfere with the viral infective cycle of SARS-CoV-2. This line requires, as a first step, an in silico evaluation to discover lead compounds, which may be further developed through drug-design studies, in vitro and in vivo tests, and, finally, clinical trials to obtain therapeutic molecules. All of these promising strategies promote the role of food in preventive/co-therapeutic strategies to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Di Matteo
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (C.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Mattia Spano
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (C.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Michela Grosso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Andrea Salvo
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (C.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (C.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Mariateresa Russo
- Department of Agriculture, Food Chemistry Safety and Sensoromic Laboratory (FoCuSS Lab), University of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Alberto Ritieni
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair of Health Education and Sustainable Development, University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luisa Mannina
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.S.); (A.S.); (C.I.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Löffler KU, Reinhold A, Herwig-Carl MC, Tzankov A, Holz FG, Scholl HPN, Meyer P. [Ocular post-mortem findings in patients having died from COVID-19]. Ophthalmologe 2020; 117:648-651. [PMID: 32519118 PMCID: PMC7282200 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-020-01149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin U Löffler
- Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland. .,Augenklinik, Sektion Ophthalmopathologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
| | - Aja Reinhold
- Augenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel, Mittlere Str. 91, 4031, Basel, Schweiz
| | - Martina C Herwig-Carl
- Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.,Augenklinik, Sektion Ophthalmopathologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsspital Basel, Schönbeinstr. 40, 4031, Basel, Schweiz
| | - Frank G Holz
- Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Hendrik P N Scholl
- Augenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel, Mittlere Str. 91, 4031, Basel, Schweiz
| | - Peter Meyer
- Augenklinik, Universitätsspital Basel, Mittlere Str. 91, 4031, Basel, Schweiz
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
McKee DL, Sternberg A, Stange U, Laufer S, Naujokat C. Candidate drugs against SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104859. [PMID: 32360480 PMCID: PMC7189851 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 272] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Outbreak and pandemic of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in 2019/2020 will challenge global health for the future. Because a vaccine against the virus will not be available in the near future, we herein try to offer a pharmacological strategy to combat the virus. There exists a number of candidate drugs that may inhibit infection with and replication of SARS-CoV-2. Such drugs comprise inhibitors of TMPRSS2 serine protease and inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Blockade of ACE2, the host cell receptor for the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibition of TMPRSS2, which is required for S protein priming may prevent cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Further, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, and off-label antiviral drugs, such as the nucleotide analogue remdesivir, HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir and ritonavir, broad-spectrum antiviral drugs arbidol and favipiravir as well as antiviral phytochemicals available to date may limit spread of SARS-CoV-2 and morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariane Sternberg
- Center and Network for Targeted Oncology, Muehlackerweg 8, D-69239, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Stange
- Center and Network for Targeted Oncology, Muehlackerweg 8, D-69239, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen and Tuebingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf Der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cord Naujokat
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kreutz R, Abd El-Hady Algharably E, Ganten D, Messerli F. [Renin-Angiotensin-System (RAS) and COVID-19 - On The Prescription of RAS Blockers]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2020; 145:682-686. [PMID: 32323279 PMCID: PMC7295302 DOI: 10.1055/a-1152-3469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years ago, an enzyme homologous to the previously known angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was identified, and subsequently named ACE2. In the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), ACE2 has counter-regulatory functions against the classical effector peptide angiotensin II, for example in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular remodeling. However, ACE2 provides an initially unexpected interesting link between virology and cardiovascular medicine. That is, ACE2 represents the binding receptor for the cellular uptake of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Thus, ACE2 is relevant for COVID-19. In this context, it was suspected that therapy with RAS blockers might promote transmission and complications of COVID-19 by upregulation of ACE2 expression. The aim of this short review is, to describe the link between the RAS, particularly ACE2, and COVID-19. Based on our analysis and evaluation of the available findings, we justify our conclusion: important drugs such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should continue to be prescribed according to guidelines to stable patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|