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Tian M, Li W, He X, He Q, Huang Q, Deng Z. Higher Vitamin E Intake Reduces Risk of All-Cause Mortality and Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: NHANES (2008-2018). Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2024; 19:1865-1878. [PMID: 39185395 PMCID: PMC11345014 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s468213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In human health, vitamins play a vital role in various metabolic and regulatory processes and in the proper functioning of cells. Currently, the effect of Vitamin E (VE) intake on multiple causes of death in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between VE and multiple causes of death in COPD patients, to guide the rationalization of dietary structure and reduce the risk of COPD death. Methods This study screened patients with COPD aged ≥40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2008-2018. Weighted COX regression was used to analyze the association between VE intake and multiple causes of death in COPD. The restricted cubic spline(RCS) is drawn to show their relationship. Finally, we conducted a subgroup analysis for further verification. Results A total of 1261 participants were included in this study. After adjustment for multiple covariates, VE intake was associated with all-cause death in COPD patients, and chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) deaths were linearly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths there was no such correlation. Subgroup analyses showed no interaction between subgroups, further validating the robustness of the relationship. Conclusion In COPD patients, VE intake was negatively associated with all-cause mortality and CLRD death. Higher VE intake reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and CLRD death in COPD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoliang Tian
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, 643000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, 643000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian He
- West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610044, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Huang
- Dazhou Dachuan District People’s Hospital (Dazhou Third People’s Hospital), Dazhou, Sichuan Province, 635000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiping Deng
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, 643000, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Hawryłkowicz V, Stasiewicz B, Maciejewska D, Sołek-Pastuszka J, Komorniak N, Skonieczna-Żydecka K, Martynova-Van Kley A, Stachowska E. The Link between Inflammation, Lipid Derivatives, and Microbiota Metabolites in COVID-19 Patients: Implications on Eating Behaviors and Nutritional Status. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7899. [PMID: 39063142 PMCID: PMC11276903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extreme inflammation that continues even after infections can lead to a cytokine storm. In recent times, one of the most common causes of cytokine storm activation has been SARS-CoV-2 infection. A cytokine storm leads to dysregulation and excessive stimulation of the immune system, producing symptoms typical of post-COVID syndrome, including chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, trouble concentrating (known as "brain fog"), and even direct organ damage in the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. This work summarizes the current knowledge regarding inflammation and the cytokine storm related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, changes in lipid metabolism and microbiota composition under the influence of inflammation in COVID-19, along with the possible underlying mechanisms, are described. Finally, this text explores potential health implications related to changes in eating behaviors and nutritional status in COVID-19 patients. Although research on the cytokine storm is still ongoing, there is convincing evidence suggesting that severe immune and inflammatory responses during the acute phase of COVID-19 may lead to long-term health consequences. Understanding these links is key to developing treatment strategies and supporting patients after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Hawryłkowicz
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland; (V.H.); (D.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Beata Stasiewicz
- Department of Human Nutrition, The Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Sloneczna 45f, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dominika Maciejewska
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland; (V.H.); (D.M.); (N.K.)
| | - Joanna Sołek-Pastuszka
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-242 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Natalia Komorniak
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland; (V.H.); (D.M.); (N.K.)
| | | | | | - Ewa Stachowska
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland; (V.H.); (D.M.); (N.K.)
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Hemilä H, Chalker E. Rebound effect explains the divergence in survival after 5 days in a controlled trial on vitamin C for COVID-19 patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1391346. [PMID: 38841576 PMCID: PMC11151746 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1391346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Hemilä H, Chalker E, Tukiainen J. Response: Commentary: Quantile treatment effect of zinc lozenges on common cold duration: a novel approach to analyze the effect of treatment on illness duration. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1335784. [PMID: 38655184 PMCID: PMC11035776 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1335784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Janne Tukiainen
- Department of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2468. [PMID: 38082300 PMCID: PMC10712193 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Randomized trials have shown that vitamin C shortens the duration of common colds. Some trials reported greater effects on severe cold symptoms compared with mild symptoms. This review systematically compares the effects of vitamin C on severe and mild common cold symptoms. METHODS We included all placebo-controlled trials of orally administered vitamin C in doses of at least 1 g/day for the common cold for people in good health at baseline. The analysis was restricted to trials which reported both the total duration of the common cold, and the severity of the common cold measured using severity scales, the duration of more severe stages of the cold, or proxies for severe colds such as days indoors. Findings were pooled using the inverse variance, fixed effect options of the metacont function of the R package meta to calculate the ratio of means estimate. RESULTS Fifteen comparisons from 10 trials which reported both mild and severe symptoms were identified. All trials were randomized and double-blind. Compared to placebo, vitamin C significantly decreased the severity of the common cold by 15% (95% CI 9-21%). The direct comparison of the effect of vitamin C on mild and severe symptoms was limited to five comparisons which found that vitamin C had a significant benefit on the duration of severe symptoms. In this subset, there was a significant difference in the size of the effect of vitamin C on the overall duration of colds versus the duration of severe colds (P = 0.002), and vitamin C had no significant effect on the duration of mild symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The common cold is the leading cause of acute morbidity and a major cause of absenteeism from work and school. However, absenteeism is dependent on the severity of symptoms. The finding that vitamin C may have a greater effect on more severe measures of the common cold is therefore important. Further research on the therapeutic effects of vitamin C on the common cold should measure outcomes of differing levels of severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, POB 20, Helsinki, FI, FI-00014, Finland.
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- Biological Data Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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Sharma S, Di Castelnuovo A, Cerletti C, Donati MB, de Gaetano G, Iacoviello L, Bonaccio M. Diet Quality and Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1596-1616. [PMID: 37748553 PMCID: PMC10721534 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of healthy diets in the management of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19. Evidence suggests the influence of diet and dietary patterns during post-COVID-19, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary habits and quality. However, limited evidence lies on the association between a healthy diet, and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of observational studies to examine the association between diet quality, and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 among adult populations. 6158 research articles from Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were identified for eligibility. Only observational studies were included. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Thirteen studies were included (4 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 9 with COVID-19 as the outcome); 3 were case-control, 3 were cross-sectional, and 7 were prospective studies. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was examined as exposure in 7 studies, and was associated with decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2 studies, with estimates varying from 12% to 22%, while COVID-19 risk or severity was found to be reduced in 3 studies with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 36% to 77%. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet was inversely associated with COVID-19 hospitalization (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.55), whereas a healthy plant-based diet had an inverse association with both COVID-19 infection (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.94) and severity (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.74). Studies examining individual food groups generally found lower risk of infection or COVID-19 in association with larger dietary intakes of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. The overall findings of the observational studies in this review support the concept that nutritious diets might lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023397371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukshma Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Chiara Cerletti
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Giovanni de Gaetano
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine - EPIMED, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Marialaura Bonaccio
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
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Mehta N, Pokharna P, Shetty SR. Unwinding the potentials of vitamin C in COVID-19 and other diseases: An updated review. Nutr Health 2023; 29:415-433. [PMID: 36445072 PMCID: PMC9713540 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221139628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: The discovery of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is related to the ancient history of persistent research on the origins of the haemorrhagic disease scurvy. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that aids in a variety of biological and physiological processes. Scientists have been researching the function of vitamin C in the prevention and ailment of sepsis and pneumonia for decades. This has created a potential platform for applying these results to individuals suffering from severe coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Vitamin C's ability to activate and enhance the immune system makes it a promising treatment in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Vitamin C also aids in the activation of vitamin B, the production of certain neurotransmitters, and the transformation of cholesterol into bile acids. Hence, vitamin C is used for the treatment of many diseases. Aim: This review highlights the Vitamin C investigations that are performed by various researchers on patients with COVID 19 infection, the clinical studies and their observations. The authors have additionally updated information on the significance of vitamin C insufficiency, as well as its relevance and involvement in diseases such as cancer, wound healing, iron deficiency anaemia, atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we discuss them with the references. Methods: The method used in order to perform literature search was done using SciFinder, PubMed and ScienceDirect. Results: There is a potential role of vitamin C in various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, COVID-19 and other diseases and the results are highlighted in the review with the help of clinical and preclinical data. Conclusion: More research on vitamin C and the undergoing clinical trials might prove a potential role of vitamin C in protecting the population from current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS. Mumbai, India
| | - Purvi Pokharna
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS. Mumbai, India
| | - Saritha R Shetty
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKMs NMIMS. Mumbai, India
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8
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Haj Ali KB, Sekma A, Trabelsi I, Belguith A, Razgallah R, Nouira S. Reply to Swindells et al. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:662-663. [PMID: 37073629 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Khaoula Bel Haj Ali
- Emergency Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR12SP18, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Adel Sekma
- Emergency Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR12SP18, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Imen Trabelsi
- Emergency Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR12SP18, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Asma Belguith
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Semir Nouira
- Emergency Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR12SP18, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
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Rust P, Ekmekcioglu C. The Role of Diet and Specific Nutrients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Have We Learned over the Last Three Years? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5400. [PMID: 37048015 PMCID: PMC10093865 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Nutrients and diets have an important impact on our immune system and infection risk and a huge number of papers have been published dealing with various aspects of nutrition in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection risk or COVID-19 severity. This narrative review aims to give an update on this association and tries to summarize some of the most important findings after three years of pandemic. The analysis of major studies and systematic reviews leads to the conclusion that a healthy plant-based diet reduces the risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection and especially COVID-19 severity. Regarding micronutrients, vitamin D is to the fore, but also zinc, vitamin C and, to some extent, selenium may play a role in COVID-19. Furthermore, omega-3-fatty acids with their anti-inflammatory effects also deserve attention. Therefore, a major aim of societal nutritional efforts in future should be to foster a high quality plant-based diet, which not only exerts beneficial effects on the immune system but also reduces the risk for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes or obesity which are also primary risk factors for worse COVID-19 outcomes. Another aim should be to focus on a good supply of critical immune-effective nutrients, such as vitamin D and zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Rust
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Cem Ekmekcioglu
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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10
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Ruani MA, Reiss MJ. Susceptibility to COVID-19 Nutrition Misinformation and Eating Behavior Change during Lockdowns: An International Web-Based Survey. Nutrients 2023; 15:451. [PMID: 36678321 PMCID: PMC9861671 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020451] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To understand the susceptibility to nutrition-health misinformation related to preventing, treating, or mitigating the risk of COVID-19 during the initial lockdowns around the world, the present international web-based survey study (15 April-15 May 2020) gauged participants' (n = 3707) level of nutrition-health misinformation discernment by presenting them with 25 statements (including unfounded or unproven claims circulated at the time), alongside the influence of information sources of varying quality on the frequency of changes in their eating behavior and the extent of misinformation held, depending on the source used for such changes. Results revealed widespread misinformation about food, eating, and health practices related to COVID-19, with the 25 statements put to participants receiving up to 43% misinformed answers (e.g., 'It is safe to eat fruits and vegetables that have been washed with soap or diluted bleach'). Whereas higher quality information sources (nutrition scientists, nutrition professionals) had the biggest influence on eating behavior change, we found greater misinformation susceptibility when relying on poor quality sources for changing diet. Appropriate discernment of misinformation was weakest amongst participants who more frequently changed their eating behavior because of information from poor quality sources, suggesting disparities in the health risks/safety of the changes performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Ruani
- Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment, IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London WC1E 0ALT, UK
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11
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COVID-19: Reducing the risk via diet and lifestyle. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:1-16. [PMID: 36333177 PMCID: PMC9550279 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This review shows that relatively simple changes to diet and lifestyle can significantly, and rapidly, reduce the risks associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in terms of infection risk, severity of disease, and even disease-related mortality. A wide range of interventions including regular exercise, adequate sleep, plant-based diets, maintenance of healthy weight, dietary supplementation, and time in nature have each been shown to have beneficial effects for supporting more positive health outcomes with COVID-19, in addition to promoting better overall health. This paper brings together literature from these areas and presents the argument that non-pharmaceutical approaches should not be overlooked in our response to COVID-19. It is noted that, in several cases, interventions discussed result in risk reductions equivalent to, or even greater than, those associated with currently available vaccines. Where the balance of evidence suggests benefits, and the risk is minimal to none, it is suggested that communicating the power of individual actions to the public becomes morally imperative. Further, many lives could be saved, and many harms from the vaccine mandates avoided, if we were willing to embrace this lifestyle-centred approach in our efforts to deal with COVID-19.
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Labbani-Motlagh Z, Amini S, Aliannejad R, Sadeghi A, Shafiee G, Heshmat R, Jafary M, Talaschian M, Akhtari M, Jamshidi A, Mahmoudi M, Sadeghi K. High-dose Intravenous Vitamin C in Early Stages of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. J Res Pharm Pract 2022; 11:64-72. [PMID: 36798102 PMCID: PMC9926917 DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_30_22] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Based on previous studies in the sepsis population, Vitamin C could prevent injuries when administered in high doses and before the damage is established. This study aimed to evaluate the protective potentials of high-dose Vitamin C in the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Patients with moderate-to-severe disease severity based on the World Health Organization definition were enrolled and received 12 g/d Vitamin C (high-dose intravenous Vitamin C [HDIVC]) or placebo for 4 days. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score as a primary outcome, National Early Warning Score, Ordinal Scale of Clinical Improvement, and cytokine storm biomarkers were recorded on days 0, 3, and 5. Survival was also assessed on day 28 after enrollment. Findings Seventy-four patients (37 patients in each group) were enrolled from April 5, 2020, to November 19, 2020, and all patients completed follow-up. A lower increase in SOFA score during the first 3 days of treatment (+0.026 vs. +0.204) and a higher decrease in this parameter in the last 2 days (-0.462 vs. -0.036) were observed in the treatment group. However, these differences did not reach a significance level (P = 0.57 and 0.12, respectively). Other indices of clinical and biological improvement, length of hospitalization, and intensive care unit admission days were the same between the two groups. Treatment did not affect the 28-day mortality. Conclusion Among patients with moderate-to-severe disease of COVID-19, the use of HDIVC plus standard care resulted in no significant difference in SOFA score or 28-day mortality compared to the standard care alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohre Labbani-Motlagh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahideh Amini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Aliannejad
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran,Advanced Thoracic Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Sadeghi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gita Shafiee
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Heshmat
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Jafary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Talaschian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhtari
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Jamshidi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Sadeghi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Kourosh Sadeghi, E-mail:
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Sapkota P, Tamang A, Bhandari S, Singh Y, Shrestha RB, Karmacharya RM, Vaidya S, Bhatt S. Anticoagulation failure in pulmonary thromboembolism in COVID-19 pneumonia despite prolonged anticoagulation: A case series. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 84:104929. [PMID: 36439890 PMCID: PMC9675080 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104929] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Moderate to severely ill patients diagnosed with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia develop a series of complications and less frequently, we might witness cases of Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PE)-refractory to the standard treatment with Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH). The aim of this case series is to report the presentation and management of pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia. Method We report a case series of seven cases aged 40–70 who were presented in Dhulikhel Hospital with COVID-19 symptoms in different stages. The case details were extracted from their medical reports of the hospital. The written informed ethical consents were obtained from all the cases and their voluntary participation was assured. Outcome The cases in the case series admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia, after diagnostic investigation (Chest x-ray, HRCT, CTPA) were suggestive of COVID-19 Pneumonia with ARDS and pulmonary thromboembolism. The cases received rivaroxaban, a newer anticoagulant-15 mg twice daily for 21 days and after discharge, they were asked to continue once daily doses for 9 weeks. Significant improvement was witnessed, with the presence of additional intervention including rehabilitative chest exercises. Conclusion Pulmonary thromboembolism secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia is a life-threatening condition. Rivaroxaban is seen to be very effective in the management of this condition when an anticoagulation failure occurs even after the therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin. Future studies may require more scientific investigations to prevent complications even in the early stages of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Sapkota
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Ashish Tamang
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sadikshya Bhandari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Yadvinder Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Rohit Bhasink Shrestha
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Robin Man Karmacharya
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Satish Vaidya
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Swechha Bhatt
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
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14
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Farolfi F, Cavazza S, Mangiagalli A, Cavanna L. A 98-Year-Old Male With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Treated for COVID-19 at Home. Cureus 2022; 14:e30653. [PMID: 36426345 PMCID: PMC9681671 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of evidenced-based guidelines for early home treatment of COVID-19, some Italian groups of volunteer physicians (both general practitioners (GPs) and hospital doctors) virtually gathered themselves to discuss the best available evidence and develop shared schemes of therapy. We present the case of a 98-year-old unvaccinated male on chronic anticoagulant therapy with dabigatran for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), who has been successfully treated for COVID-19 at home, according to one of the multidrug treatments proposed, since hospital admission was not feasible. At the very beginning of symptoms, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin D, and adjuvant dietary supplements (quercetin, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin K2) were administered, followed by dexamethasone and antibiotic therapy, according to the evolving clinical conditions. Gastroprotection with omeprazole was added. Eventually, our patient fully recovered, thus suggesting that careful home assistance under strict medical supervision can be successful, even in a very old subject with comorbidities, particularly if early treatment simultaneously addressing inflammation, hypercoagulation, and viral replication is started.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Farolfi
- General Practice, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale della Romagna, Solarolo, ITA
| | - Stefania Cavazza
- Internal Medicine, Arianna Anticoagulazione Foundation, Bologna, ITA
| | - Andrea Mangiagalli
- General Practice, Agenzia di Tutela della Salute Città Metropolitana di Milano, Milano, ITA
| | - Luigi Cavanna
- Onco-hematology, Hospital of Piacenza, Piacenza, ITA
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15
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Foka FET, Manamela N, Mufamadi SM, Mufhandu HT. Potential of Azadirachta indica as a Capping Agent for Antiviral Nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5714035. [PMID: 36158879 PMCID: PMC9499809 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5714035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A rare type of pneumonia later on referred to as COVID-19 was reported in China in December 2019. Investigations revealed that this disease is caused by a coronavirus previously identified as SARS-CoV-2, and since then, it has become a global pandemic with new strains emerging rapidly as a result of genetic mutations. Various therapeutic options are being explored in order to eradicate this pandemic even though approved vaccine candidates are being currently rolled out globally. Most medicinal plant extracts have astonishing properties, and they can therefore be used in the biosynthesis of effective antiviral nanoparticles. In this systematic review, we aimed to highlight the specific attributes that make Azadirachta indica (neem plant) a suitable candidate for the biosynthesis of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nanoparticles. A systematic investigation was therefore carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and AJOL databases with the keywords "Nanoparticles," "Biosynthesis," "Antivirals," "SARS-CoV-2," and "Azadirachta indica." 1216 articles were retrieved by the 21st of February 2022, but we screened studies that reported data on biomedical and antimicrobial assessment of Azadirachta indica extracts. We also screened studies that were reporting nanoparticles possessing antiviral properties against SARS-C0V-2, narrowing our results to 98 reports. Herein, the SARS-CoV-2 viral structure is briefly discussed with nanoparticles of biomedical importance in the design of SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. Most importantly, we focused on the biomedical and antiviral properties of Azadirachta indica extracts that could be of importance in the design of potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Eric Tatsing Foka
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, X2046 Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Nanabi Manamela
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, X2046 Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Steven Maluta Mufamadi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Nelson Mandela University, Missionvale Campus, P.O. Box 77000, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa
| | - Hazel Tumelo Mufhandu
- Department of Microbiology, Virology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng, Private Bag, X2046 Mmabatho, South Africa
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16
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Hemilä H, Chalker E. Assessment of vitamin C effects on pneumonia and COVID-19 using Mendelian randomization: analysis may be misleading. Eur J Clin Nutr 2022; 76:1347-1348. [PMID: 35165428 PMCID: PMC8853427 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-022-01091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, POB 20, Helsinki, FI, 00014, Finland.
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- Biological Data Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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17
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Vitamin C Deficiency in Blood Samples of COVID-19 Patients. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081580. [PMID: 36009299 PMCID: PMC9405075 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most notable pandemic of the modern era. A relationship between ascorbate (vitamin C) and COVID-19 severity is well known, whereas the role of other vitamins is less understood. The present study compared the blood levels of four vitamins in a cohort of COVID-19 patients with different severities and uninfected individuals. Serum concentrations of ascorbate, calcidiol, retinol, and α-tocopherol were measured in a cohort of 74 COVID-19 patients and 8 uninfected volunteers. The blood levels were statistically compared and additional co-morbidity factors were considered. COVID-19 patients had significantly lower plasma ascorbate levels than the controls (p-value < 0.001), and further stratification revealed that the controls had higher levels than fatal, critical, and severe COVID-19 cases (p-values < 0.001). However, no such trend was observed for calcidiol, retinol, or α-tocopherol (p-value ≥ 0.093). Survival analysis showed that plasma ascorbate below 11.4 µM was associated with a lengthy hospitalization and a high risk of death. The results indicated that COVID-19 cases had depleted blood ascorbate associated with poor medical conditions, confirming the role of this vitamin in the outcome of COVID-19 infection.
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18
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Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Budzyńska A, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Przekwas J, Kijewska A, Sabiniarz D, Gospodarek-Komkowska E, Skowron K. The Variable Nature of Vitamin C—Does It Help When Dealing with Coronavirus? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071247. [PMID: 35883738 PMCID: PMC9312329 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still spreading worldwide. For this reason, new treatment methods are constantly being researched. Consequently, new and already-known preparations are being investigated to potentially reduce the severe course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute serum biomarkers in the host organism. In addition to antiviral drugs, there are other substances being used in the treatment of COVID-19, e.g., those with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C (VC). Exciting aspects of the use of VC in antiviral therapy are its antioxidant and pro-oxidative abilities. In this review, we summarized both the positive effects of using VC in treating infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the light of the available research. We have tried to answer the question as to whether the use of high doses of VC brings the expected benefits in the treatment of COVID-19 and whether such treatment is the correct therapeutic choice. Each case requires individual assessment to determine whether the positives outweigh the negatives, especially in the light of populational studies concerning the genetic differentiation of genes encoding the solute carriers responsible forVC adsorption. Few data are available on the influence of VC on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deducing from already-published data, high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) does not significantly lower the mortality or length of hospitalization. However, some data prove, among other things, its impact on the serum levels of inflammatory markers. Finally, the non-positive effect of VC administration is mainly neutral, but the negative effect is that it can result in urinary stones or nephropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Anna Budzyńska
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Jana Przekwas
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Agnieszka Kijewska
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Biology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | | | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-(52)-585-38-38
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19
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Ahmad SR. Vitamin C for COVID-19 Treatment: Have We Got Enough Evidence? Front Nutr 2022; 9:892561. [PMID: 35662927 PMCID: PMC9161352 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.892561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Siti Rohaiza Ahmad
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
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20
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Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Pabón-Londoño S, Rojas-Rodriguez LC. Drug safety of frequently used drugs and substances for self-medication in COVID-19. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2022; 13:20420986221094141. [PMID: 35493401 PMCID: PMC9039440 DOI: 10.1177/20420986221094141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the behavior of self-medication has increased. The dissemination of misleading information regarding the efficacy of certain drugs or substances for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 has been the major contributing factor for this phenomenon. Alongside with the increase in self-medication behavior, the inherent risks to this act such as drug-drug interactions, adverse events, drug toxicity, and masking of symptoms have also increased. Self-medication in the context of COVID-19 has led to drug misuse leading in some cases to the development of fatal adverse drug reactions. It is important that during this ongoing pandemic drugs with potential clinical efficacy against COVID-19 are adequately analyzed regarding their efficacy, safety, and monitoring. The aim of this review is to describe the available evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and monitoring of the drugs and substances that have been shown to be frequently used for self-medication in patients with COVID-19 (hydroxychloroquine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ivermectin, azithromycin, vitamins, aspirin, and chlorine dioxide) to adequately characterize their risks, safe use, monitoring strategies, and to reinforce the concept that these substances should not be used for self-medication and require a medical prescription. Plain Language Summary Drug safety of frequently used drugs and substances for self-medication in COVID-19 Dissemination of information about potential COVID-19 treatments has led individuals to self-medicate and expose themselves to risks such as drug-drug interactions, side effects, antibiotic resistance, and misdiagnosis. There is a need to review the medical literature to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drugs and substances commonly used by the population for the treatment and prevention of SARS CoV-2 infection. In this review, we included drugs that are frequently used for self-medication and commonly advertised such as ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, chlorine dioxide, azithromycin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, among others. A brief introduction of the drug and its mechanism of action, followed by a summary of the efficacy in COVID-19 and safety, will be described for each drug in order to promote their responsible use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Luis Carlos Rojas-Rodriguez
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, 111221, Colombia
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21
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Alyami R, Alshehri FA, Al Jasser R, Shaheen S, Mahmood A, Elsafadi MA. Vitamin C stimulates RNA expression of human gingival fibroblasts proliferation and adhesion in cigarette smokers: An in vitro study. Saudi Dent J 2022; 34:298-305. [PMID: 35692237 PMCID: PMC9177866 DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smoking and the severity of periodontal disease have long been associated. In Saudi Arabia, tobacco smoking is rising, contributing to the increased demand for products that counter its detrimental effects. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (vit C) make it a powerful countermeasure to tobacco toxicity. Observation of these effects on human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) would suggest use of vitamin C in future dental applications. Aim To examine the proliferation, adhesion, and expression of extracellular RNA in human gingival fibroblasts extracted from cigarette smokers when compared to never-smokers, in association with vitamin C. Materials and Methods Human gingival fibroblasts were extracted from Periodontal free sites of healthy adult male participants. Group 1; consisted of Heavy cigarette smokers (n = 1) while group 2 was never-smokers (n = 1). Collected cells were cultured and subcultured in supplemented growth medium. Vitamin C was then induced in the medium at the experimental sixth passage. RNA expression analysis using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the adhesion, proliferation, and extracellular matrix expression. Results Expression of the adhesion gene (CD44) in the smoker group was significantly downregulated than never-smoker group (p-value = 0.024). After the induction of vitamin C, the smoker samples showed a significant improvement in their gene expression levels. The extracellular genes involved in this study (COL1A1, LAMA3, and TGFB3) were significantly affected by the smoking status. In addition, the proliferation of MK167 and CCNB1 genes in smokers and never-smokers was increased. Conclusion Cigarette smoking affects the overall properties of human gingival fibroblasts’ adhesion, proliferation, and extra-cellular matrix formation. Furthermore, the addition of vitamin C affects these cellular properties in a positive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruaa Alyami
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Fahad Ali Alshehri
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham Al Jasser
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameerah Shaheen
- Anatomy Department and Stem Cell Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Mahmood
- Anatomy Department and Stem Cell Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Ahmed Elsafadi
- Anatomy Department and Stem Cell Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Hemilä H, Chalker E, de Man AME. Vitamin C May Improve Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: A Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:789729. [PMID: 35282368 PMCID: PMC8913583 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.789729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin C deprivation can lead to fatigue, dyspnea, oedema and chest pain, which are also symptoms of heart failure (HF). In animal studies vitamin C has improved contractility and mechanical efficiency of the heart. Compared with healthy people, patients with HF have lower vitamin C levels, which are not explained by differences in dietary intake levels, and more severe HF seems to be associated with lower plasma vitamin C levels. This meta-analysis looks at the effect of vitamin C on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods We searched for trials reporting the effects of vitamin C on LVEF. We assessed the quality of the trials, and pooled selected trials using the inverse variance, fixed effect options. We used meta-regression to examine the association between the effect of vitamin C on LVEF level and the baseline LVEF level. Results We identified 15 trials, three of which were excluded from our meta-analysis. In six cardiac trials with 246 patients, vitamin C increased LVEF on average by 12.0% (95% CI 8.1–15.9%; P < 0.001). In six non-cardiac trials including 177 participants, vitamin C increased LVEF on average by 5.3% (95% CI 2.0–8.5%; P = 0.001). In meta-regression analysis we found that the effect of vitamin C was larger in trials with the lowest baseline LVEF levels with P = 0.001 for the test of slope. The meta-regression line crossed the null effect level at a baseline LVEF level close to 70%, with progressively greater benefit from vitamin C with lower LVEF levels. Some of the included trials had methodological limitations. In a sensitivity analysis including only the four most methodologically sound cardiac trials, the effect of vitamin C was not substantially changed. Conclusions In this meta-analysis, vitamin C increased LVEF in both cardiac and non-cardiac patients, with a strong negative association between the size of the vitamin C effect and the baseline LVEF. Further research on vitamin C and HF should be carried out, particularly in patients who have low LVEF together with low vitamin C intake or low plasma levels. Different dosages and different routes of administration should be compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Harri Hemilä
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- Biological Data Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Angelique M. E. de Man
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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23
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Hemilä H, Chalker E, Tukiainen J. Quantile Treatment Effect of Zinc Lozenges on Common Cold Duration: A Novel Approach to Analyze the Effect of Treatment on Illness Duration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:817522. [PMID: 35177991 PMCID: PMC8844493 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.817522] [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: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calculation of the difference of means is the most common approach when analyzing treatment effects on continuous outcomes. Nevertheless, it is possible that the treatment has a different effect on patients who have a lower value of the outcome compared with patients who have a greater value of the outcome. The estimation of quantile treatment effects (QTEs) allows the analysis of treatment effects over the entire distribution of a continuous outcome, such as the duration of illness or the duration of hospital stay. Furthermore, most of these outcomes have asymmetric distributions with fat tails, and censored observations are not uncommon. These features can be accounted for in the analysis of the QTE. In this paper, we use the QTE approach to analyze the effect of zinc lozenges on common cold duration. We use the data set of the Mossad (1996) trial with zinc gluconate lozenges, and three data sets of trials with zinc acetate lozenges. In the Mossad (1996) trial, zinc gluconate lozenges shortened common cold duration on average by 4.0 days (95% CI 2.3-5.7 days). However, the QTE analysis indicates that 15- to 17-day colds were shortened by 8 days, and 2-day colds by just 1 day, for the group taking zinc lozenges. Thus, the overall 4.0-day average effect of zinc gluconate lozenges in the Mossad (1996) trial is inconsistent with our QTE findings for both short and long colds. Similar results were found in our QTE analysis of the pooled data sets of the three zinc acetate lozenge trials. The average effect of 2.7 days (95% CI 1.8-3.3 days) was inconsistent with the effects on short and long colds. The QTE approach may have broad usefulness for examining treatment effects on the duration of illness and hospital stay, and on other similar outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- Biological Data Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Janne Tukiainen
- Department of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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24
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Multi-Level Immune Support by Vitamins C and D during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030689. [PMID: 35277048 PMCID: PMC8840673 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamins C and D have well-known immune supportive roles, with deficiencies in both vitamins predisposing to increased risk and severity of respiratory infections. Numerous studies have indicated that administration of these vitamins, particularly to people who are deficient, can decrease the risk and severity of respiratory infections. This has stimulated an interest in the potential efficacy of these vitamins in people with novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its more severe disease (COVID-19). In this overview, we highlight the current research evidence around the multiple levels of immune support provided by vitamins C and D in the context of general respiratory infections and with a focus on the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. These include: prevention of infection; attenuating infection symptoms and severity; adjunctive therapy for severe disease; attenuating ongoing sequelae (e.g., long COVID); and immunisation support. Although some of these topics have not yet been investigated in great depth concerning SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, extensive research into the role of these vitamins in general respiratory infections has highlighted directions for future research in the current pandemic.
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25
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Pedrosa LFC, Barros ANAB, Leite-Lais L. Nutritional risk of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium deficiency on risk and clinical outcomes of COVID-19: A narrative review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 47:9-27. [PMID: 35063248 PMCID: PMC8571905 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenicity of the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) shows postulates that optimal status of essential nutrients is crucial in supporting both the early viraemic and later hyperinflammatory phases of COVID-19. Micronutrients such as vitamin C, D, zinc, and selenium play roles in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiviral, and immuno-modulatory functions and are useful in both innate and adaptive immunity. The purpose of this review is to provide a high-level summary of evidence on clinical outcomes associated with nutritional risk of these micronutrients observed in patients with COVID-19. A literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar to obtain findings of cross-sectional and experimental studies in humans. The search resulted in a total of 1212 reports including all nutrients, but only 85 were included according to the eligibility criteria. Despite the diversity of studies and the lack of randomized clinical trials and prospective cohorts, there is evidence of the potential protective and therapeutic roles of vitamin C, D, zinc, and selenium in COVID-19. The findings summarized in this review will contribute to guide interventions in clinical practice or in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia F C Pedrosa
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil.
| | - Acsa N A B Barros
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Lucia Leite-Lais
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil
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26
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Hemilä H, Chalker E. Bias against Vitamin C in Mainstream Medicine: Examples from Trials of Vitamin C for Infections. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:62. [PMID: 35054455 PMCID: PMC8779885 DOI: 10.3390/life12010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence has shown unambiguously that, in certain contexts, vitamin C is effective against the common cold. However, in mainstream medicine, the views on vitamin C and infections have been determined by eminence-based medicine rather than evidence-based medicine. The rejection of the demonstrated benefits of vitamin C is largely explained by three papers published in 1975-two published in JAMA and one in the American Journal of Medicine-all of which have been standard citations in textbooks of medicine and nutrition and in nutritional recommendations. Two of the papers were authored by Thomas Chalmers, an influential expert in clinical trials, and the third was authored by Paul Meier, a famous medical statistician. In this paper, we summarize several flaws in the three papers. In addition, we describe problems with two recent randomized trial reports published in JAMA which were presented in a way that misled readers. We also discuss shortcomings in three recent JAMA editorials on vitamin C. While most of our examples are from JAMA, it is not the only journal with apparent bias against vitamin C, but it illustrates the general views in mainstream medicine. We also consider potential explanations for the widespread bias against vitamin C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elizabeth Chalker
- Biological Data Science Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia;
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Hemilä H. Benefit of OTC Formula Against COVID-19 Is Explained by Selection Bias. J Evid Based Integr Med 2021; 26:2515690X211058417. [PMID: 34761995 PMCID: PMC8591635 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x211058417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, 3835University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Holford P, Carr AC, Zawari M, Vizcaychipi MP. Vitamin C Intervention for Critical COVID-19: A Pragmatic Review of the Current Level of Evidence. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1166. [PMID: 34833042 PMCID: PMC8624950 DOI: 10.3390/life11111166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe respiratory infections are characterized by elevated inflammation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may lead to a decrease in antioxidants such as vitamin C and a higher requirement for the vitamin. Administration of intravenous vitamin C to patients with pneumonia and sepsis appears to decrease the severity of the disease and potentially improve survival rate. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes pneumonia, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe cases, and is referred to as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with COVID-19 infection also appear to have depleted vitamin C status and require additional supplementation of vitamin C during the acute phase of the disease. To date there have been 12 vitamin C and COVID-19 trials published, including five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and seven retrospective cohort studies. The current level of evidence from the RCTs suggests that intravenous vitamin C intervention may improve oxygenation parameters, reduce inflammatory markers, decrease days in hospital and reduce mortality, particularly in the more severely ill patients. High doses of oral vitamin C supplementation may also improve the rate of recovery in less severe cases. No adverse events have been reported in published vitamin C clinical trials in COVID-19 patients. Upcoming findings from larger RCTs will provide additional evidence on vitamin supplementation in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Holford
- Founder of Institute for Optimum Nutrition, Ambassador House, Richmond TW9 1SQ, UK
| | - Anitra C. Carr
- Nutrition in Medicine Research Group, Department of Pathology & Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (A.C.C.); (M.Z.)
| | - Masuma Zawari
- Nutrition in Medicine Research Group, Department of Pathology & Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (A.C.C.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marcela P. Vizcaychipi
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
- Intensive Care Medicine, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, UK
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Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C and zinc lozenges for COVID-19? J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2021; 61:e39. [PMID: 34120854 PMCID: PMC8163692 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, POB 41, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland.
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Hemilä H, Chalker E. Carrageenan nasal spray may double the rate of recovery from coronavirus and influenza virus infections: Re-analysis of randomized trial data. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00810. [PMID: 34128358 PMCID: PMC8204093 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this individual patient data meta-analysis we examined datasets of two randomized placebo-controlled trials which investigated the effect of nasal carrageenan separately on children and adults. In both trials, iota-carrageenan was administered nasally three times per day for 7 days for patients with the common cold and follow-up lasted for 21 days. We used Cox regression to estimate the effect of carrageenan on recovery rate. We also used quantile regression to calculate the effect of carrageenan on colds of differing lengths. Nasal carrageenan increased the recovery rate from all colds by 54% (95% CI 15%-105%; p = .003). The increase in recovery rate was 139% for coronavirus infections, 119% for influenza A infections, and 70% for rhinovirus infections. The mean duration of all colds in the placebo groups of the first four quintiles were 4.0, 6.8, 8.8, and 13.7 days, respectively. The fifth quintile contained patients with censored data. The 13.7-day colds were shortened by 3.8 days (28% reduction), and 8.8-day colds by 1.3 days (15% reduction). Carrageenan had no meaningful effect on shorter colds. In the placebo group, 21 patients had colds lasting over 20 days, compared with six patients in the carrageenan group, which corresponds to a 71% (p = .003) reduction in the risk of longer colds. Given that carrageenan has an effect on diverse virus groups, and effects at the clinical level on two old coronaviruses, it seems plausible that carrageenan may have an effect on COVID-19. Further research on nasal iota-carrageenan is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Hemilä
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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