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Yarahmadi A, Zare M, Aghayari M, Afkhami H, Jafari GA. Therapeutic bacteria and viruses to combat cancer: double-edged sword in cancer therapy: new insights for future. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:239. [PMID: 38654309 PMCID: PMC11040964 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01622-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, ranked as the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, leads to the death of approximately seven million people annually, establishing itself as one of the most significant health challenges globally. The discovery and identification of new anti-cancer drugs that kill or inactivate cancer cells without harming normal and healthy cells and reduce adverse effects on the immune system is a potential challenge in medicine and a fundamental goal in Many studies. Therapeutic bacteria and viruses have become a dual-faceted instrument in cancer therapy. They provide a promising avenue for cancer treatment, but at the same time, they also create significant obstacles and complications that contribute to cancer growth and development. This review article explores the role of bacteria and viruses in cancer treatment, examining their potential benefits and drawbacks. By amalgamating established knowledge and perspectives, this review offers an in-depth examination of the present research landscape within this domain and identifies avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mitra Zare
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Aghayari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholam Ali Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.
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2
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Worthy T, Jones A, Yang BE, Ishiwata-Endo H, Gupta N, Moss J. Effects of Sirolimus on Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients With Lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Chest 2024; 165:303-306. [PMID: 37739031 PMCID: PMC11026172 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tat'Yana Worthy
- Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Amanda Jones
- Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Bennett E Yang
- Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Hiroko Ishiwata-Endo
- Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
| | - Nishant Gupta
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Joel Moss
- Pulmonary Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD.
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3
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Takaki R, Ando M, Satonaga Y, Yabe M, Kan T, Omote E, Hirota S, Uchida S, Yamasaki T, Komiya K, Hiramatsu K. Delayed iliopsoas abscess following COVID-19 pneumonia. Respir Investig 2024; 62:66-68. [PMID: 37951084 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial co-infection has been reported to contribute to a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. However, iliopsoas abscess (IPA) has not been previously reported as a comorbidity during the course of COVID-19. We report two cases of IPA in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Both patients required prolonged immunosuppressive therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia and developed bacteremia due to Serratia marcescens in one and Staphylococcus aureus in the other. Although immunosuppressive therapy is commonly used for COVID-19 pneumonia with hypoxemia, the comorbidity of IPA may have been underestimated in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichiro Takaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Masaru Ando
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan.
| | - Yoshio Satonaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Michitoshi Yabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Takamasa Kan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Erika Omote
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Shoma Hirota
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Sonoe Uchida
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Toru Yamasaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Oita Prefectural Hospital Japan
| | - Kosaku Komiya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infection Diseases, Oita University Faculty of Medicine Japan
| | - Kazufumi Hiramatsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infection Diseases, Oita University Faculty of Medicine Japan
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4
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Murai Y, Sakao S, Kure F, Kawasaki T, Maruyama M, Suzuki H, Yoshino I, Suzuki T. Reduction of mycophenolate mofetil dosage to limit prolonged viral shedding in solid organ transplant recipients with COVID-19: Two case reports. Respir Investig 2024; 62:98-101. [PMID: 38016402 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) experience prolonged viral shedding, and they are forced to stay in the hospital because of the requirement for COVID-19 isolation. Here, we present two cases (lung and renal transplant recipients), wherein the isolation period was shortened by reducing the dosage of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Both patients recovered well from COVID-19 pneumonia. This case study suggests that a reduction in MMF dosage may lead to a shorter hospitalization period in SOT recipients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushi Murai
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Seiichiro Sakao
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Fujihiro Kure
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawasaki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Michihiro Maruyama
- Department of Esophageal-Gastro-Intestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hidemi Suzuki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yoshino
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Takuji Suzuki
- Department of Respirology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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5
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ElNahid MS, Issac MSM, Sadek KM. Outcome of COVID-19 in Egyptian living-donor kidney transplant recipients and relation to maintenance immunosuppressive drugs: a pilot study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19002. [PMID: 37923735 PMCID: PMC10624883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45750-8] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in kidney transplant recipients is a subject of much debate and became of interest to nephrologists amidst the pandemic. The main concerns are the influence of the chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs, the viral-related risk of acute rejection, and the long-term outcome of allograft function. This single-center prospective study included kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 infection. Patients were maintained on immunosuppressive regimens. The severity of disease was defined as oxygen saturation < 94%, the need for hospitalization and/or hemodialysis, the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI), and mortality. Seventeen patients (54.8%) required hospital admission, four patients needed hemodialysis (12.9%), twelve patients (38.7%) had AKI, and three patients died (9.7%). Oxygen saturation < 94% showed a positive correlation with the presence of diabetes (p value 0.031) and a negative correlation with the maintenance steroid dose (p value 0.046). A negative correlation existed between the need for hemodialysis and average Cyclosporin level (p value 0.019) and between the need for hospitalization and average Tacrolimus level (p value 0.046). Severity of disease was associated with the presence of lymphopenia (p value 0.042), the cumulative steroid dose (p value 0.001), increased serum levels of LDH (p value 0.010), Ferritin (p value 0.020), AST (p value 0.047), and ALT (p value 0.006) and D-dimer levels more than 0.5 mg/L (p value 0.038). This study highlighted that the immunocompromised state of renal transplant recipients may not be regarded as a disadvantage in the setting of COVID-19 infection. Studies on a larger scale are needed to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Said ElNahid
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | | | - Khaled Marzouk Sadek
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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6
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Basida BD, Gravenstein S, DeVone F, Abul Y, Singh M, Nepaul A, Tariq N, Leeder C, Bayer T. Previous Steroid Use and Severity of COVID-19. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1608-1609. [PMID: 37678416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brinda D Basida
- Department of Geriatrics, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Stefan Gravenstein
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Frank DeVone
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yasin Abul
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Bayer
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
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7
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Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Alkazmi L, El-Bouseary MM, Hamad RS, Abdelhamid M, Batiha GES. The Potential Nexus between Helminths and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Literature Review. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:5544819. [PMID: 37383608 PMCID: PMC10299886 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5544819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic helminth infections (CHIs) can induce immunological tolerance through the upregulation of regulatory T cells. In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), abnormal adaptive immune response and exaggerated immune response may cause immune-mediated tissue damage. Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and CHIs establish complicated immune interactions due to SARS-CoV-2-induced immunological stimulation and CHIs-induced immunological tolerance. However, COVID-19 severity in patients with CHIs is mild, as immune-suppressive anti-inflammatory cytokines counterbalance the risk of cytokine storm. Since CHIs have immunomodulatory effects, therefore, this narrative review aimed to clarify how CHIs modulate the immunoinflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2 infection. CHIs, through helminth-derived molecules, may suppress SARS-CoV-2 entry and associated hyperinflammation through attenuation of the inflammatory signaling pathway. In addition, CHIs may reduce the COVID-19 severity by reducing the SARS-CoV-2 entry points in the initial phase and immunomodulation in the late phase of the disease by suppressing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, CHIs may reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection by reducing hyperinflammation and exaggerated immune response. Thus, retrospective and prospective studies are recommended in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Luay Alkazmi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maisra M. El-Bouseary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Rabab S. Hamad
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Central Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abdelhamid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan 81528, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, AlBeheira, Egypt
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Bitar R, Elghoudi AA, Rawat D, Azaz A, Miqdady M, Narchi H. COVID-19-induced liver injury in infants, children, and adolescents. World J Clin Pediatr 2023; 12:57-67. [PMID: 37342451 PMCID: PMC10278079 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i3.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically presents with fever and respiratory symptoms in children. Most children develop an asymptomatic and mild illness, with a minority requiring specialist medical care. Gastrointestinal manifestations and liver injury can also occur in children following infection. The mechanisms of liver injury may include infection following direct viral hepatic tissue invasion, immune response, or medication effects. Affected children might develop mild liver dysfunction which has a benign course in most children with no pre-existing liver disease. However, the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other pre-existing chronic liver disorders is associated with a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness with poor outcomes. On the other hand, the presence of liver manifestations is associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease and is considered an independent prognostic factor. Respiratory, hemodynamic, and nutritional supportive therapies are the mainstay of management. Vaccination of children at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease is indicated. This review describes the liver manifestations in children with COVID-19, detailing its epidemiology, basic mechanisms, clinical expression, management, and prognosis in those with and without pre-existing liver disease and also children who have had earlier liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Bitar
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed A Elghoudi
- Department of Pediatric, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pediatric, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - David Rawat
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amer Azaz
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamad Miqdady
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassib Narchi
- Department of Pediatric, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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Droc G, Martac C, Buzatu CG, Jipa M, Punga MD, Isac S. Orthotopic Liver Transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 Negative Recipient from a Positive Donor: The Border between Uncertainty and Necessity in a Pandemic Era- Case Report and Overview of the Literature. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050836. [PMID: 37241068 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Liver transplantation represents the gold-standard therapy in eligible patients with acute liver failure or end-stage liver disease. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the transplantation landscape by reducing patients' addressability to specialized healthcare facilities. Since evidence-based acceptance guidelines for non-lung solid organ transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors are lacking, and the risk of bloodstream-related transmission of the disease is debatable, liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors could be lifesaving, even if long-term interactions are unpredictable. The aim of this case report is to highlight the relevance of performing liver transplantation from SARS-CoV-2 positive donors to negative recipients by emphasizing the perioperative care and short-term outcome. (2) Case presentation: A 20-year-old female patient underwent orthotropic liver transplantation for Child-Pugh C liver cirrhosis secondary to overlap syndrome, from a SARS-CoV-2 positive brain death donor. The patient was not infected nor vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and the titer of neutralizing antibodies against the spike protein was negative. The liver transplantation was performed with no significant complications. As immunosuppression therapy, the patient received 20 mg basiliximab (Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Barcelona, Spain) and 500 mg methylprednisolone (Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V, Puurs, Belgium) intraoperatively. Considering the risk of non-aerogene-related SARS-CoV-2 reactivation syndrome, the patient received remdesivir 200 mg (Gilead Sciences Ireland UC, Carrigtohill County Cork, Ireland) in the neo-hepatic stage, which was continued with 100 mg/day for 5 days. The postoperative immunosuppression therapy consisted of tacrolimus (Astellas Ireland Co., Ltd., Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland) and mycophenolate mofetil (Roche România S.R.L, Bucharest, Romania) according to the local protocol. Despite the persistent negative PCR results for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway tract, the blood titer of neutralizing antibodies turned out positive on postoperative day 7. The patient had a favorable outcome, and she was discharged from the ICU facility seven days later. (3) Conclusions: We illustrated a case of liver transplantation of a SARS-CoV-2 negative recipient, whose donor was SARS-CoV-2 positive, performed in a tertiary, university-affiliated national center of liver surgery, with a good outcome, in order to raise the medical community awareness on the acceptance limits in the case of COVID-19 incompatibility for non-lung solid organs transplantation procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Droc
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Martac
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Georgiana Buzatu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna Jipa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Daniela Punga
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sebastian Isac
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care I, 'Fundeni' Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
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Hashem M, El-Kassas M. Diagnosis, treatment protocols, and outcomes of liver transplant recipients infected with COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:2140-2159. [PMID: 37122505 PMCID: PMC10131019 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i10.2140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Several cases of fatal pneumonia during November 2019 were linked initially to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which the World Health Organization later designated as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In the general population, COVID-19 severity can range from asymptomatic/mild symptoms to seriously ill. Its mortality rate could be as high as 49%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have acknowledged that people with specific underlying medical conditions, among those who need immunosuppression after solid organ transplantation (SOT), are at an increased risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19. Liver transplantation is the second most prevalent SOT globally. Due to their immunosuppressed state, liver transplant (LT) recipients are more susceptible to serious infections. Therefore, comorbidities and prolonged immunosuppression among SOT recipients enhance the likelihood of severe COVID-19. It is crucial to comprehend the clinical picture, immunosuppressive management, prognosis, and prophylaxis of COVID-19 infection because it may pose a danger to transplant recipients. This review described the clinical and laboratory findings of COVID-19 in LT recipients and the risk factors for severe disease in this population group. In the following sections, we discussed current COVID-19 therapy choices, reviewed standard practice in modifying immunosuppressant regimens, and outlined the safety and efficacy of currently licensed drugs for inpatient and outpatient management. Additionally, we explored the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in LT recipients and mentioned the efficacy and safety of vaccination use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Hashem
- Fellow of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Kassas
- Department of Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
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11
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Ali Khan Q, Khan T, Anthony MR, Farkouh CS, Abdi P, Amatul F, ul Ain H. An Erythrodermic Psoriasis Flare-Up With Staphylococcus Bacteremia Secondary to COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e36418. [PMID: 37090395 PMCID: PMC10115190 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is an autoimmune condition commonly manifested as cutaneous lesions, such as well-demarcated, erythematous, scaly plaques, notably on the extensor surfaces but sometimes present on the scalp, palms, and soles. Various triggering events are known to initiate flare-ups of previously well-controlled/dormant EP. In recent literature, the association of acutely exacerbated EP after symptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been well-described. Here, we present a case of EP with increased flaking and desquamation of the skin of the whole body (most notably on the palms and soles) after three weeks of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection without any other evident trigger. We aim to describe the symptoms as well as the proper management of a patient afflicted with erythrodermic psoriasis in hopes of aiding future clinicians in the prompt diagnosis and treatment of such a patient.
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Agrati C, Bartolini B, Bordoni V, Locatelli F, Capobianchi MR, Di Caro A, Castilletti C, Ippolito G. Emerging viral infections in immunocompromised patients: A great challenge to better define the role of immune response. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147871. [PMID: 36969202 PMCID: PMC10035572 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response to invading pathogens is characterized by the rapid establishment of a complex network of cellular interactions and soluble signals. The correct balancing of activating and regulating pathways and tissue-homing signals determines its effectiveness and persistence over time. Emerging viral pathogens have always represented a great challenge to the immune system and an often uncontrolled/imbalanced immune response has been described (e.g. cytokine storm, immune paralysis), contributing to the severity of the disease. Several immune biomarkers and cell subsets have been identified as major players in the cascade of events leading to severe diseases, highlighting the rationale for host-directed intervention strategy. There are millions of immunocompromised pediatric and adult patients worldwide (e.g. transplant recipients, hematologic patients, subjects with primary immune-deficiencies), experiencing an impaired immune reactivity, due to diseases and/or to the medical treatments. The reduced immune reactivity could have two paradoxical non-exclusive effects: a weak protective immunity on one hand, and a reduced contribution to immune-mediated pathogenetic processes on the other hand. In these sensitive contexts, the impact of emerging infections represents a still open issue to be explored with several challenges for immunologists, virologists, physicians and epidemiologists. In this review, we will address emerging infections in immunocompromised hosts, to summarize the available data concerning the immune response profile, its influence on the clinical presentation, the possible contribution of persistent viral shedding in generating new viral variants with improved immune escape features, and the key role of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Agrati
- Oncoematologia e Officina Farmaceutica, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Chiara Agrati,
| | - Barbara Bartolini
- General Directorate for Research and Health Innovation, Italian Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Bordoni
- Oncoematologia e Officina Farmaceutica, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Oncoematologia e Officina Farmaceutica, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
- Unicamillus, International Medical University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Di Caro
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
- Unicamillus, International Medical University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- General Directorate for Research and Health Innovation, Italian Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
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Perdalkar S, Basthi Mohan P, Musunuri B, Rajpurohit S, Shetty S, Bhat K, Pai CG. Thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease in the pandemic era: Safe or unsafe? Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109597. [PMID: 36702073 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn's disease (CD) and Ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two major types affecting millions across the globe. Various immunomodulatory drugs consisting of small molecules (thiopurines, methotrexate and tofacitinib) and biologics are used to treat IBD. Thiopurines (TP) are widely used in the treatment of IBD and it plays an important role both alone and in combination with anti-TNF agents as IBD maintenance therapy. Although the advent of biologics therapy has significantly advanced the management of IBD, TP remains the mainstay of treatment in resource-limited and low economic settings. However, the recently commenced pandemic has raised uncertainty over the safety of the use of immunosuppressant drugs such as TP among healthcare care providers and patients, as there is a scarcity of data on whether IBD patients are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection or more prone to its severe outcomes. AIM This review aims to encapsulate evidence on the risk of COVID-19 infection and its severe prognosis in IBD patients on TP. Additionally, it also evaluates the role of TP in inhibiting the viral protease, a potential drug target, essential for the replication and pathogenesis of the virus. CONCLUSION Emerging evidence suggests that TP therapy is safe during the current pandemic and does not carry an elevated risk when used as monotherapy or in combination with other IBD drugs. In-vitro studies demonstrate that TP is a potential therapeutic for present and future betacoronavirus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailesh Perdalkar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Pooja Basthi Mohan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Balaji Musunuri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Siddheesh Rajpurohit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Shiran Shetty
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Krishnamurthy Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Cannanore Ganesh Pai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India.
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Sharma S, Sarkar R, Mitra K, Giri L. Computational framework to understand the clinical stages of COVID-19 and visualization of time course for various treatment strategies. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1640-1656. [PMID: 36810760 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 is known to be regulated by multiple factors such as delayed immune response, impaired T cell activation, and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Clinical management of the disease remains challenging due to interplay of various factors as drug candidates may elicit different responses depending on the staging of the disease. In this context, we propose a computational framework which provides insights into the interaction between viral infection and immune response in lung epithelial cells, with an aim of predicting optimal treatment strategies based on infection severity. First, we formulate the model for visualizing the nonlinear dynamics during the disease progression considering the role of T cells, macrophages and proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we show that the model is capable of emulating the dynamic and static data trends of viral load, T cell, macrophage levels, interleukin (IL)-6 and TNF-α levels. Second, we demonstrate the ability of the framework to capture the dynamics corresponding to mild, moderate, severe, and critical condition. Our result shows that, at late phase (>15 days), severity of disease is directly proportional to pro-inflammatory cytokine IL6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and inversely proportional to the number of T cells. Finally, the simulation framework was used to assess the effect of drug administration time as well as efficacy of single or multiple drugs on patients. The major contribution of the proposed framework is to utilize the infection progression model for clinical management and administration of drugs inhibiting virus replication and cytokine levels as well as immunosuppressant drugs at various stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Sharma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Rahuldeb Sarkar
- Departments of Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, Kent, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kishalay Mitra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Lopamudra Giri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
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15
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Nazir A, Song J, Chen Y, Liu Y. Phage-Derived Depolymerase: Its Possible Role for Secondary Bacterial Infections in COVID-19 Patients. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020424. [PMID: 36838389 PMCID: PMC9961776 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As of 29 July 2022, there had been a cumulative 572,239,451 confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, including 6,390,401 fatalities. COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms are usually treated with a combination of virus- and drug-induced immuno-suppression medicines. Critical clinical complications of the respiratory system due to secondary bacterial infections (SBIs) could be the reason for the high mortality rate in COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, antimicrobial resistance is increasing daily, and only a few options are available in our antimicrobial armory. Hence, alternative therapeutic options such as enzymes derived from bacteriophages can be considered for treating SBIs in COVID-19 patients. In particular, phage-derived depolymerases have high antivirulent potency that can efficiently degrade bacterial capsular polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, and exopolysaccharides. They have emerged as a promising class of new antibiotics and their therapeutic role for bacterial infections is already confirmed in animal models. This review provides an overview of the rising incidence of SBIs among COVID-19 patients. We present a practicable novel workflow for phage-derived depolymerases that can easily be adapted for treating SBIs in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yibao Chen
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-531-6665-5093 (Y.C. & Y.L.)
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Correspondence: (Y.C.); (Y.L.); Tel./Fax: +86-531-6665-5093 (Y.C. & Y.L.)
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16
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Qi RB, Wu ZH. Association between COVID-19 and chronic liver disease: Mechanism, diagnosis, damage, and treatment. World J Virol 2023; 12:22-29. [PMID: 36743657 PMCID: PMC9896589 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v12.i1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As the outbreak evolves, our understanding of the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the liver has grown. In this review, we discussed the hepatotropic nature of SARS-CoV-2 and described the distribution of receptors for SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) in the vascular endothelium and cholangiocytes of the liver. Also, we proposed mechanisms for possible viral entry that mediate liver injury, such as liver fibrosis. Due to SARS-CoV-2-induced liver damage, many COVID-19 patients develop liver dysfunction, mainly characterized by moderately elevated serum aminotransferase levels. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis, are also sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discussed the longer disease duration and higher mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection in CLD patients. Correspondingly, relevant risk factors and possible mechanisms were proposed, including cirrhosis-related immune dysfunction and liver deco-mpensation. Finally, we discussed the potential hepatotoxicity of COVID-19-related vaccines and drugs, which influence the treatment of CLD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we suggested that COVID-19 vaccines in terms of immunogenicity, duration of protection, and long-term safety for CLD patients need to be further researched. The diagnosis and treatment for liver injury caused by COVID-19 were also analyzed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Bing Qi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zheng-Hao Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
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17
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Mahallawi WH, Alharbi WA, Aloufi SA, Ibrahim NA, Abdelrahman MM, Alhomayeed BA, Aboonq MS, Alqahtani SAM, Rajih ES, Bakhsh AM, Sandokji I. Declined Humoral Immunity of Kidney Transplant Recipients to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:2829-2840. [PMID: 37193301 PMCID: PMC10182766 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s408686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) commonly suffer from impaired immunity. KTRs' compromised immune response to COVID-19 vaccines indicates urgent revision of immunisation policies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Madinah, Saudi Arabia of 84 KTRs who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. ELISA was used to evaluate anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibody levels in blood samples obtained one month and seven months after vaccination. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations between seropositive status and factors such as the number of vaccine doses, transplant age, and immunosuppressive therapies. Results The mean age of KTRs was 44.3 ± 14.7 years. The IgG antibody seropositivity rate (n=66, 78.5%) was significantly higher than the seronegativity rate (n=18, 21.4%) in the whole cohort (p<0.001). In KTRs seroconverting after one month (n=66), anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels declined significantly between one month (median [IQR]:3 [3-3]) and seven months (2.4 [1.7-2.6]) after vaccination (p<0.01). In KTRs with hypertension, IgG levels significantly decreased between one and seven months after vaccination (p<0.01). IgG levels also decreased significantly in KTRs with a transplant of >10 years (p=0.02). Maintenance immunosuppressive regimens (triple immunosuppressive therapy and steroid-based and antimetabolite-based regimens) led to a significant decrease in IgG levels between the first and second sample (p<0.01). KTRs receiving three vaccine doses showed higher antibody levels than those receiving a single dose or two doses, but the levels decreased significantly between one (median [IQR]: 3 [3-3]) and seven months (2.4 [1.9-2.6]) after vaccination (p<0.01). Conclusion KTRs' humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is dramatically inhibited and wanes. Antibody levels show a significant decline over time in KTRs with hypertension; receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy or steroid-based or antimetabolite-based regimens; receiving mixed mRNA and viral vector vaccines; and with a transplant of >10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed H Mahallawi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Waleed H Mahallawi, Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Email
| | - Wael A Alharbi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan A Aloufi
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadir A Ibrahim
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Moutasem S Aboonq
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Emad S Rajih
- Urology Department, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz M Bakhsh
- Urology Department, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Sandokji
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Gholi Z, Vahdat Shariatpanahi Z, Yadegarynia D, Eini-Zinab H. Associations of body mass index with severe outcomes of COVID-19 among critically ill elderly patients: A prospective study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:993292. [PMID: 36908906 PMCID: PMC9994813 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.993292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Few studies assessed the associations of overweight and obesity with severe outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among elderly patients. This study was conducted to assess overweight and obesity in relation to risk of mortality, delirium, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement during treatment, re-hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, and ICU admission among elderly patients with COVID-19. Methods This was a single-center prospective study that was done on 310 elderly patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU). We collected data on demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, nutritional status, blood pressure, comorbidities, medications, and types of mechanical ventilation at baseline. Patients were followed up during ICU admission and until 45 days after the first visit, and data on delirium incidence, mortality, need for a form of mechanical ventilation, discharge day from ICU and hospital, and re-hospitalization were recorded for each patient. Results During the follow-up period, we recorded 190 deaths, 217 cases of delirium, and 35 patients who required IMV during treatment. After controlling for potential confounders, a significant association was found between obesity and delirium such that obese patients with COVID-19 had a 62% higher risk of delirium compared with normal-weight patients (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.02-2.57). This association was not observed for overweight. In terms of other outcomes including ICU/45-day mortality, IMV therapy during treatment, re-hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, and ICU admission, we found no significant association with overweight and obesity either before or after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion We found that obesity may be a risk factor for delirium among critically ill elderly patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Gholi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Vahdat Shariatpanahi
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Yadegarynia
- Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Eini-Zinab
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, and National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Van Delen M, Janssens I, Dams A, Roosens L, Ogunjimi B, Berneman ZN, Derdelinckx J, Cools N. Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells Induce Apoptosis-Independent T Cell Hyporesponsiveness of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T Cells in an Antigen-Specific Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315201. [PMID: 36499533 PMCID: PMC9740551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315201] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the global pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still ongoing, there are currently no specific and highly efficient drugs for COVID-19 available, particularly in severe cases. Recent findings demonstrate that severe COVID-19 disease that requires hospitalization is associated with the hyperactivation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. In this study, we aimed to counteract this high inflammatory state by inducing T-cell hyporesponsiveness in a SARS-CoV-2-specific manner using tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC). In vitro-activated SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were isolated and stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 peptide-loaded monocyte-derived tolDC or with SARS-CoV-2 peptide-loaded conventional (conv) DC. We demonstrate a significant decrease in the number of interferon (IFN)-γ spot-forming cells when SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were stimulated with tolDC as compared to stimulation with convDC. Importantly, this IFN-γ downmodulation in SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells was antigen-specific, since T cells retain their capacity to respond to an unrelated antigen and are not mediated by T cell deletion. Altogether, we have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 peptide-pulsed tolDC induces SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell hyporesponsiveness in an antigen-specific manner as compared to stimulation with SARS-CoV-2-specific convDC. These observations underline the clinical potential of tolDC to correct the immunological imbalance in the critically ill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Van Delen
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ibo Janssens
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amber Dams
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laurence Roosens
- Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Paediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), VAXINFECTIO, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Zwi N. Berneman
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Judith Derdelinckx
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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20
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Hasan MJ, Rabbani R, Anam AM, Huq SMR. Therapeutic safety and efficacy of triple-immunosuppressants versus dual-immunosuppressants in severe-to-critical COVID-19: a prospective cohort study in Bangladesh. Ann Med 2022; 54:723-732. [PMID: 35238257 PMCID: PMC8903771 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2039958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperinflammation-induced respiratory failure is a leading cause of mortality in COVID-19 infection. Immunosuppressants such as, Baricitinib and interleukin inhibitors are the drug-of-choice to suppress cytokine storm in COVID-19. Here, we compared the therapeutic safety and efficacy of triple-immunosuppressants with dual-immunosuppressants in patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19. METHODS This study was conducted on 103 confirmed COVID-19 patients. Of 103 patients, 49 (N) and 54 (N) patients received dual-immunosuppressants (baricitinib plus two doses of secukinumab) and triple immunosuppressants (baricitinib plus single dose of tocilizumab and secukinumab) in group A and group B, respectively. Groups were compared in terms of clinical outcome, critical support-requirement, survival, re-hospitalisation, and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS Patients in group B achieved normal blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) earlier than the patients of group A [4 day (IQR: 3-12) vs 5 day (IQR: 5-14), p < .05]. The requirement of intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation (MV) support was less in group B than group A [16.7%/28.6%, 11.1%/18.4%, respectively p < .05]]. The incidence of COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome and 60-day all cause mortality was reduced in group B compared to group A [0.43 (0.19-0.98), p < .05; 0.35 (0.08-1.44), p > .05]. The 60-day re-hospitalisation rate was two-fold high in group A than group B (p = .024). Immunosuppressant-associated adverse events and secondary bacterial/fungal infections were relative high in patients of group B. CONCLUSIONS Triple-immunosuppressants in severe-to-critical COVID-19 infection exhibited better clinical outcome; reduced ICU and MV requirement; shorter hospital stay with deceased 60-day all cause mortality and re-hospitalisation compared to dual-immunosuppressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jahidul Hasan
- Clinical Pharmacist (Critical Care and Infectious Diseases/Stewardship), Coordinator-Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, Square Hospitals Ltd, West Panthapath, Bangladesh
| | - Raihan Rabbani
- Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical Services, Square Hospitals Ltd, West Panthapath, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmad Mursel Anam
- High Dependency Unit (HDU), Department of Medical Services, Square Hospitals Ltd, West Panthapath, Bangladesh
| | - Shihan Mahmud Redwanul Huq
- Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical Services, Square Hospitals Ltd, West Panthapath, Bangladesh
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21
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Vulturar DM, Neag MA, Vesa ȘC, Maierean AD, Gherman D, Buzoianu AD, Orăsan OH, Todea DA. Therapeutic Efficacy and Outcomes of Remdesivir versus Remdesivir with Tocilizumab in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214462. [PMID: 36430945 PMCID: PMC9698366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214462] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) generated many challenges to find an effective drug combination for hospitalized patients with severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including 182 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia hospitalized between March and October 2021 in a Pneumology Hospital from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Among patients treated with standard of care, 100 patients received remdesivir (R group) and 82 patients received the combination of remdesivir plus tocilizumab (RT group). We compared the clinical outcomes, the inflammatory markers, superinfections, oxygen requirement, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality rate before drug administration and 7 days after in R group and RT group. Borg score and oxygen support showed an improvement in the R group (p < 0.005). Neutrophiles, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum ferritin levels decreased significantly in RT group but with a higher rate of superinfection in this group. ICU admission and death did not differ significantly between groups. The combination of remdesivir plus tocilizumab led to a significantly improvement in the inflammatory markers and a decrease in the oxygen requirement. Although the superinfection rate was higher in RT group than in R group, no significant difference was found in the ICU admission and mortality rate between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiana-Maria Vulturar
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Adriana Neag
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ștefan Cristian Vesa
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca-Diana Maierean
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gherman
- Department of Radiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Dana Buzoianu
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Olga Hilda Orăsan
- 5th Department Internal Medicine, 4th Medical Clinic, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doina-Adina Todea
- Department of Pneumology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400332 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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22
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Ravindran V, Wagoner J, Athanasiadis P, Den Hartigh AB, Sidorova JM, Ianevski A, Fink SL, Frigessi A, White J, Polyak SJ, Aittokallio T. Discovery of host-directed modulators of virus infection by probing the SARS-CoV-2-host protein-protein interaction network. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:bbac456. [PMID: 36305426 PMCID: PMC9677461 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac456] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the need to better understand virus-host interactions. We developed a network-based method that expands the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-host protein interaction network and identifies host targets that modulate viral infection. To disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 interactome, we systematically probed for potent compounds that selectively target the identified host proteins with high expression in cells relevant to COVID-19. We experimentally tested seven chemical inhibitors of the identified host proteins for modulation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in human cells that express ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Inhibition of the epigenetic regulators bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), along with ubiquitin-specific peptidase (USP10), enhanced SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such proviral effect was observed upon treatment with compounds JQ1, vorinostat, romidepsin and spautin-1, when measured by cytopathic effect and validated by viral RNA assays, suggesting that the host proteins HDAC2, BRD4 and USP10 have antiviral functions. We observed marked differences in antiviral effects across cell lines, which may have consequences for identification of selective modulators of viral infection or potential antiviral therapeutics. While network-based approaches enable systematic identification of host targets and selective compounds that may modulate the SARS-CoV-2 interactome, further developments are warranted to increase their accuracy and cell-context specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Ravindran
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jessica Wagoner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paschalis Athanasiadis
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas B Den Hartigh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia M Sidorova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aleksandr Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susan L Fink
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Arnoldo Frigessi
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Judith White
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Stephen J Polyak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Vart P, Duivenvoorden R, Franssen CFM, Hemmelder MH, Jager KJ, Hilbrands LB, Noordzij M, Abramowicz D, Basile C, Covic A, Crespo M, Massy ZA, Ortiz A, Emilio Sanchez J, Petridou E, White C, Gansevoort RT. Preparing European Nephrology for the next pandemic: lessons from the ERACODA collaboration. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2022; 38:575-582. [PMID: 36385300 PMCID: PMC9976766 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the vulnerability of patients with chronic kidney disease to infectious diseases, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been particularly devastating for the nephrology community. Unfortunately, the possibility of future COVID-19 waves or outbreaks of other infectious diseases with pandemic potential cannot be ruled out. The nephrology community made tremendous efforts to contain the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted several shortcomings in our response to the pandemic and has taught us important lessons that can be utilized to improve our preparedness for any future health crises of a similar nature. In this article we draw lessons from the European Renal Association COVID-19 Database (ERACODA) project, a pan-European collaboration initiated in March 2020 to understand the prognosis of COVID-19 in patients on kidney function replacement therapy. We discuss the challenges faced in generating timely and robust evidence for informed management of patients with kidney disease and give recommendations for our preparedness for the next pandemic in Europe. Limited collaboration, the absence of common data architecture and the sub-optimal quality of available data posed challenges in our response to COVID-19. Aligning different research initiatives, strengthening electronic health records, and involving experts in study design and data analysis will be important in our response to the next pandemic. The European Renal Association may take a leading role in aligning research initiatives via its engagement with other scientific societies, national registries, administrators and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raphaël Duivenvoorden
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Casper F M Franssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marc H Hemmelder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kitty J Jager
- ERA Registry, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Medical Informatics, Meibergdreef 9; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luuk B Hilbrands
- Department of Nephrology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Noordzij
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Abramowicz
- Department of Nephrology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium,Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carlo Basile
- Division of Nephrology, Miulli General Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Adrian Covic
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dr C.I. Parhon Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - Marta Crespo
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Mar Institute for Medical Research, Red de Investigación Renal (RICORS2040) (RD16/0009/0013), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ziad A Massy
- Department of Nephrology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Ambroise Paré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Boulogne-Billancourt, France,Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMRS 1018, Team 5, University Versailles-Saint Quentin, University of Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS)-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - J Emilio Sanchez
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Cabuenes, Asturias, Spain
| | - Emily Petridou
- Representative of the European Kidney Patients’ Federation, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Colin White
- Representative of the European Kidney Patients’ Federation, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ron T Gansevoort
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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COVID-19 Mortality in Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Liver & Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center United States Propensity Score Matching Study on Historical Data. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111921. [PMID: 36423017 PMCID: PMC9694459 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Existing studies report variable impact of vaccination on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. This study aimed to perform a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis on COVID-19 survival of vaccinated and unvaccinated SOT patients who contracted the disease at a single US academic transplant center. Methods: All consecutive COVID-19 positive cases on adult liver, kidney or combined liver-kidney recipients were identified and demographics, comorbidities, immunosuppression, COVID-19 treatment and hospitalization status, COVID-19 vaccination status, and early mortality recorded. PSM study was performed on age and sex for completed vaccination status at time of infection, followed by multivariable analysis and survival curve plotting. Results: 144 SOT patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, with 98 unvaccinated. PSM reduced study number to 101. Matched data multivariable analysis for 60-day mortality identified age and post-kidney transplant status to significantly increase 60-day mortality odds (OR 1.22, p < 0.001 and OR 40.93, p < 0.001, respectively). Kaplan−Meier analysis showed inferior post-infection survival in the unvaccinated group [(30 days; vaccinated vs. unvaccinated 97.8% vs. 89.1%, respectively; p = 0.089) (60 days; 97.8% vs. 83.6%, respectively; p = 0.019)]. Conclusions: Matched data survival analysis demonstrated inferior survival in the unvaccinated group, supporting COVID-19 vaccination in SOT recipients.
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Toga A, Balaji A, Nagura S. Major Amputation Needed to Treat Purulent Tenosynovitis and Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Patient with a Human Bite and Severe COVID-19. Int Med Case Rep J 2022; 15:685-692. [DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s385264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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26
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Sahebari M, Mirfeizi Z, Hashemzadeh K, Salavati Nik E, Gholampoor Shamkani N. Effects of Biologic Therapies on the Chance of COVID-19 Infection Among Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus Patients During the First Wave of the Pandemic. THE ARCHIVES OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY 2022; 10:964-968. [PMID: 36561225 PMCID: PMC9749122 DOI: 10.22038/abjs.2022.60064.2959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients with rheumatic diseases taking immunosuppressive medications might be at an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Despite the effectiveness of using combined conventional and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs(bDMARDs) in managing rheumatic diseases, there have been concerns that taking biological agents may have an additive effect on getting infected with COVID-19. This study evaluates the impact of taking biological agents on altering the chance of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 in rheumatoid and lupus patients compared to traditional DMARDs. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional survey study from February 2020 to January 2021 on patients diagnosed with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis disease. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the presence of symptoms and signs of the disease and para-clinical findings such as lymphopenia and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and positive chest CT scan or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of COVID-19. Results Out of 591 patients included in this study, 422 (71.4%) had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 169 (28.6%) had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Among them, 56 (9.5%) cases were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. No association was found between age, gender, or type of rheumatological diseases and SARS-CoV-2. There was a significant association between COVID-19 infection and treatment with biological drugs (P-value<0.05) regardless of the type of rheumatologic disease. Interestingly, the analysis revealed that the type of biologic drug also altered the chance of COVID-19 infection; In fact, patients who took TNF inhibitors were significantly at a higher risk of disease than those taking Rituximab (P-value=0.000). Identical results were observed among RA patients (P-value<0.001), however, all 5 (3%) lupus cases treated with Rituximab infected with covid 19. Conclusion This study develops a better understanding of the risk of immunosuppressive medications for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients treated with conventional and biological medicine had a higher disease risk than those taking exclusively conventional drugs. However, more studies are required to deliberate the relation of the reviewed factors with the severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sahebari
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center (RDRC), Mashhad Universality of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Mirfeizi
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center (RDRC), Mashhad Universality of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kamila Hashemzadeh
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center (RDRC), Mashhad Universality of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ensie Salavati Nik
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negar Gholampoor Shamkani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Old drugs, new tricks: leveraging known compounds to disrupt coronavirus-induced cytokine storm. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2022; 8:38. [PMID: 36216820 PMCID: PMC9549818 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-022-00250-9] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A major complication in COVID-19 infection consists in the onset of acute respiratory distress fueled by a dysregulation of the host immune network that leads to a run-away cytokine storm. Here, we present an in silico approach that captures the host immune system’s complex regulatory dynamics, allowing us to identify and rank candidate drugs and drug pairs that engage with minimal subsets of immune mediators such that their downstream interactions effectively disrupt the signaling cascades driving cytokine storm. Drug–target regulatory interactions are extracted from peer-reviewed literature using automated text-mining for over 5000 compounds associated with COVID-induced cytokine storm and elements of the underlying biology. The targets and mode of action of each compound, as well as combinations of compounds, were scored against their functional alignment with sets of competing model-predicted optimal intervention strategies, as well as the availability of like-acting compounds and known off-target effects. Top-ranking individual compounds identified included a number of known immune suppressors such as calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors as well as compounds less frequently associated for their immune-modulatory effects, including antimicrobials, statins, and cholinergic agonists. Pairwise combinations of drugs targeting distinct biological pathways tended to perform significantly better than single drugs with dexamethasone emerging as a frequent high-ranking companion. While these predicted drug combinations aim to disrupt COVID-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, the approach itself can be applied more broadly to other diseases and may provide a standard tool for drug discovery initiatives in evaluating alternative targets and repurposing approved drugs.
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Bencze D, Fekete T, Pázmándi K. Correlation between Type I Interferon Associated Factors and COVID-19 Severity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810968. [PMID: 36142877 PMCID: PMC9506204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral type I interferons (IFN) produced in the early phase of viral infections effectively inhibit viral replication, prevent virus-mediated tissue damages and promote innate and adaptive immune responses that are all essential to the successful elimination of viruses. As professional type I IFN producing cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) have the ability to rapidly produce waste amounts of type I IFNs. Therefore, their low frequency, dysfunction or decreased capacity to produce type I IFNs might increase the risk of severe viral infections. In accordance with that, declined pDC numbers and delayed or inadequate type I IFN responses could be observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as compared to individuals with mild or no symptoms. Thus, besides chronic diseases, all those conditions, which negatively affect the antiviral IFN responses lengthen the list of risk factors for severe COVID-19. In the current review, we would like to briefly discuss the role and dysregulation of pDC/type I IFN axis in COVID-19, and introduce those type I IFN-dependent factors, which account for an increased risk of COVID-19 severity and thus are responsible for the different magnitude of individual immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Bencze
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tünde Fekete
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kitti Pázmándi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +36-52-417-159
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29
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Graceffa D, Sperati F, Bonifati C, Spoletini G, Lora V, Pimpinelli F, Pontone M, Pellini R, Di Bella O, Morrone A, Cristaudo A. Immunogenicity of three doses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in psoriasis patients treated with biologics. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:961904. [PMID: 36148445 PMCID: PMC9485492 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.961904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Psoriasis has not been directly linked to a poor prognosis for COVID-19, yet immunomodulatory agents used for its management may lead to increased vulnerability to the dangerous complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as impair the effectiveness of the recently introduced vaccines. The three-dose antibody response trend and the safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in psoriasis patients treated with biologic drugs have remained under-researched. Materials and methods Forty-five psoriatic patients on biologic treatment were enrolled to evaluate their humoral response to three doses of BNT162b2. IgG titers anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were evaluated at baseline (day 0, first dose), after 3 weeks (second dose), four weeks post-second dose, at the time of the third dose administration and 4 weeks post-third dose. Seropositivity was defined as IgG ≥15 antibody-binding units (BAU)/mL. Data on vaccine safety were also collected by interview at each visit. Results A statistically significant increase in antibody titers was observed after each dose of vaccine compared with baseline, with no significant differences between patients and controls. Methotrexate used in combination with biologics has been shown to negatively influence the antibody response to the vaccine. On the contrary, increasing body mass index (BMI) positively influenced the antibody response. No adverse effects were reported, and no relapses of psoriasis were observed in the weeks following vaccine administration in our study population. Conclusions Our data are largely consistent with the recent literature on this topic confirming the substantial efficacy and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine on psoriatic patients treated with biologics of different types and support the recommendation to perform additional doses in this specific subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Graceffa
- Department of Clinical Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Sperati
- Biostatistics Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Bonifati
- Department of Clinical Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Spoletini
- General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Lora
- Department of Clinical Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fulvia Pimpinelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Dermatological Clinical and Research Department, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Pontone
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Dermatological Clinical and Research Department, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raul Pellini
- Department Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Di Bella
- Medical Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Morrone
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cristaudo
- Department of Clinical Dermatology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Margioris AN. Immunosuppressed non-responders to two doses of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines achieve an immune response comparable to those of immunocompetent individuals after a third dose. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:369-373. [PMID: 35750960 PMCID: PMC9244320 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00365-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 vaccines trigger the production of neutralizing antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and induce a T cell-mediated immune response. However, the antibody titers that confer protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are currently not well-established. While immunocompetent individuals achieve a high level of immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, it now appears that a high proportion of immunosuppressed or immunocompromised, patients exhibit low or no response to two doses of the vaccines. Most non-responders are on treatment with either glucocorticoids, mycophenolate-mofetil (MMF), the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab, calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade inhibitors (i.e., sirolimus and everolimus), azathioprine, or methotrexate given for a variety of diseases including autoimmune disorders, hematological malignancies, and solid cancers, while recipients of solid organ transplants also fall within this category. Recently, several published reports have suggested that a third dose of these vaccines induces an elevated antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 S protein.
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Meng Y, Zeng F, Sun H, Li Y, Chen X, Deng G. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and psoriasis. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5850-5857. [PMID: 36000295 PMCID: PMC9539270 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28085] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
To summarize the clinical characteristics and explore the role of treatment types in outcomes among psoriasis patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The principal summary measures were pooled prevalence and risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidential interval (CI). R statistic software was used for all the analysis. A total of 19 studies including 4073 psoriasis patients with COVID-19 were eligible for the meta-analysis. The overall hospitalization rate is about 20.2% (95% CI: 12.7%-28.7%), and changed to be 18.0% (95% CI: 9.9%-27.6%) or 14.1% (95% CI: 5.9%-24.6%) after systemic or biologic treatment. Moreover, the overall fatality rate is 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4%-3.0%), and turned to be 0.7% (95% CI: 0%-2.0%) or 0.5% (95% CI: 0%-2.2%) after systemic or biologic therapy. Notably, a lower hospitalization RR was found in patients receiving biologic therapy than those receiving other treatments (RR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.94). The results were consistent after sensitivity analysis and trim-and-fill analysis. Systemic, especially biologic therapy could lessen the clinical severity in psoriasis patients with COVID-19. Our finding will help to guide current recommendations and provide a reference for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Meng
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Furong Zeng
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,Department of OncologyXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Huiyan Sun
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yayun Li
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Guangtong Deng
- Department of DermatologyHunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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Mina S, Yaakoub H, Annweiler C, Dubée V, Papon N. COVID-19 and Fungal Infections: A Double Debacle. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:105039. [PMID: 36030024 PMCID: PMC9400371 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections remain hardly treatable because of unstandardized diagnostic tests, limited antifungal armamentarium, and more specifically, potential toxic interactions between antifungals and immunosuppressants used during anti-inflammatory therapies, such as those set up in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Taking into account pre-existing difficulties in treating vulnerable COVID-19 patients, any co-occurrence of infectious diseases like fungal infections constitutes a double debacle for patients, healthcare experts, and the public economy. Since the first appearance of SARS-CoV-2, a significant rise in threatening fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients has been testified in the scientific literature. Better management of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients is, therefore, a priority and requires highlighting common risk factors, relationships with immunosuppression, as well as challenges in fungal diagnosis and treatment. The present review attempts to highlight these aspects in the three most identified causative agents of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients: Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucorales species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mina
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hajar Yaakoub
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Cédric Annweiler
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Memory Clinic, Research Center on Autonomy and Longevity, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France; Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, LPPL, SFR CONFLUENCES, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Vincent Dubée
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, INCIT, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; Infectious Diseases Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France.
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Neddylation tunes peripheral blood mononuclear cells immune response in COVID-19 patients. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:316. [PMID: 35831294 PMCID: PMC9277603 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01115-0] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has reached 5.5 million deaths worldwide, generating a huge impact globally. This highly contagious viral infection produces a severe acute respiratory syndrome that includes cough, mucus, fever and pneumonia. Likewise, many hospitalized patients develop severe pneumonia associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), along an exacerbated and uncontrolled systemic inflammation that in some cases induces a fatal cytokine storm. Although vaccines clearly have had a beneficial effect, there is still a high percentage of unprotected patients that develop the pathology, due to an ineffective immune response. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the modulatory mechanisms that regulate the response to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to find effective therapeutic alternatives. Previous studies describe the relevance of Neddylation in the activation of the immune system and its implications in viral infection. In this context, the present study postulates Neddylation, a reversible ubiquitin-like post-translational modification of proteins that control their stability, localization and activity, as a key regulator in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2. For the first time, we describe an increase in global neddylation levels in COVID-19 in the serum of patients, which is particularly associated with the early response to infection. In addition, the results showed that overactivation of neddylation controls activation, proliferation, and response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from COVID-19 patients. Inhibition of neddylation, and the subsequent avoidance of activated PBMCs, reduces cytokine production, mainly IL-6 and MCP-1 and induce proteome modulation, being a critical mechanism and a potential approach to immunomodulate COVID-19 patients.
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Andaluz-Ojeda D, Vidal-Cortes P, Aparisi Sanz Á, Suberviola B, Del Río Carbajo L, Nogales Martín L, Prol Silva E, Nieto del Olmo J, Barberán J, Cusacovich I. Immunomodulatory therapy for the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19: A narrative review. World J Crit Care Med 2022; 11:269-297. [PMID: 36051937 PMCID: PMC9305685 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v11.i4.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding the physiological and immunological processes underlying the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is vital for the identification and rational design of effective therapies.
AIM To describe the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the immune system and the subsequent contribution of hyperinflammation and abnormal immune responses to disease progression together with a complete narrative review of the different immunoadjuvant treatments used so far in COVID-19 and their indication in severe and life-threatening subsets.
METHODS A comprehensive literature search was developed. Authors reviewed the selected manuscripts following the PRISMA recommendations for systematic review and meta-analysis documents and selected the most appropriate. Finally, a recommendation of the use of each treatment was established based on the level of evidence of the articles and documents reviewed. This recommendation was made based on the consensus of all the authors.
RESULTS A brief rationale on the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, immune response, and inflammation was developed. The usefulness of 10 different families of treatments related to inflammation and immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 was reviewed and discussed. Finally, based on the level of scientific evidence, a recommendation was established for each of them.
CONCLUSION Although several promising therapies exist, only the use of corticosteroids and tocilizumab (or sarilumab in absence of this) have demonstrated evidence enough to recommend its use in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Endotypes including both, clinical and biological characteristics can constitute specific targets for better select certain therapies based on an individualized approach to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Andaluz-Ojeda
- Department of Critical Care, Hospital Universitario HM Sanchinarro, Hospitales Madrid, Madrid 28050, Spain
| | - Pablo Vidal-Cortes
- Department of Intensive Care, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32005, Spain
| | | | - Borja Suberviola
- Department of Intensive Care, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander 39008, Spain
| | - Lorena Del Río Carbajo
- Department of Intensive Care, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32005, Spain
| | - Leonor Nogales Martín
- Department of Intensive Care, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid 47005, Spain
| | - Estefanía Prol Silva
- Department of Intensive Care, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32005, Spain
| | - Jorge Nieto del Olmo
- Department of Intensive Care, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Ourense 32005, Spain
| | - José Barberán
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario HM Montepríncipe, Hospitales Madrid, Boadilla del Monte 28860, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Cusacovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid 47005, Spain
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Ogando NS, Metscher E, Moes DJAR, Arends EJ, Tas A, Cross J, Snijder EJ, Teng YKO, de Vries APJ, van Hemert MJ. The Cyclophilin-Dependent Calcineurin Inhibitor Voclosporin Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Cell Culture. Transpl Int 2022; 35:10369. [PMID: 35812159 PMCID: PMC9263094 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2022.10369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at increased risk for a more severe course of COVID-19, due to their pre-existing comorbidity and immunosuppression. Consensus protocols recommend lowering immunosuppression in KTRs with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but the optimal combination remains unclear. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are cornerstone immunosuppressants used in KTRs and some have been reported to possess antiviral activity against RNA viruses, including coronaviruses. Here, we evaluated the effect of the CNIs tacrolimus, cyclosporin A, and voclosporin (VCS), as well as other immunosuppressants, on SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell-based assays. Unexpected, loss of compound due to plastic binding and interference of excipients in pharmaceutical formulations (false-positive results) complicated the determination of EC50 values of cyclophilin-dependent CNI’s in our antiviral assays. Some issues could be circumvented by using exclusively glass lab ware with pure compounds. In these experiments, VCS reduced viral progeny yields in human Calu-3 cells at low micromolar concentrations and did so more effectively than cyclosporin A, tacrolimus or other immunosuppressants. Although, we cannot recommend a particular immunosuppressive regimen in KTRs with COVID-19, our data suggest a potential benefit of cyclophilin-dependent CNIs, in particular VCS in reducing viral progeny, which warrants further clinical evaluation in SARS-CoV-2-infected KTRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha S. Ogando
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Erik Metscher
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Jan A. R. Moes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eline J. Arends
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ali Tas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Eric J. Snijder
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Y. K. Onno Teng
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Aiko P. J. de Vries
- Leiden Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Martijn J. van Hemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Martijn J. van Hemert,
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Vachtenheim J, Novysedlak R, Svorcova M, Lischke R, Strizova Z. How COVID-19 Affects Lung Transplantation: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11123513. [PMID: 35743583 PMCID: PMC9225085 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11123513] [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: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung transplant (LuTx) recipients are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses from COVID-19, and thus, we have closely reviewed the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on lung transplantation. In most transplant centers, the overall LuTx activity significantly declined and led to a specific period of restricting lung transplantation to urgent cases. Moreover, several transplant centers reported difficulties due to the shortage of ICU capacities. The fear of donor-derived transmission generated extensive screening programs. Nevertheless, reasonable concerns about the unnecessary losses of viable organs were also raised. The overall donor shortage resulted in increased waiting-list mortality, and COVID-19-associated ARDS became an indication of lung transplantation. The impact of specific immunosuppressive agents on the severity of COVID-19 varied. Corticosteroid discontinuation was not found to be beneficial for LuTx patients. Tacrolimus concentrations were reported to increase during the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and in combination with remdesivir, tacrolimus may clinically impact renal functions. Monoclonal antibodies were shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization in SOT recipients. However, understanding the pharmacological interactions between the anti-COVID-19 drugs and the immunosuppressive drugs requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Vachtenheim
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Rene Novysedlak
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Monika Svorcova
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Robert Lischke
- Prague Lung Transplant Program, 3rd Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.V.J.); (R.N.); (M.S.); (R.L.)
| | - Zuzana Strizova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-604712471
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The AI-Assisted Identification and Clinical Efficacy of Baricitinib in the Treatment of COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10060951. [PMID: 35746559 PMCID: PMC9231077 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the current pandemic, the vast majority of COVID-19 patients experienced mild symptoms, but some had a potentially fatal aberrant hyperinflammatory immune reaction characterized by high levels of IL-6 and other cytokines. Modulation of this immune reaction has proven to be the only method of reducing mortality in severe and critical COVID-19. The anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib (Olumiant) has recently been strongly recommended by the WHO for use in COVID-19 patients because it reduces the risk of progressive disease and death. It is a Janus Kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor approved for rheumatoid arthritis which was suggested in early 2020 as a treatment for COVID-19. In this review the AI-assisted identification of baricitinib, its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and efficacy in clinical trials are discussed and compared with those of other immune modulators including glucocorticoids, IL-6 and IL-1 receptor blockers and other JAK inhibitors. Baricitinib inhibits both virus infection and cytokine signalling and is not only important for COVID-19 management but is “non-immunological”, and so should remain effective if new SARS-CoV-2 variants escape immune control. The repurposing of baricitinib is an example of how advanced artificial intelligence (AI) can quickly identify new drug candidates that have clinical benefit in previously unsuspected therapeutic areas.
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly impacted all aspects of healthcare including solid organ transplantation. In this review, we discuss the specific impact of COVID-19 on the pediatric solid organ transplant population including access to grafts for pediatric transplant candidates as well as COVID-19 disease manifestations in pediatric transplant recipients. We address the current knowledge of prevention and management of COVID-19 in pediatric transplant recipients and provide additional information regarding social distancing, infection prevention and return to school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy G Feldman
- Pediatric Liver Transplant Center, Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Health Institute, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Lara A Danziger-Isakov
- Immunocompromised Host Infectious Disease, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7017, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States.
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Behrangi E, Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan A, Salimi N, Shaka Z, Feyz Kazemi MH, Goodarzi A. Erythrodermic flare‐up of psoriasis with COVID‐19 infection: A report of two cases and a comprehensive review of literature focusing on the mutual effect of psoriasis and COVID‐19 on each other along with the special challenges of the pandemic. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e05722. [PMID: 35474976 PMCID: PMC9019895 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Behrangi
- Department of Dermatology Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC) School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) Tehran Iran
| | - Afsaneh Sadeghzadeh‐Bazargan
- Department of Dermatology Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC) School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) Tehran Iran
| | - Nastaran Salimi
- School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Zoha Shaka
- School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA) Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) Tehran Iran
| | | | - Azadeh Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC) School of Medicine Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) Tehran Iran
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40
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Ahmed FF, Reza MS, Sarker MS, Islam MS, Mosharaf MP, Hasan S, Mollah MNH. Identification of host transcriptome-guided repurposable drugs for SARS-CoV-1 infections and their validation with SARS-CoV-2 infections by using the integrated bioinformatics approaches. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266124. [PMID: 35390032 PMCID: PMC8989220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the most severe global pandemic due to its high pathogenicity and death rate starting from the end of 2019. Though there are some vaccines available against SAER-CoV-2 infections, we are worried about their effectiveness, due to its unstable sequence patterns. Therefore, beside vaccines, globally effective supporting drugs are also required for the treatment against SARS-CoV-2 infection. To explore commonly effective repurposable drugs for the treatment against different variants of coronavirus infections, in this article, an attempt was made to explore host genomic biomarkers guided repurposable drugs for SARS-CoV-1 infections and their validation with SARS-CoV-2 infections by using the integrated bioinformatics approaches. At first, we identified 138 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SARS-CoV-1 infected and control samples by analyzing high throughput gene-expression profiles to select drug target key receptors. Then we identified top-ranked 11 key DEGs (SMAD4, GSK3B, SIRT1, ATM, RIPK1, PRKACB, MED17, CCT2, BIRC3, ETS1 and TXN) as hub genes (HubGs) by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of DEGs highlighting their functions, pathways, regulators and linkage with other disease risks that may influence SARS-CoV-1 infections. The DEGs-set enrichment analysis significantly detected some crucial biological processes (immune response, regulation of angiogenesis, apoptotic process, cytokine production and programmed cell death, response to hypoxia and oxidative stress), molecular functions (transcription factor binding and oxidoreductase activity) and pathways (transcriptional mis-regulation in cancer, pathways in cancer, chemokine signaling pathway) that are associated with SARS-CoV-1 infections as well as SARS-CoV-2 infections by involving HubGs. The gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis detected some transcription factors (FOXC1, GATA2, YY1, FOXL1, TP53 and SRF) and micro-RNAs (hsa-mir-92a-3p, hsa-mir-155-5p, hsa-mir-106b-5p, hsa-mir-34a-5p and hsa-mir-19b-3p) as the key transcriptional and post- transcriptional regulators of HubGs, respectively. We also detected some chemicals (Valproic Acid, Cyclosporine, Copper Sulfate and arsenic trioxide) that may regulates HubGs. The disease-HubGs interaction analysis showed that our predicted HubGs are also associated with several other diseases including different types of lung diseases. Then we considered 11 HubGs mediated proteins and their regulatory 6 key TFs proteins as the drug target proteins (receptors) and performed their docking analysis with the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease-guided top listed 90 anti-viral drugs out of 3410. We found Rapamycin, Tacrolimus, Torin-2, Radotinib, Danoprevir, Ivermectin and Daclatasvir as the top-ranked 7 candidate-drugs with respect to our proposed target proteins for the treatment against SARS-CoV-1 infections. Then, we validated these 7 candidate-drugs against the already published top-ranked 11 target proteins associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections by molecular docking simulation and found their significant binding affinity scores with our proposed candidate-drugs. Finally, we validated all of our findings by the literature review. Therefore, the proposed candidate-drugs might play a vital role for the treatment against different variants of SARS-CoV-2 infections with comorbidities, since the proposed HubGs are also associated with several comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fee Faysal Ahmed
- Department of Mathematics, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
- Bioinformatics Lab., Department of Statistics, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Selim Reza
- Bioinformatics Lab., Department of Statistics, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shahin Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Samiul Islam
- Department of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Md. Parvez Mosharaf
- Bioinformatics Lab., Department of Statistics, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Sohel Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rajshahi University, Rajshhi, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Nurul Haque Mollah
- Bioinformatics Lab., Department of Statistics, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
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Dotan A, David P, Arnheim D, Shoenfeld Y. The autonomic aspects of the post-COVID19 syndrome. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103071. [PMID: 35182777 PMCID: PMC8848724 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, responsible for the widespread COVID-19, led to one of the most rogue pandemics in modern time, yet the major effects of the pandemic may still be ahead of us. SARS-CoV-2 had been found to possess autoimmune properties. Close to 20 distinct autoantibodies which target GPCR of the nervous system and renin-angiotensin system-related molecules were found significantly associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. The new on-set of more than 10 various autoimmune disorders were documented as well. Additionally, clinical presentations of persisted symptoms were triggered in numerous recently recovered COVID-19 patients, which led to the formulation of the novel term “post-COVID19 syndrome”. Manifestations related to post-COVID-19 syndrome exist among approximately 50–80% of symptomatic COVID-19 patients who recovered, and among patients reported more than 50 different long-term effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Many of the common symptoms of the post-COVID19 syndrome are not explained by the virus-related injury alone. Similarly to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, autoimmune-mediated autonomic nervous system dysfunction may play a significant part in the pathogenesis of such symptoms, including chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, mood related disorders, and numerous more. Importantly, therapeutic options such as immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapy may favor some post-COVID19 patients, while plasmapheresis and IVIG could be considered in severe cases. Nevertheless, as physical exercise has been found to stabilize the autonomic nervous system, exercise therapy might be a safer and more effective remedy for the post-COVID19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arad Dotan
- Ariel University, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Paula David
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Dana Arnheim
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Ariel University, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg University, 199034, Russia
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Immunosuppression and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Transplant Direct 2022; 8:e1292. [PMID: 35187216 PMCID: PMC8843373 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may have an increased risk of mortality compared with the general population and hemodialysis patients. As these patients are immunosuppressed, it might seem obvious to attribute this excess mortality to the impaired immunity induced by immunosuppression. In line with this reasoning is the low immune response, both cellular and humoral, that KTRs mount in response to the anti–SARS-CoV-2 vaccine; however, acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019 is triggered by a state of inflammation and cytokine release syndrome that lead to pulmonary damage and increased mortality. In that context, immunosuppressive treatment dampening the immune response could, in theory, be potentially beneficial. This review aims at analyzing the current knowledge on the impact of immunosuppressive treatment on mortality in SARS-CoV-2–infected KTRs, the optimal management of immunosuppression in the coronavirus disease 2019 era, and the vaccine response and management in immunosuppressed KTRs.
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Županić S, Lazibat I, Rubinić Majdak M, Jeličić M. TREATMENT OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS PATIENTS WITH COVID-19: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE. Acta Clin Croat 2022; 60:496-509. [PMID: 35282492 PMCID: PMC8907958 DOI: 10.20471/acc.2021.60.03.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the late 2019 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes a respiratory disease which could put myasthenia gravis (MG) patients at a greater risk of developing severe disease course, since infections and some drugs are a well-recognized trigger of symptom exacerbation in MG patients. Out of ten most commonly used past and present drugs used in COVID-19 treatment, two (quinolone derivatives and azithromycin) are known to worsen MG symptoms, whereas another two (tocilizumab and eculizumab) might have positive effect on MG symptoms. Colchicine, remdesivir, lopinavir, ritonavir and favipiravir seem to be safe to use, while data are insufficient for bamlanivimab, although it is also probably safe to use. Considering MG treatment options in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, acetylcholine esterase inhibitors are generally safe to use with some preliminary studies even demonstrating therapeutic properties in regard to COVID-19. Corticosteroids are in general safe to use, even recommended in specific circumstances, whereas other immunosuppressive medications (mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate) are probably safe to use. The only exception is rituximab since the resulting B cell depletion can lead to more severe COVID-19 disease. Concerning plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulins, both can be used in COVID-19 while taking into consideration thromboembolic properties of the former and hemodynamic disturbances of the latter. As current data suggest, all known COVID-19 vaccines are safe to use in MG patients.
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Guo Y, Esfahani F, Shao X, Srinivasan V, Thomo A, Xing L, Zhang X. Integrative COVID-19 biological network inference with probabilistic core decomposition. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6425808. [PMID: 34791019 PMCID: PMC8689992 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for millions of deaths around the world. To help contribute to the understanding of crucial knowledge and to further generate new hypotheses relevant to SARS-CoV-2 and human protein interactions, we make use of the information abundant Biomine probabilistic database and extend the experimentally identified SARS-CoV-2-human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in silico. We generate an extended network by integrating information from the Biomine database, the PPI network and other experimentally validated results. To generate novel hypotheses, we focus on the high-connectivity sub-communities that overlap most with the integrated experimentally validated results in the extended network. Therefore, we propose a new data analysis pipeline that can efficiently compute core decomposition on the extended network and identify dense subgraphs. We then evaluate the identified dense subgraph and the generated hypotheses in three contexts: literature validation for uncovered virus targeting genes and proteins, gene function enrichment analysis on subgraphs and literature support on drug repurposing for identified tissues and diseases related to COVID-19. The major types of the generated hypotheses are proteins with their encoding genes and we rank them by sorting their connections to the integrated experimentally validated nodes. In addition, we compile a comprehensive list of novel genes, and proteins potentially related to COVID-19, as well as novel diseases which might be comorbidities. Together with the generated hypotheses, our results provide novel knowledge relevant to COVID-19 for further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guo
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, V8P 5C2, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Esfahani
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, V8P 5C2, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Digital Technologies Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Venkatesh Srinivasan
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, V8P 5C2, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Alex Thomo
- Department of Computer Science, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, V8P 5C2, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Li Xing
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Saskatchewan, 110 Science Place, S7N 5A2, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Xuekui Zhang
- Corresponding author: Xuekui Zhang, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road, V8P 5C2, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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Nicastro E, Ebel NH, Kehar M, Czubkowski P, Ng VL, Michaels MG, Lobritto SJ, Martinez M, Indolfi G. The Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 on Children With Liver Diseases: A Joint European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation Position Paper. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022; 74:159-170. [PMID: 34694269 PMCID: PMC8673661 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Children are seldom affected by severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection; however, the impact of comorbidities in the clinical presentation and outcome of SARS-CoV2 in children is poorly characterized including that of chronic liver disease (CLD) and those taking immunosuppressive medications for autoimmune liver disease or following liver transplantation (LT). Although not the main target organ, a spectrum of liver involvement has been described in children infected with SARS-CoV2 and those presenting with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). The Hepatology Committee of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) present an evidence-based position paper on liver involvement in children with SARS-CoV2 infection and its impact on those with CLD as well as LT recipients. All children may exhibit acute liver injury from SARS-CoV2 infection, and those with CLD and may experience hepatic decompensation. Preventative and therapeutic measures are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Nicastro
- Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Noelle H. Ebel
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Mohit Kehar
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Piotr Czubkowski
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Feeding Disorders and Paediatrics, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vicky L. Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marian G. Michaels
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Steven J. Lobritto
- Liver Unit, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Mercedes Martinez
- Liver Unit, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Columbia University Irving Medical Center Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Giuseppe Indolfi
- Meyer Children's University Hospital, Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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Algarni AS, Alamri NM, Khayat NZ, Alabdali RA, Alsubhi RS, Alghamdi SH. Clinical practice guidelines in multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) related to COVID-19: a critical review and recommendations. World J Pediatr 2022; 18:83-90. [PMID: 34982402 PMCID: PMC8725428 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-021-00499-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious health condition that develops from and is linked to coronavirus disease 2019. MIS-C is considered a multi-organ dysfunction involving cardiac, renal, respiratory, hematologic, gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms and groups of signs and symptoms such as rash or bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, hypotension or shock and acute gastrointestinal problems, which require immediate therapeutic intervention to prevent the aggravation of the patient's health condition. MIS-C is relatively new in the field of evidence-based medicine; however, there are several clinical guidelines for good clinical practice. For every disorder, the guidelines have different suggestions. Hence, based on the current status of the evidence, recommendations have been combined to form a unified guideline for therapeutic management. METHODS This paper compares and evaluates the current MIS-C-specific clinical practice guidelines (namely, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Rheumatology, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America). The compiled literature was then assessed by the authors separately, and an algorithm was proposed for each disorder, taking into consideration the various guidelines proposed for the management of the disorder. RESULTS The features of MIS-C patients are unified; this is very helpful in managing its symptoms and decreasing mortality rates. In addition, recommendations for pharmacological treatment for MIS-C symptoms are formulated after cross-comparison across five different guidelines. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a general interpretation of the results in the context of other evidence and implications for future research. It proposes a unified guideline based on the current evidence, with the best potential to maintain suitable clinical standards in the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanood S. Algarni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Collage, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955 Saudi Arabia
| | - Njoud M. Alamri
- Pharmacy Collage, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor Z. Khayat
- Pharmacy Collage, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Philips CA, Rela M, Soin AS, Gupta S, Surendran S, Augustine P. Critical Update on the Diagnosis and Management of COVID-19 in Advanced Cirrhosis and Liver Transplant Recipients. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:947-959. [PMID: 34966658 PMCID: PMC8666374 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted health care worldwide, with specific patient populations, such as those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease, at higher risk of infection and others at higher risk of disease progression. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis fall into the latter category and are a unique group that require specific treatment and management decisions because they can develop acute-on-chronic liver failure. In liver transplant recipients, the atypical immunity profile due to immunosuppression protects against downstream inflammatory responses triggered by COVID-19. This exhaustive review discusses the outcomes associated with COVID-19 in patients with advanced cirrhosis and in liver transplant recipients. We focus on the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19, its correlation with the pathogenesis of advanced liver disease, and the effect of immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients to provide insight into the outcomes of this unique patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac Abby Philips
- Department of Clinical and Translational Hepatology and The Monarch Liver Laboratory, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
- Correspondence to: Cyriac Abby Philips, Department of Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Ground Floor, Phase II, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9587-336X. Tel: +91-484-290-5000, Fax: +91-484-718-4000, E-mail:
| | - Mohamed Rela
- Institute of Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Arvinder Singh Soin
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta, The Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Subhash Gupta
- Max Centre for Liver and Biliary Sciences, Max Saket Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudhindran Surendran
- Gastrointestinal Surgery and Solid Organ Transplantation, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced GI Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
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COVID-19-associated-mucormycosis: possible role of free iron uptake and immunosuppression. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:747-754. [PMID: 34709573 PMCID: PMC8552432 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06862-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19-associated-mucormycosis, commonly referred to as the "Black Fungus," is a rare secondary fungal infection in COVID-19 patients prompted by a group of mucor molds. Association of this rare fungal infection with SARS-CoV-2 infection has been declared as an endemic in India, with minor cases in several other countries around the globe. Although the fungal infection is not contagious like the viral infection, the causative fungal agent is omnipresent. Infection displays an overall mortality rate of around 50%, with many other secondary side effects posing a potential threat in exacerbating COVID-19 mortality rates. In this review, we have accessed the role of free iron availability in COVID-19 patients that might correlate to the pathogenesis of the causative fungal agent. Besides, we have analyzed the negative consequences of using immunosuppressive drugs in encouraging this opportunistic fungal infection.
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Ahmadian E, Zununi Vahed S, Mammadova S, Abediazar S. Immunosuppressant Management in Renal Transplant Patients with COVID-19. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:9318725. [PMID: 34692845 PMCID: PMC8531766 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9318725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses a special risk for both immunosuppressed patients, especially transplant recipients. Although the knowledge about this infection is growing, many uncertainties remain, particularly regarding the kidney. Kidney transplant recipients (KDRs) should be considered immunocompromised hosts since a potential risk for infection, comorbidity, and immunosuppression exposure exists. Additionally, the management of immunosuppressive agents in KDRs remains challenging. Potential drug interactions with immunosuppressive treatment escalated the risk of unwanted side effects. In this review, we aimed to attain an augmented awareness and improved management immunosuppressant for COVID-19 KDRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ahmadian
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Shakar Mammadova
- Department of Physical Geography, Baku State University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Sima Abediazar
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Kridin K, Schonmann Y, Solomon A, Onn E, Bitan DT, Weinstein O, Cohen AD. Risk of COVID-19 and its complications in patients with atopic dermatitis undergoing dupilumab treatment-a population-based cohort study. Immunol Res 2021; 70:106-113. [PMID: 34647194 PMCID: PMC8514206 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection and its complications among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated by dupilumab is yet to be determined. We aimed to assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-associated hospitalization, and mortality among patients with AD treated by dupilumab. A population-based cohort study was conducted to compare AD patients treated by dupilumab (n = 238) with those treated by prolonged systemic corticosteroids (≥ 3 months; n = 1,023), phototherapy (n = 461), and azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; n = 194) regarding the incidence of COVID-19 and its complications. The incidence rate of COVID-19, COVID-19-associated hospitalization, and mortality among patients treated by dupilumab was 70.1 (95% CI, 40.5–116.4), 5.0 (95% CI, 0.3–24.7), and 0.0 per 1,000 person-year, respectively. The use of dupilumab was not associated with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection [adjusted HR for dupilumab vs. prolonged systemic corticosteroids: 1.13 (95% CI, 0.61–2.09); dupilumab vs. phototherapy: 0.80 (95% CI, 0.42–1.53); dupilumab vs. azathioprine/MMF: 1.10 (95% CI, 0.45–2.65)]. Dupilumab was associated with a comparable risk of COVID-19-associated hospitalization [adjusted HR for dupilumab vs. prolonged systemic corticosteroids: 0.35 (95% CI, 0.05–2.71); dupilumab vs. phototherapy: 0.43 (95% CI, 0.05–3.98); dupilumab vs. azathioprine/MMF: 0.25 (95% CI, 0.02–2.74)]. When applicable, the risk of mortality was not elevated in patients with AD treated by dupilumab [HR for dupilumab vs. prolonged systemic corticosteroids: 0.04 (95% CI, 0.00–225.20)]. To conclude, dupilumab does not impose an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 complications in patients with AD. Dupilumab should be continued and considered as a safe drug for moderate-to-severe AD during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalaf Kridin
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany. .,Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel. .,Unit of Dermatology and Skin Research Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel.
| | | | | | - Erez Onn
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.,Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Tiberias, Israel
| | - Dana Tzur Bitan
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Orly Weinstein
- Clalit Health Services, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ben-Gurion Ave, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Arnon D Cohen
- Clalit Health Services, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ben-Gurion Ave, Beer Sheva, Israel
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