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Lempesis IG, Georgakopoulou VE, Reiter RJ, Spandidos DA. A mid‑pandemic night's dream: Melatonin, from harbinger of anti‑inflammation to mitochondrial savior in acute and long COVID‑19 (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:28. [PMID: 38299237 PMCID: PMC10852014 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5352] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), a systemic illness caused by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), has triggered a worldwide pandemic with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to chronic, affecting practically every organ. Melatonin, an ancient antioxidant found in all living organisms, has been suggested as a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection due to its good safety characteristics and broad‑spectrum antiviral medication properties. Melatonin is essential in various metabolic pathways and governs physiological processes, such as the sleep‑wake cycle and circadian rhythms. It exhibits oncostatic, anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant and anti‑aging properties, exhibiting promise for use in the treatment of numerous disorders, including COVID‑19. The preventive and therapeutic effects of melatonin have been widely explored in a number of conditions and have been well‑established in experimental ischemia/reperfusion investigations, particularly in coronary heart disease and stroke. Clinical research evaluating the use of melatonin in COVID‑19 has shown various improved outcomes, including reduced hospitalization durations; however, the trials are small. Melatonin can alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction in COVID‑19, improve immune cell function and provide antioxidant properties. However, its therapeutic potential remains underexplored due to funding limitations and thus further investigations are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Muntean M, Briciu V, Lupse M, Colcear D, Macicasan RV, Csiszer A, Manole A, Radulescu A. Effects of COVID-19 on the Liver and Mortality in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia Caused by Delta and Non-Delta Variants: An Analysis in a Single Centre. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:3. [PMID: 38275989 PMCID: PMC10820137 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010003] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to ascertain patient characteristics, outcomes, and liver injuries in patients infected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Data from consecutive adult patients with severe/critical COVID-19 admitted to our hospital during the peak month of the Delta wave were compared to the ancestral, Alpha, and Omicron waves. The dataset of 551 hospitalized patients was similar in the Delta/non-Delta waves. At admission and discharge, the median aminotransferase levels were normal or slightly increased. During the Delta wave (172 vs. 379 non-Delta patients), more patients died (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.09-2.56) or had liver injury at discharge (alanine aminotransferase, ALT ≥ 2 ULN) (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.08-3.54). In-hospital mortality was associated with age, lung injury, intensive care unit admission, number of and cardiovascular comorbidities, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and all inflammatory biomarkers. Serious liver injury at admission (ALT ≥ 5 × ULN) was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 7.9, 95%CI 2-28.9). At discharge, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was found in patients treated with remdesivir, ALT ≥ 2 ULN (OR = 2.62, 95%CI 1.22-5.75). Treatment with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and immunomodulators showed improved survival, OR = 0.50 (95%CI 0.33-0.77). Regardless of the variant and treatment options, less than 2% of patients displayed serious liver injury, which was not found to be a death predictor in multivariable analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muntean
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
- The Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Violeta Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
- The Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Lupse
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
- The Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Doina Colcear
- The Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Raul Vlad Macicasan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Agnes Csiszer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Alexandra Manole
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
| | - Amanda Radulescu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, The “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.M.); (M.L.); (R.V.M.); (A.C.); (A.M.); (A.R.)
- The Teaching Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Kosuta I, Ostojic A, Vujaklija Brajkovic A, Babel J, Simunov B, Sremac M, Mrzljak A. Shifting perspectives in liver diseases after kidney transplantation. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:883-896. [PMID: 37547033 PMCID: PMC10401415 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i7.883] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis. The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses, drug toxicity and metabolic disorders. Over the past decade, the aetiology of liver disease in kidney recipients has changed significantly. These relates to the use of direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus, the increasing availability of vaccination against hepatitis B and a better understanding of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. In addition, the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has brought new challenges to kidney recipients. This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the management of liver complications in kidney recipients and to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the risks and impact of liver disease in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Kosuta
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ana Ostojic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ana Vujaklija Brajkovic
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Jaksa Babel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Bojana Simunov
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Maja Sremac
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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Paramythiotis D, Karlafti E, Veroplidou K, Fafouti M, Kaiafa G, Netta S, Michalopoulos A, Savopoulos C. Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13081398. [PMID: 37189499 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a systemic disease that affects not only the respiratory system, but also other systems, including gastrointestinal. A great number of different drugs have been used on hospitalized patients for the management of COVID-19, and acute pancreatitis (AP) has been reported as a complication or side effect of these drugs. The development of drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIAP) follows a complex of pathophysiological mechanisms, and particular risk factors play a key role. Diagnosis of DIAP depends on specific criteria, and based on these, a drug may be characterized as having a definite, probable or possible connection with AP. The aim of this review is to present the medications that are used for COVID-19 management and are associated with AP in hospitalized patients. The list of these drugs mainly includes corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antiviral agents, antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, estrogens and anesthetic agents. Moreover, the prevention of the development of DIAP is vital, especially for critically ill patients who may receive multiple drugs. DIAP management is mainly non-invasive and the first step concerns the exception of the suspicious drug from patients therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paramythiotis
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Emergency Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Veroplidou
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Fafouti
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Kaiafa
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Smaro Netta
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonios Michalopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Sekulovski M, Bogdanova-Petrova S, Peshevska-Sekulovska M, Velikova T, Georgiev T. COVID-19 related liver injuries in pregnancy. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:1918-1929. [PMID: 36998958 PMCID: PMC10044960 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i9.1918] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
While severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) quickly spread across the globe, our understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms evolved. Importantly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now considered a syndromic multisystem inflammatory disease involving not only the respiratory system but also the cardiovascular, excretory, nervous, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. Moreover, a membrane-bound form of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is expressed on the surface of cholangiocytes and hepatocytes, suggesting the potential of COVID-19 to involve the liver. With the widespread distribution of SARS-CoV-2 throughout the population, infection during pregnancy is no longer a rare occurrence; however, little is known about the course of hepatic injuries and related outcomes in pregnant SARS-CoV-2-positive women. Thus, the understudied topic of COVID-related liver disease during pregnancy poses a great challenge for the consulting gynecologist and hepatologist. In this review, we aim to describe and summarize potential liver injuries in pregnant women with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metodija Sekulovski
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Simona Bogdanova-Petrova
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University-Varna, Varna 9010, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna 9010, Bulgaria
| | - Monika Peshevska-Sekulovska
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetelina Velikova
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- Department of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetoslav Georgiev
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University-Varna, Varna 9010, Bulgaria
- Clinic of Rheumatology, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna 9010, Bulgaria
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