Contemplating the Importance of Toll-like Receptors I and II Regarding Human Viral Pathogenesis

SARS-CoV-2 induced hepatic injuries and liver complications

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is resilient, highly pathogenic, and rapidly transmissible. COVID-19 patients have been reported to have underlying chronic liver abnormalities linked to hepatic dysfunction.

Discussion

Viral RNAs are detectable in fecal samples by RT-PCR even after negative respiratory samples, which suggests that SARS-CoV-2 can affect the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. The case fatality rates are higher among the elderly and those with underlying comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, liver abnormality, and heart disease. There is insufficient research on signaling pathways. Identification of molecular mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2-induced damages to hepatocytes is challenging. Herein, we demonstrated the multifactorial effects of SARS-CoV-2 on liver injury such as psychological stress, immunopathogenesis, systemic inflammation, ischemia and hypoxia, drug toxicity, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection, and several others which can significantly damage the liver.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary for clinicians across the globe to pay attention to SARS-CoV-2-mediated liver injury to manage the rising burden of hepatocellular carcinoma. To face the challenges during the resumption of clinical services for patients with pre-existing liver abnormalities and HCC, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on hepatocytes should be investigated both in vitro and in vivo.

Evaluation of Epidemic Prevention Abilities for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in South Korea

: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) preferentially infects respiratory tract cells, but it has organotropism. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is significantly distinct from common cold and SARS coronavirus. In past few years, the SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV caused several deaths in South Korea. The aim of current study was to assess SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV awareness and epidemic prevention ability in South Koreans.According to our results, out of 1500 participants, 98.8% and 64.3% were aware of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, respectively. Moreover, 97% of the participants used masks for prevention of airborne diseases, while 65.3% of the participants reused the same mask for several days. In addition, 50% of the participants were not satisfied with the government support. Future viral epidemics can be prevented by disseminating advanced knowledge and awareness among general public.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) up-regulates IL-8 expression through TAK-1/JNK/AP-1 pathways

The acute phase of respiratory distress caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is likely a consequence of the release of inflammatory cytokines in the lung. IL-8, the main chemokine and activator of neutrophils, might be related to the lung injury upon PRRSV infection. In this study, we showed that PRRSV induced IL-8 expression in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, we demonstrated that JNK and NF-κB pathways were activated upon PRRSV infection and required for the enhancement of IL-8 expression. We further verified that PRRSV-activated TAK-1 was essential for the activation of JNK and NF-κB pathways and IL-8 expression. Moreover, we revealed an AP-1 binding motif in the cloned porcine IL-8 (pIL-8) promoter, and deletion of this motif abolished the pIL-8 promoter activity. Finally, we found that the JNK-activated AP-1 subunit c-Jun was critical for the up-regulation of IL-8 expression by PRRSV. These data suggest that PRRSV-induced IL-8 production is likely through the TAK-1/JNK/AP-1 pathways.

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PRRSV infection induces IL-8 expression in vitro and in vivo.

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PRRSV up-regulates IL-8 expression through TAK-1/JNK/AP-1 pathways.

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AP-1 element in porcine IL-8 promoter is essential for PRRSV induced IL-8 expression.

Viral outbreaks and communicable health hazards due to devastating floods in Pakistan

Pakistan is a developing country that has a population of 190 million people and faces a huge burden of viral diseases. Every year during monsoon season heavy rain fall and lack of disaster management skills potentially increase the transmission of waterborne diseases, vector borne diseases and viral outbreaks. Due to severe flooding, thousands of people lose their lives and millions are displaced each year. In most of the cases the children who lose their family members are forced into illegal professions of begging, child labor and prostitution which make them prone to sexually transmitted infections. Up to date, no scientific study has been conducted nationwide to illustrate epidemiological patterns of waterborne diseases, vector borne diseases and viral epidemics during flash flood. Mosquito sprays would not be a sufficient approach for dengue eradication; mass awareness, larvicide and biological control by Guppy fishes are also effective strategies to overcome dengue problem. International health bodies and non-governmental organizations must take note of this alerting situation and take adequate steps such as financial/medical aid in order to defeat the after-effects of flood.