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Li W, Zhuang Y, Shao SJ, Trivedi P, Zheng B, Huang GL, He Z, Zhang X. Essential contribution of the JAK/STAT pathway to carcinogenesis, lytic infection of herpesviruses and pathogenesis of COVID‑19 (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:39. [PMID: 38240082 PMCID: PMC10828999 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The intracellular pathway of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) and modification of nucleosome histone marks regulate the expression of proinflammatory mediators, playing an essential role in carcinogenesis, antiviral immunity and the interaction of host proteins with Herpesviral particles. The pathway has also been suggested to play a vital role in the clinical course of the acute infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2; known as coronavirus infection‑2019), a novel human coronavirus initially identified in the central Chinese city Wuhan towards the end of 2019, which evolved into a pandemic affecting nearly two million people worldwide. The infection mainly manifests as fever, cough, myalgia and pulmonary involvement, while it also attacks multiple viscera, such as the liver. The pathogenesis is characterized by a cytokine storm, with an overproduction of proinflammatory mediators. Innate and adaptive host immunity against the viral pathogen is exerted by various effectors and is regulated by different signaling pathways notably the JAK/STAT. The elucidation of the underlying mechanism of the regulation of mediating factors expressed in the viral infection would assist diagnosis and antiviral targeting therapy, which will help overcome the infection caused by SARS‑CoV‑2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
- Chinese-American Tumor Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Yunjing Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Song-Jun Shao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Pankaj Trivedi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome I-00158, Italy
| | - Biying Zheng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Liang Huang
- Chinese-American Tumor Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwei He
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
- Chinese-American Tumor Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
| | - Xiangning Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523808, P.R. China
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Shmueli M, Lendner I, Ben-Shimol S. Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pediatric infectious disease landscape. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1001-1009. [PMID: 37726566 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05210-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review aims to present an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on the landscape of pediatric infectious diseases. While COVID-19 generally results in mild symptoms and a favorable prognosis in children, the pandemic brought forth significant consequences. These included persistent symptoms among infected children ("long COVID"), a profound transformation in healthcare utilization (notably through the widespread adoption of telemedicine), and the implementation of optimization strategies within healthcare settings. Furthermore, the pandemic resulted in alterations in the circulation patterns of respiratory pathogens, including influenza, RSV, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The possible reasons for those changes are discussed in this review. COVID-19 effect was not limited to respiratory infectious diseases, as other diseases, including urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections, have displayed decreased transmission rates, likely attributable to heightened hygiene measures and shifts in care-seeking behaviors. Finally, the disruption of routine childhood vaccination programs has resulted in reduced immunization coverage and an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy. In addition, the pandemic was associated with issues of antibiotic misuse and over-prescription. Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound and multifaceted impact on the landscape of pediatric infectious diseases, ranging from the emergence of "long COVID" in children to significant changes in healthcare delivery, altered circulation patterns of various pathogens, and concerning disruptions in vaccination programs and antibiotic usage. What is Known: • COVID-19 usually presents with mild symptoms in children, although severe and late manifestations are possible. • The pandemic resulted in a dramatically increased use of health care services, as well as alterations in the circulation patterns of respiratory pathogens, decreased rates of other, non-respiratory, infections, disruption of routine childhood vaccination programs, and antibiotic misuse. What is New: • Possible strategies to tackle future outbreaks are presented, including changes in health care services utilization, implementation of updated vaccine programs and antibiotic stewardship protocols. • The decline in RSV and influenza circulation during COVID-19 was probably not primarily related to NPI measures, and rather related to other, non-NPI measures implementation, including specific pathogen-host interactions on the level of the biological niche (the nasopharynx).
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Shmueli
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Lendner
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Department B, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shalom Ben-Shimol
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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Rezvani M, Sabouri M, Aminmansour B, Falahpour S, Sourani A, Sharafi M, Baradaran Mahdavi S, Foroughi M, Nik Khah R, Sourani A, Veisi S. Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma following COVID-19 vaccination: a case report. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:612-619. [PMID: 38222759 PMCID: PMC10783308 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 vaccination side effects are rare but important medical situations. Spine-affecting side effects are amongst the rarest, but exceedingly important. Haemorrhagic spinal manifestations of COVID-19 and its vaccines are less reported with little knowledge about them. Case presentation An 80-year-old male who received his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine had developed COVID-19 pneumonia, weakness, and sensory problems in his legs followed by sphincter incontinence within 5 days period. MRI showed a spontaneous epidural spinal epidural haematoma (SSEDH) in T10-L1. He underwent laminectomy and haematoma evacuation. One month follow-up showed no clinical improvement. Discussion To our knowledge, this was the first post-vaccination SSEDH and second in haemorrhagic spinal complications following COVID-19 vaccination. Considering the neuropathogenesis pathway of COVID-19 and its vaccines, there are common mechanisms of action that could potentially justify post-vaccination SSEDH such as seen in COVID-19 infection, itself. Early Neurosurgical intervention and better preoperative neurological status could be a beneficial modifier for favourable clinical outcomes. Conclusion SSEDH and COVID-19 vaccine coincidence is a rare clinical event, still no solid association could be scientifically explained. Further studies are required for a reliable pathophysiologic association. Early diagnosis, interdisciplinary medical approach, and faster intervention are the cornerstone of the treatment paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Arman Sourani
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine
- Environment Research Center
| | | | - Sadegh Baradaran Mahdavi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease
| | - Mina Foroughi
- Isfahan Medical Students’ Research Committee (IMSRC), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roham Nik Khah
- Isfahan Medical Students’ Research Committee (IMSRC), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Armin Sourani
- Isfahan Medical Students’ Research Committee (IMSRC), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shaahin Veisi
- Isfahan Medical Students’ Research Committee (IMSRC), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Ibrahim BE, El-Amin RO, Abdulla STA. Evaluating the Triage of Suspected COVID-19 Cases in Sudan's Emergency Settings: A Clinical Audit. Open Access Emerg Med 2023; 15:373-382. [PMID: 37872979 PMCID: PMC10590591 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s433240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The inevitable coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic has severely affected Sudan's fragile healthcare system. The authors share the experience of COVID-19 triage in the emergency departments of five public hospitals in Khartoum state, Sudan. Methods A clinical audit was conducted in December 2020 using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Checklist and Monitoring Tool for Triage of Suspected COVID-19 Cases. The tool was categorised into 5 domains and 38 indicators. Results Only three hospitals had hand hygiene stations in their triage areas: Ibrahim Malik, Omdurman, and Al-Nau. Omdurman Teaching Hospital was the sole hospital with a designated respiratory waiting area. At Al-Nau and Omdurman Hospitals, all respiratory symptomatic patients wore a facemask or alternative. Ibrahim Malik and Bahri Teaching Hospitals had 60% and 50% compliance, respectively, while none at El-Tamayouz Hospital did. No posters or job aids were present in donning and doffing areas. Heavy duty gloves were worn only at Ibrahim Malik (50%) and Omdurman (20%). 100% of staff wore closed-toe footwear at Ibrahim Malik and Omdurman, 75% at El-Tamayouz, 63% at Bahri, and none at Al-Nau. Conclusion The healthcare facilities displayed significant shortcomings in preparedness and response to COVID-19, with variations across hospitals in infrastructure, human resources, and procedures. To better combat future outbreaks, systemic improvements and a focused approach on consistent staff training, standard triage algorithms, and adequate PPE availability are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan E Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
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Gasparello J, Marzaro G, Papi C, Gentili V, Rizzo R, Zurlo M, Scapoli C, Finotti A, Gambari R. Effects of Sulforaphane on SARS‑CoV‑2 infection and NF‑κB dependent expression of genes involved in the COVID‑19 'cytokine storm'. Int J Mol Med 2023; 52:76. [PMID: 37477130 PMCID: PMC10555481 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its spread at the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic represents one of the major health problems. Despite the approval, testing, and worldwide distribution of anti‑severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) vaccines, the development of specific antiviral agents targeting the SARS‑CoV‑2 life cycle with high efficiency, and/or interfering with the associated 'cytokine storm', is highly required. A recent study, conducted by the authors' group indicated that sulforaphane (SFN) inhibits the expression of IL‑6 and IL‑8 genes induced by the treatment of IB3‑1 bronchial cells with a recombinant spike protein of SARS‑CoV‑2. In the present study, the ability of SFN to inhibit SARS‑CoV‑2 replication and the expression of pro‑inflammatory genes encoding proteins of the COVID‑19 'cytokine storm' was evaluated. SARS‑CoV‑2 replication was assessed in bronchial epithelial Calu‑3 cells. Moreover, SARS‑CoV‑2 replication and expression of pro‑inflammatory genes was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative droplet digital PCR. The effects on the expression levels of NF‑κB were assessed by western blotting. Molecular dynamics simulations of NF‑kB/SFN interactions were conducted with Gromacs 2021.1 software under the Martini 2 CG force field. Computational studies indicated that i) SFN was stably bound with the NF‑κB monomer; ii) a ternary NF‑kB/SFN/DNA complex was formed; iii) the SFN interacted with both the protein and the nucleic acid molecules modifying the binding mode of the latter, and impairing the full interaction between the NF‑κB protein and the DNA molecule. This finally stabilized the inactive complex. Molecular studies demonstrated that SFN i) inhibits the SARS‑CoV‑2 replication in infected Calu‑3 cells, decreasing the production of the N‑protein coding RNA sequences, ii) decreased NF‑κB content in SARS‑CoV‑2 infected cells and inhibited the expression of NF‑kB‑dependent IL‑1β and IL‑8 gene expression. The data obtained in the present study demonstrated inhibitory effects of SFN on the SARS‑CoV‑2 life cycle and on the expression levels of the pro‑inflammatory genes, sustaining the possible use of SFN in the management of patients with COVID‑19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Giovanni Marzaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, I-35131 Padova
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Chiara Scapoli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, I-44121 Ferrara
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Fang J, Liu J, Cheng N, Kang X, Huang Z, Wang G, Xiong X, Lu T, Gong Z, Huang Z, Che J, Xiang T. Four thermostatic steps: A novel CRISPR-Cas12-based system for the rapid at-home detection of respiratory pathogens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12568-3. [PMID: 37166482 PMCID: PMC10173909 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2019 has severely damaged the world's economy and public health and made people pay more attention to respiratory infectious diseases. However, traditional quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) nucleic acid detection kits require RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and amplification, as well as the support of large-scale equipment to enrich and purify nucleic acids and precise temperature control. Therefore, novel, fast, convenient, sensitive and specific detection methods are urgently being developed and moving to proof of concept test. In this study, we developed a new nucleic acid detection system, referred to as 4 Thermostatic steps (4TS), which innovatively allows all the detection processes to be completed in a constant temperature device, which performs extraction, amplification, cutting of targets, and detection within 40 min. The assay can specifically and sensitively detect five respiratory pathogens, namely SARS-CoV-2, Mycoplasma felis (MF), Chlamydia felis (CF), Feline calicivirus (FCV), and Feline herpes virus (FHV). In addition, a cost-effective and practical small-scale reaction device was designed and developed to maintain stable reaction conditions. The results of the detection of the five viruses show that the sensitivity of the system is greater than 94%, and specificity is 100%. The 4TS system does not require complex equipment, which makes it convenient and fast to operate, and allows immediate testing for suspected infectious agents at home or in small clinics. Therefore, the assay system has diagnostic value and significant potential for further reducing the cost of early screening of infectious diseases and expanding its application. KEY POINTS: • The 4TS system enables the accurate and specific detection of nucleic acid of pathogens at 37 °C in four simple steps, and the whole process only takes 40 min. •A simple alkali solution can be used to extract nucleic acid. • A small portable device simple to operate is developed for home diagnosis and detection of respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Fang
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Cheng
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuhua Kang
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanchao Huang
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyu Wang
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Xiong
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Lu
- Jiangxi Zhongke Yanyuan Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Gong
- Jiangxi Zhongke Yanyuan Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Huang
- Emergency Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Jun Che
- Shenzhen Institute of Quality & Safety Inspection and Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China.
| | - Tianxin Xiang
- Department of Infection Control in Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 341000, People's Republic of China.
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Christ A, Staud CJ, Wielscher M, Resch A, Teufelsbauer M, Radtke C. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of severe burns : A single center study from a specialized burn center in Vienna. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:244-250. [PMID: 36757443 PMCID: PMC9909650 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-022-02149-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, very little detailed information on the epidemiological distribution and specificities of severely burned patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is available. This retrospective study aims to describe and compare this specific patient population based on 114 patients who were treated between March 2019 and March 2021 at the Center for Severe Burn Injuries at the Medical University of Vienna. METHODS To answer the research questions, a retrospective cohort study has been conducted over a period of 24 months, starting in March 2019 and ending in March 2021. To evaluate the epidemiological differences, the patients were divided into 2 observation periods of 12 months each. RESULTS In the period from 12 March 2020 to 11 March 2021, a total of 62 patients were admitted to the Center for Severe Burn Injuries. In comparison, only 52 patients were admitted in the same period of the previous year, which corresponds to an increase of 19.2%. In addition, it was noted that during the 2019-2020 observation period, 27% of patients were female and 73% male, whereas during the pandemic the gender distribution was 42% female and only 58% male. During the pre-pandemic observational period, 13 out of 52 patients admitted died (25%), whereas during the pandemic, 17 out of 62 patients succumbed to their injuries (27%). CONCLUSION Although the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be decreasing, especially due to the increasing availability of vaccines, there is a need for more data on the impact of the crisis on severely burned patients. In contrast to the current literature, we have seen a greater number of inpatient admissions to the Center for Severe Burn Injuries, as well as significant differences in gender distribution. Our data also suggest that the circumstances of the pandemic have no influence on the likelihood of survival for patients with severe burns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Christ
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clement J Staud
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Matthias Wielscher
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika Resch
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maryana Teufelsbauer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Radtke
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Zheng L, Zhang L, Zheng Y, An J, Wen G, Jin H, Tuo B. Digestive system infection by SARS‑CoV‑2: Entry mechanism, clinical symptoms and expression of major receptors (Review). Int J Mol Med 2023; 51:19. [PMID: 36660939 PMCID: PMC9911086 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), SARS‑coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) also harms the digestive system. Given the appearance of numerous cases of SARS‑CoV‑2, it has been demonstrated that SARS‑CoV‑2 is able to harm target organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas, and either worsen the condition of patients with basic digestive illnesses or make their prognosis poor. According to several previously published studies, angiotensin‑converting enzyme II (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease II (TMPRSS2) are expressed either singly or in combination in the digestive system and in other regions of the human body. In order to change the viral conformation, create a fusion hole and release viral RNA into the host cell for replication and transcription, SARS‑CoV‑2 is capable of binding to these two proteins through the spike protein on its surface. As a result, the body experiences an immune reaction and an inflammatory reaction, which may lead to nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated levels of liver enzymes, acute liver injury, pancreatitis and other serious lesions. In order to provide possible strategies for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases during the COVID‑19 pandemic, the molecular structure of SARS‑CoV‑2 and the mechanism via which SARS‑CoV‑2 enters the human body through ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were discussed in the present review, and the clinical manifestations of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection in the digestive system were also summarized. Finally, the expression characteristics of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the main target organs of the digestive system were described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Zunyi, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Guorong Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China,Correspondence to: Dr Biguang Tuo, Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Huichuan, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Martinot M, Eyriey M, Gravier S, Ion C, Mohseni-Zadeh M, Rougier E, Ongagna JC, Henric A, Schieber A, Kempf C. Characteristic and outcome changes in inpatients with COVID-19 during the four pre - Omicron waves. Hippokratia 2023; 27:1-6. [PMID: 38533230 PMCID: PMC10908314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Background Four waves of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in France between March 2020 and September 2021. COVID-19 inpatient characteristics change because of the influence of numerous parameters, especially immunization and circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) variants. Methods This retrospective single-center study analyzed patients with laboratory-proven COVID-19 admitted from 1/3/2020 to 30/6/2020 (wave one), 1/7/2020 to 31/12/2020 (wave two), 1/1/2021 to 30/6/2021 (wave three), and 1/7/2021 to 30/11/2021 (wave four). We compared the outcomes and baseline characteristics between these waves. Results In our center, 1,762 patients were hospitalized for COVID-19: 666 (37.8 %), 425 (24.1 %), 482 (27.3 %), and 189 (10.7 %) during waves 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients during the first wave were hospitalized later after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, had more severe disease conditions at baseline, and suffered higher intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization rates. Most patients from waves 1-3 were >70 years old, with 88-93 % having ≥1 comorbidity, whereas those from wave four were younger (68.0 years) with less comorbidities. The first two waves showed higher mortality rates (16.8 % and 20.0 %) than the latter (16.6 % and 9.5 %). Conclusion Patients during the first wave had more severe disease conditions at baseline and higher mortality and ICU hospitalization rates. Despite the more virulent circulating Delta variant during wave four, the death and hospitalization rates were markedly decreased during wave four. HIPPOKRATIA 2023, 27 (1):1-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martinot
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - M Eyriey
- Clinical Research Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - S Gravier
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - C Ion
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - M Mohseni-Zadeh
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - E Rougier
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - J-C Ongagna
- Clinical Research Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - A Henric
- Clinical Research Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - A Schieber
- Clinical Research Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
| | - C Kempf
- Clinical Research Department, Hôpitaux Civils de Colmar, Colmar, France
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Qi X, Li B, Omarini AB, Gand M, Zhang X, Wang J. Discovery of TCMs and derivatives against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 via high throughput screening, ADMET analysis, and inhibition assay in vitro. J Mol Struct 2022; 1268:133709. [PMID: 35846732 DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide with thousands of deaths and infected cases. For the identification of effective treatments against this disease, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS‑CoV‑2 was found to be an attractive drug target, as it played a central role in viral replication and transcription. Here, we report the results of high-throughput molecular docking with 1,045,468 ligands’ structures from 116 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Subsequently, 465 promising candidates were obtained, showing high binding affinities. The dynamic simulation, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and drug-likeness properties were further analyzed the screened docking results. Basing on these simulation results, 23 kinds of Chinese herbal extracts were employed to study their inhibitory activity for Mpro of SARS‑CoV‑2. Plants extracts from Forsythiae Fructus, Radix Puerariae, Radix astragali, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma showed acceptable inhibitory efficiencies, which were over 70%. The best candidate was Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, reaching 78.9%.
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11
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Qin Z, Sun Y, Zhang J, Zhou L, Chen Y, Huang C. Lessons from SARS‑CoV‑2 and its variants (Review). Mol Med Rep 2022; 26:263. [PMID: 35730623 PMCID: PMC9260876 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has swept through mainland China by human-to-human transmission. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including the currently prevalent Omicron strain, pose a serious threat worldwide. The present review summarizes epidemiological investigation and etiological analysis of genomic, epidemiological, and pathological characteristics of the original strain and its variants, as well as progress in diagnosis and treatment. Prevention and control measures used during the current Omicron pandemic are discussed to provide further knowledge of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Qin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Yujuan Chen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Chuanjun Huang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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12
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Abstract
Background: Vaccine apprehension poses a serious threat to global health. While there has been a tremendous global effort to create a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), little is known about its reception in Iraq. Therefore, we sought to examine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitation, and related elements in the Iraqi population. Methods: Between the 19th of May and the 22nd of September 2021, a descriptive, cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted employing a quantitative approach. Respondents from both sexes aged 18 years and above who live in Iraq and agreed to participate were included. An anonymized online structured questionnaire was designed based on data from prior research on vaccine hesitation in general, and COVID-19 vaccination reluctance specifically. Results: A total of 1221 eligible participants from various regions in Iraq actively participated in the short web-based questionnaire. The overall acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine was 56.2%, with a greater acceptance rate among younger male participants (p<0.05). Marital status had no significant association (p=0.834). Urbanization influenced the acceptance rate significantly (p=0.002). The barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine were exemplified by the vaccine not being evaluated for a sufficient period in 51.4% of the responses, as well as concerns about future side effects in 76.6% of the responses and a lack of efficacy in 55.7% of the responses. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine received 39.6% preference and participants confidence, followed by the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at 18.1% and the Sinopharm vaccine at 14.6%. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination apprehension was discovered in almost half of the study population. Lack of understanding about vaccination eligibility, anxiety about adverse events and vaccine efficacy, and distrust in the government were independently predictive of vaccine hesitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith G. Shareef
- Department Of Pharmacy, AL-Esraa University College, Baghdad, 10011, Iraq
| | | | - Sajid Majeed Hameed
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Medical Rehabilitation Hospital, Tikrit, 34001, Iraq
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13
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Shareef LG, Fawzi Al-Hussainy A, Majeed Hameed S. COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among Iraqi general population between beliefs and barriers: An observational study. F1000Res 2022; 11:334. [PMID: 35529280 PMCID: PMC9046899 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.110545.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Vaccine apprehension poses a serious threat to global health. While there has been a tremendous global effort to create a vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), little is known about its reception in Iraq. Therefore, we sought to examine COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitation, and related elements in the Iraqi population. Methods: Between the 19th of May and the 22nd of September 2021, a descriptive, cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted employing a quantitative approach. Respondents from both sexes aged 18 years and above who live in Iraq and agreed to participate were included. An anonymized online structured questionnaire was designed based on data from prior research on vaccine hesitation in general, and COVID-19 vaccination reluctance specifically. Results: A total of 1221 eligible participants from various regions in Iraq actively participated in the short web-based questionnaire. The overall acceptance rate of the COVID-19 vaccine was 56.2%, with a greater acceptance rate among younger male participants (p<0.05). Marital status had no significant association (p=0.834). Urbanization influenced the acceptance rate significantly (p=0.002). The barriers to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine were exemplified by the vaccine not being evaluated for a sufficient period in 51.4% of the responses, as well as concerns about future side effects in 76.6% of the responses and a lack of efficacy in 55.7% of the responses. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine received 39.6% preference and participants confidence, followed by the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine at 18.1% and the Sinopharm vaccine at 14.6%. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination apprehension was discovered in almost half of the study population. Lack of understanding about vaccination eligibility, anxiety about adverse events and vaccine efficacy, and distrust in the government were independently predictive of vaccine hesitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith G. Shareef
- Department Of Pharmacy, AL-Esraa University College, Baghdad, 10011, Iraq
| | | | - Sajid Majeed Hameed
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Medical Rehabilitation Hospital, Tikrit, 34001, Iraq
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14
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Cortese K, Holland G, Möller L, Gagliani MC, Barisione E, Ball L, Pelosi P, Grillo F, Mastracci L, Fiocca R, Laue M. Ultrastructural examination of lung "cryobiopsies" from a series of fatal COVID-19 cases hardly revealed infected cells. Virchows Arch 2022. [PMID: 35294603 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03308-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Ultrastructural analysis of autopsy samples from COVID-19 patients usually suffers from significant structural impairment possibly caused by the rather long latency between death of the patient and an appropriate sample fixation. To improve structural preservation of the tissue, we obtained samples from ventilated patients using a trans-bronchial “cryobiopsy” within 30 min after their death and fixed them immediately for electron microscopy. Samples of six COVID-19 patients with a documented histopathology were systematically investigated by thin section electron microscopy. The different samples and areas inspected revealed the ultrastructural correlates of the different phases of diffuse alveolar damage, including detachment of the alveolar epithelium, hyperplasia of type 2 cells, exudates, and accumulation of extracellular material, such as the hyaline membranes and fibrin. Macrophages and neutrophilic granulocytes were regularly detected. Structural integrity of endothelium was intact in regions where the alveolar epithelium was already detached. Aggregates of erythrocytes, leukocytes with fibrin, and thrombocytes were not observed. Coronavirus particles were only found in and around very few cells in one of the six patient samples. The type and origin of these cells could not be assessed although the overall structural preservation of the samples allowed the identification of pulmonary cell types. Hence, the observed alveolar damage is not associated with virus presence or structural impairment due to ongoing replication at later stages of the disease in fatal cases, which implies that the lung damage in these patients is at least propagated by alternative mechanisms, perhaps, an inappropriate immune or stress response.
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15
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Lu LY, Feng PH, Yu MS, Chen MC, Lin AJH, Chen JL, Yu LHL. Current utilization of interferon alpha for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019: A comprehensive review. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 63:34-43. [PMID: 35115233 PMCID: PMC8755267 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have identified an association between perturbed type I interferon (IFN) responses and the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). IFNα intervention may normalize the dysregulated innate immunity of COVID-19. However, details regarding its utilization and therapeutic evidence have yet to be systematically evaluated. The aim of this comprehensive review was to summarize the current utilization of IFNα for COVID-19 treatment and to explore the evidence on safety and efficacy. A comprehensive review of clinical studies in the literature prior to December 1st, 2021, was performed to identify the current utilization of IFNα, which included details on the route of administration, the number of patients who received the treatment, the severity at the initiation of treatment, age range, the time from the onset of symptoms to treatment, dose, frequency, and duration as well as safety and efficacy. Encouragingly, no evidence was found against the safety of IFNα treatment for COVID-19. Early intervention, either within five days from the onset of symptoms or at hospital admission, confers better clinical outcomes, whereas late intervention may result in prolonged hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ying Lu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hao Feng
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, No. 291, Zhongzheng Rd, Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Sun Yu
- Division of Hematology, Conde S. Januário Hospital, Estrada do Visconde de São Januário, Macau, China
| | - Min-Chi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, No. 259, Wenhua 1st Road, Guishan District, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Alex Jia-Hong Lin
- Medical Affairs Department, Panco Healthcare Co., Ltd., a PharmaEssentia Company, 2F-5 No. 3 Park Street, Nangang District, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Justin L. Chen
- Medical Affairs Department, Panco Healthcare Co., Ltd., a PharmaEssentia Company, 2F-5 No. 3 Park Street, Nangang District, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lennex Hsueh-Lin Yu
- Medical Affairs Department, Panco Healthcare Co., Ltd., a PharmaEssentia Company, 2F-5 No. 3 Park Street, Nangang District, Taipei, Taiwan,Corresponding author
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16
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Geronikolou SA, Takan I, Pavlopoulou A, Mantzourani M, Chrousos GP. Thrombocytopenia in COVID‑19 and vaccine‑induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:35. [PMID: 35059730 PMCID: PMC8815408 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly heterogeneous symptomatology and unpredictable progress of COVID-19 triggered unprecedented intensive biomedical research and a number of clinical research projects. Although the pathophysiology of the disease is being progressively clarified, its complexity remains vast. Moreover, some extremely infrequent cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenia following vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection have been observed. The present study aimed to map the signaling pathways of thrombocytopenia implicated in COVID-19, as well as in vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). The biomedical literature database, MEDLINE/PubMed, was thoroughly searched using artificial intelligence techniques for the semantic relations among the top 50 similar words (>0.9) implicated in COVID-19-mediated human infection or VITT. Additionally, STRING, a database of primary and predicted associations among genes and proteins (collected from diverse resources, such as documented pathway knowledge, high-throughput experimental studies, cross-species extrapolated information, automated text mining results, computationally predicted interactions, etc.), was employed, with the confidence threshold set at 0.7. In addition, two interactomes were constructed: i) A network including 119 and 56 nodes relevant to COVID-19 and thrombocytopenia, respectively; and ii) a second network containing 60 nodes relevant to VITT. Although thrombocytopenia is a dominant morbidity in both entities, three nodes were observed that corresponded to genes (AURKA, CD46 and CD19) expressed only in VITT, whilst ADAM10, CDC20, SHC1 and STXBP2 are silenced in VITT, but are commonly expressed in both COVID-19 and thrombocytopenia. The calculated average node degree was immense (11.9 in COVID-19 and 6.43 in VITT), illustrating the complexity of COVID-19 and VITT pathologies and confirming the importance of cytokines, as well as of pathways activated following hypoxic events. In addition, PYCARD, NLP3 and P2RX7 are key potential therapeutic targets for all three morbid entities, meriting further research. This interactome was based on wild-type genes, revealing the predisposition of the body to hypoxia-induced thrombosis, leading to the acute COVID-19 phenotype, the 'long-COVID syndrome', and/or VITT. Thus, common nodes appear to be key players in illness prevention, progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani A Geronikolou
- Clinical, Translational and Experimental Surgery Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Işil Takan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), 35340 Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Marina Mantzourani
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Clinical, Translational and Experimental Surgery Research Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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17
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Guzman-Esquivel J, Galvan-Salazar HR, Guzman-Solorzano HP, Cuevas-Velazquez AC, Guzman-Solorzano JA, Mokay-Ramirez KA, Paz-Michel BA, Murillo-Zamora E, Delgado-Enciso J, Melnikov V, Delgado-Enciso OG, Rodriguez-Sanchez IP, Martinez-Fierro ML, Rojas-Larios F, Walle-Guillen M, Cardenas-Aguilar CB, Beas-Guzman O, Chaviano-Conesa D, Garcia-Garcia HS, Delgado-Enciso I. Efficacy of the use of mefenamic acid combined with standard medical care vs. standard medical care alone for the treatment of COVID‑19: A randomized double‑blind placebo‑controlled trial. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:29. [PMID: 35029292 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mefenamic acid is a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug exhibiting a wide range of anti‑inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic and probable antiviral activities. The present study evaluated the efficacy of treatment with mefenamic acid combined with standard medical care vs. standard medical care plus a placebo in ambulatory patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19; nasal/oropharyngeal swabs reverse transcription‑PCR test results positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The present study is a phase II prospective, two‑arm, parallel‑group, randomized, double‑blind placebo‑controlled clinical trial which analyzed 36 patients. Two aspects were evaluated during the 14‑day follow‑up period: i) The time for reaching a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), and ii) the last day of each COVID‑19 symptom presentation. Adverse effects were evaluated. The clinical severity for all the patients in the study was mild (88.9%) and moderate (11.1%). The control (placebo) group achieved PASS on day 8.0±1.3, compared with day 4.4±0.8 in the mefenamic acid group (P=0.020, Kaplan‑Meier analyses using log‑rank tests). Patients that received mefenamic acid plus standard medical care had a ~16‑fold higher probability of achieving PASS on day 8 (adjusted RR, 15.57; 95% CI, 1.22‑198.71; P=0.035), compared with the placebo plus standard medical care group. All symptoms lasted for fewer days in the mefenamic acid group, compared with the placebo group; however, only the symptoms of headache (P=0.008), retro‑orbital eye pain (P=0.049), and sore throat (P=0.029) exhibited statistically significant differences. The experimental treatment produced no severe adverse effects. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the administration of mefenamic acid markedly reduced the symptomatology and time to reach PASS in ambulatory patients with COVID‑19. Due to its probable antiviral effects and potent anti‑inflammatory mechanisms, mefenamic acid may prove to be useful in the treatment of COVID‑19, in combination with other drugs, including the new antivirals (remdesivir, molnupiravir, or favipiravir). However, future studies are also required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Guzman-Esquivel
- Department of Research, General Hospital of Zone No. 1 IMSS, Villa de Alvarez, Colima 28984, Mexico
| | - Hector R Galvan-Salazar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jose A Guzman-Solorzano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Karen A Mokay-Ramirez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Brenda A Paz-Michel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Efren Murillo-Zamora
- Department of Research, General Hospital of Zone No. 1 IMSS, Villa de Alvarez, Colima 28984, Mexico
| | - Josuel Delgado-Enciso
- Department of Research, Foundation for Cancer Ethics, Education and Research of the Cancerology State Institute, Colima 28085, Mexico
| | - Valery Melnikov
- Department of Research, General Hospital of Zone No. 1 IMSS, Villa de Alvarez, Colima 28984, Mexico
| | - Osiris G Delgado-Enciso
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Iram P Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Laboratory of Molecular and Structural Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo León 66455, Mexico
| | - Margarita L Martinez-Fierro
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Academic Unit of Human Medicine and Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico
| | - Fabian Rojas-Larios
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Mireya Walle-Guillen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | | | - Oscar Beas-Guzman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Daniel Chaviano-Conesa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Hossana S Garcia-Garcia
- Department of Research, General Hospital of Zone No. 1 IMSS, Villa de Alvarez, Colima 28984, Mexico
| | - Ivan Delgado-Enciso
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
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18
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Marciniak E, Górniak A, Hanke W. [Long lasting symptoms of dyspnea, cough and fatigue after COVID-19 - narrative review of epidemiological studies]. Med Pr 2021; 72:711-720. [PMID: 34850782 DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
"Long-COVID" is described as long-term effects of SARS‑ CoV‑2 infection that last >4 weeks after the acutephase of infection. The aim of this narrative reviews to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of 3 symptoms often observed in Long-COVID, i.e., chronic fatigue, shortness of breath and cough, and whether comorbidities such as diabetes and arterial hypertension increase the risk of complications after a history of SARS‑ CoV‑2 infection. The method of narrative review was used in this paper. PubMed (May 31, 2021) search was performed to retrieve articles concerning the occurrence of long COVID-19 chronic fatigue, dyspnoea and chronic cough. Studies in which the observation period was <30 days and the average age of subjects exceeded 60 years, as well as studies with no information on the methodology used, in particular without the method of recruiting people for the study, were excluded. Populations with a high frequency of diabetes were defined as the prevalence >10%, and in the case of arterial hypertension >40%. The average frequency of diabetes <10%, hypertension 40%. It can be concluded that in the period of >30 days after discharge from the hospital, in populations with a high incidence of diabetes and hypertension, the incidence of chronic fatigue and cough was higher than in the other analyzed groups. Symptoms of dyspnea were most frequently reported in populations with high rates of diabetes, but at the same time in the average percentage of people with arterial hypertension. Persistent symptoms specific to "Long-COVID" can significantly reduce the ability to perform work. In this situation, check-ups performed before returning to work after long-term leave tape on a new dimension. Med Pr. 2021;72(6):711-20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Marciniak
- Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Zakład Epidemiologii Środowiskowej / Department of Environmental Epidemiology)
| | - Anna Górniak
- Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Zakład Epidemiologii Środowiskowej / Department of Environmental Epidemiology)
| | - Wojciech Hanke
- Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Zakład Epidemiologii Środowiskowej / Department of Environmental Epidemiology)
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19
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Bertino V, Credendino O, Sorrentino L, Alinei P, Avino D, Bencivenga M, Coppola C, Del Prete M, Di Muro T, Evangelista C, Giannattasio P, Iannuzzi M, Lus G, Meo R, Stellato D, Iacobellis F, Romano L, De Angelis V, Perrotta M, Borrelli S. [Acute severe respiratory distress in chronic haemodialytic patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: prevalence and associated factors. A single-centre experience from Cardarelli Hospital in Naples (Italy)]. G Ital Nefrol 2021; 38:38-06-2021-07. [PMID: 34919797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: SARS‑CoV‑2-induced severe acute respiratory syndrome is associated with high mortality in the general population; however, the data on chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients are currently scarce. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with SARS‑CoV‑2-induced interstitial pneumonia diagnosed by PCR test and detected by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). For each patient, we calculated a CT score between 0 and 24, based on the severity of pneumonia. The primary outcome was the onset of ARDS, detected by P/F ratio >200. We included 57/90 HD patients (age: 66.5 ±13.4 years, 61.4 % males, 42.1% diabetics, 52.6% CV disease) treated at the Cardarelli Hospital in Naples (Italy) from 1st September 2020 to 31st March 2021. All patients were treated with intermittent HD. Results: Patients who experienced ARDS had a more severe pneumonia (CT score: 15 [C.I.95%:10-21] in ARDS patients vs 7 [C.I.95%: 1-16] in no ARDS; P=0.015). Logistic regression showed that the CT score was the main factor associated with the onset of ARDS (1.12; 95% c.i.: 1.00-1.25), independently from age, gender, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prior CV disease. Thirty-day mortality was much greater in ARDS patients (83,3%) than in no-ARDS (19.3%). Conclusions: This retrospective analysis highlights that HD patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia show an increased risk of developing ARDS, dependent on the severity of CT at presentation. This underlines once again the need for prevention strategies, in primis the vaccination campaign, for these frail patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Bertino
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Olga Credendino
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Livia Sorrentino
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Pietro Alinei
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Deborah Avino
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marianna Bencivenga
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Coppola
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Del Prete
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Tito Di Muro
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Ciriana Evangelista
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Giannattasio
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - MariaRosaria Iannuzzi
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lus
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Meo
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Davide Stellato
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacobellis
- Dipartimento di Radiologia Generale e di Urgenza dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigia Romano
- Dipartimento di Radiologia Generale e di Urgenza dell'Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale "Antonio Cardarelli", Napoli, Italia
| | | | - Margherita Perrotta
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvio Borrelli
- Unità di Nefrologia dell'Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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20
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Tsatsakis A, Vakonaki E, Tzatzarakis M, Flamourakis M, Nikolouzakis TK, Poulas K, Papazoglou G, Hatzidaki E, Papanikolaou NC, Drakoulis N, Iliaki E, Goulielmos GN, Kallionakis M, Lazopoulos G, Kteniadakis S, Alegkakis A, Farsalinos K, Spandidos DA. Immune response (IgG) following full inoculation with BNT162b2 COVID‑19 mRNA among healthcare professionals. Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:200. [PMID: 34515322 PMCID: PMC8448546 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soon after the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in December, 2019, numerous research teams, assisted by vast capital investments, achieved vaccine development in a fraction of time. However, almost 8 months following the initiation of the European vaccination programme, the need for prospective monitoring of the vaccine-induced immune response, its determinants and related side-effects remains a priority. The present study aimed to quantify the immune response following full vaccination with the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine by measuring the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers in healthcare professionals. Moreover, common side-effects and factors associated with IgG titers were identified. For this purpose, blood samples from 517 individuals were obtained and analysed. Blood sampling was performed at a mean period of 69.0±23.5 days following the second dose of the vaccine. SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers had an overall mean value of 4.23±2.76. Females had higher titers than males (4.44±2.70 and 3.89 ±2.84, respectively; P=0.007), while non-smokers had higher titers than smokers (4.48±2.79 and 3.80±2.64, respectively; P=0.003). An older age was also associated with lower antibody titers (P<0.001). Moreover, the six most prevalent adverse effects were pain at the injection site (72.1%), generalized fatigue (40.5%), malaise (36.3%), myalgia (31,0%), headache (25.8%) and dizziness/weakness (21.6%). The present study demonstrated that the immune response after receiving the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is dependent on various modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Overall, the findings of the present study highlight two key aspects of the vaccination programs: First, the need for prospective immunosurveillance studies in order to estimate the duration of immunity, and second, the need to identify those individuals who are at a greater risk of developing low IgG titers in order to evaluate the need for a third dose of the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Elena Vakonaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Tzatzarakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Matthaios Flamourakis
- Department of General Surgery, Venizeleion General Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Poulas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500 Rio‑Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios Papazoglou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Venizeleion General Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Hatzidaki
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Iliaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Venizeleion General Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios N Goulielmos
- Section of Molecular Pathology and Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Manolis Kallionakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios Lazopoulos
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Athanasios Alegkakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Farsalinos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26500 Rio‑Patras, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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21
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Aung MN, Stein C, Chen WT, Garg V, Saraswati Sitepu M, Thu NTD, Gundran CPD, Hassan MR, Suthutvoravut U, Soe AN, Nour M, Gyi KK, Brandl R, Yuasa M. Community responses to COVID-19 pandemic first wave containment measures: a multinational study. J Infect Dev Ctries 2021; 15:1107-1116. [PMID: 34516418 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.15254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION National strategies to control COVID-19 pandemic consisted mostly of social distancing measures such as lockdowns, curfews, and stay-home guidelines, personal protection such as hand hygiene and mask wearing, as well as contact tracing, isolation and quarantine. Whilst policy interventions were broadly similar across the globe, there were some differences in individual and community responses. This study explored community responses to COVID-19 containment measures in different countries and synthesized a model. This exaplains the community response to pandemic containment measures in the local context, so as to be suitably prepared for future interventions and research. METHODOLOGY A mutlinational study was conducted from April-June 2020 involving researchers from 12 countries (Japan, Austria, U.S., Taiwan, India, Sudan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand). Steps in this research consisted of carrying out open-ended questionnaires, qualitative analyses in NVivo, and a multinational meeting to reflect, exchange, and validate results. Lastly, a commuinty response model was synthesized from multinational experiences. RESULTS Effective communication is key in promoting collective action for preventing virus transmission. Health literacy, habits and social norms in different populations are core components of public health interventions. To enable people to stay home while sustaining livelihoods, economic and social support are essential. Countries could benefit from previous pandemic experience in their community response. Whilst contact tracing and isolation are crucial intervention components, issues of privacy and human rights need to be considered. CONCLUSIONS Understanding community responses to containment policies will help in ending current and future pandemics in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo Nyein Aung
- Advanced Research Institute for Health Sciences and Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | - Wei-Ti Chen
- UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Vandana Garg
- Manav Rachna International Institute of research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | | | - Nguyen Thi Dang Thu
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue Univeristy, Thua Thien Hue,Vietnam
| | - Carlos Primero D Gundran
- Department of Health Policies and Administration, College of Public Health, University of Phillipines, Manila, Phillipines
| | - Mohd Rohaizat Hassan
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Unyaporn Suthutvoravut
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathiboidi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Aung Naing Soe
- City Cancer Foundation, Yangon, Myanmar, and Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Magde Nour
- Kristiania University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Khin Khin Gyi
- Central Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar
| | | | - Motoyuki Yuasa
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Zhu G, Lyu L, Yang H, Liu G, Yang S, Gu C, Wang L, Yan H, Hu M, Che C. SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein‑induced host inflammatory response signature in human corneal epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:584. [PMID: 34132373 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‑2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), led to an outbreak of viral pneumonia in December 2019. The present study aimed to investigate the host inflammatory response signature‑caused by SARS‑CoV‑2 in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). The expression level of angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the human cornea was determined via immunofluorescence. In vitro experiments were performed in HCECs stimulated with the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein. Moreover, the expression levels of ACE2, IL‑8, TNF‑α, IL‑6, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and IL‑1β in HCECs were detected using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and/or western blotting. It was identified that ACE2 was expressed in normal human corneal epithelium and HCECs cultured in vitro. Furthermore, the expression levels of IL‑8, TNF‑α and IL‑6 in HCECs were decreased following SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein stimulation, while the expression levels of GSDMD and IL‑1β were increased. In conclusion, the present results demonstrated that the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike protein suppressed the host inflammatory response and induced pyroptosis in HCECs. Therefore, blocking the ACE2 receptor in HCECs may reduce the infection rate of COVID‑19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Leyu Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Guibo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Chuankai Gu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Limei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Haijing Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
| | - Ming Hu
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266021, P.R. China
| | - Chengye Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, P.R. China
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23
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Falzone L, Gattuso G, Tsatsakis A, Spandidos DA, Libra M. Current and innovative methods for the diagnosis of COVID‑19 infection (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:100. [PMID: 33846767 PMCID: PMC8043662 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic has forced the scientific community to rapidly develop highly reliable diagnostic methods in order to effectively and accurately diagnose this pathology, thus limiting the spread of infection. Although the structural and molecular characteristics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) were initially unknown, various diagnostic strategies useful for making a correct diagnosis of COVID‑19 have been rapidly developed by private research laboratories and biomedical companies. At present, rapid antigen or antibody tests, immunoenzymatic serological tests and molecular tests based on RT‑PCR are the most widely used and validated techniques worldwide. Apart from these conventional methods, other techniques, including isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas (CRISPR/Cas)‑based approaches or digital PCR methods are currently used in research contexts or are awaiting approval for diagnostic use by competent authorities. In order to provide guidance for the correct use of COVID‑19 diagnostic tests, the present review describes the diagnostic strategies available which may be used for the diagnosis of COVID‑19 infection in both clinical and research settings. In particular, the technical and instrumental characteristics of the diagnostic methods used are described herein. In addition, updated and detailed information about the type of sample, the modality and the timing of use of specific tests are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute-IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Center for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Tumors, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
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24
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Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19) pandemic has forced the scientific community to rapidly develop highly reliable diagnostic methods in order to effectively and accurately diagnose this pathology, thus limiting the spread of infection. Although the structural and molecular characteristics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) were initially unknown, various diagnostic strategies useful for making a correct diagnosis of COVID‑19 have been rapidly developed by private research laboratories and biomedical companies. At present, rapid antigen or antibody tests, immunoenzymatic serological tests and molecular tests based on RT‑PCR are the most widely used and validated techniques worldwide. Apart from these conventional methods, other techniques, including isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas (CRISPR/Cas)‑based approaches or digital PCR methods are currently used in research contexts or are awaiting approval for diagnostic use by competent authorities. In order to provide guidance for the correct use of COVID‑19 diagnostic tests, the present review describes the diagnostic strategies available which may be used for the diagnosis of COVID‑19 infection in both clinical and research settings. In particular, the technical and instrumental characteristics of the diagnostic methods used are described herein. In addition, updated and detailed information about the type of sample, the modality and the timing of use of specific tests are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute‑IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', I‑80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Demetrios A Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I‑95123 Catania, Italy
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25
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Trovato M, Sciacchitano S, Facciolà A, Valenti A, Visalli G, Di Pietro A. Interleukin‑6 signalling as a valuable cornerstone for molecular medicine (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:107. [PMID: 33907833 PMCID: PMC8057292 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological abilities of interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been under investigation for nearly 40 years. IL-6 works through an interaction with the complex peptide IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). IL-6 is built with four α-chain nanostructures, while two different chains, IL-6Rα (gp80) and gp130/IL6β (gp130), are included in IL-6R. The three-dimensional shapes of the six chains composing the IL-6/IL-6R complex are the basis for the nanomolecular roles of IL-6 signalling. Genes, pseudogenes and competitive endogenous RNAs of IL-6 have been identified. In the present review, the roles played by miRNA in the post-transcriptional regulation of IL-6 expression are evaluated. mRNAs are absorbed via the 'sponge' effect to dynamically balance mRNA levels and this has been assessed with regard to IL-6 transcription efficiency. According to current knowledge on molecular and nanomolecular structures involved in active IL-6 signalling, two different IL-6 models have been proposed. IL-6 mainly has functions in inflammatory processes, as well as in cognitive activities. Furthermore, the abnormal production of IL-6 has been found in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; also known as COVID-19). In the present review, both inflammatory and cognitive IL-6 models were analysed by evaluating the cytological and histological locations of IL-6 signalling. The goal of this review was to illustrate the roles of the classic and trans-signalling IL-6 pathways in endocrine glands such as the thyroid and in the central nervous system. Specifically, autoimmune thyroid diseases, disorders of cognitive processes and SARS-CoV-2 virus infection have been examined to determine the contribution of IL-6 to these disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Trovato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Facciolà
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Valenti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Visalli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico Universitario, I‑98125 Messina, Italy
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26
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Katopodis P, Kerslake R, Davies J, Randeva HS, Chatha K, Hall M, Spandidos DA, Anikin V, Polychronis A, Robertus JL, Kyrou I, Karteris E. COVID‑19 and SARS‑CoV‑2 host cell entry mediators: Expression profiling of TMRSS4 in health and disease. Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:64. [PMID: 33649798 PMCID: PMC7914073 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus‑2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), the causative viral agent for the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic, enters its host cells primarily via the binding of the SARS‑CoV‑2 spike (S) proteins to the angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). A number of other cell entry mediators have also been identified, including neuropilin‑1 (NRP1) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). More recently, it has been demonstrated that transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) along with TMPRSS2 activate the SARS‑CoV‑2 S proteins, and enhance the viral infection of human small intestinal enterocytes. To date, a systematic analysis of TMPRSS4 in health and disease is lacking. In the present study, using in silico tools, the gene expression and genetic alteration of TMPRSS4 were analysed across numerous tumours and compared to controls. The observations were also expanded to the level of the central nervous system (CNS). The findings revealed that TMPRSS4 was overexpressed in 11 types of cancer, including lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, cervical squamous cell carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, ovarian cancer, cancer of the rectum, pancreatic cancer, colon and stomach adenocarcinoma, uterine carcinosarcoma and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, whilst it was significantly downregulated in kidney carcinomas, acute myeloid leukaemia, skin cutaneous melanoma and testicular germ cell tumours. Finally, a high TMPRSS4 expression was documented in the olfactory tubercle, paraolfactory gyrus and frontal operculum, all brain regions which are associated with the sense of smell and taste. Collectively, these data suggest that TMPRSS4 may play a role in COVID‑19 symptomatology as another SARS‑CoV‑2 host cell entry mediator responsible for the tropism of this coronavirus both in the periphery and the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periklis Katopodis
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London UB9 6JH, UK
| | - Rachel Kerslake
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London UB9 6JH, UK
| | - Julie Davies
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Kamaljit Chatha
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Marcia Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Middlesex HA6 2RN, UK
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vladimir Anikin
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London UB9 6JH, UK
| | | | - Jan L. Robertus
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London UB9 6JH, UK
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27
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Vlachou M, Siamidi A, Dedeloudi A, Konstantinidou SK, Papanastasiou IP. Pineal hormone melatonin as an adjuvant treatment for COVID‑19 (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:47. [PMID: 33576451 PMCID: PMC7891824 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial properties of the pineal hormone, melatonin, as a neuroprotective and cardioprotective agent, have been previously identified. Furthermore, melatonin plays essential roles in biological rhythms resynchronization, sleep initiation/maintenance and metabolic, ocular, rheumatological diseases. In addition to these functions, melatonin is known to exert immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Due to these properties, coupled with its non-toxic nature, melatonin has been suggested to limit viral infections; however, melatonin cannot be classified as a viricidal drug. In addition, the recent increase in the number of clinical trials on melatonin's role, as an adjuvant treatment for COVID-19, has resurged the interest of the scientific community in this hormone. The present short review aimed to improve the understanding of the antiviral/anti-COVID-19 profile of melatonin and the clinical trials that have recently been conducted, with respect to its co-administration in treating individuals with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Vlachou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Siamidi
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Dedeloudi
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia K Konstantinidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Diabetes Center, Medical School, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis P Papanastasiou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece
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28
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Cai L, Guo X, Cao Y, Ying P, Hong L, Zhang Y, Yi G, Fu M. Determining available strategies for prevention and therapy: Exploring COVID‑19 from the perspective of ACE2 (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:43. [PMID: 33576441 PMCID: PMC7891831 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious pneumonia caused by a novel type of coronavirus infection. There are currently no clinically available specific drugs for the treatment of this virus. The process of host invasion is the key to viral infection, and it is a mechanism that needs to be considered when exploring antiviral drugs. At present, studies have confirmed that angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is the main functional receptor through which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) invades host cells. Therefore, a number of studies have focused on this field. However, as ACE2 may play a dual role in mediating susceptibility and immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the role of ACE2 in viral infection is controversial. Beginning with the physiological function of ACE2, the present review article summarizes the influence of the ACE2 content on the susceptibility to the virus and acute lung injury. Drug mechanisms were taken as the starting point, combined with the results of clinical trials, specifically elaborating upon and analyzing the efficacy of several ACE2-centered therapeutic drugs and their potential effects. In addition, the current status of ACE2 as a targeted therapy for COVID-19 is discussed in order to provide new insight into the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Cai
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Xi Guo
- Medical College of Rehabilitation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yuchen Cao
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Peixi Ying
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Libing Hong
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yuxi Zhang
- The Second Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Guoguo Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun‑Yat‑Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, P.R. China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, P.R. China
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