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1
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Al-Naimi MS, Abu-Raghif AR, Fawzi HA. Novel therapeutic effects of rifaximin in combination with methylprednisolone for LPS-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in mice: An in vivo study. Toxicol Rep 2024; 13:101808. [PMID: 39640902 PMCID: PMC11617758 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/09/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokine-releasing syndrome (CRS) is a special form of systemic inflammatory response syndrome provoked by factors like viral infections and certain immunomodulatory drugs. To elucidate the potential role of rifaximin (RIF) and its combination with methylprednisolone (MP) against the development and progression of CRS in mice. This experiment consists of two parts: protective and therapeutic interventions. The protective experiment: in the induction group, mice received an intraperitoneal injection (IP) of 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) without intervention. The other group received various drugs before the induction by three days, then observed for an additional two days (50 mg/kg MP, 50 mg/kg RIF, and a combination of 25 mg/kg RIF with 25 mg/kg MP. The second part of the study involves the therapeutic potential; all groups received similar doses of drugs to that received in the prevention groups, except LPS induction was given first, and after one hour, the mice received daily doses of the drugs for five days. At the end of the experiment, blood and tissue samples were obtained. Mice treated with RIF and its combination with MP showed improved serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, INF-γ, MDA, and GSH in both prevention and therapeutic groups. Histopathologically, mice treated with rifaximin and its combination with MP ameliorates the tissue damage in both lung and liver tissues following LPS induction. In conclusion, rifaximin showed protective and therapeutic effects in LPS-induced cytokine storms in mice through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, and its combination with methylprednisolone showed additive/ synergistic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Salih Al-Naimi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed R. Abu-Raghif
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
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2
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Cappell MS, Tobi M, Friedel DM. The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Miscellaneous Inflammatory Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:115-138. [PMID: 36813420 PMCID: PMC9537253 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus pandemic of COVID-19 has emerged as a highly significant recent threat to global health with about 600,000,000 known infections and more than 6,450,000 deaths worldwide since its emergence in late 2019. COVID-19 symptoms are predominantly respiratory, with mortality largely related to pulmonary manifestations, but the virus also potentially infects all parts of the gastrointestinal tract with related symptoms and manifestations that affect patient treatment and outcome. COVID-19 can directly infect the gastrointestinal tract because of the presence of widespread angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors in the stomach and small intestine that can cause local COVID-19 infection and associated inflammation. This work reviews the pathopysiology, clinical manifestations, workup, and treatment of miscellaneous inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract other than inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S Cappell
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Hospital, Gastroenterology Service, Main Building, Room 3212, 1500 Weiss Street, Saginaw, MI 48602, USA.
| | - Martin Tobi
- Department of Research and Development, John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4747 John R. Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - David M Friedel
- Division of Therapeutic Endoscopy, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NY of New York University Langone Hospital, 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
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3
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Peck‐Radosavljevic M, Burra P, Ferret MB, Fracasso P, Ricciardiello L, Seufferlein T, Van Hootegem P, van Leerdam M, Zelber‐Sagi S. COVID-19 and digestive health: Implications for prevention, care and the use of COVID-19 vaccines in vulnerable patients. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 9:1091-1095. [PMID: 34716760 PMCID: PMC8598962 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologyMultivisceral Transplant UnitPadua University HospitalItaly
| | | | | | - Luigi Ricciardiello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciencesrgical SciencesUniversita degli Studi di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | | | - Philippe Van Hootegem
- Department of Internal Medicine and Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologySint‐Lucas General HospitalBruggeBelgium
| | | | - Shira Zelber‐Sagi
- School of Public HealthFaculty of Social Welfare and Health SciencesUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
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4
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Omar AS, Kaddoura R, Orabi B, Hanoura S. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on liver, liver diseases, and liver transplantation programs in intensive care units. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1215-1233. [PMID: 34786163 PMCID: PMC8568568 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i10.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging worldwide data have been suggesting that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic consequences are not limited to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems but encompass adverse gastrointestinal manifestations including acute liver injury as well. Severe cases of liver injury associated with higher fatality rates were observed in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Intensive care units (ICU) have been the center of disposition of severe cases of COVID-19. This review discusses the pathogenesis of acute liver injury in ICU patients with COVID-19, and analyzes its prevalence, consequences, possible drug-induced liver injury, and the impact of the pandemic on liver diseases and transplantation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Salah Omar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, DA, Qatar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef 61355, Egypt
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Rasha Kaddoura
- Department of Pharmacy, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, DA, Qatar
| | - Bassant Orabi
- Department of Pharmacy, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, DA, Qatar
| | - Samy Hanoura
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, DA, Qatar
- Department of Anesthesia, Alazhar University, Cairo 6050, Egypt
- Department of Anesthesia, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha 3050, DA, Qatar
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5
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Kim KH, Kim SB. Comparison of the impact of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between pre-COVID-19 and current COVID-19 outbreaks in South Korea: Retrospective survey. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:8404-8412. [PMID: 34754849 PMCID: PMC8554445 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i28.8404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has markedly influenced the endoscopic patterns. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an essential technique for pancreatobiliary disease but increases the risk of exposure to the virus-containing body fluid; however, the impact of COVID-19 on ERCP is unknown.
AIM To compare the number of endoscopic activities and to analyze the clinical outcomes of ERCPs before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in Daegu, South Kore.
METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent ERCP between February 18 and March 28, 2020, at a tertiary hospital. ERCP indications and endoscopic details were compared with those from the same period in 2018 and 2019 as control groups.
RESULTS Of the 269 ERCP procedures, 113 (42.0%) cases were performed as emergency procedures. The number of ERCP procedures in 2018 and 2019 decreased by 20.2% and 56.6%, respectively, compared with that in 2020 (P < 0.01); among the 113 emergency ERCPs, the observed numbers in 2018 (n = 42) and 2019 (n = 55) dramatically dropped by 61.9% and 70.9%, respectively, compared with that in 2020 (n = 16). Of the 16 cases in 2020, stone removal was performed in five, biliary stenting in five, sphincterotomy in five, and nasobiliary drainage in one. No case of ERCP-related infection in medical workers or other patients has been reported.
CONCLUSION The COVID-19 outbreak significantly reduced the number of ERCPs; however, there is no difference in the indications and endoscopic interventions before and during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kook Hyun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University, College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
| | - Sung Bum Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University, College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
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6
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a bidirectional interaction between the intestines and lungs, the so-called lung-intestinal axis. METHOD The review article reports on studies that deal with a possible influence of the intestinal microbiota on the immune response to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Studies have shown that COVID-19 is accompanied by dysbiosis that persists even after successful virus conversion (negative PCR). One study found that the severity of COVID-19 is associated with the intestinal microbiota. A dysbiosis could thus favor the so-called cytokine storm. There is indication that pre- and probiotics could boost the immune response in both the guts and lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Konturek
- Klinik für Innere Med. II/Saalfeld, Thüringen-Kliniken "Georgius Agricola" GmbH, Rainweg 68, 07318, Saalfeld, Germany.
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Kim KH, Kim SB, Kim TN. Changes in endoscopic patterns before and during COVID-19 outbreak: Experience at a single tertiary center in Korean. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:3576-3585. [PMID: 34046457 PMCID: PMC8130062 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i15.3576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients has markedly influenced the treatment policies of tertiary hospitals because of the need to protect medical staff and contain viral transmission, but the impact COVID-19 had on emergency gastrointestinal endoscopies has not been determined.
AIM To compare endoscopic activities and analyze the clinical outcomes of emergency endoscopies performed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in Daegu, the worst-hit region in South Korea.
METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients aged ≥ 18 years that underwent endoscopy from February 18 to March 28, 2020, at a tertiary hospital in Daegu. Demographics, laboratory findings, types and causes of emergency endoscopies, and endoscopic reports were reviewed and compared with those obtained for the same period in 2018 and 2019.
RESULTS From February 18 to March 28, a total of 366 emergent endoscopic procedures were performed: Upper endoscopy (170, 50.6%), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (113, 33.6%), and colonoscopy with sigmoidoscopy (53, 15.8%). The numbers of procedures performed in 2018 and 2019 dropped by 48.8% and 54.8%, respectively, compared with those in 2020. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the main indications for endoscopy were melena (36.7%), hematemesis (30.6%), and hematochezia (10.2%). Of the endoscopic abnormalities detected, gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common: 39 cases in 2018, 51 in 2019, and 35 in 2020.
CONCLUSION The impact of COVID-19 is substantial and caused dramatic reductions in endoscopic procedures and changes in patient behaviors. Long-term follow-up studies are required to determine the effects of COVID-19 induced changes in the endoscopy field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kook Hyun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
| | - Sung Bum Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
| | - Tae Nyeun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu 42415, South Korea
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Gonzalez E, Azkargorta M, Garcia-Vallicrosa C, Prieto-Elordui J, Elortza F, Blanco-Sampascual S, Falcon-Perez JM. Could protein content of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles be useful to detect Cirrhosis in Alcoholic Liver Disease? Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:1864-1877. [PMID: 34131392 PMCID: PMC8193259 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.59725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol abuse has a high impact on the mortality and morbidity related to a great number of diseases and is responsible for the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). It remains challenging to detect and evaluate its severity, which is crucial for prognosis. In this work, we studied if urinary EVs (uEVs) could serve in diagnose and evaluate cirrhosis in ALD. To this purpose, uEVs characterization by cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and Western blotting (WB) was performed in a cohort of 21 controls and 21 cirrhotic patients. Then, proteomics of uEVs was carried out in a second cohort of 6 controls and 8 patients in order to identify new putative biomarkers for cirrhosis in ALD. Interestingly, uEVs concentration, size and protein composition were altered in cirrhotic patients. From a total of 1304 proteins identified in uEVs, 90 of them were found to be altered in cirrhotic patients. The results suggest that uEVs could be considered as a tool and a supplier of new biomarkers for cirrhosis in ALD, whose application would be especially relevant in chronic patients. Yet, further research is necessary to obtain more relevant result in clinical terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Gonzalez
- Exosomes Laboratory. Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Mikel Azkargorta
- Proteomics Platform. Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Clara Garcia-Vallicrosa
- Exosomes Laboratory. Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | | | - Felix Elortza
- Proteomics Platform. Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | | | - Juan Manuel Falcon-Perez
- Exosomes Laboratory. Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science Bilbao Spain
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Dipasquale V, Passanisi S, Cucinotta U, Cascio A, Romano C. Implications of SARS-COV-2 infection in the diagnosis and management of the pediatric gastrointestinal disease. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:71. [PMID: 33761992 PMCID: PMC7988257 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01020-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs) and acute or chronic diarrhea are quite frequent in the pediatric population. The approach, the diagnosis and management can be changed in the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic era. This review has focused on: i) the current understanding of digestive involvement in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected children and adolescents and the clinical implications of COVID-19 for pediatric gastroenterologists, ii) the impact of COVID-19 on the clinical approach to patients with pre-existing or onset diseases, including diagnosis and treatment, and iii) the role and limited access to the instrumental diagnosis such as digestive endoscopy. To date, it is unclear if immunosuppression in patients with IBD and chronic liver disease represents a risk factor for adverse outcomes. Scheduled outpatient follow-up visits may be postponed, especially in patients in remission. Conversely, telemedicine services are strongly recommended. The introduction of new therapeutic regimens should be made on an individual basis, discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. Furthermore, psychological care in all children with chronic disease and their parents should be ensured. All non-urgent and elective endoscopic procedures may be postponed as they must be considered at high risk of viral transmission. Finally, until SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is not available, strict adherence to standard social distancing protocols and the use of personal protective equipment should continue to be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Dipasquale
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Stefano Passanisi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Ugo Cucinotta
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Romano
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98124, Messina, Italy.
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10
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de Oliveira GLV, Oliveira CNS, Pinzan CF, de Salis LVV, Cardoso CRDB. Microbiota Modulation of the Gut-Lung Axis in COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:635471. [PMID: 33717181 PMCID: PMC7945592 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.635471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), to date, SARS-CoV-2 has already infected more than 91.8 million people worldwide with 1,986,871 deaths. This virus affects mainly the respiratory system, but the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is also a target, meanwhile SARS-CoV-2 was already detected in oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, rectum, and in fecal samples from COVID-19 patients. Prolonged GIT manifestations in COVID-19, mainly the diarrhea, were correlated with decreased richness and diversity of the gut microbiota, immune deregulation and delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance. So, the bidirectional interactions between the respiratory mucosa and the gut microbiota, known as gut-lung axis, are supposed to be involved in the healthy or pathologic immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. In accordance, the intestinal dysbiosis is associated with increased mortality in other respiratory infections, due to an exacerbated inflammation and decreased regulatory or anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the lungs and in the gut, pointing to this important relationship between both mucosal compartments. Therefore, since the mucous membranes from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are affected, in addition to dysbiosis and inflammation, it is plausible to assume that adjunctive therapies based on the modulation of the gut microbiota and re-establishment of eubiosis conditions could be an important therapeutic approach for constraining the harmful consequences of COVID-19. Then, in this review, we summarized studies showing the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal system and the related digestive COVID-19 manifestations, in addition to the literature demonstrating nasopharyngeal, pulmonary and intestinal dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients. Lastly, we showed the potential beneficial role of probiotic administration in other respiratory infections, and discuss the possible role of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gislane Lelis Vilela de Oliveira
- Microbiology Program, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
- Food Engineering and Technology Department, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Camilla Narjara Simão Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Larissa Vedovato Vilela de Salis
- Microbiology Program, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Cristina Ribeiro de Barros Cardoso
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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11
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Malinowska B, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Kicman A, Schlicker E. Opportunities, Challenges and Pitfalls of Using Cannabidiol as an Adjuvant Drug in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1986. [PMID: 33671463 PMCID: PMC7922403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may lead to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which, in turn, may be associated with multiple organ dysfunction. In this review, we present advantages and disadvantages of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid from the cannabis plant, as a potential agent for the treatment of COVID-19. CBD has been shown to downregulate proteins responsible for viral entry and to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against diseases of the respiratory system as well as its cardioprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anti-convulsant properties, that is, effects that may be beneficial for COVID-19. Only the latter two properties have been demonstrated in clinical studies, which also revealed anxiolytic and antinociceptive effects of CBD (given alone or together with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which may be important for an adjuvant treatment to improve the quality of life in patients with COVID-19 and to limit post-traumatic stress symptoms. However, one should be aware of side effects of CBD (which are rarely serious), drug interactions (also extending to drugs acting against COVID-19) and the proper route of its administration (vaping may be dangerous). Clearly, further clinical studies are necessary to prove the suitability of CBD for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kicman
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Eberhard Schlicker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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12
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Prüβ BM. Current State of the First COVID-19 Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:30. [PMID: 33429880 PMCID: PMC7826947 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS CoV-2 and its associated disease COVID-19 has devastated the world during 2020. Masks and social distancing could be efficient if done by large proportions of the population, but pandemic fatigue has decreased their efficacy. Economic shut downs come with large price tags and cannot be a long term solution either. The announcements by three vaccine manufacturers in November that their vaccines are 90% or more effective has given hope to at least those in the population who plan to get vaccinated as soon as a scientifically and medically sound vaccine becomes available. This review summarizes the underlying design strategies and current status of development of the nine vaccines that were in phase III trial on 8 November 2020. Contracts between vaccine manufacturing companies and governments aim at distributing the vaccine to a large part of the world population. Questions remain how the temperature sensitive mRNA vaccines will be transported and/or stored and how vaccination will be prioritized within each country. Additionally, current contracts do not cover all countries, with a serious gap in Africa and South America. The second part of this review will detail current distribution plans and remaining challenges with vaccine accessibility and acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit M Prüβ
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58104, USA
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13
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The Role of Mucosal Immunity and Recombinant Probiotics in SARS-CoV2 Vaccine Development. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:1239-1253. [PMID: 33770348 PMCID: PMC7996120 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-021-09773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), causing the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), was introduced by WHO (World Health Organization) as "pandemic" in March 2020. According to WHO, thus far (23 November 2020) 58,425,681 infected cases including 1,385,218 deaths have been reported worldwide. In order to reduce transmission and spread of this lethal virus, attempts are globally being made to develop an appropriate vaccine. Intending to neutralize pathogens at their initial entrance site, protective mucosal immunity is inevitably required. In SARS-CoV2 infection and transmission, respiratory mucosa plays a key role; hence, apparently mucosal vaccination could be a superior approach to elicit mucosal and systemic immune responses simultaneously. In this review, the advantages of mucosal vaccination to control COVID-19 infection, limitations, and outcomes of mucosal vaccines have been highlighted. Considering the gut microbiota dysregulation in COVID-19, we further provide evidences on utilization of recombinant probiotics, particularly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as vaccine carrier. Their intrinsic immunomodulatory features, natural adjuvanticity, and feasible expression of relevant antigen in the mucosal surface make them more appealing as live cell factory. Among all available platforms, bioengineered probiotics are considered as the most affordable, most practical, and safest vaccination approach to halt this emerging virus.
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