ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: The fungal infection, caused by the newly discovered highly resistant Candida auris was a major health threat before COVID-19. The concept of drug repurposing not only addresses the issue of microbial resistance, but also is an easy way to bypass costly and time-consuming novel drug development. Rationale: Statins which are therapeutically used for the treatment of atherosclerosis, have exhibited some antifungal actions against various fungal spp. Although, no such study was conducted on C. auris. Based on the anti-HMG-CoA reductase activity on ergosterol synthesis, we elucidated the effect of Atorvastatin at the clinically administered human dose (0.055g), on Candida auris. Materials and Methods: Candida auris was isolated from an adult male diabetic patient and was identified on the VITEK system and confirmed on MALDI-TOF MS with 99% accuracy. It was cultured on 24 g potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Pure atorvastatin was incorporated in culture plates, incubated at 37∘C observed for fungal growth. Results: Initially no growth was observed in the first twenty-four hours, but an unexpected growth was observed after 48 hours, and the colonization further doubled in 96 hours. Conclusion: Atorvastatin was repurposed in C. auris due to its anti-HMGCoA reductase activity on ergosterol synthesis. The observation raises cautions among the patients on atorvastatin therapy at the clinically administered human dose (0.055 g), on a clinical isolate of C. auris isolate. Our investigation provides an awareness that the patients on a statin-therapy should be highly cautious about C. auris infection and must take appropriate measures to prevent the infection.
ABSTRACT
Aim center dot To find changes in hematologic parameters in patients who are COVID-19-positive with respect to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scan so that the exact picture of the disease course can be identified and an adequate treatment protocol can be planned to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods center dot Patients' health-related data including age, gender, symptomatology, associated co- morbidities, laboratory test results and HRCT results were collected. Results center dot The radiologic findings showed ground glass opacities (GGOs) was the most common manifestation. Analysis of HRCTs of patients with COVID-19 showed that lesions were mainly confined to the right and left lower lobes, suggesting that the COVID-19 virus is mainly harbored in the basal areas of the lungs. Conclusion center dot Radiologic and laboratory investigations can greatly help in early detection of COVID-19, thus allowing for timely interventions.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To find changes in hematologic parameters in patients who are COVID-19-positive with respect to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scan so that the exact picture of the disease course can be identified and an adequate treatment protocol can be planned to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients' health-related data including age, gender, symptomatology, associated co-morbidities, laboratory test results and HRCT results were collected. RESULTS: The radiologic findings showed ground glass opacities (GGOs) was the most common manifestation. Analysis of HRCTs of patients with COVID-19 showed that lesions were mainly confined to the right and left lower lobes, suggesting that the COVID-19 virus is mainly harbored in the basal areas of the lungs. CONCLUSION: Radiologic and laboratory investigations can greatly help in early detection of COVID-19, thus allowing for timely interventions.
ABSTRACT
Context . Some research has indicated that SARS-CoV-2 has had effects on the various functions of the renal system. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a dangerous and broadly spread pathological illness. Objective . In this review, we emphasize that AKI can be a severe complication of COVID-19 and highlight the importance of assessing, defining, and reporting the course of AKI. Design . The research team performed a literature review, searching relevant literature databases. We searched four databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI (Chinese Database), to identify studies reporting COVID-19. Articles published on or before May 10, 2020 were eligible for inclusion. We used the following search terms: "Coronavirus" or "2019-nCoV" or "COVID-19" or "AKI" or "renal failure" or "nephrology". Setting . This study was take place at Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia. Results . The review showed that AKI patients, who were susceptible to a cytokine storm, showed clinical deterioration. This result allowed the current research team to develop a hypothesis of a set of adverse events in COVID-19 that proposes the modification of inflammatory pathways by stimulation of nAChRa7. The stimulation could occur by way of IL-6 / JAK2 / STAT3 / SOCS3 and NF-kappa B (p65)/IL-18, which work together to induce AKI and increase overall renal-related diagnostic markers, such as plasma creatinine and tubular cell damage. In addition, the functioning of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway may be determined by nicotine. Pharmacological nicotine products are widely available, and their role in COVID-19-mediated AKI can be further evaluated. Conclusions . The research team concluded that the dysregulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory system could explain most of the clinical features of severe COVID-19.