ABSTRACT
The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in pathogenesis and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is under extensive exploration. MMPs are a family of extracellular proteases involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes and conditions. The role of MMPs in COVID-19 stems from the pathogenesis resulting in the release of chemokines and pro-inflammatory markers which cause pulmonary oedema. In addition, the approaches to treatment of COVID-19 often are associated with some complications like acute lung injury due to extracellular matrix remodelling. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarize, interpret and evaluate the significance of matrix metalloproteinases in SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of the severity of the condition and delve into potential treatment from this perspective as well as highlighting the physiological and protective role of some MMPs. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
ABSTRACT
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause diseases ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to more severe illnesses. The purpose of this study was to present a survey on anosmia in COVID-19 among Bulgarian soldiers from Varna. For the period from July 01, 2020, to December 16, 2020, a survey was conducted among 80 cadets studying in a regular form of training at the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy – Varna. The main clinical signs and symptoms among the participants were: anosmia (68.7% of cadets), headache (38.7%), fatigue (35.0%), fever (30.0%), cough (28.7%), dyspnea (13.7%), diarrhea (8.7%), nausea/ vomiting (8.7%), asymptomatic cases (21.2%). We found that 35% (28/80) of the participants were without anosmia, 17.5% (14/80) – with a partial anosmia, and 47.5% (38/80) – a complete anosmia. Regarding vaccination against COVID-19, the following was found: 26.2% of the cadets declared that they were willing to be vaccinated, and 73.8% – did not want to be vaccinated. In conclusion, soldiers are exposed to an increased risk of transmitting infectious diseases due to coexistence and intensive contacts. The SARS-CoV-2 proliferation control strategy has a key role to play in controlling the pandemic and its consequences. © 2021, Central Medical Library Medical University – Sofia. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
"Long COVID," also referred to as "Long-Haul COVID or Post-COVID syndrome" is a condition where a person continues to experience symptoms of COVID-19 after their body has defeated the virus. On the bases of couple of clinical studies, we have attempted to describe the most common clinical symptoms that are present 12 weeks or more after having COVID-19, if these symptoms are not explained by another diagnosis. As can be seen, the long COVID is not an easy topic. There are many aspects to this issue because SARS-CoV-2 affects many organs in the human body. However, with the fast increase of data emerging from the vast variety of clinical studies that are currently underway, a better understanding will be obtained of how to treat patients with COVID-19 that have symptoms which have lasted for more than 12 weeks.
ABSTRACT
Severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) presents with progressive dyspnea, resulting from acute lung inflammatory edema leading to hypoxia. Asthma has been cited as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19 like other diseases that affect the respiratory tract. However, so far conflicting results have been published over the last few months and there is still no prove that there is a putative association between these two diseases. In the current mini-review we attempt to summarize the available information from the scientific literature concerning the relation of Bronchial asthma and the severity and clinical course of COVID-19 disease.