ABSTRACT
Mutations are the best way to generate genetic variation, as they provide the raw material in which evolutionary forces, like natural selection, can act. However, mutations are not always able to change the apparent behaviour of an organism, instead, they are capable of providing normal and abnormal biological functions. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a new and controversial biological scenario. Despite the hundreds of studies performed, to date, there is no specific treatment available. Several genomic and non-genomic mutations have been also reported, and due to its high genome size and mutation capacity, it can acclimatize to variable environments and has become the leading cause of high infection and mortality rates. This review outlines the possible pathways behind SARS-CoV-2 mutations.
ABSTRACT
Background: The plant-derived bioflavonoid amentoflavone has many important biological activities, among them remarkable antiviral effects, even against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). It inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) with an IC50 value of 8.3 M. (TMPRSS-2 activity is now thought to be the only factor necessary for cell entry and viral pathogenesis). In comparison, 3CLPRO is needed for COVID-19 replication and maturation during its life cycle. Aim: This study aims to perform an in silico study on amentoflavone activity against structural and non-structural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLPRO) and human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS-2) proteins. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies were carried out using compounds against 3CLPRO and TMPRSS-2 proteins through the Swiss model, Uniport, PROCHECK, Swiss PDB viewer, PyMol, PyRx, and Desmond (Schrodinger package) computerized software.
ABSTRACT
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is the most important emerging pathogen since it was discovered in late 2019, infecting millions of people worldwide. The human body's defence against this new viral respiratory infection depends on the immune response of each person with a crucial impact on the appearance of clinical signs. Therefore, it is important to identify endogenous molecules with a fundamental role in severe pulmonary inflammation associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The impact of high mobility group proteins (HMGBs) in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was recently proposed. There is also recent evidence that HMGBs, particularly HMGB1–2, play important roles in the replication of viral genomes. Moreover, HMGB1–4 proteins appear to be associated with inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of many other viral diseases and disorders, including lung disease, ischemia-reperfusion-injury, sepsis, coagulopathy, trauma, neurological disorders, and cancer. This article presents the possible roles of HMGB1 in SARS-CoV-2 replication and its involvement in the pathogenesis of clinical severe pulmonary manifestations;these data can be useful in further virologic studies and the finding of new potential therapeutic targets in COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Due to the strong immunomodulatory effects, vitamin D (Vit-D) may be an option in COVID-19 disease. The skin pigment melanin has the photoprotective capacity, by inhibiting the synthesis of Vit-D in human. Dark skin contains a high level of melanin, which inhibits vit-D synthesis, leading to deficiency of this vitamin in certain people worldwide. It has been reported that the angiotensin II stimulates melanogenesis process. The SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptor for the entrance into the human lung epithelial cells. Therefore, there is an interconnection between the ACE2, angiotensin II, melanogenesis and Vit-D levels in our body. An upregulation of angiotensin II is inversely co-related to the Vit-D synthesis in human. Taken together, SARS-CoV-2 may rule over the peoples having high skin melanin contents and its consequence of Vit-D deficiency. This review aims to highlight a correlation between skin melanin content, Vit-D status, immunity and the potential effects on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in COVID-19 patients. As a novelty of this review, clinical trials on Vit-D aiming to fight against SARS-CoV-2 related pathological conditions or comorbidities in COVID-19 were included. The results of the analysed data showed that there is scientific evidence that a potential synergistic treatment with Vit-D could reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 deaths. © 2020, Romanian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences. All rights reserved.