Screening of potential inhibitors of COVID-19 with repurposing approach via molecular docking.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is the causative organism for a pandemic disease with a high rate of infectivity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to assess the affinity between several available small molecule and proteins, including Abl kinase inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, and Papain-like protease inhibitors, using binding simulation, to test whether they may be effective in inhibiting COVID-19 infection through several mechanisms. The efficiency of inhibitors was evaluated based on docking scores using AutoDock Vina software. Strong ligand-protein interactions were predicted among some of these drugs, that included: Imatinib, Remdesivir, and Telaprevir, and this may render these compounds promising candidates. Some candidate drugs might be efficient in disease control as potential inhibitors or lead compounds against the SARS-CoV-2. It is also worth highlighting the powerful immunomodulatory role of other drugs, such as Abivertinib that inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and the progression of COVID-19 infection. The potential role of other Abl kinase inhibitors, including Imatinib in reducing SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viral titers, immune regulatory function and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), indicate that this drug may be useful for COVID-19, as the SARS-CoV-2 genome is similar to SARS-CoV.

The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU): study protocol for a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a common cause for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and its incidence has been increasing. It is associated with a significant increase in serum inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Sepsis is also associated with pathophysiological changes that include fluid accumulation in the lungs, eventually leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), tissue edema, hypotension, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Conventional therapies include antibiotics, but these may have important adverse effects, so novel therapeutic approaches are required. In animal studies, L-carnitine improves antioxidant status, and in some clinical trials, it has been shown to reduce inflammation. It has also been shown to improve respiratory distress and help maintain coenzyme A homeostasis, metabolic flexibility, promoting the normal function of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidation of fatty acids by peroxisomes. We aim to determine the effects of very high doses of L-carnitine on inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, and clinical outcomes of patients with sepsis in ICU. METHOD AND DESIGN: In this double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, we will use block randomization of 60 patients with sepsis, aged between 20 and 65 years from Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The intervention group (n = 30) will receive three capsules of L-carnitine (each capsule contains 1000 mg L-carnitine; totally 3000 mg/day) for 7 days, and a control group (n = 30) will receive a placebo with the same dose and for the same duration in addition to usual care. At baseline, scores for clinical and nutritional status (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Quick SOFA (qSOFA), and NUTRIC Score) will be assessed. At beginning and end point of the study, inflammatory markers (CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)), oxidative stress status (total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)), and clinical variables will be evaluated also. The mortality rate will be assessed within 28 days of the beginning of the intervention. DISCUSSION: Because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of L-carnitine, it is possible that using a high dose of 3000 mg daily of this nutritional supplement may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and improve subsequent mortality of critically ill patients with sepsis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20201129049534N1 . Registered on 2 May 2021.

Did Iranians change their eating behavior following COVID-19 outbreak?

BACKGROUND: Significant lifestyle changes have been reported after COVID-19 outbreak. The present study aimed at investigating changes in dietary habits in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in an Iranian population sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the dietary habits of Iranian adults were assessed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Consumption of different food groups such as meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts was assessed using a digital questionnaire which was shared on social media platforms. For the statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. RESULTS: In this online survey, 1553 questionnaires were completed. The results showed that the reported consumption of protein-rich foods increased (P < 0.05), but fish and dairy consumption showed a significant reduction (P = 0.006 and <0.001, respectively). There was a significant reduction in reported fast-food consumption (P < 0.001). Fruits and vegetables (P < 0.001), natural fruit juices (P < 0.001), and water (P < 0.001) were consumed more frequently. Individuals also consumed more vitamin and mineral supplements (P < 0.001) including those containing Vitamin D. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, participants reported a significant change in their dietary habits and intake of supplements. Higher intakes of meats, protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and nutritional supplements and lower intakes of fish, dairy, and fast foods were reported.

The Potential Impact of Statins in the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that also have anti-inflammatory/ immunomodulatory properties, and have been suggested as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19. METHODS: To investigate the clinical impact of statins as a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of cases infected with COVID-19, a systematic search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. To extend the search results, a set of keywords were used as follows: ("corona virus" OR "Covid-19" OR "SARS-Cov-2" OR "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2" OR coronavirus) AND (Statins), alongside a manual search in Google Scholar search engine. RESULTS: It has also been suggested that statins could influence the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) into cells by altering the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and CD143 receptors. Statins may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients according to its pleiotropic effects, although, from the clinical aspect, these pleiotropic effects of statins may not be as strong as in preclinical phase on COVID-19. A retrospective study showed favorable effects for statins in SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have a high risk of cardiovascular and thrombotic complications and pleiotropic effects of statins may help manage the COVID-19. There is growing evidence that supports the need for trials of statin treatment in COVID-19 infection.

The Chance of COVID-19 Infection after Vaccination.

The outbreak of COVID-19 that was first reported in Wuhan, China, has constituted a new emerging epidemic that has spread around the world. There are some reports illustrating the patients getting re-infected after recovering from COVID-19. Here, we provide an overview of the biphasic cycle of COVID-19, genetic diversity, immune response, and a chance of reinfection after recovering from COVID-19. The new generation of COVID-19 is a highly contagious and pathogenic infection that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Whilst most patients suffer from a mild form of the disease, there is a rising concern that patients who recover from COVID-19 may be at risk of reinfection. The proportion of the infected population is increasing worldwide; meanwhile, the rate and concern of reinfection by the recovered population are still high. Moreover, there is little evidence on the chance of COVID-19 infection even after vaccination, which is around one percent or less. Although the hypothesis of zero reinfections after vaccination has not been clinically proven, further studies should be performed on the recovered class in clusters to study the progression of the exposure with the re-exposed subpopulations to estimate the possibilities of reinfection and, thereby, advocate the use of these antibodies for vaccine creation.

A Mini Review on the Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment Options for COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, associated with high morbidity and mortality, and represents a significant public health crisis worldwide. Despite recent efforts for developing novel antiviral agents, no specific drugs are approved for the management and treatment of COVID-19. The immune responses to viral infection followed by cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome are serious issues that may cause death in patients with severe COVID-19. Therefore, developing a novel therapeutic strategy for the management of COVID-19 is urgently needed to control the virus spread and to improve the patient survival rate and clinical outcomes. In this mini-review, we summarize the symptoms, pathogenesis, and therapeutic approaches currently being used to manage the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Genetic and pathogenic characterization of SARS-CoV-2: a review

The first case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in December 2019. This virus belongs to the beta-coronavirus group that contains a single stranded RNA with a nucleoprotein within a capsid. SARS-CoV-2 shares 80% nucleotide identity to SARS-CoV. The virus is disseminated by its binding to the ACE2 receptors on bronchial epithelial cells. The diagnosis of COVID-19 is based on a laboratory-based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test together with chest computed tomography imaging. To date, no antiviral therapy has been approved, and many aspects of the COVID-19 are unknown. In this review, we will focus on the recent information on genetics and pathogenesis of COVID-19 as well as its clinical presentation and potential treatments.

Vaccines based on virus-like nano-particles for use against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus.

Recent advances in virus-like nanoparticles against Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) can initiate vaccine production faster for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while ensuring the safety, easy administration, and long-term effects. Patients with this viral pathogen suffer from excess mortality. MERS-CoV can spread through bioaerosol transmission from animal or human sources. The appearance of an outbreak in South Korea sparked off a strong urge to design strategies for developing an effective vaccine since the emergence of MERS-CoV in 2012. Well unfortunately, this is an important fact in virus risk management. The studies showed that virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) could be effective in its goal of stopping the symptoms of MERS-CoV infection. Besides, due to the genetic similarities in the DNA sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 with MERS-CoV and the first identified severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) in China since 2002/2003, strategic approaches could be used to manage SARS-CoV 2. Gathering the vital piece of information obtained so far could lead to a breakthrough in the development of an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, which is prioritized and focussed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This review focuses on the virus-like nanoparticle that got successful results in animal models of MERS-CoV.