ABSTRACT
Background: The SARS-COV-2 is a worldwide pandemic problem. We developed a herbal extract with potent in-vitro virucidal, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects called EGIVIR. Our aim is to assess the bioavailability and cytotoxicity of EGYVIR on different organs and biological systems in Sprague Dawley rats as a model of experimental animals.Methods: 128 rats were divided into 16 groups (8 rats each), where Egyvir was assessed in oral doses of 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg body weight, and by inhalation in 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg/kg body weight, four times/day, compared to the control groups.Results: The Egyvir had no significant effect on the blood pressure, pulse, motor activity, histological, hematological, and coagulation profiles. Also, the blood levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, blood glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine phosphor kinase (CPK) were not significantly affected. Egyvir had no harmful effect on the kidney and liver functions, blood electrolytes levels and urinary levels of sodium, potassium, and chloride. There was no significant effect on the serum levels of interleukin-113 (IL -113), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Additionally, there was no significant change in the levels of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and malonaldehyde (MDA) in comparison to the control groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: Egyvir is considered a safe antiviral natural drug. It could be used for the treatment of SARS-COV-2 without any adverse effects when used with the recommended doses. However, these data are a preliminary step for validation in a clinical setting.
ABSTRACT
Background: Blood groups' antigens, represent polymorphic traits inherited among populations, their expression differences, can increase or decrease the host susceptibility to infections. We aimed here to correlate the relation between the different blood groups and hosts' susceptibility towards COVID-19 infection. Methods: 355 samples, were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 and blood groups typing. The candidates were then divided according to their results into;210 positive-PCR (viral persistent, clearance and ICU admitted), and 145 negative-PCR contacts and then results were compared. Results: The highest frequency in control and viral clearance group was O-phenotype, followed by A-phenotype and the least was AB-phenotype. The highest frequency in the viral persistent group, was A-group, showed followed by B-group and the least was O-group. Lastly in ICU group, A-group was the highest frequency, followed by O-group and the least was B-group. Using Chi-square method, a statistically significant result was observed (p-value= 0.034). Conclusions: The blood group-O was the protective phenotype, controversy to the O-group, A-group was the risky phenotype, also AB-group was risky, as it showed the lowest frequency in both control and viral clearance group. Interestingly, the B-group was the least group susceptible to have bad prognosis and be admitted to the ICU. This can be a safety guideline for classifying healthcare workers, according to their ABO, to work with suspected cases with COVID-19 and also may help in developing specific anti-histo-blood group antibodies as an effective co-therapy for COVID-19. © 2020 The author (s).