ABSTRACT
Background and aim: The study aimed to determine whether the MPs levels and platelet activation are affected by the COVID-19 infection in both malignant and non-malignant patients compared to healthy individuals and define their contribution to the COVID-19 associated coagulopathy and the relation of these MPs to other hematologic parameters. Patients and methods: We recruited 23 malignant patients with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19, also, 19 COVID-19 non-malignant patients, and 20 healthy volunteers were also enrolled for comparison. Blood samples were collected from patients and healthy donors into 5 mL vacutainer tube containing 3.5% buffered sodium citrate solution for measurement of total microparticles (TMPs), platelet microparticles (PMPs), endothelial microparticles (EMPs), CD62 activated platelets, and CD41 platelet marker.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 severity is not only due to the viral infection but also due to the host immune responses. Destructive inflammatory responses are intensely implicated in airway damage. Besides, the massive release of cytokines, including interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by the immune system, results in a cytokine storm with an aggressive fulminant systemic inflammatory response, organ failure, and septic shock. Evidence suggests that the repressed antioxidant defense and overproduction of reactive oxygen species also have a role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. There is an urgent need for control measures against the overwhelming COVID-19 pandemic regarding antiviral and immune-modulating agents. Wheat bran [WB] has copious amounts of fiber, minerals, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, and several phytochemicals as phenolic compounds. Wheat bran has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. Our experience of using wheat bran as adjuvant therapy for acute lower respiratory tract infections showed that it was safe, well-tolerated, had fast and superb treatment responses, and improved the patients’ general health. For that reason, we strongly praise using oral wheat bran as adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 cases.
ABSTRACT
The world is currently facing the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to a lack of specific treatment and prophylaxis, protective health measures that can reduce infection severity and COVID-19 mortality are urgently required. Clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be linked to an increased risk of viral infection, including COVID-19. Therefore, in this review, we looked at various possible roles of vitamin D in reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection and severity. We describe in this article that individuals at high risk of vitamin D deficiency should consider taking vitamin D supplements to keep optimal concentrations. Moreover, we discuss different possible mechanisms by which vitamin D can efficiently reduce the risk of infections through modulation of innate and adaptive immunity against various types of infections. It is advisable to perform further studies addressing the observed influence of vitamin D levels to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality.