ABSTRACT
Context: COVID-19 related to SARS-CoV-2 infection generates inflammation with increased reactive oxygen species production. Drug treatment and others factors could influence systemic oxidative stress during pathogenic insult. Aims: To determine the redox status in COVID-19 patients with different clinical conditions and explore the relationship between redox and hematological hemochemical variables. Methods: In this comparative longitudinal study, blood samples were drawn from 160 individuals divided into four groups: COVID-19 asymptomatic, COVID-19 symptomatic (low and moderate symptoms), COVID-19 convalescent, and presumable healthy subjects. Demographic, redox, hematological, and hemochemical indices were assessed. Statistical analyses compared the median values of each variable and explored individual, simultaneous indices, and multivariate alteration. Results: Relative to the healthy group, acute COVID-19, and convalescent groups had significant differences in global damage indices and antioxidant status (p<0.05). The convalescent group showed significantly higher damage (malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide) and lower antioxidant enzymatic activities and glutathione concentration compared to other groups (p<0.05). Global modification of redox indices showed that more than 80% of studied individuals in acute conditions had simultaneous detrimental differences compared to a healthy status. The discriminant analysis permitted obtaining two canonical functions (p< 0.05) that reflect 98% of redox variables with 95% of variances with successful case classifications. Conclusions: These results corroborate that oxidative stress occurred in different COVID-19 and post-acute conditions with different molecular alterations of redox indices. Redox diagnosis should be considered in early diagnosis and treatment of infection, which would be worthwhile to conduct a more comprehensive study and management of disease evolution. © 2023 Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research.
ABSTRACT
Context: Patients with COVID-19 present different biochemical and metabolic alterations from the acute state of infection until months later with variability of symptoms and increased toxicity of drugs related to oxidative stress according to previous studies. There are various alternatives to modulate oxidative stress, including the use of medical ozone, which rectal way requires observing both compliance with biosafety measures and adverse reactions in patients. Aims: To evaluate compliance with biosafety measures and the possible manifestations of adverse events in the rectal application of ozone therapy in patients with acute infection or convalescent of COVID-19. Methods: Descriptive, longitudinal studies in two clinical trials conducted at the Ernesto Guevara Hospital and the Salvador Allende Hospital, from May to July 2020. Rectal ozone therapy was applied to patients in two trials with a cycle of up to 20 applications according to the study. The activities were described and the performance of the professionals in the procedure was evaluated through an observation guide. Patient follow-up and surveillance for potential adverse reactions were performed. Results: 80% (28/36) of the patients reported the feeling of fullness of the intestines, without other reports, in no case treatment was required. The evaluation of the practices showed full compliance with the procedures without transmission of infection during the period. Conclusions: Compliance with good practices and biosafety in the rectal application of ozone results in the adequate performance of the protocols with benefit and safety for patients under treatment.