ROLE OF VITAMIN C IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF COVID-19

Pathophysiologically, SARS-CoV-2 is similar to SARS-CoV-1, causing a strong characteristic inflammatory reaction that damages the airways [8]. [...]combined antiviral and host responses contribute to disease severity, as seen in cases of SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV infections [9]. [...]a spurt of cytokines released in response to viral infection results in cytokine storm and sepsis, leading to a mortality rate of 28% in critical COVID-19 cases [10]. [...]SARS-CoV-2 decreases ACE2 receptor expression, which is associated with acute lung injury and disease pathology. Since ACE2 controls the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), its suppression can impair RAS homeostasis and influence blood pressure, electrolyte equilibrium, inflammation, and vascular permeability in the airways [14]. The enhanced requirement for antioxidants and consumption of vitamin C by leukocytes could explain the reduction in vitamin C levels observed during infections in general, during lung infections specifically [29], and in critically ill patients [30]. Besides the antioxidative effects of vitamin C, its beneficial functions during pneumonia act via signaling pathways associated with inflammation suppression and enhancement of immunoregulation [31].

ASSESSMENT OF PERIODONTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN IN RIYADH CITY. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

A new severe acute respiratory syndrome virus belonging to the coronaviruses group was discovered in January 2020. [...]the WHO announced an international health emergency due to the COVID19 outbreak [8,9]. During the lockdown period, Riyadh residents were not permitted to leave their households for extended periods of time. [...]the long quarantine period created depression and anxiety issues for many individuals in several populations in Saudi Arabia [11,12]. Psychological problems and anxiety are major obstacles in performing selfcare, and OH can subsequently be affected [13]. [...]the aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of periodontal diseases in the adult population and to evaluate people's oral hygiene practices during the COVID-19 lockdown in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. 2.MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (IRB approval number: [...]variables such as daily living performance (e.g., exercise, sleep patterns) and low social activities during the COVID-19 lockdown, and medication intake had no statistically significant relationship with periodontal disease symptoms (p = 0.946, p = 0.662, p = 0.128).