The Role of Inflammatory Cytokines (Interleukin-1 and Interleukin-6) as a Potential Biomarker in the Different Stages of COVID-19 (Mild, Severe, and Critical).

Cytokine storm refers to the overproduction of immune and inflammatory cells and their proteins (cytokines) [interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6] causing acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19. COVID-19 causes inflammatory reactions, and patients with COVID-19 had categorized as mild, severe, and critical after reviewing previous studies. Then, it is crucial to find immune-inflammatory indicators that might predict the disorder severity and the prognosis primarily for guiding medical therapy in the face of this unexpectedly developing unique infectious disease. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-1 levels might be seen in patients with COVID-19 at each stage. In addition, IL-1-induced IL-6 assists in the synthesis of liver C-reactive protein (CRP) in acute phase responses. Recent studies suggested that IL-6 levels are an independent predictor of COVID-19 illness because they were significantly higher in patients with severe than with mild COVID-19 symptoms. Anakinra and tocilizumab (TCZ) are beneficial in lowing mortality in COVID-19 patients; however, information on their safety and efficacy is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-6) as potential biomarkers in the different stages (mild, severe, and critical) of COVID-19. A systematic search during the years 2021-2022 using the keywords SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, IL-6, IL-1, CRP, mild stage, severe stage, critical stage, cytokine storm, tocilizumab, and anakinra was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. This study reviews studies that have investigated the role of high levels of these cytokines in the severity of the disease in patients with COVID-19 and the inhibitory function of TCZ and anakinra in preventing mechanical ventilation and patient mortality. According to the result, studies suggest that decreased innate immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in association with the production of inflammatory cytokines is the determining and driving function of COVID-19.

Evaluation of Hematologic Parameters in Patients with COVID-19 Following Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy.

At present, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is spreading and has caused over 188 million confirmed patients and more than 4,059,101 deaths. Currently, several clinical trials are done using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These cells have shown safety and effectiveness, implying a promising clinical application in patients with COVID-19. Studies have shown that abnormalities in hematological measures such as white blood cells count, neutrophilia, elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, inflammatory markers, and lactate dehydrogenase can be used to assess the severity of COVID-19 disease and the response to therapy following MSC treatment. Our study has aimed to review the role of hematological factors in determination of responsiveness to MSC therapy and disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

Potential of MicroRNAs As Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Respiratory Viruses: A Literature Review.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through recognition of cognate sequences and interference of transcriptional, translational, or epigenetic processes. Hundreds of miRNA genes have been found in diverse viruses, and many of these are phylogenetically conserved. Respiratory viruses are the most frequent causative agents of disease in humans, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, the role of miRNAs in respiratory viral gene regulation, as well as host gene regulation during disease progression, has become a field of interest. This review highlighted the importance of various miRNAs and their potential role in fighting with respiratory viruses as therapeutic molecules with a focus on COVID-19.

Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Brief Review of the Clinical Manifestations and Pathogenesis to the Novel Management Approaches and Treatments.

The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, which spread to the rest of the world, led the World Health Organization to classify it as a global pandemic. COVID-19 belongs to the Bettacoronavirus genus of the Coronaviridae family, and it mainly spreads through the respiratory tract. Studies have now confirmed a human-to-human transmission as the primary pathway of spread. COVID-19 patients with a history of diseases such as respiratory system diseases, immune deficiency, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are prone to adverse events (admission to the intensive care unit requiring invasive ventilation or even death). The current focus has been on the development of novel therapeutics, including antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines. However, although there is undoubtedly an urgent need to identify effective treatment options against infection with COVID-19, it is equally important to clarify management protocols for the other significant diseases from which these patients may suffer, including cancer. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of patients with COVID-19. It also aims to provide the reader with insights into COVID-19 in pregnant patients and those with cancer, outlining necessary precautions relevant to cancer patients. Finally, we provide the available evidence on the latest potent antiviral drugs and vaccines of COVID-19 and the ongoing drug trials.