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Siripongboonsitti T, Tawinprai K, Payoong P, Mahanonda N. The real-world effectiveness of fluvoxamine therapy in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients; A historical cohort study (Fluvoxa Trial). J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:2010-2016. [PMID: 37890224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluvoxamine (FVX) has been proposed as a potential treatment for severe COVID-19 by the σ-1 receptor agonist, which can reduce cytokine production. However, the efficacy of FVX remains controversial. METHODS A historical retrospective cohort study was conducted in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, 2:1 ratio of standard of care (SOC) and FVX treatments to assess the effectiveness of FVX in preventing deterioration by the fifth day of treatment. RESULTS Of 752 eligible patients, 234 received FVX while 518 received SOC, and there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of FVX and SOC in preventing clinical deterioration. On the fifth day after treatment, 86.1 % of patients in the FVX-treated group did not experience clinical deterioration compared to 78.7 % in the SOC group. Notably, the FVX group had higher rates of pneumonia development and hospitalization, requiring more oxygen supplementation while showing less reduction in viral shedding than the SOC group. However, no difference in mechanical ventilation use, ICU admission, and survival was observed. CONCLUSION Fluvoxamine treatment is failed to demonstrate effectiveness in preventing deterioration in mild to moderate COVID-19 and may lead to a higher incidence of pneumonia, hospitalization, and oxygen supplementation, necessitating careful consideration before prescribing the drug for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taweegrit Siripongboonsitti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand; Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Kriangkrai Tawinprai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand; Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Paruspak Payoong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
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Siripongboonsitti T, Ungtrakul T, Tawinprai K, Nimmol T, Buttakosa M, Sornsamdang G, Jarrusrojwuttikul T, Silapant P, Mahanonda N. Efficacy of combination therapy of fluvoxamine and favipiravir vs favipiravir monotherapy to prevent severe COVID-19 among mild to moderate COVID-19 patients: Open-label randomized controlled trial (EFFaCo study). Int J Infect Dis 2023; 134:211-219. [PMID: 37393041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fluvoxamine (FVX) is an antidepressant proposed to its immunomodulatory effects in preventing deterioration in mild and moderate COVID-19. METHODS An open-label, 1:1 randomized controlled trial was assigned either combination therapy 50 mg twice daily of FVX for 10 days and favipiravir (FPV) or FPV alone to assess the efficacy in preventing disease progression in mild to moderate COVID-19 on the 5th day. RESULTS In total, 134 patients with mild COVID-19 received FPV and 132 received FVX/FPV, 31 patients with moderate COVID-19 received FPV/dexamethasone (FPV/Dex), and 30 received FVX/FPV/Dex. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed no difference of no clinical deterioration on the 5th day in both mild COVID-19 (100% in FPV vs 97% in FVX/FPV) and moderate COVID-19 (83.9% in FPV/Dex vs 86.7% in FVX/FPV/Dex). However, there was a low rate of oxygen supplemental, hospitalization, or intensive care in both groups and zero death in all groups. No significant difference in oxygen supplemental, hospitalization, radiological, virological, or biochemical outcomes, and the immunomodulatory effect was observed between the group. CONCLUSION The combined fluvoxamine treatment did not add benefit in preventing deterioration in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 without the immunomodulatory effect observed, although it demonstrated low hospitalization rates, oxygen supplemental, intensive care needed, and zero mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION Thai clinical trials registry (TCTR) no. 20210615002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taweegrit Siripongboonsitti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand; Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Teerapat Ungtrakul
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kriangkrai Tawinprai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tararin Nimmol
- Pharmacy Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mullika Buttakosa
- Nursing Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Gaidganok Sornsamdang
- Central Laboratory Center, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanadul Jarrusrojwuttikul
- Faculty of Health Science Technology, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Radiology, Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital, Chonburi, Thailand
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Eriksson I, Vainikka L, Persson HL, Öllinger K. Real-Time Monitoring of Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization Using Acridine Orange. Methods Protoc 2023; 6:72. [PMID: 37623923 PMCID: PMC10459729 DOI: 10.3390/mps6040072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of lysosomal membrane integrity results in leakage of lysosomal hydrolases to the cytosol which might harm cell function and induce cell death. Destabilization of lysosomes often precede apoptotic or necrotic cell death and occur during both physiological and pathological conditions. The weak base acridine orange readily enters cells and accumulates in the acidic environment of lysosomes. Vital staining with acridine orange is a well-proven technique to observe lysosomal destabilization using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. These analyses are, however, time consuming and only adapted for discrete time points, which make them unsuitable for large-scale approaches. Therefore, we have developed a time-saving, high-throughput microplate reader-based method to follow destabilization of the lysosomal membrane in real-time using acridine orange. This protocol can easily be adopted for patient samples since the number of cells per sample is low and the time for analysis is short.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Eriksson
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden; (L.V.); (K.Ö.)
| | - Linda Vainikka
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden; (L.V.); (K.Ö.)
| | - Hans Lennart Persson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine in Linköping, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Öllinger
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 85 Linköping, Sweden; (L.V.); (K.Ö.)
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Okudela K, Hayashi H, Yoshimura Y, Sasaki H, Miyata N, Iwashita H, Kataoka T, Matsumura M, Mitsui H, Hatayama Y, Yamashiro T, Ryo A, Tachikawa N. Earliest histopathological changes in COVID-19 pneumonia with comprehensive gene expression analyses: A case series study. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:623-636. [PMID: 36453630 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS In COVID-19 pneumonia, early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent severe exacerbation. Therefore, it is important to understand the initiating events of COVID-19 pneumonia. However, at present, the literature about early stage disease has been very limited. Here, we investigated the earliest histopathological changes and gene expression profiles associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS AND RESULTS We carefully examined 25 autopsied cases with different clinical courses. Dilation of capillaries and edematous thickening of the alveolar septa were found even in areas that macroscopically looked almost normal. Pneumocytes, histocytes/macrophages, and vascular endothelial cells were immunohistochemically positive for tissue factor, which is an important early responder to tissue injuries. Comprehensive gene expression analyses revealed that those lesions presented differential profiles compared to those of control lungs and were associated with a significant upregulation of the lysosomal pathway. CONCLUSIONS Alveolar capillary dilation and edematous thickening may be the earliest histopathological change detected in COVID-19 pneumonia. Intensive investigations of such lesions may lead to an understanding of the initiating event of not only COVID-19 pneumonia but also of general diffuse alveolar damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Okudela
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Hayashi
- Division of Pathology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yoshimura
- Division of Infectious Disease, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sasaki
- Division of Infectious Disease, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Miyata
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Iwashita
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Kataoka
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mai Matsumura
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hideaki Mitsui
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Hatayama
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Yamashiro
- Department of Radiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Natsuo Tachikawa
- Division of Pathology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
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Morán Blanco JI, Alvarenga Bonilla JA, Fremont-Smith P, Villar Gómez de Las Heras K. Antihistamines as an early treatment for Covid-19. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15772. [PMID: 37128299 PMCID: PMC10129342 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with SARs-COV-2 results in COVID-19 disease. Between March 2020 and August 2021, 468 COVID-19 patients confirmed by PCR or antigen test, in Yepes, Spain, received early treatment with antihistamines, adding azithromycin in selected cases. The primary endpoint is the hospitalization rate of COVID-19 patients, and the secondary endpoints are ICU admission and mortality rates. All endpoints are compared with the official Spanish rates during the time period of the study. There were 20 hospital admissions (hospitalization rate 4,3%), 5 ICU admissions (ICU admission rate 1,1%) and 3 deaths (fatality rate of 0,6%). No patients in the study required follow up treatment, which suggest they did not develop long COVID. Results from this retrospective trail indicate that early treatment of SARS-COV-2 positive patients with antihistamines may reduce the odds of hospitalization (OR: 0.490, CI: 0.313-0.767, p-value: 0.001). Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the effects of early antihistamine treatment of SARS-CoV-2 patients to prevent hospitalization, ICU admission, mortality and long-covid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio Morán Blanco
- Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Centro de Salud de Yepes, Toledo, Spain
| | | | | | - Karina Villar Gómez de Las Heras
- Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain
- Gerencia de Urgencias, Emergencias y Transporte Sanitario, Toledo, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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Current and Emerging Therapies for COVID-19 in Lung Transplantation. CURRENT PULMONOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 12:23-35. [PMID: 36820015 PMCID: PMC9932416 DOI: 10.1007/s13665-023-00302-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The landscape of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly changed over the past 3 years. Paralleling this evolution, the scientific and medical communities have reported many novel findings relating to the infection's epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. We review pertinent studies of COVID-19 therapeutics with an emphasis on their application to lung transplant recipients. Recent Findings Agents that have been well-studied for treating COVID-19 include antivirals (remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, molnupiravir), monoclonal antibodies, and immunomodulators (for example, corticosteroids and tocilizumab). Summary Remdesivir remains an essential therapy for managing mild-moderate COVID-19. Though highly efficacious for mild-moderate COVID-19 for outpatient therapy, ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir has limited use in lung transplant recipients due to significant drug-drug interactions. Monoclonal antibodies, though useful, are the most affected by the emergence of new viral variants.
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Alam MS. Insight into SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant immune escape possibility and variant independent potential therapeutic opportunities. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13285. [PMID: 36744070 PMCID: PMC9886571 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Omicron, the latest variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first detected in November 2021 in Botswana, South Africa. Compared to other variants of SARS-CoV-2, the Omicron is the most highly mutated, with 50 mutations throughout the genome, most of which are in the spike (S) protein. These mutations may help the Omicron to evade host immunity against the vaccine. Epidemiological studies suggest that Omicron is highly infectious and spreads rapidly, but causes significantly less severe disease than the wild-type strain and the other variants of SARS-CoV-2. With the increased transmissibility and a higher rate of re-infection, Omicron has now become a dominant variant worldwide and is predicted to be able to evade vaccine-induced immunity. Several clinical studies using plasma samples from individuals receiving two doses of US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)-approved COVID-19 vaccines have shown reduced humoral immune response against Omicron infection, but T cell-mediated immunity was well preserved. In fact, T cell-mediated immunity protects against severe disease, and thus the disease caused by Omicron remains mild. In this review, I surveyed the current status of Omicron variant mutations and mechanisms of immune response in the context of immune escape from COVID-19 vaccines. I also discuss the potential implications of therapeutic opportunities that are independent of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. A better understanding of vaccine-induced immune responses and variant-independent therapeutic interventions that include potent antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-cytokine activities may pave the way to reducing Omicron-related COVID-19 complications, severity, and mortality. Collectively, these insights point to potential research gaps and will aid in the development of new-generation COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral drugs to combat Omicron, its sublineages, or upcoming new variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shah Alam
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
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Ibrahim M, Shehta M. Treatment with fluvoxamine in nonhospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF CHEST DISEASES AND TUBERCULOSIS 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/ecdt.ecdt_38_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
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9
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Dighriri IM, Alharthi MS, Alqurashi GB, Musharraf RA, Albuhayri AH, Almalki MK, Alnami SA, Mashraqi ZO. An Overview of Fluvoxamine and its Use in SARS-CoV-2 Treatment. Cureus 2023; 15:e34158. [PMID: 36843775 PMCID: PMC9949685 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluvoxamine (FLV) is a well-tolerated, widely accessible antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) category. It was formerly used to reduce anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and depression. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enclosed ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus with a positive-sense RNA genome that belongs to the Coronaviridae family. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 causes clinical deterioration, increased hospitalization, morbidity, and death. As a result, the purpose of this research was to review FLV and its use in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. FLV is a potent sigma-1 receptor (S1R) agonist that modulates inflammation by reducing mast cell downregulation, cytokine production, platelet aggregation, interfering with endolysosomal viral transport, and delaying clinical deterioration. FLV treatment reduced the requirement for hospitalization in high-risk outpatients with early identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), defined by detention in a COVID-19 emergency department or transfer to a tertiary hospital. In addition, FLV may reduce mortality and risk of hospital admission or death in patients with SARS-CoV-2. The most common adverse effect is nausea; other gastrointestinal symptoms, neurologic consequences, and suicidal thoughts may also occur. There is no evidence that FLV can treat children with SARS-CoV-2. Although FLV is not expected to increase the frequency of congenital abnormalities during pregnancy, this risk must be balanced with the potential benefit. More research is required to determine the effectiveness, dose, and mechanisms of action of FLV; however, FLV appears to offer significant promise as a safe and widely accessible drug that can be repurposed to reduce substantial morbidity and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2.
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Li J, Xue Y, Wang X, Smith LS, He B, Liu S, Zhu H. Tissue- and cell-expression of druggable host proteins provide insights into repurposing drugs for COVID-19. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2796-2811. [PMID: 36259251 PMCID: PMC9747131 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Several human host proteins play important roles in the lifecycle of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many drugs targeting these host proteins have been investigated as potential therapeutics for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The tissue-specific expressions of selected host proteins were summarized using proteomics data retrieved from the Human Protein Atlas, ProteomicsDB, Human Proteome Map databases, and a clinical COVID-19 study. Protein expression features in different cell lines were summarized based on recent proteomics studies. The half-maximal effective concentration or half-maximal inhibitory concentration values were collected from in vitro studies. The pharmacokinetic data were mainly from studies in healthy subjects or non-COVID-19 patients. Considerable tissue-specific expression patterns were observed for several host proteins. ACE2 expression in the lungs was significantly lower than in many other tissues (e.g., the kidneys and intestines); TMPRSS2 expression in the lungs was significantly lower than in other tissues (e.g., the prostate and intestines). The expression levels of endocytosis-associated proteins CTSL, CLTC, NPC1, and PIKfyve in the lungs were comparable to or higher than most other tissues. TMPRSS2 expression was markedly different between cell lines, which could be associated with the cell-dependent antiviral activities of several drugs. Drug delivery receptor ICAM1 and CTSB were expressed at a higher level in the lungs than in other tissues. In conclusion, the cell- and tissue-specific proteomics data could help interpret the in vitro antiviral activities of host-directed drugs in various cells and aid the transition of the in vitro findings to clinical research to develop safe and effective therapeutics for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Li
- Department of Clinical PharmacyUniversity of Michigan College of PharmacyAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Yanling Xue
- Department of Clinical PharmacyUniversity of Michigan College of PharmacyAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Xinwen Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesNortheast Ohio Medical University College of PharmacyRootstownOhioUSA
| | - Logan S. Smith
- Department of Clinical PharmacyUniversity of Michigan College of PharmacyAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Bing He
- Department of Computational Medicine and BioinformaticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Shuhan Liu
- Department of Clinical PharmacyUniversity of Michigan College of PharmacyAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Hao‐Jie Zhu
- Department of Clinical PharmacyUniversity of Michigan College of PharmacyAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Asadi Anar M, Foroughi E, Sohrabi E, Peiravi S, Tavakoli Y, Kameli Khouzani M, Behshood P, Shamshiri M, Faridzadeh A, Keylani K, Langari SF, Ansari A, Khalaji A, Garousi S, Mottahedi M, Honari S, Deravi N. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: New hope in the fight against COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1036093. [PMID: 36532776 PMCID: PMC9748354 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1036093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic increase in global mortality and morbidity rates. As in most infections, fatal complications of coronavirus affliction are triggered by an untrammeled host inflammatory response. Cytokine storms created by high levels of interleukin and other cytokines elucidate the pathology of severe COVID-19. In this respect, repurposing drugs that are already available and might exhibit anti-inflammatory effects have received significant attention. With the in vitro and clinical investigation of several studies on the effect of antidepressants on COVID-19 prognosis, previous data suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) might be the new hope for the early treatment of severely afflicted patients. SSRIs' low cost and availability make them potentially eligible for COVID-19 repurposing. This review summarizes current achievements and literature about the connection between SSRIs administration and COVID-19 prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Asadi Anar
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Foroughi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elika Sohrabi
- Department of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Peiravi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yasaman Tavakoli
- Department of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | | | - Parisa Behshood
- Department of Microbiology, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Melika Shamshiri
- School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Arezoo Faridzadeh
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kimia Keylani
- School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Faride Langari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Ansari
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Setareh Garousi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehran Mottahedi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Honari
- Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloofar Deravi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Use of Human Lung Tissue Models for Screening of Drugs against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112417. [PMID: 36366514 PMCID: PMC9693925 DOI: 10.3390/v14112417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The repurposing of licenced drugs for use against COVID-19 is one of the most rapid ways to develop new and alternative therapeutic options to manage the ongoing pandemic. Given circa 7817 licenced compounds available from Compounds Australia that can be screened, this paper demonstrates the utility of commercially available ex vivo/3D airway and alveolar tissue models. These models are a closer representation of in vivo studies than in vitro models, but retain the benefits of rapid in vitro screening for drug efficacy. We demonstrate that several existing drugs appear to show anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity against both SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants of Concern in the airway model. In particular, fluvoxamine, as well as aprepitant, everolimus, and sirolimus, has virus reduction efficacy comparable to the current standard of care (remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir). Whilst these results are encouraging, further testing and efficacy studies are required before clinical use can be considered.
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Firouzabadi D, Kheshti F, Abdollahifard S, Taherifard E, Kheshti MR. The effect of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e892. [PMID: 36268458 PMCID: PMC9577115 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Due to the high social and economic burden and also mortality and morbidity caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in the past few years, researchers have aimed at finding solutions to suppressing the severity of infection. Recently, selective serotonin and serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRI/SNRI) have been investigated as an adjuvant treatment for COVID‐19. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of SSRI/SNRIs on outcomes of COVID‐19 patients. Methods In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, a comprehensive search strategy consisting of relevant words was performed by two researchers in PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE libraries. Studies reporting the effect of SSRI and/or SNRI use in COVID‐19 patients' outcome were included. Hospitalization, mortality, hospitalization event, and length of hospital stay were considered as main outcomes of this study. Analysis was carried out using Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis (CMA‐version 2) and final data were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Our search led to the final selection of 9 articles including 15,287 patients. The effect of fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and the overall effect of SSRI/SNRI use on mortality of COVID‐19 patients were investigated in 3, 2, and 7 articles, respectively. The results of our analyses showed that these medications could significantly decrease mortality of COVID‐19 patients (OR and 95% [CI]: 0.595 [0.467–0.758], 0.620 [0.469–0.821], and 0.596 [0.437–0.813]). The effect of SSRI/SNRIs on hospitalization events of COVID‐19 patients was not significant (OR: 0.240% and 95% CI: 0.041–1.4). Also, length of hospital stay was longer in patients who administrated SSRIs. Conclusion According to this study's results, SSRI/SNRIs may be effective in reducing mortality of COVID‐19 patients, suggesting the superiority of fluvoxamine to fluoxetine. The safety profile and affordable cost of SSRI/SNRIs for a short‐term use may be other reasons to propose them as beneficial medications in preventing mortality in COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Firouzabadi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of PharmacyShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran,Shahid Faghihi HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Fatemeh Kheshti
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Saeed Abdollahifard
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran,Research Center for Neuromodulation and PainShirazIran
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14
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Kodvanj I, Homolak J, Trkulja V. People exposed to proton-pump inhibitors shortly preceding COVID-19 diagnosis are not at an increased risk of subsequent hospitalizations and mortality: A nationwide matched cohort study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 89:787-831. [PMID: 36094656 PMCID: PMC9539175 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To assess whether exposure to proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) shortly preceding COVID-19 diagnosis affected the risk of subsequent hospitalizations and mortality. METHODS This population-based study embraced first COVID-19 episodes in adults diagnosed up to 15 August 2021 in Croatia. Patients were classified based on exposure to PPIs and burden of PPI-requiring morbidities as nonusers (no issued prescriptions, no recorded treatment-requiring conditions between 1 January 2019 and COVID-19 diagnosis), possible users (no issued prescriptions, but morbidities present; self-medication possible) and users (≥1 prescription within 3 months prior to the COVID-19 diagnosis; morbidities present). Subsets were mutually exactly matched for pre-COVID-19 characteristics. The contrast between users and possible users informed about the effect of PPIs that is separate of the effect of PPI-requiring conditions. RESULTS Among 433 609 patients, users and possible users were matched 41 195 (of 55 098) to 17 334 (of 18 170) in the primary and 33 272 to 16 434 in the sensitivity analysis. There was no relevant difference between them regarding mortality (primary: relative risk [RR] = 0.93 [95% confidence interval 0.85-1.02; absolute risk difference [RD] = -0.34% [-0.73, 0.03]; sensitivity: RR = 0.88 [0.78-0.98]; RD = -0.45% [-0.80, -0.11]) or hospitalizations (primary: RR = 1.04 [0.97-1.13]; RD = 0.29% [-0.16, 0.73]; sensitivity: RR = 1.05 [0.97-1.15]; RD = 0.32% [-0.12, 0.75]). The risks of both were slightly higher in possible users or users than in nonusers (absolutely by ~0.4-1.6%) indicating the effect of PPI-requiring morbidities. CONCLUSION Premorbid exposure to PPIs does not affect the risk of death or hospitalization in adult COVID-19 patients, but PPI-requiring morbidities seemingly slightly increase the risk of both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kodvanj
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Hospital Center ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Jan Homolak
- Department of PharmacologyZagreb University School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
| | - Vladimir Trkulja
- Department of PharmacologyZagreb University School of MedicineZagrebCroatia
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15
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Mas M, García-Vicente JA, Estrada-Gelonch A, Pérez-Mañá C, Papaseit E, Torrens M, Farré M. Antidepressant Drugs and COVID-19: A Review of Basic and Clinical Evidence. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144038. [PMID: 35887802 PMCID: PMC9319396 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged the repurposing of existing drugs as a shorter development strategy in order to support clinicians with this difficult therapeutic dilemma. There is evidence to support the theory that some antidepressants can reduce concentrations of different cytokines in humans and animals and, recently, the antiviral activity of some antidepressants against SARS-CoV-2 has been reported. The aims of this narrative review are to evaluate the possible role of antidepressants in the treatment of COVID-19 infection and the possible benefits and risks of patients taking antidepressants for mental disorders and COVID-19 infection. A review was performed to analyse the current literature to identify the role of antidepressant medication in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The electronic search was completed in MEDLINE and MedRxiv/BioRxiv for published literature and in ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing clinical trials. The results show some evidence from preclinical data and observational studies about the possible efficacy of some specific antidepressants for treating COVID-19 infection. In addition, two published phase II studies testing fluvoxamine showed positive results for clinical deterioration and hospitalization rate versus a placebo. Seven ongoing clinical trials testing fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and tramadol (as per its anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effect) are still in the early phases. Although the available evidence is limited, the sum of the antiviral and anti-inflammatory preclinical studies and the results from several observational studies and two phase II clinical trials provide the basis for ongoing clinical trials evaluating the possible use of antidepressants for COVID-19 infection in humans. Further investigations will be needed to support the possible use of antidepressants for this application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mas
- Medical Writing Department, TFS Healthcare, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (A.E.-G.)
- Experimental and Health Sciences Department, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio García-Vicente
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290 Barcelona, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (E.P.); (M.T.)
- Pharmacy Unit, Northern Metropolitan Primary Care Directorate, Catalan Institute of Health, 08911 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.G.-V.); (M.F.)
| | - Anaïs Estrada-Gelonch
- Medical Writing Department, TFS Healthcare, 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (M.M.); (A.E.-G.)
| | - Clara Pérez-Mañá
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290 Barcelona, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (E.P.); (M.T.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP-IGTP), 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Papaseit
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290 Barcelona, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (E.P.); (M.T.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP-IGTP), 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290 Barcelona, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (E.P.); (M.T.)
- Addiction Unit, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Parc de Salut Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08290 Barcelona, Spain; (C.P.-M.); (E.P.); (M.T.)
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP-IGTP), 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.G.-V.); (M.F.)
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16
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Mahdi M, Hermán L, Réthelyi JM, Bálint BL. Potential Role of the Antidepressants Fluoxetine and Fluvoxamine in the Treatment of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073812. [PMID: 35409171 PMCID: PMC8998734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mapping non-canonical cellular pathways affected by approved medications can accelerate drug repurposing efforts, which are crucial in situations with a global impact such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Fluoxetine and fluvoxamine are well-established and widely-used antidepressive agents that act as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI-s). Interestingly, these drugs have been reported earlier to act as lysosomotropic agents, inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase in the lysosomes, and as ligands of sigma-1 receptors, mechanisms that might be used to fight severe outcomes of COVID-19. In certain cases, these drugs were administered for selected COVID-19 patients because of their antidepressive effects, while in other cases, clinical studies were performed to assess the effect of these drugs on treating COVID-19 patients. Clinical studies produced promising data that encourage the further investigation of fluoxetine and fluvoxamine regarding their use in COVID-19. In this review, we summarize experimental data and the results of the performed clinical studies. We also provide an overview of previous knowledge on the tissue distribution of these drugs and by integrating this information with the published experimental results, we highlight the real opportunity of using these drugs in our fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Mahdi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Infectology Clinic, University of Debrecen Clinical Centre, Bartók Béla út 2-26, 4031 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Hermán
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Balassa utca 6, 1083 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - János M. Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Balassa utca 6, 1083 Budapest, Hungary;
- Correspondence: (J.M.R.); (B.L.B.)
| | - Bálint László Bálint
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 7-9, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (J.M.R.); (B.L.B.)
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17
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Jannini TB, Lorenzo GD, Bianciardi E, Niolu C, Toscano M, Ciocca G, Jannini EA, Siracusano A. Off-label Uses of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:693-712. [PMID: 33998993 PMCID: PMC9878961 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210517150418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric drugs have primacy for off-label prescribing. Among those, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are highly versatile and, therefore, widely prescribed. Moreover, they are commonly considered as having a better safety profile compared to other antidepressants. Thus, when it comes to off-label prescribing, SSRIs rank among the top positions. In this review, we present the state of the art of off-label applications of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, ranging from migraine prophylaxis to SARS-CoV-2 antiviral properties. Research on SSRIs provided significant evidence in the treatment of premature ejaculation, both with the on-label dapoxetine 30 mg and the off-label paroxetine 20 mg. However, other than a serotoninergic syndrome, serious conditions like increased bleeding rates, hyponatremia, hepatoxicity, and post-SSRIs sexual dysfunctions, are consistently more prominent when using such compounds. These insidious side effects might be frequently underestimated during common clinical practice, especially by nonpsychiatrists. Thus, some points must be addressed when using SSRIs. Among these, a psychiatric evaluation before every administration that falls outside the regulatory agencies-approved guidelines has to be considered mandatory. For these reasons, we aim with the present article to identify the risks of inappropriate uses and to advocate the need to actively boost research encouraging future clinical trials on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso B. Jannini
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio D. Lorenzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy;,IRCCS-Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Niolu
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Toscano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy;,Department of Neurology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciocca
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Siracusano
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy;,Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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18
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Zdżalik-Bielecka D, Kozik K, Poświata A, Jastrzębski K, Jakubik M, Miączyńska M. Bemcentinib and Gilteritinib Inhibit Cell Growth and Impair the Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Systems in an AXL-Independent Manner. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:446-455. [PMID: 34782372 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase from the TAM (TYRO3 AXL and MER) subfamily, and its ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) are implicated in pathogenesis of a wide array of cancers, acquisition of resistance to diverse anticancer therapies and cellular entry of viruses. The continuous development of AXL inhibitors for treatment of patients with cancer and COVID-19 underscores the need to better characterize the cellular effects of AXL targeting. In the present study, we compared the cellular phenotypes of CRISPR-Cas9-induced depletion of AXL and its pharmacological inhibition with bemcentinib, LDC1267 and gilteritinib. Specifically, we evaluated GAS6-AXL signaling, cell viability and invasion, the endo-lysosomal system and autophagy in glioblastoma cells. We showed that depletion of AXL but not of TYRO3 inhibited GAS6-induced phosphorylation of downstream signaling effectors, AKT and ERK1/2, indicating that AXL is a primary receptor for GAS6. AXL was also specifically required for GAS6-dependent increase in cell viability but was dispensable for viability of cells grown without exogenous addition of GAS6. Furthermore, we revealed that LDC1267 is the most potent and specific inhibitor of AXL activation among the tested compounds. Finally, we found that, in contrast to AXL depletion and its inhibition with LDC1267, cell treatment with bemcentinib and gilteritinib impaired the endo-lysosomal and autophagy systems in an AXL-independent manner. IMPLICATIONS Altogether, our findings are of high clinical importance as we discovered that two clinically advanced AXL inhibitors, bemcentinib and gilteritinib, may display AXL-independent cellular effects and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Zdżalik-Bielecka
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Kozik
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Poświata
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Jastrzębski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Jakubik
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Miączyńska
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Shivalkar S, Pingali MS, Verma A, Singh A, Singh V, Paital B, Das D, Varadwaj PK, Samanta SK. Outbreak of COVID-19: A Detailed Overview and Its Consequences. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1353:23-45. [PMID: 35137366 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85113-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After the outbreak from Wuhan City of China, COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has become a pandemic worldwide in a very short span of time. The high transmission rate and pathogenicity of this virus have made COVID-19 a major public health concern globally. Basically, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 is the third introduction of a highly infectious human epidemic coronavirus in the twenty-first century. Various research groups have claimed bats to be the natural host of SARS-CoV-2. However, the intermediate host and mode of transmission from bat to humans are not revealed yet. The COVID-19 cost hundreds and thousands of lives and millions are facing the consequences. The objective of this chapter was to analyze the outbreak of COVID-19 and problems faced globally. METHODS All published relevant literature from scientific sources and reputed news channels are considered to write the current review. RESULTS Generally, elder persons and more particularly people with underlying medical conditions are found to be highly vulnerable to severe infection and prone to fatal outcomes. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment with clinically approved drugs or vaccines to treat this disease. Several research groups have been investigating the efficacies of several antiviral and repurposed drugs. Currently, most of the SARS-COV-2 vaccines are at the preclinical or clinical stage of development. The latest research progress on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and current status of therapeutic intervention indicates that still a specific drug or vaccine needs to come up for the effective treatment of the pandemic COVID-19. It is observed that various aspects of social life, economic status, and healthcare systems are majorly affected by this pandemic. CONCLUSION It is concluded that the outbreak of COVID-19 has severely affected each and every field, such as social, scientific, industrial, transport, and medical sectors. Irrespective of tremendous efforts globally, few vaccines are now available for the prevention of the disease. Specific drug is not available publicly for the treatment of COVID-19. Prevention of air pollution that can aggravate COVID-19 has been suggested. Therefore, as of now, social distancing and sanitization practices are the only options available for the prevention of the disease for many.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Shivalkar
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - M Shivapriya Pingali
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Arushi Verma
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Anirudh Singh
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Vishal Singh
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India
| | - Biswaranjan Paital
- Reodx Regulation Laboratory, Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Debashis Das
- Department of Botany, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Pritish Kumar Varadwaj
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India.
| | - Sintu Kumar Samanta
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, India.
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20
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Singh SP, Bhatnagar A, Singh SK, K Patra S, Kanwar N, Kanwal A, Amar S, Manna R. SARS-CoV-2 Infections, Impaired Tissue, and Metabolic Health: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutics. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2102-2123. [PMID: 35105287 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220201154845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 enters the human airways and comes into contact with the mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyes. The virus enters the healthy cells and uses cell machinery to make several copies of the virus. Critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have damaged lungs, air sacs, lining, and walls. Since COVID-19 causes cytokine storm, it damages the alveolar cells of the lungs and fills them with fluid, making it harder to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a range of complications, including mild to critical breathing difficulties. It has been observed that older people suffering from health conditions like cardiomyopathies, nephropathies, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes instigate severe symptoms. Many people who died due to COVID-19 had impaired metabolic health [IMH], characterized by hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, i.e., diabetes, cardiovascular system, and renal diseases making their retrieval challenging. Jeopardy stresses for increased mortality from COVID-19 include older age, COPD, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppression. However, no targeted therapies are available as of now. Almost two-thirds of diagnosed coronavirus patients had cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, out of which 37% were under 60. The NHS audit revealed that with a higher expression of ACE-2 receptors, viral particles could easily bind their protein spikes and get inside the cells, finally causing COVID-19 infection. Hence, people with IMH are more prone to COVID-19 and, ultimately, comorbidities. This review provides enormous information about tissue [lungs, heart and kidneys] damage, pathophysiological changes, and impaired metabolic health of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Moreover, it also designates the possible therapeutic targets of COVID-19 and drugs which can be used against these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aayushi Bhatnagar
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India-305817
| | - Sujeet Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India-305817
| | - Sanjib K Patra
- Department of Yoga, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India-305817
| | - Navjot Kanwar
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India-151001
| | - Abhinav Kanwal
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India-151001
| | - Salomon Amar
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595
| | - Ranata Manna
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India-305817
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21
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Sunkak S, Argun M, Celik B, Tasci O, Ozturk AB, Inan DB, Dogan M. Effects of azithromycin on ventricular repolarization in children with COVID-19. Rev Port Cardiol 2022; 41:551-556. [PMID: 35221464 PMCID: PMC8858685 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azithromycin is used to treat pediatric COVID-19 patients. It can also prolong the QT interval in adults. This study assessed the effects of azithromycin on ventricular repolarization in children with COVID-19. Method The study prospectively enrolled children with COVID-19 who received azithromycin between July and August 2020. An electrocardiogram was performed before, one, three, and five days post-treatment. Using ImageJ®, the following parameters were measured: QT max, QT min, Tp-e max, and Tp-e min. The parameters QTc max, QTc min, Tp-ec max, Tp-ec min, QTcd, Tp-ecd, and the QTc/Tp-ec ratio were calculated using Bazett's formula. Results The study included 105 pediatric patients (mean age 9.8±5.3 years). The pretreatment heart rate was higher than after treatment (before 92 [79–108]/min vs. Day 1 82 [69–108)]/min vs. Day 3 80 [68–92.2]/min vs. Day 5 81 [70–92]/min; p=0.05). Conclusion Azithromycin does not affect the ventricular repolarization parameters on ECG in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
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22
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Hirota K. H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and COVID-19. J Anesth 2022; 36:329-331. [PMID: 35067766 PMCID: PMC8784200 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-021-03032-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Hirota
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan.
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23
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Mazza MG, Palladini M, Poletti S, Benedetti F. Post-COVID-19 Depressive Symptoms: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacological Treatment. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:681-702. [PMID: 35727534 PMCID: PMC9210800 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still spreading worldwide over 2 years since its outbreak. The psychopathological implications in COVID-19 survivors such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments are now recognized as primary symptoms of the "post-acute COVID-19 syndrome." Depressive psychopathology was reported in around 35% of patients at short, medium, and long-term follow-up after the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms are known to increase fatigue and affect neurocognitive functioning, sleep, quality of life, and global functioning in COVID-19 survivors. The psychopathological mechanisms underlying post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms are mainly related to the inflammation triggered by the peripheral immune-inflammatory response to the viral infection and to the persistent psychological burden during and after infection. The large number of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and the high prevalence of post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms may significantly increase the pool of people suffering from depressive disorders. Therefore, it is essential to screen, diagnose, treat, and monitor COVID-19 survivors' psychopathology to counteract the depression disease burden and related years of life lived with disability. This paper reviews the current literature in order to synthesize the available evidence regarding epidemiology, clinical features, neurobiological underpinning, and pharmacological treatment of post-COVID-19 depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Gennaro Mazza
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milan, Italy. .,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy. .,PhD Program in Cognitive Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Mariagrazia Palladini
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892PhD Program in Cognitive Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, San Raffaele Turro, Via Stamira d’Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy ,grid.15496.3f0000 0001 0439 0892Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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24
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Paula HSC, Santiago SB, Araújo LA, Pedroso CF, Marinho TA, Gonçalves IAJ, Santos TAP, Pinheiro RS, Oliveira GA, Batista KA. An overview on the current available treatment for COVID-19 and the impact of antibiotic administration during the pandemic. Braz J Med Biol Res 2021; 55:e11631. [PMID: 34909910 PMCID: PMC8851906 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2021e11631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has caused several problems in healthcare systems around the world, as to date, there is no effective and specific treatment against all forms of COVID-19. Currently, drugs with therapeutic potential are being tested, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, immunotherapy, and antibiotics. Although antibiotics have no direct effect on viral infections, they are often used against secondary bacterial infections, or even as empiric treatment to reduce viral load, infection, and replication of coronaviruses. However, there are many concerns about this therapeutic approach as it may accelerate and/or increase the long-term rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We focused this overview on exploring candidate drugs for COVID-19 therapy, including antibiotics, considering the lack of specific treatment and that it is unclear whether the widespread use of antibiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 has implications for the emergence and transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S C Paula
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - S B Santiago
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - L A Araújo
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - C F Pedroso
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - T A Marinho
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - I A J Gonçalves
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - T A P Santos
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - R S Pinheiro
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - G A Oliveira
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Valparaíso, Valparaíso, GO, Brasil
| | - K A Batista
- Departamento de Áreas Acadêmicas, Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Goiás, Campus Goiânia Oeste, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
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25
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Fluvoxamine for the Early Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Review of Current Evidence. Drugs 2021; 81:2081-2089. [PMID: 34851510 PMCID: PMC8633915 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-021-01636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes COVID-19, which frequently leads to clinical deterioration and/or long-lasting morbidity. Academic and governmental experts throughout the USA met in 2021 to discuss the potential for use of fluvoxamine as early treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is a strong sigma-1 receptor agonist, and this may effectively reduce cytokine production, preventing clinical deterioration. This repurposed psychiatric medication has a well-known safety record, is inexpensive, easy to use, and widely available, all of which are advantages during this global COVID-19 pandemic. At the meeting, experts reviewed the existing published literature on the use of fluvoxamine as experimental COVID-19 treatment, as well as prior research on the potential mechanisms for anti-inflammatory effects of fluvoxamine, including for other conditions including sepsis. Investigators shared current trials underway and existing gaps in knowledge. Two randomized controlled trials and one observational study examining the effect of fluvoxamine in COVID-19 treatment have found high efficacy. Four larger randomized clinical trials are currently underway, including three in the USA and Canada. More data are needed on dosing and mechanisms of effect; however, fluvoxamine appears to have substantial potential as a safe and widely available medication that could be repurposed to ameliorate serious COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. As of April 2021, fluvoxamine was mentioned in the NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines, although no recommendation is made for or against use. Available data may warrant clinician discussion of fluvoxamine as a treatment option for COVID-19, using shared decision making. Video Abstract.
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26
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Calusic M, Marcec R, Luksa L, Jurkovic I, Kovac N, Mihaljevic S, Likic R. Safety and efficacy of fluvoxamine in COVID-19 ICU patients: An open label, prospective cohort trial with matched controls. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:2065-2073. [PMID: 34719789 PMCID: PMC8653355 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and sigma‐1 receptor agonist, has so far shown promise in the prevention of COVID‐19 progression as an early treatment option in three trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluvoxamine in COVID‐19 patients if administered later in the course of the disease. Methods The study was designed as an open‐label, prospective cohort trial with matched controls. In April and May 2021, 51 ICU COVID‐19 patients hospitalised in the University Hospital Dubrava and University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, were treated with fluvoxamine 100 mg three times daily for 15 days in addition to standard therapy and they were prospectively matched for age, gender, vaccination against COVID‐19, disease severity and comorbidities with 51 ICU controls. Results No statistically significant differences between groups were observed regarding the number of days on ventilator support, duration of ICU or total hospital stay. However, overall mortality was lower in the fluvoxamine group, 58.8% (n = 30/51), than in the control group, 76.5% (n = 39/51), HR 0.58, 95% CI (0.36–0.94, P = .027). Conclusion Fluvoxamine treatment in addition to the standard therapy in hospitalised ICU COVID‐19 patients could have a positive impact on patient survival. Further studies on the effects of fluvoxamine in COVID‐19 patients are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Calusic
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Marcec
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lea Luksa
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Jurkovic
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Natasa Kovac
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slobodan Mihaljevic
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Likic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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27
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Chowdhury UN, Faruqe MO, Mehedy M, Ahmad S, Islam MB, Shoombuatong W, Azad A, Moni MA. Effects of Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination during COVID-19 infection. Comput Biol Med 2021; 138:104891. [PMID: 34624759 PMCID: PMC8479467 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the infection of highly contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as the novel coronavirus. In most countries, the containment of this virus spread is not controlled, which is driving the pandemic towards a more difficult phase. In this study, we investigated the impact of the Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination on the severity and mortality of COVID-19 by performing transcriptomic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 infected and BCG vaccinated samples in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). A set of common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and seeded into their functional enrichment analyses via Gene Ontology (GO)-based functional terms and pre-annotated molecular pathways databases, and their Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis. We further analysed the regulatory elements, possible comorbidities and putative drug candidates for COVID-19 patients who have not been BCG-vaccinated. Differential expression analyses of both BCG-vaccinated and COVID-19 infected samples identified 62 shared DEGs indicating their discordant expression pattern in their respected conditions compared to control. Next, PPI analysis of those DEGs revealed 10 hub genes, namely ITGB2, CXCL8, CXCL1, CCR2, IFNG, CCL4, PTGS2, ADORA3, TLR5 and CD33. Functional enrichment analyses found significantly enriched pathways/GO terms including cytokine activities, lysosome, IL-17 signalling pathway, TNF-signalling pathways. Moreover, a set of identified TFs, miRNAs and potential drug molecules were further investigated to assess their biological involvements in COVID-19 and their therapeutic possibilities. Findings showed significant genetic interactions between BCG vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting an interesting prospect of the BCG vaccine in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope it may potentially trigger further research on this critical phenomenon to combat COVID-19 spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utpala Nanda Chowdhury
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md Omar Faruqe
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mehedy
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Shamim Ahmad
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - M. Babul Islam
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - A.K.M. Azad
- Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology, Swinburne University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia,Corresponding author
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28
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Biswas P, Hasan MM, Dey D, Dos Santos Costa AC, Polash SA, Bibi S, Ferdous N, Kaium MA, Rahman MDH, Jeet FK, Papadakos S, Islam K, Uddin MS. Candidate antiviral drugs for COVID-19 and their environmental implications: a comprehensive analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:59570-59593. [PMID: 34510341 PMCID: PMC8435122 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16096-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Emerging from Wuhan, China, SARS-CoV-2 is the new global threat that killed millions of people, and many are still suffering. This pandemic has not only affected people but also caused economic crisis throughout the world. Researchers have shown good progress in revealing the molecular insights of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and developing vaccines, but effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2-infected patients are yet to be found. Several vaccines are available and used in many countries, while many others are still in clinical or preclinical studies. However, this involves a long-term process, considering the safety procedures and requirements and their long-term protection capacity and in different age groups are still questionable. Therefore, at present, the drug repurposing of the existing therapeutics previously designed against other viral diseases seems to be the only practical approach to mitigate the current situation. The safety of most of these therapeutic agents has already been tested. Recent clinical reports revealed promising therapeutic efficiency of several drugs such as remdesivir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir, chloroquine, baricitinib, and cepharanthine. Besides, plasma therapies were used to treat patients and prevent fatal outcomes. Thus, in this article, we have summarized the epidemiological and clinical data from several clinical trials conducted since the beginning of the pandemic, emphasizing the efficiency of the known agents against SARS-CoV-2 and their harmful side effects on the human body as well as their environmental implications. This review shows a clear overview of the current pharmaceutical perspective on COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Partha Biswas
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Dipta Dey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Shabana Bibi
- Yunnan Herbal Laboratory, School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, Yunnan, China
| | - Nadim Ferdous
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abu Kaium
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - M D Hasanur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Fardin Kamal Jeet
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh
| | - Stavros Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Athens, Greece
| | - Khairul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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29
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Blanc F, Waechter C, Vogel T, Schorr B, Demuynck C, Hunyadi CM, Meyer M, Mutelica D, Bougaa N, Fafi-Kremer S, Calabrese L, Schmitt E, Imperiale D, Jehl C, Boussuge A, Suna C, Weill F, Matzinger A, Muller C, Karcher P, Kaltenbach G, Sauleau E. Therapeutic prevention of COVID-19 in elderly: a case-control study. GeroScience 2021; 43:2333-2343. [PMID: 34273049 PMCID: PMC8285285 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00397-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a particularly aggressive disease for the elderly as 86% of deaths related to COVID-19 occur in people over 65 years of age. Despite the urgent need for a preventive treatment, there are currently no serious leads, other than the vaccination. The aim of this retrospective case-control study is to find a pharmacological preventive treatment of COVID-19 in elderly patients. One-hundred-seventy-nine patients had been in contact with other COVID-19 patients at home or in hospital, of whom 89 had tested RT-PCR-positive (COVID-pos) for the virus and 90 had tested RT-PCR-negative (COVID-neg). Treatments within 15 days prior to RT-PCR (including antihypertensive drugs, antipsychotics, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), oral antidiabetics (OADs), corticosteroids, immunosuppressants), comorbidities, symptoms, laboratory values, and clinical outcome were all collected. COVID-pos patients more frequently had a history of diabetes (P = .016) and alcoholism (P = .023), a lower leukocyte count (P = .014) and a higher mortality rate - 29.2% versus 14.4% - (P = .014) when compared to COVID-neg patients. Patients on PPIs were 2.3 times less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.4381, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.2331, 0.8175], P = .0053) to develop COVID-19 infection, compared to those not on PPIs. No other treatment decreased or increased this risk. COVID-pos patients on antipsychotics (P = .0013) and OADs (P = .0153), particularly metformin (P = .0237), were less likely to die. Thus, patients on treatment with PPI were less likely to develop COVID-19 infection, and those on antipsychotics or metformin had a lower risk of mortality. However, prospective studies, including clinical trials, are needed to confirm or not these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Blanc
- ICube Laboratory, UMR 7357 and CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Cedric Waechter
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas Vogel
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Benoit Schorr
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Demuynck
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Martin Hunyadi
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Maxence Meyer
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Denata Mutelica
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nadjiba Bougaa
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Samira Fafi-Kremer
- Virology Department, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lidia Calabrese
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elise Schmitt
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Delphine Imperiale
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Jehl
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandre Boussuge
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Carmen Suna
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - François Weill
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexia Matzinger
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Candice Muller
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Karcher
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Georges Kaltenbach
- Pôle de Gériatrie, La Robertsau Geriatric Hospital, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Erik Sauleau
- ICube Laboratory, UMR 7357 and CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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30
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Mathieu C, Touret F, Jacquemin C, Janin YL, Nougairède A, Brailly M, Mazelier M, Décimo D, Vasseur V, Hans A, Valle-Casuso JC, de Lamballerie X, Horvat B, André P, Si-Tahar M, Lotteau V, Vidalain PO. A Bioluminescent 3CL Pro Activity Assay to Monitor SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Identify Inhibitors. Viruses 2021; 13:1814. [PMID: 34578395 PMCID: PMC8473059 DOI: 10.3390/v13091814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our therapeutic arsenal against viruses is very limited and the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 highlights the critical need for effective antivirals against emerging coronaviruses. Cellular assays allowing a precise quantification of viral replication in high-throughput experimental settings are essential to the screening of chemical libraries and the selection of best antiviral chemical structures. To develop a reporting system for SARS-CoV-2 infection, we generated cell lines expressing a firefly luciferase maintained in an inactive form by a consensus cleavage site for the viral protease 3CLPro of coronaviruses, so that the luminescent biosensor is turned on upon 3CLPro expression or SARS-CoV-2 infection. This cellular assay was used to screen a metabolism-oriented library of 492 compounds to identify metabolic vulnerabilities of coronaviruses for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. In agreement with recent reports, inhibitors of pyrimidine biosynthesis were found to prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication. Among the top hits, we also identified the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor Setanaxib. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Setanaxib was further confirmed using ACE2-expressing human pulmonary cells Beas2B as well as human primary nasal epithelial cells. Altogether, these results validate our cell-based functional assay and the interest of screening libraries of different origins to identify inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 for drug repurposing or development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Franck Touret
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.T.); (A.N.); (X.d.L.)
| | - Clémence Jacquemin
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Yves L. Janin
- Unité de Chimie et Biocatalyse, Institut Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 3523, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, CEDEX 15, 75724 Paris, France;
| | - Antoine Nougairède
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.T.); (A.N.); (X.d.L.)
| | - Manon Brailly
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Magalie Mazelier
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Didier Décimo
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Virginie Vasseur
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1100, Faculty of Medecine, University of Tours, 37000 Tours, France; (V.V.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Aymeric Hans
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Site de Normandie de l’Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (ANSES), Physiopathologie et épidémiologie des maladies équines (PhEED) Unit, 14430 Goustranville, France; (A.H.); (J.-C.V.-C.)
| | - José-Carlos Valle-Casuso
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Site de Normandie de l’Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail (ANSES), Physiopathologie et épidémiologie des maladies équines (PhEED) Unit, 14430 Goustranville, France; (A.H.); (J.-C.V.-C.)
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE), Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) 190, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm) U1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.T.); (A.N.); (X.d.L.)
| | - Branka Horvat
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Immunobiology of the Viral Infections, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.M.); (M.B.); (M.M.); (D.D.); (B.H.)
| | - Patrice André
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Mustapha Si-Tahar
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1100, Faculty of Medecine, University of Tours, 37000 Tours, France; (V.V.); (M.S.-T.)
| | - Vincent Lotteau
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
| | - Pierre-Olivier Vidalain
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team Viral Infection, Metabolism and Immunity, Univ Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), U1111, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69007 Lyon, France; (C.J.); (P.A.)
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Anti-infective properties of proton pump inhibitors: perspectives. Int Microbiol 2021; 25:217-222. [PMID: 34476634 PMCID: PMC8413114 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-021-00203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality today. In facing this crisis, the development of new drug options and combat strategies is necessary. In this sense, drug repositioning or drug redirection has emerged for the faster identification of effective drugs. In this “Commentary,” the anti-infective properties of the class of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are emphasized. Studies report activities against bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral agents. In addition, we have provided in a table a summary of the specific characteristics of PPIs and some of their anti-infective activities.
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Kotova OV, Medvedev VE, Akarachkova ES, Belyaev AA. [COVID-19 and stress-related disorders]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:122-128. [PMID: 34405668 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2021121052122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, the most actual problem has been a change in the lifestyle of the population of Russia and the rest of the world. Fear of illness, self-isolation/quarantine, and decreased quality of life have dramatically increased the level of stress-related disorders in the population. The main mental disorders arising from stress refer to anxiety disorders (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, depressions of varying severity and conversion reactions. The symptoms and early warning signs of stress-related disorders may be chronic or episodic. Stress-related disorders are corrected with psychotropic therapy, which aims to restore the balance of neurotransmitters. Current first choice agents for the treatment of both pathological anxiety and depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). During the pandemic, the SSRI fluvoxamine is of special interest. Its mechanisms of action are recognized as potentially useful for treating COVID-19 infection. Two studies confirming the efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine in the treatment of coronavirus infection are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Kotova
- Frendship PeoplesUniversity of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,International Society for the Study of Stress «Stress under control», Moscow, Russia
| | - V E Medvedev
- Frendship PeoplesUniversity of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - A A Belyaev
- Scientific Research Institute of Emergency Medical Care named after N.V. Sklifosovsky, Moscow, Russia
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Khosravi M. Candidate Psychotropics against SARS - CoV - 2: A Narrative Review. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2021; 55:16-23. [PMID: 34399430 DOI: 10.1055/a-1551-3756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Since few therapeutic options are clinically accessible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), effective, safe, and globally available pharmaceuticals need to be urgently developed to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and alleviate the severity of COVID-19. In this regard, the present paper is intended to provide an extensive review of the clinical and preclinical evidence on the psychotropics' anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects, giving an insight into their potential applications for patients with a proven or high likelihood of COVID-19 pneumonia. The results showed that psychotropic drugs such as melatonin, lithium carbonate, valproate, olanzapine, quetiapine, clozapine, fluoxetine, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, and cannabidiol could help lower the mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to these medications' direct immunomodulatory actions against the destructive cytokine storm, as well as other direct/indirect mechanisms (e. g., the endolysosomal pathway modulation, interactions with specific receptors, and membrane fusion), it was perceived that such drugs could effectively weaken the worsened immune response and avoid adult respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury. According to the author's analysis of the currently available evidence, there is significant support for psychotropics as complementary interventions during SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, further studies need to be carried out to assess the effects of the above psychotropic drugs in vitro and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Khosravi
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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34
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Nadalin S, Jakovac H, Peitl V, Karlović D, Buretić-Tomljanović A. Dysregulated inflammation may predispose patients with serious mental illnesses to severe COVID‑19 (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:611. [PMID: 34184073 PMCID: PMC8258463 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and nongenetic factors associated with an increased inflammatory response may mediate a link between severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) and serious mental illness (SMI). However, systematic assessment of inflammatory response‑related factors associated with SMI that could influence COVID‑19 outcomes is lacking. In the present review, dietary patterns, smoking and the use of psychotropic medications are discussed as potential extrinsic risk factors and angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphisms are considered as potential intrinsic risk factors. A genetics‑based prediction model for SMI using ACE‑I/D genotyping is also proposed for use in patients experiencing severe COVID‑19. Furthermore, the literature suggests that ACE inhibitors may have protective effects against SMI or severe COVID‑19, which is often linked to hypertension and other cardiovascular comorbidities. For this reason, we hypothesize that using these medications to treat patients with severe COVID‑19 might yield improved outcomes, including in the context of SMI associated with COVID‑19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergej Nadalin
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Jakovac
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Vjekoslav Peitl
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center and Catholic University of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dalibor Karlović
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center and Catholic University of Croatia, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alena Buretić-Tomljanović
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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Seabra G, Ventura Mendes RF, Dos Santos Amorim LFV, Peregrino IV, Branquinha MH, Dos Santos ALS, Nunes APF. Azithromycin Use in COVID-19 Patients: Implications on the Antimicrobial Resistance. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:677-683. [PMID: 34028347 DOI: 10.2174/156802662108210319145317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Seabra
- Laboratorio de Resistencia Bacteriana (RESBAC), Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciencias da Saude (CCS), Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Roberta Ferreira Ventura Mendes
- Laboratorio de Resistencia Bacteriana (RESBAC), Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciencias da Saude (CCS), Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Vieira Dos Santos Amorim
- Laboratorio de Resistencia Bacteriana (RESBAC), Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciencias da Saude (CCS), Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Vianez Peregrino
- Laboratorio de Resistencia Bacteriana (RESBAC), Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciencias da Saude (CCS), Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Laboratorio de Estudos Avancados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ferreira Nunes
- Laboratorio de Resistencia Bacteriana (RESBAC), Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Ciencias da Saude (CCS), Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, Brazil
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36
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Zippi M, Fiorino S, Budriesi R, Micucci M, Corazza I, Pica R, de Biase D, Gallo CG, Hong W. Paradoxical relationship between proton pump inhibitors and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:2763-2777. [PMID: 33969059 PMCID: PMC8058681 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i12.2763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), used to reduce gastric acid secretion, represent one of the most widely used pharmaceutical classes in the world. Their consumption as a risk factor for the evolution of severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been investigated as well as the mortality of these patients. These risks also appear to be linked to the duration and the dosage. On the other hand, several studies have emerged with regard to the protective or therapeutic effects of these drugs. More and more evidence underlines the immunomodulatory and anti-fibrotic role of PPIs. In addition, their ability to alkalize the contents of endosomes and lysosomes serves as an obstacle to the entry of the virus into the host cells. AIM To identify studies on the relationship between the intake of PPIs and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, with the main objective of evaluating the outcomes related to severity and mortality. METHODS A literature review was performed in November 2020. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched for all relevant articles published in English on this topic. The search terms were identified by means of controlled vocabularies, such as the National Library of Medicine's MESH (Medical Subject Headings) and keywords. The MESH terms and keywords used were as follows: "COVID-19", "proton pump inhibitors", "PPIs", "SARS-CoV-2", "outcomes", "severity" and "mortality". The inclusion criteria regarding the studies considered in our analysis were: meta-analysis, case-control, hospital-based case-control, population-based case-control, retrospective studies, online survey, as well as cohort-studies, while articles not published as full reports, such as conference abstracts, case reports and editorials were excluded. We tried to summarize and pool all the data if available. RESULTS A total of 9 studies were found that described the use of PPIs, of which only 5 clearly reported the severity and mortality data in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Our pooled incidence analysis of severe events did not differ between patients with and without PPIs (odds ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-4.35) (P = 0.314), or for mortality (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 0.62-5.03) (P = 0.286). CONCLUSION Detailed and larger case studies are needed to accurately understand the role of PPIs in this viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome 00157, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Maggiore Hospital, Local Health Unit of Bologna, Bologna 40133, Italy
| | - Roberta Budriesi
- Food Chemistry and Nutraceuticals Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna 40133, Italy
| | - Matteo Micucci
- Food Chemistry and Nutraceuticals Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna 40133, Italy
| | - Ivan Corazza
- Experimental, Diagnostic and Speciality Medicine Department, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | - Roberta Pica
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome 00157, Italy
| | - Dario de Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
| | | | - Wandong Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Sukhatme VP, Reiersen AM, Vayttaden SJ, Sukhatme VV. Fluvoxamine: A Review of Its Mechanism of Action and Its Role in COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:652688. [PMID: 33959018 PMCID: PMC8094534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluvoxamine is a well-tolerated, widely available, inexpensive selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has been shown in a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to prevent clinical deterioration of patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fluvoxamine is also an agonist for the sigma-1 receptor, through which it controls inflammation. We review here a body of literature that shows important mechanisms of action of fluvoxamine and other SSRIs that could play a role in COVID-19 treatment. These effects include: reduction in platelet aggregation, decreased mast cell degranulation, interference with endolysosomal viral trafficking, regulation of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-driven inflammation and increased melatonin levels, which collectively have a direct antiviral effect, regulate coagulopathy or mitigate cytokine storm, which are known hallmarks of severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas P Sukhatme
- Department of Medicine and the Morningside Center for Innovative and Affordable Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Angela M Reiersen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Vidula V Sukhatme
- GlobalCures, Inc., Newton, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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38
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Bazotte RB, Hirabara SM, Serdan TAD, Gritte RB, Souza-Siqueira T, Gorjao R, Masi LN, Antunes MM, Cruzat V, Pithon-Curi TC, Curi R. 4-Aminoquinoline compounds from the Spanish flu to COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 135:111138. [PMID: 33360781 PMCID: PMC7973050 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1918, quinine was used as one of the unscientifically based treatments against the H1N1 virus during the Spanish flu pandemic. Originally, quinine was extracted from the bark of Chinchona trees by South American natives of the Amazon forest, and it has been used to treat fever since the seventeenth century. The recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by Sars-Cov-2 infection has forced researchers to search for ways to prevent and treat this disease. Based on the antiviral potential of two 4-aminoquinoline compounds derived from quinine, known as chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), clinical investigations for treating COVID-19 are being conducted worldwide. However, there are some discrepancies among the clinical trial outcomes.Thus, even after one hundred years of quinine use during the Spanish flu pandemic, the antiviral properties promoted by 4-aminoquinoline compounds remain unclear. The underlying molecular mechanisms by which CQ and HCQ inhibit viral replication open up the possibility of developing novel analogs of these drugs to combat COVID-19 and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandro Massao Hirabara
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Raquel Bragante Gritte
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Talita Souza-Siqueira
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Renata Gorjao
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Laureane Nunes Masi
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Vinicius Cruzat
- Faculty of Health, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Tania Cristina Pithon-Curi
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rui Curi
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Homolak J, Kodvanj I, Trkulja V. An Additional Perspective on Proton Pump Inhibitors as Risk Factors for COVID-19. Clin Drug Investig 2021; 41:287-289. [PMID: 33606199 PMCID: PMC7892720 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-021-01007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Homolak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ivan Kodvanj
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Trkulja
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Morán Blanco JI, Alvarenga Bonilla JA, Homma S, Suzuki K, Fremont-Smith P, Villar Gómez de Las Heras K. Antihistamines and azithromycin as a treatment for COVID-19 on primary health care - A retrospective observational study in elderly patients. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2021; 67:101989. [PMID: 33465426 PMCID: PMC7833340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Between March and April 2020, 84 elderly patients with suspected COVID-19 living in two nursing homes of Yepes, Toledo (Spain) were treated early with antihistamines (dexchlorpheniramine, cetirizine or loratadine), adding azithromycin in the 25 symptomatic cases. The outcomes are retrospectively reported. The primary endpoint is the fatality rate of COVID-19. The secondary endpoints are the hospital and ICU admission rates. Endpoints were compared with the official Spanish rates for the elderly. The mean age of our population was 85 and 48% were over 80 years old. No hospital admissions, deaths, nor adverse drug effects were reported in our patient population. By the end of June, 100% of the residents had positive serology for COVID-19. Although clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy of both drugs in the treatment of COVID-19, this analysis suggests that primary care diagnosis and treatment with antihistamines, plus azithromycin in selected cases, may treat COVID-19 and prevent progression to severe disease in elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio Morán Blanco
- Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain; Centro de Salud de Yepes, Av. Santa Reliquia, 26, 45313, Yepes, Toledo, Spain
| | - Judith A Alvarenga Bonilla
- Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha (SESCAM), Toledo, Spain; Centro de Salud de Yepes, Av. Santa Reliquia, 26, 45313, Yepes, Toledo, Spain
| | - Sakae Homma
- Department of Advanced and Integrated Interstitial Lung Diseases Research, School of Medicine, Toho University, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
| | - Kazuo Suzuki
- Asia International Institute of Infectious Disease Control, and Department of Health Protection, Graduate School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
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Lokhande AS, Devarajan PV. A review on possible mechanistic insights of Nitazoxanide for repurposing in COVID-19. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 891:173748. [PMID: 33227285 PMCID: PMC7678434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought the world to a grinding halt. A major cause of concern is the respiratory distress associated mortality attributed to the cytokine storm. Despite myriad rapidly approved clinical trials with repurposed drugs, and time needed to develop a vaccine, accelerated search for repurposed therapeutics is still ongoing. In this review, we present Nitazoxanide a US-FDA approved antiprotozoal drug, as one such promising candidate. Nitazoxanide which is reported to exert broad-spectrum antiviral activity against various viral infections, revealed good in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture assays, suggesting potential for repurposing in COVID-19. Furthermore, nitazoxanide displays the potential to boost host innate immune responses and thereby tackle the life-threatening cytokine storm. Possibilities of improving lung, as well as multiple organ damage and providing value addition to COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, are other important facets of the drug. The review juxtaposes the role of nitazoxanide in fighting COVID-19 pathogenesis at multiple levels highlighting the great promise the drug exhibits. The in silico data and in vitro efficacy in cell lines confirms the promise of nitazoxanide. Several approved clinical trials world over further substantiate leveraging nitazoxanide for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit S Lokhande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India
| | - Padma V Devarajan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N. P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, 400019, Maharashtra, India.
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Lenze EJ, Mattar C, Zorumski CF, Stevens A, Schweiger J, Nicol GE, Miller JP, Yang L, Yingling M, Avidan MS, Reiersen AM. Fluvoxamine vs Placebo and Clinical Deterioration in Outpatients With Symptomatic COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2020; 324:2292-2300. [PMID: 33180097 PMCID: PMC7662481 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.22760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to serious illness as a result of an excessive immune response. Fluvoxamine may prevent clinical deterioration by stimulating the σ-1 receptor, which regulates cytokine production. OBJECTIVE To determine whether fluvoxamine, given during mild COVID-19 illness, prevents clinical deterioration and decreases the severity of disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Double-blind, randomized, fully remote (contactless) clinical trial of fluvoxamine vs placebo. Participants were community-living, nonhospitalized adults with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, with COVID-19 symptom onset within 7 days and oxygen saturation of 92% or greater. One hundred fifty-two participants were enrolled from the St Louis metropolitan area (Missouri and Illinois) from April 10, 2020, to August 5, 2020. The final date of follow-up was September 19, 2020. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of fluvoxamine (n = 80) or placebo (n = 72) 3 times daily for 15 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was clinical deterioration within 15 days of randomization defined by meeting both criteria of (1) shortness of breath or hospitalization for shortness of breath or pneumonia and (2) oxygen saturation less than 92% on room air or need for supplemental oxygen to achieve oxygen saturation of 92% or greater. RESULTS Of 152 patients who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 46 [13] years; 109 [72%] women), 115 (76%) completed the trial. Clinical deterioration occurred in 0 of 80 patients in the fluvoxamine group and in 6 of 72 patients in the placebo group (absolute difference, 8.7% [95% CI, 1.8%-16.4%] from survival analysis; log-rank P = .009). The fluvoxamine group had 1 serious adverse event and 11 other adverse events, whereas the placebo group had 6 serious adverse events and 12 other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this preliminary study of adult outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19, patients treated with fluvoxamine, compared with placebo, had a lower likelihood of clinical deterioration over 15 days. However, the study is limited by a small sample size and short follow-up duration, and determination of clinical efficacy would require larger randomized trials with more definitive outcome measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04342663.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Caline Mattar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Charles F. Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Angela Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Julie Schweiger
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Ginger E. Nicol
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - J. Philip Miller
- Division of Biostatistics, Informatics Institute, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael Yingling
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael S. Avidan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Angela M. Reiersen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
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Vela JM. Repurposing Sigma-1 Receptor Ligands for COVID-19 Therapy? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:582310. [PMID: 33364957 PMCID: PMC7751758 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.582310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of emerging infections, such as COVID-19 pandemic especially, confront health professionals with the unique challenge of treating patients. With no time to discover new drugs, repurposing of approved drugs or in clinical development is likely the only solution. Replication of coronaviruses (CoVs) occurs in a modified membranous compartment derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causes host cell ER stress and activates pathways to facilitate adaptation of the host cell machinery to viral needs. Accordingly, modulation of ER remodeling and ER stress response might be pivotal in elucidating CoV-host interactions and provide a rationale for new therapeutic, host-based antiviral approaches. The sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is a ligand-operated, ER membrane-bound chaperone that acts as an upstream modulator of ER stress and thus a candidate host protein for host-based repurposing approaches to treat COVID-19 patients. Sig-1R ligands are frequently identified in in vitro drug repurposing screens aiming to identify antiviral compounds against CoVs, including severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Sig-1R regulates key mechanisms of the adaptive host cell stress response and takes part in early steps of viral replication. It is enriched in lipid rafts and detergent-resistant ER membranes, where it colocalizes with viral replicase proteins. Indeed, the non-structural SARS-CoV-2 protein Nsp6 interacts with Sig-1R. The activity of Sig-1R ligands against COVID-19 remains to be specifically assessed in clinical trials. This review provides a rationale for targeting Sig-1R as a host-based drug repurposing approach to treat COVID-19 patients. Evidence gained using Sig-1R ligands in unbiased in vitro antiviral drug screens and the potential mechanisms underlying the modulatory effect of Sig-1R on the host cell response are discussed. Targeting Sig-1R is not expected to reduce dramatically established viral replication, but it might interfere with early steps of virus-induced host cell reprogramming, aid to slow down the course of infection, prevent the aggravation of the disease and/or allow a time window to mature a protective immune response. Sig-1R-based medicines could provide benefit not only as early intervention, preventive but also as adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Miguel Vela
- Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development, ESTEVE Pharmaceuticals, Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang Y, Mesa-Antunez P, Fortuin L, Andrén OCJ, Malkoch M. Degradable High Molecular Weight Monodisperse Dendritic Poly(ethylene glycols). Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:4294-4301. [PMID: 32845125 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) are extensively explored by the pharma industry as foundations for new therapeutic products. PEGs are typically used for their conjugation to active drugs, peptides, and proteins and the likeliness to increase the half-life and enhance the therapeutic outcome. Considering the necessity of batch-to-batch consistency for clinical products, monodisperse PEGs are highly attractive but are generally limited to 5 kDa as an upper molecular weight (Mw) and with an oligomer purity of 95%. By amalgamating short, monodisperse PEGs with dendritic frameworks based on 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid polyesters, we showcase a robust synthetic approach to monodisperse PEGs with Mw ranging from 2 to 65 kDa. The latter is, to our knowledge, the highest Mw structure of its kind ever reported. Importantly, the dendritic multifunctional connector facilitated degradability at pH 7.4 at 37 °C, which is an important feature for the delivery of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Zhang
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-68, Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Pablo Mesa-Antunez
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-68, Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Lisa Fortuin
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-68, Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Oliver C J Andrén
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-68, Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden
| | - Michael Malkoch
- Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Teknikringen 56-68, Stockholm SE-100 44, Sweden
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Taştemur Ş, Ataseven H. Is it possible to use Proton Pump Inhibitors in COVID-19 treatment and prophylaxis? Med Hypotheses 2020; 143:110018. [PMID: 32679422 PMCID: PMC7834647 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoV), discovered after 1960, caused human life-threatening outbreaks. SARS-CoV2, which appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019, causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and has different features than other coronaviruses, has been determined and the disease caused by the virus has been called "Coronavirus Disease-2019" (COVID-19). This disease activates both the natural and acquired immune system. The cytokin storm, in which blood levels of proinflammatory cytokines are detected excessively high is developing and the uncontrolled inflammatory response causes local and systemic tissue damages. Although a spesific drug has not been found yet, the medications currently in use for other indications, whose pharmacokinetic- pharmacodynamic properties and toxic doses are already known; are included in the treatment practice of COVID-19. These drugs affect the entry of the virus into the cell and its intracellular distribution. They also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects too. Therefore, we think that Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI's) with similar mechanisms of action may also be involved in COVID-19 treatment and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şeyma Taştemur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sivas Numune Hospital, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Hilmi Ataseven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Discipline of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
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Ray A, Sharma S, Sadasivam B. The Potential Therapeutic Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors in COVID-19: Hypotheses Based on Existing Evidences. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2020; 70:484-488. [PMID: 32877948 PMCID: PMC7672704 DOI: 10.1055/a-1236-3041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the major therapeutic uses of the proton pump inhibitors are in gastric-acid related diseases, evidences are suggestive of a pleiotropic nature of the compounds. We comment on the probable pathways and cellular machineries via which proton pump inhibitors could show beneficial therapeutic effects against SARS-CoV-2 based on the existing evidences. Proton pump inhibitors have shown antiviral potencies in various in vivo and in vitro studies. Some of the major possible ways through which they can act against SARS-CoV-2 are by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects, via vacuolar ATPase pumps leading to raised endolysosomal pH and by targeting endosomal complexes. The current pandemic has put forward a challenge to find treatment options. Although the potential roles of proton pump inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 have been discussed in recent publications, the clinical evidences for their real-world effectiveness do not point towards a beneficial effect clearly yet. We suggest that although proton pump inhibitors should strongly be considered as potential therapeutic options for COVID-19, larger studies in the form of randomized controlled trials would be required to arrive at a definite conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avik Ray
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Swati Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Balakrishnan Sadasivam
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Preliminary analysis of COVID-19 academic information patterns: a call for open science in the times of closed borders. Scientometrics 2020; 124:2687-2701. [PMID: 32836524 PMCID: PMC7315688 DOI: 10.1007/s11192-020-03587-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Pandemic of COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 motivated the scientific community to work together in order to gather, organize, process and distribute data on the novel biomedical hazard. Here, we analyzed how the scientific community responded to this challenge by quantifying distribution and availability patterns of the academic information related to COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the information flow and scientific collaboration, two factors we believe to be critical for finding new solutions for the ongoing pandemic. The RISmed R package, and a custom Python script were used to fetch metadata on articles indexed in PubMed and published on Rxiv preprint server. Scopus was manually searched and the metadata was exported in BibTex file. Publication rate and publication status, affiliation and author count per article, and submission-to-publication time were analysed in R. Biblioshiny application was used to create a world collaboration map. Preliminary data suggest that COVID-19 pandemic resulted in generation of a large amount of scientific data, and demonstrates potential problems regarding the information velocity, availability, and scientific collaboration in the early stages of the pandemic. More specifically, the results indicate precarious overload of the standard publication systems, significant problems with data availability and apparent deficient collaboration. In conclusion, we believe the scientific community could have used the data more efficiently in order to create proper foundations for finding new solutions for the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, we believe we can learn from this on the go and adopt open science principles and a more mindful approach to COVID-19-related data to accelerate the discovery of more efficient solutions. We take this opportunity to invite our colleagues to contribute to this global scientific collaboration by publishing their findings with maximal transparency.
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Damle B, Vourvahis M, Wang E, Leaney J, Corrigan B. Clinical Pharmacology Perspectives on the Antiviral Activity of Azithromycin and Use in COVID-19. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2020; 108:201-211. [PMID: 32302411 PMCID: PMC7262099 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Azithromycin (AZ) is a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic with a long half-life and a large volume of distribution. It is primarily used for the treatment of respiratory, enteric, and genitourinary bacterial infections. AZ is not approved for the treatment of viral infections, and there is no well-controlled, prospective, randomized clinical evidence to support AZ therapy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, there are anecdotal reports that some hospitals have begun to include AZ in combination with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine (CQ) for treatment of COVID-19. It is essential that the clinical pharmacology (CP) characteristics of AZ be considered in planning and conducting clinical trials of AZ alone or in combination with other agents, to ensure safe study conduct and to increase the probability of achieving definitive answers regarding efficacy of AZ in the treatment of COVID-19. The safety profile of AZ used as an antibacterial agent is well established.1 This work assesses published in vitro and clinical evidence for AZ as an agent with antiviral properties. It also provides basic CP information relevant for planning and initiating COVID-19 clinical studies with AZ, summarizes safety data from healthy volunteer studies, and safety and efficacy data from phase II and phase II/III studies in patients with uncomplicated malaria, including a phase II/III study in pediatric patients following administration of AZ and CQ in combination. This paper may also serve to facilitate the consideration and use of a priori-defined control groups for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Damle
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Erjian Wang
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Joanne Leaney
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Sandwich, Kent, UK
| | - Brian Corrigan
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Groton, Connecticut, USA
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