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Alkafaas SS, Abdallah AM, Hussien AM, Bedair H, Abdo M, Ghosh S, Elkafas SS, Apollon W, Saki M, Loutfy SA, Onyeaka H, Hessien M. A study on the effect of natural products against the transmission of B.1.1.529 Omicron. Virol J 2023; 20:191. [PMID: 37626376 PMCID: PMC10464336 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic resulted in a successful vaccination program launched by the World Health Organization. However, a large population is still unvaccinated, leading to the emergence of mutated strains like alpha, beta, delta, and B.1.1.529 (Omicron). Recent reports from the World Health Organization raised concerns about the Omicron variant, which emerged in South Africa during a surge in COVID-19 cases in November 2021. Vaccines are not proven completely effective or safe against Omicron, leading to clinical trials for combating infection by the mutated virus. The absence of suitable pharmaceuticals has led scientists and clinicians to search for alternative and supplementary therapies, including dietary patterns, to reduce the effect of mutated strains. MAIN BODY This review analyzed Coronavirus aetiology, epidemiology, and natural products for combating Omicron. Although the literature search did not include keywords related to in silico or computational research, in silico investigations were emphasized in this study. Molecular docking was implemented to compare the interaction between natural products and Chloroquine with the ACE2 receptor protein amino acid residues of Omicron. The global Omicron infection proceeding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was also elucidated. The docking results suggest that DGCG may bind to the ACE2 receptor three times more effectively than standard chloroquine. CONCLUSION The emergence of the Omicron variant has highlighted the need for alternative therapies to reduce the impact of mutated strains. The current review suggests that natural products such as DGCG may be effective in binding to the ACE2 receptor and combating the Omicron variant, however, further research is required to validate the results of this study and explore the potential of natural products to mitigate COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Sami Alkafaas
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Abanoub Mosaad Abdallah
- Narcotic Research Department, National Center for Social and Criminological Research (NCSCR), Giza, 11561, Egypt
| | - Aya Misbah Hussien
- Biotechnology Department at Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Bedair
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Abdo
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.
| | - Sara Samy Elkafas
- Production Engineering and Mechanical Design Department, Faculty of Engineering, Menofia University, Menofia, Egypt
| | - Wilgince Apollon
- Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, Faculty of Agronomy, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Francisco Villa S/N, Ex-Hacienda El Canadá, 66050, General Escobedo, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Morteza Saki
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Samah A Loutfy
- Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Nanotechnology Research Center, British University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Mohamed Hessien
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
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Atta IS, Elnady MR, Alghamdi AG, Alghamdi AH, Aboulata AA, Shatla IM. Assessing the hepatoprotective effects of hesperidin on liver-associated disorders in albino rats with experimentally induced obesity and type II diabetes: A histological and biochemical study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16031. [PMID: 37215885 PMCID: PMC10196525 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hesperidin (HSP) has multiple beneficial effects in verities of clinical situations including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). AIM Determination of curative effects of HSP on the liver in T2DM rats through biochemical and histopathological studies. METHODS Animals. Fifty rats were enrolled. 10 rats were fed a normal diet (control group), and the remaining 40 rats received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. The HFD-fed rats were grouped into Group II: 10 rats, and Group III: 10 rats received HSP 100 mg/kg. Group IV: 10 rats received a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ), 30 mg/kg, and Group V: 10 rats received STZ and HSP. Body weight, Blood glucose, insulin level, liver enzymes, lipid profile, oxidative stress, TNF-α, NF-κB, and liver biopsy were estimated. RESULTS there is improvement in the histological profile of the steatosis in HFD-fed rats treated with HSP either in group III or in group V (received STZ) along with amelioration in blood glucose, insulin, liver enzymes, lipid profile, oxidative profile, TNF-α, and NF-κB. CONCLUSION HSP in this STZ model revealed an improvement in steatosis, biochemical markers, and histologic findings. By studying these factors, we expected to identify the prospective targets for intervention that could help improve outcomes for individuals with obesity and diabetes-related liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihab Shafek Atta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assuit, Egypt
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed R. Elnady
- Physiology Department, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Ali G. Alghamdi
- Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Alaa A. Aboulata
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt
- Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M. Shatla
- Physiology Department, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia
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Croce AC, Ferrigno A, Palladini G, Mannucci B, Vairetti M, Di Pasqua LG. Fatty Acids and Bilirubin as Intrinsic Autofluorescence Serum Biomarkers of Drug Action in a Rat Model of Liver Ischemia and Reperfusion. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093818. [PMID: 37175228 PMCID: PMC10180479 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093818] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The autofluorescence of specific fatty acids, retinoids, and bilirubin in crude serum can reflect changes in liver functional engagement in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis. The role of these fluorophores as intrinsic biomarkers of pharmacological actions has been investigated here in rats administered with obeticholic acid (OCA), a Farnesoid-X Receptor (FXR) agonist, proven to counteract the increase of serum bilirubin in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been applied to an assay serum collected from rats submitted to liver I/R (60/60 min ± OCA administration). The I/R group showed changes in the amplitude and profiles of emission spectra excited at 310 or 366 nm, indicating remarkable alterations in the retinoid and fluorescing fatty acid balance, with a particular increase in arachidonic acid. The I/R group also showed an increase in bilirubin AF, detected in the excitation spectra recorded at 570 nm. OCA greatly reversed the effects observed in the I/R group, confirmed by the biochemical analysis of bilirubin and fatty acids. These results are consistent with a relationship between OCA anti-inflammatory effects and the acknowledged roles of fatty acids as precursors of signaling agents mediating damaging responses to harmful stimuli, supporting serum autofluorescence analysis as a possible direct, real-time, cost-effective tool for pharmacological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Ferrigno
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Palladini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Internal Medicine, Fondazione, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Mariapia Vairetti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura G Di Pasqua
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Kiriacos CJ, Khedr MR, Tadros M, Youness RA. Prospective Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals Shielding Autoimmune and Cancer Patients Against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Special Focus on Matcha. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837408. [PMID: 35664773 PMCID: PMC9157490 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being "positive" has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic. Aim The authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions. Methodology To attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: "COVID-19"/"SARS-CoV-2", "Herbal Drugs", "Autoimmune diseases", "Rheumatoid Arthritis", "Asthma", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" "Nutraceuticals", "Matcha", "EGCG", "Quercetin", "Cancer", and key molecular pathways. Results This manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards "matcha" as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Conclusion This review sheds light on the pivotal role of "matcha" as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monika Rafik Khedr
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Miray Tadros
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
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Li S, Zhu J, Pan L, Wan P, Qin Q, Luo D, Pan W, Wei Y, Xu Y, Shang L, Ye X. Potential protective effect of hesperidin on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced hepatocyte injury. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:764. [PMID: 34035861 PMCID: PMC8135133 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hesperidin (HDN) has been reported to have hydrogen radical- and hydrogen peroxide-removal activities and to serve an antioxidant role in biological systems. However, whether HDN protects hepatocytes (HCs) against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the role of HDN in H/R-induced injury. HCs were isolated and cultured under H/R conditions with or without HDN treatment. HC damage was markedly induced under H/R, as indicated by cell viability, supernatant lactate dehydrogenase levels and alanine aminotransferase levels; however, HDN treatment significantly reversed HC injury. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathioneand reactive oxygen species) were increased markedly during H/R in HCs; however, this effect was significantly attenuated after exposure to HDN. Compared with those of the control group, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in HCs and the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatants increased significantly following H/R, and HDN significantly ameliorated these effects. Western blotting demonstrated that microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3α (MAP1LC3A, also known as LC3) and Beclin-1 protein expression levels increased, while sequestosome 1 levels decreased during H/R following exposure to HDN. The number of GFP-LC3 puncta in HCs following exposure to HDN was increased compared with that observed in HCs without HDN exposure under the H/R conditions after bafilomycin A1 treatment. In summary, the present study demonstrated that HDN attenuated HC oxidative stress and inflammatory responses while enhancing autophagy during H/R. HDN may have a potential protective effect on HCs during H/R-induced injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilai Li
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jijin Zhu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ling Pan
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Peiqi Wan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Quanlin Qin
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Daqing Luo
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Pan
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Wei
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yansong Xu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Liming Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xinping Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Li S, Qin Q, Luo D, Pan W, Wei Y, Xu Y, Zhu J, Shang L. Hesperidin ameliorates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury via activation of the Akt pathway. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4519-4530. [PMID: 33174025 PMCID: PMC7646746 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hesperidin (HDN) is a bioflavonoid that serves a role as an antioxidant in biological systems. However, although HDN has hydrogen radical- and hydrogen peroxide-removal activities, the role of HDN in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of HDN in liver I/R injury. Male C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to warm partial liver I/R injury. Liver damage was evaluated by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, cytokine production, oxidative stress indicators, tissue hematoxylin-eosin staining and cell death. The Akt signaling pathway was examined to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. HDN had no effect on ALT levels and tissue damage in WT mice without liver I/R injury. However, HDN significantly ameliorated liver I/R injury as measured by serum ALT levels and necrotic tissue areas. HDN decreased malondialdehyde content, but increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione. In addition, HDN significantly attenuated the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β after liver I/R injury. Furthermore, HDN protected the liver against apoptosis in liver I/R injury by increasing the levels of Bcl-2 and decreasing the levels of cleaved-caspase 3. Mechanistically, the levels of phosphorylated Akt were elevated by HDN during liver I/R injury. In addition, HDN could induce Akt activation in hepatocytes in vitro. Most importantly, treatment with the Akt inhibitor LY294002 in WT mice blocked the hepatoprotective effects of HDN in liver I/R injury. In summary, the results of the present study suggested that HDN may protect against liver I/R injury through activating the Akt pathway by ameliorating liver oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation and preventing hepatocyte apoptosis. HDN may be a useful factor for liver injury protection and a potential therapeutic treatment for liver I/R injury in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilai Li
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Quanlin Qin
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Daqing Luo
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Wenhui Pan
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Yuqing Wei
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Yansong Xu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Jijin Zhu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
| | - Liming Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R China
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Durhan A, Koşmaz K, Süleyman M, Tez M, Şenlikci A, Ersak C, Ünal Y, Pekcici R, Karaahmet F, Şeneş M, Alkan Kuşabbi I, Eser EP, Hücümenoğlu S. Assessment of Ankaferd Blood Stopper in experimental liver ischemia reperfusion injury. Turk J Med Sci 2020; 50:1421-1427. [PMID: 32490644 PMCID: PMC7491290 DOI: 10.3906/sag-2004-240] [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: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim To investigate possible protective effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) in an experimental liver ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) model. Materials and methods The study was carried out on 30 female rats separated into 3 groups as sham, control (IRI), and treatment (IRI + ABS) groups. In the IRI + ABS group, 0.5 mL/day ABS was given for 7 days before surgery. In the IRI and IRI + ABS groups, the hepatic pedicle was clamped for 30 min to apply ischemia. Then, after opening the clamp, 90-min reperfusion of the liver was provided. Blood and liver tissue samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results Compared to the sham group, the IRI group had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), fluorescent oxidant products (FOP) and lower expression of albumin and total antioxidant status (TAS) (P < 0.05). Compared to the IRI group, the IRI+ABS group showed lower expression of AST, ALT, TOS, MDA and FOP and higher expression of albumin and TAS (P < 0.05). In the histopathological analysis, congestion scores were statistically significantly lower in the IRI + ABS group than in the IRI group. Conclusions ABS has a strong hepatoprotective effect due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects and could therefore be used as a potential therapeutic agent for IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Durhan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Koray Koşmaz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Marlen Süleyman
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mesut Tez
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Şenlikci
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Can Ersak
- Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yilmaz Ünal
- Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Recep Pekcici
- Department of General Surgery, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Karaahmet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Şeneş
- Department of Biochemistry, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Alkan Kuşabbi
- Department of Biochemistry, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Eylem Pinar Eser
- Department of Pathology, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sema Hücümenoğlu
- Department of Pathology, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Bellavite P, Donzelli A. Hesperidin and SARS-CoV-2: New Light on the Healthy Function of Citrus Fruits. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E742. [PMID: 32823497 PMCID: PMC7465267 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the many approaches to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention, the possible role of nutrition has so far been rather underestimated. Foods are very rich in substances, with a potential beneficial effect on health, and some of these could have an antiviral action or be important in modulating the immune system and in defending cells from the oxidative stress associated with infection. This short review draws the attention on some components of citrus fruits, and especially of the orange (Citrus sinensis), well known for its vitamin and flavonoid content. Among the flavonoids, hesperidin has recently attracted the attention of researchers, because it binds to the key proteins of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Several computational methods, independently applied by different researchers, showed that hesperidin has a low binding energy, both with the coronavirus "spike" protein, and with the main protease that transforms the early proteins of the virus (pp1a and ppa1b) into the complex responsible for viral replication. The binding energy of hesperidin to these important components is lower than that of lopinavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, suggesting that it could perform an effective antiviral action. Furthermore, both hesperidin and ascorbic acid counteract the cell damaging effects of the oxygen free radicals triggered by virus infection and inflammation. There is discussion about the preventive efficacy of vitamin C, at the dose achievable by the diet, but recent reviews suggest that this substance can be useful in the case of strong immune system burden caused by viral disease. Computational methods and laboratory studies support the need to undertake apposite preclinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies on the potential benefits of citrus fruit components for the prevention of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona Medical School, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Donzelli
- Medical Doctor, Scientific Committee of Fondazione Allineare Sanità e Salute, 20122 Milano, Italy;
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