Platelet functions and activities as potential hematologic parameters related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)

Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID

SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.

Coagulation biomarkers and coronavirus disease 2019 phenotyping: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Because severe acute respiratory syndrome coronarivus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leads to severe conditions and thrombus formation, evaluation of the coagulation markers is important in determining the prognosis and phenotyping of patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

In a prospective study that included 213 COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) the levels of antithrombin, C-reactive protein (CRP); factors XI, XII, XIII; prothrombin and D-dimer were measured. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the pairwise correlations between the biomarkers. Hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the levels of biomarkers to identify patients´ phenotypes. Multivariate binary regression was used to determine the association of the patient´s outcome with clinical variables and biomarker levels.

RESULTS

The levels of factors XI and XIII were significantly higher in patients with less severe COVID-19, while factor XIII and antithrombin levels were significantly associated with mortality. These coagulation biomarkers were associated with the in-hospital survival of COVID-19 patients over and above the core clinical factors on admission. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed a cluster between factor XIII and antithrombin, and this hierarchical cluster was extended to CRP in the next step. Furthermore, a non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis was performed, and two phenotypes were identified based on the CRP and antithrombin levels independently of clinical variables and were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Coagulation biomarkers were associated with in-hospital survival of COVID-19 patients. Lower levels of factors XI, XII and XIII and prothrombin were associated with disease severity, while higher levels of both CRP and antithrombin clustered with worse prognosis. These results suggest the role of coagulation abnormalities in the development of COVID-19 and open the perspective of identifying subgroups of patients who would benefit more from interventions focused on regulating coagulation.

Risk factors and actionable molecular signatures in COVID-19-associated lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma patients

The molecular mechanism of COVID-19's pathogenic effect on lung cancer patients is yet unknown. In this study, we used differential gene expression pattern analysis to try to figure out the possible disease mechanism of COVID-19 and its associated risk factors in patients with the two most common types of non-small-cell lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. We also used network-based approaches to identify potential diagnostic and molecular targets for COVID-19-infected lung cancer patients. Our study showed that lung cancer and COVID-19 patients share 36 genes that are expressed differently and in common. Most of these genes are expressed in lung tissues and are mostly involved in the pathogenesis of different respiratory tract diseases. Additionally, we also found that COVID-19 may affect the expression of several cancer-associated genes in lung cancer patients, such as the oncogenes JUN, TNC, and POU2AF1. Moreover, we also reported that COVID-19 may predispose lung cancer patients to other diseases like acute liver failure and respiratory distress syndrome. Also, our findings in concert with published literature suggest that molecular signatures like hsa-mir-93-5p, CCNB2, IRF1, CD163, and different immune cell-based approaches could help both diagnose and treat this group of patients. Overall, the scientific results of this research will aid in the formulation of suitable management strategies as well as the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for COVID-19-infected lung cancer patients.

In silico investigation of Panax ginseng lead compounds against COVID-19 associated platelet activation and thromboembolism

Hypercoagulability is frequently observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Platelets are a favorable target for effectively treating hypercoagulability in COVID-19 patients as platelet hyperactivity has also been observed. It is difficult to develop a treatment for COVID-19 that will be effective against all variants and the use of antivirals may not be fully effective against COVID-19 as activated platelets have been detected in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, patients with less severe side effects often turn toward natural remedies. Numerous phytochemicals are being investigated for their potential to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer and bacterial and viral infections. Natural products have been used to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. Panax ginseng has potential for managing cardiovascular diseases and could be a treatment for COVID-19 by targeting the coagulation cascade and platelet activation. Using molecular docking, we analyzed the interactions of bioactive chemicals in P. ginseng with important proteins and receptors involved in platelet activation. Furthermore, the SwissADME online tool was used to calculate the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties of the lead compounds of P. ginseng. Dianthramine, deoxyharrtingtonine, and suchilactone were determined to have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles.

Clinical profile and severity predictors of coronavirus disease 19 infection in a reference center from southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The coronavirus disease pandemic has become a major global health crisis since 2019. Recent data show the association of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity with poor related outcomes in coronavirus disease infection. This descriptive study aimed to identify the clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with acute respiratory syndrome and confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data of 409 patients admitted to a referral hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with coronavirus disease infection confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records using a template with the variables of interest.

RESULTS

The average age was 64 years (52-73), and the body mass index was 27 kg/m² (22.1-31.2). Hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were observed in 58, 33, and 32% of the patients, respectively. Patients admitted to an intensive care unit were older [66 years (53-74) vs. 59 years (42.2-71.7)], with significantly higher impairment on chest computed tomography [75% (50-75) vs. 50% (25-60)] and received higher doses of corticosteroid therapy [39.4 mg (14.3-70.3) vs. 6 mg (6-14.7)]. Hematological parameters were lower in critically ill patients, with greater differences observed on the fifth day of hospitalization [hemoglobin 11.5 g/dL (9.5-13.1) vs. 12.8 g/dL (11.5-14.2), platelets 235,000 μL (143,000-357,000) vs. 270,000 μL (192,000-377,000), and lymphocytes 900 μL (555-1,500) vs. 1,629 μL (1,141-2,329)]. C-reactive protein levels and kidney function were also worse in intensive care unit patients. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the intensive care unit compared to the basic care unit (62.8 vs. 12.2%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, as well as abnormal hematological parameters, are common findings among patients with severe respiratory syndrome related to coronavirus disease.

Análisis del perfil hematológico de los pacientes con la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Objetivos

Se han propuesto varios parámetros hematológicos como marcadores de gravedad de la COVID-19. Aún no se han realizado estudios en Makassar (Indonesia), para evaluar potenciales diferencias en el perfil hematológico de los pacientes según la gravedad de la enfermedad y las comorbilidades que presentan. Así mismo, tampoco se ha estudiado la correlación entre perfil hematológico y umbral de número de ciclos (Ct). El objetivo de este estudio es investigar posibles diferencias en el perfil hematológico de los pacientes con COVID-19 según la gravedad de la enfermedad y sus comorbilidades, así como determinar la posible correlación entre el perfil hematológico y el Ct en estos pacientes.

Métodos

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo transversal de pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados en el hospital del Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo en Makassar entre junio y agosto de 2020. Los datos sobre el perfil hematológico, niveles de Ct, comorbilidades y gravedad de la COVID-19 se extrajeron de la base de datos del hospital.

Resultados

De los 217 pacientes, 102 (47%) eran hombres, frente a 115 (53%) mujeres. El número de pacientes con enfermedad leve o moderada fue de 127 (58.5%) mientras que 90 pacientes presentaban enfermedad grave (41.5%). En total, 143 pacientes (65%) no tenían comorbilidades, mientras que 74 pacientes (35%) sí las tenían. La amplitud de la distribución eritrocitaria, el recuento leucocitario, neutrófilos y monocitos, y la relación neutrófilos-linfocitos fueron significativamente superiores en los pacientes con enfermedad grave que en los que presentaban enfermedad leve o moderada (p<0,05). Así mismo, los pacientes graves presentaron un recuento de glóbulos rojos, hemoglobina, hematocrito, linfocitos y trombocitos significativamente inferior al de los pacientes con enfermedad leve o moderada. No se observaron diferencias significativas en el perfil hematológico según las comorbilidades, ni correlación alguna entre este y los niveles de Ct, excepto para el recuento de eosinófilos (r=0,161; p=0,018).

Conclusiones

Nuestra hipótesis era que el perfil hematológico podría predecir la gravedad de la enfermedad en pacientes con COVID-19. Además, el recuento de eosinófilos debería tenerse en cuenta a la hora de predecir la infectividad de un paciente con COVID-19.

Serum interleukin 1β and sP-selectin as biomarkers of inflammation and thrombosis, could they be predictors of disease severity in COVID 19 Egyptian patients? (a cross-sectional study)

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolism was a chief cause of mortality in 70% of patients with COVID-19. Our objective was to see if serum interleukins 1 beta (IL-1β) and soluble platelets selectin (sP-selectin) could serve as novel markers of thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

This cross sectional study involved 89 COVID-19 patients who were recruited from 1st of February to 1st of May 2021. Clinical and laboratory data were collected, and chest imaging was performed. The levels of IL-1β and sP-selectin were assessed in all cases through ELISA kits. Comparisons between groups were done using an unpaired t-test in normally distributed quantitative variables. In contrast, a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used for non-normally distributed quantitative variables.

RESULTS

Severe COVID-19 infection was associated with higher serum levels of CRP, Ferritin, LDH, D dimer, IL-1β and sP-selectin (P <  0.001) with significant correlation between levels of IL-1β and sP-selectin (r 0.37, P <  0.001), D-dimer (r 0.29, P 0.006) and Ferritin (r 0.5, p <  0.001). Likewise, a positive correlation was also found between levels of sP-selectin, D-dimer and Ferritin (r 0.52, P <  0.001) (r 0.59, P <  0.001). Imaging studies revealed that 9 (10.1%) patients developed venous and 14 (15.7%) developed arterial thrombosis despite receiving anticoagulant therapy. Patients with thrombotic events had significantly higher levels of IL-1β, sP-selectin and LDH serum levels. Meanwhile, there was no statistical significance between CRP, D-dimer or Ferritin levels and the development of thrombotic events.

CONCLUSION

IL-1β and sP-selectin levels can be promising predictors for severe COVID-19 infection and predictable thrombosis.

Hematology profile analysis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients

Objectives

Some hematological parameters were reported as markers to assess severity of COVID-19 patients. Comorbidities were risk factors for severe COVID-19. Differences in hematology profile based on severity and comorbidity, and correlation between hematology profile and Ct value were never studied at Makassar, Indonesia. The aim of this study were to know the differences of hematology profile based on severity and comorbidity, and the correlation between hematology profile and Ct value in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This study was retrospective, cross-sectional of confirmed COVID-19 patients who had been hospitalized at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo hospital, Makassar, since June to August 2020. Hematology profile, Ct value, comorbidity, and severity of COVID-19 patients were obtained from Hospital Information System Data.

Results

From 217 patients, subjects were 102 (47%) male dan 115 (53%) female, 127 mild-moderate patients (58.5%) and 90 severe patients (41.5%), 143 patients (65%) without comorbidity, 74 patients (35%) with comorbidity. White blood cells (WBC), red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil and monocyte count, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly higher in severe patients than mild-moderate patients (p<0.05), besides RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocyte and thrombocyte count were significantly lower in severe patients than mild-moderate patients (p<0.05). Hematology profile was not different significantly based on comorbidity and was not correlated significantly with Ct value, except eosinophil count (r=0.161; p=0.018).

Conclusions

We suggest that hematology profile could predict the severity of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, eosinophil count could be considered to predict the infectivity of patient with COVID-19.

Characterization of blood biomarkers in prospective follow-up of patients with cardiovascular pathology in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus after COVID-19 associated pneumonia

The study of the characteristics and dynamics of laboratory biomarkers in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent COVID-19-associated pneumonia is of great clinical importance for preventing the risk of adverse events. IN the study we used data from 65 patients in the present work. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included patients with CVD: arterial hypertension (AH) in combination with coronary artery disease (CAD) without DM2 (n=45), group 2 included patients with CVD and DM2 (n=20). Patients were examined at baseline in the infectious disease hospital and 3 months after discharge. During laboratory examination of blood biosamples we evaluated parameters of general blood test; biochemical and immunologicai parameters; elastic properties of the vascular wall. The analyzed leukocyte parameters and their index coefficients - increase in NLR ratio (neutrophils/lymphocytes) and decrease in LYM/CRP ratio (lymphocytes/CRP) were more significantly changed in DM2 group. Patients in both groups had a significant excess of baseline max CRP concentrations with decrease in parameters after 3 months, but with persistent excess values in group 2. Three months after discharge patients with DM2 had levels of hs-CRP, IL-1β and TNFa and NT-proBNP, that exceeded both the reference values and those in group 1, which reflected the presence of more pronounced vascular inflammatory potential for possible adverse events in this group of patients in post-COVID period. The method of multiple regression showed that DM2 is an independent risk factor for increased stiffness of the vascular wall. Thus, dynamic control of laboratory parameters has prognostic value in assessing the nature of the course of COVID-19 associated pneumonia in patients with CVD and DM2 developing an algorithm for personalized monitoring of patients in the post-COVID period with the aim of timely prevention of unwanted vascular complications.

Multi-Omics Reveals Mechanisms of Partial Modulation of COVID-19 Dysregulation by Glucocorticoid Treatment

Treatments for COVID-19 infections have improved dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic, and glucocorticoids have been a key tool in improving mortality rates. The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance is for treatment to be targeted only at those requiring oxygen supplementation, however, and the interactions between glucocorticoids and COVID-19 are not completely understood. In this work, a multi-omic analysis of 98 inpatient-recruited participants was performed by quantitative metabolomics (using targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and data-independent acquisition proteomics. Both ‘omics datasets were analysed for statistically significant features and pathways differentiating participants whose treatment regimens did or did not include glucocorticoids. Metabolomic differences in glucocorticoid-treated patients included the modulation of cortisol and bile acid concentrations in serum, but no alleviation of serum dyslipidemia or increased amino acid concentrations (including tyrosine and arginine) in the glucocorticoid-treated cohort relative to the untreated cohort. Proteomic pathway analysis indicated neutrophil and platelet degranulation as influenced by glucocorticoid treatment. These results are in keeping with the key role of platelet-associated pathways and neutrophils in COVID-19 pathogenesis and provide opportunity for further understanding of glucocorticoid action. The findings also, however, highlight that glucocorticoids are not fully effective across the wide range of ‘omics dysregulation caused by COVID-19 infections.

Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment?

The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? After two years mastered by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are now witnessing a turnaround. The reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 led to increasing importance of a new disease called post-COVID syndrome. The term post-COVID is used to indicate permanency of symptoms in patients who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Immune, antiviral, antimicrobial therapies, as well as ozone therapy have been used to treat COVID-19 disease. Vaccines have then become available and administered worldwide to prevent the insurgence of the disease. However, the pandemic is not over yet at all given the emergence of new omicron variants. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this view, great interest was found in nutraceutical products, including vitamins (C, D, and E), minerals (zinc), melatonin, probiotics, flavonoids (quercetin), and curcumin. This review summarizes the role of nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.

Proteomic and Metabolomic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Cynomolgus Macaque at Early Stage

Although tremendous effort has been exerted to elucidate the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 cases, the detailed mechanism of moderate cases, which accounts for 90% of all patients, remains unclear yet, partly limited by lacking the biopsy tissues. Here, we established the COVID-19 infection model in cynomolgus macaques (CMs), monitored the clinical and pathological features, and analyzed underlying pathogenic mechanisms at early infection stage by performing proteomic and metabolomic profiling of lung tissues and sera samples from COVID-19 CMs models. Our data demonstrated that innate immune response, neutrophile and platelet activation were mainly dysregulated in COVID-19 CMs. The symptom of neutrophilia, lymphopenia and massive "cytokines storm", main features of severe COVID-19 patients, were greatly weakened in most of the challenged CMs, which are more semblable as moderate patients. Thus, COVID-19 model in CMs is rational to understand the pathogenesis of moderate COVID-19 and may be a candidate model to assess the safety and efficacy of therapeutics and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19 related thrombosis: A mini-review

Introduction

COVID-19 associated VTE is a new disease entity with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to review contemporary emerging literature on the incidence, pathophysiology, predictive prognostic indicators, and management consensus for Covid-19 related thrombotic complications, in particular DVT and PE.

Methods

A literature review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. All searches were done via PubMed. References of review articles were further screened according to the exclusion criteria.

Results

In total, 154 records were identified and 20 duplicates were removed. A final 68 articles were included in the qualitative analysis. COVID-19 related thrombosis can affect multiple organs of the body, presenting in the form of arterial or venous thrombosis such as ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, mesenteric ischemia, limb ischemia, DVT, or PE. DVT and PE has an overall incidence of 6–26%, and severely ill COVID-19 patients have even higher incidence of thromboembolism. On the other hand, incidence of arterial thromboembolism is much lower with incidence of 0.7%–3.7%. D-dimer is found to be an independent risk factor, and IMPROVE score, Caprini score, and Padua score have all been used as predictors. International guidelines suggest the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux for prophylaxis of VTE, and therapeutic dosage of weight adjusted LMWH for treatment if confirmed diagnosis.

Conclusions

Contemporary rapidly evolving evidence shows that COVID-19 associated thrombosis was a novel clinical entity, especially in severely ill COVID-19 patients. There are multiple society-driven guidelines only, but without any level 1 evidence for management regimen. The ideal dose for prophylaxis is not established and may vary depending on balance of bleeding and thrombosis risk. The risk of bleeding may be increased in patients in intensive care unit.

What is the impact and efficacy of routine immunological, biochemical and hematological biomarkers as predictors of COVID-19 mortality?

It remains important to investigate the changing and impact of routine blood values (RBVs) in order to predict mortality and follow an appropriate treatment in COVID-19 patients. In the study, the importance of RBVs in the mortality of patients with COVID-19 was investigated. The changes in the biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters of patients who recovered (n = 4364) and died (n = 233) from COVID-19 over time and their relationship with the mortality of the disease were evaluated retrospectively. Odds ratios of the parameters affecting one-month mortality were calculated by running multiple-logistic-regression analysis. The cut off values and diagnostic efficiencies of the parameters that posed a risk for mortality were obtained via receiver operating curve analysis. It was determined that the C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, procalcitonin, erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate (ESR), troponin values were at abnormal levels until death occurred in the patients who died. In addition, the procalcitonin levels were consistently high in patients who died. The patients who died generally had a sustained increase in their leukocyte and neutrophil levels and biochemical variables, and an ongoing decrease in lymphopenia and eosinopenia levels. Although significant changes were observed in liver function tests, cardiac troponin, hemogram values, kidney function tests and parameters related to inflammation in deceased patients, high ESR, international-normalized-ratio (INR), prothrombin-time (PT), CRP, D-dimer, ferritin and red-cell-distribution width (RDW) values, respectively, were the most effective predictive mortality risk biomarkers of COVID-19. In addition, neutrophilia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, erythrocytopenia were other risk predictors of mortality. Indicators was found in this study can be successfully used to predict mortality from COVID-19.

The Antioxidant, Anti-Platelet and Anti-Coagulant Properties of Phenolic Compounds, Associated with Modulation of Hemostasis and Cardiovascular Disease, and Their Possible Effect on COVID-19

Patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) demonstrate a range of hemostasis dysfunctions, such as coagulation dysfunction and changes in blood platelet function, this being a major cause of death. These complications may also be associated with oxidative stress. Recently, various papers, including some reviews, have suggested that the use of dietary bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, may play a significant role in the treatment of COVID-19. However, while some phenolic compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, myricetin and scutellarian, have been found to have antiviral effects against COVID-19, recommendations regarding the use of such compounds to prevent or reduce the risk of CVDs during COVID-19 infection remain tentative. The present mini-review examines the antioxidant, anti-platelet and anticoagulant and antiviral activities of selected phenolic compounds and the possible implications for their use in treating CVDs associated with COVID-19. This review also examines whether these phenolic compounds can be promising agents in the modulation of hemostasis and CVDs during COVID-19. While their properties have been well documented in various in vitro and in vivo studies, particularly their positive role in the prophylaxis and treatment of CVDs, less is known regarding their prophylactic potential against CVDs during COVID-19, and no credible evidence exists for their efficiency in humans or animals. In such cases, no in vitro or in vivo studies are available. Therefore, it cannot be unequivocally stated whether treatment with these phenolic compounds offers benefits against CVDs in patients with COVID-19.

Prospective analysis of laboratory blood parameters in patients with cardiovascular diseases who underwent COVID-19-associated pneumonia

The study of the characteristics and dynamics of laboratory biomarkers in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) undergoing COVID-19-associated pneumonia may be of great clinical importance. The study included 116 patients who underwent COVID-19-associated pneumonia. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group included 49 patients without CVD, the second group - 67 patients with CVD. A blood sample was performed in all patients at the time of hospitalization and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. The parameters of general blood count, biochemistry, hemostasis, and biomarkers of inflammation were assessed - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine and IL-6. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest organs. We found that ESR, WBC (leukocytes), NLR (neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio), fibrinogen, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), LYM/CRP ratio (lymphocytes/CRP) were parameters that significantly distinguished patients in the 1st and 2nd groups. Three months after discharge from the hospital in patients of both groups the increased indicators approached the reference values, however, some parameters such as CRP, ESR, WBC, fibrinogen remained at a higher level in group 2 compared to group 1. Correlation analysis revealed the relationship between parameters of inflammation and hemostasis in the 2nd group of patients, which confirms the presence of latent vascular inflammatory potential in this group. It was revealed that such indicators as lymphocytes, neutrophils, APTT and LDH were associated with the initial volume of lung lesion more than 50%. Increase of these parameters by 1 unit contributes to increase in the volume of lung tissue damage by 6.5%, 6.4%, 11%, and 0.6%, respectively. Thus, dynamic control of laboratory parameters has prognostic value in assessing the nature of the course of COVID-19 associated pneumonia in patients with CVD and developing an algorithm for personalized monitoring of patients in the post-COVID period with the aim of timely correction of therapy to prevent unwanted vascular complications.

Pathological effects of SARS-CoV-2 on hematological and immunological cells: Alterations in count, morphology, and function

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19 outbreak, spread rapidly and infected more than 140 million people with more than three million victims worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 causes destructive changes in the immunological and hematological system of the host. These alterations appear to play a critical role in disease pathology and the emerging of clinical manifestations. In this review, we aimed to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on the count, function and morphology of immune and blood cells and the role of these changes in the pathophysiology of the disease. Knowledge of these changes may help with better management and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Of vascular defense, hemostasis, cancer, and platelet biology: an evolutionary perspective

We have established considerable expertise in studying the role of platelets in cancer biology. From this expertise, we were keen to recognize the numerous venous-, arterial-, microvascular-, and macrovascular thrombotic events and immunologic disorders are caused by severe, acute-respiratory-syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. With this offering, we explore the evolutionary connections that place platelets at the center of hemostasis, immunity, and adaptive phylogeny. Coevolutionary changes have also occurred in vertebrate viruses and their vertebrate hosts that reflect their respective evolutionary interactions. As mammals adapted from aquatic to terrestrial life and the heavy blood loss associated with placentalization-based live birth, platelets evolved phylogenetically from thrombocytes toward higher megakaryocyte-blebbing-based production rates and the lack of nuclei. With no nuclei and robust RNA synthesis, this adaptation may have influenced viral replication to become less efficient after virus particles are engulfed. Human platelets express numerous receptors that bind viral particles, which developed from archetypal origins to initiate aggregation and exocytic-release of thrombo-, immuno-, angiogenic-, growth-, and repair-stimulatory granule contents. Whether by direct, evolutionary, selective pressure, or not, these responses may help to contain virus spread, attract immune cells for eradication, and stimulate angiogenesis, growth, and wound repair after viral damage. Because mammalian and marsupial platelets became smaller and more plate-like their biophysical properties improved in function, which facilitated distribution near vessel walls in fluid-shear fields. This adaptation increased the probability that platelets could then interact with and engulf shedding virus particles. Platelets also generate circulating microvesicles that increase membrane surface-area encounters and mark viral targets. In order to match virus-production rates, billions of platelets are generated and turned over per day to continually provide active defenses and adaptation to suppress the spectrum of evolving threats like SARS-CoV-2.

Characteristics of platelet-associated parameters and their predictive values in Chinese patients with affective disorders

OBJECTIVE

Platelets are increasingly considered to play an important role in inflammation and are being regarded as a putative bridge linking mental diseases and inflammatory response. Platelet-associated haematological parameters including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet to albumin ratio (PAR) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR), have been recently investigated as simple, easily available, and inexpensive inflammatory markers. In this study, we aimed is to use large-scale clinical data to study platelet parameters in patients with affective disorders, to further investigate the predictive power of platelet parameters for major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD).

METHODS

The retrospective, naturalistic, cross-sectional study analysed the data of 14,007 Chinese affective disorder patients, including 4,801 patients with first-episode MDD, 4,098 patients with recurrent MDD, 3,444 patients with BD manic episodes and 1,664 patients with BD depressive episodes. Meanwhile, 6,847 healthy subjects were served as the control group. The differences in the MPV, PDW, PCT, SII, PLR, PAR, RPR and albumin among different groups were compared, and the contributing factors for the occurrence of MDD or BD were analysed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in MPV, PDW, PCT, SII, PLR, RPR and albumin values among the study groups. In the subjects, patients experiencing BD manic episodes had the highest mean values of MPV and SII, patients experiencing BD depressive episodes had the lowest mean values of platelet counts and PAR, and patients with MDD had the highest mean values of PLR and RDW. The levels of MPV, PDW and albumin were independently correlated with MDD and BD, and they are important predictors for differentiating patients with MDD or BD from healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that different affective disorders have unique platelet parameter variation patterns, highlighting the role of platelet parameters and systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of MDD and BD.

Criteria and potential predictors of severity in patients with COVID-19

Background

The challenge in treating severe COVID-19 in the absence of targeted medication is enforcing physicians to search carefully for clinical predictors of severity.

Aim

To define the profile of patients at risk of severe COVID-19 and to assess for certain predictors.

Methods

Confirmed COVID-19 cases were classified into the following: group A: mild/moderate cases and group B: severe/critical cases according to the selected criteria. History, radiological assessment, complete blood count, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myocardial enzymes, serum ferritin, and D dimer were assessed. Patients were followed for the need of ICU and mechanical ventilation. Duration till conversion, length of stay, and mortality were recorded.

Results

A total of 202 patients were analyzed. Group B had higher age (53.2 ± 12.6 vs 40.3 ± 10.3, P < 0.001), more prevalence of DM (60.61% vs 16.57% P < 0.001), hypertension (51.52% vs 20.12%, P < 0.001), ischemic heart (27.27% vs 3.55%, P < 0.001), bronchial asthma (36.36% vs 3.55%, P < 0.001), COPD (9.09% vs 1.18%, P = 0.03), higher mean platelet volume (MPV) (12.76 ± 7.13 vs 10.51 ± 7.78 (fL), P < 0.001), higher serum ferritin (954 ± 138 vs 447 ± 166 ng/ml, P < 0.001), higher LDH (604 ± 220 vs 384 ± 183 U/L, P-value < 0.001), higher creatine phosphokinase (24.27 ± 5.82 vs 16.4 ± 4.87 IU/L, P < 0.001), and higher mortality (30.3% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression of predictors of severity identified three predictors; age, MPV, serum ferritin, and IHD.

Conclusions

The current study places of interest the characteristic host-related features of severe COVID-19 and draws attention to potential predictors.

Clinical analysis of severe COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND:

Patients with unexplained pneumonia appeared in Wuhan, Hubei Province at the end of 2019.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the clinical data of patients with severe COVID-19.

METHODS:

Medical records of 28 severe patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Wuhan Xinzhou District People’s Hospital were collected from January 31 to March 17.

RESULTS:

The mortality rate of severe patients in our study was 39.3%. There were statistically significant differences in age, admission systolic blood pressure, lymphocyte count, albumin, total bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase between the death group and the survival group (P< 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in APACHE II, CURB-65, SOFA, respiratory frequency, systolic pressure, platelet, procalcitonin, albumin, creatinine, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, chloride ion, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, and FiO2 at ICU between the death group and the survival group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Fever and cough are the main symptoms, which is useful for predicting the prognosis to dynamically measure the APACHE II, CURB-65, SOFA, respiratory frequency, lymphocyte count, platelet, lactate dehydrogenase, and coagulation tests. The drugs that protect the liver and heart may improve the survival rate of patients with severe COVID-19.

Platelets in COVID-19 disease: friend, foe, or both?

Immuno-thrombosis of COVID-19 results in the activation of platelets and coagulopathy. Antiplatelet therapy has been widely used in COVID-19 patients to prevent thrombotic events. However, recent analysis of clinical trials does not support the major effects of antiplatelet therapy on mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, despite the indisputable evidence for an increased risk of thrombotic complications in COVID-19 disease. This apparent paradox calls for an explanation. Platelets have an important role in sensing and orchestrating host response to infection, and several platelet functions related to host defense response not directly related to their well-known hemostatic function are emerging. In this paper, we aim to review the evidence supporting the notion that platelets have protective properties in maintaining endothelial barrier integrity in the course of an inflammatory response, and this role seems to be of particular importance in the lung. It might, thus, well be that the inhibition of platelet function, if affecting the protective aspect of platelet activity, might diminish clinical benefits resulting from the inhibition of the pro-thrombotic phenotype of platelets in immuno-thrombosis of COVID-19. A better understanding of the platelet-dependent mechanisms involved in the preservation of the endothelial barrier is necessary to design the antiplatelet therapeutic strategies that inhibit the pro-thrombotic activity of platelets without effects on the vaso-protective function of platelets safeguarding the pulmonary endothelial barrier during multicellular host defense in pulmonary circulation.

What Function Do Platelets Play in Inflammation and Bacterial and Viral Infections?

The article presents the function of platelets in inflammation as well as in bacterial and viral infections, which are the result of their reaction with the endovascular environment, including cells of damaged vascular endothelium and cells of the immune system. This role of platelets is conditioned by biologically active substances present in their granules and in their specific structures - EV (extracellular vesicles).

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: COVID-19 research in pregnancy: progress and potential

The COVID-19 global pandemic has broad implications for obstetrical care and perinatal outcomes. As we approach the 2-year mark into an unprecedented international pandemic, this review presents the progress and opportunities for research related to COVID-19 and pregnancy. Research is the basis for evidence-based clinical guidelines, and we aim to provide the structure and guidance for framing COVID-19-related obstetrical research. This structure will pertain not only to this pandemic but future ones as well.

Thrombocytopathy vs Platelet hyper-reactivity in COVID-19: diverse pathologies, disease outcomes and therapeutic implications

Coagulopathy is an evident complication of COVID-19 with predominance of a prothrombotic state. Platelet activation plays a key role. The terms "hyper-reactivity" and "hyperactivity" used in recent literature may not be clear or sufficient to explain the pathological events involved in COVID-related thrombosis (CRT). Inflammation may play a bigger role compared to thrombosis in COVID-related mortality because a smaller percentage of patients with COVID-19 die due to direct effects of thrombosis. Not all COVID-19 patients have thrombocytopenia and a few show thrombocytosis. We believe the platelet pathology is more complex than just activation or hyper-activation, particularly due to the platelets' role in inflammation. Understanding the pathology and consequences of platelets' role may help optimize management strategies and diminish CRT-associated morbidity and mortality. In this viewpoint report, we examine the published evidence of platelet hyper-reactivity in COVID-19 with a focused analysis of the key pathologies, diverse alterations, disease outcomes, and therapeutic targets. We believe that COVID-19 is a disease of inflammation and pathologic platelets, and based on the complexity and diverse pathologies, we propose the term "thrombocytopathy" as a more reflective term of the platelets' involvement in COVID-19. In our opinion, thrombocytopathy is the unpredictable pathologic alterations of platelets in function, morphology and number, caused by different factors with a variety of presentations.

Treatment of COVID-19 patients with quercetin: a prospective, single center, randomized, controlled trial

Scientific research continues on new preventive and therapeutic strategies against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). So far, there is no proven curative treatment, and a valid alternative therapeutic approach needs to be developed. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of quercetin in COVID-19 treatment. This was a single-centre, prospective randomized controlled cohort study. Routine care versus QCB (quercetin, vitamin C, bromelain) supplementation was compared between 429 patients with at least one chronic disease and moderate-to-severe respiratory symptoms. Demographic features, signs, laboratory results and drug administration data of patients were recorded. The endpoint was that QCB supplementation was continued throughout the follow-up period from study baseline to discharge, intubation, or death. The most common complaints at the time of hospital admission were fatigue (62.4%), cough (61.1%), anorexia (57%), thirst (53.7%), respiratory distress (51%) and chills (48.3%). The decrease in CRP and ferritin levels was higher in the QCB group (all Ps were < 0.05). In the QCB group, the increase in platelet and lymphocyte counts was higher (all Ps were < 0.05). QCB did not reduce the risk of events during follow-up. Adjustments for statistically significant parameters, including the lung stage, use of favipiravir and presence of comorbidity did not change the results. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of event frequency, the QCB group had more advanced pulmonary findings. QCB supplement is shown to have a positive effect on laboratory recovery. While there was no difference between the groups in terms of event frequency, QCB supplement group had more advanced pulmonar findings, and QCB supplement is shown to have a positive effect on laboratory recovery/results. Therefore, we conclude that further studies involving different doses and plasma level measurements are required to reveal the dose/response relationship and bioavailability of QCB for a better understanding of the role of QCB in the treatment of SARS CoV-2.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolytic Pathways: A Review of Prothrombotic Changes Caused by COVID-19

The cardinal pathology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a primary infection of pulmonary tract cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, provoking a local inflammatory response, often accompanied by cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome, especially in patients with severe disease. Systemic propagation of the disease may associate with thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and thrombotic microangiopathy, which are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. This narrative review describes current knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, with focus on prothrombotic changes in hemostatic mediators, including plasma levels of clotting factors, natural anticoagulants, components of fibrinolytic system, and platelets. It will also highlight the central role of endothelial cells in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. This narrative review discusses also potential therapeutic strategies for managing thrombotic complications. Awareness by medical experts of contributors to the pathogenesis of thrombotic events in COVID-19 is imperative to develop therapeutics not limited to regular anticoagulants. Instituting cooperation among medical personnel and researchers may lessen this novel virus' impact now, and in the event of recurrence.

Prospective selected biomarkers in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment

COVID-19 has become a global health concern, due to the high transmissible nature of its causal agent and lack of proper treatment. Early diagnosis and nonspecific medical supports of the patients appeared to be effective strategy so far to combat the pandemic caused by COVID-19 outbreak. Biomarkers can play pivotal roles in timely and proper diagnosis of COVID-19 patients, as well as for distinguishing them from other pulmonary infections. Besides, biomarkers can help in reducing the rate of mortality and evaluating viral pathogenesis with disease prognosis. This article intends to provide a broader overview of the roles and uses of different biomarkers in the early diagnosis of COVID-19, as well as in the classification of COVID-19 patients into multiple risk groups.

Vitamin D and Platelets: A Menacing Duo in COVID-19 and Potential Relation to Bone Remodeling

Global data correlate severe vitamin D deficiency with COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, further suggesting the presence of a hypercoagulable state in severe COVID-19 patients, which could promote thrombosis in the lungs and in other organs. The feedback loop between COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and vitamin D also involves platelets (PLTs), since vitamin D deficiency stimulates PLT activation and aggregation and increases fibrinolysis and thrombosis. Vitamin D and PLTs share and play specific roles not only in coagulation and thrombosis but also during inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and immune response. Additionally, another ‘fil rouge’ between vitamin D and PLTs is represented by their role in mineral metabolism and bone health, since vitamin D deficiency, low PLT count, and altered PLT-related parameters are linked to abnormal bone remodeling in certain pathological conditions, such as osteoporosis (OP). Hence, it is possible to speculate that severe COVID-19 patients are characterized by the presence of several predisposing factors to bone fragility and OP that may be monitored to avoid potential complications. Here, we hypothesize different pervasive actions of vitamin D and PLT association in COVID-19, also allowing for potential preliminary information on bone health status during COVID-19 infection.

Vaccine design and delivery approaches for COVID-19

COVID-19 is still a deadly disease that remains yet a major challenge for humans. In recent times, many large pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical companies have invested a lot of time and cost in fighting this disease. In this regard, today's scientific knowledge shows that designing and producing an effective vaccine is the best possible way to diminish the disease burden and dissemination or even eradicate the disease. Due to the urgent need, many vaccines are now available earlier than scheduled. New technologies have also helped to produce much more effective vaccines, although the potential side effects must be taken into account. Thus, in this review, the types of vaccines and vaccine designs made against COVID-19, the vaccination programs, as well as the delivery methods and molecules that have been used to deliver some vaccines that need a carrier will be described.

EASIX for Prediction of Outcome in Hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has evoked a pandemic that challenges public health-care systems worldwide. Endothelial cell dysfunction plays a key role in pathophysiology, and simple prognosticators may help to optimize allocation of limited resources. Endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) is a validated predictor of endothelial complications and outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Aim of this study was to test if EASIX could predict life-threatening complications in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2-positive, hospitalized patients were enrolled onto a prospective non-interventional register study (n=100). Biomarkers were assessed at hospital admission. Primary endpoint was severe course of disease (mechanical ventilation and/or death, V/D). Results were validated in 126 patients treated in two independent institutions.

Results

EASIX at admission was a strong predictor of severe course of the disease (odds ratio for a two-fold change 3.4, 95%CI 1.8-6.3, p<0.001), time to V/D (hazard ratio (HR) for a two-fold change 2.0, 95%CI 1.5-2.6, p<0.001) as well as survival (HR for a two-fold change 1.7, 95%CI 1.2-2.5, p=0.006). The effect was retained in multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidities and could be validated in the independent cohort. At hospital admission EASIX correlated with increased suppressor of tumorigenicity-2, soluble thrombomodulin, angiopoietin-2, CXCL8, CXCL9 and interleukin-18, but not interferon-alpha.

Conclusion

EASIX is a validated predictor of COVID19 outcome and an easy-to-access tool to segregate patients in need for intensive surveillance.

A novel evidence-based algorithm to predict thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19: preliminary data from a single-centre cohort

BACKGROUND

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-related disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease characterised by systemic inflammation, which might enhance baseline thrombotic risk, especially in hospitalised patients. Little is, however, known about predictors of thrombotic complications in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

We prospectively followed up 180 hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Demographics, clinical and laboratory features at presentation and past medical history were tested as predictors of the first thrombotic complication through multivariate Cox regression analysis and a categorical score generated based on the results.

RESULTS

Sixty-four thromboses were recorded in 54 patients, of whom seven with thrombosis on admission and 47 with thrombosis during hospitalisation. Patients with thrombosis were mainly Caucasian and diabetic, had marked baseline signs of inflammation and organ damage, lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio, higher D-dimer levels and history of major haemorrhages. The latter three variables were independently associated to thrombotic complications and concurred to a 0-5 score, which accounted for 80% of the total sample variability. Patients with three or more points of the newly generated score were at higher risk for thrombotic complications (HR=4.9, p<0.001). Patients with thrombotic complications were more likely to be admitted to intensive care and/or to die (HR=1.9, p=0.036). Five of 180 patients were diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation and three of them died. Eleven minor and no major bleeding events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk for thrombosis and might be stratified on admission based lower Pao2/FiO2 ratio, higher D-dimer levels and history of major haemorrhages.

MRI negative myelopathy post mild SARS-CoV-2 infection: vasculopathy or inflammatory myelitis?

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been rare reports of spinal cord pathology diagnosed as inflammatory myelopathy and suspected spinal cord ischemia after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we report five cases of clinical myelopathy and myeloradiculopathy in the setting of post-COVID-19 disease, which were all radiographically negative. Unlike prior reports which typically characterized hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 disease and critical illness, these patients typically had asymptomatic or mild-moderate COVID-19 disease and lacked radiologic evidence of structural spinal cord abnormality. This case series highlights that COVID-19 associated myelopathy is not rare, requires a high degree of clinical suspicion as imaging markers may be negative, and raises several possible pathophysiologic mechanisms.

Trends in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalization and Prognosis: Gender Effect

We here aimed to investigate the impact of gender on the clinical characteristics and laboratory results of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and provide clues to the pathological mechanisms underlying COVID-19. A retrospective study was performed. Clinical characteristics, severity of lung infection, laboratory results, and prognoses of patients of different gender were analyzed. A total of 242 patients were finally included. The median age was 58 years (IQR: 40–68), including 54 (22.3%) hospital staffs. Ninety-four (38.8%) were male and 148 (61.1%) were female. The proportion of patients with diabetes was significantly higher in the male group than in the female group (P=0.034). Male patients had a significantly larger proportion of severe lung infection, higher leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin than female. Furthermore, male patients had worse liver, cardiac, and coagulation function than their female counterparts. Male patients with COVID-19 showed more severe inflammation reaction and coagulation dysfunction than female patients. In conclusion, gender is associated with host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Thrombohaemorhhagic balance in coronavirus disease 2019 and its management: a perspective

Coronavirus disease 2019 infection produce a prothrombotic state. This is initiated through multiple pathways and is finally aggravated by cross talks with cytokine storm and neutrophil, platelet, complement activation. All these combine towards the second week of illness to produce thrombosis in the lung capillaries surrounding the alveolus producing characteristic pulmonary dysfunction (PaO2/FiO2 > 300, normal or minimally increased lung compliance and very high d-dimer levels) and a high rate of peripheral venous thrombosis. International and many national guidelines have approached this state in different ways but all emphasized the need for management and prevention of widespread thrombosis. It is felt more aggressive and graded thrombosis prevention and management should be initiated early in the treatment. d-Dimer, neutrophil count, SaO2, fibrinogen levels should be used to control the hypercoagulability. Drugs like statins which have anti-inflammatory action as well as ability to reduce fibrinogen and other clotting factors should be used in the beginning along with antiplatelet drugs and progressively complement activation and neutrophil extracellular traps inhibitors, oral mucopolysaccharides, full-scale anticoagulation along with judicial use of fibrinolysis supporting drugs should be added. In the present review, we have evaluated the various studies and argued the rationality that the anticoagulation in this condition should be initiated early during the infection and should be increased in a graded manner depending on clinical and laboratory progression of the condition until a strong specific antiviral drug for coronavirus disease 2019 infection is available.

The diagnostic value of platelet distribution width in patients with mild COVID-19

COVID-19 has a worldwide distribution; however, there is no effective diagnosis marker, especially for the mild-type COVID-19. The purpose of the current study was to identify parameters for mild-type COVID-19. We retrospectively analyzed a single-center data of patients with mild COVID-19. Forty patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were enrolled. Peripheral blood indices between the admission and discharge times were collected and analyzed. The platelet distribution width (PDW) was shown to be an indicator of significant change. The receiver operating characteristic curve for PDW was 0.7; the sensitivity and specificity for PDW were 82.5% and 55.0%, respectively. Therefore, a potential diagnostic value of PDW for mild-type COVID-19 was demonstrated.

Modulation of Hemostasis in COVID-19; Blood Platelets May Be Important Pieces in the COVID-19 Puzzle

Although the precise pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently remains unknown, its complex nature is gradually being revealed. COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and leads to respiratory dysfunction. Studies on hemostatic parameters have showed that COVID-19 significantly affects the disruption of the coagulation system and may contribute to coagulation and thrombotic events. A relevant cause of hemostasis disorders is inflammation and cytokine storms, which cause, for example, endothelial dysfunction in blood vessels. In order to prevent and treat states of hypercoagulability and thrombosis, the administration of anticoagulants, e.g., heparin, is recommended. The present mini-review describes the relationship between hemostasis and COVID-19, and discusses whether this relationship may cast light on the nature of COVID-19. The present short manuscript also examines the relationship between blood platelets and COVID-19. In addition, the paper explores the potential use of antiplatelet drugs in COVID-19 cases. The studies were identified by searching electronic databases, including PubMed and SCOPUS.

Value of clinical laboratory test for early prediction of mortality in patients with COVID-19: the BGM score

Background:

COVID-19 causes high mortality and long hospitalization periods. The aim of this study was to search for new early prognostic strategies accessible to most health care centers.

Methods:

Laboratory results, demographic and clinical data from 500 patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in our study. The data set was split into training and test set prior to generating different multivariate models considering the occurrence of death as the response variable. A final computational method called the BGM score was obtained by combining the previous models and is available as an interactive web application.

Results:

The logistic regression model comprising age, creatinine (CREA), D-dimer (DD), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count (PLT), and troponin I (TNI) showed a sensitivity of 47.3%, a specificity of 98.7%, a kappa of 0.56, and a balanced accuracy of 0.73. The CART classification tree yielded TNI, age, DD, and CRP as the most potent early predictors of mortality (sensitivity = 68.4%, specificity = 92.5%, kappa = 0.61, and balanced accuracy = 0.80). The artificial neural network including age, CREA, DD, CRP, PLT, and TNI yielded a sensitivity of 66.7%, a specificity of 92.3%, a kappa of 0.54, and a balanced accuracy of 0.79. Finally, the BGM score surpassed the prediction accuracy performance of the independent multivariate models, yielding a sensitivity of 73.7%, a specificity of 96.5%, a kappa of 0.74, and a balanced accuracy of 0.85.

Conclusions:

The BGM score may support clinicians in managing COVID-19 patients and providing focused interventions to those with an increased risk of mortality.

Efficacy of copeptin in distinguishing COVID-19 pneumonia from community-acquired pneumonia

The clinical symptoms of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐associated pneumonia are similar. Effective predictive markers are needed to differentiate COVID‐19 pneumonia from CAP in the current pandemic conditions. Copeptin, a 39‐aminoacid glycopeptide, is a C‐terminal part of the precursor pre‐provasopressin (pre‐proAVP). The activation of the AVP system stimulates copeptin secretion in equimolar amounts with AVP. This study aims to determine serum copeptin levels in patients with CAP and COVID‐19 pneumonia and to analyze the power of copeptin in predicting COVID‐19 pneumonia. The study consists of 98 patients with COVID‐19 and 44 patients with CAP. The basic demographic and clinical data of all patients were recorded, and blood samples were collected. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was measured to evaluate the discriminative ability. Serum copeptin levels were significantly higher in COVID‐19 patients compared to CAP patients (10.2 ± 4.4 ng/ml and 7.1 ± 3.1 ng/ml; p < .001). Serum copeptin levels were positively correlated with leukocyte, neutrophil, and platelet count (r = −.21, p = .012; r = −.21, p = .013; r = −.20, p = .018; respectively). The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increased copeptin (odds ratio [OR] = 1.183, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.033–1.354; p = .015) and CK‐MB (OR = 1.052, 95% CI, 1.013–1.092; p = .008) levels and decreased leukocyte count (OR = 0.829, 95% CI, 0.730–0.940; p = .004) were independent predictors of COVID‐19 pneumonia. A cut‐off value of 6.83 ng/ml for copeptin predicted COVID‐19 with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 73% (AUC: 0.764% 95 Cl: 0.671–0.856, p < .001). Copeptin could be a promising and useful biomarker to be used to distinguish COVID‐19 patients from CAP patients.

How do routine laboratory tests change in coronavirus disease 2019?

How the routine laboratory tests change in terms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was retrospectively analyzed in a large group of patients. Biochemical, hematological and inflammatory variables of a totaly 555 (n = 532 in non-intensive care unit (non-ICU), n = 23 in ICU) patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were analyzed accessing them through the laboratory information system. White blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), platelet large cell ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (d-NLR), aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatine kinase (CK) myocardial band (CK-MB), procalcitonin (PCT) values were high whereas lymphocyte (LYM), eosinophil, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate values were low in the ICU group when compared with non-ICU. WBC, NEU, red cell distribution width, alanine transaminase, creatinine, urea, CK-MB, CK, direct bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ferritin, D-dimer, PCT and international normalized ratio values increased while RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and total bilirubin values decreased in a significant proportion of patients in both groups based on the normal reference ranges. LYM count was found to be low in a significant number of patients (57.5%) especially in the ICU group and as an important risk factor and diagnostic parameter on admission to ICU (OR: 125, AUC: 0.74). Routine laboratory tests provide important information in terms of both diagnosis and severity of COVID-19. Lymphopenia is a condition that should be monitored which indicates the severity of the disease.

Potential SARS-CoV-2 Immune Correlates of Protection in Infection and Vaccine Immunization

Both SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccines induce robust immune responses. Current data suggested that high neutralizing antibody titers with sustained Th1 responses might correlate with protection against viral transmission and disease development and severity. In addition, genetic and innate immune factors, including higher levels of type I interferons, as well as the induction of trained immunity and local mucosal immunity also contribute to lower risk of infection and amelioration of disease severity. The identification of immune correlates of protection will facilitate the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics strategies.

ICU Admission Levels of Endothelial Biomarkers as Predictors of Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

Endotheliopathy is suggested to be an important feature of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. To determine whether endotheliopathy is involved in COVID-19-associated mortality, markers of endothelial damage were assessed in critically ill COVID-19 patients upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Thirty-eight critically ill COVID-19 patients were included in this observational study, 10 of whom died in the ICU. Endothelial biomarkers, including soluble (s)E-selectin, sP-selectin, angiopoietin 1 and 2 (Ang-1 and Ang-2, respectively), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, and von Willebrand factor (vWf), were measured upon ICU admission. The ICU cohort was subsequently divided into survivors and non-survivors; Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to explore associations between biomarkers and survival, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine their potential prognostic value. sE-selectin, sP-selectin, Ang-2, and sICAM-1 were significantly elevated in ICU non-survivors compared to survivors, and also associated with a higher mortality probability in the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The prognostic values of sE-selectin, Ang-2, and sICAM-1 from the generated ROC curves were greater than 0.85. Hence, we conclude that in our cohort, ICU non-survivors had higher levels of specific endothelial markers compared to survivors. Elevated levels of these markers upon ICU admission could possibly predict mortality in COVID-19.

TLR9 and COVID-19: A Multidisciplinary Theory of a Multifaceted Therapeutic Target

By mapping the clinical pathophysiology of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) against insights from virology, immunology, genomics, epidemiology and pharmacology, it is here proposed that the pathogen recognition receptor called toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) might have a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, is causing the greatest global social and economic disruption since world war II. Lack of a vaccine, lack of successful treatment and limitations of the healthcare workforce and resources needed to safeguard patients with severe COVID-19 on the edge of life, demands radical preventive measures. It is urgently needed to identify biomarkers and drug candidates so that vulnerable individuals can be recognized early and severe multi-organ complications can be prevented or dampened. The TLR9 COVID-19 hypothesis describes a mechanism of action that could explain a wide spectrum of manifestations observed in patients with severe COVID-19. The introduced hypothesis proposes biomarkers for identification of vulnerable individuals and positions TLR9 as a promising multifaceted intervention target for prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. TLR9 agonists might have value as prophylactic vaccine adjuvants and therapeutic immune stimulators at the early onset of disease. Additionally, in this current manuscript it is proposed for the first time that TLR9 could be considered as a target of "inhibition" aimed to dampen hyperinflammation and thrombotic complications in vulnerable patients that are at risk of developing late stages of COVID-19. The readily availability of TLR9 modulating drug candidates that have reached clinical testing for other disorders could favor a fast track development scenario, an important advantage under the current high unmet medical need circumstances regarding COVID-19.

Overview of COVID-19 inflammatory pathogenesis from the therapeutic perspective

The novel beta coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, designated as COVID-19) that is responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome has devastated the global economy and health care system. Since COVID-19 changed the definition of “normal” in ordinary life around the world, the development of effective therapeutics and preventive measures is desperately needed to fight SARS-CoV-2 infection and restore normalcy. A clear understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis is crucial in providing the scientific rationale necessary to develop anti-COVID19 drugs and vaccines. According to the most recently published literature, COVID-19 pathogenesis was postulated to occur in three sequential phases: pulmonary, proinflammatory, and prothrombic. Herein, virus-host interactions, potential pathogenic mechanisms, and clinical manifestations are described for each phase. Additionally, based on this pathogenesis model, various therapeutic strategies involving current clinical trials are presented with an explanation of their modes of action and example drugs. This review is a thorough, updated summary of COVID-19 pathogenesis and the therapeutic options available for this disease.

Significance of MPV, RDW and PDW with the Severity and Mortality of COVID-19 and Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid Use

We aimed to investigate association between mean platelet volume (MVP), platelet distribution width (PDW) and red cell distribution width (RDW) and mortality in patients with COVID-19 and find out in which patients the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) affects the prognosis due to the effect of MPV on thromboxan A2. A total of 5142 patients were divided into those followed in the intensive care unit (ICU) and those followed in the ward. Patient medical records were examined retrospectively. ROC analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) values were 0.714, 0.750, 0.843 for MPV, RDW and D-Dimer, the cutoff value was 10.45fl, 43.65fl, 500.2 ng/mL respectively. (all P < .001). Survival analysis showed that patients with MPV >10.45 f/l and D-Dimer >500.2 ng/mL, treatment with ASA had lower in-hospital and 180-day mortality than patients without ASA in ICU patients (HR = 0.773; 95% CI = 0.595-0.992; P = .048, HR = 0.763; 95% CI = 0.590-0.987; P = .036). Administration of low-dose ASA in addition to anti-coagulant according to MPV and D-dimer levels reduces mortality.

Platelets in aging and cancer-"double-edged sword"

Platelets control hemostasis and play a key role in inflammation and immunity. However, platelet function may change during aging, and a role for these versatile cells in many age-related pathological processes is emerging. In addition to a well-known role in cardiovascular disease, platelet activity is now thought to contribute to cancer cell metastasis and tumor-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) development. Worldwide, the great majority of all patients with cardiovascular disease and some with cancer receive anti-platelet therapy to reduce the risk of thrombosis. However, not only do thrombotic diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, cancer, especially metastasis, is still the second cause of death worldwide. Understanding how platelets change during aging and how they may contribute to aging-related diseases such as cancer may contribute to steps taken along the road towards a "healthy aging" strategy. Here, we review the changes that occur in platelets during aging, and investigate how these versatile blood components contribute to cancer progression.

COVID-19, microthromboses, inflammation, and platelet activating factor

Recent articles report elevated markers of coagulation, endothelial injury, and microthromboses in lungs from deceased COVID-19 patients. However, there has been no discussion of what may induce intravascular coagulation. Platelets are critical in the formation of thrombi and their most potent trigger is platelet activating factor (PAF), first characterized by Demopoulos and colleagues in 1979. PAF is produced by cells involved in host defense and its biological actions bear similarities with COVID-19 disease manifestations. PAF can also stimulate perivascular mast cell activation, leading to inflammation implicated in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Mast cells are plentiful in the lungs and are a rich source of PAF and of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-6, which may contribute to COVID-19 and especially SARS. The histamine-1 receptor antagonist rupatadine was developed to have anti-PAF activity, and also inhibits activation of human mast cells in response to PAF. Rupatadine could be repurposed for COVID-19 prophylaxis alone or together with other PAF-inhibitors of natural origin such as the flavonoids quercetin and luteolin, which have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-PAF actions.

COVID-19: Review and hematologic impact

In the last decades, coronaviruses have been a major threat to public health worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is the third known coronavirus that causes fatal respiratory diseases in humans. The initial clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection are quite nonspecific and not all suspected patients can be tested to exclude or confirm the diagnosis. Increasing scientific evidence has shown that abnormalities in routine laboratory tests, particularly hematological tests, have the potential to indicate, in a quick, practical and economical way, the need for specific laboratory tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, besides assisting in the prognosis of the disease and in the optimization of its clinical monitoring. In order to address in a simple and practical way the various aspects related to SARS-CoV-2 infection, this review reports the history of the virus, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of COVID-19, with emphasis on its laboratory diagnosis, particularly in hematological changes found during the course of the disease.