Role of food nutrients and supplementation in fighting against viral infections and boosting immunity: A review

Investigation of antioxidant and sensory properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of low-fat functional cookies substituted with wheat germ flour and coffee silverskin

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to produce new functional cookies with high nutritional properties and low calorie content. It investigated the effects of incorporating wheat germ flour (WGF) at levels of 10-30% as a substitute for whole wheat flour (WWF), along with coffee silver skin (CSS) in the same proportions, serving as natural functional additives to substitute for fat in cookie formulations.

RESULTS

The total phenol content of the cookies with added WGF-CSS ranged from 1813.72 to 1838.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per kilogram of dry weight (mg GAE kg-1 ), whereas the total phenolic bioaccessibility values ranged between 53.39 and 56.84%. Of the three methods used to determine antioxidant capacity (AC), the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method gave higher bioaccessibility values (44.55-51.19%) than the 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) scavenging methods. The contribution of WGF-CSS supplemented cookies to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) (%) of K, P, Mg, and Ca increased depending on the number of cookies consumed and the WGF and CSS ratio. The general acceptability scores of the cookies varied between 5.66 and -7.08, and the 10% WGF cookie (F2) (6.48) sample received the score that was closest to that of the control. Moderately strong positive relationships (r > 0.90, P < 0.05) were detected between the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the cookies.

CONCLUSION

As a result, WGF and CSS food additives with high nutritional properties can be recommended as potential enriching ingredients and fat substitutes in the development of new products in the functional food industry. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Dietary Quality on Genital Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Infection in Women

BACKGROUND

Most cervical cancers are directly linked to oncogenic or high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. This study evaluates associations between diet quality and genital HPV infection in women.

METHODS

This study included 10 543 women from the 2003-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The outcome was the genital HPV infection status (HPV-negative, low-risk [LR] HPV, and HR-HPV). Dietary quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), in which a higher score indicates a better diet quality.

RESULTS

Women who did not consume total fruits (15.8%), whole fruits (27.5%), or green vegetables and beans (43%) had a significantly higher risk of HR-HPV infection than women who complied with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (HR-HPV odds ratio = 1.76, 1.63, and 1.48 for a HEI score of 0 vs 5, respectively) after adjusting confounding factors. Similar results of these food components on LR-HPV infection were found. In addition, intake of whole grains and dairy was inversely associated with LR-HPV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that women who did not eat fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans had a higher risk of genital HR-HPV infection. Intake of these food components is suggested for women to prevent HPV carcinogenesis.

Amide herbicides: Analysis of their environmental fate, combined plant-microorganism soil remediation scheme, and risk prevention and control strategies for sensitive populations

In this study, we predicted the environmental fate of amide herbicides (AHs) using the EQC (EQuilibrium Criterion) model. We found that the soil phase is the main reservoir of AHs in the environment. Second, a toxicokinetic prediction indicated that butachlor have a low human health risk, while the alachlor, acetochlor, metolachlor, napropamide, and propanil are all uncertain. To address the environmental and human-health-related threats posed by AHs, 27 new proteins/enzymes that easily absorb, degrade, and mineralize AHs were designed. Compared with the target protein/enzyme, the comprehensive evaluation value of the new proteins/enzymes increased significantly: the absorption protein increased by 20.29-113.49%; the degradation enzyme increased by 151.26-425.22%; and the mineralization enzyme increased by 23.70-52.16%. Further experiments revealed that the remediating effect of 13 new proteins/enzymes could be significantly enhanced to facilitate their applicability under real environmental conditions. The hydrophobic interactions, van der Waals forces, and polar solvation are the key factors influencing plant-microorganism remediation. Finally, the simulations revealed that appropriate consumption of kiwifruit or simultaneous consumption of ginseng, carrot, and spinach, and avoiding the simultaneous consumption of maize and carrot/spinach are the most effective means reduce the risk of exhibiting AH-linked toxicity.

The Effect of Vit-D Supplementation on the Side Effect of BioNTech, Pfizer Vaccination and Immunoglobulin G Response Against SARS-CoV-2 in the Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19: A Randomized Control Trial

Background

Vitamin D participates in the biological function of the innate and adaptive immune system and inflammation. We aim to specify the effectiveness of the vitamin D supplementation on the side effects BioNTech, Pfizer vaccination, and immunoglobulin G response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in subjects tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

In this multi-center randomized clinical trial, 498 people tested positive for COVID-19 were divided into 2 groups, receiving vitamin D capsules or a placebo (1 capsule daily, each containing 600 IU of vitamin D) over 14-16 weeks. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the second dose of vaccination.

Result

Fourteen to 16 weeks after supplementation, the intervention group had an immunoglobulin G (IgG) increase of 10.89 ± 1.2 g/L, while the control group had 8.89 ± 1.3 g/L, and the difference was significant between both groups (p = 0.001). After the second dose of vaccination, the supplement group significantly increased their 25-hydroxy vitamin D from initially 28.73 ± 15.6 ng/mL and increased to 46.48 ± 27.2 ng/mL, and the difference between them was significant. Those with a higher body mass index (BMI) had the most of symptoms, and the difference of side effects according to BMI level was significantly different. In 8 weeks after supplementation obese participants had the lowest IgG levels than overweight or normal subjects. The proportion of all types of side effects on the second dose was significantly diminished compared with the first dose in the intervention group.

Conclusion

Supplementation of 600 IU of vitamin D3 can reduce post-vaccination side effects and increase IgG levels in participants who received BioNTech, Pfizer vaccine.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05851313.

Dietary trends among young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown: socioeconomic and gender disparities

BACKGROUND

Healthy eating is vital to well-being and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was especially important for boosting immunity and protecting against viral infections. Yet, by many accounts, keeping a nutritious diet was a casualty of the pandemic rather than a means to fight it. Young adults experienced disproportionate pandemic-related disruptions during a formative stage of development while little is still known about dietary outcomes.

METHODS

We employed a cross-sectional design to examine dietary disparities targeting young adults (ages 18-28) during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Participants (N = 254) responded to a 15-20-min online survey with questions related to food composition and sources of food, perceptions of healthy eating, weight change, physical activity, and food insecurity. Comparisons were made by household income and gender. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate factors that predicted perceptions of healthy eating behaviors while controlling for other sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

A clear overall trend toward unhealthy behaviors was found while positive changes were also identified. Consumption of junk food significantly increased (+ 3%), 40% gained weight, a third were less active, and 5-8% were food insecure on a regular basis. Meanwhile, eating food from restaurants declined and, for some, home-based cooking increased. Lower income participants were overly represented in unhealthy changes and higher income participants were disproportionately represented in healthy changes. Males reported more changes in dietary composition while females reported more fluctuation in weight. Reduced activity, weight gain, and food insecurity predicted unhealthy eating behaviors. Living with friend(s)/roommate(s) predicted healthier eating, but only among lower income participants.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that pandemic minded public health interventions account for negative dietary trends with particular attention to low-income young adults. Solutions should be geared toward reshaping fiscal, social and physical environments, rather than relying solely on behavioral interventions.

Exploitation of In Vivo-Emulated In Vitro System in Advanced Food Science

Reasonable model construction contributes to the accuracy of experimental results. Multiple in vivo models offer reliable choices for effective evaluation, whereas their applications are hampered due to adverse features including high time-consumption, high cost and ethical contradictions. In vivo-emulated in vitro systems (IVE systems) have experienced rapid development and have been brought into food science for about two decades. IVE systems' flexibly gathers the strengths of in vitro and in vivo models into one, reflecting the results in an efficient, systematic and interacted manner. In this review, we comprehensively reviewed the current research progress of IVE systems based on the literature published in the recent two decades. By categorizing the IVE systems into 2D coculture models, spheroids and organoids, their applications were systematically summarized and typically exemplified. The pros and cons of IVE systems were also thoroughly discussed, drawing attention to present challenges and inspiring potential orientation and future perspectives. The wide applicability and multiple possibilities suggest IVE systems as an effective and persuasive platform in the future of advanced food science.

The modulatory effect of encapsulated bioactives and probiotics on gut microbiota: improving health status through functional food

The gut microbiota can be a determining factor of the health status of the host by its association with some diseases. It is known that dietary intake can modulate this microbiota through the consumption of compounds like essential oils, unsaturated fatty acids, non-digestible fiber, and probiotics, among others. However, these kinds of compounds can be damaged in the gastrointestinal tract as they pass through it to reach the intestine. This is due to the aggressive and changing conditions of this tract. For this reason, to guarantee that compounds arrive in the intestine at an adequate concentration to exert a modulatory effect on the gut microbiota, encapsulation should be sought. In this paper, we review the current research on compounds that modulate the gut microbiota, the encapsulation techniques used to protect the compounds through the gastrointestinal tract, in vitro models of this tract, and how these encapsulates interact with the gut microbiota. Finally, an overview of the regulatory status of these encapsulates is presented. The key findings are that prebiotics are the best modulators of gut microbiota fermentation metabolites. Also, probiotics promote an increase of beneficial gut microorganisms, which in some cases promotes their fermentation metabolites as well. Spray drying, freeze drying, and electrodynamics are notable encapsulation techniques that permit high encapsulation efficiency, high viability, and, together with wall materials, a high degree of protection against gastrointestinal conditions, allowing controlled release in the intestine and exerting a modulatory effect on gut microbiota.

Comparison between the Choices Five-Level Criteria and Nutri-Score: Alignment with the Dutch Food-Based Dietary Guidelines

The current food environment in The Netherlands is considered obesogenic. Eighty percent of the products in supermarkets are unhealthy. The Wheel of Five is the well-established, science-based Dutch food-based dietary guideline (FBDG) developed to stimulate healthier choices. In addition, simple directions on food packaging, such as front-of-package (FOP) health logos, could also be helpful. However, these tools should be in line with each other, in order not to confuse the consumer. To study this, we evaluated two FOP nutrient profiling systems (NPSs) for their alignment with the Wheel of Five: Choices five-level criteria and Nutri-Score. For this, a small but representative sample of 124 products was selected from the Dutch food composition database (NEVO). For these products, the scores for Choices and Nutri-Score were calculated using the published criteria, while compliance with the Wheel of Five was established by using the criteria from Netherlands Nutrition Center (NNC). The Wheel of Five food groups were used to categorize the products. Differences between the Wheel of Five and Choices are smaller than with Nutri-Score, concluding that Choices is more consistent with the Wheel of Five and might be an attractive alternation for a FOP health logo on the Dutch market.

Nutraceutical potential of Amazonian oilseeds in modulating the immune system against COVID-19 - A narrative review

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, medical and scientific communities are facing a challenge to contain its spread, develop effective treatments, and reduce its sequelae. Together with the therapeutical treatments, the use of dietary bioactive compounds represents a promising and cost-effective strategy to modulate immunological responses. Amazonian oilseeds are great sources of bioactive compounds, thus representing not only a dietary source of nutrients but also of substances with great interest for human health. This narrative review compiled the available evidence regarding the biochemical properties of some Amazonian oilseeds, especially Brazil nut, Açaí berry, Bacaba, Peach palm, Sapucaya and Tucuma fruits, on human health and its immune system. These effects were discussed from an etiological and pathophysiological perspective, emphasizing their potential role as a co-adjuvant strategy against COVID-19. Besides this, the cost associated with these strategies hinders their applicability in many nations, especially low-income countries and communities living in social insecurity.

A Review on the Antiviral Activity of Functional Foods Against COVID-19 and Viral Respiratory Tract Infections

Due to the absence of successful therapy, vaccines for protection are continuously being developed. Since vaccines must be thoroughly tested, viral respiratory tract infections (VRTIs), mainly coronaviruses, have seriously affected human health worldwide in recent years. In this review, we presented the relevant data which originated from trusted publishers regarding the practical benefits of functional foods (FFs) and their dietary sources, in addition to natural plant products, in viral respiratory and COVID-19 prevention and immune-boosting activities. As a result, FFs were confirmed to be functionally active ingredients for preventing COVID-19 and VRTIs. Furthermore, the antiviral activity and immunological effects of FFs against VRTIs and COVID-19 and their potential main mechanisms of action are also being reviewed. Therefore, to prevent COVID-19 and VRTIs, it is critical to identify controlling the activities and immune-enhancing functional food constituents as early as possible. We further aimed to summarize functional food constituents as a dietary supplement that aids in immune system boosting and may effectively reduce VRTIs and COVID-19 and promote therapeutic efficacy.

The effects of dietary fiber on common complications in critically ill patients; with a special focus on viral infections; a systematic reveiw

Background

Viral infections are mostly highly contagious and may cause widespread health problems. Some studies reported that the dietary fiber (DF) may be effective in reducing the complications of viral infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present review study aimed to investigate the effect of DF on common complications in critically ill patients with viral infections.

Methods

A literature review was conducted for the published papers in English from January 2001 to July 2021 using related keywords. Studies with clinical trial or case‐control design described the effects of fiber intake on the complications of viral infections in patients admitted to the ICU were collected.

Results

DF may reduce the mortality rate of viral infections through modulating inflammatory processes. A higher intake of DF intake may improve hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with viral infections. A high‐fiber formula in enteral nutrition was reported to reduce the risk of diarrhea in patients with viral infections.

Conclusion

DF may reduce the complications of viral infections such as inflammation, diarrhea, hyperglycemia, and mortality in critically ill patients. Future longitudinal studies on the amount and type of DF are warranted.

The sulphated polysaccharides extract ulvans from Ulva armoricana limits Marek's disease virus dissemination in vitro and promotes viral reactivation in lymphoid cells

Background

Marek’s disease (MD) is a highly contagious lymphoproliferative disease of chickens caused by an alphaherpesvirus, Marek’s disease virus (MDV). MD is presently controlled by systematic vaccination of animals, which protects efficiently against the development of clinical disease. However, MDV vaccines do not prevent the multiplication and spread of MDV field strains and may favor the emergence of strains with increased virulence. Therefore, MDV persists to be a major problem for the poultry industry and the development of new alternative strategies to control MDV is needed. Seaweed extracts have previously been shown to exert immunomodulatory and antiviral activities, especially against herpesviruses. The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of Ulva armoricana extracts on MDV infection in vitro.

Results

We could demonstrate that the ulvan extract as well as its vitamin-enriched formulation reduce the viral load by about 80% at 24 h post-infection in infected chicken fibroblasts at concentrations that are innocuous for the cells. We also observed a substantial decrease in MDV plaque size suggesting that ulvans impede MDV cell-to-cell spread in vitro. Moreover, we showed that ulvan extract could promote MDV reactivation in lymphoid cells.

Conclusions

Our data provide the first evidence that the use of the ulvan extract could be a good alternative to limit MDV infection in poultry.

Effective Regulation of Gut Microbiota With Probiotics and Prebiotics May Prevent or Alleviate COVID-19 Through the Gut-Lung Axis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can disrupt the gut microbiota balance, and patients usually have intestinal disorders. The intestine is the largest immune organ of the human body, and gut microbes can affect the immune function of the lungs through the gut-lung axis. Many lines of evidence support the role of beneficial bacteria in enhancing human immunity, preventing pathogen colonization, and thereby reducing the incidence and severity of infection. In this article, we review the possible approach of modulating microbiota to help prevent and treat respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, and discuss the possibility of using probiotics and prebiotics for this purpose. We also discuss the mechanism by which intestinal micro-flora regulate immunity and the effects of probiotics on the intestinal micro-ecological balance. Based on this understanding, we propose the use of probiotics and prebiotics to modulate gut microbiota for the prevention or alleviation of COVID-19 through the gut-lung axis.

The need for enrichment of meat products with micronutrients

The article discusses the chemical composition of meat according to the main qualitative characteristics to identify the least nutritious product for its subsequent enrichment with various micronutrients. The introduction of dishes and products with an adjusted composition of vitamins, macro- and microelements into the existing diet of an average person is a serious intervention in the traditionally established structure of human nutrition. The need for such an intervention is determined by objective environmental factors associated with changes in the composition and nutritional value of the products that are used in daily nutrition, as well as changes in our lifestyle, with a decrease in physical activity and energy consumption. For these reasons, this intervention should only be carried out in accordance with scientifically sound and proven principles. The choice of micronutrients is quite diverse and, depending on the task of enriching meat products, it is possible to satisfy various physiological needs of the population.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of vitamins in COVID-19 therapy

oxidative stress is caused by an abundant generation of reactive oxygen species, associated to a diminished capacity of the endogenous systems of the organism to counteract them. Activation of pro-oxidative pathways and boosting of inflammatory cytokines are always encountered in viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. So, the importance of counteracting cytokine storm in COVID-19 pathology is highly important, to hamper the immunogenic damage of the endothelium and alveolar membranes. Antioxidants prevent oxidative processes, by impeding radical species generation. It has been proved that vitamin intake lowers oxidative stress markers, alleviates cytokine storm and has a potential role in reducing disease severity, by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, hampering hyperinflammation and organ failure. For the approached compounds, direct antiviral roles are also discussed in this review, as these activities encompass secretion of antiviral peptides, modulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor expression and interaction with spike protein, inactivation of furin protease, or inhibition of pathogen replication by nucleic acid impairment induction. Vitamin administration results in beneficial effects. Nevertheless, timing, dosage and mutual influences of these micronutrients should be carefullly regarded.

Nutrients Interaction with the Immune System

This study described the interactions of different nutritional components with the immune system. A detailed search was carried out on Google Scholar and PubMed databases to find out the relevant research studies using different keywords, such as "Nutrients", "Micronutrients", and "Immune system and micronutrients". Only those papers that discussed the interactions between nutrients and the components of the immune system were included in the study. This research outlined the impact of different vitamins, trace elements or metals, amino acids, and fatty acids on different immune system components. It was found that vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, and C, tend to help immune cell differentiation and enhance the expression of different cytokines. Vitamins also contribute to the proliferation of T and B cells and impact the production of white blood cells. Similarly, trace elements or metals act as enzyme cofactors and control different immune response cycles by controlling the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules. Moreover, different essential and non-essential amino acids play important roles in immune system development as they are primarily involved in protein synthesis. Amino acids, such as arginine, glutamine, and alanine, modulate the expression of cytokines and also control the migration and transmigration capabilities of macrophages. They also enhance the phagocytic properties of macrophages and neutrophils. In a similar way, fatty acids act as anti-inflammatory agents since they can decrease the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and MHC-II. Furthermore, they inhibit the secretion of different inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, all the components of our daily diet are associated with the development of the immune system, and understanding their interactions is important for future immune therapies and drug development.

Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Sorghum Grains

Sorghum is the fifth most commonly used cereal worldwide and is a rich source of many bioactive compounds. We summarized phenolic compounds and carotenoids, vitamin E, amines, and phytosterols in sorghum grains. Recently, with the development of detection technology, new bioactive compounds such as formononetin, glycitein, and ononin have been detected. In addition, multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that sorghum grains have extensive bio-logical activities, such as antioxidative, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and antiobesity properties. Finally, with the establishment of sorghum phenolic compounds database, the bound phenolics and their biological activities and the mechanisms of biological activities of sorghum bioactive compounds using clinical trials may be researched.

The Antiviral Activity of Bacterial, Fungal, and Algal Polysaccharides as Bioactive Ingredients: Potential Uses for Enhancing Immune Systems and Preventing Viruses

Viral infections may cause serious human diseases. For instance, the recent appearance of the novel virus, SARS-CoV-2, causing COVID-19, has spread globally and is a serious public health concern. The consumption of healthy, proper, functional, and nutrient-rich foods has an important role in enhancing an individual's immune system and preventing viral infections. Several polysaccharides from natural sources such as algae, bacteria, and fungi have been considered as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the US Food and Drug Administration. They are safe, low-toxicity, biodegradable, and have biological activities. In this review, the bioactive polysaccharides derived from various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae were evaluated. Antiviral mechanisms of these polysaccharides were discussed. Finally, the potential use of microbial and algal polysaccharides as an antiviral and immune boosting strategy was addressed. The microbial polysaccharides exhibited several bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities. Some microbes are able to produce sulfated polysaccharides, which are well-known to exert a board spectrum of biological activities, especially antiviral properties. Microbial polysaccharide can inhibit various viruses using different mechanisms. Furthermore, these microbial polysaccharides are also able to modulate immune responses to prevent and/or inhibit virus infections. There are many molecular factors influencing their bioactivities, e.g., functional groups, conformations, compositions, and molecular weight. At this stage of development, microbial polysaccharides will be used as adjuvants, nutrient supplements, and for drug delivery to prevent several virus infections, especially SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Nigella sativa: A Dietary Supplement as an Immune-Modulator on the Basis of Bioactive Components

Nutrients can be considered as functional foods, which exert physiological benefits on immune system. The seeds of Nigella sativa, which have many active constituents, are mainly used for medicine, food spice, and nutritional supplements in Egypt. Much attention has been paid to N. sativa seeds for their anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune properties. However, their active constituents and mechanisms underlying functions from N. sativa seeds is unclear. Thus, the bioactive constituents with immune regulation in N. sativa seeds were systematically studied. A new compound (3-methoxythymol-6-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside 1) and 11 known compounds (2–12) were separated from the N. sativa seeds by chromatographic methods. Their structures were then elucidated by spectroscopic analysis of MS, UV, IR, ¹H-, and ¹³C-NMR. Furthermore, immunomodulatory effects of those compounds in RAW 264.7 cells were evaluated by phagocytosis, nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine release, related mRNA transcription, and key proteins expression in vitro. Monosaccharide derivatives, Ethyl-α-D-furaarabinose (5), and Ethyl-β-D-fructofuranoside (8) were shown to played bidirectional regulatory roles in immunity and anti-inflammation through the regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The results showed the active compounds and mechanisms of immune regulation in N. sativa, thus indicating that N. sativa seeds could be used as dietary supplements in immunomodulation.

Egypt's COVID-19 Recent Happenings and Perspectives: A Mini-Review

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected countries across the world. While the zoonotic aspects of SARS-CoV-2 are still under investigation, bats and pangolins are currently cited as the animal origin of the virus. Several types of vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed and are being used in vaccination drives across the world. A number of countries are experiencing second and third waves of the pandemic, which have claimed nearly four million lives out of the 180 million people infected globally as of June 2021. The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and mutants are posing high public health concerns owing to their rapid transmissibility, higher severity, and in some cases, ability to infect vaccinated people (vaccine breakthrough). Here in this mini-review, we specifically looked at the efforts and actions of the Egyptian government to slow down and control the spread of COVID-19. We also review the COVID-19 statistics in Egypt and the possible reasons behind the low prevalence and high case fatality rate (CFR%), comparing Egypt COVID-19 statistics with China (the epicenter of COVID-19 pandemic) and the USA, Brazil, India, Italy, and France (the first countries in which the numbers of patients infected with COVID-19). Additionally, we have summarized the SARS-CoV-2 variants, vaccines used in Egypt, and the use of medicinal plants as preventive and curative options.

Polyphenols Could Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Modulating the Expression of miRNAs in the Host Cells

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are single-stranded RNA viruses which following virus attachment and entry into the host cell, particularly type 2 pneumocytes but also endothelial cells, release RNA into cytosol where it serves as a matrix for the host translation machinery to produce viral proteins. The viral RNA in cytoplasm can interact with host cell microRNAs which can degrade viral RNA and/or prevent viral replication. As such host cellular miRNAs represent key cellular mediators of antiviral defense. Polyphenols, plant food bioactives, exert antiviral properties, which is partially due to their capacity to modulate the expression of miRNAs. The objective of this work was to assess if polyphenols can play a role in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 associated complications by modulating the expression of host miRNAs. To test this hypothesis, we performed literature search to identify miRNAs that could bind SARS-CoV-2 RNA as well as miRNAs which expression can be modulated by polyphenols in lung, type 2 pneumocytes or endothelial cells. We identified over 600 miRNAs that have capacity to bind viral RNA and 125 miRNAs which expression can be modulated by polyphenols in the cells of interest. We identified that there are 17 miRNAs with both the capacity to bind viral RNA and which expression can be modulated by polyphenols. Some of these miRNAs have been identified as having antiviral properties or can target genes involved in regulation of processes of viral replication, apoptosis or viral infection. Taken together this analysis suggests that polyphenols could modulate expression of miRNAs in alveolar and endothelial cells and exert antiviral capacity.

Construction of Chitosan/Alginate Nano-Drug Delivery System for Improving Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice

(1) Background: In the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), accurate delivery and release of anti-inflammatory drugs to the site of inflammation can reduce systemic side effects. (2) Methods: We took advantage of this goal to prepare resveratrol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (RES-PCAC-NPs) by emulsification solvent volatilization. After layer-by-layer self-assembly technology, we deposited chitosan and alginate to form a three-layer polyelectrolyte film. (3) Results: It can transport nanoparticles through the gastric environment to target inflammation sites and slowly release drugs at a specific pH. The resulting RES-PCAC-NPs have an ideal average diameter (~255 nm), a narrow particle size distribution and a positively charged surface charge (~13.5 mV). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that resveratrol was successfully encapsulated into PCAC nanoparticles, and the encapsulation efficiency reached 87.26%. In addition, fluorescence imaging showed that RES-PCAC-NPs with positive charges on the surface can effectively target and accumulate in the inflammation site while continuing to penetrate downward to promote mucosal healing. Importantly, oral RES-PCAC-NPs treatment in DSS-induced mice was superior to other results in significantly improved inflammatory markers of UC. (4) Conclusions: Our results strongly prove that RES-PCAC-NPs can target the inflamed colon for maximum efficacy, and this oral pharmaceutical formulation can represent a promising formulation in the treatment of UC.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins and the Current Global Pandemic of COVID-19: Evidence-Based Efficacy from Literature Review

The outbreak of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), later named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO), was initiated at Wuhan, Hubei, China, and there was a rapid spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19 in late 2019. The entire world is now experiencing the challenge of COVID-19 infection. However, still very few evidence-based treatment options are available for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease. The present review aims to summarize the publicly available information to give a comprehensive yet balanced scientific overview of all the fat-soluble vitamins concerning their role in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The roles of different fat-soluble vitamins and micronutrients in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection have been recently explored in several studies. There are various hypotheses to suggest their use to minimize the severity of COVID-19 infection. These vitamins are pivotal in the maintenance and modulation of innate and cell-mediated, and antibody-mediated immune responses. The data reported in recent literature demonstrate that deficiency in one or more of these vitamins compromises the patients’ immune response and makes them more vulnerable to viral infections and perhaps worse disease prognosis. Vitamins A, D, E, and K boost the body’s defense mechanism against COVID-19 infection and specifically prevent its complications such as cytokine storm and other inflammatory processes, leading to increased morbidity and mortality overemphasis. However, more detailed randomized double-blind clinical pieces of evidence are required to define the use of these supplements in preventing or reducing the severity of the COVID-19 infection.

Micronutrient therapy and effective immune response: a promising approach for management of COVID-19

The escalating prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide, with an increased rate of morbidity and mortality, highlights an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic interventions. Despite the authorized treatment against COVID-19 by the European Union (EU), the safety and effectiveness of this therapeutic strategy for a wide variety of patients have remained a significant challenge. In this respect, micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, as essential factors, can be considered for improving the function of the immune system and accelerating the treatment procedure. Dietary supplements can attenuate vascular and inflammatory manifestations related to infectious diseases in large part due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recently, it has been revealed that poor nutritional status may be one of the notable risk factors in severe COVID-19 infections. In the current review, we focus on the micronutrient therapy of COVID-19 patients and provide a comprehensive insight into the essential vitamins/minerals and their role in controlling the severity of the COVID-19 infection. We also discuss the recent advancements, challenges, negative and positive outcomes in relevance to this approach.