A Multidisciplinary Approach to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Since December 2019, humanity has faced an important global threat. Many studies have been published on the origin, structure, and mechanism of action of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the treatment of its disease. The priority of scientists all over the world has been to direct their time to research this subject. In this review, we highlight chemical studies and therapeutic approaches to overcome COVID-19 with seven different sections. These sections are the structure and mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2, immunotherapy and vaccine, computer-aided drug design, repurposing therapeutics for COVID-19, synthesis of new molecular structures against COVID-19, food safety/security and functional food components, and potential natural products against COVID-19. In this work, we aimed to screen all the newly synthesized compounds, repurposing chemicals covering antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiparasitic, anticancer, antipsychotic, and antihistamine compounds against COVID-19. We also highlight computer-aided approaches to develop an anti-COVID-19 molecule. We explain that some phytochemicals and dietary supplements have been identified as antiviral bioproducts, which have almost been successfully tested against COVID-19. In addition, we present immunotherapy types, targets, immunotherapy and inflammation/mutations of the virus, immune response, and vaccine issues.

Does calcium dobesilate protect against intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury induced in rats?

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated whether the administration of calcium dobesilate (CD) affects oxidative stress markers and histopathological outcomes in a rat model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted with 30 male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly assigned to three groups as follows: a sham group (n = 10), an IR group (n = 10), and an IR + CD group (n = 10). In the sham group, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection alone was performed during laparotomy. In the IR group, the procedure included SMA occlusion for 60 min, followed by reperfusion for 60 min. In the IR + CD group, CD (100 mg/kg/day) was additionally given for two days before laparotomy by intragastric lavage. In all the rats, 2 ml of blood were drawn, and an ileal segment (approximately 2 cm in size) was removed to evaluate oxidative stress markers. The ileal segment removed was divided into two pieces, and one piece was reserved for histopathological evaluation.

RESULTS

Compared to the other groups, both serum and tissue oxidative stress indices were lower in the IR + CD group. The decrease was due to CD increasing the total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the histological analysis showed that CD reduced tissue injury.

CONCLUSIONS

CD may exert a protective effect against intestinal IR injury by increasing antioxidant capacity.

Recombinant human erythropoietin administration in cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative anemia and multiple blood transfusions are still important problems in cardiac surgery. During the past few years, there have been some reports indicating that multiple recombinant human erythropoietin infusions starting at least 2 weeks before the operation induced erythropoiesis. We aimed to reduce the risk of adverse reactions of high doses of recombinant human erythropoietin and reduce the period of hospitalization by using it only once, 4 days before the operation.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients received recombinant human erythropoietin 4 days before the operation, and 28 patients comprised the control group. All the hematologic parameters of the patients are measured on the day of admission, the day before the operation (fourth day), the first day after the operation, and 1 week later.

RESULTS

In the recombinant human erythropoietin group the mean hemoglobin concentration increased on the morning of the operation (14.5 +/- 0.52 g/dL in the recombinant human erythropoietin group and 12.4 +/- 0.65 in the control group, P <.05). To maintain hemoglobin levels at greater than 8.5 g/dL, 330 +/- 33 mL of homologous transfusion was required in the recombinant human erythropoietin group, whereas 680 +/- 75 mL was required in the control group (P <.01).

CONCLUSION

Recombinant human erythropoietin induces erythropoiesis rapidly, even when it is used with a low single dose just 4 days before the operation. No adverse reactions were seen with this kind of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment.

Primary pericardial mesothelioma

Primary pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare tumor. This case illustrates the typical late presentation of primary pericardial mesothelioma with symptoms and signs of constrictive pericarditis. An unusual feature was the complete encasement of the heart by the tumor. No satisfactory treatment was available.