Ferroptosis and multi-organ complications in COVID-19: mechanisms and potential therapies

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, with respiratory symptoms as primary manifestations. It can progress to severe illness, leading to respiratory failure and multiple organ dysfunction. Recovered patients may experience persistent neurological, respiratory, or cardiovascular symptoms. Mitigating the multi-organ complications of COVID-19 has been highlighted as a crucial part of fighting the epidemic. Ferroptosis is a type of cell death linked to altered iron metabolism, glutathione depletion, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation, and increased oxidative stress. Cell death can prevent virus replication, but uncontrolled cell death can also harm the body. COVID-19 patients with multi-organ complications often exhibit factors related to ferroptosis, suggesting a possible connection. Ferroptosis inhibitors can resist SARS-CoV-2 infection from damaging vital organs and potentially reduce COVID-19 complications. In this paper, we outline the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and, based on this, discuss multi-organ complications in COVID-19, then explore the potential of ferroptosis inhibitors as a supplementary intervention for COVID-19. This paper will provide a reference for the possible treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected disease to reduce the severity of COVID-19 and its subsequent impact.

Congenital central toxoplasmic chorioretinitis - case study

Congenital toxoplasmosis is a globally spread infectious disease caused by transplacental transmission of an intracellular parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The infection can cause serious multi-organ complications, and in the case of vertical transmission, can lead up to fetal death - depending on the stage of pregnancy at the time of infection and the overall condition of the mothers immune system. Chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus and intracranial calcifications are a typical triad of symptoms associated with the disease. Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis in particular is the most common ocular manifestation. If the central retina is affected, it can cause a severe impairment of central visual acuity or lead up to blindness in the child. Prenatal screening of this disease is presently voluntary in the Czech Republic. This article reports on a case study of a toxoplasmic chorioretinitis in a newborn child observed from the active stage and the development of the affected retina over time. Further is also reported on the diagnostics and the treatment of multi-organ complications which occurred in this patient. Ophthalmologic examination was performed after diagnosis of hydrocephalus, which revealed severe changes of retina. Hydrocephalus was then properly treated. An overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic methods and the screening options available in the Czech Republic compare with other countries is also presented in the report. Key words: congenital toxoplasmosis, chorioretinitis, multi-organ complications, screening, hydrocephalus.