Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Sofia Basile, Eugenio Cavalli, James McCubrey, Jorge Hernandez-Bello, Jose Francisco Munoz-Valle, Paolo Fagone, Ferdinando Nicoletti
Summary: This review examines the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in COVID-19 and discusses the potential use of specific inhibitors of this pathway for treating the disease.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This article reviews the protective effects of vaccination and prior infection on severe Covid-19, and proposes future research directions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qin Liu, Qi Su, Fen Zhang, Hein M. Tun, Joyce Wing Yan Mak, Grace Chung-Yan Lui, Susanna So Shan Ng, Jessica Y. L. Ching, Amy Li, Wenqi Lu, Chenyu Liu, Chun Pan Cheung, David S. C. Hui, Paul K. S. Chan, Francis Ka Leung Chan, Siew C. Ng
Summary: By integrating clinical features and multi-omics data, the authors identified specific gut microbiome patterns associated with disease severity and development of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. These findings highlight the potential utility of host phenotype and multi-kingdom microbiota profiling as a prognostic tool for patients with COVID-19.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Rustom Antia, M. Elizabeth Halloran
Summary: The article discusses the basic concepts underlying the transition from an epidemic to an endemic state, as well as the implications of this transition for COVID-19.
Article
Cell Biology
Ayelet Dangot, Mor Zavaro, Tali Hana Bar-Lev, Lian Bannon, Ayala Zilberman, Eliana Pickholz, Irit Avivi, Anat Aharon
Summary: This pilot study aimed to explore the characteristics of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released during COVID-19 infection occurring during the third trimester of pregnancy. The majority of COVID-19-positive pregnant subjects experienced good pregnancy-related outcomes. The EV concentrations were higher in healthy-pregnant subjects compared to non-pregnant subjects, and lower in COVID-19-positive pregnant subjects compared to healthy-pregnant subjects.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcia C. Castro, Sun Kim, Lorena Barberia, Ana Freitas Ribeiro, Susie Gurzenda, Karina Braga Ribeiro, Erin Abbott, Jeffrey Blossom, Beatriz Rache, Burton H. Singer
Summary: The study found that COVID-19 in Brazil is spreading rapidly across municipalities with distinct spatial and temporal patterns of clustering, trajectories, and speed. Analysis shows that inadequate policy measures have led to high transmission and mortality burdens. The current surge in cases and deaths, along with the circulation of concerning variants, highlights the need for government to strengthen prevention and control measures.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter Chen, Ajay Nirula, Barry Heller, Robert L. Gottlieb, Joseph Boscia, Jason Morris, Gregory Huhn, Jose Cardona, Bharat Mocherla, Valentina Stosor, Imad Shawa, Andrew C. Adams, Jacob Van Naarden, Kenneth L. Custer, Lei Shen, Michael Durante, Gerard Oakley, Andrew E. Schade, Janelle Sabo, Dipak R. Patel, Paul Klekotka, Daniel M. Skovronsky
Summary: LY-CoV555, a neutralizing antibody, showed promising results in reducing viral load, improving symptoms, and lowering the risk of hospitalization among patients with mild or moderate Covid-19. While one of the doses appeared to accelerate the decline in viral load, others did not show significant effects by day 11.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Constantinos Kurt Wibmer, Frances Ayres, Tandile Hermanus, Mashudu Madzivhandila, Prudence Kgagudi, Brent Oosthuysen, Bronwen E. Lambson, Tulio de Oliveira, Marion Vermeulen, Karin van der Berg, Theresa Rossouw, Michael Boswell, Veronica Ueckermann, Susan Meiring, Anne von Gottberg, Cheryl Cohen, Lynn Morris, Jinal N. Bhiman, Penny L. Moore
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus in the B.1.351 variant discovered in South Africa can evade neutralization by most antibodies when expressed, but does not affect binding by convalescent plasma. This suggests the potential for reinfection with antigenically distinct variants and predicts reduced efficacy of spike-based vaccines.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emanuele Andreano, Ida Paciello, Silvia Marchese, Lorena Donnici, Giulio Pierleoni, Giulia Piccini, Noemi Manganaro, Elisa Pantano, Valentina Abbiento, Piero Pileri, Linda Benincasa, Ginevra Giglioli, Margherita Leonardi, Piet Maes, Concetta De Santi, Claudia Sala, Emanuele Montomoli, Raffaele De Francesco, Rino Rappuoli
Summary: In this study, Andreano and Paciello et al. provide insights into the functional and genetic characteristics of the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 cross-protective antibody response. Their findings reveal that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines can induce neutralizing antibodies that cross-neutralize the Omicron variants and SARS-CoV-1 virus.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sazada Siddiqui, Heba Waheeb Saeed Alhamdi, Huda Ahmed Alghamdi
Summary: COVID-19 is highly contagious and has caused major disruptions around the world. Prevention is crucial through measures such as self-isolation and vaccination.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
William R. Morgenlander, Stephanie N. Henson, Daniel R. Monaco, Athena Chen, Kirsten Littlefield, Evan M. Bloch, Eric Fujimura, Ingo Ruczinski, Andrew R. Crowley, Harini Natarajan, Savannah E. Butler, Joshua A. Weiner, Mamie Z. Li, Tania S. Bonny, Sarah E. Benner, Ashwin Balagopal, David Sullivan, Shmuel Shoham, Thomas C. Quinn, Susan H. Eshleman, Arturo Casadevall, Andrew D. Redd, Oliver Laeyendecker, Margaret E. Ackerman, Andrew Pekosz, Stephen J. Elledge, Matthew Robinson, Aaron A. R. Tobian, H. Benjamin Larman
Summary: This study found strong correlation between the functionality of COVID-19 convalescent plasma and polyclonal antibody targeting of specific peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Antibody responses to specific coronaviruses correlated with the development of highly neutralizing antibodies against CoV-2. Plasma donations reactive to the CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain had higher neutralizing titers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chang-Sheng Xia, Minghua Zhan, Yudong Liu, Zhi-Hong Yue, Ying Song, Feifei Zhang, Hui Wang
Summary: This study assessed the levels of protective antibodies in SARS survivors with and without the COVID-19 vaccine, and found that SARS survivors have protective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 even without vaccination, and generate a stronger antibody response after vaccination compared to controls.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Vineet D. Menachery, Lisa E. Gralinski
Summary: COVID-19, known primarily as a respiratory infection, also causes systemic disease manifestations, including coagulopathies. Coagulation proteins serve as effective biomarkers for severe disease and are essential in COVID-19 therapeutics, but there is still much to be learned about their role in the complex network of signaling pathways.
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Damiano D'Ardes, Andrea Boccatonda, Giulio Cocco, Stefano Fabiani, Ilaria Rossi, Marco Bucci, Maria Teresa Guagnano, Cosima Schiavone, Francesco Cipollone
Summary: COVID-19 patients often experience liver dysfunction and coagulation abnormalities. Liver dysfunction may be caused by systemic inflammation and drugs, while coagulation abnormalities may result from the cytopathic effect of the virus and immune response.
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Dasha Majra, Jayme Benson, Jennifer Pitts, Justin Stebbing
Summary: Super spreader events (SSEs) can be categorized into 'societal' and 'isolated' events, with the former posing a greater threat and the latter being more easily quarantined.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Keyvan Yousefi, Ayda Esmaeili, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: This review summarizes the potential roles of ERK1/2 in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and its main cause is still unknown. Neuronal death due to various pathologic changes is considered to be the main cause. Caspases, a group of proteases involved in cellular apoptosis and other cellular responses, have been found to play a central role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Targeting caspases may be a suitable therapeutic option to slow the progression of the disease.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Mehdi Mohebalizadeh, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, characterized by neuronal and synaptic loss in the central nervous system. The major causes of neuronal death in AD include accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) and aggregated tau proteins. Targeting the process of Aβ production to reduce its deposition has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for AD management. This review focuses on ADAM10, a protein involved in the non-amyloidogenic pathway of amyloid precursor protein processing, and discusses its molecular properties, role in AD, and potential as a therapeutic target to slow down disease progression.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Hojjat Ghasemnejad-Berenji, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: The study demonstrated that empagliflozin effectively reduces oxidative stress induced by testicular torsion, leading to tissue protection and improvement in testicular damage caused by torsion/detorsion.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC UROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Leila Afkhami Fard, Hassan Malekinejad, Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh, Abbas Jafari, Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the protective effect of sitagliptin on methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The results showed that sitagliptin effectively attenuated the kidney injury caused by methotrexate and exhibited potent antioxidant properties.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART C-TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Ayda Esmaeili, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: Recent studies have revealed the significant role of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Fereshteh Nazari-Khanamiri, Abbas Jafari, Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: The study demonstrated that EMPA has a protective effect against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats, which may be related to its antioxidative effects.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fereshteh Nazari-Khanamiri, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of global death and are increasing over time. Quercetin has various beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, including anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and antihypertensive effects. It can also protect myocardial cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Reza Varzandeh, Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Zeinab Esmaeilzadeh, Abbas Jafari, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: This study aimed to examine the protective effects of topiramate on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. The results showed that topiramate significantly reduced colonic lesions, improved histopathologic changes, and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, topiramate may be an effective therapeutic candidate for reducing the severity of ulcerative colitis.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Somayeh Mohammadipanah, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is crucial for cell growth and survival, and Berberine, a natural compound, modulates this pathway to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Mohaddeseh Hedayat, Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Reza Jafari, Hassan Malekinejad, Naime Majidi Zolbanin
Summary: This study investigated the effects of combination treatment with paclitaxel and celecoxib on the expression of genes involved in the apoptosis of triple-negative metastatic breast cancer cells. The results showed that the combination treatment significantly reduced cell viability and had a remarkable influence on the expression of apoptosis-related genes.
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Mohammad Rafi Khezri, Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia. Besides the main features of Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation, other changes such as alterations in gut microbiota proportion and circadian rhythms have been noticed. The exact mechanism indicating the association between circadian rhythms and gut microbiota abundance has not been investigated yet. This paper aims to review the role of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in AD pathophysiology and introduces a hypothesis to explain their association.
