Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jozica Sikic, Zrinka Planinic, Vid Matisic, Tea Friscic, Vilim Molnar, Dorijan Jagacic, Lovro Vujicic, Neven Tudoric, Lana Postruzin Grsic, Divo Ljubicic, Dragan Primorac
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 has been circulating worldwide for a year and a half, leading to a vast amount of scientific literature. The cardiovascular system plays a crucial role in infection, and thorough diagnostics and patient monitoring are beneficial for patient recovery.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew D. Galbraith, Kohl T. Kinning, Kelly D. Sullivan, Paula Araya, Keith P. Smith, Ross E. Granrath, Jessica R. Shaw, Ryan Baxter, Kimberly R. Jordan, Seth Russell, Monika Dzieciatkowska, Julie A. Reisz, Fabia Gamboni, Francesca Cendali, Tusharkanti Ghosh, Kejun Guo, Cara C. Wilson, Mario L. Santiago, Andrew A. Monte, Tellen D. Bennett, Kirk C. Hansen, Elena W. Y. Hsieh, Angelo D'Alessandro, Joaquin M. Espinosa
Summary: The impacts of IFN signaling on COVID-19 pathology are diverse, with both protective and harmful effects. Different types of IFNs are associated with specific biosignatures and have unique metabolic signatures. They also show differential relationships with clinical markers of prognosis and disease severity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yaqun Li, Wenjie Zhao, Jinhua Liu, Zichao Chen, Qingtao Lv, Zhen Zhang
Summary: COVID-19 pneumonia, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has disrupted the pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory response, leading to a need to neutralize cytokine storm. Current treatments focus on vaccines for prevention and immunomodulatory therapies to alleviate immune imbalance, with antiviral drugs and respiratory support as clinical options.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ekaterina Martynova, Shaimaa Hamza, Maria Markelova, Ekaterina Garanina, Yuriy Davidyuk, Venera Shakirova, Neha Kaushal, Manoj Baranwal, Robert J. Stott-Marshall, Toshana L. Foster, Albert Rizvanov, Svetlana Khaiboullina
Summary: This study analyzed and quantified the reactivity of serum samples from COVID-19 patients to identify markers for predicting fatality risks. Differences in immune response and cytokine activation were observed between fatal and non-fatal patients. Specific peptides with longer immune response were identified. A panel of biomarkers for early prediction of COVID-19 fatality risk was proposed based on the analysis of IgM antibody reactivity and cytokine profiles.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jiayu Zhang, Xuejing Ma, Fuwei Liu, Deju Zhang, Jitao Ling, Zicheng Zhu, Yixuan Chen, Pingping Yang, Yanlin Yang, Xiao Liu, Jing Zhang, Jianping Liu, Peng Yu
Summary: 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Severe cases of COVID-19 are associated with a cytokine storm, characterized by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream. Recent studies have shown a higher severity of necrobiosis infection in diabetic patients, as well as higher morbidity and mortality in people with chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Additionally, COVID-19 may result in hyperglycemia in infected individuals. This review explores the potential relationship between NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles in diabetes and COVID-19, and discusses the cellular/molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection activates NLRP3 inflammatory vesicles. Finally, several promising targeted NLRP3 inflammatory vesicle inhibitors are proposed as a basis for clinical management of patients with diabetes combined with noncoronary pneumonia.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Charles Ochieng' Olwal, Nora Nghuchuzie Nganyewo, Kesego Tapela, Alexandra Lindsey Djomkam Zune, Oloche Owoicho, Yaw Bediako, Samuel Duodu
Summary: Sepsis and COVID-19 share many pathophysiological and clinical features, both leading to consumptive thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, respiratory failure, among other complications. Therefore, lessons learned from sepsis care could potentially inform on COVID-19 management.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Zarrilli, Valentina Angerilli, Gianluca Businello, Marta Sbaraglia, Giulia Traverso, Francesco Fortarezza, Stefania Rizzo, Monica De Gaspari, Cristina Basso, Fiorella Calabrese, Angelo Paolo Dei Tos, Matteo Fassan
Summary: The histopathologic alterations in COVID-19 patients primarily occur in the lungs and blood vessels, with the highest clinical impact. However, many of the collected morphological data so far are nonspecific, erratic, and possibly associated with other co-existing factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
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
Critical Care Medicine
Eman Alefishat, Mira Mousa, Mohammed Albreiki, Herbert F. Jelinek, Zainab Al Halwachi, Mariam Khalili, Fathimathuz Waasia, Maimunah Uddin, Nawal Al Kaabi, Bassam Mahboub, Mohammad T. Albataineh, Guan K. Tay, Habiba S. Alsafar
Summary: This study investigated the association between cytokine genetic variants, cytokine serum levels/profiles, and disease severity in critically and noncritically ill COVID-19 patients. IL-6 and CXCL-16 were found to potentially be used as biomarkers for monitoring disease progression of COVID-19 patients.
Article
Immunology
Heike C. Hawerkamp, Adam H. Dyer, Neha D. Patil, Matt McElheron, Niamh O'Dowd, Laura O'Doherty, Aisling Ui Mhaonaigh, Angel M. George, Aisling M. O'Halloran, Conor Reddy, Rose Anne Kenny, Mark A. Little, Ignacio Martin-Loeches, Colm Bergin, Sean P. Kennelly, Seamas C. Donnelly, Nollaig M. Bourke, Aideen Long, Jacklyn Sui, Derek G. Doherty, Niall Conlon, Cliona Ni Cheallaigh, Padraic G. Fallon
Summary: Clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection show a wide range, from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and death. This variability is influenced by differences in the immune response to the virus. A study measured inflammatory markers in patients with acute COVID-19 and found that most pro-inflammatory markers were significantly elevated, and specific markers were associated with disease severity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Biying Hu, Shaoying Huang, Lianghong Yin
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic since its emergence in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, posing a serious threat to public health. Close contact and respiratory droplets are the main modes of transmission. The cytokine storm is closely associated with disease severity and mortality, emphasizing the importance of studying and treating the cytokine storm in COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
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)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Allison L. Soung, Abigail Vanderheiden, Anna S. Nordvig, Cheick A. Sissoko, Peter Canoll, Madeline B. Mariani, Xiaoping Jiang, Traci Bricker, Gorazd B. Rosoklija, Victoria Arango, Mark Underwood, J. John Mann, Andrew J. Dwork, James E. Goldman, Adrianus C. M. Boon, Maura Boldrini, Robyn S. Klein
Summary: Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with COVID-19 may be related to inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, and abnormal activation in the hippocampus.
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
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
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara
Summary: Low molecular weight heparin is a drug known for its anticoagulant properties, but recent evidence suggests that it may have additional anticoagulant effects and potential benefits in the treatment of COVID-19. The molecular mechanisms behind these pleiotropic effects are not fully understood.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Antonio Vitiello, Andrea Zovi, Ugo Trama, Francesco Ferrara
Summary: This article discusses the research progress in using drugs to modify ACE-2 expression to counter COVID-19, pointing out the potential connection between severe respiratory diseases and deregulated ACE-2 expression.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Zovi, Francesco Ferrara, Sarah Sorrentino, Roberto Langella, Ugo Trama, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Modern research focuses on new viruses and the re-emergence of past microbes. Overcoming the infection depends on vaccination, which has proven to minimize hospitalizations and severe syndromes.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi
Summary: The human microbiota, consisting of symbiotic microorganisms, plays a crucial role in human physiological functions. While the impact of an altered microbiota on diseases like chronic inflammatory diseases and psychiatric diseases is well-studied, its role in the host immune response to bacterial and viral infections is still not fully understood. Recent evidence highlights the alterations in the microbiota of patients with viral infections such as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). This review emphasizes the biological and clinical significance of the associations between the microbiota and COVID-19 infection and how microbiota-produced metabolites modulate immune responses to COVID-19 infection.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annarita di Toma, Giuseppe Brunetti, Maria Serena Chiriaco, Francesco Ferrara, Caterina Ciminelli
Summary: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) will be the leading cause of death worldwide in the next decades. To address this issue, a new on-chip platform based on micromixers and microfluidic channels with engineered electrodes has been proposed. This platform utilizes di-electrophoresis (DEP) effect to efficiently sort live and dead bacteria, enabling rapid monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility at the single-bacterium level. The system shows high sorting efficiency, low power consumption, and fast response time, making it an attractive and innovative solution for next-generation medicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi, Marta Masi, Roberto Langella, Ugo Trama, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Long COVID is a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, which have a significant impact on daily life. It occurs in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by alternative diagnoses after 3 months. The cause of Long COVID is believed to be related to deposits of tau protein.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Andrea Zovi, Francesco Ferrara, Roberto Langella, Fabiola Cavallaro, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: The genetic variability of each individual contributes to different genetic polymorphisms associated with varying susceptibility to infectious diseases. This knowledge is crucial for developing appropriate pharmacological solutions to combat severe viral diseases like SARS-CoV-2. The manuscript emphasizes how human genetic variability can lead to severe symptoms in certain individuals, who should take preventive measures such as vaccination.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Michela Sabbatucci, Antonio Vitiello, Salvatore Clemente, Andrea Zovi, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Francesco Ferrara, Carla Cimmino, Roberto Langella, Annarita Ponzo, Paola Stefanelli, Giovanni Rezza
Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic has caused nearly 760 million cases and 7 million deaths worldwide as of February 2023. Multiple variants, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, have emerged with increased transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. The most recent variant, Centaurus BA.2.75.2, shows a higher affinity for ACE-2 receptors and potential resistance to vaccines and antiviral treatments.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Annarita Ponzo, Carla Cimmino, Emilio Comberiati, Andrea Zovi, Salvatore Clemente, Michela Sabbatucci
Summary: Fungal infections, especially drug-resistant forms like Candida and Aspergillus spp., are increasing in prevalence and causing severe diseases. This is primarily due to the growing number of immunocompromised patients and the emergence of resistant strains. Unlike bacterial infections which have a wide array of antimicrobial drugs, there are only a few classes of antifungal drugs available, leading to a limited therapeutic armamentarium. This review provides a comprehensive overview of systemic mycosis, current antifungal drug compounds, and the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi, Roberto Langella, Fabiola Cavallaro, Eduardo Nava, Ugo Trama, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: The relaxed prescription regulations have led to an increase in prescribing and dispensing of new drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is in line with post-Covid-19 European policies, bringing therapies closer to the patient. However, it has also resulted in unpredictable healthcare spending. In Italy, the introduction of the National Plan for Reconstruction and Resilience aimed to give more prescribing freedom to General Practitioners, allowing them to directly prescribe certain categories of medicines for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
F. Ferrara, A. Zovi, E. Nava, U. Trama, A. Vitiello
Summary: Despite global policies to combat antibiotic resistance, the phenomenon continues to be a concern. Italy has introduced a new national plan and calls on health professionals to follow regulatory recommendations. A retrospective study in the Campania region suggests higher antibiotic consumption, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study emphasizes the importance of informed and appropriate antibiotic use to address resistance.
ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANCAISES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi, Eduardo Nava, Roberto Langella, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are becoming a leading cause of death and hospitalization in the Western world. Various classes of antihypertensive drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, sartans, calcium antagonists, beta blockers, and diuretics, differ in mechanism, efficacy, tolerability, and cost. This analysis examines the prescribing trends of antihypertensive drugs in an Italian healthcare company, highlighting aspects of pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoutili-zation, and pharmacological differences.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Francesco Ferrara, Esteban Zavaleta, Antonio Vitiello, Jorge Arturo Villalobos, Andrea Zovi, Roberto Langella, Bruno Serrano, Ugo Trama, Sebastian Arguedas, Eduardo Nava, Jose Pablo Diaz, Elvira Bianco, Giuseppe Russo
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Raffaella Di Napoli, Nunzia Balzano, Annamaria Mascolo, Carla Cimmino, Antonio Vitiello, Andrea Zovi, Annalisa Capuano, Mariarosaria Boccellino
Summary: This systematic review examines the potential effects of nutraceuticals on cancer cells and finds that high doses of isoflavone and vitamin D supplements have positive effects in certain types of cancer patients.
Review
Immunology
Samina Sana, Elisa Fabbro, Andrea Zovi, Antonio Vitiello, Toluwani Ola-Ajayi, Ziad Zahoui, Bukola Salami, Michela Sabbatucci
Summary: In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, asylum seekers, refugees, and foreign-born migrants are more likely to suffer from physical, mental, and socioeconomic consequences owing to their existing vulnerabilities and worsening conditions in refugee camps around the world. It is critical to educate migrants and newcomers about immunization to achieve health equity worldwide. However, it is unclear whether government vaccination policies prioritize the health information needs of migrants globally.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tong Cheng, Zhusheng Chen, Yibin Qin, Xiang Zhu, Hongsheng Chen, Zhongling Xu, Xiaqing Ma
Summary: Morphine is commonly used and effective for pain relief, but its side effect of itching limits its clinical use. This paper discusses the potential of using esketamine to treat morphine-induced itching.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2024)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sung Eun Lee, Eunjung Park, Ji-yun Kim, HyukHoon Kim
Summary: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a potential therapeutic modality that has been recognized for its favorable mechanisms in various diseases, including sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). HBOT has neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects as well as increased tissue oxygenation capacity. However, there are caveats and limitations in applying HBOT in sepsis.
MEDICAL HYPOTHESES
(2024)
