Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marios Sagris, Panagiotis Theofilis, Alexios S. Antonopoulos, Evangelos Oikonomou, Kostas Tsioufis, Dimitris Tousoulis
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 have caused a global pandemic with high fatality rates. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system through ACE2, leading to a cytokine storm and endothelial activation, resulting in cardiovascular complications. Genetic alterations may worsen the clinical course of COVID-19 patients. Inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways and using non-specific anti-inflammatory agents could potentially improve prognosis.
Review
Immunology
Srijit Ghosh, Srijita Das, Rupsa Mondal, Salik Abdullah, Shirin Sultana, Sukhbir Singh, Aayush Sehgal, Tapan Behl
Summary: This review focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on type-2 asthmatic patients, with conflicting results suggesting that COVID-19 may worsen asthma attacks in severe cases, while an elevation of T-cells in type-2 asthmatic patients could reduce the severity of COVID-19. Future strategies should aim to better understand the exacerbation of asthma and its relationship to COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Paula C. Teixeira, Gilson P. Dorneles, Paulo C. Santana Filho, Igor M. da Silva, Lucas L. Schipper, Isabelle A. L. Postiga, Carla Andretta Moreira Neves, Luiz Carlos Rodrigues Junior, Alessandra Peres, Janeusa Trindade de Souto, Simone Gonsalves Fonseca, Sarah Eller, Tiago F. Oliveira, Liane N. Rotta, Claudia Elizabeth Thompson, Pedro R. T. Romao
Summary: This study found that COVID-19 patients had higher levels of LPS and sCD14 upon hospital admission, while non-survivors of COVID-19 showed increased levels of LPS before discharge, accompanied by higher levels of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, THP-1 cells from patients exhibited different phenotypes and receptor expressions after co-incubation with plasma.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Sourbh Suren Garg, Atulika Sharma, Jeena Gupta
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 pandemic originated from Wuhan city of China, affecting millions worldwide. Immune responses, biochemical changes, and inflammatory reactions in human body after infection play a crucial role in the occurrence of the disease.
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Undurti N. Das
Summary: The proposal of using arachidonic acid (AA) and similar bioactive lipids (BALs) to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 is supported by various observations, including the release of BALs by immune cells, their influence on macrophage types, and their inhibitory effects on cytokine synthesis. This suggests that administration of BALs, especially AA, may play a significant role in the prevention and management of COVID-19.
ARCHIVES OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammed Yousif Merza, Rundk Ahmed Hwaiz, Badraldin Kareem Hamad, Karzan Abdulmuhsin Mohammad, Harmand Ali Hama, Abdulkarim Yasin Karim
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate serum cytokines in COVID-19 patients. The results indicated that IL-6 levels were significantly higher in moderate and severe COVID-19 groups, while IL-4 and IFN-gamma levels were significantly lower in the recovery group, and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in recovered COVID-19 patients.
Article
Immunology
Assim A. Alfadda, Khalid Siddiqui, Mohamed Rafiullah, Mohammad AlKhowaiter, Naif Alotaibi, Musa Alzahrani, Khalifa Binkhamis, Amira M. Youssef, Haifa Altalhi, Ibrahim Almaghlouth, Mohammed Alarifi, Saleh Albanyan, Mohammed F. Alosaimi, Arthur Isnani, Shaik S. Nawaz, Khalid Alayed
Summary: This study aimed to compare the early cytokine profile of mild and severe COVID-19 patients, as well as those with COVID-19-like symptoms but tested negative by RT-PCR. The results showed significantly elevated levels of CRP and IL-10 in the RT-PCR positive group, higher CRP and VEGF levels and lower IL-4 levels in severe cases. Elevated levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were observed in mild cases, while MCP-1 levels were elevated in severe cases, categorized by length of hospital stay.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Virology
Daniela A. Brandini, Aline S. Takamiya, Pari Thakkar, Samantha Schaller, Rani Rahat, Afsar R. Naqvi
Summary: Covid-19 patients exhibit various oral manifestations such as ulcers, blisters, necrotising gingivitis, and changes in salivary glands. The virus may lead to inflammation in oral tissues and facilitate the spread of the virus. Elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators can impair tissue homeostasis and prolong disease resolution.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jin Huang, Chi Zhou, Jinniu Deng, Jianfeng Zhou
Summary: The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 epidemic requires effective treatments for COVID-19, particularly severe pneumonia. Blocking the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, predominantly through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, shows promise in improving clinical outcomes. JAK inhibitors have the potential to control cytokine storms and are being explored in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Felicia Trofin, Olivia Simona Dorneanu, Daniela Constantinescu, Eduard Vasile Nastase, Catalina Lunca, Luminita Smaranda Iancu, Ioana-Maria Andrioaie, Alexandru Duhaniuc, Corina Maria Cianga, Mariana Pavel-Tanasa, Dana-Teodora Anton-Paduraru, Petru Cianga
Summary: This study investigates the transfer of cytokines from SARS-CoV-2-infected or vaccinated mothers to infants via breastfeeding. The results support the safety of breastfeeding during mild COVID-19 infection or after Pfizer or Moderna vaccinations.
Review
Virology
Bariaa A. Khalil, Sarra B. Shakartalla, Swati Goel, Bushra Madkhana, Rabih Halwani, Azzam A. Maghazachi, Habiba AlSafar, Basem Al-Omari, Mohammad T. Al Bataineh
Summary: This review examines the role of cytokines and chemokines in SARS-CoV-2 and its predecessors, highlighting the elevated levels of inflammatory mediators associated with disease severity. It also discusses potential treatment strategies targeting these factors.
Article
Immunology
Rafael Luis Luporini, Henrique Pott-Junior, Maria Carolina B. Di Medeiros Leal, Alex Castro, Antonio Gilberto Ferreira, Marcia Regina Cominetti, Fernanda de Freitas Anibal
Summary: The study found that serum phenylalanine levels are positively correlated with disease severity in COVID-19 patients, independent of inflammatory cytokines. Patients with mild disease have lower serum phenylalanine levels in the early stages of the disease.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evgenii Gusev, Alexey Sarapultsev, Liliya Solomatina, Valeriy Chereshnev
Summary: The review consolidates research findings on the molecular mechanisms, virulence, and pathogenicity characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, and their relevance to the different stages of acute viral infection. It highlights the importance of the invasion stage, primary blockade of antiviral innate immunity, engagement of adaptive immune responses, and acute and long-term complications of COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(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
Nutrition & Dietetics
Samantha N. Fessler, Yung Chang, Li Liu, Carol S. Johnston
Summary: This study examined the effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients who received vaccination. The results showed that the curcumin group had significantly lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that curcumin intake may be a promising prophylactic strategy for COVID-19.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayyoub Kihel, Ikram Hammi, Dounia Darif, Meryem Lemrani, Myriam Riyad, Fadila Guessous, Khadija Akarid
Summary: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the Protozoa of the genus Leishmania, with its pathology influenced by the host's genetic background and immune status. The NLRP3 inflammasome appears to play a role in the disease's pathophysiology, although current studies show contradictory effects on the evolution of Leishmania infection in mice and humans.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Othmane Daoui, Mouad Ait Kbaich, Idris Mhaidi, Sofia El Kacem, Lamia Hjiyej Andaloussi, Khadija Akarid, Meryem Lemrani
Summary: A non-invasive sampling method (swab) was evaluated for cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosis, showing lower sensitivity in molecular detection of the nuclear marker ITS1 on swab materials compared to microscopic examination. Additionally, results from ITS1-PCR on stained smears reached higher positivity than on cotton swabs, while KDNA marker results showed no significant difference between swab and stained smear samples.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Idris Mhaidi, Mouad Ait Kbaich, Sofia El Kacem, Othmane Daoui, Khadija Akarid, Tatiana Spitzova, Petr Halada, Vit Dvorak, Meryem Lemrani
Summary: This study in Morocco identified sand fly fauna in Ibaraghen village and confirmed the role of P. sergenti as a vector in the Azilal focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The relative abundance of other potential vector species also emphasizes the risk of introducing L. infantum and L. major in the province. This is the first combined approach in Morocco to identify sand flies using both morphology and molecular methods.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Hasnaa Maksouri, Dounia Darif, Jerome Estaquier, Myriam Riyad, Christophe Desterke, Meryem Lemrani, Pham My-Chan Dang, Khadija Akarid
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of Moroccan strains of L. major and L. tropica on PMNs. The results showed that L. tropica inhibited O-2(-) production, while L. major did not. Additionally, Leishmania soluble antigens from both species inhibited O-2(-) induction.
Article
Immunology
Najlaa Assaid, Soukaina Arich, Sayeh Ezzikouri, Soumaya Benjelloun, Moussa Dia, Oumar Faye, Khadija Akarid, Cecile Beck, Sylvie Lecollinet, Anna-Bella Failloux, M'hammed Sarih
Summary: The study found a significant seroprevalence of anti-WNV antibodies in humans and birds in northwest Morocco, indicating active circulation and exposure to the virus in these populations.
COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Najlaa Assaid, Soukaina Arich, Hicham Charoute, Khadija Akarid, Sayeh Ezzikouri, Abderrahmane Maaroufi, M'hammed Sarih
Summary: This study examines the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in healthcare workers five months after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination. The results show that antibody levels begin to decline over time. Of the participants, 65.85% tested positive for antibodies using the ELISA test, and 86.59% tested positive using the Abbott Architect test. There was no significant difference in antibody levels between the two vaccines.
Article
Parasitology
Ikram Ait Maatallah, Khadija Akarid, Meryem Lemrani
Summary: This review discusses the progression of Leishmania infection from the early stages in the skin to the late stages of visceral dissemination. It explores the question of Leishmania tissue tropism.
Article
Microbiology
Othmane Daoui, Hamza Bennaid, Mouad Ait Kbaich, Idris Mhaidi, Nacer Aderdour, Hassan Rhinane, Souad Bouhout, Khadija Akarid, Meryem Lemrani
Summary: This study assessed the impact of climatic and environmental factors on Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) due to Leishmania tropica in Morocco. It also investigated the population structure of L. tropica in three different foci. The results showed a correlation between temperature and humidity with CL incidence in Imintanout, and high genetic diversity in Foum Jemaa and Imintanout.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Najlaa Assaid, Soukaina Arich, Hicham Charoute, Khadija Akarid, Mohamed Anouar Sadat, Abderrahmane Maaroufi, Sayeh Ezzikouri, M'hammed Sarih
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in COVID-19 patients over a period of 3 months. The results showed that 79% of patients had detectable IgG antibodies at 3 months after symptom onset, while the seropositivity of IgM antibodies was 19% at 1 month after symptom onset. The study also found that IgG levels were significantly higher in patients older than 50 years compared to those younger than 50 at all follow-up time points.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Dounia Darif, Imane Nait Irahal, Ikram Hammi, Ayyoub Kihel, Mohamed Reda Kachmar, Myriam Riyad, Fouzia Hmimid, Khadija Akarid
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of C. spinosa extracts on the growth and metabolic pathways of Leishmania major. The extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the growth of L. major and induced nitric oxide production. In addition, in silico docking studies revealed inhibitory activity of C. spinosa compounds against the arginase enzyme. These findings suggest that C. spinosa may be a valuable source of new bio-molecules for leishmaniasis treatment.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hajar El Filaly, Meryem Mabrouk, Farah Atifi, Fadila Guessous, Khadija Akarid, Yahye Merhi, Younes Zaid
Summary: Platelets play a crucial role in primary hemostasis and pathological inflammation-induced thrombosis. Recent studies have expanded the understanding of platelets, placing them within the immune continuum and highlighting their involvement in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Platelets express Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), which are key receptors in the inflammatory cell-cell reaction and the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity. This review focuses on the role of platelets in modulating platelet count and adaptive immune response during viral infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Hajar El Filaly, Ahmed Outlioua, Christophe Desterke, Zerif Echarki, Wafaa Badre, Moncef Rabhi, Myriam Riyad, Damien Arnoult, Abdelouahed Khalil, Khadija Akarid
Summary: IL1B rs1143627, rs16944, and IL1RN VNTR are associated with clinical and biological features in Moroccan H. pylori-infected patients, with VNTR showing a significant correlation with IL-1 beta levels. These findings suggest that VNTR may serve as an interesting predictor for identifying patients at risk of developing H. pylori-associated pathologies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dounia Darif, Rajaa Ejghal, Christophe Desterke, Ahmed Outlioua, Ikram Hammi, Meryem Lemrani, Farida Hilali, Fadila Guessous, Younes Zaid, Khadija Akarid
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused devastating impacts globally, with millions of deaths and severe societal and economic consequences. This study investigates the role of interferons (IFNs) in COVID-19 pathophysiology by analyzing the expression of IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-lambda in nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. The findings suggest that quantification of interferons can serve as valuable biological markers for tracking COVID-19 pathophysiology.