Spike Protein Mutations and the Effects on SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike (S) glycoprotein facilitates receptor binding to initiate cell entry that is the critical initial step in the infection cycle. Due to S glycoprotein's pivotal role, in this review, we pointed to show potential functional and structural consequences of S glycoprotein and its variants, which has been related with increased viral load in humans with SARS-CoV-2 infection

The Effect of Rosuvastatin on the Liver Enzyme of NMRI Mouse

Background: Rosuvastatin is the newest statin family drug and acts as an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Rosuvastatin can decrease the amount of cholesterol made by the liver and reduce the risk of heart disease. Since liver diseases are one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality due to drugs toxicity, it is essential to check the liver’s function during widely used drugs such as rosuvastatin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin on the liver in the mature female NMRI mouse strain. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 adult female NMRI strains (mice) at a mean weight of 25-30 grams were divided into five groups control, sham, and treatment groups. The mice of treated groups, including 1, 2, and 3, received rosuvastatin in doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/Kg of body mass by oral gavage for 21 days. The mice in all groups were dissected after completing the gavage, their hearts were examined, and blood samples were obtained to measure liver enzymes. Then, the mice were sacrificed, and the liver tissue was subjected to antioxidant enzymes. The ELISA test measured the concentrations of the antioxidant and liver enzymes. Results: The results showed that rosuvastatin decreased GPX, MDA, and FRAP with an increase in SOD, AST, and ALT (P<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that high doses of rosuvastatin could damage the liver

Positive Result for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Test after a Long Time for the Patient with COVID-19 even after Discharge from the Hospital

Background: Ruthin's coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis is based on the positive result of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the nasal and oropharyngeal swab. However, chest CT scans can play an important role in diagnosing patients with COVID-19. Cases Report: In this study, we reported a 44 years old female with a mild form of the COVID-19 who showed a positive result for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA for 44 days after symptom onset. The suspected case was detected using real-time PCR. After two weeks of hospitalization, the patient was discharged, but her molecular tests were performed twice after one month and 44 days, and they remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion: In theory, if the patient becomes re-infected or the virus reacts, these individuals may serve as a transmission source. So far, the only way to screen for possible reinfection has been by using PCR on separate specimens

Investigating Possible Etiologies of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Failure and Deaths From Rabies Infection: Case Reports

Rabies virus, as a neurotropic agent, is transmitted to humans usually after animal biting. Rabiesis endemic in most Middle Eastern countries. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) program isrecommended for high-risk populations in endemic areas. The present study reported 7 deathsfrom rabies infection despite human Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and the evolutionof their possible etiologies from 2014 to 2018 in Iran. In this study, 29 rabid human deathswere evaluated despite PEP in 2014-2018. Seven people deceased despite receiving PEP. Themost damaged organs were hands and face (71.43%). Injecting anti-Rabies Immunoglobulin(RIG) around the wound, improper cleansing, and delayed PEP were the main causes of PEPfailure. In addition, immunodeficiency in a patient was another cause of failure. Our obtaineddata suggested that immediate precise measures after exposure based on the World HealthOrganization (WHO) recommendation, maintaining the temperature integrity (cold chain) ofvaccines, and RIGs during transportation, and performing detailed injection schedule couldprevent PEP failure in most cases. Furthermore, society’s awareness plays a key role incontrolling the disease, especially in endemic areas

Zataria multiflora Essential oil Prevent Iron Oxide Nanoparticles-induced Liver Toxicity in Rat Model

Over loading of iron oxide nanoparticles can causes the liver injury through overproduction of free radicals. Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Lamiaceae) has been used for many years in folk medicine due to its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This study evaluates -for the first time- the effect of Z. multiflora essential oil (EO) against iron oxide nanoparticles hepatotoxicity in rat model. Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 4 groups; control group (C), non-treated control group (NT), treatment groups, nanoparticles plus Z. multiflora EO at 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. In following, the liver and blood tissue were collected for estimating antioxidant / oxidative stress parameters including lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and liver enzyme asparate transaminase (AST) and also histopathological examinations. Iron oxide nanoparticles toxicity produced a significant increase in the levels of LP, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and AST activity concomitant with decrease in the levels of GSH and GST activity compared to the control group. However, in the treatment groups received Z. multiflora EO, the levels of LP and AST activity reduced together with increasing in GSH content and GST activity were significantly reported. Histopathological studies also supported the biochemical assessments indicating hepatic improvements induced by nanoparticles. Z. multiflora EO protected the liver from injuries induced by iron oxide nanoparticles which can be correlated with its antioxidant activities. This can be a valuable candidate in modulating the oxidative hepatic injuries

Preventive Effects of NSAIDs on Lung Tissue Oxidative Damage in an Animal Sepsis Model

Background/aim: Sepsis is a very heterogeneous syndrome that is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Inflammatory cascades have an important role in sepsis and can potentially be suppressed by anti-inflammatory compounds. So, this study was focused on the antiseptic effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on lung injuries based on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Materials and methods: Male wistar rats divided into 6 groups (n=50) as follows: Control, Laparotomy (LAP), CLP and three treatment groups. The rats were killed after 48 h and the lung tissue was subjected to antioxidant enzymes (LP (lipid peroxidation), MPO (myeloperoxidase), and GSH (Glutathione)) and inflammatory genes expression (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), CD177 and MPO). Results: The results indicated that CLP caused lung injury by changes in antioxidant enzymes and genes expression (P<0.05). Treatments with indomethacin, celecoxib and aspirin as anti-inflammatory compounds significantly improved antioxidant enzymes by reducing LP and MPO level as well as genes expression and increasing level of GSH (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated that sepsis caused oxidative damage in the lung tissue, and the uses of NSAIDs were effective in preventing and improving these injuries

Assessing the effect of Mentha longifolia essential oils on COX-2 expression in animal model of sepsis induced by caecal ligation and puncture

Context: Mentha longifolia L. (Lamiaceae), a traditional Iranian plant, possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Objective: We investigated the potential protective effects of M. longifolia essential oils (E.Os) on caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) induced liver injury. Materials and methods: Wistar Albino rats (n = 50) were grouped as follows: (1) a laparotomy group (LAP); (2) a CLP group (CLP); (3) the treatment groups received orally the E.Os (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w) and indomethacin (2 mg/kg b.w) for 2 weeks. The oxidative stress parameters, liver enzymes and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level were measured in liver and plasma tissues. The liver was also harvested for the real time PCR of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) expression following histopathological examinations. Results: The results indicated that the CLP operation significantly increased lipid peroxidation (LP) [1.79-fold], myeloperoxidase (MPO) [2.76-fold], PGE2 [1.56-fold] besides plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [2.4-fold] and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities [2.22-fold], while, markedly reduced glutathione (GSH) [0.63-fold] and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) levels [0.63-fold]. Even COX2 expression significantly increased in the CLP group as compared to the LAP group. Treatments of rats with the E.Os could return all the hepatic and plasma biomarkers to the normal levels. These results were further confirmed by pathological examination on liver indicating that E.Os could successfully improve the CLP-induced liver injuries. Discussion and conclusions: Our findings suggest that E.Os is able to protect liver injuries against sepsis via modulating the oxidative stress parameters concomitant with the suppression of inflammatory reactions such as PGE2 and COX-2

Synergistic effects of deuterium depleted water and Mentha longifolia L. essential oils on sepsis-induced liver injuries through regulation of cyclooxygenase-2

Context: Mentha longifolia L. (Lamiaceae), a traditional medicinal herb, has been highly valued for exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. Objective: For the first time, the synergetic anti-inflammatory effects of deuterium depleted water (DDW) and M. longifolia essential oils (ML) were investigated in experimental sepsis. Materials and methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10): negative control (laparotomy), CLP, treatment groups including the combination of DDWs (15 and 30 ppm) and ML (100 mg/kg b.w) and indomethacin. At 24 h after CLP induction, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione in S-transferases (GST), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and COX-2 expression were determined in the plasma and liver tissues. Results: Compared with the CLP group, the administration of DDWs and ML significantly (p  0.05) differences were observed regarding GST, ALP and bilirubin levels. Our results also proved the synergistic anti-inflammatory activities of the DDWs and ML. The anti-inflammatory effects of the DDWs and ML were confirmed by histopathological studies. Discussion and conclusions: The combination of DDWs and ML exerted synergistic anti-inflammatory activity against CLP-induced sepsis possibly through modulating oxidative stress/antioxidant parameters