scholarly journals Targeting Host Defense System and Rescuing Compromised Mitochondria to Increase Tolerance against Pathogens by Melatonin May Impact Outcome of Deadly Virus Infection Pertinent to COVID-19

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (19) ◽  
pp. 4410
Author(s):  
Dun-Xian Tan ◽  
Ruediger Hardeland
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mitochondrial Functions ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
Host Defense System ◽  
The Warburg Effect

Fighting infectious diseases, particularly viral infections, is a demanding task for human health. Targeting the pathogens or targeting the host are different strategies, but with an identical purpose, i.e., to curb the pathogen’s spreading and cure the illness. It appears that targeting a host to increase tolerance against pathogens can be of substantial advantage and is a strategy used in evolution. Practically, it has a broader protective spectrum than that of only targeting the specific pathogens, which differ in terms of susceptibility. Methods for host targeting applied in one pandemic can even be effective for upcoming pandemics with different pathogens. This is even more urgent if we consider the possible concomitance of two respiratory diseases with potential multi-organ afflictions such as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seasonal flu. Melatonin is a molecule that can enhance the host’s tolerance against pathogen invasions. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities, melatonin has the capacity to reduce the severity and mortality of deadly virus infections including COVID-19. Melatonin is synthesized and functions in mitochondria, which play a critical role in viral infections. Not surprisingly, melatonin synthesis can become a target of viral strategies that manipulate the mitochondrial status. For example, a viral infection can switch energy metabolism from respiration to widely anaerobic glycolysis even if plenty of oxygen is available (the Warburg effect) when the host cell cannot generate acetyl-coenzyme A, a metabolite required for melatonin biosynthesis. Under some conditions, including aging, gender, predisposed health conditions, already compromised mitochondria, when exposed to further viral challenges, lose their capacity for producing sufficient amounts of melatonin. This leads to a reduced support of mitochondrial functions and makes these individuals more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Thus, the maintenance of mitochondrial function by melatonin supplementation can be expected to generate beneficial effects on the outcome of viral infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19.

scholarly journals YEARS OF HARD WORK AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY. MILESTONE FEATURE ARTICLE WITH RESPECT TO KHABAROVSK RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY OF ROSPOTREBNADZOR

2017 ◽  
pp. 17-22
Author(s):  
O.E. Trotsenko ◽  
T.V. Korita ◽  
A.P. Bondarenko
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Russian Far East ◽  
Far East ◽  
Feature Article ◽  
Epidemiological Analysis ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
History Of ◽  
Research Institute

The timeline of formation and development of the Khabarovsk Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of Rospotrebnadzor, one of the earliest research institutes of epidemiological specialty in Russian Federation, are presented. The institute was found in 1925. In more than 90-year history of the research institute activity were formed main priority research areas relevant for the territory and country such as research on epidemiology, etiology, immunology of anthroponosis and zoonosis concerning Russian Far East – HIV-infection and viral hepatitis, insectborne and zoonotic infectious diseases, gelminthoses and parasitic diseases, intestinal bacterial and viral infections, respiratory diseases. Research institute has made a considerable contribution in development of vaccines and serum-based preparations, improvement of epidemiological analysis approach and methods, diagnosis and prophylaxis of infectious diseases.

scholarly journals The Use of Chinese Yang/Qi-Invigorating Tonic Botanical Drugs/Herbal Formulations in Ameliorating Chronic Kidney Disease by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiayi Tian ◽  
Yuqi Huang ◽  
Tong Wu ◽  
Hsien-Da Huang ◽  
Kam Ming Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mitochondrial Functions ◽  
Herbal Formulations

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key factor in the development of CKD. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, many Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations have been shown to produce promising outcomes in the clinical management of CKD. Experimental studies have indicated that the health-promoting action of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM is related to the up-regulation of mitochondrial energy generation and antioxidant status.Objective: In this review, we aim to test whether Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations can provide medical benefits in CKD and its complications. And we also explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial-associated signaling pathway underlying the beneficial effects of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM.Methods: A systematic search of “PubMed”, “China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)” and “Google Scholar” was carried out to collect all the available articles in English or Chinese related to Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their effects on mitochondrial function and chronic kidney disease.Result and Discussion: The relationship between the progression of CKD and mitochondrial function is discussed. The effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their active ingredients, including phytosterols/triterpenes, flavonoids, and dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, on CKD and related alterations in mitochondrial signaling pathways are also presented in this review. In the future, exploration of the possible beneficial effects and clinical studies of more Yang- and Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations in the prevention and/or/treatment of CKD and the molecular mechanisms relating to the enhancement of mitochondrial functions warrants further investigation.Conclusion: Given the critical role of mitochondrial function in safeguarding renal functional integrity, the enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidant status in kidney tissue is likely involved in renal protection. Future studies on the biochemical and chemical basis underlying the effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations from a mitochondrial perspective will hopefully provide novel insights into the rational development of new drugs for the prevention and/or treatment of CKD.

scholarly journals CD32a receptor in health and disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-442
Author(s):  
N. A. Arsentieva ◽  
O. K. Batsunov ◽  
I. V. Kudryavtsev ◽  
A. V. Semenov ◽  
Areg A. Totolian
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Immune Complexes ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Bound State ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Almost All

Low-affinity Fcγ-receptors that recognize the Fc portion of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, usually being in antigen-bound state, thus representing a link between innate and adaptive immunity. They play a significant role in inflammatory and infectious diseases. Among them, a separate FcγRII family (CD32) is discerned, which is characterized by transmission of intracellular signal independently of the common γ-chain, they have one α-chain containing two extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains. FcγRII receptors are present in almost all cells of the innate immune system: monocytes and macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, dendritic cells, as well as on B-lymphocytes and platelets. They perform two main functions: target recognition, facilitation of phagocytosis and destruction of antibody-opsonized cells by monocytes/ macrophages (including pathogenic cells). In parallel, the phagocytes are activated via the cytokine synthesis stimulation. The FcγRIIA (CD32a) and FcγRIIC (CD32c) activating receptors, like as FcγRIIB (CD32b) inhibiting receptors are present among the members of the FcγRII family. The low-affinity FcγRII receptors bind to IgG, with immune complexes being their natural ligands. High levels of immune complexes are usually found in both chronic viral infections and autoimmune diseases. There are shown polymorphic variants of the CD32a gene, which can affect the receptor function, and, thereby, causing susceptibility for different infections, influence the development of autoimmune diseases and primary immunodeficiencies. Activation of the CD32a receptor induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα and interferons, that are involved into inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus, Kawasaki disease, Graves’ disease and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown that antibacterial activity of platelets is carried out via the CD32a receptor. The study of CD32a expression in people The CD32a receptor is considered a biomarker of cells that are a reservoir of HIV infection. At the present time, however, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of CD32a expression of on HIV-infected cells and the role of CD32a in the formation of an HIV reservoir and/or development of appropriate resistance. In addition to HIV infection, the significance of FcγR receptors is shown in other infectious diseases, for example, with influenza and dengue virus infections. Better understanding of the CD32a structure and function will help to assess its role in immunopathogenesis of different conditions. This review focuses on the role of CD32a in development of the normal immune response in normal state and various diseases.

ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISEASES

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1957 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-141
Author(s):  
John M. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis ◽  
Large Field ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Etiologic Agents ◽  
Rickettsial Diseases

This review might well be regarded as a summary of present knowledge of the large field of respiratory diseases and a brief review of the salient features, concerned primarily with the etiologic, pathogenic and therapeutic considerations. The etiologic, rather than the anatomic, approach to diagnosis is emphasized in order that an intelligent attitude towards therapy might be developed. The recent advances in discovery of new etiologic agents, e.g., adenoviruses, is discussed in some detail. Differential diagnosis includes such diseases as vesicular pharyngitis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infections, infections mononucleosis, poliomyelitis, ornithosis, and rickettsial diseases. Specific use of antimicrobial drugs for certain viral infections is emphasized. Dosage of available therapeutic drugs is detailed for the diseases in which they have been shown to be effective, such as rickettsial diseases, ornithosis, and complicating bacterial infections. Prophylactic uses are outlined and a warning against the uncritical use of such therapy is given. Many problems remain unsolved, but rapid progress is being made.

scholarly journals Prolonged subfebrile condition in children. Possible causes, diagnostics

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 5-14
Author(s):  
S. V. Khaliullina ◽  
V. A. Anokhin ◽  
K. R. Khaliullina ◽  
E. M. Pokrovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Herpes Virus ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Herpes Virus Infections ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections ◽  
Herpès Virus ◽  
Therapeutic Problem

Prolonged subfebrile condition (PSC) is a complex diagnostic and therapeutic problem caused by a wide variety of reasons, which often require a wide and expensive examination, consultations of various specialists, and repeated hospitalizations. Most often, PSC is associated with infections, some non-infectious diseases (predominantly connective tissue) and growths. To infectious causes of DS include: acute respiratory viral infections, herpes virus infections, toxoplasmosis, chlamydia, borreliosis, bartonellosis, etc. Separately, “psychogenic fevers”, subfebrile condition associated with taking drugs, and artifical subfebrile condition are distinguished. The condition of the children, as a rule, is benign and in most cases goes away on their own within 6-24 months.

scholarly journals Th17 Cells in Viral Infections—Friend or Foe?

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1159
Author(s):  
Iury Amancio Paiva ◽  
Jéssica Badolato-Corrêa ◽  
Débora Familiar-Macedo ◽  
Luzia Maria de-Oliveira-Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Th17 Cells ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Effector Functions ◽  
Epithelial Barriers ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Th17 cells are recognized as indispensable in inducing protective immunity against bacteria and fungi, as they promote the integrity of mucosal epithelial barriers. It is believed that Th17 cells also play a central role in the induction of autoimmune diseases. Recent advances have evaluated Th17 effector functions during viral infections, including their critical role in the production and induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and in the recruitment and activation of other immune cells. Thus, Th17 is involved in the induction both of pathogenicity and immunoprotective mechanisms seen in the host’s immune response against viruses. However, certain Th17 cells can also modulate immune responses, since they can secrete immunosuppressive factors, such as IL-10; these cells are called non-pathogenic Th17 cells. Here, we present a brief review of Th17 cells and highlight their involvement in some virus infections. We cover these notions by highlighting the role of Th17 cells in regulating the protective and pathogenic immune response in the context of viral infections. In addition, we will be describing myocarditis and multiple sclerosis as examples of immune diseases triggered by viral infections, in which we will discuss further the roles of Th17 cells in the induction of tissue damage.

Treatment of ebola and other infectious diseases: melatonin “goes viral”

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russel J Reiter ◽  
Qiang Ma ◽  
Ramaswamy Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Hemorrhagic Shock ◽  
Safety Profile ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Attractive Potential ◽  
Potential Treatment

This review summarizes published reports on the utility of melatonin as a treatment for virus-mediated diseases. Of special note are the data related to the role of melatonin in influencing Ebola virus disease. This infection and deadly condition has no effective treatment and the published works documenting the ability of melatonin to attenuate the severity of viral infections generally and Ebola infection specifically are considered. The capacity of melatonin to prevent one of the major complications of an Ebola infection, i.e., the hemorrhagic shock syndrome, which often contributes to the high mortality rate, is noteworthy. Considering the high safety profile of melatonin, the fact that it is easily produced, inexpensive and can be self-administered makes it an attractive potential treatment for Ebola virus pathology.  

Evaluation of clinical efficacy of Derinat® in form of spray in practice of district therapist

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (9) ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
A. P. Babkin ◽  
A. A. Zuikova ◽  
O. N. Krasnorutskaya ◽  
Yu. A. Kotova ◽  
D. Yu. Bugrimov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Pharmacological Action ◽  
The Body ◽  
Natural Resistance ◽  
Acute Respiratory Diseases ◽  
T Helpers ◽  
T Killers ◽  
Stimulation Of

The widespread worldwide spread of acute respiratory diseases is an urgent problem in health care. Expressed polyetiology of respiratory diseases does not allow to limit the use of specific vaccine preparations and dictates the need to use to combat them a variety of non-specific means that stimulate the natural resistance of the human body. The main pharmacological action of sodium deoxyribonucleate is the stimulation of phagocytic activity of T-helpers and T-killers, increasing the functional activity of neutrophils and monocytes/ macrophages, providing regeneration and repair processes in the epithelial component of antiviral protection of the body. Based on the above, the study of the clinical efficacy of Derinat® in the form of spray in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections is relevant.

Therapeutic Exploitation of Viral Interference

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imre Kovesdi ◽  
Tibor Bakacs
Keyword(s):  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Viral Vector ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Type I ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Emerging Viruses ◽  
Viral Interference ◽  
Pathogenic Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C Rna

: Viral interference, originally, referred to a state of temporary immunity, is a state whereby infection with a virus limits replication or production of a second infecting virus. However, replication of a second virus could also be dominant over the first virus. In fact, dominance can alternate between the two viruses. Expression of type I interferon genes is many times upregulated in infected epithelial cells. Since the interferon system can control most, if not all, virus infections in the absence of adaptive immunity, it was proposed that viral induction of a nonspecific localized temporary state of immunity may provide a strategy to control viral infections. Clinical observations also support such a theory, which gave credence to the development of superinfection therapy (SIT). SIT is an innovative therapeutic approach where a non-pathogenic virus is used to infect patients harboring a pathogenic virus. : For the functional cure of persistent viral infections and for the development of broad- spectrum antivirals against emerging viruses a paradigm shift was recently proposed. Instead of the virus, the therapy should be directed at the host. Such a host-directed-therapy (HDT) strategy could be the activation of endogenous innate immune response via toll-like receptors (TLRs). Superinfection therapy is such a host-directed-therapy, which has been validated in patients infected with two completely different viruses, the hepatitis B (DNA), and hepatitis C (RNA) viruses. SIT exerts post-infection interference via the constant presence of an attenuated non-pathogenic avian double- stranded (ds) RNA viral vector which boosts the endogenous innate (IFN) response. SIT could, therefore, be developed into a biological platform for a new “one drug, multiple bugs” broad-spectrum antiviral treatment approach.

scholarly journals Protease Inhibitors as Antiviral Agents

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. Patick ◽  
K. E. Potts
Keyword(s):  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Antiviral Agent ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Viral Protease ◽  
Virus Particles ◽  
Viral Proteases ◽  
Viral Polyprotein

SUMMARY Currently, there are a number of approved antiviral agents for use in the treatment of viral infections. However, many instances exist in which the use of a second antiviral agent would be beneficial because it would allow the option of either an alternative or a combination therapeutic approach. Accordingly, virus-encoded proteases have emerged as new targets for antiviral intervention. Molecular studies have indicated that viral proteases play a critical role in the life cycle of many viruses by effecting the cleavage of high-molecular-weight viral polyprotein precursors to yield functional products or by catalyzing the processing of the structural proteins necessary for assembly and morphogenesis of virus particles. This review summarizes some of the important general features of virus-encoded proteases and highlights new advances and/or specific challenges that are associated with the research and development of viral protease inhibitors. Specifically, the viral proteases encoded by the herpesvirus, retrovirus, hepatitis C virus, and human rhinovirus families are discussed.

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