Potential role of viral infections in miscarriage and insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Heydarifard ◽  
Sevrin Zadheidar ◽  
Jila Yavarian ◽  
Somayeh Shatizadeh Malekshahi ◽  
Shirin Kalantari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections

scholarly journals Neuroinflammation and Its Impact on the Pathogenesis of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed M. Almutairi ◽  
Farzane Sivandzade ◽  
Thamer H. Albekairi ◽  
Faleh Alqahtani ◽  
Luca Cucullo
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cell Infiltration ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Cytokine Levels

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 include dry cough, difficult breathing, fever, fatigue, and may lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure. There are significant gaps in the current understanding of whether SARS-CoV-2 attacks the CNS directly or through activation of the peripheral immune system and immune cell infiltration. Although the modality of neurological impairments associated with COVID-19 has not been thoroughly investigated, the latest studies have observed that SARS-CoV-2 induces neuroinflammation and may have severe long-term consequences. Here we review the literature on possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 induced-neuroinflammation. Activation of the innate immune system is associated with increased cytokine levels, chemokines, and free radicals in the SARS-CoV-2-induced pathogenic response at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB disruption allows immune/inflammatory cell infiltration into the CNS activating immune resident cells (such as microglia and astrocytes). This review highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in COVID-19-induced neuroinflammation, which may lead to neuronal death. A better understanding of these mechanisms will help gain substantial knowledge about the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in neurological changes and plan possible therapeutic intervention strategies.

scholarly journals Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antiviral Agents

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2034
Author(s):  
Zubair Ahmed Ratan ◽  
Fazla Rabbi Mashrur ◽  
Anisha Parsub Chhoan ◽  
Sadi Md. Shahriar ◽  
Mohammad Faisal Haidere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Characterization Methods ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
The Impact

Since the early 1990s, nanotechnology has led to new horizons in nanomedicine, which encompasses all spheres of science including chemistry, material science, biology, and biotechnology. Emerging viral infections are creating severe hazards to public health worldwide, recently, COVID-19 has caused mass human casualties with significant economic impacts. Interestingly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited the potential to destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi using various methods. However, developing safe and effective antiviral drugs is challenging, as viruses use host cells for replication. Designing drugs that do not harm host cells while targeting viruses is complicated. In recent years, the impact of AgNPs on viruses has been evaluated. Here, we discuss the potential role of silver nanoparticles as antiviral agents. In this review, we focus on the properties of AgNPs such as their characterization methods, antiviral activity, mechanisms, applications, and toxicity.

The Potential Role of Cytokines in the Treatment of Viral Infections

1994 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reed P. Warren ◽  
Robert W. Sidwell
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles Orchestrate Immune and Tumor Interaction Networks

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3696
Author(s):  
Kevin Ho Wai Yim ◽  
Ala’a Al Hrout ◽  
Simone Borgoni ◽  
Richard Chahwan
Keyword(s):  
Communication Networks ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Surface Markers ◽  
Physiological Conditions ◽  
Intercellular Communications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as potent and intricate intercellular communication networks. From their first discovery almost forty years ago, several studies have bolstered our understanding of these nano-vesicular structures. EV subpopulations are now characterized by differences in size, surface markers, cargo, and biological effects. Studies have highlighted the importance of EVs in biology and intercellular communication, particularly during immune and tumor interactions. These responses can be equally mediated at the proteomic and epigenomic levels through surface markers or nucleic acid cargo signaling, respectively. Following the exponential growth of EV studies in recent years, we herein synthesize new aspects of the emerging immune–tumor EV-based intercellular communications. We also discuss the potential role of EVs in fundamental immunological processes under physiological conditions, viral infections, and tumorigenic conditions. Finally, we provide insights on the future prospects of immune–tumor EVs and suggest potential avenues for the use of EVs in diagnostics and therapeutics.

scholarly journals Kynurenic acid and cancer: facts and controversies

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 1531-1550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Walczak ◽  
Artur Wnorowski ◽  
Waldemar A. Turski ◽  
Tomasz Plech
Keyword(s):  
Kynurenic Acid ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Cancer Cell Proliferation ◽  
Gastrointestinal Microbiota ◽  
Tryptophan Metabolite ◽  
Peripheral Cells ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous tryptophan metabolite exerting neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties in the brain. However, its importance on the periphery is still not fully elucidated. KYNA is produced endogenously in various types of peripheral cells, tissues and by gastrointestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it was found in several products of daily human diet and its absorption in the digestive tract was evidenced. More recent studies were focused on the potential role of KYNA in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy; however, the results were ambiguous and the biological activity of KYNA in these processes has not been unequivocally established. This review aims to summarize the current views on the relationship between KYNA and cancer. The differences in KYNA concentration between physiological conditions and cancer, as well as KYNA production by both normal and cancer cells, will be discussed. The review also describes the effect of KYNA on cancer cell proliferation and the known potential molecular mechanisms of this activity.

scholarly journals Virus-Induced Asthma Exacerbations: SIRT1 Targeted Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2623
Author(s):  
Yosuke Fukuda ◽  
Kaho Akimoto ◽  
Tetsuya Homma ◽  
Jonathan R Baker ◽  
Kazuhiro Ito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Airway Inflammation ◽  
Cellular Senescence ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations

The prevalence of asthma has increased worldwide. Asthma exacerbations triggered by upper respiratory tract viral infections remain a major clinical problem and account for hospital admissions and time lost from work. Virus-induced asthma exacerbations cause airway inflammation, resulting in worsening asthma and deterioration in the patients’ quality of life, which may require systemic corticosteroid therapy. Despite recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying asthma exacerbations, current therapeutic modalities are inadequate for complete prevention and treatment of these episodes. The pathological role of cellular senescence, especially that involving the silent information regulator 2 homolog sirtuin (SIRT) protein family, has recently been demonstrated in stable and exacerbated chronic respiratory disease states. This review discusses the role of SIRT1 in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. It also discusses the role of SIRT1 in inflammatory cells that play an important role in virus-induced asthma exacerbations. Recent studies have hypothesized that SIRT1 is one of major contributors to cellular senescence. SIRT1 levels decrease in Th2 and non-Th2-related airway inflammation, indicating the role of SIRT1 in several endotypes and phenotypes of asthma. Moreover, several models have demonstrated relationships between viral infection and SIRT1. Therefore, targeting SIRT1 is a novel strategy that may be effective for treating virus-induced asthma exacerbations in the future.

scholarly journals Sex differences in severity and mortality from COVID-19: are males more vulnerable?

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Pradhan ◽  
Per-Erik Olsson
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shown high infection and mortality rates all over the world, and despite the global efforts, there is so far no specific therapy available for COVID-19. Interestingly, while the severity and mortality of COVID-19 are higher in males than in females, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this review, we explore sex-related differences that may be contributing factors to the observed male-biased mortality from COVID-19. Males are considered the weaker sex in aspects related to endurance and infection control. Studies show that viral RNA clearance is delayed in males with COVID-19. A recent study has indicated that the testis can harbor coronavirus, and consequently, males show delayed viral clearance. However, the role of testis involvement in COVID-19 severity and mortality needs further research. Males and females show a distinct difference in immune system responses with females eliciting stronger immune responses to pathogens. This difference in immune system responses may be a major contributing factor to viral load, disease severity, and mortality. In addition, differences in sex hormone milieus could also be a determinant of viral infections as estrogen has immunoenhancing effects while testosterone has immunosuppressive effects. The sex-specific severity of COVID-19 infections indicates that further research on understanding the sex differences is needed. Inclusion of both males and females in basic research and clinical trials is required to provide critical information on sex-related differences that may help to better understand disease outcome and therapy.

Inflammatory Molecular Mediators and Pathways Involved in Vascular Aging and Stroke: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amro M. Soliman ◽  
Srijit Das ◽  
Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
Keyword(s):  
Drug Targets ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Vascular Aging ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cardiovascular Pathologies ◽  
Potential Drug Targets

: There is an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases with aging and it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The main cardiovascular pathologies include atherosclerosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, hypertension and stroke. Chronic inflammation is one of the significant contributors to the age-related vascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of the persistent inflammatory conditions occurring in the blood vessels as well as the signaling pathways involved. Herein, we performed an extant search of literature involving PubMed, ISI, WoS and Scopus databases for retrieving all relevant articles with the most recent findings illustrating the potential role of various inflammatory mediators along with their proposed activated pathways in the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging. We also highlight the major pathways contributing to age-related vascular disorders. The outlined molecular mechanisms, pathways and mediators of vascular aging represent potential drug targets that can be utilized to inhibit and/or slow the pathogenesis and progression of vascular aging.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Disease and Vitamin D: A Mini-Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Said Boulkrane ◽  
Victoria Ilina ◽  
Roman Melchakov ◽  
Julia Fedotova ◽  
Filippo Drago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Peptide Expression ◽  
Immune Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Antimicrobial Peptide Expression

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, for which there is no effective treatment except employing prevention strategies, has already instituted significant number of deaths. In this review, we provide a scientific view on the potential role of vitamin D in SARS-CoV-2 virus/COVID-19 disease. Vitamin D is well-known to play a significant role in maintaining the immune health of an individual. Moreover, it induces antimicrobial peptide expression that can decrease viral replication and regulate the levels of pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, supplementation of vitamin D has the potential to reduce the incidence, severity and the risk of death from pneumonia resulting from the cytokine storm of many viral infections including COVID-19. We suggest that supplementation of subjects at high risk of COVID-19 with vitamin D (1.000 to 3.000 IU) to maintain its optimum serum concentrations may be of significant benefit for both in the prevention and treatment of the COVID-19.

scholarly journals Redox Imbalance and Viral Infections in Neurodegenerative Diseases

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dolores Limongi ◽  
Sara Baldelli
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Second Messengers ◽  
Chronic Viral Infections ◽  
Ros Accumulation ◽  
Simplex Virus

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential molecules for many physiological functions and act as second messengers in a large variety of tissues. An imbalance in the production and elimination of ROS is associated with human diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. In the last years the notion that neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by chronic viral infections, which may result in an increase of neurodegenerative diseases progression, emerged. It is known in literature that enhanced viral infection risk, observed during neurodegeneration, is partly due to the increase of ROS accumulation in brain cells. However, the molecular mechanisms of viral infection, occurring during the progression of neurodegeneration, remain unclear. In this review, we discuss the recent knowledge regarding the role of influenza, herpes simplex virus type-1, and retroviruses infection in ROS/RNS-mediated Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document