Articles: coronavirus.
-
The emergence of the COVID-19 virus and the subsequent pandemic have driven a great deal of research activity. The effects of COVID-19 are caused by the severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and it is the underlying actions of SARs-CoV-2 virions on the endothelial glycocalyx that we consider here. One of the key factors in COVID-19 infection is its almost unique age-related profile, with a doubling in mortality every 10 years after the age of 50. ⋯ Glycocalyx damage is associated with changes plasma protein concentration, particularly HSA and blockage of albumin transport can produce the systemic symptoms seen in SARS-CoV-2 infection and sepsis. We therefore conclude that albumin binding to SARS-CoV-2 virions may inhibit the formation of the endothelial glycocalyx by inhibition of albumin transport binding sites. We postulate that albumin therapy to replace bound albumin might alleviate some of the symptoms leading to sepsis and that clinical trials to test this postulation should be initiated as a matter of urgency.
-
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread globally and across Africa, efforts are being accelerated to identify effective preventive and therapeutic measures to mitigate its burden. Convalescent plasma and hyperimmune immunoglobulin are being considered as potential therapeutic options for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We highlight and contextualize the findings of a recent Cochrane rapid review that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of convalescent plasma or hyperimmune immunoglobulin transfusion in the treatment of people with COVID-19. ⋯ The evidence was limited by the small number of participants and low-quality of included studies, as well as the inconsistency of outcome measures and reporting across studies. As African countries brace for the further spread of the virus, while exploring potential therapeutic options to mitigate its morbidity and mortality at peak, convalescent plasma transfusion may offer a therapeutic ray of hope for the continent. Considering the limited evidence of the effectiveness and safety in the treatment of COVID-19, it is imperative for this therapy to be investigated within African contexts to ascertain not only its effectiveness and safety, but also its practical implications within the capacity of national blood transfusion services and health systems in the region.
-
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a single-stranded RNA genome that encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs), eight of which encode accessory proteins that allow the virus to infect the host and promote virulence. The genome expresses around 29 structural and nonstructural protein products. The accessory proteins of SARS-CoV-2 are not essential for virus replication but do affect viral release, stability, and pathogenesis and finally contribute to virulence. ⋯ Tunnel analysis revealed the presence of 1-2 highly active tunneling sites, perhaps which will able to provide certain inputs for advanced structure-based drug design or to formulate potential vaccines in the absence of a complete experimental structure. The evolutionary analysis of both proteins of human SARS-CoV-2 indicates close relatedness to the bat coronavirus. The whole-genome phylogeny indicates that only the new bat coronavirus followed by pangolin coronaviruses has a close evolutionary relationship with the novel SARS-CoV-2.