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Int. J. Transl. Med., Volume 3, Issue 2 (June 2023) – 6 articles

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19 pages, 705 KiB

Open AccessReview

Insights into COVID-19 and Its Potential Implications for Kidney Dysfunction

by Adel Abdel-Moneim, Eman H. Bakry and Mohamed Y. Zaky

Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(2), 255-273; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3020018 - 20 Jun 2023

Viewed by 3136

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has had a significant impact on the world’s demographics, resulting in over 6 million deaths globally. COVID-19 has been associated with a variety of disease manifestations in various organ systems, including kidney disease, in addition to pulmonary manifestations. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can not only cause new kidney damage but also make treatment and care more difficult, as well as increase mortality in people who already have kidney problems. COVID-19 is indeed associated with a variety of renal pathologies, such as acute tubular necrosis, proteinuria, hematuria, and thrombosis complications. Cytokine storms, hypoxemia, direct viral invasion via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and cathepsin L, electrolyte imbalance, and fever are among the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these clinical symptoms. Over the last two years, many COVID-19 vaccines have been discovered. However, there have been a few case reports of AKI, AKD, proteinuria, edema, gross hematuria, and other renal side effects that necessitated hospitalization after receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Thus, the current review aimed to evaluate COVID-19-induced kidney dysfunction in terms of clinical features, pathogenesis, long-term outcomes, and vaccine harms based on the most up-to-date findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Medicine Approach against the COVID-19 Pandemic 2.0)

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9 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the Theory of Planned Behavior and Past Behavior to Explain the Intention to Receive a Seasonal Influenza Vaccine among Family Caregivers of People with Dementia

by Francesco Bruno, Paolo Abondio, Valentina Laganà, Rosanna Colao, Sabrina M. Curcio, Francesca Frangipane, Gianfranco Puccio, Raffaele Di Lorenzo, Amalia C. Bruni and Raffaele Maletta

Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(2), 246-254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3020017 - 19 May 2023

Viewed by 1861

Abstract

Older adults with dementia present an increased risk of mortality due to seasonal influenza. Despite concerning evidence, the influenza vaccination program has been unsuccessful, with low rates of uptake in Italian people ≥65 years. In addition, being vaccinated does not eliminate the risk of contracting a virus, especially by coming into close contact with other possibly unvaccinated people, such as family caregivers in the home environment. Therefore, the refusal of family caregivers to get vaccinated for seasonal influenza could have dire consequences for their relatives with dementia. The aims of this study were to investigate the predictive role of the Theory of Planned Behavior model (TPB) and past vaccination behavior on the intention to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine among family caregivers of people with dementia. Data were collected from seventy-one respondents during July–September 2021 using a cross-sectional web-based survey design. Results of hierarchical binary logistic regression showed that TPB (i.e., attitudes towards vaccination, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) explained 51.6% of the variance in intention to receive a seasonal influenza vaccine; past vaccination behavior increased this to 58.8%. In conclusion, past vaccination behavior and the theory of planned behavior variables effectively predict influenza vaccine willingness of family caregivers of people with dementia and should be targeted in vaccination campaigns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Aspects of Infectious Diseases: From Bench to Bedside 2.0)

29 pages, 5220 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Concise Review of Prodigious Salinomycin and Its Derivatives Effective in Treatment of Breast Cancer: (2012–2022)

by Viren Soni, Akhil Nagar, Ruchita Bardiya, Jacob Mara, Lukas Von Suskil, Sabrina Rose and Chetankumar Sonawane

Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(2), 217-245; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3020016 - 5 May 2023

Viewed by 3513

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the cells in a primary tumor that have the opportunity to self-renew as well as differentiate into certain cell types, thus forming a mixed tumor. CSCs have been shown to be involved in every aspect of cancer development, including tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastatic activity; they are also involved in chemotherapeutic drug resistance and the recurrence of certain cancers. Based on these capabilities, CSCs have been explored as the next target for the treatment and management of cancer. Salinomycin (SAL), a polyether ionophore antibiotic being used in the poultry industry, was identified as a powerful anti-cancer compound that possesses broad-spectrum activities, especially against CSCs. Here we point out the noteworthy work reported on SAL’s mechanism of action, anticancer activities, toxicity, and clinic applications. In addition, SAL derivatives synthesized by different research groups and their biological activity will also be highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends of Translational Medicine for Oncology)

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14 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analogies between COVID-19 and Preeclampsia: Focus on Therapies

by Valentina Giardini, Carlo Gambacorti-Passerini, Marco Casati, Andrea Carrer and Patrizia Vergani

Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(2), 203-216; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3020015 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3230

Abstract

Preeclampsia is an obstetric pathology with striking similarities to COVID-19. The renin-angiotensin system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both diseases. This report reviews the pharmacological strategies that have been suggested for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia and that are potentially useful also in the treatment of COVID-19. Of note, both pathologies have in common an Angiotensin II-mediated endothelial dysfunction secondary to an angiogenic imbalance, with effects on vasculature, coagulation, and inflammation. These considerations are drawn from cases of the initial SARS-CoV-2 primary infection and may not apply to more recent SARS-CoV-2 variants or infections after COVID vaccination. The treatment options discussed included albumin infusion, aspirin, corticosteroids, the monoclonal antibody eculizumab, hydroxychloroquine, low molecular weight heparin, magnesium, melatonin, metformin, nitric oxide, proton pump inhibitors, statins, therapeutic apheresis, and vitamin D. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Medicine Approach against the COVID-19 Pandemic 2.0)

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16 pages, 549 KiB

Open AccessReview

Malaria and HIV Co-Infection among Pregnant Women in Africa: Prevalence, Effect on Immunity and Clinical Management: Review

by Bekindaka Ngemani Obase, Jude Daiga Bigoga and Dickson Shey Nsagha

Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(2), 187-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3020014 - 6 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3549

Abstract

Malaria and HIV are geographically in the tropics and subtropics of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the overlapping effect of both infections, especially among pregnant women, is crucial in managing pregnant women during antenatal care visits, and postpartum babies. It was realized that the prevalence of malaria among HIV-positive pregnant women ranges between 31–61%, while for non-HIV infected pregnant women the prevalence still stands between 10 and 36%. Co-infection is between 0.52 and 56.3%. Even though the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV has dropped, MTCT of malaria still remains a problem. MTCT is associated with low birth-weight, anemia, and even immune dysregulation. The adoption of the Option B+ plan has proven to be effective in the fight against the MTCT of HIV. However, malaria in pregnancy still remains a problem. Concurrent administration of both antimalarial drugs and Cotrimozaxole to pregnant women is not recommended, because of the toxic effect of the interaction of both drugs. Nevertheless, studies looking at the effect of the current ART regimens on mothers and their children need to be carried out. Studies looking at exposed children over a longer period of time, to determine their susceptibility to malaria infection and also to monitor their immune response to malaria over time, are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Aspects of Infectious Diseases: From Bench to Bedside 2.0)

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4 pages, 515 KiB

Open AccessComment

Toxicological Potential of the FDA-Approved Treatment against Monkeypox. Comment on Zovi et al. Pharmacological Agents with Antiviral Activity against Monkeypox Infection. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 15941

by Gabriel Christian de Farias Morais, Umberto Laino Fulco, Edilson Dantas da Silva, Jr., Claudio Bruno Silva de Oliveira and Jonas Ivan Nobre Oliveira

Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(2), 183-186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3020013 - 27 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1465

Abstract

Recently, some drugs were approved to control Monkeypox (MPX), among them tecovirimat. This was recently approved by regulatory agencies around the world, the paper of Zovi et al entitled Pharmacological Agents with Antiviral Activity against Monkeypox Infection highlight it as safe and effective, although the safety data are still not very robust. In this Comment, we present some theoretical evaluations of its safety, considering that for use in humans it is essential to have a rich scientific literature in the area. After a series of analyses, a potential risk of liver, respiratory and kidney damage was found in addition to carcinogenic potential. Thus, while we agree that there is a need for rapid responses to infection, we reinforce that well-designed and adequately powered studies should not only focus on investigating the pharmacological efficacy of tecovirimat but also demonstrate its safety in humans. Therefore, in this Comment, we present some concerns that may help in formulating a safer treatment for patients infected with Monkeypox virus (MPXV). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational Aspects of Infectious Diseases: From Bench to Bedside 2.0)

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