COVID-19 and comorbidities of hepatic diseases in a global perspective

The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) has challenged the priorities of healthcare system in terms of different clinical management and infection transmission, particularly those related to hepatic-disease comorbidities. Epidemiological data evidenced that COVID-19 patients with altered liver function because of hepatitis infection and cholestasis have an adverse prognosis and experience worse health outcomes. COVID-19-associated liver injury is correlated with various liver diseases following a severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus type 2(SARS-CoV-2) infection that can progress during the treatment of COVID-19 patients with or without pre-existing liver disease. SARS-CoV-2 can induce liver injury in a number of ways including direct cytopathic effect of the virus on cholangiocytes/hepatocytes, immune-mediated damage, hypoxia, and sepsis. Indeed, immediate cytopathogenic effects of SARSCoV-2 via its potential target, the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor, which is highly expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, renders the liver as an extra-respiratory organ with increased susceptibility to pathological outcomes. But, underlying COVID-19-linked liver disease pathogenesis with abnormal liver function tests(LFTs) is incompletely understood. Hence, we collated COVID-19-associated liver injuries with increased LFTs at the nexus of pre-existing liver diseases and COVID-19, and defining a plausible pathophysiological triad of COVID-19, hepatocellular damage, and liver disease. This review summarizes recent findings of the exacerbating role of COVID-19 in pre-existing liver disease and vice versa as well as international guidelines of clinical care, management, and treatment recommendations for COVID-19 patients with liver disease.

Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) a Potential Source of Drugs against Cryptococcal Infections, Malaria and Leishmaniasis

In this research we present that Carthamus Tinctorius L.(gen.Asteraceae,otherwise known as Safflower)(Fig.1)may contain agents active in Cryptococcal infections,malaria and Leishmaniasis,as treatment options are becoming scarce due to drug resistance development.Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities(antimicrobial,antimalarial,antileishmanial)of C.tinctorius L.were analyzed.The composition of volatile oil of safflower dried flowers was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry with flame ionization detector(GC-FID)and in vitro sensitivity assays were performed to assess biological activity.8 known and 3 unknown compounds were detected in the extract(Fig.1).Then the Safflower ointment was manufactured and its acute toxicity study on rats was tested.The volatile oil of C.tinctorius L exhibited activity against Cryptococcus neoformans,Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania donovani.Safflower volatile oil has anticryptococcal,antimalarial and antileishmanial effects.The prepared ointment had an excellent acute toxicity safety profile.

Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract alleviates LPS-induced anxiety and depression-like behavior by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers in rats

Objective:To explore the protective role of Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract in a depression model through modulating oxidant/antioxidant enzyme system and inflammatory status.Methods:Phytochemical constituents of Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively along with HPLC.Rats were divided into six groups.The normal control and the intoxicated groups received normal saline,and the standard group received imipramine,while the remaining groups received 100,300,and 500 mg/kg Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract.All groups received treatments for 14 d.Lipopolysaccharides(LPS)were then administered i.p.(0.83 mg/kg)to all groups except the normal control group.After 24 h,anxiety and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by performing behavioral analysis(open field,tail suspension,forced swim,sucrose preference test),and determining total oxidant status,total antioxidant capacity,catalase,and biochemical parameters[malondialdehyde,glutathione,superoxide dismutase,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-alpha and interleukin(IL)-6].Results:Phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of phenols and flavonoids and HPLC analysis showed the presence of gallic acid,quercetin,chlorogenic,and caffeic acid.Total oxidant status was significantly decreased,while total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract treated groups.Moreover,Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract diminished malondialdehyde,IL-6,and TNF-alpha levels,while increasing superoxide dismutase,catalase,and glutathione activities.Conclusions:Glinus lotoides ethanolic crude extract shows significant antidepressant activity by modulating oxidative and biochemical parameters that supports its folkloric use in traditional systems of medicine.

Morin attenuates L-arginine induced acute pancreatitis in rats by downregulating myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxidation

Objective:To explore the therapeutic role of morin against L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats.Methods:The group 1 received two intraperitoneal injections of normal saline,and groups 2-4 were given two intraperitoneal injections of L-arginine(250 mg/100 g body weight)at 1 h interval to induce acute pancreatitis.Subsequently,group 2 received no further treatment while groups 3 and 4 were treated with morin(30 mg/kg)and diclofenac sodium(30 mg/kg),respectively.Blood glucose and serum levels of insulin,α-amylase,malondialdehyde,myeloperoxidase,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and cholesterol were measured.Moreover,histopathological study was carried out to investigate the effect of morin treatment on physiology of the pancreas.Results:L-arginine significantly altered the level of blood glucose and serum levels of insulin,α-amylase,malondialdehyde,myeloperoxidase,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase and cholesterol.Treatment with morin or diclofenac sodium significantly improved the levels of these biomarkers.Furthermore,morin showed more significant effect than diclofenac sodium.Histopathological analysis verified that morin protected the pancreas from deleterious effects of L-arginine.Conclusions:Morin plays a protective role against L-arginineinduced acute pancreatitis via reducing lipid peroxidation and tissue inflammation,and attenuating acute pancreatitis-associated alteration in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.