antiviral agents
Cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19 patients, a new scenario for an old concern. The fragile balance between infections and autoimmunity
On 7 January 2020, researchers isolated and sequenced in China from patients with severe pneumonitis a novel coronavirus, then called SARS-CoV-2, which rapidly spread worldwide, becoming a global health emergency. Typical manifestations consist of flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and dyspnea. However, in about 20% of patients, the infection progresses to severe interstitial pneumonia and can induce an uncontrolled host-immune response, leading to a life-threatening condition called cytokine release syndrome (CRS).
A polyphenol rich extract from Solanum melongena L. DR2 peel exhibits antioxidant properties and anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 activity in vitro
DR2B and DR2C extracts, obtained by ethanolic maceration of peel from commercially
and physiologically ripe aubergine berries, were studied for the antioxidative cytoprotective
properties and anti-HSV-1 activity, in line with the evidence that several antioxidants can impair
viral replication by maintaining reducing conditions in host cells. The antioxidative cytoprotective
effects against tBOOH-induced damage were assessed in Caco2 cells, while antiviral activity was
Antiviral and antioxidant activity of a hydroalcoholic extract from Humulus lupulus L.
A hydroalcoholic extract from female inflorescences of Humulus lupulus L. (HOP extract) was evaluated for its anti-influenza activity. The ability of the extract to interfere with different phases of viral replication was assessed, as well as its effect on the intracellular redox state, being unbalanced versus the oxidative state in infected cells. The radical scavenging power, inhibition of lipoperoxidation, and ferric reducing activity were assayed as antioxidant mechanisms. A phytochemical characterization of the extract was also performed.