Cisplatin is used for treating multiple types of cancers. Alongside its therapeutic effects, there are side effects, including cytotoxicity and genotoxicity for healthy cells, which are mainly related to radical oxygen species (ROS) production by the drug. These side effects could troublesome the treatment process. Previous studies have suggested that members of Pinaceae family are rich sources of antioxidant components. This article investigates the antioxidant activity (AA) of Pinus eldarica (Pinaceae) along with its cyto/genoprotective effects following cisplatin exposure on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cell line. Pinus eldarica’s hydroalcoholic bark extract (PEHABE) and P. eldarica’s needle volatile oil (PENVO) were prepared using maceration and hydrodistillation methods, respectively. PENVO was analysed via gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry, and the total phenolic content of PEHBAE was measured by folin–ciocalteu reagent. AA of both PEHABE and PENVO were determined using DPPH assay. Moreover, MTT test was used to determine the cytoprotective effects of both agents. Comet and micronucleus (MN) tests were also performed to investigate the genoprotective effect of P. eldarica. Germacrene D (35.72%) was the main component of PENVO. PEHABE showed higher AA compared with PENVO, with the highest AA observed at 25 and 250 μg/ml, respectively. Both PENVO and PEHABE were cytoprotective, with the latter having mitogenic effects on cells at 75, 100, and 200 μg/ml concentrations (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). Also, both PEHABE and PENVO showed genoprotective effects against cisplatin in comet assay (P < 0.001). As PEHABE’s concentrations were increased, a reduced number of MN formation was observed after cisplatin’s exposure (P < 0.001). In conclusion, PEHABE had higher AA compared with PENVO, and both agents had cyto/genoprotective effects on HUVECs.
Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a major global concern. As of writing this manuscript, there are over 224 million cases diagnosed, and 4.5 million recorded deaths with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Objectives: This article reviews the studies conducted on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, transmission, and different clinical manifestations.
Methods: An extensive online search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. The following keywords and their combinations were used to complete this review: “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID-19”, “virology”, “mechanism of action”, “transmission”, “clinical manifestations”, “laboratory findings”, and “comorbidities.”
Results: The SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein recognizes the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors, and through that, the virus can enter its host cell. The virus is mainly transmitted via respiratory and or airborne droplets. The severity of the COVID-19 clinical manifestations relies on the associated comorbidities and or old age, which ranges from littleto-no symptoms to severe and critical conditions. Fever, loss of appetite and or smell, fatigue, and dry cough are among the most reported symptoms. Underlying conditions may lead to severe or critical stages of COVID-19.
Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and receptor-binding domain could be two potential targets for future vaccines and drugs. It appears that the virus is adapting to each region’s specific environment; therefore, new endemic variants are forming.
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