Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection and treatment are significant health organizations' concerns worldwide. Although there is no proven drug license against the virus, a variety of components have under investigation. In this regard, the present study was intended to evaluate the consequences of Sovodak (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir) treatment in COVID-19 patients compared with Kaletra (Lopinavir/ritonavir). Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized trial using 120 COVID19 confirmed cases between August 19th and September 19th, 2020, in which subjects were classified into two treatment groups, 58 (Sovodak group) and 54 (Kaletra group). Related statistical operations calculated significant outcomes such as survival rate and hazard ratio via SPSS v.16. Sovodak was composed of Sofosbuvir 400mg and Daclatasvir 60mg, and Kaletra included Lopinavir 400 mg and ritonavir 100 mg. Results: We observed that there was no significant difference concerning the comorbidities, death, ICU admission, remission. Besides, Kaletra had a higher rate of discharge versus Sovodak (HR=1.551 (95% CI=1.008-2.386), P-value=0.046), and a better outcome was observed in patients receiving Conclusion: Sovodak compared to Kaletra by Hazard plot. Sovodak (Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir) therapy in COVID19 cases was accompanied by a significantly higher survival rate and better outcome than Kaletra (Lopinavir/ritonavir).

Different immunomodulation strategies have been used to manage COVID‐19 due to the complex immune‐inflammatory processes involved in the pathogenesis of this infection. Curcumin with its powerful anti‐inflammatory and antiviral properties could serve as a possible COVID‐19 therapy. In this study, a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial was performed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of nano‐curcumin oral soft gels as a complementary therapy in moderate–severe COVID‐19 patients. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) plus sofosbuvir was routinely administered to all 42 COVID‐19 patients, who were randomly assigned to receive 140 mg of nano‐curcumin or placebo for 14 days. CT scans of the chest were taken, and blood tests were run for all patients at time points of 0, 7, and 14 days. Our results indicated that C‐reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels significantly decreased from baseline in the nano‐curcumin‐treated group on day 7. Furthermore, blood levels of D‐dimer, CRP, serum ferritin, ESR, and inflammatory cytokines including IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 decreased more significantly in the nano‐curcumin‐treated group after 14 days. Additionally, the nano‐curcumin group showed significant improvements in chest CT scores, oxygen saturation levels, and hospitalization duration. Based on our data, oral administration of nano‐curcumin may be regarded as a promising adjunct treatment for COVID‐19 patients due to its ability to speed up chest clearance and recovery.

No abstract

Background Although the role of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of sepsis is still unknown, rising preclinical evidence suggests that oxytocin is possibly involved. However, no direct clinical studies have measured the levels of oxytocin during sepsis. In this preliminary study, the serum oxytocin levels were evaluated throughout the duration of sepsis. Method Twenty-two male patients over 18 years of age with a SOFA score of 2 points or more who were admitted to the ICU were included. Patients with a history of neuroendocrine, psychiatric, and neurologic disorders, cancer, an infection caused by COVID-19, shock due to reasons other than sepsis, a history of psychiatric or neurologic medication use, and those who died during the study were excluded. The main endpoint included the measurement of serum oxytocin levels using radioimmunoassay at 6, 24, and 48 h of the ICU admission. Results Mean serum oxytocin level was higher at 6 h of ICU admission (41.27 ± 13.14 ng/L) than after 24 and 48 h of ICU admission (22.63 ± 5.75 and 20.97 ± 7.61 ng/L respectively) ( P-value < .001). Conclusion Our study, while reporting increased serum oxytocin levels in the initial phase of sepsis and decline afterward, supports the possible contribution of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Given that oxytocin seems to modulate the innate immune system, future investigations are necessary to assess the potential role of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of sepsis.