Brief Review on COVID-19: The 2020 Pandemic Caused by SARS-CoV-2

Is highly expressed ACE 2 in pregnant women “a curse” in times of COVID-19 pandemic?

“…Based on data and analysis published by Statistical Research Department for Italy, there can be inferences that men may be more at risk than women (53.1% vs. 46.9% among total COVID-19 cases) [ 62 ]. Further, growing evidence shows that there is an increased mortality rate in male COVID-19 patients as compared to females underlying with chronic illness such as hypertension, which is the foremost reason for the comorbidity and mortality followed by diabetes mellitus, renal disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer [ [63] , [64] , [65] ]. The infection and fatality rate is less in females, possibly due to strong immune response; less susceptibility to viral infections; high level of the protective hormone estrogen, progesterone and, presence of ACE 2 which is X-linked [ [66] , [67] , [68] , [69] ].…”

Efficacy of glutathione therapy in relieving dyspnea associated with COVID-19 pneumonia: A report of 2 cases

“…Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first identified in Wuhan, China is responsible for the coronavirus disease outbreak of 2019 (COVID- 19), now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) as of March of 2020 [1]. Among the CoV's known to cause human disease, the three most highly pathogenic of the group include the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV now named SARS-CoV-1) [2], the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV) [3] and SARS-CoV-2, the agent of COVID-19, identified in patients with severe pneumonia in Wuhan, China [4].…”

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A View from New York City

“…The alpha-coronavirus and the beta-coronavirus strains are thought to have originated from bats (Rousettus leschenaultii). 7 The clinical sequelae are wide-ranging, from mild cold symptoms to respiratory failure and death. MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), SARS-CoV and SARS CoV-2 are beta-coronavirus strains and are known to cause respiratory symptoms, respiratory distress and death.…”

“…MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), SARS-CoV and SARS CoV-2 are beta-coronavirus strains and are known to cause respiratory symptoms, respiratory distress and death. 7 Direct transmission of the virus is via respiratory droplets spread by coughing and sneezing and via contact with fomites in the immediate environment of infected persons. 8 The SARS-CoV viruses enter the cells via an endocytosis pathway using a spike protein to bind to the angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 receptor.…”