COVID-19 — Toward a comprehensive understanding of the disease

Abstract

The evidence on the pathophysiology of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection is rapidly growing. Elucidating why some patients suffering from COVID-19 are getting so sick, while others are not, has become an informal imperative for researchers and clinicians around the globe. The answer to this question would allow rationalizing the fear surrounding this pandemic. Understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 relies on unraveling of interplaying mechanisms, including SARS-CoV-2 virulence, human immune response, and complex inflammatory reactions with coagulation playing a major role. An interplay with bacterial co-infections, as well as the vascular system and microcirculation affected throughout the body should also be examined. More importantly, a comprehensive understanding of pathological mechanisms of COVID-19 will increase the efficacy of therapy and decrease mortality. Herewith, the authors present a combined viewpoint based on the current state of knowledge on COVID-19: beginning from the virus, its transmission, and mechanisms of entry into the human body, through the pathological effects on the cellular level, up to immunological reaction, systemic and organ presentation. Last but not least, currently available and possible future therapeutic and diagnostic options are briefly commented on. (Cardiol J 2020; 27, 2: 99-114)

Establishment of a Collection of Blood-Derived Products from COVID-19 Patients for Translational Research: Experience of the LPCE Biobank (Nice, France)

“…23,31,32 (3) The current uncertainties related to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. [33][34][35] (4) The fears and concerns in the laboratory and biobank staff and in the general population regarding manipulation of samples from COVID-19positive or suspected patients. 36-39 (5) The fact that contagion may occur after handling plastic bags and other material coming from the clinical pulmonary department, since it was shown that SARS-CoV-2 can remain on many different surfaces for several hours or days.…”

Challenges and Opportunities to Develop Diagnostics and Therapeutic Interventions for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome- Corona Virus 2 (SARS-COV-2)

“…The microdroplets with the virus particles will reach another person and can enter them via epithelial conjunctiva and the upper respiratory tract cells [41]. However, the aerosol transmission of viral particles is still under investigation and it has been estimated that these particles can reside in an unventilated space for several hours [42]. Recently, several researchers suggested that the aerosol can stay longer in the air with the viral load, which may transmit the virus eff ectively in a closed or air conditioned environment [43,44].…”

Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Conditions Relationship in Diabetic and SCA Patients: a Review

“…This viral infection can lead to acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, and heart failure and even death [33]. Cardiovascular conditions seem to be a threat in patients with SARS-CoV-2 [34]. SARS-CoV-2 is associated with cardiac dysfunction [35].…”