Displaying publications 61 - 75 of 75 in total

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  1. Fulltext Molecular Targets of Aptamers in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Cancer Detection, Therapeutic Applications, and Associated Mechanisms
    Goh KW, Stephen A, Wu YS, Sim MS, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SCB, et al.
    J Cancer, 2023;14(13):2491-2516.
    PMID: 37670975 DOI: 10.7150/jca.85260
    Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers that impact the global population, with high mortality and low survival rates after breast and lung cancers. Identifying useful molecular targets in GI cancers are crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes, however, limited by poor targeting and drug delivery system. Aptamers are often utilized in the field of biomarkers identification, targeting, and as a drug/inhibitor delivery cargo. Their natural and chemically modifiable binding capability, high affinity, and specificity are favored over antibodies and potential early diagnostic imaging and drug delivery applications. Studies have demonstrated the use of different aptamers as drug delivery agents and early molecular diagnostic and detection probes for treating cancers. This review aims to first describe aptamers' generation, characteristics, and classifications, also providing insights into their recent applications in the diagnosis and medical imaging, prognosis, and anticancer drug delivery system of GI cancers. Besides, it mainly discussed the relevant molecular targets and associated molecular mechanisms involved, as well as their applications for potential treatments for GI cancers. In addition, the current applications of aptamers in a clinical setting to treat GI cancers are deciphered. In conclusion, aptamers are multifunctional molecules that could be effectively used as an anticancer agent or drug delivery system for treating GI cancers and deserve further investigations for clinical applications.
  2. Fulltext Phytochemistry, quality control and medicinal uses of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): an updated review
    Aissa R, Ibourki M, Ait Bouzid H, Bijla L, Oubannin S, Sakar EH, et al.
    J Med Life, 2023 Jun;16(6):822-836.
    PMID: 37675158 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0353
    Saffron, botanically known as Crocus sativus L., is renowned as the world's most expensive spice and has been utilized in various fields since ancient times. Extensive scientific research has been conducted on Crocus sativus (C. sativus), focusing on its phytochemical composition, diverse applications, and biological activities. C. sativus phytochemicals consist mainly of three compounds, namely crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are responsible for most of its properties. Saffron is rich in bioactive compounds, more than 150 of which have been isolated. Owing to its unique composition and properties, saffron is used in various fields, such as the food industry, perfumery, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and medicine. However, the high economic value of saffron makes it susceptible to adulteration and various fraudulent practices. To deal with this issue, a number of methods and techniques have been developed to authenticate and determine adulterants in saffron. This paper presents a bibliometric study of saffron based on the Web of Science database, analyzing 3,735 studies published between 2000 and 2021. The study also examined author participation and collaboration networks among countries. Production, transformation, chemical composition, methods of adulteration detection, uses, and health properties of saffron are also discussed.
  3. Fulltext Exploring the roles of phytobiotics in relieving the impacts of Edwardsiella tarda infection on fish: a mini-review
    Goh KW, Abdul Kari Z, Wee W, Zakaria NNA, Rahman MM, Kabir MA, et al.
    Front Vet Sci, 2023;10:1149514.
    PMID: 37476823 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1149514
    Edwardsiellosis caused by Edwardsiella tarda resulted in significant economic losses in aquaculture operations worldwide. This disease could infect a wide range of hosts, including freshwater, brackish water, and marine aquatic animals. Currently, antibiotics and vaccines are being used as prophylactic agents to overcome Edwardsiellosis in aquaculture. However, application of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria, and the antibiotic residues pose a threat to public health. Meanwhile, the use of vaccines to combat Edwardsiellosis requires intensive labor work and high costs. Thus, phytobiotics were attempted to be used as antimicrobial agents to minimize the impact of Edwardsiellosis in aquaculture. These phytobiotics may also provide farmers with new options to manage aquaculture species' health. The impact of Edwardsiellosis in aquaculture worldwide was elaborated on and highlighted in this review study, as well as the recent application of phytobiotics in aquaculture and the status of vaccines to combat Edwardsiellosis. This review also focuses on the potential of phytobiotics in improving aquatic animal growth performance, enhancing immune system function, and stimulating disease resistance.
  4. Fulltext Assessing the Protective Role of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) against Water-Pipe Smoke-Induced Toxicity: A Comparative Study on Gene Expression and Histopathology
    Al-Awaida W, Goh KW, Al-Ameer HJ, Gushchina YS, Torshin VI, Severin AE, et al.
    Molecules, 2023 Nov 09;28(22).
    PMID: 38005223 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227502
    Exposure to water-pipe smoking, whether flavored or unflavored, has been shown to instigate inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. This consequently results in alterations in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes. This study aimed to scrutinize the impact of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-a key active component of green tea-on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice exposed to water-pipe smoke. The experimental setup included a control group, a flavored water-pipe smoke (FWP) group, an unflavored water-pipe smoke (UFWP) group, and EGCG-treated flavored and unflavored groups (FWP + EGCG and UFWP + EGCG). Expression levels of IL-6, IL1B, TNF-α, CAT, GPXI, MT-I, MT-II, SOD-I, SOD-II, and SOD-III were evaluated in lung, liver, and kidney tissues. Histopathological changes were also assessed. The findings revealed that the EGCG-treated groups manifested a significant decline in the expression of inflammatory markers and antioxidant genes compared to the FWP and UFWP groups. This insinuates that EGCG holds the capacity to alleviate the damaging effects of water-pipe smoke-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, enhancements in histopathological features were observed in the EGCG-treated groups, signifying a protective effect against tissue damage induced by water-pipe smoking. These results underscore the potential of EGCG as a protective agent against the adverse effects of water-pipe smoking. By curbing inflammation and oxidative stress, EGCG may aid in the prevention or mitigation of smoking-associated diseases.
  5. Fulltext 2D nanostructures: Potential in diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
    Tufail S, Sherwani MA, Shamim Z, Abdullah, Goh KW, Alomary MN, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Jan;170:116070.
    PMID: 38163396 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116070
    Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have garnered enormous attention seemingly due to their unusual architecture and properties. Graphene and graphene oxide based 2D nanomaterials remained the most sought after for several years but the quest to design superior 2D nanomaterials which can find wider application gave rise to development of non-graphene 2D materials as well. Consequently, in addition to graphene based 2D nanomaterials, 2D nanostructures designed using macromolecules (such as DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids), transition metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXene), black phosphorous, chitosan, hexagonal boron nitrides, and graphitic carbon nitride, and covalent organic frameworks have been developed. Interestingly, these 2D nanomaterials have found applications in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although AD is one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative conditions across the globe; unfortunately, there remains a paucity of effective diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention for it till date. In this scenario, nanomaterial-based biosensors, or therapeutics especially 2D nanostructures are emerging to be promising in this regard. This review summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic platforms developed for AD using 2D nanostructures. Collectively, it is worth mentioning that these 2D nanomaterials would seemingly provide an alternative and intriguing platform for biomedical interventions.
  6. Fulltext Novel Benzimidazole-Endowed Chalcones as α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibitors: An Insight into Structural and Computational Studies
    Rai PV, Ramu R, Akhileshwari P, Prabhu S, Prabhune NM, Deepthi PV, et al.
    Molecules, 2024 Nov 27;29(23).
    PMID: 39683757 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29235599
    In search of novel antidiabetic agents, we synthesized a new series of chalcones with benzimidazole scaffolds by an efficient 'one-pot' nitro reductive cyclization method and evaluated their α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition studies. The 'one-pot' nitro reductive cyclization method offered a simple route for the preparation of benzimidazoles with excellent yield and higher purity compared to the other conventional acid- or base-catalyzed cyclization methods. 1H, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectrum data were used to characterize the compounds. Single-crystal XRD data confirmed the 3D structure of compound 7c, which was crystalized in the P1¯ space group of the triclinic crystal system. Hirshfeld surface analysis validates the presence of O-H..O, O-H…N, and C-H…O intermolecular hydrogen bonds. From the DFT calculations, the energy gap between the frontier molecular orbitals in 7c was found to be 3.791 eV. From the series, compound 7l emerged as a potent antidiabetic agent with IC50 = 22.45 ± 0.36 µg/mL and 20.47 ± 0.60 µg/mL against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, respectively. The in silico molecular docking studies revealed that compound 7l has strong binding interactions with α-glucosidase and α-amylase proteins. Molecular dynamics studies also revealed the stability of compound 7l with α-glucosidase and α-amylase proteins.
  7. Fulltext Illuminating the Molecular Intricacies of Exosomes and ncRNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases: Prospective Therapeutic and Biomarker Potential
    Khan FB, Uddin S, Elderdery AY, Goh KW, Ming LC, Ardianto C, et al.
    Cells, 2022 Nov 18;11(22).
    PMID: 36429092 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223664
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Accumulating evidences have highlighted the importance of exosomes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in cardiac physiology and pathology. It is in general consensus that exosomes and ncRNAs play a crucial role in the maintenance of normal cellular function; and interestingly it is envisaged that their potential as prospective therapeutic candidates and biomarkers are increasing rapidly. Considering all these aspects, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent understanding of exosomes and ncRNAs in CVDs. We provide a great deal of discussion regarding their role in the cardiovascular system, together with providing a glimpse of ideas regarding strategies exploited to harness their potential as a therapeutic intervention and prospective biomarker against CVDs. Thus, it could be envisaged that a thorough understanding of the intricacies related to exosomes and ncRNA would seemingly allow their full exploration and may lead clinical settings to become a reality in near future.
  8. Fulltext Initial report on the multiple biological and pharmacological properties of hispolon: Exploring stochastic mechanisms
    Aanniz T, Zeouk I, Elouafy Y, Touhtouh J, Hassani R, Hammani K, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Aug;177:117072.
    PMID: 38991301 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117072
    The development of natural substances derived from nature poses a significant challenge as technologies for the extraction and characterization of active principles advance. Hispolon has received a lot of attention in recent years, ascribable to its wide range of biological activities. It is a phenolic molecule that was extracted from several mushroom species such as Phellinus igniarius, Phellinus linteus, Phellinus lonicerinus, Phellinus merrillii, and Inonotus hispidus. To provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activities of hispolon, this review highlights its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. Several scientific research databases, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Scopus, and, Wiley Online were used to gather the data on hispolon until May 2024. The in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that hispolon exhibited significant anticancer properties through modifying several signaling pathways including cell apoptosis, cycle arrest, autophagy, and inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis. Hispolon's antimicrobial activity was proven against many bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, highlighting its potential use as a novel antimicrobial agent. Additionally, hispolon displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity through the suppression of key inflammatory mediators, such as inducible NO synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2), and the modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. The antioxidant potential of hispolon was attributed to its capacity to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, indicating a possible involvement in the prevention of oxidative stress-related illnesses. Hispolon's antidiabetic activity was associated with the inhibition of aldose reductase and α-glucosidase. Studies on hispolon emphasized its potential use as a promising scaffold for the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, and diabetes.
  9. Fulltext LC-TOF-MS/MS and GC-MS based phytochemical profiling and evaluation of wound healing activity of Oroxylum Indicum (L.) Kurz (Beka)
    Abdulhafiz F, Reduan MFH, Hisam AH, Mohammad I, Abdul Wahab IR, Abdul Hamid FF, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2022;13:1050453.
    PMID: 36483735 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1050453
    Background: Beka (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) has been used as a culinary herb and natural remedy by the local communities in Malaysia. The leaf of O. indicum is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, high blood pressure, and improving digestive health. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and wound healing properties (in vitro and in vivo models) of aqueous and ethanol extracts of O. indicum leaves. Methods: The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents in the plant extracts were determined by the spectrophotometric methods. Further, the extract was characterized by Liquid Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS/MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The wound healing activity was assessed using the in vitro scratch wound-healing assay and in vivo excisional wound model. Results: The results show the ethanol leaves extract had the higher TPC (164 mg GAE/g) when compared with the aqueous leaves extract (30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g). The ethanol leaves extract was also found to have higher TFC (101 mg Catechin equivalents/g) than the aqueous leaves extract (76 mg Catechin equivalents/g). The ethanol leaves extract was then used for further chemical analysis. The LC-TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that the leaves extracts of O. indicum contains many important compounds such as Orientin, Chrysin, Pinoquercetin, Cupressuflavone, Puerarin xyloside, Forsythiaside and Paederoside. In GC-MS analysis, 19 compounds were identified in ethanolic leaves extract. The wound healing studies shows that O. indicum has promising wound healing activity by increasing the rate of wound contraction significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study showed that O. indicum leaf contains important phytochemicals and the wound healing potential of the O. indicum extract may probably be as a result of the presence of various phytoconstituents.
  10. Molecular complexity of mammary glands development: a review of lactogenic differentiation in epithelial cells
    Jena MK, Khan FB, Ali SA, Abdullah A, Sharma AK, Yadav V, et al.
    Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol, 2023 Dec;51(1):491-508.
    PMID: 37694522 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2252872
    The mammary gland is a dynamic organ with various physiological processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. It is essential to understand the molecular changes during the lactogenic differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs, the milk-synthesizing cells). The MECs are organized as luminal milk-secreting cells and basal myoepithelial cells (responsible for milk ejection by contraction) that form the alveoli. The branching morphogenesis and lactogenic differentiation of the MECs prepare the gland for lactation. This process is governed by many molecular mediators including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, regulatory proteins, etc. Interestingly, various signalling pathways guide lactation and understanding these molecular transitions from pregnancy to lactation will help researchers design further research. Manipulation of genes responsible for milk synthesis and secretion will promote augmentation of milk yield in dairy animals. Identifying protein signatures of lactation will help develop strategies for persistent lactation and shortening the dry period in farm animals. The present review article discusses in details the physiological and molecular changes occurring during lactogenic differentiation of MECs and the associated hormones, regulatory proteins, miRNAs, and signalling pathways. An in-depth knowledge of the molecular events will aid in developing engineered cellular models for studies related to mammary gland diseases of humans and animals.
  11. Fulltext Bioactive substances of cyanobacteria and microalgae: Sources, metabolism, and anticancer mechanism insights
    Bouyahya A, Bakrim S, Chamkhi I, Taha D, El Omari N, El Mneyiy N, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2024 Jan;170:115989.
    PMID: 38103309 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115989
    Cyanobacteria and microalgae contain various phytochemicals, including bioactive components in the form of secondary metabolites, namely flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and tannins, with remarkable anticancer effects. This review highlights the recent advances in bioactive compounds, with potential anticancer activity, produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae. Previous in vitro investigations showed that many of these bioactive compounds exhibit potent effects against different human cancer types, such as leukemia and breast cancers. Multiple mechanisms implicated in the antitumor effect of these compounds were elucidated, including their ability to target cellular, subcellular, and molecular checkpoints linked to cancer development and promotion. Recent findings have highlighted various mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds produced by cyanobacteria and microalgae, including induction of autophagy and apoptosis, inhibition of telomerase and protein kinases, as well as modulation of epigenetic modifications. In vivo investigations have demonstrated a potent anti-angiogenesis effect on solid tumors, as well as a reduction in tumor volume. Some of these compounds were examined in clinical investigations for certain types of cancers, making them potent candidates/scaffolds for antitumor drug development.
  12. Fulltext Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. essential oil as a promising source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties: In vitro and in silico evidence
    El Hachlafi N, Fikri-Benbrahim K, Al-Mijalli SH, Elbouzidi A, Jeddi M, Abdallah EM, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Jan 15;10(1):e23084.
    PMID: 38169772 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23084
    Tetraclinis articulata is a known traditional medicinal plant used to manage various ailments, such as diabetes, rheumatism and infectious diseases. This study aims to determine the chemical constituents of T. articulata essential oil (EO) and to evaluate its in vitro antibacterial, anti-candidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective properties. In addition, a computational docking approach was used to predict the potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of the identified compounds. The volatile oil obtained by hydrodistillation was characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of T. articulata EO was investigated using three complementary assays: DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and tyrosinase enzymes were used to assess the anti-inflammatory and dermatoprotective effects of this oil. Moreover, disc-diffusion technique, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were employed for the antimicrobial screening. The GC-MS analysis revealed that bornyl acetate (41.80 %), α-pinene (17.97 %) and camphor (15.97 %) are the major components of the studied EO. Moreover, T. articulata EO has exhibited promising antioxidant effect on FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS experiments. It also significantly inhibited 5-LOX (IC50 = 67.82 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 211.93 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The results of MIC and MBC assays indicated that T. articulata EO is able to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria (Gram + and Gram -) and Candida species. The ratio of tolerance level indicated that the tested oil was bactericidal against the Gram + bacteria and Candida species, whereas it has a bacteriostatic behavior against the Gram- bacteria. In light of these findings, T. articulata EO may be suggested as a potential pharmaceutical agent to prevent inflammation and skin problems and may serve as a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant alternative for sustainable application in food products.
  13. Fulltext Exploring the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Lavandula officinalis essential oil: In vitro and in silico insights
    Assaggaf H, El Hachlafi N, Elbouzidi A, Taibi M, Alnasser SM, Bendaif H, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e34135.
    PMID: 39170293 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34135
    Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide, providing a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Lavandula officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, has been recognized for its multifaceted pharmacological activities. In this current investigation, our primary objective was to scrutinize the in vitro inhibitory potential of L. officinalis essential oil (LOEO) against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with the aim of understanding its antidiabetic effects. Additionally, the assay encompassed tyrosinase and lipoxygenase (LOX) to assess its anti-inflammatory attributes. Unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms of these activities prompted an in-silico study. The purpose was to establish correlations between in-vitro observations and computational insights derived from molecular docking, which forecasts the interaction of LOEO molecules with their respective targets, alongside ADMET prediction. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allow to identify eighteen compounds, with the dominance of L-camphor (43.12 %), 1,8-cineole (34.27 %) and borneol (8.60 %) in LOEO. The antidiabetic evaluation revealed that LOEO exhibited noteworthy inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, displaying IC50 values of 3.14 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 2.07 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. The subsequent in-silico study highlighted the particularly strong binding affinity of (E)-Farnesene, with a binding score of -7.4 kcal/mol for alpha-glucosidase, while Germacrene D displayed the highest affinity among the ligands (-7.9 kcal/mol) for the alpha-amylase target. Furthermore, the investigation into in vitro anti-inflammatory activity unveiled LOEO efficacy against tyrosinase (IC50 = 42.74 μg/mL) and LOX (IC50 = 11.58 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The in-silico analysis echoed these findings, indicating α-Cadinene's notable binding affinity of 6 kcal/mol with tyrosinase and α-Cedrene's binding score of -6.5 kcal/mol for LOX. Impressively, for both COX-1 and COX-2, α-Cedrene exhibited significant binding affinities of -7.6 and -7.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The convergence between the in vitro and in silico outcomes underscores the potential of LOEO and its constituent compounds as potent inhibitors targeting both diabetes and the inflammatory processes.
  14. Exploring the link between sex hormone-binding globulin levels and prostate cancer risk: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
    Satapathy P, Gaidhane S, Bishoyi AK, Ganesan S, Jayabalan K, Mishra S, et al.
    Int Urol Nephrol, 2025 Jan 09.
    PMID: 39786704 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-025-04370-z
    BACKGROUND: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) plays a critical role in regulating androgen bioavailability and has been hypothesized to influence prostate cancer risk, though existing evidence is inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk.

    METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published up to December 1, 2024. Observational studies assessing SHBG levels and prostate cancer risk were included. Effect sizes were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic, and quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.4.

    RESULTS: Sixteen studies, including 720,298 participants and 90,799 prostate cancer cases, were analyzed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for prostate cancer risk per unit increase in SHBG was 0.907 (95% CI 0.799-1.030), indicating no statistically significant association. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2 = 79%; P 

  15. Experimental drugs in randomized controlled trials for long-COVID: what's in the pipeline? A systematic and critical review
    Yong SJ, Halim A, Halim M, Ming LC, Goh KW, Alfaresi M, et al.
    Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 2023;32(7):655-667.
    PMID: 37534972 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2242773
    INTRODUCTION: Over three years have passed since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and yet the treatment for long-COVID, a post-COVID-19 syndrome, remains long overdue. Currently, there is no standardized treatment available for long-COVID, primarily due to the lack of funding for post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS). Nevertheless, the past few years have seen a renewed interest in long-COVID research, with billions of dollars allocated for this purpose. As a result, multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been funded in the quest to find an effective treatment for long-COVID.

    AREAS COVERED: This systematic review identified and evaluated the potential of current drug treatments for long-COVID, examining both completed and ongoing RCTs.

    EXPERT OPINION: We identified four completed and 22 ongoing RCTs, investigating 22 unique drugs. However, most drugs were deemed to not have high potential for treating long-COVID, according to three pre-specified domains, a testament to the ordeal of treating long-COVID. Given that long-COVID is highly multifaceted with several proposed subtypes, treatments likely need to be tailored accordingly. Currently, rintatolimod appears to have modest to high potential for treating the myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) subtype, LTY-100 and Treamid for pulmonary fibrosis subtype, and metformin for general long-COVID prevention.

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