Fit4Pandemic

Recommended Readings

Scientific evidences supporting the fit4Pandemic project

Dietary and Protective Factors to Halt or Mitigate Progression of Autoimmunity, COVID-19 and Its Associated Metabolic Diseases
COVID-19 is without any doubt the worst pandemic we have faced since the H1N1 virus outbreak. Even if vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection is becoming increasingly available, a more feasible approach for COVID-19 prevention and therapy is still needed. Evidence of a pathological link between metabolic diseases and severe forms of COVID-19 has stimulated critical reflection and new considerations. In particular, an abnormal immune response observed in certain patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection suggested possible common predisposing risk factors with autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Correct supplementation with dietary factors may be key to preventing and counteracting both the underlying metabolic impairment and the complications of COVID-19. A set of agents may inhibit the cytokine storm and hypercoagulability that characterize severe COVID-19 infection: vitamin D3, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols like pterostilbene, polydatin and honokiol, which can activate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant sirtuins pathways, quercetin, vitamin C, zinc, melatonin, lactoferrin and glutathione. These agents could be highly beneficial for subjects who have altered immune responses. In this review, we discuss the antiviral and metabolic effects of these dietary factors and propose their combination for potential applications in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Rigorous studies will be fundamental for validating preventive and therapeutic protocols that could be of assistance to mitigate disease progression following SARS-CoV-2 infection…… Read More

Authors:

Camillo Ricordi,1 Francesca Pacifici,2 Giacomo Lanzoni,1,3 Anna Teresa Palamara,4,5 Enrico Garaci,6 and David Della-Morte

Blood omega-3 fatty acids and death from COVID-19: A pilot study
Very-long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. We conducted a pilot study in 100 patients to test the hypothesis that RBC EPA+DHA levels (the Omega-3 Index, O3I) would be inversely associated with risk for death by analyzing the O3I in banked blood samples drawn at hospital admission. Fourteen patients died, one of 25 in quartile 4 (Q4) (O3I ≥5.7%) and 13 of 75 in Q1–3. After adjusting for age and sex, the odds ratio for death in patients with an O3I in Q4 vs Q1–3 was 0.25, p = 0.07. Although not meeting the classical criteria for statistical significance, this strong trend suggests that a relationship may indeed exist, but more well-powered studies are clearly needed.s….. Read More

Authors:

Arash Asher, Nathan L. Tintle, Michael Myers, Laura Lockshon, Heribert Bacareza, and William S. Harris

The long history of vitamin C: from prevention of the common cold to potential aid in the treatment of COVID-19
From Pauling’s theories to the present, considerable understanding has been acquired of both the physiological role of vitamin C and of the impact of vitamin C supplementation on the health. Although it is well known that a balanced diet which satisfies the daily intake of vitamin C positively affects the immune system and reduces susceptibility to infections, available data do not support the theory that oral vitamin C supplements boost immunity. No current clinical recommendations support the possibility of significantly decreasing the risk of respiratory infections by using high-dose supplements of vitamin C in a well-nourished general population. Only in restricted subgroups (e.g. athletes or the military) and in subjects with a low plasma vitamin C concentration a supplementation may be justified. Furthermore, in categories at high risk of infection (i.e. the obese, diabetics, the elderly, etc.) a vitamin C supplementation can modulate inflammation, with potential positive effects on immune response to infections….. Read More

Authors:

Giuseppe Cerullo, Massimo Negro, Mauro Parimbelli, Michela Pecoraro, Simone Perna, Giorgio Liguori, Mariangela Rondanelli, Hellas Cena and Giuseppe D’antona

Vitamina C e Covid-19: le evidenze scientifiche
Pubblicato su «Frontiers in Immunology», rivista ufficiale dell’International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), il lavoro multidisciplinare “The Long History of Vitamin C: From Prevention of the Common Cold to Potential Aid in the Treatment of COVID-19” coordinato dal Prof. Giuseppe D’Antona del Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Sperimentale e Forense e Direttore del Centro Interdipartimentale delle Attività Motorie e Sportive (CRIAMS) dell’Università di Pavia e dal Dr. Massimo Negro, nutrizionista del CRIAMS….. Read More

Authors:

Università di Pavia

Novel Insights Into Immune Systems of Bats
In recent years, viruses similar to those that cause serious disease in humans and other mammals have been detected in apparently healthy bats. These include filoviruses, paramyxoviruses, and coronaviruses that cause severe diseases such as Ebola virus disease, Marburg haemorrhagic fever and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in humans. The evolution of flight in bats seem to have selected for a unique set of antiviral immune responses that control virus propagation, while limiting self-damaging inflammatory responses. Read More

Authors:

Arinjay Banerjee, Michelle L. Baker, Kirsten Kulcsar, Vikram Misra, Raina Plowright and Karen Mossman
Therapeutic options for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Therapeutic options in response to the 2019-nCoV outbreak are urgently needed. Here, we discuss the potential for repurposing existing antiviral agents to treat 2019-nCoV infection (now known as COVID-19), some of which are already moving into clinical trials.

Read More

Authors:

Guangdi Li, Erik De Clercq
Il potere Antivirale degli OMEGA 3 e il loro rapporto con il sistema Immunitario

L’organismo produce una sostanza biochimica naturale con potere antivirale denominata PGA 1. Per combattere un’infezione è necessario che i suoi livelli siano il più possibile elevati. Infatti bassi livelli di PGA 1 favoriscono l’azione del virus influenzale e di tutti i tipi di virus. Poichè non si possono assumere integratori a base di PGA 1, l’unico modo di aumentarne i livelli è aumentare l’assunzione di Omega 3. Gli Omega 3 infatti…..

Read More

Authors:

ANAP

Un nuovo potentissimo Antiossidante: La POLIDATINA

La Polidatina, derivato naturale dell’Anti-ossidante resveratrolo (quello presente, ad esempio nel vino rosso rendendone utile il consumo a dosi moderate per la prevenzione delle malattie cardio-vascolari), raggiunge tutte le cellule dei tessuti in concentrazione molto elevate ed attive. In particolare migliora…..

Read More

Authors:

ANAP

On the epidemiology of influenza

The epidemiology of influenza swarms with incongruities, incongruities exhaustively detailed by the late British epidemiologist, Edgar Hope-Simpson. He was the first to propose a parsimonious theory explaining why influenza is, as Gregg said, “seemingly unmindful of traditional infectious disease behavioral patterns.” Recent discoveries indicate vitamin D upregulates the endogenous antibiotics of innate immunity and suggest that the incongruities explored by Hope-Simpson may be secondary to the epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency. We identify…..

Read More

Authors:

John J Cannell, Michael Zasloff, Cedric F Garland, Robert Scragg, and Edward Giovannucci

Tripartite Combination of Candidate Pandemic Mitigation Agents: Vitamin D, Quercetin, and Estradiol Manifest Properties of Medicinal Agents for Targeted Mitigation of the COVID-19 Pandemic Defined by Genomics-Guided Tracing of SARS-CoV-2 Targets in Human Cells

Genes required for SARS-CoV-2 entry into human cells, ACE2 and FURIN, were employed as baits to build genomic-guided molecular maps of upstream regulatory elements, their expression and functions in the human body, and pathophysiologically relevant cell types. Repressors and activators of the ACE2 and FURIN genes were identified based on the analyses of gene silencing and overexpression experiments as well as relevant transgenic mouse models. Panels of repressors (VDR; GATA5; SFTPC; HIF1a) and activators (HMGA2; INSIG1; RUNX1; HNF4a; JNK1/c-FOS) were then employed to identify existing drugs manifesting in their effects on gene expression signatures of potential coronavirus infection mitigation agents. Using this strategy, vitamin D and quercetin have been identified as putative 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mitigation agents. Quercetin has been identified as one of top-scoring candidate therapeutics in the supercomputer SUMMIT drug-docking screen and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses (GSEA) of expression profiling experiments (EPEs), indicating that highly structurally similar quercetin, luteolin, and eriodictyol could serve as scaffolds for the development of efficient inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In agreement with this notion, quercetin alters the expression of 98 of 332 (30%) of human genes encoding protein targets of SARS-CoV-2, thus potentially interfering with functions of 23 of 27 (85%) of the SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins in human cells. Similarly, Vitamin D may interfere …..

Read More

Authors:

Gennadi V Glinsky

Diet Supplementation, Probiotics, and Nutraceuticals in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Scoping Review

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2) global pandemic is a devastating event that is causing thousands of victims every day around the world. One of the main reasons of the great impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on society is its unexpected spread, which has not allowed an adequate preparation. The scientific community is fighting against time for the production of a vaccine, but it is difficult to place a safe and effective product on the market as fast as the virus is spreading. Similarly, for drugs that can directly interfere with viral pathways, their production times are long, despite the great efforts made. For these reasons, we analyzed the possible role of non-pharmacological substances such as supplements, probiotics, and nutraceuticals in reducing the risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection or mitigating the symptoms of COVID-19. These substances could have numerous advantages in the current circumstances, are generally easily available, and have negligible side effects if administered at the already used and tested dosages. Large scientific evidence supports the benefits that some …..

Read More

Authors:

 Fabio Infusino ,Massimiliano Marazzato,Massimo Mancone ,Francesco Fedele ,Claudio Maria Mastroianni Paolo Severino ,Giancarlo Ceccarelli ,Letizia Santinelli ,Elena Cavarretta ,Antonino G. M. Marullo ,Fabio Miraldi, Roberto Carnevale ,Cristina Nocella ,Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai ,Cristiano Pagnini,Sonia Schiavon ,Francesco Pugliese ,Giacomo Frati  and Gabriella d’Ettorre

Parte lo studio per testare gli effetti protettivi della vitamina D contro il coronavirus
In Gran Bretagna dopo che diversi studi epidemiologici hanno evidenziato che la vitamina D potrebbe avere un effetto preventivo contro il Covid. è partito un trial clinico di fase 3. Gli scienziati britannici stanno cercando dei volontari che prendano parte a una sperimentazione per provare se l’assunzione di vitamina D sia veramente protettiva nei confronti del SARS-CoV-2. I volontari riceveranno delle pillole per posta da prendere ogni giorno per sei mesi, se un test pungidito mostrerà carenze di questa vitamina. Lo studio, finanziato da Barts Charity, utilizzerà dosi più elevate di vitamina D rispetto ai normali integratori…… Read More

Authors:

NEWS

A linear prognostic score based on the ratio of interleukin-6 to interleukin-10 predicts outcomes in COVID-19
Background: Prognostic tools are required to guide clinical decision-making in COVID-19. Methods: We studied the relationship between the ratio of interleukin (IL)-6 to IL-10 and clinical outcome in 80 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, and created a simple 5-point linear score predictor of clinical outcome, the Dublin-Boston score. Clinical outcome was analysed as a three-level ordinal variable (“Improved”, “Unchanged”, or “Declined”). For both IL-6:IL-10 ratio and IL-6 alone, we associated clinical outcome with a) baseline biomarker levels, b) change in biomarker level from day 0 to day 2, c) change in biomarker from day 0 to day 4, and d) slope of biomarker change throughout the study…… Read More

Authors:

Oliver J McElvaneya, Brian D Hobbsc, Dandi Qiaoc, Oisín F McElvaneya, Matthew Mollc,Natalie L McEvoye, Jennifer Clarkeb, Eoin O’Connorb, Sean Walsh, Michael H Choc, Gerard F Curleyb, Noel G McElvaneya

Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reduces high levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines in aging adults: A randomized, controlled study
Background: High levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines are characteristic of inflammaging, a term coined to describe age-related chronic systemic inflammation involved in the etiology of many age-related disorders including nonhealing wounds. Some studies have shown that supplementing diets with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) lowers systemic levels of key proinflammatory cytokines associated with inflammaging. However, findings from the few studies that have focused exclusively on older adults are inconclusive. As such, the objective of this randomized controlled study was to test the effects of EPA+DHA therapy on circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines in adults in middle to late adulthood. Adults in middle to late adulthood receiving EPA+DHA therapy demonstrated significantly greater reductions in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared with those receiving placebo therapy. EPA+DHA therapy may be an effective low-risk dietary intervention for assuaging the harmful effects of inflammaging….. Read More

Authors:

Alai Tana, Brent Sullenbargera, Ruchika Prakashb, Jodi C. McDaniela

Resolvins in inflammation: emergence of the pro-resolving superfamily of mediators
This Review focuses on the resolution phase of inflammation with identification of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) that involve three separate biosynthetic and potent mediator families, which are defined using the first quantitative resolution indices to score this vital process. These are the resolvins, protectins, and maresins: bioactive metabolomes that each stimulate self-limited innate responses, enhance innate microbial killing and clearance, and are organ-protective. We briefly address biosynthesis of SPMs and their activation of endogenous resolution programs as terrain for new therapeutic approaches that are not, by definition, immunosuppressive, but rather new immunoresolvent therapies…. Read More

Authors:

Charles N. Serhan, Bruce D. Levy

Polydatin and its potential protective effect on COVID-19
The recent published guidelines for nutritional management of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection have recommended that nutritional intervention and food supplements should be considered as an integral part of the approach for individuals at risk or infected with SARS-CoV-2 [1]. Individuals at risk for severe COVID-19 include elderly persons and individuals affected by chronic and acute diseases since more susceptible for developing inflammatory conditions provoking interstitial pneumonia, vasculitis and gastrointestinal symptoms, identified as the most severe COVID-19 clinical conditions…. Read More

Authors:

Massimo Bonucci, Roberto Raggi, Rosa Anna Vacca

Millions of elderly and vulnerable will get free Vitamin D from government as evidence grows that it helps in battle against Covid-19
Millions of vulnerable people will be sent supplies of Vitamin D by the Government as evidence grows that it helps in the battle against Covid-19 infection. Care-home residents and people shielding because they suffer from conditions such as cancer will be sent enough supplies of the vitamin to last four months, with the first packages due to arrive early next month. The move comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock decided he had to act fast in light of the emerging evidence about the benefits of Vitamin D….. Read More

Authors:

NEWS

New intriguing possibility for prevention of coronavirus pneumonitis: Natural purified polyphenols
Some natural products seem to be able to have an anti‐IL‐6 action, such as curcumin, resveratrol, and camellia sinensis (Theaceae)(Furst & Zundorf, 2014). Resveratrol (3, 4′, 5‐trans‐tri‐hydroxy‐stilbene) is a stilbene of plant origin belonging to the class of phytoalexins, molecules able to promote repair processes and defensive actions against biotic stresses, such as infections by pathogenic microorganisms, and abiotic stresses, such as oxidative ones. Polydatin (3,5,4′‐dihydroxystylbene‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside) is a glucoside of resveratrol characterized by conformational changes, which are reflected in changes in biological properties. It is more resistant than resveratrol to enzymatic oxidation and can penetrate the cell through an active transport mechanism. The biological activities of resveratrol and its glucosidic derivatives, such as polydatin, can be summarized as follows:….. Read More

Authors:

Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Maria Eleonora Bizzoca, Giampietro Ravagnan

Resveratrolo per la prevenzione del coronavirus: quali sono le evidenze scientifiche?
Il Resveratrolo è risultato efficace in uno studio in vitro sulle cellule di MERS (Coronavirus Mediorientale). Il lavoro sopracitato è stato effettuato sulle cellule e non sugli esseri umani, inoltre su un altro ceppo di Coronavirus. In base ai risultati di questo studio ed alle proprietà già note del Resveratrolo, la prestigiosa rivista scientifica Nature il 10 febbraio lo ha indicato come unica possibile opzione di origine naturale da testare per la prevenzione ed il trattamento del Coronavirus cinese. Nell’intervista dell’Ordine Nazionale dei Biologi all’immunoallergologo Andrea Del Buono e al biologo Daniele Tedeschi viene consigliato il resveratrolo per la profilassi…… Read More

Authors:

NEWS

Polydatin ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing inflammation and the epithelial mesenchymal transition via inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease which results in a loss of pulmonary function and eventually respiratory failure. Inflammation and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) play important roles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of polydatin (PD) in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis animal model used SD rats. Morphological changes were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RT-qPCR and western blot were used for the detection of the expression of TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, E-cadherin, fibronectin and the ratios of p-Smad2/Smad2, p-Smad3/Smad3. The concentrations of PICP, PIIINP, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) assay….. Read More

Authors:

Yue Qiu,   Xue Pan,  Yahui Hub  

I pazienti COVID con livelli elevati di Omega-3 hanno un rischio quattro volte inferiore di morire
Analizzando i livelli nel sangue degli acidi grassi Omega-3 a catena molto lunga (EPA e DHA) in pazienti ricoverati con COVID-19, un team di ricerca americano guidato da scienziati dell’istituto FARI ha determinato che chi aveva le concentrazioni più elevate aveva un rischio di morire quattro volte inferiore. I risultati dovranno essere confermati da indagini più approfondite….. Read More

Authors:

NEWS

Relation between Vitamin D and COVID-19 in Aged People: A Systematic Review
Vitamin D has diverse and extensive effects on the immune system, including activating innate immunity and reducing the overactive adaptive immune response. A systematic review was performed to identify and synthesize the best available evidence on the association between vitamin D level and risk of COVID-19, adverse outcomes and possible benefits of supplementation in aged 60 years or over. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed© and Scopus© for all publications from inception published before 15 March 2021. Studies reporting data from aged patients on vitamin D use and COVID-19 were included. Basic science articles, editorials and correspondence were excluded. ….. Read More

Authors:

Moustapha Dramé, Cécilia Cofais, Maxime Hentzien,
Emeline Proye, Pécory Souleymane Coulibaly, David Demoustier-Tampère, Marc-Henri Destailleur, Maxime Lotin, Eléonore Cantagrit, Agnès Cebille, Anne Desprez, Fanny Blondiau, Lukshe Kanagaratnam, Lidvine Godaert