Damian Sendler When the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus infects a person, human genetics can shed light on the biology and epidemiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by identifying causal mechanisms that explain why some people are more severely affected by the disease. Multiple disease phenotype definitions and different study designs have been used to identify several genomic regions associated with COVID-19 in large-scale genetic studies. As a result of these findings and a slew of subsequent research, we now have a better grasp on what causes COVID-19 and how to treat it. SARS-CoV-2 infection has long-term consequences, and the ability to translate genetic risk prediction into clinical practice is an important emerging opportunity. This includes the clinical translatability of genetic risk prediction and the repurposing of existing drugs. These transferrable opportunities are likely to have a significant impact on the study of a wide range of infectious diseases.
Aiming to dispel myths and misconceptions about the treatment of acute hyperkalemia.
Damian Jacob Sendler It is estimated that millions of people are affected by hyperkalemia at some point in their lives. Despite the fact that hyperkalemia is common and dangerous, there are no accepted treatment guidelines or even a common understanding of what it is. An overview of common misunderstandings about hyperkalemia emergency care is presented here, as well as a review of the most recent research on the subject, as well as some practical advice on various treatment options. Additionally, we discuss the pathophysiology of hyperkalemia’s electrocardiographic effects and how intravenous calcium preparations can counteract these effects. At the end of each section, we offer suggestions to help emergency physicians treat acute hyperkalemia in a safe and effective manner.
Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2
Dr. Sendler The Omicron variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (B.1.1.529). Global health officials are concerned about the high transmissibility and immune evasion of the Omicron variant, the most common SARS-CoV-2 mutation. Omicron has quickly supplanted Delta as the dominant variant in several regions due to its improved transmissibility. Studies have shown that the Omicron variant is less pathogenic because it has a different cell tropism. While vaccines and convalescent serum can neutralize Omicron, most antibody therapies have little effect. New findings on Omicron variant’s molecular and clinical characteristics were summarized in this review, and potential therapeutic applications in response to Omicron infection were also discussed. To that end, we’ve outlined possible responses to upcoming waves and strategies for putting an end to the pandemic.
Post-COVID-19 patients are being hit by a deadly storm of an uncommon opportunistic mucormycosis.
Damian Jacob Sendler
Zygomycetes of the order Mucorales produce Mucormycosis, an opportunistic fungal infection that is rare but life-threatening. Soil, decaying vegetation, and organic matter all contain these fungi. There are many ways in which sporangiospores can enter the human body, including through inhalation or direct skin inoculation by trauma or ingestion, which can lead to mucormycosis in immunocompromised individuals. There is a high risk of developing mucormycosis in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, hematological malignancies, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, iron overload, or organ transplantation. Among all other countries, India was hit the hardest by the second wave of SARS-CoV-2, with the highest number of cases and deaths. Mucormycosis, a rare but deadly disease, also emerged in the country. Many patients with underlying risk factors like uncontrolled diabetes, high-dose steroid therapy, and mechanical ventilation have developed mucormycosis as a result of coronavirus disease 2019 at present. The most common mode of transmission for sporangiospores in the nose is through inhalation. sporangiospores germinate and grow into hyphae in an immunocompromised host. Tissue infarction, necrosis, and thrombosis are all the result of these hyphae invading tissues. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis is the end result of angioinvasion-induced hematogenous dissemination to numerous organs, with the brain being the most frequently affected. The primary diagnostic methods are clinical characteristics, radiology, fungus culture, histopathology, and molecular techniques. The most common treatment options are a surgical procedure and a course of antifungal medication. While posaconazole and isavuconazole are commonly used as step-down therapy and salvage therapy for mucormycosis, amphotericin B is the drug of choice for treatment of the disease.
Ferroptosis and macrophages interact
Damian Jacob Markiewicz Sendler Ferroptosis, a newly discovered iron-dependent cell death pathway, is characterized by lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion mediated by iron metabolism and is morphologically, biologically, and genetically distinct from other programmed cell death mechanisms. For additional reasons, ferroptosis is frequently accompanied by inflammation. It has been implicated in the onset of a wide range of illnesses thus far. Among the many immune cells found in the human body, macrophages play a critical role in tissue homeostasis by mediating inflammation and regulating iron, lipid, and amino acid metabolisms through their unique functions such as phagocytosis and efferocytosis, as well as the secretion of cytokines and the production of ROS under various polarizations. In light of these similarities between ferroptosis characteristics and macrophage functions, it is clear that macrophages and ferroptosis are linked in some way. Therefore, our review aims to shed light on the relationship between macrophages and ferroptosis in terms of three metabolic pathways and the application of this relationship in the treatment of diseases, particularly cancer. Final thoughts: by regulating ferroptosis in specific tissue-resident macrophages, we provide ideas for future research into the treatment of certain disease states. FACTS: An iron-dependent hydroperoxide in the lipid hydroperoxide of ferroptosis is a newly discovered form that is non-apoptotic and iron-dependent. Ferroptosis has been implicated in a slew of diseases, including hepatitis, neurological disorders, and cancer, to name just a few. Immune cells that phagocytose and efferocytose, as well as secrete cytokines and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), are known as macrophages. Our bodies’ metabolic and immune systems depend on macrophages, which have been shown to play a role in both. Changing the polarization of macrophages, which damages the tumor microenvironment and causes ferroptosis in cancer cells, has been studied as a treatment for cancer recently. HOW MAY I HELP YOU? How do macrophages control the ferroptosis of other tissue cells? Are there any other diseases that could benefit from the interaction between macrophages and ferroptosis, besides cancer? What can we do to target macrophages to treat ferroptosis-related diseases? Using macrophages and ferroptosis as a treatment for disease is it more effective than other therapies?