The role of vitamin D receptor and IL-6 in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (Vit.D) has an important role in protecting COVID-19 patients. This study investigated the changes in vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and interleukin 6 levels in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 120 hospitalized patients and 120 healthy people participated in this study, both group adjusted by sex and age. Vit.D was measured with HPLC, the expression of VDR gene was done with Real-time PCR, and IL-6 was measured with ELISA assay. RESULTS: Our findings showed no significant difference in the case of Vit.D (25-OH-D3) between the two studied groups, interestingly the expression of VDR was statistically lower in the patients with COVID-19, p-value = 0.003. VDR expression was lower in the patient with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, significantly, p-value = 0.002. The level of IL-6 was statistically higher in the COVID-19 group, p-value = 0.003. CONCLUSION: Alongside the important role of 25-OH-D3 in COVID-19 patients, the quality and quantity of the VDR expression and its role in the level of IL-6 are the promising risk factors in the future. Further studies are needed to determine the factors increasing the expression level of VDR, especially in the patients with diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Effect of Citrullus colocynthis Extract on Glycated Hemoglobin Formation (In Vitro).

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is typically a disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It develops due to a lack of or loss associated with insulin and/or resistance to insulin. Regarding complications of chemical substance use, drugs with few complications and high-reliability tannins are needed. This study aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of action of Citrullus colocynthis extract on the formation of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A solution containing hemoglobin and glucose was incubated for 1, 2, 3, 4, 30, and 60 days by adding Citrullus colocynthis extract or glutathione. Quantitative measurement of HbA1c was performed using ion-exchange chromatography. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and two-way repeated measures test. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The Citrullus colocynthis extract in hyperglycemic conditions and with increasing time reduced the formation of HbA1c and thus inhibited the production of glycated proteins. By increasing the time and after initiation of reaction of extract concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 g/dL), presently, there was a significant decrease in the formation of HbA1C compared to those in the control group (p<0.05). The decrease in glycation has been dose dependent. CONCLUSION: Therefore, Citrullus colocynthis could directly reduce the formation of HbA1c.