An overview of possible pivotal mechanisms of Genistein as a potential phytochemical against SARS-CoV-2 infection: A hypothesis.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a global problem that humanity has not yet found a definitive solution for it. In this regard, a global effort has been done to find effective or potential adjuvant therapies in order to fight this infection. Genistein is a small, biologically active phytoestrogen flavonoid that is found in high amounts in soy and plants of the Fabaceae family. This important compound is known due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, protective effects of genistein have been reported in different pathological conditions through modulating intracellular pathways such as PI3K, Akt, mTOR, NF-κB, PPARγ, AMPK, and Nrf2. Scientific evidence suggests that genistein could have a potential role to treat COVID-19 through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Furthermore, it appears to interfere with intracellular pathways involved in viral entry into the cell. This review provides a basis for further research and development of clinical applications of genistein as a potential alternative therapy to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has brought unprecedented untold hardship to both developing and developed countries. The inflammation, cytokine storm, and oxidative stress have an important role in the pathogenesis of this infection. In this regard, finding plant-derived compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects would be very beneficial in reducing the mortality induced by this infection. Genistein an isoflavone derived from soy-rich products possesses versatile biological activities. It has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, this compound may prevent viral entry to host cells and reduce SARS-CoV2-induced lung injury. Therefore, we suggest further studies on the effects of genistein on SARS-Cov-2 infection.

The Promising Effect of Topiramate on Random-Pattern Skin Flap Survival in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Partial necrosis of skin flaps following plastic and reconstructive surgeries is one of the major problems in these medical interventions. This study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of topiramate an anti-epileptic agent on ischemic random skin flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rats were provided and randomly divided into four experimental groups (control group and low-, intermediate- and high-dose treatment groups). A rat random-pattern skin flap model was performed in all groups, and animals in the low-, intermediate- and high-dose experimental groups were administered topiramate intraperitoneally at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, 1 h before raising the flap and once daily for 7 consecutive days after the initial surgical procedure. Control rats received vehicle according to the same schedule. On postoperative day 7 the flap necrotic area was measured, and tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis. Furthermore, the oxidative stress in flap tissue was assessed by measuring the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) level and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). RESULTS: Treating animals with 50 and 100 mg/kg topiramate significantly decreased the necrotic flap areas as compared to the control group. Histological studies demonstrated that in intermediate and high dose topiramate groups the inflammatory cell numbers were attenuated and microvessel development were markedly increased. Furthermore, the MDA contents were significantly reduced and GSH levels were significantly increased in these groups as compared to the control group. However, the SOD activity was increased significantly only in high-dose group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that topiramate in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg increases random skin flap survival. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .