Bioactive Alkaloids from Genus Aspergillus: Mechanistic Interpretation of Their Antimicrobial and Potential SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitory Activity Using Molecular Modelling.

Genus Aspergillus represents a widely spread genus of fungi that is highly popular for possessing potent medicinal potential comprising mainly antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant properties. They are highly attributed to its richness by alkaloids, terpenes, steroids and polyketons. This review aimed to comprehensively explore the diverse alkaloids isolated and identified from different species of genus Aspergillus that were found to be associated with different marine organisms regarding their chemistry and biology. Around 174 alkaloid metabolites were reported, 66 of which showed important biological activities with respect to the tested biological activities mainly comprising antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antifouling activities. Besides, in silico studies on different microbial proteins comprising DNA-gyrase, topoisomerase IV, dihydrofolate reductase, transcriptional regulator TcaR (protein), and aminoglycoside nucleotidyl transferase were done for sixteen alkaloids that showed anti-infective potential for better mechanistic interpretation of their probable mode of action. The inhibitory potential of compounds vs. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an important therapeutic target combating COVID-19 infection and its complication was also examined using molecular docking. Fumigatoside E showed the best fitting within the active sites of all the examined proteins. Thus, Aspergillus species isolated from marine organisms could afford bioactive entities combating infectious diseases.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in COVID-19 Recovered Patients: Case Report

Background: The link between immunity and nourishment is clearly known and special attention is being given to its role in the COVID-19 disease. Vitamin B12 is one of the dietary requirements necessary in the treatment of coronavirus patients. Coronavirus patients often show clinical symptoms, such as fever, cough, respiratory distress syndrome, gastrointestinal infection, and fatigue. It is sensible to suppose that COVID-19 affects cobalamin metabolism, impairs intestinal microbial proliferation, and contributes to symptoms of cobalamin deficiency. Such an assumption is based on the fact that there are signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that are similar to those of a coronavirus infection. Based on these observations, it can be inferred that treatment with vitamin B12 can be useful in the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Case Report: A 42-year-old healthy female with no chronic illness presented with a 1-week history of pale, weakness and fatigue, cold sensation in the extremities, dizziness and feeling of depression. She was recently diagnosed with mild COVID-19 symptoms but recovered without the need for hospital admission. After recovery, she resumed working but recent symptoms brought her to the doctor’s office. Her laboratory findings revealed low Vitamin B. The attending doctor prescribed intramuscular daily vitamin B ampoules to replace and prevent further deterioration. The doses stopped when acute symptoms reduced, and normal levels were reached. Conclusion: Based on the outcome of the case, recovered COVID-19 patients need to be checked for vitamin B12 deficiency and treated in time to prevent possible deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (09752366) is the property of Association of Indian Pharmacist and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)