Connect with us

Uncategorized

Zombie Drugs to Treat COVID-19 Long-Haulers Syndrome (Jan Van Duersen)

Published

on

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Jan Van Duersen) https://thedroops.com/zombie-drugs-to-treat-covid-19-long-haulers-syndrome-jan-van-duersen/">

Long-haulers experience symptoms that limit normal function long after clearing the coronavirus. These symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, heart problems, dizziness, headaches, and impairments in mental health and cognition. An estimated 5% of people infected with COVID19 develop Long-Haulers Syndrome regardless of age and severity of symptoms during the initial infection phase. There are currently no effective treatments for long COVID, although research indicates that lingering inflammation is the main cause of most symptoms. New research indicates that coronavirus-infected cells transform into zombie cells and that this conversion is  linked to long-term inflammation in long-haulers. Physicians have therefore begun to clinically test whether drugs that kill zombie cells are suitable for the treatment of Long-Haulers Syndrome. Below we will take a closer look at zombie cells and the freely available plant-based drugs used to kill these cells in Long-Haulers Syndrome patients.

 

Long COVID symptoms are linked to inflammation 

The exact cause of Long-Haulers Syndrome has long been a mystery. But recent evidence indicates that many long COVID-19 symptoms stem from the persistence of inflammation after the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been cleared. While inflammation is part of the normal response to viral infections that helps the immune system clear the virus, there is no reason for inflammation to persist when the virus has been eliminated. So why do long-haulers maintain the inflammatory state? Some researchers speculated that this might have something to do with the zombie cells that the virus leaves behind as these cells have been shown to induce local or systemic (whole-body) inflammation.

 

Coronavirus-infected cells turn into pro-inflammatory zombie cells

The laboratory of Dr. Clemens Schmitt in Germany elegantly demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 stresses the cells it infects to the extent that these cells convert into zombie cells. Shortly thereafter a Japanese study led by Dr. Eiji Hara confirmed these findings. Zombie cells are the nickname for senescent cells, which are known for their inability to proliferate and the production of a so-called  senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

The SASP consists of hundreds of secreted factors, typically including not only cytokines, chemokines, proteases, growth factors, and lipids, but also noncoding nucleotides and exosomes. Studies over the past decade found that SASP factors can induce inflammation, fibrosis, coagulation, tissue damage, and stem cell dysfunction. What is remarkable with COVID-19 is that coronavirus-infected zombie cells somehow bring neighboring non-infected healthy cells into a zombie-like state, thereby further amplifying the SASP and the degree of local and systemic inflammation it causes.

 

Zombie cells negatively impact health and longevity

The existence of zombie cells was first noticed in the early 1960s by Leonard Hayflick. These intriguing cells were long speculated to be associated with aging and diseases that occur mostly at an advanced age. However, it took more than half a century for researchers to come up with evidence to support this theory.

The breakthrough came from 2011 and 2016 studies in mice published in the journal Nature, both from the laboratory of Dr. Jan van Deursen. These studies showed that zombie cells accumulate with aging throughout the body and that their elimination can slow aging, prevent age-related diseases, and promote longevity. The killing of zombie cells was referred to as “senolysis” and the drugs that do so were dubbed senolytics. Dr. Jan van Deursen’s work spurred the development of such drugs, which in preclinical studies (mostly studies in mice) have been shown to slow or prevent major diseases of aging, including atherosclerosis, dementia, osteoarthritis, and macular degeneration.

 

Two classes of zombie drugs for the treatment of COVID-19

Both the abovementioned COVID-19 studies used fisetin and quercetin to eliminate zombie cells. These natural compounds are flavonoids that are found in fruits and vegetables. They are freely available in stores as supplements. Both these zombie drugs were very effective in preventing death if they were administered within days after being infected with the coronavirus.

A zombie drug that falls within a different class is navitoclax. It is a small molecule that does not exist in nature and is produced by pharmaceutical companies. Navitoclax eliminates zombie cells by inhibiting proteins that belong to the BCL2 family. Zombie cells are so aberrant that they rely on this family of proteins to stay alive. In contrast to fisetin and quercetin, navitoclax had a limited impact on the survival of coronavirus-infected rodents.

Given the different outcomes of distinct classes of zombie drugs, it should be noted that both fisetin and quercetin have long been studied by researchers for a wide variety of health benefits. These earlier studies found both flavonoids to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. It is therefore conceivable that it is these properties that provide protection against coronavirus rather than their ability to kill zombie cells.

 

Fisetin clinical trials

Some have reasoned that the question as to how fisetin and quercetin provide protection against COVID-19 infection has become somewhat of a moot point with the availability of powerful vaccines and antivirals such as the Pfizer drug paxlovid. It is hard to argue against this, but the potential value of zombie drugs in the post-infectious phase of COVID-19 remains very high given the lack of successful treatments for Long-Haulers Syndrome.

There seems great promise for the use of zombie drugs for the treatment of long COVID-19 as highlighted by a recent new rodent study in which researchers specifically looked at inflammation that persists after coronavirus has been cleared, as is the case with Long-Haulers Syndrome. Using a zombie drug that inhibits BCL-family members on animals that had fully cleared the virus, the researchers markedly reduced the inflammation that persisted. The disadvantage of a zombie drug that inhibits BCL-family members is that it has serious potential side effects. Therefore, it is not freely available and only approved for the treatment of certain cancers.

This contrasts fisetin and quercetin, which both have an excellent safety profile and have been popularized to fight off aging and aging-related ailments through the work of Dr. James Kirkland. He is a physician and is currently involved in a dozen or so clinical trials testing the potential benefits of fisetin and quercetin, the latter of which is typically administered in combination with a low dose of the cancer drug dasatinib. Importantly, one of these trials is looking at the potential beneficial effects that the most unrestricted zombie drugs, fisetin, may have on long-term recovery of COVID-19 infected nursing home residents that had no, mild, or moderate symptoms. This trial should clarify the extent to which fisetin may be suitable for use by people that suffer from long COVID-19.

 

Fisetin as a natural substance and used as a drug 

As mentioned, fisetin (also referred to as 3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a bioactive flavonol molecule found in fruits and vegetables. The average daily intake of fisetin through food consumption is estimated to be 400 micrograms. The highest concentration of fisetin was found in strawberries (160 microgram per gram strawberries) followed by apple (26.9 microgram per gram apple), persimmon (10.5 microgram per gram persimmon), onion (10.5 microgram per gram onion ), grape (3.9 microgram per gram grape), kiwi (2.0 microgram per gram kiwi) and cucumber (0.1 microgram per gram cucumber).

The typical dose of fisetin that is used in ongoing clinical trials is 20,000 microgram per kg body weight, which amounts to nearly 1,500,000 micrograms or 1.5 grams of fisetin for a 165-pound person. This is about 3,750 times higher than the daily intake of fisetin through food. One may find the amount somewhat alarming. However, the over-the-counter (online) price of a 0.5 gram capsule of fisetin is as little as just over a dollar.

In the human COVID-19 trial, fisetin is only administered 4 times: first on two consecutive days and then the same one week later. The idea behind administering such few doses is the assumption that two short bursts of fisetin are sufficient to eliminate zombie cells and that, once they are gone, it takes a long time for them to come back to the extent that they can be of any negative impact on health again. The half-life of fisetin is in the order of 5-6 min which is considered very short for a drug. This means that zombie cells must promptly die after just a very brief encounter with the drug, and further adds to the mystery of how fisetin could possibly kill these cells.

It is important to keep in mind that fisetin has been reported to have a wide spectrum of molecular targets that belong to the most central cellular signaling pathways. For instance, it has been shown to inhibit mTOR, WNT, ERK, NFkappaB, and PI3K, while stimulating AMPK and TSC1/2. With its prominence as a zombie drug rising, it will be critical for researchers to decipher how it actually kills these cells. Of the 20 fisetin clinical trials that are listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, only a few are not directly linked to zombie cells. This is somewhat surprising given that for many years fisetin has been shown to be a chemotherapeutic agent in several types of cancers as well as a neuroprotective agent.

It will be interesting to see the outcomes of all the ongoing trials with fisetin. Although it will be difficult to interpret the mechanism of action if there is a positive outcome in any of these trials, the hope is that funds will be made available later to begin to decipher these mechanisms for each condition where fisetin is showing a therapeutic effect.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Mayo Clinic Researcher Jan Van Deursen

Published

on

The work of Mayo Clinic researcher Dr. Jan Van Deursen has shaped the understanding of age-related cell death. Dr. Jan Van Deursen has described his motivation for studying the aging process. Jan Van Deursen’s research has identified the p53 protein as the cause of age-related cell death. As cells grow older, they accumulate p53 protein, and this cellular protein becomes damaged and dies. Jan Van Deursen’s research has been published in a variety of leading journals.

Jan Van Deursen has received millions of dollars in grants from the National Institutes of Health to fund his work. In the past, Jan Van Deursen founded Unity Biotechnology, a publicly traded company focused on developing therapies for age-related diseases. The company aims to develop medicines for aging and ophthalmologic diseases. Jan Van Deursen’s lab has attracted big investors, including Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man.

Jan Van Deursen’s research in cancer biology paved the way for developing treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Jan Van Deursen’s success in the field earned him many accolades and a respectable position among scientists. Yet, despite his high profile, Jan Van Deursen had little time for himself or his family. The cellular biologist and entrepreneur was an inspiration for many, and Jan Van Deursen inspired dozens of young researchers to pursue their careers by sharing his knowledge and skills.

After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Nijmegen, Jan Van Deursen joined the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. In 1999, he established a curiosity-driven research program at Mayo Clinic. From 1999 to 2020, Jan Van Deursen served as the director of the Mayo Clinic’s transgenic and gene knockout core facility. In addition to his work in the field of aging, Dr. Jan Van Deursen mentored the work of Dr. Childs and has helped many young scientists succeed.

This groundbreaking research will change the treatment of many chronic diseases. It will lead to new treatments and a better understanding of the biology of the disease. And as a result, more people will live longer and be healthier. The research by Dr. Jan Van Deursen’s team will benefit patients and researchers worldwide. If you want to learn more about Dr. Jan Van Deursen’s work and its application to the human body, please visit his website!

Dr. Jan Van Deursen has a background in molecular biology, and his discovery of senescent cells linked aging with an accumulation of these cells in the body. Dr. Jan Van Deursen co-founded Unity Biotechnology, a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on removing senescent cells. The company is gearing up to begin clinical trials for osteoarthritis. In addition, Dr. Jan Van Deursen works part-time as a researcher at Unity Biotechnology.

Dr. Jan van Deursen is a Mayo Clinic Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology professor. Jan Van Deursen earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands and began independent research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 1994. There, Jan Van Deursen conducted research in the field of nuclear-cytoplasmic transport and regulated the process. Jan Van Deursen also created a mouse gene knockout core facility to study the cellular mechanisms that regulate this transport.

The breakthrough that Jan Van Deursen and his team recently achieved could help extend human life. Scientists have been looking into the role of inflammation in aging, and eliminating senescent cells from the body extends the lifespan of mice. As a result, many age-related diseases are significantly reduced. Unity Biotechnology is fortunate to have a scientist of Dr. Jan Van Deursen’s caliber on its team, and they are helping to develop new therapies for age-related illnesses.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Comforter Bedding Sets – Spring Ideas, Inspiration & Trends

Published

on

Spring is just around the corner and a new collection of comforter bedding is hitting stores. Add a splash of color to your bedroom and make it a vibrant place to be. For a bright spring feel, try a multicolored comforter set. It will brighten up any room.

 

If you want to switch it up, try a new color and texture for your comforter. A spring-inspired bedscape is always a welcome sight. Choose colors that are warm and inviting for a fresh spring look. You can even incorporate seasonal colors to bring in a touch of the holiday season.

 

To add an extra dose of color and texture, try a patterned comforter. Make sure the color of the solid bedcovers harmonizes with the print on the comforter. You can also repeat a color from the pattern or tie in the color in other patterns. This way, your comforter won’t look like a blank slate, and you can change the pattern as often as you like.

Shop Now
waterproof sofa cover
waterproof couch cover

 

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Importance of Steel Windows

Published

on

Steel windows have many advantages, including their durability and ease of maintenance. They are also lightweight and easy to handle. They are created using a custom process that focuses on the uniqueness and detail of each window. The design and fabrication of these windows involve a blend of the customer’s desires with structural and environmental concerns. The result is a durable product that offers a high level of performance. These windows are available in a wide range of styles and designs.

Steel windows are an excellent choice for homes and boast a sleek, modern design. Since they require little maintenance, they can last many years without needing replacement. The strength of steel helps them provide a high level of security, but they’re also affordable for most budgets. Although steel is usually the core of a steel window, it can also be used to give a window frame a modern, sleek look.

Steel windows are usually made in factories. Depending on their design, they can be side-hung, top-hung, bottom-hung, or combination styles. You can also choose whether you’d like the frame to tilt inwards or outwards. In either case, they’ll require clear floor space. Once you’ve chosen your style, you’ll need to determine how you want the window to open. You can use a pivot window, a sliding window, or a fixed frame to fit your home’s requirements.

If you have a metal window, label each component clearly and keep it separate from others. If you have to replace any window parts, you may need to rework the entire structure to make it fit perfectly. In this case, you can look for salvaged windows or other parts that are similar in style and design. If you cannot locate salvaged windows, you can also use ready-made ones, provided they’re adapted to fit. These parts require filling, welding, or tapping new screw holes.

Another advantage of steel windows is their strength. They’re three times stronger than aluminum, which makes them a great choice for windows. They’re also more durable than their aluminum counterparts and won’t rot. In addition, they have thin frames, which allow for more glass to be displayed. As a result, steel windows are a great choice for modern or traditional homes.

Steel windows are also thermally efficient and 5 times more efficient than their aluminum counterparts. The metal used to make these windows reduces the glass to framing ratio, which improves the window’s U-value. Historically, steel windows were coated with lead paint, which is toxic. When removing this paint, you must use proper safety precautions and wear protective equipment to avoid injury. You should also follow local codes when using lead-based paint removal.

There are several methods available for removing corrosive deposits from steel windows. You can try chemical cleaning or sandblasting, but be careful. Sandblasting may damage the glass and masonry surrounding the windows, so protective equipment is recommended. If the corrosive substance is extremely stubborn, you might need to use a phosphoric acid solution. Then, apply a caulk to the steel window to prevent rust.

Historic steel windows were once the dominant type of metal windows on the market. However, today, aluminum windows dominate the market. Despite these advances, steel windows continue to be manufactured and installed in buildings. If you’re lucky enough to have a building with historic steel windows, you can look into replacement windows made by the original manufacturers.

Steel windows were available as early as the 1860s and became popular in the 1890s. The shift to metal windows was influenced by technological advances in the rolling industry and a stringent fire code for buildings. During this time, steel windows were also cheaper than wooden windows. A series of deadly urban fires led to stricter building codes. If you’re interested in purchasing a new steel window, you should visit the Steel Window Institute in Cleveland, Ohio.

Steel windows are stronger and more durable than any other material. They can withstand natural disasters and have an extremely long life cycle. They can be used on both the exterior and interior of a building. In addition to windows, steel doors can be fabricated from sections of a steel window. They’ve been used in many buildings, from churches and museums to private homes.

Continue Reading
Buyer Guide2 months ago

How to Choose The Best Air Duct Cleaning Service in Norman

News2 months ago

Who Offers The Best HVAC Maintenance in Norman

Trending