IISER Bhopal scientists have discovered biomolecular links between Covid-19, aging, and type 2 diabetes by studying their research findings. Existing diabetes, obesity, and aging drugs, according to the study, could be used to treat Covid 19.
Key Highlight:
- Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal found biomolecular links between the ageing process, diabetes, and the protein Covid-19.
- Existing diabetes, obesity, and aging drugs, according to the study, could be used to treat Covid 19.
- The researchers also show that some existing anti-ageing drugs like Rapamycin can be explored.
A review conducted by scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Bhopal found biomolecular links between the ageing process, diabetes, and the protein Covid-19 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry published an analysis showing that drugs used to treat diabetes, obesity, and aging could be used to treat Covid-19. In addition to the Covid treatment, researchers looked into using similar naturally occurring biomolecules in combination.
According to Dr Amjad Husain, Principal Scientist and CEO of IISER Bhopal’s Innovation and Incubation Center for Entrepreneurship (IICE), “There are classes of compounds like polyphenols found in plant-based food, curcumin (found in turmeric), and resveratrol (found in grapes) that not only slow down the ageing process, but also possess anti-viral properties.”
Covid-19 treatment and comorbidity conditions like diabetes and aging may both benefit from polyphenols like catechins (found in green tea, cocoa, and berries), procyanidins (found in apples, cinnamon, and grape skins), and theaflavin, which the researchers have discovered (found in black tea). The researchers also show that some existing anti-ageing drugs like Rapamycin can be explored to treat Covid-19 due to the common biochemical pathways associated with these diseases. Metformin, a medication commonly used to manage blood sugar, is another good example.
The review found that the molecular pathways common to diabetes, aging, and Covid-19 all intersect. Both conditions cause oxidative stress and reduce the immune system’s ability to fight off infection, leading to the development of numerous other diseases like cardiovascular disease, eye disease, and neuropathy (a form of nerve disease) (kidney problems). According to the study’s authors, an ideal therapeutic candidate for Covid-19 would target the pathways shared by diabetes, aging, and infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Additional computational studies have shown that coronavirus infection is closely linked to the presence of cell membrane lipids. Polyphenols, for example, may affect virus binding to host receptors and the molecular interactions required for virus replication and release, the team explained. This could prevent infection from spreading to other cells.
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