COVID-19 has specific characteristics that distinguish this disease from many other infections. We suggest that the pathogenesis of severe forms of COVID-19 can be associated with acidosis. This review article discusses several mechanisms potentially linking the damaging effects of COVID-19 with acidosis and shows the existence of a vicious cycle between the development of hypoxia and acidosis in COVID-19 patients. At the early stages of the disease, inflammation, difficulty in gas exchange in the lungs and thrombosis collectively contribute to the onset of acidosis. In accordance with the Verigo-Bohr effect, a decrease in blood pH leads to a decrease in oxygen saturation, which contributes to the exacerbation of acidosis and results in a deterioration of the patient’s condition. A decrease in pH can also cause conformational changes in the S-protein of the virus and thus lead to a decrease in the affinity and avidity of protective antibodies. Hypoxia and acidosis lead to dysregulation of the immune system and multidirectional pro- and anti-inflammatory reactions, resulting in the development of a “cytokine storm”. In this review, we highlight the potential importance of supporting normal blood pH as an approach to COVID-19 therapy.

No abstract

No abstract

This study analyzed the spectral characteristics, monosaccharide composition, and interferon inducing properties of the polysaccharide isolated from Heliantnus tuberosus L. Based on the spectral char acteristics and the monosaccharide composition, the polysaccharide was classified as a glucan-presumably a β glucan. It was found that the polysaccharide complex of the H. tuberosus L. cell wall exhibited interferon inducing properties both in vitro and in vivo. Presumably, all three interferon species-alpha, beta, and gamma-were produced in polysaccharide stimulated models. The polysaccharide was shown to possess an antiviral and therapeutic activity.

No abstract