Can intravenous oxytocin infusion counteract hyperinflammation in COVID-19 infected patients?

Objectives Based on its well-documented anti-inflammatory and restorative properties we propose trials with the natural hormone oxytocin for treatment of hospitalised Covid-19 patients. Methods We searched for, retrieved, and commented on specific literature regarding multiple functions of oxytocin with a special focus on its modulation of inflammatory, immune, and restorative functions. Results Available data gathered in animals and humans support the anti-inflammatory properties of oxytocin. The multiple anti-inflammatory effects of oxytocin have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in various animal models and also in humans in response to intravenous infusion of oxytocin. Furthermore, oxytocin has been documented to activate several types of protective and restorative mechanisms and to exert positive effects on the immune system. Conclusions In addition, to being anti-inflammatory, it may be hypothesised, that oxytocin may be less suppressive on adaptive immune systems, as compared with glucocorticoids. Finally, by its restorative effects coupled with its anti-stress and healing properties, oxytocin may shorten the recovery period of the Covid-19 patients

Evaluation of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 as biomarkers of renal function in cancer patients treated with cisplatin

Introduction: Cisplatin-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is the major limitation to the use of cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Serum creatinine as a traditional marker did not increase in a timely enough fashion in AKI patients. Therefore, recently, the novel markers such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were considered for early detection of AKI. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of urinary NGAL and KIM-1 with serum creatinine in cisplatin related AKI. Methods: Patients �18 years with solid tumors who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy were included. Urine samples were collected 0, 6 and 24 h after cisplatin infusion and the urinary NGAL, KIM-1, and creatinine concentrations were evaluated. NGAL and KIM-1 concentrations were adjusted based on urine creatinine to eliminate hydration effects. Serum creatinine levels were assessed at the base and 72 h after cisplatin administration. Results: Seven out of the 35 recruited patients (20) suffered from AKI defined by Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. In AKI patients, the ratio of urinary KIM-1�creatinine at 24 h compared to baseline (24 h/baseline) and NGAL�creatinine 24 h/baseline were significantly higher than those of non-AKI group (p = 0.037 and 0.047 respectively). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for KIM-1�creatinine 24 h/baseline and NGAL�creatinine 24 h/baseline were 0.78 (0.59�0.96, p = 0.032) and 0.77 (0.57�0.97, p = 0.036) respectively. Conclusions: Our findings showed that the changes in urinary NGAL�creatinine and KIM-1�creatinine ratios, 24 h after cisplatin administration can be utilized to predict AKI in cisplatin recipients. © The Author(s) 2020