Filenews 23 February 2021
A new mathematical model developed by researchers from the Laboratory of Biophysics of Cancer of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Construction of the University of Cyprus, led by Associate Professor Rose Stylianopoulos and with the participation of researcher Dr. Chrysovalantis Voutouri, as well as associate researchers from Harvard University School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston , is expected to shed light on the progression of COVID-19 disease and the application of more effective treatments to specific groups of patients.
According to a statement from the University of Cyprus, "based on the findings of their research and the development of the new mathematical model, published in the reputable international scientific journal Progressings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Associate Professor Rose Stylianopoulos, Dr. Chrysovalantis Buturis and their colleagues suggest that optimal treatment for elderly patients - who are likely to already have inflammation and weakened immune systems compared to younger patients - should include in the early stages of the disease the administration of heparin (antithrombotic drug) and/or the use of immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs, while in later stages of the disease the use of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone".
It is reported that in patients with pre-existing conditions such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure or immune system abnormalities, treatment may also include drugs specifically targeting substances that promote inflammation (cytokines, such as interleukin-6) in the body, as well as drugs, which may inhibit the reine-angiotensin system - the main mechanism for controlling the body's blood pressure - thus preventing the activation of blood pressure and resistance to blood flow that can occur in viral Infections.
"In addition, the model predicts that anti-virus and anti-inflammatory drugs, originally used to treat the disease, may have limited efficacy based on the stage at which the disease has progressed, as well as why women are at lower risk of serious illness even though their immune systems may not be as resilient as men's," Mr. Stylianopoulos said.
He added that "according to the model the progression of the disease is significantly related to the initial levels of virus load to which the patient is exposed. Low initial viral load levels can lead to virus attenuation even in elderly patients or at increased risk patients without the use of medication."
The research of Associate Professor Rose Stylianopoulos is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation (IDEK).
According to the announcement of the University of Cyprus, the researchers intend to develop the mathematical model further to study the immune system's response to various vaccines against COVID-19 as well as to better treat cancer patients affected by COVID-19 disease.
The model and important clinical applications are described in the reputable international scientific journal Procedures of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) entitled "In silico dynamics of COVID-19 phenotypes for optimizing clinical management".
Source: eyenews
