VL Asha Latha

Abstract

The Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic infectious disease caused by the novel corona virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia are among the major comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 which might modulate immune and inflammatory responses leading to poor outcomes. Several reports show that patients with DM and COVID-19 are at an increased risk for developing severe complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and death. Furthermore, compromised innate immunity, pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu, reduced expression of ACE-2 and use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system antagonists in diabetic patients may also contribute to poor prognosis in COVID-19. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between COVID-19 and DM remain to be elucidated. The severity and mortality was significantly higher in diabetic patients which may predispose patients with COVID-19 to poor outcomes. Most of these conclusions are preliminary, and further investigation of the optimal management in diabetic patients is necessary. Thus, it is imperative that diabetic patients should take all necessary precautions and ensure good glycemic control amid with COVID-19 pandemic.   Keywords: Angiotensin converting enzyme­ 2, Corona virus disease, Diabetes mellitus, Hyperglycemia, Pathophysiology, SARS­ CoV­ 2 1.

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Abstract

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the prominent gram positive human pathogen secretes many surface and secretary proteins including various enzymes and pathogenic factors that favour the colonization and infection of host tissue. Alpha-amylase is one of the enzymes secreted by S.aureus which catalyses the breakdown of complex sugars to monosaccharides, which are required for colonization and survival of this pathogen. Materials and Methods: In the present study we have cloned, sequenced, expressed and characterized a-amylase from the clinical isolate of S.aureus resistant to vancomycin (VRSA). The 25kb plasma DNA was isolated from the clinical isolate of S.aureus and a 600bp PCR amplified product was obtained. Results: The SDS-PAGE analysis of induced and un-induced clone SB3 indicates that a-amylase has a M.W. of 22KD. The ra-amylase was eluted from the gel and enzymes assay was performed. The Km was found to be close to Km of native a-amylase identified in the extracellular and in the cytosolic fraction of S.aureus resistant to vancomycin. Conclusion: The current study clearly indicate that there is clear distinction between the a-amylase of human and different prokaryotes, particularly S.aureus which made this enzyme an ideal target in the development of drugs against infections of tooth and oral cavities. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Alpha-amylase, Cloning, Vancomycin.

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