G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs): A Potential Target of Apigenin as a Novel hACE2 Receptor Specific Therapeutic for Impeding Lung Cancer Considering a Group of Missense and Nonsense Mutations in COVID-19 Patients

Rasel Ahmed — 2025-05-13

This research investigates the role of mutation cascades in enhancing COVID-19-related lung cancer fatalities, specifically through analyzing mutations in the ACE2 gene associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections. Notably, a natural flavonoid, apigenin, has been identified as a promising hACE2-specific therapeutic. The study involved detailed examinations of 27 mutations (23 missense and four nonsense) and the molecular interactions between apigenin and hACE2, revealing a binding energy of -8.1 Kcal/mol. Various molecular dynamics parameters suggested stable interactions, while the drug-gene interaction analysis demonstrated that 18 GPCR genes could metabolize apigenin, effectively blocking hACE2 and thereby inhibiting S-protein attachment. The findings propose that apigenin could serve as a targeted therapy for COVID-19-induced lung cancer.

Isotretinoin Treatment in Patients with Known Peanut Allergies: To Give or Not to Give?

Mohammed Al Abadie — 2025-05-10

Isotretinoin can prevent the permanent scarring evolving from untreated severe acne vulgaris, it is considered a gold standard treatment. The main side effects include dryness, mood changes and muscle and joint pain. Medicines containing soya in the UK and Europe come with a warning advising against their use by patients with soya or peanut allergies due to the risk of an allergic reaction. This is mirroring the recommendation of European Medicines Agency (EMA) which applies to isotretinoin, even though the capsules lack peanut protein, which could lead to an undertreatment of this group of patients. However, Allergy experts in the UK, representing the British Association of Dermatologists, have assessed the risk and advised that individuals with a peanut allergy, but no soya allergy, can safely use isotretinoin. The current evidence for the link between peanut-allergic patients and potential cross-reactivity with soybean oil is quite poor. Manufacturers have different insights and provide in depth response upon enquiring. The aim of this paper is to help illuminate the treatment of acne vulgaris in patients with peanut allergies and provoke discussion on isotretinoin as a potential management option in these patients.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs): A Potential Target of Apigenin as a Novel hACE2 Receptor Specific Therapeutic for Impeding Lung Cancer Considering a Group of Missense and Nonsense Mutations in COVID-19 Patients

Isotretinoin Treatment in Patients with Known Peanut Allergies: To Give or Not to Give?