TLDR Existing drug dexamethasone may lower death risk in severe COVID-19 cases; more research needed for other drugs.
The document from September 29, 2020, explores the possibility of using existing drugs to treat COVID-19, with a focus on the field of endocrinology. It identifies that COVID-19 can lead to worse outcomes in individuals with certain conditions such as aging, uncontrolled diabetes, and obesity. The paper points out the significance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), and TMPRSS2 in the virus's infectivity. Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, was the only drug with emerging evidence for treating severely affected COVID-19 patients at the time. Other drugs like anti-androgens, statins, and ACE inhibitors were considered for their potential effects but lacked specific evidence for COVID-19 treatment. The document concludes that while dexamethasone may reduce mortality in severely ill patients, other treatments should be limited to clinical research studies until their efficacy is proven, and emphasizes the need for clinical trials to establish the efficacy of these drugs in treating COVID-19.
49 citations,
January 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Anti-androgens, like finasteride, dutasteride, and spironolactone, may lessen the severity of COVID-19 in men, leading to fewer ICU admissions.
71 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Genetic differences may affect COVID-19 deaths; anti-androgens could be potential treatment.
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April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
47 citations,
April 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Androgenetic alopecia linked to COVID-19 severity; drugs reducing androgen receptor activation may help.
22 citations,
November 2018 in “Breast Cancer Research and Treatment” The medications 5α-reductase inhibitors and spironolactone are generally safe for breast cancer patients on endocrine therapies and do not significantly increase breast cancer risk.
23 citations,
October 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety” Consider benefits and risks of new alopecia treatments for safety.
12 citations,
March 2013 in “Gynecological Endocrinology” The study found a significant link between the renin-angiotensin system and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
108 citations,
February 2008 in “The Journal of urology/The journal of urology” Inhibiting 5α-reductase can help reduce prostate cancer risk and improve treatment.
14 citations,
July 2021 in “Reviews in endocrine and metabolic disorders” SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can affect all endocrine organs and systems, altering their function and potentially leading to disorders. Factors like diabetes and obesity increase infection risk and severity. Understanding these effects is key for effective treatment.
68 citations,
May 2021 in “Endocrine” People with diabetes or obesity should manage their conditions carefully as they have a higher risk of severe COVID-19.
The conclusion is that endocrinology significantly impacts medicine with various common medications used for treatment.
1 citations,
March 2023 in “Nutrients” The conclusion is that obesity should be managed with a slow, balanced approach to diet and exercise, with medication and surgery as additional options, and education and access to care are important.
4 citations,
December 2022 in “Frontiers in Endocrinology” Treating non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia is complex because the benefits of hormone treatment must be weighed against potential health risks.
