Many patients who have suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infection (new coronavirus infection, NCI) face long-term consequences affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as the appearance of new symptoms that are not characteristic of their previous health condition. Studies indicate that patients who have undergone NCI are at risk of developing thrombotic disorders and problems with the cardiovascular system due to the presence of a low-grade inflammatory process (LGI). In this regard, there is a need to develop new methods and tools, including non-pharmacological approaches, to combat LGI.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of grape polyphenols and magnetic therapy on the state of the LGI in patients with asthma who have undergone COVID-19.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study included patients with a verified diagnosis of asthma, as well as a history of NCI and with manifestations of postcovid syndrome living in the Republic of Crimea. Patients (n=50) according to indications, namely the presence of manifestations of postcovid syndrome, were referred for sanatorium treatment to the Department of Pulmonology of the Sechenov Institute in Yalta. The intervention group (n=20), in addition to standard sanatorium treatment, received a concentrate of polyphenols of Fenokor grapes produced by Resfood LLC, as well as a course of low-intensity magnetic therapy (MT) using a low-frequency magnetic therapy unit with frequency control of UMTvp-MADIN Lux (Magnetoturbotron), Russia. The second group was a control group, and consisted of 30 patients who were comparable in gender and age to the experimental group. ELISA kits manufactured by Cloud Clone Corp. were used to determine the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), zonulin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), sCD14, LPS-binding protein, and bactericidal protein that increases bacterial permeability (BPI). (Wuhan, Hubei, China).
RESULTS
In patients of group 1, after a course of sanatorium treatment with the use of polyphenol concentrate and MT, a significant decrease in the level of CRP was revealed (p<0.011). In both groups, a statistically significant increase in the concentration of BPI, sCD14 and zonulin was registered (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in the level of CRP in group 2 (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of grape polyphenol concentrates in combination with MT helps to reduce the level of C-reactive protein and increase the activity of components of LPS-binding systems in humans during the recovery period after COVID-19. However, sanatorium treatment can contribute to stress and changes in intestinal permeability, which requires additional research to understand its effect on the enterohematic barrier and protection against excessive translocation of bacterial components from the intestine into the blood.
