Background: Mycobacterium leprae is an intracellular bacillus that causes leprosy, a neglected disease that affects macrophages and Schwann cells. Leprosy reactions are acute inflammatory responses to mycobacterial antigens, classified as type1 (T1R), a predominant cellular immune response, or type2 (T2R), a humoral phenomenon, leading to a high number of bacilli in infected cells and nerve structures. Xenophagy is a type of selective autophagy that targets intracellular bacteria for lysosomal degradation; however, its immune mechanisms during leprosy reactions are still unclear. This review summarizes the relationship between the autophagic process and M. leprae elimination during leprosy reactions. Methods: Three databases, PubMed/Medline (n = 91), Scopus (n = 73), and ScienceDirect (n = 124), were searched. After applying the eligibility criteria, articles were selected for independent peer reviewers in August 2023. Results: From a total of 288 studies retrieved, eight were included. In multibacillary (MB) patients who progressed to T1R, xenophagy blockade and increased inflammasome activation were observed, with IL-1β secretion before the reactional episode occurrence. On the other hand, recent data actually observed increased IL-15 levels before the reaction began, as well as IFN-γ production and xenophagy induction. Conclusion: Our search results showed a dichotomy in the T1R development and their relationship with xenophagy. No T2R studies were found.

The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 originated in the city of Wuhan, China with an outbreak of pneumonia. The reported symptoms were mostly respiratory, but mounting evidence began to indicate that COVID-19 could reach other organs and systems. Among the gastrointestinal symptoms, liver involvement appears to be more common, with changes in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) being the first sign. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate and discuss the hepatic manifestations in COVID-19 as the infection, manifestations, and drug effects. The study was based on a literature review, of a qualitative nature and an exploratory type. The mechanism that SARS-CoV-2 uses to reach the liver is still uncertain, there are currently 3 hypotheses: ACE2 receptors in cholangiocytes, cytokine storm, and drug-induced liver injury, due to the increase in the indiscriminate use of hepatotoxic drugs without scientific comprovation, hydroxychloroquine can lead to fulminant hepatic failure and azithromycin potentiates these effects, the role of remdesivir on the liver are still uncertain. Liver damage in mild cases of COVID-19 can be transient, but doctors should monitor and be alert to any changes in liver enzymes. When severe liver damage occurs, liver protective drugs have usually been given to these patients. Thus, this review provides a review of hepatic impairment and the management of patients considering the main studies carried out to date.

Coronaviruses are a large viral family, whose infections are recognized since 1960, varying from the common cold to more critical respiratory conditions. Regarding coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), a wide spectrum of neurological manifestations among infected patients were reported, raising concerns whether Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had tropism for the central nervous system. To clarify these questions, this bibliographic review was carried out by searching for articles based on national and international data during the period from December 2019 to June 2020. Thus, this review summarizes the current evidence on the transmission routes, focusing on the olfactory bulb and the hematogenic pathways, as well as the direct and indirect pathological mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological damage. Moreover, clinical, laboratorial, and therapeutic aspects to manage patients with COVID-19 related neurological symptoms are outlined. Finally, development of treatments tackling specific structures and pathways related to viral entry and cardiovascular regulation on the brain are expected, in addition to monitoring of patients affected by the COVID-19 to assess long-term consequences on the nervous system.