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Mattioli LB, Frosini M, Corazza I, Fiorino S, Zippi M, Micucci M, Budriesi R. Long COVID-19 gastrointestinal related disorders and traditional Chinese medicine: A network target-based approach. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2323-2346. [PMID: 38421118 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The significant number of individuals impacted by the pandemic makes prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 a matter of considerable concern. These are numerous and affect multiple organ systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged gastrointestinal issues are a crucial part of post-COVID-19 syndrome. The resulting disruption of homeostasis underscores the need for a therapeutic approach based on compounds that can simultaneously affect more than one target/node. The present review aimed to check for nutraceuticals possessing multiple molecular mechanisms helpful in relieving Long COVID-19-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. Specific plants used in Keywords Chinese Medicine (TCM) expected to be included in the WHO Global Medical Compendium were selected based on the following criteria: (1) they are widely used in the Western world as natural remedies and complementary medicine adjuvants; (2) their import and trade are regulated by specific laws that ensure quality and safety (3) have the potential to be beneficial in alleviating intestinal issues associated with Long COVID-19. Searches were performed in PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and ResearchGate up to 2023. Cinnamomum cassia, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Magnolia officinalis, Poria cocos, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Zingiber officinalis were identified as the most promising for their potential impact on inflammation and oxidative stress. Based on the molecular mechanisms of the phytocomplexes and isolated compounds of the considered plants, their clinical use may lead to benefits in gastrointestinal diseases associated with Long COVID-19, thanks to a multiorgan and multitarget approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Beatrice Mattioli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Food Chemistry and Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Frosini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ivan Corazza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda USL, Budrio Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology & Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Micucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Roberta Budriesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Food Chemistry and Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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2
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Sidorenko VS, Cohen I, Dorjee K, Minetti CA, Remeta DP, Gao J, Potapova I, Wang HZ, Hearing J, Yen WY, Kim HK, Hashimoto K, Moriya M, Dickman KG, Yin X, Garcia-Diaz M, Chennamshetti R, Bonala R, Johnson F, Waldeck AL, Gupta R, Li C, Breslauer KJ, Grollman AP, Rosenquist TA. Mechanisms of antiviral action and toxicities of ipecac alkaloids: Emetine and dehydroemetine exhibit anti-coronaviral activities at non-cardiotoxic concentrations. Virus Res 2024; 341:199322. [PMID: 38228190 PMCID: PMC10831786 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of highly infectious pathogens with their potential for triggering global pandemics necessitate the development of effective treatment strategies, including broad-spectrum antiviral therapies to safeguard human health. This study investigates the antiviral activity of emetine, dehydroemetine (DHE), and congeneric compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43, and evaluates their impact on the host cell. Concurrently, we assess the potential cardiotoxicity of these ipecac alkaloids. Significantly, our data reveal that emetine and the (-)-R,S isomer of 2,3-dehydroemetine (designated in this paper as DHE4) reduce viral growth at nanomolar concentrations (i.e., IC50 ∼ 50-100 nM), paralleling those required for inhibition of protein synthesis, while calcium channel blocking activity occurs at elevated concentrations (i.e., IC50 ∼ 40-60 µM). Our findings suggest that the antiviral mechanisms primarily involve disruption of host cell protein synthesis and is demonstrably stereoisomer specific. The prospect of a therapeutic window in which emetine or DHE4 inhibit viral propagation without cardiotoxicity renders these alkaloids viable candidates in strategies worthy of clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya S Sidorenko
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Ira Cohen
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Kunchok Dorjee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Conceição A Minetti
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - David P Remeta
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Junyuan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Irina Potapova
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Hong Zhan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Janet Hearing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Wan-Yi Yen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Hwan Keun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Masaaki Moriya
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Kathleen G Dickman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Xingyu Yin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Miguel Garcia-Diaz
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Rajesh Chennamshetti
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Radha Bonala
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Francis Johnson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Amanda L Waldeck
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Pharmacy, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Ramesh Gupta
- ChemMaster International Inc., Happauge, New York 11788, USA
| | - Chaoping Li
- Chemistry Service Unit of Shanghai Haoyuan Chemexpress Co., Ltd., Shanghai, PR China 201203
| | - Kenneth J Breslauer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Arthur P Grollman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Thomas A Rosenquist
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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3
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Huang L, Zuo Y, Yang H, He X, Zhang L. Identification of key genes as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for comorbidity of myasthenia gravis and COVID-19. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1334131. [PMID: 38384322 PMCID: PMC10879883 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1334131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a significant impact on the health and quality of life of MG patients and may even trigger the onset of MG in some cases. With the worldwide development of the COVID-19 vaccination, several new-onset MG cases and exacerbations following the COVID-19 vaccines have been acknowledged. The potential link between myasthenia gravis (MG) and COVID-19 has prompted the need for further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods and results The differential expression analysis identified six differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared by myasthenia gravis (MG) and COVID-19, namely SAMD9, PLEK, GZMB, JUNB, NR4A1, and NR1D1. The relationship between the six common genes and immune cells was investigated in the COVID-19 dataset. The predictive value of the shared genes was assessed and a nomogram was constructed using machine learning algorithms. The regulatory miRNAs, transcription factors and small molecular drugs were predicted, and the molecular docking was carried out by AutoDock. Discussion We have identified six common DEGs of MG and COVID-19 and explored their immunological effects and regulatory mechanisms. The result may provide new insights for further mechanism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Zuo
- Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing Bo’ai Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaofang He
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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4
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Valipour M, Zakeri Khatir Z, Abdollahi E, Ayati A. Recent Applications of Protoberberines as Privileged Starting Materials for the Development of Novel Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents: A Concise Review (2017-2023). ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:48-71. [PMID: 38230282 PMCID: PMC10789142 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Berberine is a well-known phytochemical with significant antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses. Due to having a unique backbone consisting of four interconnected rings, it can be used as a platform for the design and development of novel semisynthetic antiviral agents. The question here is whether novel broad-spectrum antiviral drugs with enhanced activity and toxicity potential can be obtained by attempting to modify the structure of this privileged lead compound. The present study aims to review the results of recent studies in which berberine and its close analogues (protoberberine alkaloids) have been used as starting materials for the production of new semisynthetic antiviral structures. For this purpose, relevant studies published in high-quality journals indexed in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, etc. in the time frame of 2017 to 2023 were collected. Our selection criterion in the current review focuses on the studies in which protoberberines were used as starting materials for the production of semisynthetic agents with antiviral activity during the indicated time period. Correspondingly, studies were identified in which semisynthetic derivatives with significant inhibitory activity against a wide range of viruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), enterovirus 71 (EV71), zika virus (ZIKV), influenza A/B, cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coxsackieviruses were designed and synthesized. Our conclusion is that, despite the introduction of diverse semisynthetic derivatives of berberine with improved activity profiles compared to the parent natural leads, sufficient derivatization has not been done yet and more studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi
Drug Research Center, Iran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Zahra Zakeri Khatir
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 6964114483, Iran
- Student
Research Committee, Mazandaran University
of Medical Sciences, Sari 6964114483, Iran
| | - Elaheh Abdollahi
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Adileh Ayati
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Center, Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran 1416753955, Iran
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5
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Tuzimski T, Petruczynik A. New trends in the practical use of isoquinoline alkaloids as potential drugs applicated in infectious and non-infectious diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115704. [PMID: 37862968 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, traditional natural products have been the center of attention for the scientific community and exploration of their therapeutic abilities is proceeding permanently. Isoquinoline alkaloids have always attracted scientific interest due to either their positive or negative effects on human organism. The present review describes research on isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from different plant species. Alkaloids are one of the most important classes of plant derived compounds among these isoquinoline alkaloids possess varied biological activities such as anticancer, antineurodegenerative diseases, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and many others. The use of plants against different disorders is entrenched in traditional medicine around the globe. Recent progress in modern therapeutics has stimulated the use of natural products worldwide for various ailments and diseases. The review provides a collection of information on the capabilities of some isoquinoline alkaloids, its potential for the treatment of various diseases and is designed to be a guide for future research on different biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids and plant species containing them. The authors are aware that they were not able to cover the whole area of the topic related to biological activity of isoquinoline alkaloids. This review is intended to suggest directions for further research and can also help other researchers in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Tuzimski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Anna Petruczynik
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
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6
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Salim AA, Butler MS, Blaskovich MAT, Henderson IR, Capon RJ. Natural products as anthelmintics: safeguarding animal health. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1754-1808. [PMID: 37555325 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00019b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Covering literature to December 2022This review provides a comprehensive account of all natural products (500 compounds, including 17 semi-synthetic derivatives) described in the primary literature up to December 2022, reported to be capable of inhibiting the egg hatching, motility, larval development and/or the survival of helminths (i.e., nematodes, flukes and tapeworms). These parasitic worms infect and compromise the health and welfare, productivity and lives of commercial livestock (i.e., sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, poultry and fish), companion animals (i.e., dogs and cats) and other high value, endangered and/or exotic animals. Attention is given to chemical structures, as well as source organisms and anthelmintic properties, including the nature of bioassay target species, in vivo animal hosts, and measures of potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela A Salim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 4072.
| | - Mark S Butler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 4072.
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 4072.
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 4072.
| | - Robert J Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 4072.
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7
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Singh SK, King K, Gannett C, Chuong C, Joshi SY, Plate C, Farzeen P, Webb EM, Kunche LK, Weger-Lucarelli J, Lowell AN, Brown AM, Deshmukh SA. Data Driven Computational Design and Experimental Validation of Drugs for Accelerated Mitigation of Pandemic-like Scenarios. J Phys Chem Lett 2023; 14:9490-9499. [PMID: 37850349 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Emerging pathogens are a historic threat to public health and economic stability. Current trial-and-error approaches to identify new therapeutics are often ineffective due to their inefficient exploration of the enormous small molecule design space. Here, we present a data-driven computational framework composed of hybrid evolutionary algorithms for evolving functional groups on existing drugs to improve their binding affinity toward the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. We show that combinations of functional groups and sites are critical to design drugs with improved binding affinity, which can be easily achieved using our framework by exploring a fraction of the available search space. Atomistic simulations and experimental validation elucidate that enhanced and prolonged interactions between functionalized drugs and Mpro residues result in their improved therapeutic value over that of the parental compound. Overall, this novel framework is extremely flexible and has the potential to rapidly design inhibitors for any protein with available crystal structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrendra K Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Kelsie King
- Research and Informatics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Cole Gannett
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Christina Chuong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Soumil Y Joshi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Charles Plate
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Parisa Farzeen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Emily M Webb
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Lakshmi Kumar Kunche
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Andrew N Lowell
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Anne M Brown
- Research and Informatics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
| | - Sanket A Deshmukh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, United States
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8
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Valipour M, Irannejad H, Keyvani H. An Overview on Anti-COVID-19 Drug Achievements and Challenges Ahead. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1248-1265. [PMID: 37705590 PMCID: PMC10496143 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The appearance of several coronavirus pandemics/epidemics during the last two decades (SARS-CoV-1 in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019) indicates that humanity will face increasing challenges from coronaviruses in the future. The emergence of new strains with similar transmission characteristics as SARS-CoV-2 and mortality rates similar to SARS-CoV-1 (∼10% mortality) or MERS-CoV (∼35% mortality) in the future is a terrifying possibility. Therefore, getting enough preparations to face such risks is an inevitable necessity. The present study aims to review the drug achievements and challenges in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 with a combined perspective derived from pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and medicinal chemistry insights. Appreciating all the efforts made during the past few years, there is strong evidence that the desired results have not yet been achieved and research in this area should still be pursued seriously. By expressing some pessimistic possibilities and concluding that the drug discovery and pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 have not been successful so far, this short essay tries to draw the attention of responsible authorities to be more prepared against future coronavirus epidemics/pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi
Drug Research Center, Iran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran 1134845764, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department
of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1134845764, Iran
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9
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Valipour M. Therapeutic prospects of naturally occurring p38 MAPK inhibitors tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced CNS complications. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3724-3743. [PMID: 37282807 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication and hyperinflammatory responses in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, blood-brain barrier-penetrating p38 MAPK inhibitors have good potential for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) complications of COVID-19. The aim of the present study is the characterization of the therapeutic potential of tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin for the treatment of CNS complications of COVID-19. Studies published in high-quality journals indexed in databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and so forth were used to review the therapeutic capabilities of selected compounds. In continuation of our previous efforts to identify agents with favorable activity/toxicity profiles for the treatment of COVID-19, tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin were identified with a high ability to penetrate the CNS. Considering the nature of the study, no specific time frame was determined for the selection of studies, but the focus was strongly on studies published after the emergence of COVID-19. By describing the association of COVID-19-induced CNS disorders with p38 MAPK pathway disruption, this study concludes that tanshinone IIA and pinocembrin have great potential for better treatment of these complications. The inclusion of these compounds in the drug regimen of COVID-19 patients requires confirmation of their effectiveness through the conduction of high-quality clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Valipour M, Di Giacomo S, Di Sotto A, Irannejad H. Discovery of Chalcone-Based Hybrid Structures as High Affinity and Site-Specific Inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2: A Comprehensive Structural Analysis Based on Various Host-Based and Viral Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108789. [PMID: 37240149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that natural-based chalcones have significant inhibitory effects on the coronavirus enzymes 3CLpro and PLpro as well as modulation of some host-based antiviral targets (HBATs). In this study, a comprehensive computational and structural study was performed to investigate the affinity of our compound library consisting of 757 chalcone-based structures (CHA-1 to CHA-757) for inhibiting the 3CLpro and PLpro enzymes and against twelve selected host-based targets. Our results indicated that CHA-12 (VUF 4819) is the most potent and multi-target inhibitor in our chemical library over all viral and host-based targets. Correspondingly, CHA-384 and its congeners containing ureide moieties were found to be potent and selective 3CLpro inhibitors, and benzotriazole moiety in CHA-37 was found to be a main fragment for inhibiting the 3CLpro and PLpro. Surprisingly, our results indicate that the ureide and sulfonamide moieties are integral fragments for the optimum 3CLpro inhibition while occupying the S1 and S3 subsites, which is fully consistent with recent reports on the site-specific 3CLpro inhibitors. Finding the multi-target inhibitor CHA-12, previously reported as an LTD4 antagonist for the treatment of inflammatory pulmonary diseases, prompted us to suggest it as a concomitant agent for relieving respiratory symptoms and suppressing COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1545913487, Iran
| | - Silvia Di Giacomo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Di Sotto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4847116547, Iran
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11
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Yamada M, Azuma K, Takizawa I, Ejima Y, Yamano M, Satoh K, Doi T, Ueda H, Tokuyama H. Efficient and Scalable Asymmetric Total Synthesis of (−)-Emetine with Pharmaceutical Grade Quality; First Multigram Scale Synthesis. Org Process Res Dev 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.2c00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Yamada
- Chemical Research and Development, SPERA PHARMA, Inc., 17-85, Jusohonmachi 2-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0024, Japan
| | - Kazuki Azuma
- Chemical Research and Development, SPERA PHARMA, Inc., 17-85, Jusohonmachi 2-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0024, Japan
| | - Iori Takizawa
- Chemical Research and Development, SPERA PHARMA, Inc., 17-85, Jusohonmachi 2-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0024, Japan
| | - Yuki Ejima
- Chemical Research and Development, SPERA PHARMA, Inc., 17-85, Jusohonmachi 2-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0024, Japan
| | - Mitsuhisa Yamano
- Chemical Research and Development, SPERA PHARMA, Inc., 17-85, Jusohonmachi 2-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0024, Japan
| | - Kimio Satoh
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1, Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0872, Japan
| | - Takayuki Doi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ueda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tokuyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aza-aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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12
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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13
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Some natural compounds and their analogues having potent anti- SARS-CoV-2 and anti-proteases activities as lead molecules in drug discovery for COVID-19. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY REPORTS 2022; 6:100079. [PMID: 36060987 PMCID: PMC9420082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmcr.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Valipour M. Recruitment of chalcone's potential in drug discovery of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Phytother Res 2022; 36:4477-4490. [PMID: 36208000 PMCID: PMC9874432 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Chalcone is an interesting scaffold found in the structure of many naturally occurring molecules. Medicinal chemists are commonly interested in designing new chalcone-based structures because of having the α, β-unsaturated ketone functional group, which allows these compounds to participate in Michael's reaction and create strong covalent bonds at the active sites of the targets. Some studies have identified several natural chalcone-based compounds with the ability to inhibit the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus proteases. A few years after the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the publication of many findings in this regard, there is some evidence that suggests chalcone scaffolding has great potential for use in the design and development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inhibitors. Artificial placement of this scaffold in the structure of optimized anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds can potentially provide irreversible inhibition of the viral cysteine proteases 3-chymotrypsin-like protease and papain-like protease by creating Michael interaction. Despite having remarkable capabilities, the use of chalcone scaffold in drug design and discovery of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors seems to have been largely neglected. This review addresses issues that could lead to further consideration of chalcone scaffolding in the structure of SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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15
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Lu L, Liu LP, Gui R, Dong H, Su YR, Zhou XH, Liu FX. Discovering common pathogenetic processes between COVID-19 and sepsis by bioinformatics and system biology approach. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975848. [PMID: 36119022 PMCID: PMC9471316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread rapidly worldwide, resulting in a pandemic with a high mortality rate. In clinical practice, we have noted that many critically ill or critically ill patients with COVID-19 present with typical sepsis-related clinical manifestations, including multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, coagulopathy, and septic shock. In addition, it has been demonstrated that severe COVID-19 has some pathological similarities with sepsis, such as cytokine storm, hypercoagulable state after blood balance is disrupted and neutrophil dysfunction. Considering the parallels between COVID-19 and non-SARS-CoV-2 induced sepsis (hereafter referred to as sepsis), the aim of this study was to analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms between these two diseases by bioinformatics and a systems biology approach, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the development of new treatments. Specifically, the gene expression profiles of COVID-19 and sepsis patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and compared to extract common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, common DEGs were used to investigate the genetic links between COVID-19 and sepsis. Based on enrichment analysis of common DEGs, many pathways closely related to inflammatory response were observed, such as Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. In addition, protein-protein interaction networks and gene regulatory networks of common DEGs were constructed, and the analysis results showed that ITGAM may be a potential key biomarker base on regulatory analysis. Furthermore, a disease diagnostic model and risk prediction nomogram for COVID-19 were constructed using machine learning methods. Finally, potential therapeutic agents, including progesterone and emetine, were screened through drug-protein interaction networks and molecular docking simulations. We hope to provide new strategies for future research and treatment related to COVID-19 by elucidating the pathogenesis and genetic mechanisms between COVID-19 and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Le-Ping Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Gui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang Dong
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan-Rong Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong-Hui Zhou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feng-Xia Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Feng-Xia Liu,
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16
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Valipour M, Irannejad H, Emami S. Application of emetine in SARS-CoV-2 treatment: regulation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway for preventing emetine-induced cardiac complications. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2379-2386. [DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Emami
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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