1
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Chang YY, Wei AC. Transcriptome and machine learning analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on mitochondria and multiorgan damage. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297664. [PMID: 38295140 PMCID: PMC10830027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) primarily concern the respiratory tract and lungs; however, studies have shown that all organs are susceptible to infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 may involve multiorgan damage from direct viral invasion through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), through inflammatory cytokine storms, or through other secondary pathways. This study involved the analysis of publicly accessible transcriptome data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for identifying significant differentially expressed genes related to COVID-19 and an investigation relating to the pathways associated with mitochondrial, cardiac, hepatic, and renal toxicity in COVID-19. Significant differentially expressed genes were identified and ranked by statistical approaches, and the genes derived by biological meaning were ranked by feature importance; both were utilized as machine learning features for verification. Sample set selection for machine learning was based on the performance, sample size, imbalanced data state, and overfitting assessment. Machine learning served as a verification tool by facilitating the testing of biological hypotheses by incorporating gene list adjustment. A subsequent in-depth study for gene and pathway network analysis was conducted to explore whether COVID-19 is associated with cardiac, hepatic, and renal impairments via mitochondrial infection. The analysis showed that potential cardiac, hepatic, and renal impairments in COVID-19 are associated with ACE2, inflammatory cytokine storms, and mitochondrial pathways, suggesting potential medical interventions for COVID-19-induced multiorgan damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yu Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Chi Wei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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2
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Maiti AK. Therapeutic Challenges in COVID-19. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:14-25. [PMID: 36567277 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666221222162641] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV2 is a novel respiratory coronavirus and, understanding its molecular mechanism is a prerequisite to developing effective treatment for COVID-19. This RNA genome-carrying virus has a protein coat with spikes (S) that attaches to the ACE2 receptor at the cell surface of human cells. Several repurposed drugs are used to treat COVID-19 patients that are proven to be largely unsuccessful or have limited success in reducing mortalities. Several vaccines are in use to reduce the viral load to prevent developing symptoms. Major challenges to their efficacy include the inability of antibody molecules to enter cells but remain effective in the bloodstream to kill the virus. The efficacy of vaccines also depends on their neutralizing ability to constantly evolve new virus strains due to novel mutations and evolutionary survival dynamics. Taken together, SARS-CoV2 antibody vaccines may not be very effective and other approaches based on genetic, genomic, and protein interactome could be fruitful to identify therapeutic targets to reduce disease-related mortalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K Maiti
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, Mydnavar, 28475 Greenfield Rd, Southfield MI 48076, USA
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3
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Cao Q, Du X, Jiang XY, Tian Y, Gao CH, Liu ZY, Xu T, Tao XX, Lei M, Wang XQ, Ye LL, Duan DD. Phenome-wide association study and precision medicine of cardiovascular diseases in the post-COVID-19 era. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2347-2357. [PMID: 37532784 PMCID: PMC10692238 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01119-1] [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: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes injuries of not only the lungs but also the heart and endothelial cells in vasculature of multiple organs, and induces systemic inflammation and immune over-reactions, which makes COVID-19 a disease phenome that simultaneously affects multiple systems. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are intrinsic risk and causative factors for severe COVID-19 comorbidities and death. The wide-spread infection and reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the long-COVID may become a new common threat to human health and propose unprecedented impact on the risk factors, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of many diseases including CVD for a long time. COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent demand for precision medicine which needs new knowledge network to innovate disease taxonomy for more precise diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of disease. A deeper understanding of CVD in the setting of COVID-19 phenome requires a paradigm shift from the current phenotypic study that focuses on the virus or individual symptoms to phenomics of COVID-19 that addresses the inter-connectedness of clinical phenotypes, i.e., clinical phenome. Here, we summarize the CVD manifestations in the full clinical spectrum of COVID-19, and the phenome-wide association study of CVD interrelated to COVID-19. We discuss the underlying biology for CVD in the COVID-19 phenome and the concept of precision medicine with new phenomic taxonomy that addresses the overall pathophysiological responses of the body to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also briefly discuss the unique taxonomy of disease as Zheng-hou patterns in traditional Chinese medicine, and their potential implications in precision medicine of CVD in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cao
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xin Du
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Jiang
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Chen-Hao Gao
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zi-Yu Liu
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xing-Xing Tao
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Wang
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Lingyu Linda Ye
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Autoimmune Diseases and Precision Medicie, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750001, China.
| | - Dayue Darrel Duan
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Autoimmune Diseases and Precision Medicie, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750001, China.
- The Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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4
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Shanmugham M, Devasia AG, Chin YL, Cheong KH, Ong ES, Bellanger S, Ramasamy A, Leo CH. Time-dependent specific molecular signatures of inflammation and remodelling are associated with trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-induced endothelial cell dysfunction. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20303. [PMID: 37985702 PMCID: PMC10661905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a critical initiating factor contributing to cardiovascular diseases, involving the gut microbiome-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This study aims to clarify the time-dependent molecular pathways by which TMAO mediates endothelial dysfunction through transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were also evaluated. TMAO treatment for either 24H or 48H induces reduced cell viability and enhanced oxidative stress. Interestingly, the molecular signatures were distinct between the two time-points. Specifically, few Gene Ontology biological processes (BPs) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were modulated after a short (24H) compared to a long (48H) treatment. However, the KEGG signalling pathways namely "tumour necrosis factor (TNF)" and "cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction" were downregulated at 24H but activated at 48H. In addition, at 48H, BPs linked to inflammatory phenotypes were activated (confirming KEGG results), while BPs linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) structural organisation, endothelial cell proliferation, and collagen metabolism were repressed. Lastly, metabolic profiling showed that arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, and palmitic acid were enriched at 48H. This study demonstrates that TMAO induces distinct time-dependent molecular signatures involving inflammation and remodelling pathways, while pathways such as oxidative stress are also modulated, but in a non-time-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meyammai Shanmugham
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Republic of Singapore
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore, 138648, Republic of Singapore
| | - Arun George Devasia
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Republic of Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yu Ling Chin
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kang Hao Cheong
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Republic of Singapore
| | - Eng Shi Ong
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Republic of Singapore
| | - Sophie Bellanger
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06 Immunos, Singapore, 138648, Republic of Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- Science, Math & Technology, Singapore University of Technology & Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore, 487372, Republic of Singapore.
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5
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Li K, Huang Z, Liu C, Xu Y, Chen W, Shi L, Li C, Zhou F, Zhou F. Transcriptomic analysis of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells treated with LPS. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110870. [PMID: 37633475 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110870] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a rapid onset and progression, which lead to the severity and complexity of the primary disease and significantly increase the fatality rate of patients. Transcriptomics provides some ideas for clarifying the mechanism of ARDS, exploring prevention and treatment targets, and searching for related specific markers. In this study, RNA-Seq technology was used to observe the gene expression of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) induced by LPS, and to excavate the key genes and signaling pathways in ARDS process. A total of 2300 up-regulated genes were detected, and a corresponding 1696 down-regulated genes were screened. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were also used for functional annotation of key genes. TFDP1 was identified as a cell cycle-dependent differentially expressed gene, and its reduced expression was verified in LPS-treated PMVECs and lung tissues of CLP-induced mice. In addition, the inhibition of TFDP1 on inflammation and apoptosis, and the promotion of proliferation were confirmed. The decreased expression of E2F1, Rb, CDK1 and the activation of MAPK signaling pathway were substantiated in the in vivo and in vitro models of ARDS. Moreover, SREBF1 has been demonstrated to be involved in cell cycle arrest in PMVECs by inhibiting CDK1. Our study shows that transcriptomics combined with basic research can broaden the investigation of ARDS mechanisms and may provide a basis for future mechanistic innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Li
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China.
| | - Zuotian Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, 400030 Chongqing Municipality, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Shi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Can Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Fawei Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China
| | - Fachun Zhou
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China; Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016 Chongqing, China.
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6
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Gałgańska H, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Gałgański Ł. Carbon dioxide and MAPK signalling: towards therapy for inflammation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:280. [PMID: 37817178 PMCID: PMC10566067 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01306-x] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, although necessary to fight infections, becomes a threat when it exceeds the capability of the immune system to control it. In addition, inflammation is a cause and/or symptom of many different disorders, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities and advanced age are typical predictors of more severe cases of seasonal viral infection, with COVID-19 a clear example. The primary importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the course of COVID-19 is evident in the mechanisms by which cells are infected with SARS-CoV-2; the cytokine storm that profoundly worsens a patient's condition; the pathogenesis of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, that contribute to a worsened prognosis; and post-COVID-19 complications, such as brain fog and thrombosis. An increasing number of reports have revealed that MAPKs are regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2); hence, we reviewed the literature to identify associations between CO2 and MAPKs and possible therapeutic benefits resulting from the elevation of CO2 levels. CO2 regulates key processes leading to and resulting from inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CO2 (or bicarbonate, HCO3-) have been documented in all of the abovementioned comorbidities and complications of COVID-19 in which MAPKs play roles. The overlapping MAPK and CO2 signalling pathways in the contexts of allergy, apoptosis and cell survival, pulmonary oedema (alveolar fluid resorption), and mechanical ventilation-induced responses in lungs and related to mitochondria are also discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gałgańska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gałgański
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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7
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Zhao Y, Han X, Li C, Liu Y, Cheng J, Adhikari BK, Wang Y. COVID-19 and the cardiovascular system: a study of pathophysiology and interpopulation variability. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1213111. [PMID: 37350790 PMCID: PMC10282193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1213111] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in humans can lead to various degrees of tissue and organ damage, of which cardiovascular system diseases are one of the main manifestations, such as myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia, which threaten the infected population worldwide. These diseases threaten the cardiovascular health of infected populations worldwide. Although the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has slightly improved with virus mutation and population vaccination, chronic infection, post-infection sequelae, and post-infection severe disease patients still exist, and it is still relevant to study the mechanisms linking COVID-19 to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This article introduces the pathophysiological mechanism of COVID-19-mediated cardiovascular disease and analyzes the mechanism and recent progress of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system from the roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cellular and molecular mechanisms, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, iron homeostasis imbalance, and psychosocial factors, respectively. We also discussed the differences and mechanisms involved in cardiovascular system diseases combined with neocoronavirus infection in different populations and provided a theoretical basis for better disease prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaorong Han
- Department of Special Care Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jiayu Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Elevated systemic immune inflammation level increases the risk of total and cause-specific mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease: a large multi-center longitudinal study. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:149-158. [PMID: 36352033 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is inherently a complex immune-inflammatory condition, and heightened inflammation and immune dysfunction are closely related to an increased risk of death. However, evidence regarding the relationship between immune-inflammatory levels and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among patients with CKD is scarce. METHODS Patients with non-dialysis dependent CKD undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) were included from five Chinese tertiary hospitals. Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) was calculated by multiplying peripheral platelet count with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and patients were categorized into four groups by SII quartiles. Cox regression models and competing risk Fine and Gray models were used to examining the relationships between SII levels and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. RESULTS A total of the 19,327 patients (68.8 ± 10.03 years, female 32.0%) were included in this study. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 5,174 deaths occurred, including 2,861 cardiovascular deaths and 375 cancer deaths. Controlling for confounders, all-cause mortality (Q2, Q3, Q4: hazard ratio(HR) [95 CI%] = 1.15 [1.06-1.26], 1.30 [1.19-1.42], 1.48 [1.35-1.62], respectively; p for trend < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (Q2, Q3, Q4: HR [95 CI%] = 1.16 [1.03-1.31], 1.40 [1.24-1.58], 1.64 [1.44-1.85], respectively; p for trend < 0.001) increased with higher SII levels, and SII levels was related to cancer mortality comparing last quartile to first quartile of SII (Q2, Q3, Q4: HR [95 CI%] = 1.12 [0.83-1.52], 1.22 [0.90-1.67], 1.50 [1.09-2.08], respectively; p for trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION Elevated immune inflammation level on admission was an independent risk factor for all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality among CKD patients. Further research is needed to validate the predictive value of SII for mortality risk among CKD patients.
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Lyoo KS, Kim HM, Lee B, Che YH, Kim SJ, Song D, Hwang W, Lee S, Park JH, Na W, Yun SP, Kim YJ. Direct neuronal infection of SARS-CoV-2 reveals cellular and molecular pathology of chemosensory impairment of COVID-19 patients. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:406-411. [PMID: 34962444 PMCID: PMC8803065 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2024095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients with recent pandemic coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) complain of neurological abnormalities in sensory functions such as smell and taste in the early stages of infection. Determining the cellular and molecular mechanism of sensory impairment is critical to understand the pathogenesis of clinical manifestations, as well as in setting therapeutic targets for sequelae and recurrence. The absence of studies utilizing proper models of human peripheral nerve hampers an understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis. Here, we report that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly infects human peripheral sensory neurons, leading to molecular pathogenesis for chemosensory impairments. An in vitro system utilizing human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived peripheral neurons was used to model the cellular and molecular pathologies responsible for symptoms that most COVID-19 patients experience early in infection or may develop as sequelae. Peripheral neurons differentiated from hESCs expressed viral entry factor ACE2, and were directly infected with SARS-CoV-2 via ACE2. Human peripheral neurons infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited impaired molecular features of chemosensory function associated with abnormalities in sensory neurons of the olfactory or gustatory organs. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenesis of chemosensory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Soo Lyoo
- Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Hyeon Myeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bina Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Young Hyun Che
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Jae Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Korea
| | - Daesub Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, Korea
| | - Woochang Hwang
- Biostatistical Consulting and Research Lab, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Lee
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woonsung Na
- Department of Veterinary Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Seung Pil Yun
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Yong Jun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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10
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Nandi S, Nayak BS, Khede MK, Saxena AK. Repurposing of Chemotherapeutics to Combat COVID-19. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:2660-2694. [PMID: 36453483 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666221130142517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel strain of SARS coronavirus. The COVID-19 disease caused by this virus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). SARS-CoV-2 mainly spreads through droplets sprayed by coughs or sneezes of the infected to a healthy person within the vicinity of 6 feet. It also spreads through asymptomatic carriers and has negative impact on the global economy, security and lives of people since 2019. Numerous lives have been lost to this viral infection; hence there is an emergency to build up a potent measure to combat SARS-CoV-2. In view of the non-availability of any drugs or vaccines at the time of its eruption, the existing antivirals, antibacterials, antimalarials, mucolytic agents and antipyretic paracetamol were used to treat the COVID-19 patients. Still there are no specific small molecule chemotherapeutics available to combat COVID-19 except for a few vaccines approved for emergency use only. Thus, the repurposing of chemotherapeutics with the potential to treat COVID-19 infected people is being used. The antiviral activity for COVID-19 and biochemical mechanisms of the repurposed drugs are being explored by the biological assay screening and structure-based in silico docking simulations. The present study describes the various US-FDA approved chemotherapeutics repositioned to combat COVID-19 along with their screening for biological activity, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisir Nandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Affiliated to Uttarakhand Technical University, Kashipur, 244713, India
| | - Bhabani Shankar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy and Technology, Salipur, Affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha, 754202, India
| | - Mayank Kumar Khede
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy and Technology, Salipur, Affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha, 754202, India
| | - Anil Kumar Saxena
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Affiliated to Uttarakhand Technical University, Kashipur, 244713, India
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11
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Said SA, Abdulbaset A, El-Kholy AA, Besckales O, Sabri NA. The effect of Ni gella sativa and vitamin D3 supplementation on the clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1011522. [PMID: 36425571 PMCID: PMC9681154 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1011522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus that causes severe infection in the respiratory system. Since the immune status plays an essential role in combating COVID-19, herbal medicines, which have an immunomodulatory effect, may help prevent and even treat COVID-19. Nigella sativa is one of the herbal medicines with antiviral and immunomodulatory activities, and its therapeutic effectiveness makes it a promising add-on therapy for COVID-19. In addition, vitamin D3 has an immunomodulatory role, but the effect of therapeutic vitamin D3 supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infection is still not well-known. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 as single supplemental therapies and in combination on viral clearance indicated by a negative polymerase chain reaction and the alleviation of symptoms during the study follow-up duration of 14 days. Patients and Methods: The study design was an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Respiratory Hospital at the Kobry El Qobba Armed Forces Medical Complex. In total, 120 COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms were randomly assigned to four groups, with thirty patients each, as follows: Group 1 received an oral dose of 900 mg Nigella sativa through 450 mg soft gelatin capsules twice daily for two weeks; Group 2 received 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 through 1000-IU tablets given as two tablets, once daily; Group 3 received 900 mg of Nigella sativa and 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 in the same manner of dosing as in the previous groups; and Group 4 was the control group. All groups received standard therapy for COVID-19 infections and clinical management of COVID-19's clinical symptoms. Results: The Nigella sativa-vitamin D3 combination in addition to the standard therapy for COVID-19 infections significantly contributed to the alleviation of most COVID-19 symptoms: 50% of patients were free of cough after 7 days, 70% showed an absence of fatigue after 4 days, 80% had no headache after 5 days, 90% were free of rhinorrhea after 7 days, and 86.7% of the patients had no dyspnea after 7 days. Moreover, patients in the four studied groups showed a reduced median temperature after 3 days of treatment. Negative results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test recorded on the 7th and 14th day of therapy were superior in the Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 combination arm compared to those of the other studied arms where the value of the odds ratio (OR) on the 7th day was 0.13 with 95% CI: 0.03-0.45 and that of the 14th day was 0.09 with 95% CI: 0.02-0.3. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a promising therapeutic benefit of the administration of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 combination in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Additionally, the remarkable viral clearance in a short time interval and reduction in the severity and progression of symptoms recommended the use of this combination as an add-on therapy for the management of COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04981743.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A. Said
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alsayyed Abdulbaset
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal A. El-Kholy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama Besckales
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa A. Sabri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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12
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El-Yazbi AF, Eid AH, Zouein FA, Abd-Elrahman KS. Editorial: Methods and application in cardiovascular and smooth muscle pharmacology: 2021. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1049022. [PMID: 36339565 PMCID: PMC9634541 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1049022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F. El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alamein International University, Al Alamein, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Ahmed F. El-Yazbi,
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fouad A. Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris-Saclay, France
- The Cardiovascular Renal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Khaled S. Abd-Elrahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Renalase Challenges the Oxidative Stress and Fibroproliferative Response in COVID-19. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4032704. [PMID: 36132227 PMCID: PMC9484957 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4032704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The hallmark of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathophysiology was reported to be an inappropriate and uncontrolled immune response, evidenced by activated macrophages, and a robust surge of proinflammatory cytokines, followed by the release of reactive oxygen species, that synergistically result in acute respiratory distress syndrome, fibroproliferative lung response, and possibly even death. For these reasons, all identified risk factors and pathophysiological processes of COVID-19, which are feasible for the prevention and treatment, should be addressed in a timely manner. Accordingly, the evolving anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic therapy for severe COVID-19 and hindering post-COVID-19 fibrosis development should be comprehensively investigated. Experimental evidence indicates that renalase, a novel amino-oxidase, derived from the kidneys, exhibits remarkable organ protection, robustly addressing the most powerful pathways of cell trauma: inflammation and oxidative stress, necrosis, and apoptosis. As demonstrated, systemic renalase administration also significantly alleviates experimentally induced organ fibrosis and prevents adverse remodeling. The recognition that renalase exerts cytoprotection via sirtuins activation, by raising their NAD+ levels, provides a “proof of principle” for renalase being a biologically impressive molecule that favors cell protection and survival and maybe involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. This premise supports the rationale that renalase's timely supplementation may prove valuable for pathologic conditions, such as cytokine storm and related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, the aim for this review is to acknowledge the scientific rationale for renalase employment in the experimental model of COVID-19, targeting the acute phase mechanisms and halting fibrosis progression, based on its proposed molecular pathways. Novel therapies for COVID-19 seek to exploit renalase's multiple and distinctive cytoprotective mechanisms; therefore, this review should be acknowledged as the thorough groundwork for subsequent research of renalase's employment in the experimental models of COVID-19.
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14
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Ishola AA, Joshi T, Abdulai SI, Tijjani H, Pundir H, Chandra S. Molecular basis for the repurposing of histamine H2-receptor antagonist to treat COVID-19. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:5785-5802. [PMID: 33491579 PMCID: PMC7852284 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1873191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
With the world threatened by a second surge in the number of Coronavirus cases, there is an urgent need for the development of effective treatment for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Recently, global attention has turned to preliminary reports on the promising anti-COVID-19 effect of histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), most especially Famotidine. Therefore, this study was designed to exploit a possible molecular basis for the efficacy of H2RAs against coronavirus. Molecular docking was performed between four H2RAs, Cimetidine, Famotidine, Nizatidine, Ranitidine, and three non-structural proteins viz. NSP3, NSP7/8 complex, and NSP9. Thereafter, a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation was carried out with the most outstanding ligands to determine the stability. Thereafter, Famotidine and Cimetidine were subjected to gene target prediction analysis using HitPickV2 and eXpression2Kinases server to determine the possible network of genes associated with their anti-COVID activities. Results obtained from molecular docking showed the superiority of Famotidine and Cimetidine compared to other H2RAs with a higher binding affinity to all selected targets. Molecular dynamic simulation and MMPBSA results revealed that Famotidine as well as Cimetidine bind to non-structural proteins more efficiently with high stability over 100 ns. Results obtained suggest that Famotidine and Cimetidine could be a viable option to treat COVID-19 with a mechanism of action that involves the inhibition of viral replication through the inhibition of non-structural proteins. Therefore, Famotidineand Cimetidine qualify for further study as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A. Ishola
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Tanuja Joshi
- Computational Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Botany, Kumaun University, S.S.J Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Habibu Tijjani
- Department of Biochemistry, Natural Product Research Laboratory, Bauchi State University, Gadau, Nigeria
| | - Hemlata Pundir
- Computational Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Subhash Chandra
- Computational Biology & Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Botany, Kumaun University, S.S.J Campus, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
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15
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Yip AJW, Low ZY, Chow VTK, Lal SK. Repurposing Molnupiravir for COVID-19: The Mechanisms of Antiviral Activity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061345. [PMID: 35746815 PMCID: PMC9228778 DOI: 10.3390/v14061345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molnupiravir is a β-d-N4-hydroxycytidine-5'-isopropyl ester (NHC) compound that exerts antiviral activity against various RNA viruses such as influenza, SARS, and Ebola viruses. Thus, the repurposing of Molnupiravir has gained significant attention for combatting infection with SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19. Recently, Molnupiravir was granted authorization for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults. Findings from in vitro experiments, in vivo studies and clinical trials reveal that Molnupiravir is effective against SARS-CoV-2 by inducing viral RNA mutagenesis, thereby giving rise to mutated complementary RNA strands that generate non-functional viruses. To date, the data collectively suggest that Molnupiravir possesses promising antiviral activity as well as favorable prophylactic efficacy, attributed to its effective mutagenic property of disrupting viral replication. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of Molnupiravir and highlights its clinical utility by disabling SARS-CoV-2 replication, thereby ameliorating COVID-19 severity. Despite relatively few short-term adverse effects thus far, further detailed clinical studies and long-term pharmacovigilance are needed in view of its mutagenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (A.J.W.Y.); (Z.Y.L.)
| | - Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (A.J.W.Y.); (Z.Y.L.)
| | - Vincent T. K. Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore;
| | - Sunil K. Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia; (A.J.W.Y.); (Z.Y.L.)
- Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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16
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Yang Y, Yan M. Mechanisms of Cardiovascular System Injury Induced by COVID-19 in Elderly Patients With Cardiovascular History. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:859505. [PMID: 35600485 PMCID: PMC9116509 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.859505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), represents a great threat to healthcare and socioeconomics worldwide. In addition to respiratory manifestations, COVID-19 promotes cardiac injuries, particularly in elderly patients with cardiovascular history, leading to a higher risk of progression to critical conditions. The SARS-CoV-2 infection is initiated as virus binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is highly expressed in the heart, resulting in direct infection and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Meanwhile, immune response and hyper-inflammation, as well as endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis implicate in COVID-19 infection. Herein, we provide an overview of the proposed mechanisms of cardiovascular injuries in COVID-19, particularly in elderly patients with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases, aiming to set appropriate management and improve their clinical outcomes.
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17
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Evaluating the effects of sodium glucose co-transporter -2 inhibitors from a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system perspective in patients infected with COVID-19: contextualizing findings from the dapagliflozin in respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 study. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2321-2324. [PMID: 35102475 PMCID: PMC8803405 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07183-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies demonstrate parallels between CVD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and COVID-19 pathology, which accentuate pre-existing complications in patients infected with COVID-19 and potentially exacerbate the infection course. Antidiabetic drugs such as sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have garnered substantial attention recently due to their efficacy in reducing the severity of cardiorenal disease. The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with COVID-19 remains unclear particularly since SGLT-2 inhibitors contribute to altering the RAAS cascade activity, which includes ACE-2, the major cell entry receptor for SARS-CoV2. A study, DARE-19, was carried out to unveil the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment on comorbid disease complications and concomitant COVID-19 outcomes and demonstrated no statistical significance. However, the need for further studies is essential to provide conclusive clinical findings.
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18
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Khan M, Singh GK, Abrar S, Ganeshan R, Morgan K, Harky A. Pharmacotherapeutic agents for the management of COVID-19 patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:2455-2474. [PMID: 34464223 PMCID: PMC8425433 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1960311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the largest public health challenge of the twenty-first century. While COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, manifesting as interstitial pneumonitis and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it also has implications for the cardiovascular system. Moreover, those admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19 are more likely to have cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The underlying pathophysiology of why COVID-19 onset can further decline cardiac pathologies as well as trigger acute onset of new cardiac complications is not yet well understood. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors extensively review literature focused on the current understanding and approaches of managing patients who have underlying cardiovascular diseases and concomitant COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the authors explore the possible cardiovascular implications of the suggested COVID-19 therapeutic agents that are used to treat this lethal disease. EXPERT OPINION Current evidence is evolving around the many trialed pharmacotherapeutic considerations for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with cardiovascular disease. While we await such data, clinicians should advocate for careful consideration of all concomitant medications for those presenting with COVID-19 on a patient-by-patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khan
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Sakina Abrar
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Kara Morgan
- Department of Cardiology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest, Liverpool, UK
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19
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Banerjee S, Yadav S, Banerjee S, Fakayode SO, Parvathareddy J, Reichard W, Surendranathan S, Mahmud F, Whatcott R, Thammathong J, Meibohm B, Miller DD, Jonsson CB, Dubey KD. Drug Repurposing to Identify Nilotinib as a Potential SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitor: Insights from a Computational and In Vitro Study. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:5469-5483. [PMID: 34666487 PMCID: PMC8547516 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19, an acute viral pneumonia, has emerged as a devastating pandemic. Drug repurposing allows researchers to find different indications of FDA-approved or investigational drugs. In this current study, a sequence of pharmacophore and molecular modeling-based screening against COVID-19 Mpro (PDB: 6LU7) suggested a subset of drugs, from the Drug Bank database, which may have antiviral activity. A total of 44 out of 8823 of the most promising virtual hits from the Drug Bank were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation experiments to explore the strength of their interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro active site. MD findings point toward three drugs (DB04020, DB12411, and DB11779) with very low relative free energies for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with interactions at His41 and Met49. MD simulations identified an additional interaction with Glu166, which enhanced the binding affinity significantly. Therefore, Glu166 could be an interesting target for structure-based drug design. Quantitative structural-activity relationship analysis was performed on the 44 most promising hits from molecular docking-based virtual screening. Partial least square regression accurately predicted the values of independent drug candidates' binding energy with impressively high accuracy. Finally, the EC50 and CC50 of 10 drug candidates were measured against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. Nilotinib and bemcentinib had EC50 values of 2.6 and 1.1 μM, respectively. In summary, the results of our computer-aided drug design provide a roadmap for rational drug design of Mpro inhibitors and the discovery of certified medications as COVID-19 antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Banerjee
- Department of Physical Sciences,
University of Arkansas Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort
Smith, Arkansas 72904, United States
| | - Shalini Yadav
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar
University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201314,
India
| | - Sourav Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, School of Basic and Applied
Sciences, Adamas University, Kolkata 700126,
India
| | - Sayo O. Fakayode
- Department of Physical Sciences,
University of Arkansas Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort
Smith, Arkansas 72904, United States
| | - Jyothi Parvathareddy
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 901 Monroe
Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Walter Reichard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and
Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Surekha Surendranathan
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 901 Monroe
Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Foyez Mahmud
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice
University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United
States
| | - Ryan Whatcott
- Department of Physical Sciences,
University of Arkansas Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort
Smith, Arkansas 72904, United States
| | - Joshua Thammathong
- Department of Physical Sciences,
University of Arkansas Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Avenue, Fort
Smith, Arkansas 72904, United States
| | - Bernd Meibohm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Duane D. Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Colleen B. Jonsson
- Regional Biocontainment Laboratory,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 901 Monroe
Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and
Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of
Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center,
Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kshatresh Dutta Dubey
- Department of Chemistry, Shiv Nadar
University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201314,
India
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20
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Roudsari NM, Lashgari NA, Momtaz S, Roufogalis B, Abdolghaffari AH, Sahebkar A. Ginger: A complementary approach for management of cardiovascular diseases. Biofactors 2021; 47:933-951. [PMID: 34388275 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in progression of various types of CVD. Broad pharmacological properties of ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) and its bioactive components have been reported, suggesting that they can be a therapeutic choice for clinical use. Consistent with its rich phenolic content, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger have been confirmed in many studies. Ginger modifies many cellular processes and in particular was shown to have potent inhibitory effects against nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB); signal transducer and activator of transcription; NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing proteins; toll-like receptors; mitogen-activated protein kinase; and mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathways. Ginger also blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of the immune system. Ginger suppresses the activity of oxidative molecules such as reactive oxygen species, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, heme oxygenase, and GSH-Px. In this report, we summarize the biochemical pathologies underpinning a variety of CVDs and the effects of ginger and its bioactive components, including 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and 10-dehydrogingerdione. The properties of ginger and its phenolic components, mechanism of action, biological functions, side effects, and methods for enhanced cell delivery are also discussed. Together with preclinical and clinical studies, the positive biological effects of ginger and its bioactive components in CVD support the undertaking of further in vivo and especially clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Momeni Roudsari
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser-Aldin Lashgari
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
- Toxicology and Disease Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Interest Group, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran
| | - Basil Roufogalis
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
| | - Amir Hossein Abdolghaffari
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Tehran, Iran
- Toxicology and Disease Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastrointestinal Pharmacology Interest Group, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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21
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Afroz S, Fairuz S, Joty JA, Uddin MN, Rahman MA. Virtual screening of functional foods and dissecting their roles in modulating gene functions to support post COVID-19 complications. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13961. [PMID: 34676581 PMCID: PMC8646449 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
COVID‐19 has become the focal point since 2019 after the outbreak of coronavirus disease. Many drugs are being tested and used to treat coronavirus infections; different kinds of vaccines are also introduced as preventive measure. Alternative therapeutics are as well incorporated into the health guidelines of some countries. This research aimed to look into the underlying mechanisms of functional foods and how they may improve the long‐term post COVID‐19 cardiovascular, diabetic, and respiratory complications through their bioactive compounds. The potentiality of nine functional foods for post COVID‐19 complications was investigated through computational approaches. A total of 266 bioactive compounds of these foods were searched via extensive literature reviewing. Three highly associated targets namely troponin I interacting kinase (TNNI3K), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) were selected for cardiovascular, diabetes, and respiratory disorders, respectively, after COVID‐19 infections. Best docked compounds were further analyzed by network pharmacological tools to explore their interactions with complication‐related genes (MAPK1 and HSP90AA1 for cardiovascular, PPARG and TNF‐alpha for diabetes, and AKT‐1 for respiratory disorders). Seventy‐one suggested compounds out of one‐hundred and thirty‐nine (139) docked compounds in network pharmacology recommended 169 Gene Ontology (GO) items and 99 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes signaling pathways preferably AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, ACE2 receptor signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Among the chosen functional foods, black cumin, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, turmeric, bitter melon, and Indian pennywort were found to modulate the actions. Results demonstrate that aforesaid functional foods have attenuating roles to manage post COVID‐19 complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Afroz
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shadreen Fairuz
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jahanara Alam Joty
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nazim Uddin
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Atiar Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
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22
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Low ZY, Yip AJW, Lal SK. Repositioning Ivermectin for Covid-19 treatment: Molecular mechanisms of action against SARS-CoV-2 replication. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1868:166294. [PMID: 34687900 PMCID: PMC8526435 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ivermectin (IVM) is an FDA approved macrocyclic lactone compound traditionally used to treat parasitic infestations and has shown to have antiviral potential from previous in-vitro studies. Currently, IVM is commercially available as a veterinary drug but have also been applied in humans to treat onchocerciasis (river blindness - a parasitic worm infection) and strongyloidiasis (a roundworm/nematode infection). In light of the recent pandemic, the repurposing of IVM to combat SARS-CoV-2 has acquired significant attention. Recently, IVM has been proven effective in numerous in-silico and molecular biology experiments against the infection in mammalian cells and human cohort studies. One promising study had reported a marked reduction of 93% of released virion and 99.98% unreleased virion levels upon administration of IVM to Vero-hSLAM cells. IVM's mode of action centres around the inhibition of the cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling of viral proteins by disrupting the Importin heterodimer complex (IMPα/β1) and downregulating STAT3, thereby effectively reducing the cytokine storm. Furthermore, the ability of IVM to block the active sites of viral 3CLpro and S protein, disrupts important machinery such as viral replication and attachment. This review compiles all the molecular evidence to date, in review of the antiviral characteristics exhibited by IVM. Thereafter, we discuss IVM's mechanism and highlight the clinical advantages that could potentially contribute towards disabling the viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. In summary, the collective review of recent efforts suggests that IVM has a prophylactic effect and would be a strong candidate for clinical trials to treat SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia
| | - Sunil K Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia; Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia.
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23
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İnanç İ, Erdemli E. Histopathological features of SARS-CoV-2 infection and relationships with organoid technology. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211044382. [PMID: 34521239 PMCID: PMC8447099 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211044382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following infection by severe acute
respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic
that is still having serious effects worldwide. This virus, which targets the
lungs in particular, can also damage other tissues. Angiotensin converting
enzyme 2 (ACE-2) plays a key role in viral entry into host cells. The presence
of ACE-2 in various tissues may permit viral infection. Studies of COVID-19
often make use of postmortem tissues. Although this information provides various
useful results, it is also necessary to conduct in vitro
studies to understand optimal treatment approaches. Because the virus may show
species-specific differences, in vitro technologies using human
cells are particularly important. Organoid technologies, three-dimensional
structures that can be obtained from human cells, are playing increasingly
important roles in studies of SARS-CoV-2. This technology offers a significant
advantage in terms of mimicking in vivo tissue structures and
testing antiviral compounds. In this mini-review, we summarize studies of
SARS-CoV-2 using both histopathological and organoid technology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- İrem İnanç
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdemli
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey
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24
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Almutairy BK, Alshetaili A, Anwer MK, Ali N. In silico identification of MicroRNAs targeting the key nucleator of stress granules, G3BP: Promising therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:7499-7504. [PMID: 34456603 PMCID: PMC8381622 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress granules (SGs) are non-membrane ribonucleoprotein condensates formed in response to environmental stress conditions via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). SGs are involved in the pathogenesis of aging and aging-associated diseases, cancers, viral infection, and several other diseases. GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding protein 1 and 2 (G3BP1/2) is a key component and commonly used marker of SGs. Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein via sequestration of G3BPs inhibits SGs formation in the host cells. In this study, we have identified putative miRNAs targeting G3BP in search of modulators of the G3BP expression. These miRNAs could be considered as new therapeutic targets against COVID-19 infection via the regulation of SG assembly and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjad K Almutairy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alshetaili
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Park A, Harris LK. Gene Expression Meta-Analysis Reveals Interferon-Induced Genes Associated With SARS Infection in Lungs. Front Immunol 2021; 12:694355. [PMID: 34367154 PMCID: PMC8342995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) corona virus (CoV) infections are a serious public health threat because of their pandemic-causing potential. This work is the first to analyze mRNA expression data from SARS infections through meta-analysis of gene signatures, possibly identifying therapeutic targets associated with major SARS infections. Methods This work defines 37 gene signatures representing SARS-CoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, and SARS-CoV2 infections in human lung cultures and/or mouse lung cultures or samples and compares them through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). To do this, positive and negative infectious clone SARS (icSARS) gene panels are defined from GSEA-identified leading-edge genes between two icSARS-CoV derived signatures, both from human cultures. GSEA then is used to assess enrichment and identify leading-edge icSARS panel genes between icSARS gene panels and 27 other SARS-CoV gene signatures. The meta-analysis is expanded to include five MERS-CoV and three SARS-CoV2 gene signatures. Genes associated with SARS infection are predicted by examining the intersecting membership of GSEA-identified leading-edges across gene signatures. Results Significant enrichment (GSEA p<0.001) is observed between two icSARS-CoV derived signatures, and those leading-edge genes defined the positive (233 genes) and negative (114 genes) icSARS panels. Non-random significant enrichment (null distribution p<0.001) is observed between icSARS panels and all verification icSARSvsmock signatures derived from human cultures, from which 51 over- and 22 under-expressed genes are shared across leading-edges with 10 over-expressed genes already associated with icSARS infection. For the icSARSvsmock mouse signature, significant, non-random significant enrichment held for only the positive icSARS panel, from which nine genes are shared with icSARS infection in human cultures. Considering other SARS strains, significant, non-random enrichment (p<0.05) is observed across signatures derived from other SARS strains for the positive icSARS panel. Five positive icSARS panel genes, CXCL10, OAS3, OASL, IFIT3, and XAF1, are found across mice and human signatures regardless of SARS strains. Conclusion The GSEA-based meta-analysis approach used here identifies genes with and without reported associations with SARS-CoV infections, highlighting this approach’s predictability and usefulness in identifying genes that have potential as therapeutic targets to preclude or overcome SARS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Park
- Harris Interdisciplinary Research, Davenport University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Laura K Harris
- Harris Interdisciplinary Research, Davenport University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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26
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Rahaman M, Komanapalli J, Mukherjee M, Byram PK, Sahoo S, Chakravorty N. Decrypting the role of predicted SARS-CoV-2 miRNAs in COVID-19 pathogenesis: A bioinformatics approach. Comput Biol Med 2021; 136:104669. [PMID: 34320442 PMCID: PMC8294073 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a highly transmissible virus causing the ongoing global pandemic, COVID-19. Evidence suggests that viral and host microRNAs play pivotal roles in progression of such infections. The decisive impact of viral miRNAs and their putative targets in modulating the transcriptomic profile of its host, however remains unexplored. We hypothesized that the SARS-CoV-2 derived miRNAs can potentially play a contributory role in its pathogenicity and aid in its survival. A series of computational tools predicted 34 SARS-CoV-2 encoded miRNAs and their putative targets in the host. Immune and apoptotic pathways were identified as most enriched pathways. Further investigation using a dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells (available from public repository- GSE150392) revealed that 46 genes related to immune and apoptosis-related functions were deregulated. Of these 46 genes, 42 genes were identified to be significantly up-regulated and 4 genes were down-regulated. In silico analysis revealed all of the these significantly down-regulated genes to be putative targets of 9 out of 34 of our predicted viral miRNAs. Overall, 123 out of 324 genes that are differentially regulated in SARS-CoV2 infected cells, and also identified as putative targets of viral miRNAs, were found to be significantly down-regulated. KEGG pathway analysis using these genes revealed p53 signaling as the most enriched pathway – a pathway that is known to influence immune responses. This study thus provides the theoretical foundation for the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in progression of viral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motiur Rahaman
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Jaikrishna Komanapalli
- Department of Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Mandrita Mukherjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Byram
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Sunanda Sahoo
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Nishant Chakravorty
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
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27
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Multifunctional inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 by MM/PBSA, essential dynamics, and molecular dynamic investigations. J Mol Graph Model 2021; 107:107969. [PMID: 34237666 PMCID: PMC8220440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2021.107969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic demands a novel approach to combat and identify potential therapeutic targets. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a hyperimmune response followed by a spectrum of diseases. Limonoids are a class of triterpenoids known to prevent the release of IL-6, IL-15, IL-1α, IL-1β via TNF and are also known to modulate PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β, JNK1/2, MAPKp38, ERK1/2, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways and could help to avoid viral infection, persistence, and pathogenesis. The present study employs a computational approach of virtual screening and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of such compounds against RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Main protease (Mpro), and Papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. MD simulation, Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA), and Essential dynamics revealed that the macromolecule-ligand complexes are stable with very low free energy of binding. Such compounds that could modulate both host responses and inhibit viral machinery could be beneficial in effectively controlling the global pandemic.
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28
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Pires de Souza GA, Osman IO, Le Bideau M, Baudoin JP, Jaafar R, Devaux C, La Scola B. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs Antihypertensive Agents) Increase Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in Vero E6 Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:639177. [PMID: 34178717 PMCID: PMC8231006 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.639177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Several comorbidities, including hypertension, have been associated with an increased risk of developing severe disease during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are currently some of the most widely-used drugs to control blood pressure by acting on the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). ARBs have been reported to trigger the modulation of the angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor used by the virus to penetrate susceptible cells, raising concern that such treatments may promote virus capture and increase their viral load in patients receiving ARBs therapy. In this in vitro study, we reviewed the effect of ARBs on ACE2 and AT1R expression and investigated whether treatment of permissive ACE2+/AT1R+ Vero E6 cells with ARBs alters SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro in an angiotensin II-free system. After treating the cells with the ARBs, we observed an approximate 50% relative increase in SARS-CoV-2 production in infected Vero E6 cells that correlates with the ARBs-induced up-regulation of ACE2 expression. From this data, we believe that the use of ARBs in hypertensive patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 should be carefully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Augusto Pires de Souza
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Ikram Omar Osman
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Le Bideau
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Baudoin
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Rita Jaafar
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Marseille, France
| | - Bernard La Scola
- Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), MEPHI, Marseille, France.,Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection (MEPHI), IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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29
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Anwar F, Naqvi S, Al-Abbasi FA, Neelofar N, Kumar V, Sahoo A, Kamal MA. Targeting COVID-19 in Parkinson's Patients: Drugs Repurposed. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2392-2408. [PMID: 32881656 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200903115138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The last couple of months have witnessed the world in a state of virtual standstill. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has overtaken the globe to economic and social lockdown. Many patients with COVID-19 have compromised immunity, especially in an aged population suffering from Parkinson 's disease (PD). Alteration in dopaminergic neurons and deficiency of dopamine in PD patients are the most common symptoms affecting 1% population above the age of 60 years. The compromised immune system and inflammatory manifestation in PD patients make them an easy target. The most common drugs under trial for COVID-19 are remdesivir, favipiravir, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin along with adjunct drugs like amantadine with some monoclonal antibodies. Presently, clinically US FDA approved drugs in PD include Levodopa, catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors, (Entacapone and Tolcapone), dopamine agonists (Bromocriptine, Ropinirole, Pramipexole, and Rotigotine), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors (Selegiline and Rasagiline), amantadine and antimuscarinic drugs. The drugs have established mechanisms of action on PD patients with known pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic properties along with dose and adverse effects. Conclusion and relevance of this review focus on the drugs that can be tried on PD patients with SAR CoV-2 infection, in particular, amantadine that has been approved by all the developed countries as a common drug possessing both antiviral properties by downregulation of CTSL, lysosomal pathway disturbance and change in pH necessary to uncoat the viral proteins and anti- Parkinson properties. To deal with the significant prognostic adverse effect of SARS-CoV-2 on PD, the present-day treatment options, clinical presentation and various mechanisms are the need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firoz Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salma Naqvi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fahad A Al-Abbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nauroz Neelofar
- Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vikas Kumar
- Natural Product Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, India
| | - Ankit Sahoo
- Natural Product Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shalom Institute of Health and Allied Sciences, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj, India
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Samaha AA, Mouawia H, Fawaz M, Hassan H, Salami A, Bazzal AA, Saab HB, Al-Wakeel M, Alsaabi A, Chouman M, Moussawi MA, Ayoub H, Raad A, Hajjeh O, Eid AH, Raad H. Effects of a Single Dose of Ivermectin on Viral and Clinical Outcomes in Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infected Subjects: A Pilot Clinical Trial in Lebanon. Viruses 2021; 13:989. [PMID: 34073401 PMCID: PMC8226630 DOI: 10.3390/v13060989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine the efficacy of ivermectin, an FDA-approved drug, in producing clinical benefits and decreasing the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic subjects that tested positive for this virus in Lebanon. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 100 asymptomatic Lebanese subjects that have tested positive for SARS-CoV2. Fifty patients received standard preventive treatment, mainly supplements, and the experimental group received a single dose (according to body weight) of ivermectin, in addition to the same supplements the control group received. RESULTS There was no significant difference (p = 0.06) between Ct-values of the two groups before the regimen was started (day zero), indicating that subjects in both groups had similar viral loads. At 72 h after the regimen started, the increase in Ct-values was dramatically higher in the ivermectin than in the control group. In the ivermectin group, Ct increased from 15.13 ± 2.07 (day zero) to 30.14 ± 6.22 (day three; mean ± SD), compared to the control group, where the Ct values increased only from 14.20 ± 2.48 (day zero) to 18.96 ± 3.26 (day three; mean ± SD). Moreover, more subjects in the control group developed clinical symptoms. Three individuals (6%) required hospitalization, compared to the ivermectin group (0%). CONCLUSION Ivermectin appears to be efficacious in providing clinical benefits in a randomized treatment of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, effectively resulting in fewer symptoms, lower viral load and reduced hospital admissions. However, larger-scale trials are warranted for this conclusion to be further cemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A. Samaha
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Mazraa 1105, Lebanon;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Mazraa 1105, Lebanon
- Department of Cardiology, Rayak University Hospital, Bekaa 1801, Lebanon;
| | - Hussein Mouawia
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Mirna Fawaz
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Mazraa 1105, Lebanon;
| | - Hamad Hassan
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
- Ministry of Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Salami
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Nabatieh 1700, Lebanon;
| | - Ali Al Bazzal
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Hamid Bou Saab
- Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Zahle 1801, Lebanon;
| | | | - Ahmad Alsaabi
- Department of Biology, Lille University, 59160 Lille, France;
| | - Mohamad Chouman
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Mahmoud Al Moussawi
- Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Islamic University of Lebanon, Baalbek 1800, Lebanon;
| | - Hassan Ayoub
- Department of Cardiology, Rayak University Hospital, Bekaa 1801, Lebanon;
| | - Ali Raad
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Ola Hajjeh
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Houssam Raad
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; (A.A.S.); (H.M.); (H.H.); (A.A.B.); (M.C.); (A.R.); (O.H.)
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Wehbe Z, Hammoud SH, Yassine HM, Fardoun M, El-Yazbi AF, Eid AH. Molecular and Biological Mechanisms Underlying Gender Differences in COVID-19 Severity and Mortality. Front Immunol 2021; 12:659339. [PMID: 34025658 PMCID: PMC8138433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.659339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, over two million people have perished due to the recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. The available epidemiological global data for SARS-CoV-2 portrays a higher rate of severity and mortality in males. Analyzing gender differences in the host mechanisms involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection and progression may offer insight into the more detrimental disease prognosis and clinical outcome in males. Therefore, we outline sexual dimorphisms which exist in particular host factors and elaborate on how they may contribute to the pronounced severity in male COVID-19 patients. This includes disparities detected in comorbidities, the ACE2 receptor, renin-angiotensin system (RAS), signaling molecules involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication, proteases which prime viral S protein, the immune response, and behavioral considerations. Moreover, we discuss sexual disparities associated with other viruses and a possible gender-dependent response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. By specifically highlighting these immune-endocrine processes as well as behavioral factors that differentially exist between the genders, we aim to offer a better understanding in the variations of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zena Wehbe
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Safaa Hisham Hammoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Manal Fardoun
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ahmed F. El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Asiedu SO, Kwofie SK, Broni E, Wilson MD. Computational Identification of Potential Anti-Inflammatory Natural Compounds Targeting the p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK): Implications for COVID-19-Induced Cytokine Storm. Biomolecules 2021; 11:653. [PMID: 33946644 PMCID: PMC8146027 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severely ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients show elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a situation commonly known as a cytokine storm. The p38 MAPK receptor is considered a plausible therapeutic target because of its involvement in the platelet activation processes leading to inflammation. This study aimed to identify potential natural product-derived inhibitory molecules against the p38α MAPK receptor to mitigate the eliciting of pro-inflammatory cytokines using computational techniques. The 3D X-ray structure of the receptor with PDB ID 3ZS5 was energy minimized using GROMACS and used for molecular docking via AutoDock Vina. The molecular docking was validated with an acceptable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.704, which was computed from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A compendium of 38,271 natural products originating from Africa and China together with eleven known p38 MAPK inhibitors were screened against the receptor. Four potential lead compounds ZINC1691180, ZINC5519433, ZINC4520996 and ZINC5733756 were identified. The compounds formed strong intermolecular bonds with critical residues Val38, Ala51, Lys53, Thr106, Leu108, Met109 and Phe169. Additionally, they exhibited appreciably low binding energies which were corroborated via molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) calculations. The compounds were also predicted to have plausible pharmacological profiles with insignificant toxicity. The molecules were also predicted to be anti-inflammatory, kinase inhibitors, antiviral, platelet aggregation inhibitors, and immunosuppressive, with probable activity (Pa) greater than probable inactivity (Pi). ZINC5733756 is structurally similar to estradiol with a Tanimoto coefficient value of 0.73, which exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by targeting the activation of Nrf2. Similarly, ZINC1691180 has been reported to elicit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. The compounds may serve as scaffolds for the design of potential biotherapeutic molecules against the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth O. Asiedu
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 581, Ghana; (S.O.A); (M.D.W)
| | - Samuel K. Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 77, Ghana;
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG 54, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Broni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 77, Ghana;
| | - Michael D. Wilson
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 581, Ghana; (S.O.A); (M.D.W)
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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COVID-19: imbalance of multiple systems during infection and importance of therapeutic choice and dosing of cardiac and anti-coagulant therapies. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:2917-2928. [PMID: 33837899 PMCID: PMC8035598 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its metabolites play an important role in homeostasis of body, especially the cardiovascular system. In this study, we discuss the imbalance of multiple systems during the infection and the importance of therapeutic choice, dosing, and laboratory monitoring of cardiac and anti-coagulant therapies in COVID-19 patients. The crosstalk between angiotensin, kinin-kallikrein system, as well as inflammatory and coagulation systems plays an essential role in COVID-19. Cardiac complications and coagulopathies imply the crosstalks between the mentioned systems. We believe that the blockage of bradykinin can be a good option in the management of COVID-19 and CVD in patients and that supportive treatment of respiratory and cardiologic complications is needed in COVID-19 patients. Ninety-one percent of COVID-19 patients who were admitted to hospital with a prolonged aPTT were positive for lupus anticoagulant, which increases the risk of thrombosis and prolonged aPTT. Therefore, the question that is posed at this juncture is whether it is safe to use the prophylactic dose of heparin particularly in those with elevated D-dimer levels. It should be noted that timing is of high importance in anti-coagulant therapy; therefore, we should consider the level of D-dimer, fibrinogen, drug-drug interactions, and risk factors during thromboprophylaxis administration. Fibrinogen is an independent predictor of resistance to heparin and should be considered before thromboprophylaxis. Alteplase and Futhan might be a good choice to assess the condition of heparin resistance. Finally, the treatment option, dosing, and laboratory monitoring of anticoagulant therapy are critical decisions in COVID-19 patients.
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Peter AE, Sandeep BV, Rao BG, Kalpana VL. Nanotechnology to the Rescue: Treatment Perspective for the Immune Dysregulation Observed in COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2021.644023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the use of nanotechnology for drug delivery has been extensive. Nanomedical approaches for therapeutics; drug delivery in particular is superior to conventional methods in that it allows for controlled targeted delivery and release, higher stability, extended circulation time, minimal side-effects, and improved pharmacokinetic clearance (of the drug) form the body, to name a few. The magnitude of COVID-19, the current ongoing pandemic has been severe; it has caused widespread the loss of human life. In individuals with severe COVID-19, immune dysregulation and a rampant state of hyperinflammation is observed. This kind of an immunopathological response is detrimental and results in rapid disease progression, development of secondary infections, sepsis and can be fatal. Several studies have pin-pointed the reason for this immune dysregulation; deviations in the signaling pathways involved in the mediation and control of immune responses. In severe COVID-19 patients, many signaling cascades including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, TGF beta, VEGF, and Notch signaling were found to be either upregulated or inactivated. Targeting these aberrant signaling pathways in conjunction with antiviral therapy will effectuate mitigation of the hyperinflammation, hypercytokinemia, and promote faster recovery. The science of the use of nanocarriers as delivery agents to modulate these signaling pathways is not new; it has already been explored for other inflammatory diseases and in particular, cancer therapy. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy and potential of nanomedical approaches to modulate these signaling pathways and have been met with positive results. A treatment regime, that includes nanotherapeutics and antiviral therapies will prove effective and holds great promise for the successful treatment of COVID-19. In this article, we review different nanomedical approaches already studied for targeting aberrant signaling pathways, the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2, immunopathology and the dysregulated signaling pathways observed in severe COVID-19 and the current treatment methods in use for targeting signaling cascades in COVID-19. We then conclude by suggesting that the use of nanomedical drug delivery systems for targeting signaling pathways can be extended to effectively target the aberrant signaling pathways in COVID-19 for best treatment results.
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Issa H, Eid AH, Berry B, Takhviji V, Khosravi A, Mantash S, Nehme R, Hallal R, Karaki H, Dhayni K, Faour WH, Kobeissy F, Nehme A, Zibara K. Combination of Angiotensin (1-7) Agonists and Convalescent Plasma as a New Strategy to Overcome Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Inhibition for the Treatment of COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:620990. [PMID: 33816521 PMCID: PMC8012486 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.620990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently the most concerning health problem worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 infects cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). It is believed that the differential response to SARS-CoV-2 is correlated with the differential expression of ACE2. Several reports proposed the use of ACE2 pharmacological inhibitors and ACE2 antibodies to block viral entry. However, ACE2 inhibition is associated with lung and cardiovascular pathology and would probably increase the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Therefore, utilizing ACE2 soluble analogs to block viral entry while rescuing ACE2 activity has been proposed. Despite their protective effects, such analogs can form a circulating reservoir of the virus, thus accelerating its spread in the body. Levels of ACE2 are reduced following viral infection, possibly due to increased viral entry and lysis of ACE2 positive cells. Downregulation of ACE2/Ang (1-7) axis is associated with Ang II upregulation. Of note, while Ang (1-7) exerts protective effects on the lung and cardiovasculature, Ang II elicits pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic detrimental effects by binding to the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R). Indeed, AT1R blockers (ARBs) can alleviate the harmful effects associated with Ang II upregulation while increasing ACE2 expression and thus the risk of viral infection. Therefore, Ang (1-7) agonists seem to be a better treatment option. Another approach is the transfusion of convalescent plasma from recovered patients with deteriorated symptoms. Indeed, this appears to be promising due to the neutralizing capacity of anti-COVID-19 antibodies. In light of these considerations, we encourage the adoption of Ang (1-7) agonists and convalescent plasma conjugated therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. This therapeutic regimen is expected to be a safer choice since it possesses the proven ability to neutralize the virus while ensuring lung and cardiovascular protection through modulation of the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawraa Issa
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Public Health, Phoenicia University, Zahrani, Lebanon
| | - Ali H. Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bassam Berry
- Institut Pasteur, Paris 6 University, Paris, France
| | - Vahideh Takhviji
- Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Khosravi
- Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sarah Mantash
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawan Nehme
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rawan Hallal
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Karaki
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Kawthar Dhayni
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- EA7517, MP3CV, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Wissam H. Faour
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Nehme
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kazem Zibara
- PRASE and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences - I, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Abdullah SM, Cruz-Martins N, Batiha GES. Case Report: Hyperbilirubinemia in Gilbert Syndrome Attenuates Covid-19-Induced Metabolic Disturbances. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:642181. [PMID: 33681310 PMCID: PMC7925614 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.642181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gilbert syndrome (GS) is a liver disorder characterized by non-hemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. On the other hand, Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a recent viral infectious disease presented as clusters of pneumonia, triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Little is known on the association between SARS-CoV-2 and GS, despite different studies have recently stated a link between hyperbilirubinemia and SARS-CoV-2 severity. In this case-report study we described a 47-year-old man, a known case of GS since the age of 4, presented to the emergency department with fever (39.8°C), dry cough, dyspnea, headache, myalgia, sweating and jaundice diagnosed with Covid-19-induced pneumonia. Interestingly, GS patient exhibited a rapid clinical recovery and short hospital stay compared to other SARS-CoV-2 positive patient, seeming that hyperbilirubinemia may exert a protective effect of against Covid-19 induced-cardiometabolic disturbances. Data obtained here underlines that the higher resistance against Covid-19 evidenced by the GS patient seems to be due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects of unconjugated bilirubin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Saleh M Abdullah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Metabolism, Nutrition and Endocrinology, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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37
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Iqubal A, Hoda F, Najmi AK, Haque SE. Macrophage Activation and Cytokine Release Syndrome in COVID-19: Current Updates and Analysis of Repurposed and Investigational Anti-Cytokine Drugs. Drug Res (Stuttg) 2021; 71:173-179. [PMID: 33434935 DOI: 10.1055/a-1291-7692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged from Wuhan, has now become pandemic and the mortality rate is growing exponentially. Clinical complication and fatality rate is much higher for patients having co-morbid issues. Compromised immune response and hyper inflammation is hall mark of pathogenesis and major cause of mortality. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or cytokine storm is a term used to affiliate the situation of hyper inflammation and therefore use of anti-cytokine and anti-inflammatory drugs is used to take care of this situation. Looking into the clinical benefit of these anti-inflammatory drugs, many of them enter into clinical trials. However, understanding the immunopathology of COVID-19 is important otherwise, indiscriminate use of these drugs could be fetal as there exists a very fine line of difference between viral clearing cytokines and inflammatory cytokines. If any drug suppresses the viral clearing cytokines, it will worsen the situation and hence, the use of these drugs must be based on the clinical condition, viral load, co-existing disease condition and severity of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
| | - Farazul Hoda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
| | - Abul Kalam Najmi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
| | - Syed Ehtaishamul Haque
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi
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38
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COVID-19 and thrombosis: From bench to bedside. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2020; 31:143-160. [PMID: 33338635 PMCID: PMC7836332 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is the respiratory viral infection caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). Despite being a respiratory illness, COVID-19 is found to increase the risk of venous and arterial thromboembolic events. Indeed, the link between COVID-19 and thrombosis is attracting attention from the broad scientific community. In this review we will analyze the current available knowledge of the association between COVID-19 and thrombosis. We will highlight mechanisms at both molecular and cellular levels that may explain this association. In addition, the article will review the antithrombotic properties of agents currently utilized or being studied in COVID-19 management. Finally, we will discuss current professional association guidance on prevention and treatment of thromboembolism associated with COVID-19.
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39
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Younis NK, Zareef RO, Al Hassan SN, Bitar F, Eid AH, Arabi M. Hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 Patients: Pros and Cons. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:597985. [PMID: 33364965 PMCID: PMC7751757 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.597985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has recently overwhelmed medical centers and paralyzed economies. The unparalleled public distress caused by this pandemic mandated an urgent quest for an effective approach to manage or treat this disease. Due to their well-established anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory properties, quinine derivatives have been sought as potential therapies for COVID-19. Indeed, these molecules were originally employed in the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria, and later in the management of various autoimmune rheumatic and dermatologic diseases. Initially, some promising results for the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in treating COVID-19 patients were reported by a few in vitro and in vivo studies. However, current evidence is not yet sufficiently solid to warrant its use as a therapy for this disease. Additionally, the therapeutic effects of HCQ are not without many side effects, which range from mild gastrointestinal effects to life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological effects. In this review, we explore the controversy associated with the repurposing of HCQ to manage or treat COVID-19, and we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of HCQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour K Younis
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rana O Zareef
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sally N Al Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadi Bitar
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Pediatric Department, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Arabi
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Pediatric Department, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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40
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Nunn AVW, Guy GW, Brysch W, Botchway SW, Frasch W, Calabrese EJ, Bell JD. SARS-CoV-2 and mitochondrial health: implications of lifestyle and ageing. Immun Ageing 2020; 17:33. [PMID: 33292333 PMCID: PMC7649575 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-00204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Infection with SARs-COV-2 displays increasing fatality with age and underlying co-morbidity, in particular, with markers of the metabolic syndrome and diabetes, which seems to be associated with a "cytokine storm" and an altered immune response. This suggests that a key contributory factor could be immunosenescence that is both age-related and lifestyle-induced. As the immune system itself is heavily reliant on mitochondrial function, then maintaining a healthy mitochondrial system may play a key role in resisting the virus, both directly, and indirectly by ensuring a good vaccine response. Furthermore, as viruses in general, and quite possibly this new virus, have also evolved to modulate immunometabolism and thus mitochondrial function to ensure their replication, this could further stress cellular bioenergetics. Unlike most sedentary modern humans, one of the natural hosts for the virus, the bat, has to "exercise" regularly to find food, which continually provides a powerful adaptive stimulus to maintain functional muscle and mitochondria. In effect the bat is exposed to regular hormetic stimuli, which could provide clues on how to resist this virus. In this paper we review the data that might support the idea that mitochondrial health, induced by a healthy lifestyle, could be a key factor in resisting the virus, and for those people who are perhaps not in optimal health, treatments that could support mitochondrial function might be pivotal to their long-term recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair V W Nunn
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Optimal Health, University of Westminster, London, W1W 6UW, UK.
| | | | | | - Stanley W Botchway
- UKRI, STFC, Central Laser Facility, & Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX110QX, UK
| | - Wayne Frasch
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Edward J Calabrese
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jimmy D Bell
- Department of Life Sciences, Research Centre for Optimal Health, University of Westminster, London, W1W 6UW, UK
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41
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Hammoud SH, Wehbe Z, Abdelhady S, Kobeissy F, Eid AH, El-Yazbi AF. Dysregulation of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Expression and Function in Comorbid Disease Conditions Possibly Contributes to Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 Complication Severity. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 99:17-28. [PMID: 33082267 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ACE2 has emerged as a double agent in the COVID-19 ordeal, as it is both physiologically protective and virally conducive. The identification of ACE2 in as many as 72 tissues suggests that extrapulmonary invasion and damage is likely, which indeed has already been demonstrated by cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. On the other hand, identifying ACE2 dysregulation in patients with comorbidities may offer insight as to why COVID-19 symptoms are often more severe in these individuals. This may be attributed to a pre-existing proinflammatory state that is further propelled with the cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection or the loss of functional ACE2 expression as a result of viral internalization. Here, we aim to characterize the distribution and role of ACE2 in various organs to highlight the scope of damage that may arise upon SARS-CoV-2 invasion. Furthermore, by examining the disruption of ACE2 in several comorbid diseases, we offer insight into potential causes of increased severity of COVID-19 symptoms in certain individuals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cell surface expression of ACE2 determines the tissue susceptibility for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 infection. Comorbid disease conditions altering ACE2 expression could increase the patient's vulnerability for the disease and its complications, either directly, through modulation of viral infection, or indirectly, through alteration of inflammatory status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa H Hammoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon (S.H.); Departments of Biology (Z.W.), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (F.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.H.E., A.F.E.-Y.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (A.F.E.-Y.) and Faculty of Medicine (S.A.), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Zena Wehbe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon (S.H.); Departments of Biology (Z.W.), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (F.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.H.E., A.F.E.-Y.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (A.F.E.-Y.) and Faculty of Medicine (S.A.), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Samar Abdelhady
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon (S.H.); Departments of Biology (Z.W.), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (F.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.H.E., A.F.E.-Y.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (A.F.E.-Y.) and Faculty of Medicine (S.A.), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon (S.H.); Departments of Biology (Z.W.), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (F.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.H.E., A.F.E.-Y.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (A.F.E.-Y.) and Faculty of Medicine (S.A.), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon (S.H.); Departments of Biology (Z.W.), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (F.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.H.E., A.F.E.-Y.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (A.F.E.-Y.) and Faculty of Medicine (S.A.), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
| | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon (S.H.); Departments of Biology (Z.W.), Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (F.K.), and Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.H.E., A.F.E.-Y.), American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (A.F.E.-Y.) and Faculty of Medicine (S.A.), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar (A.H.E.)
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