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Zhang Y, Guo J, Liu Y, Qu Y, Li YQ, Mu Y, Li W. An allosteric mechanism for potent inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main proteinase. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130644. [PMID: 38462102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130644] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The main proteinase (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a critical role in cleaving viral polyproteins into functional proteins required for viral replication and assembly, making it a prime drug target for COVID-19. It is well known that noncompetitive inhibition offers potential therapeutic options for treating COVID-19, which can effectively reduce the likelihood of cross-reactivity with other proteins and increase the selectivity of the drug. Therefore, the discovery of allosteric sites of Mpro has both scientific and practical significance. In this study, we explored the binding characteristics and inhibiting process of Mpro activity by two recently reported allosteric inhibitors, pelitinib and AT7519 which were obtained by the X-ray screening experiments, to probe the allosteric mechanism via molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. We found that pelitinib and AT7519 can stably bind to Mpro far from the active site. The binding affinity is estimated to be -24.37 ± 4.14 and - 26.96 ± 4.05 kcal/mol for pelitinib and AT7519, respectively, which is considerably stable compared with orthosteric drugs. Furthermore, the strong binding caused clear changes in the catalytic site of Mpro, thus decreasing the substrate accessibility. The community network analysis also validated that pelitinib and AT7519 strengthened intra- and inter-domain communication of Mpro dimer, resulting in a rigid Mpro, which could negatively impact substrate binding. In summary, our findings provide the detailed working mechanism for the two experimentally observed allosteric sites of Mpro. These allosteric sites greatly enhance the 'druggability' of Mpro and represent attractive targets for the development of new Mpro inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunju Zhang
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Centre in Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, 999078, Macao
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China
| | | | - Yuguang Mu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Weifeng Li
- School of Physics, Shandong University, China.
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2
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Faraji F, Farhadi T, Hesami O, Iranpanah A, Webber K, Bishayee A. Current advances in nanoformulations of therapeutic agents targeting tumor microenvironment to overcome drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:959-1020. [PMID: 37505336 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10119-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in cancer development and progression. In this line, revealing the precise mechanisms of the TME and associated signaling pathways of tumor resistance could pave the road for cancer prevention and efficient treatment. The use of nanomedicine could be a step forward in overcoming the barriers in tumor-targeted therapy. Novel delivery systems benefit from enhanced permeability and retention effect, decreasing tumor resistance, reducing tumor hypoxia, and targeting tumor-associated factors, including immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Emerging evidence also indicates the engagement of multiple dysregulated mediators in the TME, such as matrix metalloproteinase, vascular endothelial growth factor, cytokines/chemokines, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, and related inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Hence, investigating novel multitargeted agents using a novel delivery system could be a promising strategy for regulating TME and drug resistance. In recent years, small molecules from natural sources have shown favorable anticancer responses by targeting TME components. Nanoformulations of natural compounds are promising therapeutic agents in simultaneously targeting multiple dysregulated factors and mediators of TME, reducing tumor resistance mechanisms, overcoming interstitial fluid pressure and pericyte coverage, and involvement of basement membrane. The novel nanoformulations employ a vascular normalization strategy, stromal/matrix normalization, and stress alleviation mechanisms to exert higher efficacy and lower side effects. Accordingly, the nanoformulations of anticancer monoclonal antibodies and conventional chemotherapeutic agents also improved their efficacy and lessened the pharmacokinetic limitations. Additionally, the coadministration of nanoformulations of natural compounds along with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, monoclonal antibodies, and nanomedicine-based radiotherapy exhibits encouraging results. This critical review evaluates the current body of knowledge in targeting TME components by nanoformulation-based delivery systems of natural small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and combination therapies in both preclinical and clinical settings. Current challenges, pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Tara Farhadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6714415153, Iran
| | - Osman Hesami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Amin Iranpanah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Kassidy Webber
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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3
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Quercetin Derivatives in Combating Spinal Cord Injury: A Mechanistic and Systematic Review. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12121960. [PMID: 36556325 PMCID: PMC9783198 DOI: 10.3390/life12121960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) possesses a complicated etiology. There is no FDA-approved treatment for SCI, and the majority of current interventions focus on reducing symptoms. During SCI, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy are behind the secondary phase of SCI and cause serious consequences. It urges the need for providing multi-targeting agents, that possess lower side effects and higher efficacy. The plant secondary metabolites are multi-targeting agents and seem to provide new roads in combating diseases. Flavonoids are phytochemicals of continual interest to scientists in combating neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Flavonoids are being studied for their biological and pharmacological effects, particularly as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-apoptotic, and autophagy regulators. Quercetin is one of the most well-known flavonols known for its preventative and therapeutic properties. It is a naturally occurring bioactive flavonoid that has recently received a lot of attention for its beneficial effects on NDDs. Several preclinical evidence demonstrated its neuroprotective effects. In this systematic review, we aimed at providing the biological activities of quercetin and related derivatives against SCI. Detailed neuroprotective mechanisms of quercetin derivatives are also highlighted in combating SCI.
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4
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Fakhri S, Abdian S, Moradi SZ, Delgadillo BE, Fimognari C, Bishayee A. Marine Compounds, Mitochondria, and Malignancy: A Therapeutic Nexus. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20100625. [PMID: 36286449 PMCID: PMC9604966 DOI: 10.3390/md20100625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine environment is important yet generally underexplored. It contains new sources of functional constituents that can affect various pathways in food processing, storage, and fortification. Bioactive secondary metabolites produced by marine microorganisms may have significant potential applications for humans. Various components isolated from disparate marine microorganisms, including fungi, microalgae, bacteria, and myxomycetes, showed considerable biological effects, such as anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and neuroprotective activities. Growing studies are revealing that potential anticancer effects of marine agents could be achieved through the modulation of several organelles. Mitochondria are known organelles that influence growth, differentiation, and death of cells via influencing the biosynthetic, bioenergetic, and various signaling pathways related to oxidative stress and cellular metabolism. Consequently, mitochondria play an essential role in tumorigenesis and cancer treatments by adapting to alterations in environmental and cellular conditions. The growing interest in marine-derived anticancer agents, combined with the development and progression of novel technology in the extraction and cultures of marine life, led to revelations of new compounds with meaningful pharmacological applications. This is the first critical review on marine-derived anticancer agents that have the potential for targeting mitochondrial function during tumorigenesis. This study aims to provide promising strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Sadaf Abdian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415153, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Blake E. Delgadillo
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
- Correspondence: or
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5
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In silico discovery of multi-targeting inhibitors for the COVID-19 treatment by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, and ADMET predictions. Struct Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-022-01996-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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6
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Mujwar S, Sun L, Fidan O. In silico evaluation of food-derived carotenoids against SARS-CoV-2 drug targets: Crocin is a promising dietary supplement candidate for COVID-19. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14219. [PMID: 35545850 PMCID: PMC9348094 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID‐19 pandemic is severely threatening public healthcare systems around the globe. Some supporting therapies such as remdesivir, favipiravir, and ivermectin are still under the process of a clinical trial, it is thus urgent to find alternative treatment and prevention options for SARS‐CoV‐2. In this regard, although many natural products have been tested and/or suggested for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID‐19, carotenoids as an important class of natural products were underexplored. The dietary supplementation of some carotenoids was already suggested to be potentially effective in the treatment of COVID‐19 due to their strong antioxidant properties. In this study, we performed an in silico screening of common food‐derived carotenoids against druggable target proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 including main protease, helicase, replication complex, spike protein and its mutants for the recent variants of concern, and ADP‐ribose phosphatase. Molecular docking results revealed that some of the carotenoids had low binding energies toward multiple receptors. Particularly, crocin had the strongest binding affinity (−10.5 kcal/mol) toward the replication complex of SARS‐CoV‐2 and indeed possessed quite low binding energy scores for other targets as well. The stability of crocin in the corresponding receptors was confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations. Our study, therefore, suggests that carotenoids, especially crocin, can be considered an effective alternative therapeutics and a dietary supplement candidate for the prophylaxis and treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somdutt Mujwar
- M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, India
| | - Lei Sun
- School of Life Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Ozkan Fidan
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gül University, Kayseri, Turkey
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Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P, Majchrzak A, Kurkowska S, Małkowska P, Sierawska O, Hrynkiewicz R, Parczewski M. Immune Signature of COVID-19: In-Depth Reasons and Consequences of the Cytokine Storm. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4545. [PMID: 35562935 PMCID: PMC9105989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the beginning of the third year of the fight against COVID-19, the virus remains at least still one step ahead in the pandemic "war". The key reasons are evolving lineages and mutations, resulting in an increase of transmissibility and ability to evade immune system. However, from the immunologic point of view, the cytokine storm (CS) remains a poorly understood and difficult to combat culprit of the extended number of in-hospital admissions and deaths. It is not fully clear whether the cytokine release is a harmful result of suppression of the immune system or a positive reaction necessary to clear the virus. To develop methods of appropriate treatment and therefore decrease the mortality of the so-called COVID-19-CS, we need to look deeply inside its pathogenesis, which is the purpose of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Majchrzak
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland; (A.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Sara Kurkowska
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Paulina Małkowska
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (P.M.); (O.S.); (R.H.)
- Doctoral School, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Olga Sierawska
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (P.M.); (O.S.); (R.H.)
- Doctoral School, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafał Hrynkiewicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (P.M.); (O.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Miłosz Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland; (A.M.); (M.P.)
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8
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Yarmohammadi A, Narimani F, Wallace CE, Bishayee A. Modulation of TLR/NF-κB/NLRP Signaling by Bioactive Phytocompounds: A Promising Strategy to Augment Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834072. [PMID: 35299751 PMCID: PMC8921560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumors often progress to a more aggressive phenotype to resist drugs. Multiple dysregulated pathways are behind this tumor behavior which is known as cancer chemoresistance. Thus, there is an emerging need to discover pivotal signaling pathways involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents and cancer immunotherapy. Reports indicate the critical role of the toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing (NLRP) pathway in cancer initiation, progression, and development. Therefore, targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling is a promising strategy to augment cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy and to combat chemoresistance. Considering the potential of phytochemicals in the regulation of multiple dysregulated pathways during cancer initiation, promotion, and progression, such compounds could be suitable candidates against cancer chemoresistance. Objectives This is the first comprehensive and systematic review regarding the role of phytochemicals in the mitigation of chemoresistance by regulating the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway in chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Methods A comprehensive and systematic review was designed based on Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to include papers on TLR/NF-κB/NLRP and chemotherapy/immunotherapy/chemoresistance by phytochemicals. Results Phytochemicals are promising multi-targeting candidates against the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway and interconnected mediators. Employing phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sulfur compounds could be a promising strategy for managing cancer chemoresistance through the modulation of the TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling pathway. Novel delivery systems of phytochemicals in cancer chemotherapy/immunotherapy are also highlighted. Conclusion Targeting TLR/NF-κB/NLRP signaling with bioactive phytocompounds reverses chemoresistance and improves the outcome for chemotherapy and immunotherapy in both preclinical and clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Akram Yarmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Narimani
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Carly E. Wallace
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, United States
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, United States
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9
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Kelleni MT. NSAIDs and Kelleni's protocol as potential early COVID-19 treatment game changer: could it be the final countdown? Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:343-348. [PMID: 34822026 PMCID: PMC8613510 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have previously published several papers illustrating numerous immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential benefits when we repurposed safe, generic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/nitazoxanide/azithromycin (Kelleni's protocol), to early manage our COVID-19 pediatric, adult, and pregnant patients. In this manuscript, we discuss some recently published meta-analysis and clinical studies supporting our practice and discuss a molecular study that might be interpreted as an academic proof that our protocol might also prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication. Moreover, after aspirin has been suggested to be independently associated with reduced risk of mechanical ventilation, ICU admission and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19, we claim that the molecular interpretation of the results that led to this suggestion was not scientifically accurate, and we provide our academic interpretation confirming that low-dose aspirin is least likely to improve COVID-19 mortality through anticoagulation as was suggested. Furthermore, we describe other potential benefits related to aspirin-triggered lipoxins and resolvins while illustrating how NSAIDs interfere with COX-1, COX-2, SARS-CoV-2/ SARS-CoV-2 ORF protein-dependent activation of caspases and their subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and necroptosis which were associated with COVID-19 complications. Similarly, NSAIDs are known caspase inhibitors and thus they might independently inhibit other caspase-related COVID-19-associated downstream pathological signaling mechanisms. Finally, we postulated that CARD-14, a caspase recruitment domain-containing protein, polymorphisms might play a role in the development of severe and critical COVID-19 and confirmed our old call to early adopt NSAIDs, as an integral part of Kelleni's protocol, as of choice in its management aiming to end this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina T Kelleni
- Pharmacology Department, College of Medicine, Minia University, Minya, Egypt.
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Potential Therapeutic Use of the Rosemary Diterpene Carnosic Acid for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Long-COVID through NRF2 Activation to Counteract the NLRP3 Inflammasome. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010124. [PMID: 35052628 PMCID: PMC8772720 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis [family Lamiaceae]), an herb of economic and gustatory repute, is employed in traditional medicines in many countries. Rosemary contains carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS), abietane-type phenolic diterpenes, which account for most of its biological and pharmacological actions, although claims have also been made for contributions of another constituent, rosmarinic acid. This review focuses on the potential applications of CA and CS for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in part via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. CA exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects via phase 2 enzyme induction initiated by activation of the KEAP1/NRF2 transcriptional pathway, which in turn attenuates NLRP3 activation. In addition, we propose that CA-related compounds may serve as therapeutics against the brain-related after-effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, termed "long-COVID." One factor that contributes to COVID-19 is cytokine storm emanating from macrophages as a result of unregulated inflammation in and around lung epithelial and endovascular cells. Additionally, neurological aftereffects such as anxiety and "brain fog" are becoming a major issue for both the pandemic and post-pandemic period. Many reports hold that unregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activation may potentially contribute to the severity of COVID-19 and its aftermath. It is therefore possible that suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activity may prove efficacious against both acute lung disease and chronic neurological after-effects. Because CA has been shown to not only act systemically but also to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain parenchyma to exert neuroprotective effects, we discuss the evidence that CA or rosemary extracts containing CA may represent an effective countermeasure against both acute and chronic pathological events initiated by SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as other chronic neurodegenerative diseases including AD and PD.
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11
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Rath S, Perikala V, Jena AB, Dandapat J. Factors regulating dynamics of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), the gateway of SARS-CoV-2: Epigenetic modifications and therapeutic interventions by epidrugs. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112095. [PMID: 34479017 PMCID: PMC8403698 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is one of the major components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and participates in the physiological functions of the cardiovascular system and lungs. Recent studies identified ACE2 as the receptor for the S-protein of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and thus acts as the gateway for viral entry into the human body. Virus infection causes an imbalance in the RAS axis and induces acute lungs injury and fibrosis. Various factors regulate ACE2 expression patterns as well as control its epigenetic status at both transcription and translational levels. This review is mainly focused on the impact of environmental toxicants, drugs, endocrine disruptors, and hypoxia as controlling parameters for ACE2 expression and its possible modulation by epigenetic changes which are marked by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and micro-RNAs (miRNAs) profile. Furthermore, we have emphasized on interventions of various phytochemicals and bioactive compounds as epidrugs that regulate ACE2-S-protein interaction and thereby curb viral infection. Since ACE2 is an important component of the RAAS axis and a crucial entry point of SARS-CoV-2, the dynamics of ACE2 expression in response to various extrinsic and intrinsic factors are of contemporary relevance. We have collated updated information on ACE2 expression modulated by epidrugs, and urge to take over further studies on these important physiological regulators to unravel many more systemic linkages related to both metabolic and infectious diseases, in general and SARS-CoV-2 in particular for further development of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvasmita Rath
- Centre of Environment, Climate Change and Public Health, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Venkateswarlu Perikala
- Centre of Environment, Climate Change and Public Health, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Atala Bihari Jena
- Centre of Excellence in Integrated Omics and Computational Biology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Jagneshwar Dandapat
- Centre of Excellence in Integrated Omics and Computational Biology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India; Post-Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India.
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12
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Targeting cellular senescence in cancer by plant secondary metabolites: A systematic review. Pharmacol Res 2021; 177:105961. [PMID: 34718135 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Senescence suppresses tumor growth, while also developing a tumorigenic state in the nearby cells that is mediated by senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). The dual function of cellular senescence stresses the need for identifying multi-targeted agents directed towards the promotion of cell senescence in cancer cells and suppression of the secretion of pro-tumorigenic signaling mediators in neighboring cells. Natural secondary metabolites have shown favorable anticancer responses in recent decades, as some have been found to target the senescence-associated mediators and pathways. Furthermore, phenolic compounds and polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids, alkaloids, and sulfur-containing compounds have shown to be promising anticancer agents through the regulation of paracrine and autocrine pathways. Plant secondary metabolites are potential regulators of SASPs factors that suppress tumor growth through paracrine mediators, including growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components/enzymes, and proteases. On the other hand, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κB, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and receptor tyrosine kinase-associated mediators are main targets of candidate phytochemicals in the autocrine senescence pathway. Such a regulatory role of phytochemicals on senescence-associated pathways are associated with cell cycle arrest and the attenuation of apoptotic/inflammatory/oxidative stress pathways. The current systematic review highlights the critical roles of natural secondary metabolites in the attenuation of autocrine and paracrine cellular senescence pathways, while also elucidating the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic capabilities of these compounds. Additionally, we discuss current challenges, limitations, and future research indications.
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