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Ghini V, Vieri W, Celli T, Pecchioli V, Boccia N, Alonso-Vásquez T, Pelagatti L, Fondi M, Luchinat C, Bertini L, Vannucchi V, Landini G, Turano P. COVID-19: A complex disease with a unique metabolic signature. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011787. [PMID: 37943960 PMCID: PMC10662774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma of COVID-19 patients contains a strong metabolomic/lipoproteomic signature, revealed by the NMR analysis of a cohort of >500 patients sampled during various waves of COVID-19 infection, corresponding to the spread of different variants, and having different vaccination status. This composite signature highlights common traits of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most dysregulated molecules display concentration trends that scale with disease severity and might serve as prognostic markers for fatal events. Metabolomics evidence is then used as input data for a sex-specific multi-organ metabolic model. This reconstruction provides a comprehensive view of the impact of COVID-19 on the entire human metabolism. The human (male and female) metabolic network is strongly impacted by the disease to an extent dictated by its severity. A marked metabolic reprogramming at the level of many organs indicates an increase in the generic energetic demand of the organism following infection. Sex-specific modulation of immune response is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ghini
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Walter Vieri
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Celli
- Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Pecchioli
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Nunzia Boccia
- Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Alonso-Vásquez
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pelagatti
- Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Fondi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Bertini
- Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vieri Vannucchi
- Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Landini
- Internal Medicine, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Turano
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Sesto Fiorentino Florence, Italy
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Borborema MEDA, de Lucena TMC, Silva JDA. Vitamin D and estrogen steroid hormones and their immunogenetic roles in Infectious respiratory (TB and COVID-19) diseases. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220158. [PMID: 36745756 PMCID: PMC9901533 DOI: 10.1590/1415-4757-gmb-2022-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of steroid hormones against infectious diseases has been extensively studied. From immunomodulatory action to direct inhibition of microorganism growth, hormones D3 (VD3) and 17β-estradiol (E2), and the genetic pathways modulated by them, are key targets for a better understanding pathogenesis of infectious respiratory diseases (IRD) such as tuberculosis (TB) and the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Currently, the world faces two major public health problems, the outbreak of COVID-19, accounting for more than 6 million so far, and TB, more than 1 million deaths per year. Both, although resulting from different pathogens, the Mtb and the SARS-CoV-2, respectively, are considered serious and epidemic. TB and COVID-19 present similar infection rates between men and women, however the number of complications and deaths resulting from the two infections is higher in men when compared to women in childbearing age, which may indicate a role of the sex hormone E2 in the context of these diseases. E2 and VD3 act upon key gene pathways as important immunomodulatory players and supporting molecules in IRDs. This review summarizes the main roles of these hormones (VD3 and E2) in modulating immune and inflammatory responses and their relationship with TB and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda de Albuquerque Borborema
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Genética e Biologia Molecular Humana (LGBMH), Recife, PE, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Thays Maria Costa de Lucena
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Genética e Biologia Molecular Humana (LGBMH), Recife, PE, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline de Azevêdo Silva
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Genética, Laboratório de Genética e Biologia Molecular Humana (LGBMH), Recife, PE, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA), Recife, PE, Brazil
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Alsrhani A, Alshomar A, Elderdery AY, Rasheed Z, Farhana A. Diagnosis and Stratification of COVID-19 Infections Using Differential Plasma Levels of D-Dimer: A Two-Center Study from Saudi Arabia. Microbiology Research 2023; 14:67-76. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres14010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: D-dimer, generated upon the degradation of fibrin, is extensively used to detect thrombosis in various diseases. It is also explored as a marker for thrombosis in cases with COVID-19 disease. Few studies have confirmed its utility as a marker for assessing disease severity. Objectives: The current research was undertaken to determine the role of D-dimer in patients with COVID-19 and to investigate any association with the progression and severity of the disease in the Saudi population. Methods: Clinical indices in confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected from tertiary care hospitals in Aljouf and Qassim regions. The plasma D-dimer levels were quantified directly in the samples collected from COVID-19 patients (n = 148) using an immunofluorescence assay, and the data were presented in Fibrinogen Equivalent Units (mg/L). The collected data of D-dimer were analyzed based on COVID-19 severity, age, and the gender of patients. Results: The findings show that the plasma D-dimer concentrations were significantly (p = 0.0027) elevated in COVID-19 cases (n = 148), compared to in the normal healthy uninfected controls (n = 309). Moreover, the D-dimer levels were analyzed according to the severity of the disease in the patients. The data revealed that D-dimer concentrations were significantly increased in patients with mild infection to moderate disease, and the levels were the highest in patients with severe COVID-19 disease (p < 0.05). Our analysis demonstrates that the D-dimer levels have no association with the age or gender of COVID-19 patients (p > 0.05) in the study population. Conclusions: D-dimer can serve as a biomarker not only for the detection of COVID-19 infection, but also for determining the severity of infection of COVID-19 disease.
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Kim J, Heo N, Kang H. Sex-Based Differences in Outcomes of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2022; 16:S1976-1317(22)00036-6. [PMID: 35933023 PMCID: PMC9345791 DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the factors affecting mortality and clinical severity score (CSS) of male and female patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) using clinical epidemiological information provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. METHODS This is a retrospective observational cohort study. From January 21 to April 30, 2020, 5624 subjects who were released from quarantine or died were analyzed. RESULTS The factors influencing relsease or death that differed by sex were high heart rate and malignancy in males and chronic kidney disease in females. In addition, the factors influencing progression to severe CSS were high BMI (severe obesity) and rheumatic disease in males and high temperature, sputum production, absence of sore throat and headache, chronic kidney disease, malignancy, and chronic liver disease in females. Older age, low lymphocyte count and platelets, dyspnea, diabetes mellitus, dementia, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission affected mortality in all the patients, and older age, low lymphocyte count and platelets, fever, dyspnea, diabetes mellitus, dementia, and ICU admission affected progression to severe stage of CSS. CONCLUSIONS This study is expected to contribute to the general results by analyzing nationally representative data. The results of this study present an important basis for development of differentiated nursing and medical management strategies in consideration of factors that influence treatment effects and outcomes according to sex of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Nursing, Sangmyung University, Republic of Korea.
| | - Narae Heo
- Department of Nursing, Hansei University
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Alafif T, Etaiwi A, Hawsawi Y, Alrefaei A, Albassam A, Althobaiti H. DISCOVID: discovering patterns of COVID-19 infection from recovered patients: a case study in Saudi Arabia. Int J Inf Technol 2022;:1-14. [PMID: 35812263 DOI: 10.1007/s41870-022-00973-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A respiratory syndrome COVID-19 pandemic has become a serious global concern. Still, a large number of people have been daily infected worldwide. Discovering COVID-19 infection patterns is significant for health providers towards understanding the infection factors. Current COVID-19 research works have not been attempted to discover the infection patterns, yet. In this paper, we employ an Association Rules Apriori (ARA) algorithm to discover the infection patterns from COVID-19 recovered patients’ data. A non-clinical COVID-19 dataset is introduced and analyzed. A sample of recovered patients’ data is manually collected in Saudi Arabia. Our manual computation and experimental results show strong associative rules with high confidence scores among males, weight above 70 kilograms, height above 160 centimeters, and fever patterns. These patterns are the strongest infection patterns discovered from COVID-19 recovered patients’ data.
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Arnold CG, Libby A, Vest A, Hopkinson A, Monte AA. Immune mechanisms associated with sex-based differences in severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:7. [PMID: 35246245 PMCID: PMC8894555 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00417-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although biological males and females are equally likely to become infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), evidence has mounted that males experience higher severity and fatality compared to females. Main The objective of this review is to examine the existing literature on biological mechanisms underlying sex-based differences that could contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection clinical outcomes. Sex-based differences in immunologic response and hormonal expression help explain the differences in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes observed in biological males and females. X inactivation facilitates a robust immune response to COVID-19 in females, who demonstrate a more profound antibody response and faster recovery when compared to males. Low testosterone levels also help explain the dysregulated inflammatory response and poor outcomes observed in some males with COVID-19. Gender differences in health expression and behaviors further compound these observed differences. Conclusion Understanding the biology of sex-based differences in COVID-19 severity and mortality could help inform preventative measures, treatment decisions, and development of personalized, sex-specific therapies. Although most COVID-19 patients develop only mild disease, some mount a pronounced inflammatory response that results in severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. Male sex is a known risk factor for severe outcomes in COVID-19. Biological sex-based differences in COVID-19 severity and mortality are influenced by genetic and hormonal differences at the cellular and immunologic level. Biological sex-based differences are further complicated by environmental factors, namely social and cultural norms, that define gender roles which impact risk of infection and severe outcomes. Understanding sex-based differences in COVID-19 outcomes will help inform clinical decision algorithms and treatment strategies to optimize the care of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosby G Arnold
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Anne Libby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Alexis Vest
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Andrew Hopkinson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Andrew A Monte
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12401 East 17th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Sun X, Wang H, Hodge H, Wright KN, Ahmad S, Ferrario CM, Groban L. Amplifying effect of chronic lisinopril therapy on diastolic function and the angiotensin-(1-7) Axis by the G1 agonist in ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats. Transl Res 2021; 235:62-76. [PMID: 33915312 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) activation by G1 attenuates diastolic dysfunction from estrogen loss, which may be partly due to suppression of angiotensin II pathological actions. We aimed to determine the independent effects of 8 weeks of G1 (100 µg/kg/d, subcutaneous pellet), ACE-inhibition (ACEi; lisinopril 10 mg/kg, drinking water), or combination therapy versus vehicle in the ovariectomized (OVX) spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) on cardiac function and morphometrics (echocardiography), serum equilibrium of angiotensins (mass spectroscopy) and cardiac components of the RAS (Western blotting). G1 alone and when combined with ACEi enhanced myocardial relaxation (é: 30 and 17%) and diastolic wall strain (DWS: 76 and 68%) while reducing relative wall thickness (RWT: 20 and 33%) and filling pressures (E/é: 30 and 37%). Cardiac expression levels of Mas receptor (Mas-R) and ACE2 also increased in the presence of G1. Strong antihypertensive effects of lisinopril monotherapy were associated with reductions in RWT, collagen deposition and E/é without overtly altering é or DWS. Chronic ACEi also increased cardiac levels of Mas-R and AT1-R and tilted the circulating RAS toward the formation of Ang-(1-7), which was amplified in the presence of G1. In vitro studies further revealed that an inhibitor to prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), but not to neprilysin, significantly reduced serum Ang-(1-7) levels in G1-treated rats, suggesting that G1 might be increasing Ang-(1-7) formation via PEP. We conclude that activating GPER with G1 augments components of the cardiac RAS and improves diastolic function without lowering blood pressure, and that lisinopril-induced blood pressure control and cardiac alterations in OVX SHR are permissive in facilitating G1 to augment Ang-(1-7) in serum, thereby strengthening its cardioprotective benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuming Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina; Department of Internal Medicine-Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Hunter Hodge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Kendra N Wright
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Carlos M Ferrario
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Leanne Groban
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina; Department of Internal Medicine-Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina.
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Rehman S, Ravinayagam V, Nahvi I, Aldossary H, Al-Shammari M, Amiri MSA, Kishore U, Al-Suhaimi EA. Immunity, Sex Hormones, and Environmental Factors as Determinants of COVID-19 Disparity in Women. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680845. [PMID: 34484179 PMCID: PMC8416472 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in a major global pandemic, causing extreme morbidity and mortality. Few studies appear to suggest a significant impact of gender in morbidity and mortality, where men are reported at a higher risk than women. The infectivity, transmissibility, and varying degree of disease manifestation (mild, modest, and severe) in population studies reinforce the importance of a number of genetic and epigenetic factors, in the context of immune response and gender. The present review dwells on several contributing factors such as a stronger innate immune response, estrogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene, and microbiota, which impart greater resistance to the SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression in women. In addition, the underlying importance of associated microbiota and certain environmental factors in gender-based disparity pertaining to the mortality and morbidity due to COVID-19 in women has also been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suriya Rehman
- Department of Epidemic Disease Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijaya Ravinayagam
- Deanship of Scientific Research and Institute of Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Insha Nahvi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al Hofuf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan Aldossary
- Department of Epidemic Disease Research, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Al-Shammari
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Saad Al Amiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ebtesam A. Al-Suhaimi
- Biology Department, College of Science and Institute of Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Dufailu OA, Afriyie-Asante A, Gyan B, Kwabena DA, Yeboah H, Ntiakoh F, Asare-Werehene M. COVID-19 in Africa: an ovarian victory? J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:70. [PMID: 34020688 PMCID: PMC8138090 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly attacks the respiratory system and is characterized by pneumonia, cytokine storm, coagulation disorders and severe immune downregulation. Although public health experts predicted worst outcomes in Africa, the incidence, hospitalization and mortality rates have been lower in Africa compared to other continents. Interestingly, lower incidence and mortality rates have been observed in women from Africa compared to their cohorts from other continents. Also, in the US non-Hispanic Black females have lower COVID-19 and death rates compared to their white counterparts. It's unclear why this significant difference exists; however, the ovarian function, genetics and immunological statuses could play a major role. Women of African descent have elevated levels of estrogen compared with Caucasians hence we anticipate that estrogen might offer some protection against the SARS-CoV-2 infections. The racial differences in lifestyle, age and inaccessibility to contraceptive usage might also play a role. Here, we provide insight on how the high levels of estrogen in African women might contribute to the lower cases and fatalities in Africa. Specifically, estrogen might offer protection against COVID-19 by suppressing hyper-production of cytokines, promoting anti-inflammatory cytokines, stimulating antibody production and suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This will as well provide useful information on how future pandemics could be managed using Africa as a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman A Dufailu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Box 1882, Nyankpala Campus, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Afrakoma Afriyie-Asante
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Bernard Gyan
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, College of Health and Well-Being, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - David Adu Kwabena
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, College of Health and Well-Being, Kintampo, Ghana
- School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Helena Yeboah
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank Ntiakoh
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Sekondi, Western Region, Ghana
| | - Meshach Asare-Werehene
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada.
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Hashem NM, Abdelnour SA, Alhimaidi AR, Swelum AA. Potential impacts of COVID-19 on reproductive health: Scientific findings and social dimension. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1702-1712. [PMID: 33519273 PMCID: PMC7831751 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 virus is classified as a respiratory disease that can be mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets, however, there are recently published reports suggested its ability to transmit via sexual intercourse, assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, pregnancy, and nursing. Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly attacks respiratory systems, manifestations of multiple organs have been detected. A significant concern was raised about whether COVID-19 may affect female and male reproductive functions. These findings imposed more restrictions on social relationships between individuals even if inside the family, adding more physiologic load. In this context, there is a crucial need to identify the biological and behavioral reproductive risk factors associated with COVID-19 disease. Questions regarding the potential risks of sexual transmission during intercourse and/or application of ART, vertical transmission (throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding), the health of pregnant and postpartum women, and fetal or postnatal health problems of neonates/children remain largely unanswered. The contribution of individuals to different social and economic activities depends on the maintenance of good quality life and health. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic raised on the end of December 2019 has drastically affected different aspects of human wellbeing. The pandemic not only affected the health of individuals, but also negatively affected mental health and social interaction. This review illustrates: a) scientific findings related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reproductive process, considering gender, hormonal balance, gonad functions, pregnancy, and ART, b) the sociosexual dimension of COVID-19 disease and precautions that should be taken to avoid infection via sexual transmission or vertical transmission, which may alleviate the fear associated with continuing normal social relationships and economic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrein M. Hashem
- Animal and Fish Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture (El-Shatby), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt
| | - Sameh A. Abdelnour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Ahmad R. Alhimaidi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
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Gotluru C, Roach A, Cherry SH, Runowicz CD. Sex, Hormones, Immune Functions, and Susceptibility to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Related Morbidity. Obstet Gynecol 2021; 137:423-429. [PMID: 33543899 PMCID: PMC7884090 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), uses two primary receptors, type II transmembrane serine protease and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, for priming and cellular invasion, respectively. Both proteins have been demonstrated to be present in different concentrations in females and males, which may explain a mechanism for the reported higher case-fatality rate in males. Despite the known sex difference in COVID-19 disease mortality, preliminary data suggest there are certain female populations, including pregnant and menopausal women and possibly polycystic ovarian syndrome patients who are more susceptible to COVID-19-related morbidity. This commentary analyzes the interplay between sex differences, hormones, and the immune function in each of these populations with respect to the risk and severity of COVID-19 and proposes biological rationales to explain these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Gotluru
- Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Allison Roach
- Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Sheldon H. Cherry
- Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Carolyn D. Runowicz
- Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Wang H, Sun X, L VonCannon J, Kon ND, Ferrario CM, Groban L. Estrogen receptors are linked to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM-17), and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) expression in the human atrium: insights into COVID-19. Hypertens Res 2021; 44:882-4. [PMID: 33536584 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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13
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Khan N, Chen X, Geiger JD. Possible Therapeutic Use of Natural Compounds Against COVID-19. J Cell Signal 2021; 2:63-79. [PMID: 33768214 PMCID: PMC7990267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19); a pandemic disease that has resulted in devastating social, economic, morbidity and mortality burdens. SARS-CoV-2 infects cells following receptor-mediated endocytosis and priming by cellular proteases. Following uptake, SARS-CoV-2 replicates in autophagosome-like structures in the cytosol following its escape from endolysosomes. Accordingly, the greater endolysosome pathway including autophagosomes and the mTOR sensor may be targets for therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Naturally existing compounds (phytochemicals) through their actions on endolysosomes and mTOR signaling pathways might provide therapeutic relief against COVID-19. Here, we discuss evidence that some natural compounds through actions on the greater endolysosome system can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and thereby might be repurposed for use against COVID-19.
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Medina-Enríquez MM, Lopez-León S, Carlos-Escalante JA, Aponte-Torres Z, Cuapio A, Wegman-Ostrosky T. ACE2: the molecular doorway to SARS-CoV-2. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:148. [PMID: 33380340 PMCID: PMC7772801 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host functional receptor for the new virus SARS-CoV-2 causing Coronavirus Disease 2019. ACE2 is expressed in 72 different cell types. Some factors that can affect the expression of the ACE2 are: sex, environment, comorbidities, medications (e.g. anti-hypertensives) and its interaction with other genes of the renin-angiotensin system and other pathways. Different factors can affect the risk of infection of SARS-CoV-2 and determine the severity of the symptoms. The ACE2 enzyme is a negative regulator of RAS expressed in various organ systems. It is with immunity, inflammation, increased coagulopathy, and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we describe the genetic and molecular functions of the ACE2 receptor and its relation with the physiological and pathological conditions to better understand how this receptor is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. In addition, it reviews the different comorbidities that interact with SARS-CoV-2 in which also ACE2 plays an important role. It also describes the different factors that interact with the virus that have an influence in the expression and functional activities of the receptor. The goal is to provide the reader with an understanding of the complexity and importance of this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Lopez-León
- Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Angelica Cuapio
- Center of Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Talia Wegman-Ostrosky
- Department of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, 22 San Fernando Avenue, Belisario Domínguez Sección XVI, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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15
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Monteonofrio L, Florio MC, AlGhatrif M, Lakatta EG, Capogrossi MC. Aging- and gender-related modulation of RAAS: potential implications in COVID-19 disease. Vasc Biol 2020; 3:R1-R14. [PMID: 33537555 PMCID: PMC7849461 DOI: 10.1530/vb-20-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is frequently characterized by a marked inflammatory response with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure associated with multiorgan involvement. Some risk factors predispose patients to develop a more severe infection and to an increased mortality; among them, advanced age and male gender have been identified as major and independent risk factors for COVID-19 poor outcome. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is strictly involved in COVID-19 because angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and also converts pro-inflammatory angiotensin (Ang) II into anti-inflammatory Ang(1–7). In this review, we have addressed the effect of aging and gender on RAAS with emphasis on ACE2, pro-inflammatory Ang II/Ang II receptor 1 axis and anti-inflammatory Ang(1–7)/Mas receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monteonofrio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Florio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Majd AlGhatrif
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Longitudinal Study Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maurizio C Capogrossi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Division of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Ferrario CM, Ahmad S, Groban L. Twenty years of progress in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and its link to SARS-CoV-2 disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2645-2664. [PMID: 33063823 PMCID: PMC9055624 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The virulence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the aggressive nature of the disease has transformed the universal pace of research in the desperate attempt to seek effective therapies to halt the morbidity and mortality of this pandemic. The rapid sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus facilitated identification of the receptor for angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the high affinity binding site that allows virus endocytosis. Parallel evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease evolution shows greater lethality in patients with antecedent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or even obesity questioned the potential unfavorable contribution of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers as facilitators of adverse outcomes due to the ability of these therapies to augment the transcription of Ace2 with consequent increase in protein formation and enzymatic activity. We review, here, the specific studies that support a role of these agents in altering the expression and activity of ACE2 and underscore that the robustness of the experimental data is associated with weak clinical long-term studies of the existence of a similar regulation of tissue or plasma ACE2 in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M. Ferrario
- Departments of Surgery and Physiology-Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, U.S.A
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, U.S.A
| | - Leanne Groban
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, U.S.A
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Zhao L, Feng D, Ye RZ, Wang HT, Zhou YH, Wei JT, de Vlas SJ, Cui XM, Jia N, Yin CN, Li SX, Wang ZQ, Cao WC. Outbreak of COVID-19 and SARS in mainland China: a comparative study based on national surveillance data. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e043411. [PMID: 33060093 PMCID: PMC7565247 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the epidemiological characteristics and transmission dynamics in relation to interventions against the COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in mainland China. DESIGN Comparative study based on a unique data set of COVID-19 and SARS. SETTING Outbreak in mainland China. PARTICIPANTS The final database included 82 858 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 5327 cases of SARS. METHODS We brought together all existing data sources and integrated them into a comprehensive data set. Individual information on age, sex, occupation, residence location, date of illness onset, date of diagnosis and clinical outcome was extracted. Control measures deployed in mainland China were collected. We compared the epidemiological and spatial characteristics of COVID-19 and SARS. We estimated the effective reproduction number to explore differences in transmission dynamics and intervention effects. RESULTS Compared with SARS, COVID-19 affected more extensive areas (1668 vs 230 counties) within a shorter time (101 vs 193 days) and had higher attack rate (61.8 vs 4.0 per million persons). The COVID-19 outbreak had only one epidemic peak and one epicentre (Hubei Province), while the SARS outbreak resulted in two peaks and two epicentres (Guangdong Province and Beijing). SARS-CoV-2 was more likely to infect older people (median age of 52 years), while SARS-CoV tended to infect young adults (median age of 34 years). The case fatality rate (CFR) of either disease increased with age, but the CFR of COVID-19 was significantly lower than that of SARS (5.6% vs 6.4%). The trajectory of effective reproduction number dynamically changed in relation to interventions, which fell below 1 within 2 months for COVID-19 and within 5.5 months for SARS. CONCLUSIONS China has taken more prompt and effective responses to combat COVID-19 by learning lessons from SARS, providing us with some epidemiological clues to control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Institution of Hospital Management, Medical Innovation Research Division, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Run-Ze Ye
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hai-Tao Wang
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu-Hao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Te Wei
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Chao-Nan Yin
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shi-Xue Li
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
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