Deletion of the non-adjacent genes UL148 and UL148D impairs human cytomegalovirus-mediated TNF receptor 2 surface upregulation

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a prototypical β-herpesvirus which frequently causes morbidity and mortality in individuals with immature, suppressed, or senescent immunity. HCMV is sensed by various pattern recognition receptors, leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). TNFα binds to two distinct trimeric receptors: TNF receptor (TNFR) 1 and TNFR2, which differ in regard to their expression profiles, affinities for soluble and membrane-bound TNFα, and down-stream signaling pathways. While both TNF receptors engage NFκB signaling, only the nearly ubiquitously expressed TNFR1 exhibits a death domain that mediates TRADD/FADD-dependent caspase activation. Under steady-state conditions, TNFR2 expression is mainly restricted to immune cells where it predominantly submits pro-survival, proliferation-stimulating, and immune-regulatory signals. Based on the observation that HCMV-infected cells show enhanced binding of TNFα, we explored the interplay between HCMV and TNFR2. As expected, uninfected fibroblasts did not show detectable levels of TNFR2 on the surface. Intriguingly, however, HCMV infection increased TNFR2 surface levels of fibroblasts. Using HCMV variants and BACmid-derived clones either harboring or lacking the ULb' region, an association between TNFR2 upregulation and the presence of the ULb' genome region became evident. Applying a comprehensive set of ULb' gene block and single gene deletion mutants, we observed that HCMV mutants in which the non-adjacent genes UL148 or UL148D had been deleted show an impaired ability to upregulate TNFR2, coinciding with an inverse regulation of TACE/ADAM17.

Acute cytomegalovirus infection modulates the intestinal microbiota and targets intestinal epithelial cells

Primary and recurrent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections frequently cause CMV colitis in immunocompromised as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Additionally, colitis occasionally occurs upon primary CMV infection in patients who are apparently immunocompetent. In both cases, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are largely elusive - in part due to the lack of adequate access to specimens. We employed the mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) model to assess the association between CMV and colitis. During acute primary MCMV infection of immunocompetent mice, the gut microbial composition was affected as manifested by an altered ratio of the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes phyla. Interestingly, these microbial changes coincided with high-titer MCMV replication in the colon, crypt hyperplasia, increased colonic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and a transient increase in the expression of the antimicrobial protein Regenerating islet-derived protein 3 gamma (Reg3γ). Further analyses revealed that murine and human intestinal epithelial cell lines, as well as primary intestinal crypt cells and organoids represent direct targets of CMV infection causing increased cell death. Accordingly, in vivo MCMV infection disrupted the intestinal epithelial barrier and increased apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. In summary, our data show that CMV transiently induces colitis in immunocompetent hosts by altering the intestinal homeostasis.

Identification of herbal teas and their compounds eliciting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted medical and socioeconomic havoc, and despite the current availability of vaccines and broad implementation of vaccination programs, more easily accessible and cost-effective acute treatment options preventing morbidity and mortality are urgently needed. Herbal teas have historically and recurrently been applied as self-medication for prophylaxis, therapy, and symptom alleviation in diverse diseases, including those caused by respiratory viruses, and have provided sources of natural products as basis for the development of therapeutic agents. To identify affordable, ubiquitously available, and effective treatments, we tested herbs consumed worldwide as herbal teas regarding their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.

RESULTS

Aqueous infusions prepared by boiling leaves of the Lamiaceae perilla and sage elicit potent and sustained antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 when applied after infection as well as prior to infection of cells. The herbal infusions exerted in vitro antiviral effects comparable to interferon-β and remdesivir but outperformed convalescent sera and interferon-α2 upon short-term treatment early after infection. Based on protein fractionation analyses, we identified caffeic acid, perilla aldehyde, and perillyl alcohol as antiviral compounds. Global mass spectrometry (MS) analyses performed comparatively in two different cell culture infection models revealed changes of the proteome upon treatment with herbal infusions and provided insights into the mode of action. As inferred by the MS data, induction of heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX-1) was confirmed as effector mechanism by the antiviral activity of the HMOX-1-inducing compounds sulforaphane and fraxetin.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, herbal teas based on perilla and sage exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 including variants of concern such as Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron, and we identified HMOX-1 as potential therapeutic target. Given that perilla and sage have been suggested as treatment options for various diseases, our dataset may constitute a valuable resource also for future research beyond virology.

Obatoclax inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry by altered endosomal acidification and impaired cathepsin and furin activity in vitro

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has set off a global pandemic. There is an urgent unmet need for safe, affordable, and effective therapeutics against COVID-19. In this regard, drug repurposing is considered as a promising approach. We assessed the compounds that affect the endosomal acidic environment by applying human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2)- expressing cells infected with a SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein-pseudotyped HIV reporter virus and identified that obatoclax resulted in the strongest inhibition of S protein-mediated virus entry. The potent antiviral activity of obatoclax at nanomolar concentrations was confirmed in different human lung and intestinal cells infected with the SARS-CoV-2 pseudotype system as well as clinical virus isolates. Furthermore, we uncovered that obatoclax executes a double-strike against SARS-CoV-2. It prevented SARS-CoV-2 entry by blocking endocytosis of virions through diminished endosomal acidification and the corresponding inhibition of the enzymatic activity of the endosomal cysteine protease cathepsin L. Additionally, obatoclax impaired the SARS-CoV-2 S-mediated membrane fusion by targeting the MCL-1 protein and reducing furin protease activity. In accordance with these overarching mechanisms, obatoclax blocked the virus entry mediated by different S proteins derived from several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern such as, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Delta (B.1.617.2). Taken together, our results identified obatoclax as a novel effective antiviral compound that keeps SARS-CoV-2 at bay by blocking both endocytosis and membrane fusion. Our data suggested that obatoclax should be further explored as a clinical drug for the treatment of COVID-19.

A rapid test recognizing mucosal SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies distinguishes prodromal from convalescent COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges to global healthcare sectors. To prevent the overburden of medical systems, it is crucial to distinguish individuals approaching the most infectious early phase from those in the declining non-infectious phase. However, a large fraction of transmission events occur during pre- or asymptomatic phases. Especially in the absence of symptoms, it is difficult to distinguish prodromal from late phases of infection just by RT-PCR since both phases are characterized by low viral loads and corresponding high Ct values (>30).

We evaluated a new rapid test detecting IgG antibodies recognizing SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein using two commercial antibody assays and an in-house neutralization test before determining suitability for testing clinical swab material. Our analyses revealed the combination of the well-known RT-PCR and the new rapid antibody test using one single clinical nasopharyngeal swab specimen as a fast, cost-effective, and reliable way to discriminate prodromal from subsiding phases of COVID-19.

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A novel rapid antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 N-specific IgG was established

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The rapid antibody testing is fast, cost-effective, and reliable

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N-specific IgG is detectable in swab specimens during the late phase of infection

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Testing of swab specimens discriminates prodromal from declining phases of COVID-19

Over 90% of clinical swabs used for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics contain sufficient nucleic acid concentrations

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), reliable diagnostics are absolutely indispensable. Molecular SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics based on nucleic acids (NA) derived from oro‐ or nasopharyngeal swabs constitute the current gold standard. Given the importance of test results, it is crucial to assess the quality of the underlying swab samples and NA extraction procedures. We determined NA concentrations in clinical samples used for SARS‐CoV‐2 testing applying an NA‐specific dye. In comparison to cut‐offs defined by SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive samples, internal positive controls, and references from a federal laboratory, 90.85% (923 of 1016) of swabs contained NA concentrations enabling SARS‐CoV‐2 recognition. Swabs collected by local health authorities and the central emergency department either had significantly higher NA concentrations or were less likely to exhibit insufficient quality, arguing in favor of sampling centers with routined personnel. Interestingly, samples taken from females had significantly higher NA concentrations than those from males. Among eight longitudinal patient sample sets with intermitting negative quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results, two showed reduced NA concentrations in negative specimens. The herein described fluorescence‐based NA quantification approach is immediately applicable to evaluate swab qualities, optimize sampling strategies, identify patient‐specific differences, and explain some peculiar test results including intermittent negative samples with low NA concentrations.

Broad and potent antiviral activity of the NAE inhibitor MLN4924

In terms of infected human individuals, herpesviruses range among the most successful virus families. Subclinical herpesviral infections in healthy individuals contrast with life-threatening syndromes under immunocompromising and immunoimmature conditions. Based on our finding that cytomegaloviruses interact with Cullin Roc ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) in the context of interferon antagonism, we systematically assessed viral dependency on CRLs by utilizing the drug MLN4924. CRL activity is regulated through the conjugation of Cullins with the ubiquitin-like molecule Nedd8. By inhibiting the Nedd8-activating Enzyme (NAE), MLN4924 interferes with Nedd8 conjugation and CRL activity. MLN4924 exhibited pronounced antiviral activity against mouse and human cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV)- 1 (including multi-drug resistant clinical isolates), HSV-2, adeno and influenza viruses. Human cytomegalovirus genome amplification was blocked at nanomolar MLN4924 concentrations. Global proteome analyses revealed that MLN4924 blocks cytomegaloviral replication despite increased IE1 amounts. Expression of dominant negative Cullins assigned this IE regulation to defined Cullin molecules and phenocopied the antiviral effect of MLN4924.

Hip fractures and the thyroid: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of thyroid illness - especially hyperthyroidism - and exposure to thyroid hormones in patients with hip fracture.

DESIGN

A case-control study.

SETTING

Two surgical/orthopaedic hospital units and 22 facilities for the aged in a moderately iodine-deficient region of Germany.

SUBJECTS

A total of 116 postmenopausal females with hip fracture and 402 postmenopausal female controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hip fracture; thyroid disease confirmed by measurement of serum thyrotropin, total and free thyroxine and triiodothyronine; history of thyroid disease and thyroid medication obtained by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the hip fracture patients 4.3% had overt untreated hyperthyroidism, and 6.9% gave a history of past hyperthyroidism (total, 11.2%). The corresponding figures for the controls were 2.0 and 2.7%, respectively (total, 4.7%). 7.8% of the cases had been exposed to levo-thyroxine for 3-29 years, compared to 11.2% of the controls. The odds ratio for hyperthyroidism (present and past) was 2.5 (1.2-5.3, 95% confidence interval), and the odds ratio for levo-thyroxine exposure was 0.67 (0.32-1.41) in the hip fracture patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperthyroidism is found 2.5-fold more often in hip fracture patients than in controls. Hence, hyperthyroidism appears to be a significant risk factor for hip fracture and should be investigated by clinical and, when necessary, laboratory means in hip fracture patients. In contrast, no increased risk for hip fracture could be detected after exposure to levothyroxine.

Prognostic factors in upper gastrointestinal bleeding

In this study we examined factors of possible prognostic value about outcome in a consecutive series of 2217 patients with hematemesis and melena. Death occurred in 189 (8.5%) patients, and 243 (11%) patients experienced rebleeding. Death was significantly associated with rebleeding, age over 60 years, and the finding of blood in the stomach at endoscopy. Rebleeding was significantly associated with melena, identification of a gastric or duodenal ulcer, endoscopic stigmata of hemorrhage such as blood, clot, and active bleeding, and the finding of shock at admission. However, female gender, previous history of ulceration, or indigestion of ulcerogenic drugs, especially nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, were poor predictors of either death or rebleeding. We conclude that the identification of patients at a high risk could contribute to improved management of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, including early therapeutic intervention.

Oral contraceptive use and cigarette smoking in Crohn's disease

Previous studies have consistently found strong positive associations between smoking and Crohn's disease. The association between oral contraceptive use and Crohn's disease remains, however, controversial. In order to analyze whether smoking and oral contraceptive use are independent risk factors, a case-control study was performed. In 90 women with Crohn's disease and 90 community controls information was assessed about their smoking habits and their use of oral contraceptives. Smoking and oral contraceptive use were associated with one another. After adjusting for oral contraceptive use, the relative risk for smokers compared with nonsmokers was 3.0 (1.3-6.8). After controlling for smoking, the relative risk estimates for oral contraceptive use were for no use, 1-3 years, and > 3 years of use 1.0, 2.5 (1.0-6.6), and 4.3 (1.3-14.4), respectively. When oral contraceptive use was stratified by smoking habits, the data show that oral contraceptives only increased the risk for Crohn's disease in nonsmokers. From the lack of increase in risk for combined exposure, it is concluded that both factors might act through a common mechanism.

[Smoking and ovulation inhibitor in inflammatory bowel diseases]

In a case-control study the effects of smoking and the use of oral contraceptives were examined in 83 patients with Crohn's disease and 37 patients with ulcerative colitis in comparison with members of the general population who served as controls. After controlling for oral contraceptives, smokers were found to have a significantly elevated relative risk of contracting Crohn's disease of 3.0 (1.3 to 6.8). Patients on oral contraceptives for more than three years had an elevated risk for Crohn's disease of 4.3 (1.3 to 14.4); this elevated risk was, however, found only in the non-smoking group. In the case of ulcerative colitis, the relative risk in smokers was significantly lower (0.21 [0.04 to 0.91]) than in non-smokers. The use of oral contraceptives does not represent a risk factor for ulcerative colitis. While smoking has been established as a risk factor in the development of inflammatory bowel disease, the role of oral contraceptives in the aetiology of this condition remains unclear.

[Risk factors in the etiology of Crohn disease]

So far the aetiology of Crohn's disease remains unclear. Besides a genetic predisposition a causal role of environmental factors has been taken into consideration within the last time period. A number of case-control studies have consistently reported about an increased consumption of dietary sugar in patients with Crohn's disease as compared with controls. Furthermore cigarette smoking and the use of oral contraceptive drugs have been shown to increase disease risk. While the role of the former can be regarded as established the role of the latter still remains controversial.

[Smoking and inflammatory bowel diseases]

In a case-control study 142 patients with Crohn's disease, 189 patients with ulcerative colitis and matched community controls were questioned about their smoking habits. When assessed by smoking habits before the onset of disease, patients with Crohn's disease were four times as likely to have been smokers than their matched controls. In contrast, patients with ulcerative colitis were ten times less likely to have been smokers compared with their matched controls. There was no confounding by social class or alcohol intake differences. The contrasting nature of these associations suggests that there might be an aetiological role for smoking in inflammatory bowel disease.

Smoking and sugar intake are separate but interactive risk factors in Crohn's disease

Previous studies have consistently found strong positive associations between refined sugar intake and Crohn's disease (CD) and recently between smoking and CD. As refined sugar intake and smoking are themselves associated we have enquired about smoking and added sugar intake (AS) and smoking in CD using a postal questionnaire sent to 104 CD patients and 153 community controls. Smoking and AS were associated with one another. After adjusting for AS, smoking showed a significant association with CD with a relative risk of 1.8. After adjusting for smoking habit, AS was also strongly associated with CD in never and exsmokers and in a dose response pattern, with the relative risks for no AS, less than 50 g/day and greater than 50 g/day being respectively 1.0, 1.8, and 4.6 (chi 2 = 12.1; p less than 0.005). No association between CD and AS was evident in smokers. The AS relationship was supported by a separate association between frequency of confectionery consumption and CD. These findings indicate that while smoking and AS are individually associated with CD combined exposure results in no further increase in risk, suggesting that they may operate through a common mechanism.

The epidemiology of primary acute pancreatitis in Greater Nottingham: 1969-1983

In most countries primary acute pancreatitis is a rare disease. However, its incidence has been increasing for several decades and many patients do not survive their first attack. During the 15 years (1969-83) 493 patients with the disease were admitted to Nottingham's two District General Hospitals. The geographical distribution of the disease within the study area was determined using 62 electoral wards and two patient cohorts namely 214 1969-76 admissions (1971 census base) and 279 1977-83 admissions (1981 census base). The incidence of the disease increased from 27 per annum to 40 per annum in the two cohorts. Most of the alcohol associated patients (18 first cohort: 38 second cohort) were young or middle aged males. For gallstone and 'non-gallstone' associated groups the incidence rose sharply with increasing age for both sexes. For both cohorts there were large statistically significant variations in the distribution of pancreatitis within the study area. Moreover, the spatial distribution was very similar for both cohorts with most of the highest rate wards clustering in a U-shaped area east of the city centre. Investigation of environmental factors suggested that this high-rate area coincides with the region served by the Burton Joyce domestic drinking water supply. Examination of the residential histories of the 493 patients showed that 25.6% had moved home less than five years prior to their first attack. Analysis of these moves confirmed that many patients had moved to suburban areas from two major inner city housing renewal schemes located within the high-rate Burton Joyce water supply area. Re-calculation of incidence rates of pancreatitis by former address for the six water supply areas established that only the Burton Joyce area had significantly high numbers of cases for both cohorts.

Large bowel cancer risk in cholelithiasis and after cholecystectomy. Postmortem study

To assess the large bowel cancer risk in cholelithiasis (CL) and after cholecystectomy (CE), the results of 11,828 autopsies were analyzed. 1,705 cases with CL and 380 with CE could be identified. Randomly selected cases matched for sex and age were used as controls. In CL and CE 61 cancers were observed compared with 53 in controls, the relative risk (RR) being 1.2. The risk ratio for the subgroups (CL, CE) was also 1.2. In contrast to women, there was a positive association (RR 1.7) between cancer and CL in men, in whom no risk increase was found after CE. In cases with CL and CE an elevated risk of developing proximal large bowel cancer was observed for both sexes (RR 1.7 in males and 1.4 in females). As regards distal cancer, no such relationship was observed in women (RR 0.83) whereas an increased risk was found in men (RR 2.3). The results of this study are in favor of a positive association between CL and CE and the risk of developing large bowel cancer.

Rising frequency of ulcer perforation in elderly people in the United Kingdom

Peptic ulcer admission rates were known to be declining in England and Wales in younger men and women at least until 1977, but rates in elderly men were stable and rates in older women were increasing. Analysis of the most recently available data shows that these trends have continued in England and Wales and similar trends are seen in the elderly populations in Scotland. Reasons for the increasing susceptibility of elderly people, particularly older women, to peptic ulceration are not clear. However, altered smoking habits seem unlikely to explain the change, whereas increased use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may account for part of it.