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Wang Z, Wang CF, Fan H, Bao X, Ashkar F, Li L, Kiang TKL, Wu J. Bioavailability and Metabolism of Bioactive Peptide IRW with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Upregulatory Activity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. J Agric Food Chem 2024; 72:8606-8617. [PMID: 38581395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01052] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Peptide IRW is the first food-derived angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) upregulator. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of IRW and identify the metabolites contributing to its antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Rats were administered 100 mg of IRW/kg of the body weight via an intragastric or intravenous route. The bioavailability (F %) was determined to be 11.7%, and the half-lives were 7.9 ± 0.5 and 28.5 ± 6.8 min for gavage and injection, respectively. Interestingly, significant blood pressure reduction was not observed until 1.5 h post oral administration, or 2 h post injection, indicating that the peptide's metabolites are likely responsible for the blood pressure-lowering activity. Time-course metabolomics revealed a significant increase in the level of kynurenine, a tryptophan metabolite, in blood after IRW administration. Kynurenine increased the level of ACE2 in cells. Oral administration of tryptophan (W), but not dipeptide IR, lowered the blood pressure and upregulated aortic ACE2 in SHRs. Our study supports the key role of tryptophan and its metabolite, kynurenine, in IRW's blood pressure-lowering effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Chu-Fan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Hongbing Fan
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Bao
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Ashkar
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Tony K L Kiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7, Canada
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2
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Zhang P, Niemelä E, López Cerdá S, Sorvisto P, Virtanen J, Santos HA. Host-Directed Virus-Mimicking Particles Interacting with the ACE2 Receptor Competitively Block Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Entry. Nano Lett 2024; 24:4064-4071. [PMID: 38466130 PMCID: PMC11010226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04430] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we fabricate host-directed virus-mimicking particles (VMPs) to block the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) into host cells through competitive inhibition enabled by their interactions with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. A microfluidic platform is developed to fabricate a lipid core of the VMPs with a narrow size distribution and a low level of batch-to-batch variation. The resultant solid lipid nanoparticles are decorated with an average of 231 or 444 Spike S1 RBD protrusions mimicking either the original SARS-CoV-2 or its delta variant, respectively. Compared with that of the nonfunctionalized core, the cell uptake of the functionalized VMPs is enhanced with ACE2-expressing cells due to their strong interactions with the ACE2 receptor. The fabricated VMPs efficiently block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirions into host cells and suppress viral infection. Overall, this study provides potential strategies for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 or other coronaviruses employing the ACE2 receptor to enter into host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- Drug
Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology,
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Finncure
Oy, Lars Sonckin Kaari
14, Espoo 02600, Finland
| | - Erik Niemelä
- Finncure
Oy, Lars Sonckin Kaari
14, Espoo 02600, Finland
| | - Sandra López Cerdá
- Drug
Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology,
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Pasi Sorvisto
- Finncure
Oy, Lars Sonckin Kaari
14, Espoo 02600, Finland
| | - Jani Virtanen
- Finncure
Oy, Lars Sonckin Kaari
14, Espoo 02600, Finland
| | - Hélder A. Santos
- Drug
Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology,
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Department
of Biomaterials and Biomedical Technology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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Ayyubova G, Gychka SG, Nikolaienko SI, Alghenaim FA, Teramoto T, Shults NV, Suzuki YJ. The Role of Furin in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19-Associated Neurological Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:279. [PMID: 38398788 PMCID: PMC10890058 DOI: 10.3390/life14020279] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders have been reported in a large number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, suggesting that this disease may have long-term adverse neurological consequences. COVID-19 occurs from infection by a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The membrane fusion protein of SARS-CoV-2, the spike protein, binds to its human host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to initiate membrane fusion between the virus and host cell. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 contains the furin protease recognition site and its cleavage enhances the infectivity of this virus. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptor has been shown to downregulate ACE2, thereby increasing the levels of pathogenic angiotensin II (Ang II). The furin protease cleaves between the S1 subunit of the spike protein with the binding domain toward ACE2 and the S2 subunit with the transmembrane domain that anchors to the viral membrane, and this activity releases the S1 subunit into the blood circulation. The released S1 subunit of the spike protein also binds to and downregulates ACE2, in turn increasing the level of Ang II. Considering that a viral particle contains many spike protein molecules, furin-dependent cleavage would release many free S1 protein molecules, each of which can downregulate ACE2, while infection with a viral particle only affects one ACE2 molecule. Therefore, the furin-dependent release of S1 protein would dramatically amplify the ability to downregulate ACE2 and produce Ang II. We hypothesize that this amplification mechanism that the virus possesses, but not the infection per se, is the major driving force behind COVID-19-associated neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunel Ayyubova
- Department of Cytology, Embryology and Histology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku AZ1022, Azerbaijan;
| | - Sergiy G. Gychka
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.G.G.); (S.I.N.)
| | - Sofia I. Nikolaienko
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Bogomolets National Medical University, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine; (S.G.G.); (S.I.N.)
| | - Fada A. Alghenaim
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Tadahisa Teramoto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Nataliia V. Shults
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
| | - Yuichiro J. Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
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Karthikeyan S, Sundaramoorthy A, Kandasamy S, Bharanidharan G, Aruna P, Suganya R, Mangaiyarkarasi R, Ganesan S, Pandian GN, Ramamoorthi A, Chinnathambi S. A biophysical approach of tyrphostin AG879 binding information in: bovine serum albumin, human ErbB2, c-RAF1 kinase, SARS-CoV-2 main protease and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:1455-1468. [PMID: 37114656 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2204368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections cause significant health problems all over the world, and it is critical to develop treatments for these problems. Antivirals that target viral genome-encoded proteins frequently cause the virus to become more resistant to treatment. Because viruses rely on several cellular proteins and phosphorylation processes that are essential to their life cycle, drugs targeting host-based targets could be a viable treatment option. To reduce costs and improve efficiency, existing kinase inhibitors could be repurposed as antiviral medications; however, this method rarely works, and specific biophysical approaches are required in the field. Because of the widespread use of FDA-approved kinase inhibitors, it is now possible to better understand how host kinases contribute to viral infection. The purpose of this article is to investigate the tyrphostin AG879 (Tyrosine kinase inhibitor) binding information in Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), human ErbB2 (HER2), C-RAF1 Kinase (c-RAF), SARS-CoV-2 main protease (COVID 19), and Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramani Karthikeyan
- Division of Physics, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ganesh N Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Molecular Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Shanmugavel Chinnathambi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Cianfarini C, Hassler L, Wysocki J, Hassan A, Nicolaescu V, Elli D, Gula H, Ibrahim AM, Randall G, Henkin J, Batlle D. Soluble Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Protein Improves Survival and Lowers Viral Titers in Lethal Mouse Model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 Infection with the Delta Variant. Cells 2024; 13:203. [PMID: 38334597 PMCID: PMC10854654 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030203] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its main receptor for cell entry. We bioengineered a soluble ACE2 protein termed ACE2 618-DDC-ABD that has increased binding to SARS-CoV-2 and prolonged duration of action. Here, we investigated the protective effect of this protein when administered intranasally to k18-hACE2 mice infected with the aggressive SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. k18-hACE2 mice were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant by inoculation of a lethal dose (2 × 104 PFU). ACE2 618-DDC-ABD (10 mg/kg) or PBS was administered intranasally six hours prior and 24 and 48 h post-viral inoculation. All animals in the PBS control group succumbed to the disease on day seven post-infection (0% survival), whereas, in contrast, there was only one casualty in the group that received ACE2 618-DDC-ABD (90% survival). Mice in the ACE2 618-DDC-ABD group had minimal disease as assessed using a clinical score and stable weight, and both brain and lung viral titers were markedly reduced. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of a bioengineered soluble ACE2 decoy with an extended duration of action in protecting against the aggressive Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant. Together with previous work, these findings underline the universal protective potential against current and future emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Cianfarini
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Luise Hassler
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jan Wysocki
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Abdelsabour Hassan
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Vlad Nicolaescu
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Derek Elli
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Haley Gula
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Amany M. Ibrahim
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Glenn Randall
- Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Lemont, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jack Henkin
- Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Daniel Batlle
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Li R, Li F, Yuan L. ACE2 Regulates Glycolipid Metabolism in Multiple Tissues. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2024; 29:17. [PMID: 38287822 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2901017] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which was once considered a linear cascade. ACE2 mainly functions to convert AngiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ) to Angiotensin1-7 (A1-7). The biologically active product A1-7 then binds to the Mas receptor to form the ACE2/A1-7/Mas axis. In contrast to classic RAS, which plays a decisive role in regulation, the ACE2/A1-7/Mas axis effectively counteracts vasoconstriction, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation, and is thus a negative regulator of the RAS. ACE2 also functions as a chaperone to regulate intestinal amino acid uptake. It is widely expressed in the lungs, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, pancreas and adipose tissue. Previous studies have confirmed that ACE2 has a vital role in homeostasis. ACE2 also has a variety of other biological activities and plays a critical role in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications, especially diabetic nephropathy, obesity, dyslipidemia and other diseases. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism by ACE2 in different organs. Our focus was particularly on T2DM, with the aim of providing new clinical ideas for the use of ACE2 as an effective target in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fangyu Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430000 Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Heshmati HM. Interactions between COVID-19 infection and diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1306290. [PMID: 38292772 PMCID: PMC10826510 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1306290] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a major pandemic affecting human health and economy around the world since the beginning of 2020. The virus responsible for the disease is "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" (SARS-CoV-2). It invades the target cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is expressed in several organs including endocrine glands. Multiple endocrine and metabolic systems including the endocrine pancreas have been impacted by COVID-19 infection/pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic can promote obesity through alterations in lifestyle (e.g., unhealthy diet and reduced physical activity due to confinement and isolation) leading to type 2 diabetes and/or can directly impair the function of the endocrine pancreas particularly through a cytokine storm, promoting or aggravating type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The increased ACE2 receptors of high adiposity commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and the chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes with its negative impact on the immune system can increase the risk of COVID-19 infection and its morbidity/mortality. In conclusion, there are bidirectional interactions between COVID-19 pandemic and diabetes (e.g., COVID-19 infection can impact diabetes and diabetes can impact COVID-19 infection). The services offered by healthcare systems for the management of diabetes have been adapted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M. Heshmati
- Endocrinology Metabolism Consulting, LLC, Hassan Heshmati and Valerie Shaw Endocrine Research, Anthem, AZ, United States
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Zhang J, Su R, Wang Y, Wang H, Li S, Yang X, Liu G. Protective effect of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from ACE2-modified human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Nephrology (Carlton) 2024; 29:5-17. [PMID: 37667547 DOI: 10.1111/nep.14237] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Acute kidney injury is a severe disease that is closely associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of AKI is renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have previously been shown to have renoprotective effects. However, extracellular vesicles secreted by MSCs are thought to be the key for the therapeutic effects of MSCs. This study investigated whether small EVs derived from ACE2-modified human umbilical cord MSCs could alleviate RIRI and explored their underlying molecular mechanisms METHODS: A lentivirus carrying an ACE2 overexpression vector was constructed and used to infect MSCs. The small EVs were isolated from MSC-conditioned medium by ultracentrifugation. HK-2 cells were cocultured with MSC-ACE2-EVs and subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. MSCs-ACE2-EVs were injected into RIRI mice. Biochemical and morphological characteristics were assessed, and the levels of inflammatory-related factors, oxidative stress products, and apoptosis in HK-2 cells and kidney tissues were assessed RESULTS: In vitro, MSC-ACE2-EVs had stronger anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antiapoptotic effects in HK-2 cells subjected to H/R than MSC-NC-EVs. In vivo, MSC-ACE2-EVs could target the injured kidney, reduce blood creatinine and urea nitrogen levels, and protect the kidney from I/R, and this effect may have been related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antiapoptotic effects of MSC-ACE2-EVs, which protected against I/R injury in vitro and vivo. MSC-ACE2-EVs may be therapeutic agents for RIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Zhang
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rongyun Su
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Honggang Wang
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shan Li
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Yang Y, Song Y, Hou D. Obesity and COVID-19 Pandemics: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Management. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:4147-4156. [PMID: 38145256 PMCID: PMC10749174 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s441762] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a principle causative factor of various metabolic dysfunctions, chronic inflammation, and multi-organ impairment. The global epidemic of obesity has constituted the greatest threat to global health. Emerging evidence has associated obesity with an increased risk of severe infection and poor outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During current COVID-19 pandemic, the interaction between COVID-19 and obesity has exaggerated the disease burden of obesity more than ever before. Thus, there is an urgent need for consideration of universal measures to reduce the risk of complications and severe illness from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in obesity population. In this review, we first summarized the clinical evidence on the effect of obesity on susceptibility, severity, and prognosis of COVID-19. Then we discussed and the underlying mechanisms, including respiratory pathophysiology of obesity, dysregulated inflammation, upregulated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression, hyperglycemia, and adipokines. Finally, we proposed recommendations on how to reduce the spread and pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection by prevention and treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongni Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and Injury, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Papavassiliou KA, Gogou VA, Papavassiliou AG. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Signaling in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Underpinning Mechanisms and Potential Targeting Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17441. [PMID: 38139269 PMCID: PMC10744156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417441] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating progressive disease characterized by excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction and abnormal vascular remodeling processes that lead to right-ventricular heart failure and, ultimately, death. Although our understanding of its pathophysiology has advanced and several treatment modalities are currently available for the management of PAH patients, none are curative and the prognosis remains poor. Therefore, further research is required to decipher the molecular mechanisms associated with PAH. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role through its vasoprotective functions in cardiopulmonary homeostasis, and accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence shows that the upregulation of the ACE2/Angiotensin-(1-7)/MAS1 proto-oncogene, G protein-coupled receptor (Mas 1 receptor) signaling axis is implicated in the pathophysiology of PAH. Herein, we highlight the molecular mechanisms of ACE2 signaling in PAH and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vassiliki A. Gogou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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11
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Siratavičiūtė V, Pangonytė D, Utkienė L, Jusienė L, Marcinkevičienė J, Stanionienė Z, Radikė R. Myocardial Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Protein Expression in Ischemic Heart Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17145. [PMID: 38138974 PMCID: PMC10743033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417145] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas receptor axis plays a significant role in regulating myocardial remodeling and the development of heart failure (HF), with ACE2 being the primary focus. However, contemporary understanding of the membrane-bound form of the human ACE2 protein remains insufficient. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of ACE2 protein in different cells of the left ventricular myocardium in non-diseased hearts and at various stages of ischemic HF. A total of 103 myocardial tissue samples from the left ventricle underwent quantitative and semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis. Upon assessing ACE2 immunostaining in all myocardial cells through unselective digital image analysis, there was no change in the stage A HF group. Nevertheless, the expression of ACE2 membrane protein in cardiomyocytes showed a tendency to increase, while non-cardiomyocyte ACE2 expression decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In the stage B HF group, the intensity of ACE2 immunostaining continued to increase with rising cardiomyocyte ACE2 expression (p < 0.001). Non-cardiomyocyte expression, in contrast, remained similar to that observed in the stage A HF group. In the stages C/D HF group, ACE2 expression reached its highest level in cardiomyocytes (p < 0.001), while ACE2 expression in non-cardiomyocytes was the lowest (p < 0.001). These changes in ACE2 protein levels are associated with left ventricular remodeling in ischemic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dalia Pangonytė
- Laboratory of Cardiac Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.S.); (L.U.); (L.J.); (J.M.); (Z.S.); (R.R.)
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12
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Kyosei Y, Yoshimura T, Ito E. Removal of Soluble ACE2 in VeroE6 Cells by 17β-Estradiol Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1842-1845. [PMID: 37866890 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00568] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Women are less susceptible than men to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which might be due to the female steroid hormone 17β-estradiol. We hypothesized that 17β-estradiol removes the soluble portion of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) to which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds in host cells and that sACE2 then binds to the virus, thereby reducing the infectivity. In the present study, VeroE6/serine protease 2 transmembrane protein (TMPRSS2) cells were infected with pseudo SARS-CoV-2 viruses and used as our model system. This infectivity was reduced by the application of 17β-estradiol. After applying 17β-estradiol to the VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells, we used a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the sACE2 concentration in the culture medium. Our findings revealed that 17β-estradiol removes sACE2 from VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells. Furthermore, the pseudo SARS-CoV-2 viruses were incubated in culture medium with ACE2 collected from 17β-estradiol-treated VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells, and the viruses were measured with an ultrasensitive ELISA using anti-spike protein antibodies. The amount of spike proteins decreased according to the concentration of 17β-estradiol applied. These results clearly demonstrated that the soluble portion of ACE2, which was removed from 17β-estradiol-treated VeroE6/TMPRSS2 cells, bound to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, thereby reducing COVID-19 infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teruki Yoshimura
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido
| | - Etsuro Ito
- Department of Biology, Waseda University
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University
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13
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Liu X, Guo Y, Pan W, Xue Q, Fu J, Qu G, Zhang A. Exogenous Chemicals Impact Virus Receptor Gene Transcription: Insights from Deep Learning. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:18038-18047. [PMID: 37186679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09837] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been disrupting human life and health worldwide since the outbreak in late 2019, the impact of exogenous substance exposure on the viral infection remains unclear. It is well-known that, during viral infection, organism receptors play a significant role in mediating the entry of viruses to enter host cells. A major receptor of SARS-CoV-2 is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This study proposes a deep learning model based on the graph convolutional network (GCN) that enables, for the first time, the prediction of exogenous substances that affect the transcriptional expression of the ACE2 gene. It outperforms other machine learning models, achieving an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.712 and 0.703 on the validation and internal test set, respectively. In addition, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments provided additional supporting evidence for indoor air pollutants identified by the GCN model. More broadly, the proposed methodology can be applied to predict the effect of environmental chemicals on the gene transcription of other virus receptors as well. In contrast to typical deep learning models that are of black box nature, we further highlight the interpretability of the proposed GCN model and how it facilitates deeper understanding of gene change at the structural level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Yunhe Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Wenxiao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, P.R. China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P. R. China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310012, P. R. China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, P. R. China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, P.R. China
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14
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Lin EC, Chiang YC, Lin HY, Tseng SY, Hsieh YT, Shieh JA, Huang YH, Tsai HT, Feng SW, Peng TY, Lee IT. Unraveling the Link between Periodontitis and Coronavirus Disease 2019: Exploring Pathogenic Pathways and Clinical Implications. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2789. [PMID: 37893162 PMCID: PMC10604139 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis involves the inflammation of the periodontal tissue, leading to tissue loss, while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is amplified by poor systemic health. Key facilitators of SARS-CoV-2's entry into host cells are angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). This review reveals that periodontal pockets can serve as a hotspot for virus accumulation, rendering surrounding epithelia more susceptible to infection. Given that ACE2 is expressed in oral mucosa, it is reasonable to suggest that poor periodontal health could increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, recent studies have not provided sufficient evidence to imply a significant effect of COVID-19 on periodontal health, necessitating further and more long-term investigations. Nevertheless, there are hypotheses linking the mechanisms of the two diseases, such as the involvement of interleukin-17 (IL-17). Elevated IL-17 levels are observed in both COVID-19 and periodontitis, leading to increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption. Lastly, bidirectional relationships between periodontitis and systemic diseases like diabetes are acknowledged. Given that COVID-19 symptoms may worsen with these conditions, maintaining good oral health and managing systemic diseases are suggested as potential ways to protect against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tzu-Yu Peng
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (E.-C.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.L.); (S.-Y.T.); (Y.-T.H.); (J.-A.S.); (Y.-H.H.); (H.-T.T.); (S.-W.F.)
| | - I-Ta Lee
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (E.-C.L.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.L.); (S.-Y.T.); (Y.-T.H.); (J.-A.S.); (Y.-H.H.); (H.-T.T.); (S.-W.F.)
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15
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Legere RM, Allegro AR, Affram Y, Silveira BPD, Fridley JL, Wells KM, Oezguen N, Burghardt RC, Wright GA, Pollet J, Bordin AI, Figueiredo PD, Leibowitz JL, Cohen ND. Equine bronchial epithelial cells are susceptible to cell entry with a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus but reveal low replication efficiency. Am J Vet Res 2023; 84:ajvr.23.06.0132. [PMID: 37442546 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.23.06.0132] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the susceptibility of cultured primary equine bronchial epithelial cells (EBECs) to a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pseudovirus relative to human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). SAMPLE Primary EBEC cultures established from healthy adult horses and commercially sourced human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were used as a positive control. METHODS Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression by EBECs was demonstrated using immunofluorescence, western immunoblot, and flow cytometry. EBECs were transduced with a lentivirus pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that binds to ACE2 and expresses the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter. Cells were transduced with the pseudovirus at a multiplicity of infection of 0.1 for 6 hours, washed, and maintained in media for 96 hours. After 96 hours, eGFP expression in EBECs was assessed by fluorescence microscopy of cell cultures and quantitative PCR. RESULTS ACE2 expression in EBECs detected by immunofluorescence, western immunoblotting, and flow cytometry was lower in EBECs than in HBECs. After 96 hours, eGFP expression in EBECs was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, and mean ΔCt values from quantitative PCR were significantly (P < .0001) higher in EBECs (8.78) than HBECs (3.24) indicating lower infectivity in EBECs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Equine respiratory tract cells were susceptible to cell entry with a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Lower replication efficiency in EBECs suggests that horses are unlikely to be an important zoonotic host of SARS-CoV-2, but viral mutations could render some strains more infective to horses. Serological and virological monitoring of horses in contact with persons shedding SARS-CoV-2 is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Legere
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Angelica R Allegro
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Yvonne Affram
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Bibiana Petri da Silveira
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Jennifer L Fridley
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Kelsey M Wells
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Numan Oezguen
- Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Robert C Burghardt
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Gus A Wright
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Jeroen Pollet
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Angela I Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Paul de Figueiredo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Julian L Leibowitz
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis & Immunology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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16
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Kolesov DE, Gaiamova EA, Orlova NA, Vorobiev II. Dimeric ACE2-FC Is Equivalent to Monomeric ACE2 in the Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test. Biochemistry (Mosc) 2023; 88:1274-1283. [PMID: 37770394 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923090079] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the main cellular receptor for the dangerous sarbecoviruses SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Its recombinant extracellular domain is used to monitor the level of protective humoral immune response to a viral infection or vaccine using the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Soluble ACE2 is also considered as an option for antiviral therapy potentially insensitive to the changes in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Extensive testing of the samples of patient's serum by the sVNT method requires using preparations of ACE2 or ACE2 conjugates with constant properties. We have previously obtained a cell line that is a producer of a soluble monomeric ACE2 and showed that this ACE2 variant can be used in sVNT, preferably as a conjugate with horseradish peroxidase. A cell line that generates an ACE2-Fc fusion protein with high productivity, more than 150 mg/liter of the target protein when cultured in a stirred flask, was obtained for producing a stable and universally applicable form of soluble ACE2. The affinity-purified ACE2-Fc fusion contains a mixture of dimeric and tetrameric forms, but allows obtaining linear response curves for inhibition of binding with the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by antibodies. The ACE2-Fc-HRP-based sVNT testing system can be used for practical measurements of the levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies against various circulating variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis E Kolesov
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Elizaveta A Gaiamova
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Nadezhda A Orlova
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
| | - Ivan I Vorobiev
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
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17
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Liu W, Zhao Y, Fan J, Shen J, Tang H, Tang W, Wu D, Huang W, Ding Y, Qiao P, Lin J, Li Z, Li Q, Cui Q, Liu Y, Chen Y, Pu R, Han X, Yin J, Tan X, Cao G. Smoke and Spike: Benzo[a]pyrene Enhances SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Boosting NR4A2-Induced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2300834. [PMID: 37428471 PMCID: PMC10502855 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300834] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke aggravates severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, they show that benzo[a]pyrene in cigarette smoke extract facilitates SARS-CoV-2 infection via upregulating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Benzo[a]pyrene trans-activates the promoters of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 by upregulating nuclear receptor subfamily 4 A number 2 (NR4A2) and promoting its binding of NR4A2 to their promoters, which is independent of functional genetic polymorphisms in ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Benzo[a]pyrene increases the susceptibility of lung epithelial cells to SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses and facilitates the infection of authentic Omicron BA.5 in primary human alveolar type II cells, lung organoids, and lung and testis of hamsters. Increased expression of Nr4a2, Ace2, and Tmprss2, as well as decreased methylation of CpG islands at the Nr4a2 promoter are observed in aged mice compared to their younger counterparts. NR4A2 knockdown or interferon-λ2/λ3 stimulation downregulates the expression of NR4A2, ACE2, and TMPRSS2, thereby inhibiting the infection. In conclusion, benzo[a]pyrene enhances SARS-CoV-2 infection by boosting NR4A2-induced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression. This study elucidates the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on SARS-CoV-2 infection and provides prophylactic options for coronavirus disease 2019, particularly for the elderly population.
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18
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Zhang W, Shi K, Geng Q, Herbst M, Wang M, Huang L, Bu F, Liu B, Aihara H, Li F. Structural evolution of SARS-CoV-2 omicron in human receptor recognition. J Virol 2023; 97:e0082223. [PMID: 37578233 PMCID: PMC10506476 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00822-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary strategies of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant is crucial for comprehending the COVID-19 pandemic and preventing future coronavirus pandemics. In this study, we determined the crystal structures of the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from currently circulating omicron subvariants XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 (also the emerging XBB.1.9.1), each complexed with human ACE2. We studied how individual RBD residues evolved structurally in omicron subvariants, specifically how they adapted to human ACE2. Our findings revealed that residues 493 and 496, which exhibited good human ACE2 adaptation in pre-omicron variants, evolved to poor adaptation in early omicron subvariants (but with good adaption to mouse ACE2) and then reverted to good adaptation in recent omicron subvariants. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that non-human animals facilitated the evolution of early omicron subvariants. Additionally, residue 486, which exhibited good human ACE2 adaptation in early omicron subvariants, evolved to poor adaptation in later omicron subvariants and then returned to good adaptation in recent omicron subvariants. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that immune evasion facilitated the evolution of later omicron subvariants. Thus, our study suggests that both non-human animals and immune evasion may have contributed to driving omicron evolution at different stages of the pandemic. IMPORTANCE The sudden emergence and continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant have left many mysteries unanswered, such as the origin of early omicron subvariants and the factors driving omicron evolution. To address these questions, we studied the crystal structures of human ACE2-bound receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from omicron subvariants XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 (XBB.1.9.1). Our in-depth structural analysis sheds light on how specific RBD mutations adapt to either human or mouse ACE2 and suggests non-human animals and immune evasion may have influenced omicron evolution during different stages of the pandemic. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying omicron evolution, deepen our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have significant implications for preventing future coronavirus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ke Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Qibin Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Morgan Herbst
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Linfen Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Fan Bu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hideki Aihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Coronavirus Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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19
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Ge S, Wang C, Si M, Zhu Q, Shan Y, Li N, Wang Y, Wang H, Luo G, He H, He L. Site-Specific Covalent Immobilization of SMA-Stabilized ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Recognition and Drug Screening. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37394764 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04383] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Membrane protein (MP)-based biomaterials have a wide range of applications in drug screening, antigen detection, and ligand-receptor interaction analysis. Traditional MP immobilization methods have the disadvantage of disordered protein immobilization orientation, leading to the shielded binding domain and unreliable binding pattern. Herein, we describe a site-specific covalent immobilization of MPs, which utilizes the styrene maleic acid (SMA) detergent-free extraction method of MPs as well as the covalent reaction between His-tag and divinyl sulfone (DVS). As an example, we covalently immobilized angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on a cell membrane chromatography system (ACE2-His-SMALPs/CMC) in a site-specific manner and verified the specificity and stability of this system. This technique significantly improves the service life compared to the physisorption CMC column. The improved protein immobilization strategies of the ACE2-His-SMALPs/CMC system enable it to effectively recognize SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral particles as well as detect viral particles in ambient air once combined with an aerosol collector; as a powerful ligand biosensor, the ACE2-His-SMALPs/CMC system was used to screen for compounds with anti-SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus activity. In conclusion, the optimized MP immobilization strategy has been successfully applied to CMC technology, showing enhanced stability and sensitivity, which can provide an efficient and convenient membrane protein immobilization method for biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ge
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Min Si
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Qiumei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yi Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ge Luo
- Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Wooking Instruments Co., Ltd, Shandong 100096, China
| | - Huaizhen He
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Langchong He
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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20
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Kaya Ö, Keskinkaya Z, Işık Mermutlu S, Oğuz Kılıç S, Öztürk S. Long-Term Omalizumab Therapy in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Does it Increase the Risk of COVID-19? Dermatol Pract Concept 2023; 13:e2023145. [PMID: 37557113 PMCID: PMC10412006 DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1303a145] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Based on the existing literature, omalizumab (OMZ) is considered a safe treatment modality in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) era. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of OMZ on CSU patients regarding COVID-19 infection. METHODS In this retrospective study, files of CSU patients using OMZ during the COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed in terms of demographic features, medical history including COVID-19 vaccination status, clinical characteristics, pretreatment laboratory parameters, duration, and dosing regimen of OMZ treatment. Patients with a history of COVID-19 infection while on OMZ therapy and patients without COVID-19 history were compared with respect to these parameters. The urticaria activations following COVID-19 infection or vaccination were also recorded. RESULTS Sixty-eight patients with CSU (female:male ratio = 1.8:1; mean age = 47.2 ± 15.1 years) continued to receive OMZ treatment. The median duration of OMZ treatment was 12 months (range: 6-60). Twelve patients (17.6%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 showing no exacerbation in urticaria. The duration of OMZ treatment was significantly higher in the group with COVID-19 infection history compared to patients with no history of COVID-19 (P = 0.01). Among 51 patients (75%) vaccinated against COVID-19, urticaria activation occurred in 4 patients without any recurrence following booster vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS Considering the likelihood of increased COVID-19 infection risk in the setting of long-term OMZ in CSU patients, the duration of OMZ therapy might be kept at a minimum, or a temporary interruption of the treatment period might be preferred, particularly in high-risk patients regarding COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özge Kaya
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Keskinkaya
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Selda Işık Mermutlu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Oğuz Kılıç
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Sevgi Öztürk
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale, Turkey
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21
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Ma X, Liu L, Sun J, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Liu M, Wang B, Chang Y, Han Y, Gai Z. Expression of circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in children with asthma and the effects of inhaled corticosteroids. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e922. [PMID: 37506151 PMCID: PMC10373566 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.922] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a significant disease burden, yet asthma patients do not have the expected high morbidity and mortality rates in the pandemics of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE To find the difference of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in asthma and nonasthma children and evaluate the effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on its expression. METHODS The ACE2, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and eosinophils were tested in different children. RESULTS A total of 157 children aged 3-16 years were enrolled. The expression of ACE2 in asthma children were lower than nonasthma children (T = -2.512, p = .013). Allergic nonasthma children had a significant higher ACE2 expression than children with allergic asthma (p = .013) and nonallergic asthma (p = .029). The expression of ACE2 had no significant difference between first-diagnosed asthma children and that had been treated with ICS for ≥6 months (F = 0.028, p = .598). The allergic asthma children showed a significantly higher eosinophils cells (EC) count than the allergic nonasthma (W = 200, p < .001) and nonallergic nonasthma children (W = 1089, p < .001). Nonallergic asthma children also had a significant higher EC count than the allergic non-asthma (W = 182.5, p < .001) and nonallergic non-asthma (W = 200.5, p < .001) children. There was no significant difference in IgE levels between asthmatic children and non-asthmatic children (W = 2792.5, p = .18). CONCLUSION Circulating ACE2 levels in asthmatic children were lower than those in non-asthmatic children and ICS treatment for ≥6 months did not affect the expression of ACE2 in peripheral blood in the asthma children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ma
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Lesen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huaiyin People's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yanqin Liu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yuna Chang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yuling Han
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Children's Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Jinan Key Lab of Respiratory Diseases for Children, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, China
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22
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Kiouri DP, Ntallis C, Kelaidonis K, Peana M, Tsiodras S, Mavromoustakos T, Giuliani A, Ridgway H, Moore GJ, Matsoukas JM, Chasapis CT. Network-Based Prediction of Side Effects of Repurposed Antihypertensive Sartans against COVID-19 via Proteome and Drug-Target Interactomes. Proteomes 2023; 11:21. [PMID: 37368467 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes11020021] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of targeting the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) as a treatment for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently under investigation. One way to combat this disease involves the repurposing of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which are antihypertensive drugs, because they bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which in turn interacts with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. However, there has been no in silico analysis of the potential toxicity risks associated with the use of these drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. To address this, a network-based bioinformatics methodology was used to investigate the potential side effects of known Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antihypertensive drugs, Sartans. This involved identifying the human proteins targeted by these drugs, their first neighbors, and any drugs that bind to them using publicly available experimentally supported data, and subsequently constructing proteomes and protein-drug interactomes. This methodology was also applied to Pfizer's Paxlovid, an antiviral drug approved by the FDA for emergency use in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 treatment. The study compares the results for both drug categories and examines the potential for off-target effects, undesirable involvement in various biological processes and diseases, possible drug interactions, and the potential reduction in drug efficiency resulting from proteoform identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina P Kiouri
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Ntallis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Graham J Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - John M Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
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23
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Italiya J, Bhavsar T, Černý J. Assessment and strategy development for SARS-CoV-2 screening in wildlife: A review. Vet World 2023; 16:1193-1200. [PMID: 37577208 PMCID: PMC10421538 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1193-1200] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (members of the Coronaviridae family) are prominent in veterinary medicine, with several known infectious agents commonly reported. In contrast, human medicine has disregarded coronaviruses for an extended period. Within the past two decades, coronaviruses have caused three major outbreaks. One such outbreak was the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Over the 3-year COVID-19 outbreak, several instances of zooanthroponosis have been documented, which pose risks for virus modifications and possible re-emergence of the virus into the human population, causing a new epidemic and possible threats for vaccination or treatment failure. Therefore, widespread screening of animals is an essential technique for mitigating future risks and repercussions. However, mass detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals might be challenging. In silico prediction modeling, experimental studies conducted on various animal species, and natural infection episodes recorded in various species might provide information on the potential threats to wildlife. They may be useful for diagnostic and mass screening purposes. In this review, the possible methods of wildlife screening, based on experimental data and environmental elements that might play a crucial role in its effective implementation, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jignesh Italiya
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czechia
| | - Tanvi Bhavsar
- Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Jiří Černý
- Centre for Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Agrisciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague – Suchdol, Czechia
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24
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Durairajan SSK, Singh AK, Saravanan UB, Namachivayam M, Radhakrishnan M, Huang JD, Dhodapkar R, Zhang H. Gastrointestinal Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2: Transmission, Pathogenesis, Immunomodulation, Microflora Dysbiosis, and Clinical Implications. Viruses 2023; 15:1231. [PMID: 37376531 DOI: 10.3390/v15061231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestation of COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in the respiratory system of humans is widely recognized. There is increasing evidence suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 possesses the capability to invade the gastrointestinal (GI) system, leading to the manifestation of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and GI lesions. These symptoms subsequently contribute to the development of gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, the pathophysiological mechanisms linking these GI symptoms to SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unelucidated. During infection, SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and other host proteases in the GI tract during the infection, possibly causing GI symptoms by damaging the intestinal barrier and stimulating inflammatory factor production, respectively. The symptoms of COVID-19-induced GI infection and IBD include intestinal inflammation, mucosal hyperpermeability, bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, and changes in blood and fecal metabolomics. Deciphering the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and understanding its exacerbation may provide insights into disease prognosis and pave the way for the discovery of potential novel targets for disease prevention or treatment. Besides the usual transmission routes, SARS-CoV-2 can also be transmitted via the feces of an infected person. Hence, it is crucial to implement preventive and control measures in order to mitigate the fecal-to-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Within this context, the identification and diagnosis of GI tract symptoms during these infections assume significance as they facilitate early detection of the disease and the development of targeted therapeutics. The present review discusses the receptors, pathogenesis, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, with a particular focus on the induction of gut immune responses, the influence of gut microbes, and potential therapeutic targets against COVID-19-induced GI infection and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhay Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Udhaya Bharathy Saravanan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Mayurikaa Namachivayam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Moorthi Radhakrishnan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Tiruvarur 610005, India
| | - Jian-Dong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong 999077, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rahul Dhodapkar
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Government of India, Puducherry 605006, India
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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25
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Ahmed SA, Alahmadi YM, Abdou YA. The Impact of Serum Levels of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species on the Disease Severity of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108973. [PMID: 37240319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of the redox pathways in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might aid in the treatment and management of the disease. However, the roles of individual reactive oxygen species (ROS) and individual reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in COVID-19 severity have not been studied to date. The main objective of this research was to assess the levels of individual ROS and RNS in the sera of COVID-19 patients. The roles of individual ROS and RNS in COVID-19 severity and their usefulness as potential disease severity biomarkers were also clarified for the first time. The current case-control study enrolled 110 COVID-19-positive patients and 50 healthy controls of both genders. The serum levels of three individual RNS (nitric oxide (NO•), nitrogen dioxide (ONO-), and peroxynitrite (ONOO-)) and four ROS (superoxide anion (O2•-), hydroxyl radical (•OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) were measured. All subjects underwent thorough clinical and routine laboratory evaluations. The main biochemical markers for disease severity were measured and correlated with the ROS and RNS levels, and they included tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The results indicated that the serum levels of individual ROS and RNS were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in healthy subjects. The correlations between the serum levels of ROS and RNS and the biochemical markers ranged from moderate to very strongly positive. Moreover, significantly elevated serum levels of ROS and RNS were observed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared with non-ICU patients. Thus, ROS and RNS concentrations in serum can be used as biomarkers to track the prognosis of COVID-19. This investigation demonstrated that oxidative and nitrative stress play a role in the etiology of COVID-19 and contribute to disease severity; thus, ROS and RNS are probable innovative targets in COVID-19 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser M Alahmadi
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser A Abdou
- Ohud Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 42354, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Chappell MC. Renin-Angiotensin System and Sex Differences in COVID-19: A Critical Assessment. Circ Res 2023; 132:1320-1337. [PMID: 37167353 PMCID: PMC10171311 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.321883] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The current epidemic of corona virus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in an immense health burden that became the third leading cause of death and potentially contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 binds to the surface-bound peptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, EC 3.4.17.23) leading to tissue infection and viral replication. ACE2 is an important enzymatic component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expressed in the lung and other organs. The peptidase regulates the levels of the peptide hormones Ang II and Ang-(1-7), which have distinct and opposing actions to one another, as well as other cardiovascular peptides. A potential consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection is reduced ACE2 activity by internalization of the viral-ACE2 complex and subsequent activation of the RAS (higher ratio of Ang II:Ang-[1-7]) that may exacerbate the acute inflammatory events in COVID-19 patients and possibly contribute to the effects of long COVID-19. Moreover, COVID-19 patients present with an array of autoantibodies to various components of the RAS including the peptide Ang II, the enzyme ACE2, and the AT1 AT2 and Mas receptors. Greater disease severity is also evident in male COVID-19 patients, which may reflect underlying sex differences in the regulation of the 2 distinct functional arms of the RAS. The current review provides a critical evaluation of the evidence for an activated RAS in COVID-19 subjects and whether this system contributes to the greater severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection in males as compared with females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Chappell
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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27
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Yuan R, Liu M, Cheng Y, Yan F, Zhu X, Zhou S, Dong M. Biomimetic Nanoparticle-Mediated Target Delivery of Hypoxia-Responsive Plasmid of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 to Reverse Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension. ACS Nano 2023; 17:8204-8222. [PMID: 37071566 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular sustained constriction and progressive remodeling, which are initiated by hypoxia then with hypoxia-induced additive factors including pulmonary vascular endothelium injury, intrapulmonary angiotension system imbalance, and inflammation. Now HPH is still an intractable disease lacking effective treatments. Gene therapy has a massive potential for HPH but is hindered by a lack of efficient targeted delivery and hypoxia-responsive regulation systems for transgenes. Herein, we constructed the hypoxia-responsive plasmid of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with endothelial-specific promoter Tie2 and a hypoxia response element and next prepared its biomimetic nanoparticle delivery system, named ACE2-CS-PRT@PM, by encapsulating the plasmid of ACE2 with protamine and chondroitin sulfate as the core then coated it with a platelet membrane as a shell for targeting the injured pulmonary vascular endothelium. ACE2-CS-PRT@PM has a 194.3 nm diameter with a platelet membrane-coating core-shell structure and a negatively charged surface, and it exhibits higher delivery efficiency targeting to pulmonary vascular endothelium and hypoxia-responsive overexpression of ACE2 in endothelial cells in a hypoxia environment. In vitro, ACE2-CS-PRT@PM significantly inhibited the hypoxia-induced proliferation of pulmonary smooth muscle cells. In vivo, ACE2-CS-PRT@PM potently ameliorated the hemodynamic dysfunction and morphological abnormality and largely reversed HPH via inhibiting the hypoxic proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, reducing pulmonary vascular remodeling, restoring balance to the intrapulmonary angiotension system, and improving the inflammatory microenvironment without any detectable toxicity. Therefore, ACE2-CS-PRT@PM is promising for the targeted gene therapy of HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, P.R. China
| | - Manling Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, P.R. China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, P.R. China
| | - Fang Yan
- Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu, Center for Medicine Research and Translation, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 611137, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoquan Zhu
- Medical Research Department, Air Force Medical Center, Haidian District, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
| | - Siyuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, P.R. China
| | - Mingqing Dong
- Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu, Center for Medicine Research and Translation, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 611137, P.R. China
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28
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Harless WW, Lewis B, Qorri B, Abdulkhalek S, Szewczuk MR. Novel Therapeutic Target Critical for SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity and Induction of the Cytokine Release Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091332. [PMID: 37174732 PMCID: PMC10177205 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091332] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We discovered a novel therapeutic target critical for SARS-CoV-2, cellular infectivity and the induction of the cytokine release syndrome. Here, we show that the mammalian enzyme neuraminidase-1 (Neu-1) is part of a highly conserved signaling platform that regulates the dimerization and activation of the ACE2 receptors and the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) implicated in the cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Activated Neu-1 cleaves glycosylated residues that provide a steric hindrance to both ACE2 and TLR dimerization, a process critical to both viral attachment to the receptor and entry into the cell and TLR activation. Blocking Neu-1 inhibited ACE2 receptor dimerization and internalization, TLR dimerization and activation, and the expression of several key inflammatory molecules implicated in the CRS and death from ARDS. Treatments that target Neu-1 are predicted to be highly effective against infection with SARS-CoV-2, given the central role played by this enzyme in viral cellular entry and the induction of the CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Lewis
- ENCYT Technologies Inc., Membertou, NS B1S 0H1, Canada
| | - Bessi Qorri
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Samar Abdulkhalek
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 25026, United Arab Emirates
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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29
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Gonzalez-Garcia P, Fiorillo Moreno O, Zarate Peñata E, Calderon-Villalba A, Pacheco Lugo L, Acosta Hoyos A, Villarreal Camacho JL, Navarro Quiroz R, Pacheco Londoño L, Aroca Martinez G, Moares N, Gabucio A, Fernandez-Ponce C, Garcia-Cozar F, Navarro Quiroz E. From Cell to Symptoms: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Cytopathic Effects in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098290. [PMID: 37175995 PMCID: PMC10179575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098290] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers various events from molecular to tissue level, which in turn is given by the intrinsic characteristics of each patient. Given the molecular diversity characteristic of each cellular phenotype, the possible cytopathic, tissue and clinical effects are difficult to predict, which determines the heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on various cell types, focusing on the development of COVID-19, which in turn may lead, in some patients, to a persistence of symptoms after recovery from the disease, a condition known as long COVID. We describe the molecular mechanisms underlying virus-host interactions, including alterations in protein expression, intracellular signaling pathways, and immune responses. In particular, the article highlights the potential impact of these cytopathies on cellular function and clinical outcomes, such as immune dysregulation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and organ damage. The article concludes by discussing future directions for research and implications for the management and treatment of COVID-19 and long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ornella Fiorillo Moreno
- Clínica Iberoamerica, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simon Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
| | - Eloina Zarate Peñata
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simon Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
| | | | - Lisandro Pacheco Lugo
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simon Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
| | - Antonio Acosta Hoyos
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simon Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
| | | | - Roberto Navarro Quiroz
- Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, Spanish National Research Council, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gustavo Aroca Martinez
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simon Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
| | - Noelia Moares
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Antonio Gabucio
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Cecilia Fernandez-Ponce
- Institute of Biomedical Research Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Francisco Garcia-Cozar
- Institute of Biomedical Research Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Elkin Navarro Quiroz
- Life Science Research Center, Universidad Simon Bolívar, Barranquilla 080001, Colombia
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Swiderski J, Gadanec LK, Apostolopoulos V, Moore GJ, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas JM, Zulli A. Role of Angiotensin II in Cardiovascular Diseases: Introducing Bisartans as a Novel Therapy for Coronavirus 2019. Biomolecules 2023; 13:787. [PMID: 37238657 PMCID: PMC10216788 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050787] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Major pathogenic phenotypes of CVDs include the development of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hyper-inflammatory responses. These phenotypes have been found to overlap with the pathophysiological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CVDs have been identified as major risk factors for severe and fatal COVID-19 states. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, its dysregulation is observed in CVDs, where upregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling via angiotensin II (AngII) leads to the AngII-dependent pathogenic development of CVDs. Additionally, the interaction between the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 leads to the downregulation of the latter, resulting in the dysregulation of the RAS. This dysregulation favors AngII/AT1R toxic signaling pathways, providing a mechanical link between cardiovascular pathology and COVID-19. Therefore, inhibiting AngII/AT1R signaling through angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been indicated as a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of COVID-19. Herein, we review the role of AngII in CVDs and its upregulation in COVID-19. We also provide a future direction for the potential implication of a novel class of ARBs called bisartans, which are speculated to contain multifunctional targeting towards COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Swiderski
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Incorporated, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | - John M. Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
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Alexander BT, South AM, August P, Bertagnolli M, Ferranti EP, Grobe JL, Jones EJ, Loria AS, Safdar B, Sequeira-Lopez MLS. Appraising the Preclinical Evidence of the Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Antenatal Programming of Maternal and Offspring Cardiovascular Health Across the Life Course: Moving the Field Forward: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension 2023; 80:e75-e89. [PMID: 36951054 PMCID: PMC10242542 DOI: 10.1161/hyp.0000000000000227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in the long-term cardiovascular health of women with complicated pregnancies and their affected offspring. Emerging antenatal risk factors such as preeclampsia appear to increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease across the life course in both the offspring and women after pregnancy. However, the antenatal programming mechanisms responsible are complex and incompletely understood, with roots in alterations in the development, structure, and function of the kidney, heart, vasculature, and brain. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a major regulator of maternal-fetal health through the placental interface, as well as kidney and cardiovascular tissue development and function. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system dysregulation plays a critical role in the development of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and programming of long-term adverse cardiovascular health in both the mother and the offspring. An improved understanding of antenatal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system programming is crucial to identify at-risk individuals and to facilitate development of novel therapies to prevent and treat disease across the life course. Given the inherent complexities of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, it is imperative that preclinical and translational research studies adhere to best practices to accurately and rigorously measure components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This comprehensive synthesis of preclinical and translational scientific evidence of the mechanistic role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in antenatal programming of hypertension and cardiovascular disease will help (1) to ensure that future research uses best research practices, (2) to identify pressing needs, and (3) to guide future investigations to maximize potential outcomes. This will facilitate more rapid and efficient translation to clinical care and improve health outcomes.
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Sanad AM, Qadri F, Popova E, Rodrigues AF, Heinbokel T, Quach S, Schulz A, Bachmann S, Kreutz R, Alenina N, Bader M. Transgenic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 overexpression in the rat vasculature protects kidneys from ageing-induced injury. Kidney Int 2023:S0085-2538(23)00313-7. [PMID: 37105519 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.04.007] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality especially among the aged population. A decline in kidney function with ageing comparable to ageing-related processes in human kidneys has also been described in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and kidney disease and is a successful therapeutic target. The discovery of angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang(1-7)), mainly produced by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and its receptor MAS offered a new view on the RAS. This ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MAS axis counteracts most deleterious actions of the RAS in the kidney. In order to evaluate if activation of this axis has a protective effect in ageing-induced kidney disease we generated a transgenic rat model (TGR(SM22hACE2)) overexpressing human ACE2 in vascular smooth muscle cells. These animals showed a specific transgene expression pattern and increased ACE2 activity in the kidney. Telemetric recording of the cardiovascular parameters and evaluation of kidney function by histology and urine analysis revealed no alterations in blood pressure regulation and basal kidney function in young transgenic rats when compared to young SD rats. However, with ageing, SD rats developed a decline in kidney function characterized by severe albuminuria which was significantly less pronounced in TGR(SM22hACE2) rats. Concomitantly, we detected lower mRNA expression levels of kidney damage markers in aged transgenic animals. Thus, our results indicate that vascular ACE2-overexpression protects the kidney against ageing-induced decline in kidney function supporting the kidney-protective role of the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MAS axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Maria Sanad
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fatimunnisa Qadri
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Popova
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - André Felipe Rodrigues
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Free University of Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timm Heinbokel
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Quach
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Medicine, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg School for Regenerative Therapies (BSRT)
| | - Angela Schulz
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bachmann
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Functional Anatomy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhold Kreutz
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; University of Lübeck, Institute for Biology, Lübeck, Germany.
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Kim CM, Kim DM, Bang MS, Seo JW, Kim DY, Yun NR, Lim SC, Lee JH, Sohn EJ, Kang H, Min K, Choi BH, Lee S. Efficacy of Plant-Made Human Recombinant ACE2 against COVID-19 in a Golden Syrian Hamster Model. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040964. [PMID: 37112944 PMCID: PMC10146983 DOI: 10.3390/v15040964] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. We evaluated the efficacy of a plant-based human recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hrACE2) and hrACE2-foldon (hrACE2-Fd) protein against COVID-19. In addition, we analyzed the antiviral activity of hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd against SARS-CoV-2 using real-time reverse-transcription PCR and plaque assays. The therapeutic efficacy was detected using the Golden Syrian hamster model infected with SARS-CoV-2. Both hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd inhibited SARS-CoV-2 by 50% at concentrations below the maximum plasma concentration, with EC50 of 5.8 μg/mL and 6.2 μg/mL, respectively. The hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd injection groups showed a tendency for decreased viral titers in nasal turbinate tissues on day 3 after virus inoculation; however, this decrease was not detectable in lung tissues. Histopathological examination on day 9 after virus inoculation showed continued inflammation in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group, whereas decreased inflammation was observed in both the hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd injection groups. No significant changes were observed at other time points. In conclusion, the potential therapeutic efficacy of plant-based proteins, hrACE2 and hrACE2-Fd, against COVID-19 was confirmed in a SARS-CoV-2-inoculated Golden Syrian hamster model. Further preclinical studies on primates and humans are necessary to obtain additional evidence and determine the effectiveness of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon-Mee Kim
- Premedical Science, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Seon Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Won Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Na-Ra Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chul Lim
- Department of Pathology, Chosun University College of Medicine, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyung Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Sohn
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangju Kang
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Min
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Hwa Choi
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro Nam-gu, Pohang 37668, Republic of Korea
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Ribeiro MR, Calado AM, Alves Â, Pereira R, Sousa M, Sá R. Spatial Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Receptors and Proteases in Testicular Cells. J Histochem Cytochem 2023; 71:169-197. [PMID: 37026452 PMCID: PMC10083717 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231168916] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been found in the human testis on occasion, but subgenomic SARS-CoV-2 and infectious SARS-CoV-2 virions have not been found. There is no direct evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of testicular cells. To better understand this, it is necessary to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 receptors and proteases are present in testicular cells. To overcome this limitation, we focused on elucidating with immunohistochemistry the spatial distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 receptors angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), as well as their viral spike protein priming proteases, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L (CTSL), required for viral fusion with host cells. At the protein level, human testicular tissue expressed both receptors and proteases studied. Both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were found in interstitial cells (endothelium, Leydig, and myoid peritubular cells) and in the seminiferous epithelium (Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids). The presence of CD147 was observed in all cell types except endothelium and peritubular cells, while CTSL was exclusively observed in Leydig, peritubular, and Sertoli cells. These findings show that the ACE2 receptor and its protease TMPRSS2 are coexpressed in all testicular cells, as well as the CD147 receptor and its protease CTSL in Leydig and Sertoli cells, indicating that testicular SARS-CoV-2 infection cannot be ruled out without further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine / ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), CECAV - Interdisciplinary Research Center in Animal Health, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Calado
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), CECAV - Interdisciplinary Research Center in Animal Health, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ângela Alves
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine / ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine / ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine / ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine / ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Port, Portugal
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Abstract
Vascular age is determined by functional and structural changes in the arterial wall. When measured by its proxy, pulse wave velocity, it has been shown to predict cardiovascular and total mortality. Disconcordance between chronological and vascular age might represent better or worse vascular health. Cell senescence is caused by oxidative stress and sustained cell replication. Senescent cells acquire senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, dysregulation of coagulation and leucocyte infiltration are observed in the aging endothelium. All of these mechanisms lead to increased vascular calcification and stiffness. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can involve the vascular endothelium. It enters cells using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, which are abundant in endothelial cells. The damage this virus does to the endothelium can be direct or indirect. Indirect damage is caused by hyperinflammation. Direct damage results from effects on ACE-2 receptors. The reduction of ACE-2 levels seen during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection might cause vasoconstriction and oxidative stress. COVID-19 and vascular aging share some pathways. Due to the novelty of the virus, there is an urgent need for studies that investigate its long-term effects on vascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignas Badaras
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania,Ignas Badaras, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius
University, M. K. Ciurlionio g. 21/27, LT-03101, Vilnius 01513, Lithuania.
| | - Agnė Laučytė-Cibulskienė
- Department of Nephrology, Skåne University
Hospital, Malmö, Sweden,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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36
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Zhou G, Liu J. Prognostic value of elevated plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in cardiometabolic diseases: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33251. [PMID: 36897667 PMCID: PMC9997766 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033251] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, as an internal anti regulator of the renin-angiotensin hormone cascade reaction, plays a protective role in vasodilation, inhibition of fibrosis, and initiation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress by degrading angiotensin II and generating angiotensin (1-7). Multiple studies have shown that plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity is low in healthy populations without significant cardiometabolic disease, and elevated plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 levels can be used as a novel biomarker of abnormal myocardial structure and/or adverse events in cardiometabolic diseases. This article aims to elaborate the determinants of plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 concentration, the relevance between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and cardiometabolic disease risk markers, and its relative importance compared with known cardiovascular disease risk factors. Confronted with the known cardiovascular risk factors, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) concentration uniformly emerged as a firm predictor of abnormal myocardial structure and/or adverse events in cardiometabolic diseases and may improve the risk prediction of cardiometabolic diseases when combined with other conventional risk factors. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, while the renin-angiotensin system is the main hormone cascade system involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. A multi-ancestry global cohort study from the general population by Narula et al revealed that plasma ACE2 concentration was strongly associated with cardiometabolic disease and might be an easily measurable indicator of renin-angiotensin system disorder. The association between this atypical hormone disorder marker and cardiometabolic disease is isolated from conventional cardiac risk factors and brain natriuretic peptide, suggesting that a clearer comprehending of the changes in plasma ACE2 concentration and activity may help us to improve the risk prediction of cardiometabolic disease, guide early diagnosis and feasible therapies, and develop and test new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhou
- Department of First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingchen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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37
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Heinzelman P, Romero PA. Directed evolution of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) peptidase activity profiles for therapeutic applications. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4597. [PMID: 36794431 PMCID: PMC10019445 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been investigated for its ability to beneficially modulate the Angiotensin receptor (ATR) therapeutic axis to treat multiple human diseases. Its broad substrate scope and diverse physiological roles however, limit its potential as a therapeutic agent. In this work, we address this limitation by establishing a yeast display-based liquid chromatography screen that enabled use of directed evolution to discover ACE2 variants that possess both wildtype or greater Ang-II hydrolytic activity and improved specificity toward Ang-II relative to the off-target peptide substrate Apelin-13. To obtain these results, we screened ACE2 active site libraries to reveal three substitution-tolerant positions (M360, T371 and Y510) that can be mutated to enhance ACE2's activity profile and followed up on these hits with focused double mutant libraries to further improve the enzyme. Relative to wildtype ACE2, our top variant (T371L/Y510Ile) displayed a sevenfold increase in Ang-II turnover number (kcat ), a sixfold diminished catalytic efficiency (kcat /Km ) on Apelin-13, and an overall decreased activity on other ACE2 substrates that were not directly assayed in the directed evolution screen. At physiologically relevant substrate concentrations, T371L/Y510Ile hydrolyzes as much or more Ang-II than wildtype ACE2 with concomitant Ang-II:Apelin-13 specificity improvements reaching 30-fold. Our efforts have delivered ATR axis-acting therapeutic candidates with relevance to both established and unexplored ACE2 therapeutic applications and provide a foundation for further ACE2 engineering efforts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pete Heinzelman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Philip A Romero
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Lee M, Major M, Hong H. Distinct Conformations of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike Protein and Its Interaction with ACE2 and Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3774. [PMID: 36835186 PMCID: PMC9967551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043774] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since November 2021, Omicron has been the dominant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has continuously impacted human health. Omicron sublineages are still increasing and cause increased transmission and infection rates. The additional 15 mutations on the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Omicron spike proteins change the protein conformation, enabling the Omicron variant to evade neutralizing antibodies. For this reason, many efforts have been made to design new antigenic variants to induce effective antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. However, understanding the different states of Omicron spike proteins with and without external molecules has not yet been addressed. In this review, we analyze the structures of the spike protein in the presence and absence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and antibodies. Compared to previously determined structures for the wildtype spike protein and other variants such as alpha, beta, delta, and gamma, the Omicron spike protein adopts a partially open form. The open-form spike protein with one RBD up is dominant, followed by the open-form spike protein with two RBD up, and the closed-form spike protein with the RBD down. It is suggested that the competition between antibodies and ACE2 induces interactions between adjacent RBDs of the spike protein, which lead to a partially open form of the Omicron spike protein. The comprehensive structural information of Omicron spike proteins could be helpful for the efficient design of vaccines against the Omicron variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongsang Lee
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Marian Major
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Huixiao Hong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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39
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Kaidashev I, Izmailova O, Shlykova O, Kabaliei A, Vatsenko A, Ivashchenko D, Dudchenko M, Volianskyi A, Zelinskyy G, Koval T, Dittmer U. Polymorphism of tmprss2 (rs12329760) but not ace2 (rs4240157), tmprss11a (rs353163) and cd147 (rs8259) is associated with the severity of COVID-19 in the Ukrainian population. Acta Biomed 2023; 94:e2023030. [PMID: 36786264 PMCID: PMC9987503 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94i1.13543] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine 2 and serine 11A proteases (TMPRSS2, TMPRSS11A), and a cell surface cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) might be a gene candidate that exerts the susceptibility to and mortality from coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between ace2, tmprss2, tmprss11a, and cd147 polymorphic variants and the severity of COVID-19 in the Ukrainian population. METHODS The study population consisted of the Ukrainian population with COVID-19: patients without oxygen therapy (n=62), with non-invasive (n=92) and invasive (n=35) oxygen therapy, as well as control subjects (n=92). Allelic polymorphisms of ace2 rs4240157, tmprss2 rs12329760, and tmprss11a rs353163 were determined by real-time PCR, and cd147 rs8259 polymorphism was detected by PCR with subsequent restrictase analysis. We compared investigated polymorphisms distribution with other populations by meta-analysis. RESULTS Our study is the first to obtain data about the distribution of investigated gene polymorphisms in the Ukrainian population: tmprss2 rs12329760 - CC 60.9%, CT 35.9%, TT 3.2%; tmprss11a rs353163 - CC 46.7%, CT 40.2%, TT 13.1%; ace2 rs4240157 - CC 7.6%, C 18.5%, CT 22.8%, TT 19.6%, T 31.5%; cd147 rs8259 - TT 60.9%, AT 32.6%, AA 6.5%. This distribution was similar to the Northern, Western and Southern European populations. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of tmprss2 polymorphic genotypes CC 57.1%, CT 28.6%, and TT 14.3% (P<0.05) in COVID-19 patients with invasive oxygen therapy in comparison with non-invasive oxygen therapy. This tmprss2 mutation occurs in the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain and might be important for protein-protein interaction in a calcium-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated the presence of an association between the tmprss2 rs12329760 polymorphism and the severity of COVID-19 in the Ukrainian population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen.
| | | | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen.
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Zhang HP, Sun YL, Wang YF, Yazici D, Azkur D, Ogulur I, Azkur AK, Yang ZW, Chen XX, Zhang AZ, Hu JQ, Liu GH, Akdis M, Akdis CA, Gao YD. Recent developments in the immunopathology of COVID-19. Allergy 2023; 78:369-388. [PMID: 36420736 PMCID: PMC10108124 DOI: 10.1111/all.15593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There has been an important change in the clinical characteristics and immune profile of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the pandemic thanks to the extensive vaccination programs. Here, we highlight recent studies on COVID-19, from the clinical and immunological characteristics to the protective and risk factors for severity and mortality of COVID-19. The efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and potential allergic reactions after administration are also discussed. The occurrence of new variants of concerns such as Omicron BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 and the global administration of COVID-19 vaccines have changed the clinical scenario of COVID-19. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may cause severe and heterogeneous disease but with a lower mortality rate. Perturbations in immunity of T cells, B cells, and mast cells, as well as autoantibodies and metabolic reprogramming may contribute to the long-term symptoms of COVID-19. There is conflicting evidence about whether atopic diseases, such as allergic asthma and rhinitis, are associated with a lower susceptibility and better outcomes of COVID-19. At the beginning of pandemic, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) developed guidelines that provided timely information for the management of allergic diseases and preventive measures to reduce transmission in the allergic clinics. The global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with reduced pathogenic potential dramatically decreased the morbidity, severity, and mortality of COVID-19. Nevertheless, breakthrough infection remains a challenge for disease control. Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to COVID-19 vaccines are low compared to other vaccines, and these were addressed in EAACI statements that provided indications for the management of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis to COVID-19 vaccines. We have gained a depth knowledge and experience in the over 2 years since the start of the pandemic, and yet a full eradication of SARS-CoV-2 is not on the horizon. Novel strategies are warranted to prevent severe disease in high-risk groups, the development of MIS-C and long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Ping Zhang
- Department of Allergology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuan-Li Sun
- Department of Allergology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Fen Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Duygu Yazici
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Dilek Azkur
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kirikkale, Kirikkale, Turkey
| | - Ismail Ogulur
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Ahmet Kursat Azkur
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kirikkale, Kirikkale, Turkey
| | - Zhao-Wei Yang
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xue Chen
- Department of Allergology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ai-Zhi Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia-Qian Hu
- Department of Allergology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- Department of Allergology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Ya-Dong Gao
- Department of Allergology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Naderi N, Rahimzadeh M. The Role of Soluble ACE2 as a Prognostic Marker in Severe COVID-19: A Brief Meta-Analysis. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:70-76. [PMID: 35747972 DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666220623121922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently emerged novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed a serious threat to public health, and there is an urgent need to establish tools that can aid the clinician in the evaluation and management of highrisk patients. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the potential of sACE2 (soluble angiotensinconverting enzyme 2) as a prognostic biomarker in COVID-19. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, was performed until May 26, 2021. Data extraction and quality assessment of the study were independently conducted by the authors. Finally, 6 studies were included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS ACE-2 serum or plasma levels were compared between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. ACE-2 level was not significantly different between severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls (SMD = 1.2; 95% CI: -1.3-1.5; P = 0.86), severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients (SMD = 0.3; 95% CI: -0.06-0.7; P = 0.1), and severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls (SMD = 0.6; 95% CI: -1.1-2.3; P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS We cautiously propose that circulating levels of ACE2 cannot be used as a biomarker to assess disease severity in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadereh Naderi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rahimzadeh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Khojah HMJ, Ahmed SA, Al-Thagfan SS, Alahmadi YM, Abdou YA. The Impact of Serum Levels of Vitamin D3 and Its Metabolites on the Prognosis and Disease Severity of COVID-19. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245329. [PMID: 36558489 PMCID: PMC9784025 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245329] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is among the increasingly consumed dietary supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic. It plays a regulatory role in the immune system and moderates the renin-angiotensin system, which is implicated in infection pathogenesis. However, the investigation of serum levels of vitamin D3 forms and their relative ratios in COVID-19 patients is worth investigation to understand the impacts of disease severity. Hence, we investigated the serum levels of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and its metabolites (calcifediol and calcitriol), in addition to their relative ratios and correlations with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), interleukin-6 (Il-6), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls. Oropharyngeal specimens were collected from the study subjects for polymerase chain reaction testing for COVID-19. Whole blood samples were obtained for blood count and NLR testing, and sera were used for the analysis of the levels of the vitamin and its metabolites, ACE2, and IL-6. We enrolled 103 patients and 50 controls. ACE2, Il-6, and NLR were significantly higher in the patients group (72.37 ± 18.67 vs. 32.36 ± 11.27 U/L, 95.84 ± 25.23 vs. 2.76 ± 0.62 pg/mL, and 1.61 ± 0.30 vs. 1.07 ± 0.16, respectively). Cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and calcitriol were significantly lower in patients (18.50 ± 5.36 vs. 29.13 ± 4.94 ng/mL, 14.60 ± 3.30 vs. 23.10 ± 3.02 ng/mL, and 42.90 ± 8.44 vs. 65.15 ± 7.11 pg/mL, respectively). However, their relative ratios were normal in both groups. Levels of the vitamin and metabolites were strongly positively, strongly negatively, and moderately negatively correlated with ACE2, Il-6, and NLR, respectively. COVID-19 infection severity is associated with a significant decrease in vitamin D3 and its metabolites in a parallel pattern, and with a significant increase in ACE2, Il-6, and NLR. Higher levels of vitamin D and its metabolites are potentially protective against severe infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani M. J. Khojah
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameh A. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-54-3110057
| | - Sultan S. Al-Thagfan
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yaser M. Alahmadi
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al Madinah Al Munawarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
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Wang WL, Xiao R. [Research Progress on Reproductive System Damage in Male Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients]. Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 2022; 44:1069-1074. [PMID: 36373642 DOI: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503x.14728] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) have significant gender differences.Males are more likely to contract severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) than the age-matched females.The virus uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2) receptors to enter human cells.In addition to infecting the respiratory system,ACE2 can also attack the digestive system,nervous system,immune system and so on,due to the various levels of expression in multiple human organs.The testes are one of the ACE2-rich organs.SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the semen of some COVID-19 patients,which suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may damage the male reproductive system.However,the damage mechanism remains to be studied.The available studies focus on the short-term effect of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproduction and increasing attention has been paid to the long-term effect.This paper briefly describes the possible mechanisms of reproductive cell damage,hypogonadism,and testicular inflammation mediated by SARS-CoV-2 in male COVID-19 patients and points out the existing problems in the current studies,which will broaden the thinking for deciphering the mechanism of reproductive system damage in male COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Lun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Medical University,Hohhot 010059,China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Medical University,Hohhot 010059,China
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Awaya T, Moroi M, Nakamura F, Toi S, Wakiya M, Enomoto Y, Kunimasa T, Nakamura M. A Possibility of Vasospastic Angina after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10121998. [PMID: 36560408 PMCID: PMC9786293 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121998] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of vasospastic angina (VSA) following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Despite the widespread occurrence of myocarditis, there have been few reports of post-vaccinal VSA. A 41-year-old male patient was referred for chest pain at rest following mRNA vaccination; he had never experienced chest pain prior to vaccination. He was diagnosed by an acetylcholine (Ach) provocation test that showed multivessel vasospasm. After the initiation of treatment with a calcium channel blocker and nitrate, no further exacerbation of chest pain was observed. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first reported case of VSA proven by Ach provocation test after COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination may increase coronary artery spasticity. VSA should be ruled out in post-vaccine new onset resting chest pain.
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Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Skeeters SS, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An ACE2 decoy can be administered by inhalation and potently targets omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. EMBO Mol Med 2022. [PMID: 36094679 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.28.486075v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably sublineages of B.1.1.529/omicron, have emerged that escape antibodies in clinical use. As an alternative, soluble decoy receptors based on the host entry receptor ACE2 broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, inhalation of aerosolized sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 increased survival and ameliorated lung injury in K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy's therapeutic efficacy, which was further confirmed by intravenous administration, supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Furthermore, sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 tightly binds and neutralizes BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 omicron and protects K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with a high dose of BA.1 omicron virus. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 is demonstrated by the inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kui K Chan
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
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Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Skeeters SS, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An ACE2 decoy can be administered by inhalation and potently targets omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16109. [PMID: 36094679 PMCID: PMC9539395 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably sublineages of B.1.1.529/omicron, have emerged that escape antibodies in clinical use. As an alternative, soluble decoy receptors based on the host entry receptor ACE2 broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, inhalation of aerosolized sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 increased survival and ameliorated lung injury in K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy's therapeutic efficacy, which was further confirmed by intravenous administration, supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Furthermore, sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 tightly binds and neutralizes BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 omicron and protects K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with a high dose of BA.1 omicron virus. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 is demonstrated by the inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular BiologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Present address:
Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPAUSA
| | | | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular BiologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular BiologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of IllinoisUrbanaILUSA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc.SeattleWAUSA
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Chen Q, Gao Y, Yang F, Deng H, Wang Y, Yuan L. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 improves hepatic insulin resistance by regulating GABAergic signaling in the liver. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102603. [PMID: 36265585 PMCID: PMC9668738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102603] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/angiotensin 1-7/MAS axis and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic signaling system have both been shown to have the dual potential to improve insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis associated with obesity in the liver. Recent studies have demonstrated that ACE2 can regulate the GABA signal in various tissues. Notwithstanding this evidence, the functional relationship between ACE2 and GABA signal in the liver under IR remains elusive. Here, we used high-fat diet-induced models of IR in C57BL/6 mice as well as ACE2KO and adeno-associated virus-mediated ACE2 overexpression mouse models to address this knowledge gap. Our analysis showed that glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)67/GABA signaling was weakened in the liver during IR, whereas the expression of GAD67 and GABA decreased significantly in ACE2KO mice. Furthermore, exogenous administration of angiotensin 1-7 and adeno-associated virus- or lentivirus-mediated overexpression of ACE2 significantly increased hepatic GABA signaling in models of IR both in vivo and in vitro. We found that this treatment prevented lipid accumulation and promoted fatty acid β oxidation in hepatocytes as well as inhibited the expression of gluconeogenesis- and inflammation-related genes, which could be reversed by allylglycine, a specific GAD67 inhibitor. Collectively, our findings show that signaling via the ACE2/A1-7/MAS axis can improve hepatic IR by regulating hepatic GABA signaling. We propose that this research might indicate a potential strategy for the management of diabetes.
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Vergara A, Wang K, Colombo D, Gheblawi M, Rasmuson J, Mandal R, Del Nonno F, Chiu B, Scholey JW, Soler MJ, Wishart DS, Oudit GY. Urinary angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and metabolomics in COVID-19-mediated kidney injury. Clin Kidney J 2022; 16:272-284. [PMID: 36751625 PMCID: PMC9494506 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfac215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly expressed in the kidneys. Beyond serving as a crucial endogenous regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, ACE2 also possess a unique function to facilitate amino acid absorption. Our observational study sought to explore the relationship between urine ACE2 (uACE2) and renal outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods In a cohort of 104 patients with COVID-19 without acute kidney injury (AKI), 43 patients with COVID-19-mediated AKI and 36 non-COVID-19 controls, we measured uACE2, urine tumour necrosis factor receptors I and II (uTNF-RI and uTNF-RII) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL). We also assessed ACE2 staining in autopsy kidney samples and generated a propensity score-matched subgroup of patients to perform a targeted urine metabolomic study to describe the characteristic signature of COVID-19. Results uACE2 is increased in patients with COVID-19 and further increased in those that developed AKI. After adjusting uACE2 levels for age, sex and previous comorbidities, increased uACE2 was independently associated with a >3-fold higher risk of developing AKI [odds ratio 3.05 (95% confidence interval 1.23‒7.58), P = .017]. Increased uACE2 corresponded to a tubular loss of ACE2 in kidney sections and strongly correlated with uTNF-RI and uTNF-RII. Urine quantitative metabolome analysis revealed an increased excretion of essential amino acids in patients with COVID-19, including leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between urine amino acids and uACE2. Conclusions Elevated uACE2 is related to AKI in patients with COVID-19. The loss of tubular ACE2 during SARS-CoV-2 infection demonstrates a potential link between aminoaciduria and proximal tubular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ander Vergara
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kaiming Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Daniele Colombo
- Department of Pathology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mahmoud Gheblawi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaslyn Rasmuson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rupasri Mandal
- Metabolomics Innovation Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Franca Del Nonno
- Department of Pathology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Brian Chiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - James W Scholey
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - María José Soler
- Department of Nephrology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain,Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David S Wishart
- Metabolomics Innovation Center, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Rocheleau GLY, Lee T, Mohammed Y, Goodlett D, Burns K, Cheng MP, Tran K, Sweet D, Marshall J, Slutsky AS, Murthy S, Singer J, Patrick DM, Du B, Peng Z, Lee TC, Boyd JH, Walley KR, Lamontagne F, Fowler R, Winston BW, Haljan G, Vinh DC, McGeer A, Maslove D, Patrigeon SP, Mann P, Donohoe K, Hernandez G, Russell JA; for ARBs CORONA I Investigators. Renin-Angiotensin System Pathway Therapeutics Associated With Improved Outcomes in Males Hospitalized With COVID-19. Crit Care Med 2022; 50:1306-17. [PMID: 35607951 DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are associated with improved outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 according to sex and to report sex-related differences in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study comparing the effects of ARB or ACE inhibitors versus no ARBs or ACE inhibitors in males versus females. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 downregulates ACE-2, potentially increasing angiotensin II (a pro-inflammatory vasoconstrictor). Sex-based differences in RAS dysregulation may explain sex-based differences in responses to ARBs because the ACE2 gene is on the X chromosome. We recorded baseline characteristics, comorbidities, prehospital ARBs or ACE inhibitor treatment, use of organ support and mortality, and measured RAS components at admission and days 2, 4, 7, and 14 in a subgroup ( n = 46), recorded d -dimer ( n = 967), comparing males with females. SETTING ARBs CORONA I is a multicenter Canadian observational cohort of patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19. This analysis includes patients admitted to 10 large urban hospitals across the four most populated provinces. PATIENTS One-thousand six-hundred eighty-six patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 (February 2020 to March 2021) for acute COVID-19 illness were included. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Males on ARBs before admission had decreased use of ventilation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.52; p = 0.007) and vasopressors (aOR = 0.55; p = 0.011) compared with males not on ARBs or ACE inhibitors. No significant effects were observed in females for these outcomes. The test for interaction was significant for use of ventilation ( p = 0.006) and vasopressors ( p = 0.044) indicating significantly different responses to ARBs according to sex. Males had significantly higher plasma ACE-1 at baseline and angiotensin II at day 7 and 14 than females. CONCLUSIONS ARBs use was associated with less ventilation and vasopressors in males but not females. Sex-based differences in RAS dysregulation may contribute to sex-based differences in outcomes and responses to ARBs in COVID-19.
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Khalilzadeh F, Sakhaee F, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Zamani MS, Ahmadi I, Anvari E, Fateh A. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 rs2285666 polymorphism and clinical parameters as the determinants of COVID-19 severity in Iranian population. Int J Immunogenet 2022; 49:325-332. [PMID: 36029284 PMCID: PMC9539076 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Host genetic factors may be correlated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a vital role in viral cell entrance. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism and clinical parameters with COVID-19 mortality. The ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 556 recovered and 522 dead patients. In this study, the frequency of ACE2 rs2285666 CC was significantly higher than TT genotype in dead patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein and the low levels of uric acid, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, real-time PCR Ct values, and ACE2 rs2285666 CC genotype were associated with increased mortality rates after COVID-19. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a possible link between COVID-19 mortality, clinical parameters, and ACE2 rs2285666 CC. Further research is required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Khalilzadeh
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sakhaee
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Iraj Ahmadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Science, Ilam, Iran
| | - Enayat Anvari
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Science, Ilam, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Fateh
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Microbiology Research Center (MRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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