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Botto L, Bulbarelli A, Lonati E, Cazzaniga E, Palestini P. Correlation between Exposure to UFP and ACE/ACE2 Pathway: Looking for Possible Involvement in COVID-19 Pandemic. TOXICS 2024; 12:560. [PMID: 39195662 PMCID: PMC11359209 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The overlap between the geographic distribution of COVID-19 outbreaks and pollution levels confirmed a correlation between exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The RAS system is essential in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases caused by pollution: the ACE/AngII/AT1 axis activates a pro-inflammatory pathway, which is counteracted by the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MAS axis, which activates an anti-inflammatory and protective pathway. However, ACE2 is also known to act as a receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells to replicate. Furthermore, in vivo systems have demonstrated that exposure to PM increases ACE2 expression. In this study, the effects of acute and sub-acute exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP), originating from different anthropogenic sources (DEP and BB), on the levels of ACE2, ACE, COX-2, HO-1, and iNOS in the lungs and other organs implicated in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 were analyzed in the in vivo BALB/c male mice model. Exposure to UFP alters the levels of ACE2 and/or ACE in all examined organs, and exposure to sub-acute DEP also results in the release of s-ACE2. Furthermore, as evidenced in this and our previous works, COX-2, HO-1, and iNOS levels also demonstrated organ-specific alterations. These proteins play a pivotal role in the UFP-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, and their dysregulation is linked to the development of severe symptoms in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting a heightened vulnerability or a more severe clinical course of the disease. UFP and SARS-CoV-2 share common pathways; therefore, in a "risk stratification" concept, daily exposure to air pollution may significantly increase the likelihood of developing a severe form of COVID-19, explaining, at least in part, the greater lethality of the virus observed in highly polluted areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Botto
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Alessandra Bulbarelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.L.); (E.C.)
- POLARIS Research Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Lonati
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Emanuela Cazzaniga
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.L.); (E.C.)
| | - Paola Palestini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (L.B.); (A.B.); (E.L.); (E.C.)
- POLARIS Research Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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2
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Zhang W, Xiao L, Li D, Hu Y, Yu W. New Strategies for Responding to SARS-CoV-2: The Present and Future of Dual-Target Drugs. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11522-11542. [PMID: 38967785 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in millions of deaths, posing a serious threat to public health and safety. Rapid mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and complex interactions among multiple targets during infection pose a risk of expiry for small molecule inhibitors. This suggests that the traditional concept of "one bug, one drug" could be ineffective in dealing with the coronavirus. The dual-target drug strategy is expected to be the key to ending coronavirus infections. However, the lack of design method and improper combination of dual-targets poses obstacle to the discovery of new dual-target drugs. In this Perspective, we summarized the profiles concerning drug design methods, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacological parameters of dual-target drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Importantly, we underscored how target combination and rational drug design illuminate the development of dual-target drugs for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lecheng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dianyang Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuxuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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3
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Ameratunga R, Jordan A, Lehnert K, Leung E, Mears ER, Snell R, Steele R, Woon ST. SARS-CoV-2 evolution has increased resistance to monoclonal antibodies and first-generation COVID-19 vaccines: Is there a future therapeutic role for soluble ACE2 receptors for COVID-19? Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105894. [PMID: 38677595 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused calamitous health, economic and societal consequences. Although several COVID-19 vaccines have received full authorization for use, global deployment has faced political, financial and logistical challenges. The efficacy of first-generation COVID-19 vaccines is waning and breakthrough infections are allowing ongoing transmission and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccine efficacy relies on a functional immune system. Despite receiving three primary doses and three or more heterologous boosters, some immunocompromised patients may not be adequately protected by COVID-19 vaccines and remain vulnerable to severe disease. The evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has also resulted in the rapid obsolescence of monoclonal antibodies. Convalescent plasma from COVID-19 survivors has produced inconsistent results. New drugs such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) are beyond the reach of low- and middle-income countries. With widespread use of Paxlovid, it is likely nirmatrelvir-resistant clades of SARS-CoV-2 will emerge in the future. There is thus an urgent need for new effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatments. The in vitro efficacy of soluble ACE2 against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including omicron (B.1.1.529), was recently described using a competitive ELISA assay as a surrogate marker for virus neutralization. This indicates soluble wild-type ACE2 receptors are likely to be resistant to viral evolution. Nasal and inhaled treatment with soluble ACE2 receptors has abrogated severe disease in animal models of COVID-19. There is an urgent need for clinical trials of this new class of antiviral therapeutics, which could complement vaccines and Paxlovid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Ameratunga
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Anthony Jordan
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Klaus Lehnert
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Euphemia Leung
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emily R Mears
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell Snell
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Steele
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - See-Tarn Woon
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Auckland Hospital, Park Rd, Grafton, 1010, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Jasiczek J, Doroszko A, Trocha T, Trocha M. Role of the RAAS in mediating the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:475-486. [PMID: 38652364 PMCID: PMC11126499 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00596-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) holds a position of paramount importance as enzymatic and endocrine homeostatic regulator concerning the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. Nevertheless, its intricacy is influenced by the presence of various complementary angiotensins and their specific receptors, thereby modifying the primary RAAS actions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) acts as a surface receptor for SARS-CoV-2, establishing an essential connection between RAAS and COVID-19 infection. Despite the recurring exploration of the RAAS impact on the trajectory of COVID-19 along with the successful resolution of many inquiries, its complete role in the genesis of delayed consequences encompassing long COVID and cardiovascular thrombotic outcomes during the post-COVID phase as well as post-vaccination, remains not fully comprehended. Particularly noteworthy is the involvement of the RAAS in the molecular mechanisms underpinning procoagulant processes throughout COVID-19. These processes significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of organ complications as well as determine clinical outcomes and are discussed in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Jasiczek
- Department of Cardiology, Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Kamieńskiego 73a, Wrocław, 51-124, Poland
| | - Adrian Doroszko
- Department of Cardiology, 4th Military Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Weigla 5, Wrocław, 50-981, Poland
| | - Tymoteusz Trocha
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, Wrocław, 50-556, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Trocha
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Disease, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, Wrocław, 50-556, Poland
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5
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Pszczołowska M, Walczak K, Misków W, Antosz K, Batko J, Karska J, Leszek J. Molecular cross-talk between long COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2024; 46:2885-2899. [PMID: 38393535 PMCID: PMC11009207 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The long COVID (coronavirus disease), a multisystemic condition following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is one of the widespread problems. Some of its symptoms affect the nervous system and resemble symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-a neurodegenerative condition caused by the accumulation of amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins. Multiple studies have found dependence between these two conditions. Patients with Alzheimer's disease have a greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to increased levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and the infection itself promotes amyloid beta generation which enhances the risk of AD. Also, the molecular pathways are alike-misregulations in folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, a deficit of Cq10, and disease-associated microglia. Medical imaging in both of these diseases shows a decrease in the volume of gray matter, global brain size reduction, and hypometabolism in the parahippocampal gyrus, thalamus, and cingulate cortex. In some studies, a similar approach to applied medication can be seen, including the use of amino adamantanes and phenolic compounds of rosemary. The significance of these connections and their possible application in medical practice still needs further study but there is a possibility that they will help to better understand long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamil Walczak
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Weronika Misków
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Antosz
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Batko
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Karska
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Department, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Department, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Wang X, Ma J, Lin D, Bai Y, Zhang D, Jia X, Gao J. MiR-145-5p reduced ANG II-induced ACE2 shedding and the inflammatory response in alveolar epithelial cells by targeting ADAM17 and inhibiting the AT1R/ADAM17 pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 971:176392. [PMID: 38365107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The excessive elevation of angiotensin II (ANG II) is closely associated with the occurrence and development of aortic dissection (AD)-related acute lung injury (ALI), through its binding to angiotensin II receptor type I (AT1R). MiR-145-5p is a noncoding RNA that can be involved in a variety of cellular physiopathological processes. Transfection with miR-145-5p was found to downregulated the expression of A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) and reduced the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in lung tissue, while concurrently increasing plasma ACE2 levels in the AD combined with ALI mice. ADAM17 was proved to be a target of miR-145-5p. Transfection with miR-145-5p decreased the shedding of ACE2 and alleviated the inflammatory response induced by ANG II through targeting ADAM17 and inhibiting the AT1R/ADAM17 pathway in A549 cells. In conclusion, our present study demonstrates the role and mechanism of miR-145-5p in alleviating ANG II-induced acute lung injury, providing a new insight into miRNA therapy for reducing lung injury in patients with aortic dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu'an Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Duomao Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongni Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotong Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University-Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China
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7
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Chaichuum S, Tseng CL, Chang SC, Chan CL, Hsu CY, Chiang E, Daimon M, Chiang SJ, Chen HH. Assessment of cardiac adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination by speckle tracking echocardiography. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10849. [PMID: 38740940 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61641-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac discomfort has been reported periodically in COVID-19-vaccinated individuals. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the role of myocardial strains in the early assessment of the clinical presentations after COVID-19 vaccination. Totally, 121 subjects who received at least one dose of vaccine within 6 weeks underwent laboratory tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) was implemented to analyze changes in the left ventricular myocardium. After vaccination, 66 individuals (55.4 ± 17.4 years) developed cardiac discomforts, such as chest tightness, palpitations, dyspnea, and chest pain. The ECG readings exhibited both premature ventricular contractions and premature atrial contractions (n = 24, 36.4%), while none of the individuals in the control group manifested signs of cardiac arrhythmia. All had normal serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, creatine kinase myocardial band, troponin, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, platelets, and D-dimer. Left ventricular ejection fraction in the symptomatic group (71.41% ± 7.12%) and the control group (72.18% ± 5.11%) (p = 0.492) were normal. Use of 2D-STE presented global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) was reduced in the symptomatic group (17.86% ± 3.22% and 18.37% ± 5.22%) compared to the control group (19.54% ± 2.18% and 20.73% ± 4.09%) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.028). COVID-19 vaccine-related cardiac adverse effects can be assessed early by 2D-STE. The prognostic implications of GLS and GCS enable the evaluation of subtle changes in myocardial function after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srisakul Chaichuum
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Li Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Chen Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Yangming Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Chan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Yangming Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Ying Hsu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Yangming Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Edward Chiang
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Masao Daimon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuo-Ju Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Yangming Branch, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Ho Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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8
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Kumawat P, Agarwal LK, Sharma K. An Overview of SARS-CoV-2 Potential Targets, Inhibitors, and Computational Insights to Enrich the Promising Treatment Strategies. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:169. [PMID: 38733424 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03671-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has emphasized the urgent need for effective therapies to combat COVID-19. Investigating the potential targets, inhibitors, and in silico approaches pertinent to COVID-19 are of utmost need to develop novel therapeutic agents and reprofiling of existing FDA-approved drugs. This article reviews the viral enzymes and their counter receptors involved in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells, replication of genomic RNA, and controlling the host cell physiology. In addition, the study provides an overview of the computational techniques such as docking simulations, molecular dynamics, QSAR modeling, and homology modeling that have been used to find the FDA-approved drugs and other inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, a comprehensive overview of virus-based and host-based druggable targets from a structural point of view, together with the reported therapeutic compounds against SARS-CoV-2 have also been presented. The current study offers future perspectives for research in the field of network pharmacology investigating the large unexplored molecular libraries. Overall, the present in-depth review aims to expedite the process of identifying and repurposing drugs for researchers involved in the field of COVID-19 drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Kumawat
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Agarwal
- Department of Chemistry, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India.
| | - Kuldeep Sharma
- Department of Botany, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India
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Lebedin M, Ratswohl C, Garg A, Schips M, García CV, Spatt L, Thibeault C, Obermayer B, Weiner J, Velásquez IM, Gerhard C, Stubbemann P, Hanitsch LG, Pischon T, Witzenrath M, Sander LE, Kurth F, Meyer-Hermann M, de la Rosa K. Soluble ACE2 correlates with severe COVID-19 and can impair antibody responses. iScience 2024; 27:109330. [PMID: 38496296 PMCID: PMC10940809 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying immune modulators that impact neutralizing antibody responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is of great relevance. We postulated that high serum concentrations of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) might mask the spike and interfere with antibody maturation toward the SARS-CoV-2-receptor-binding motif (RBM). We tested 717 longitudinal samples from 295 COVID-19 patients and showed a 2- to 10-fold increase of enzymatically active sACE2 (a-sACE2), with up to 1 μg/mL total sACE2 in moderate and severe patients. Fifty percent of COVID-19 sera inhibited ACE2 activity, in contrast to 1.3% of healthy donors and 4% of non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. A mild inverse correlation of a-sACE2 with RBM-directed serum antibodies was observed. In silico, we show that sACE2 concentrations measured in COVID-19 sera can disrupt germinal center formation and inhibit timely production of high-affinity antibodies. We suggest that sACE2 is a biomarker for COVID-19 and that soluble receptors may contribute to immune suppression informing vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Lebedin
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Ratswohl
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Free University of Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, 14195 Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amar Garg
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Schips
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Clara Vázquez García
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Spatt
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thibeault
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - January Weiner
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilais Moreno Velásquez
- Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathrin Gerhard
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Stubbemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif-Gunnar Hanitsch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Pischon
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Biobank Technology Platform, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Leif Erik Sander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Kurth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Michael Meyer-Hermann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Guo H, Zhang C, Pu W, Chu X, Huang G, Cui T, Huang B, Liu H, Dai X. Role of PLC/IP 3 /IP 3 R axis in excess molybdenum exposure induced apoptosis in duck renal tubular epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:172-183. [PMID: 37676969 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Excess molybdenum (Mo) is harmful to animals, but its nephrotoxicity has not been comprehensively explained. To appraise the influences of excess Mo on Ca homeostasis and apoptosis via PLC/IP3 /IP3 R axis, primary duck renal tubular epithelial cells were exposed to 480 μM and 960 μM Mo, and joint of 960 μM Mo and 10 μM 2-APB or 0.125 μM U-73122 for 12 h (U-73122 pretreated for 1 h), respectively. The data revealed that the increment of [Ca2+ ]c induced by Mo mainly originated from intracellular Ca storage. Mo exposure reduced [Ca2+ ]ER , elevated [Ca2+ ]mit , [Ca2+ ]c , and the expression of Ca homeostasis-related factors (Calpain, CaN, CRT, GRP94, GRP78 and CaMKII). 2-APB could effectively reverse subcellular Ca2+ redistribution by inhibiting IP3 R, which confirmed that [Ca2+ ]c overload induced by Mo originated from ER. Additionally, PLC inhibitor U-73122 remarkably mitigated the change, and dramatically reduced the number of apoptotic cells, the expression of Bak-1, Bax, cleaved-Caspase-3/Caspase-3, and notably increased the expression of Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Overall, the results confirmed that the Ca2+ liberation of ER via PLC/IP3 /IP3 R axis was the main cause of [Ca2+ ]c overload, and then stimulated apoptosis in duck renal tubular epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Guo
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiying Zhang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Pu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesheng Chu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Huang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Cui
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingyan Huang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hang Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyan Dai
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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11
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Ghafouri E, Bigdeli M, Khalafiyan A, Amirkhani Z, Ghanbari R, Hasan A, Khanahmad H, Boshtam M, Makvandi P. Unmasking the complex roles of hypocalcemia in cancer, COVID-19, and sepsis: Engineered nanodelivery and diagnosis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:116979. [PMID: 37660871 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is essential for maintaining physiological processes in the body. Disruptions in Ca2+ signaling can lead to various pathological conditions including inflammation, fibrosis, impaired immune function, and accelerated senescence. Hypocalcemia, a common symptom in diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cancer, septic shock, and COVID-19, can have both potential protective and detrimental effects. This article explores the multifaceted role of Ca2+ dysregulation in inflammation, fibrosis, impaired immune function, and accelerated senescence, contributing to disease severity. Targeting Ca2+ signaling pathways may provide opportunities to develop novel therapeutics for age-related diseases and combat viral infections. However, the role of Ca2+ in viral infections is complex, and evidence suggests that hypocalcemia may have a protective effect against certain viruses, while changes in Ca2+ homeostasis can influence susceptibility to viral infections. The effectiveness and safety of Ca2+ supplements in COVID-19 patients remain a subject of ongoing research and debate. Further investigations are needed to understand the intricate interplay between Ca2+ signaling and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Ghafouri
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Anis Khalafiyan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zohre Amirkhani
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roham Ghanbari
- School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Maryam Boshtam
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China; School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, UK.
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12
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Wang Z, Zhao C, Li C, Liu S, Ding J, He C, Liu J, Dong B, Yang Z, Liu Q, Zhu H, Liu Y. Molecular PET/CT mapping of rhACE2 distribution and quantification in organs to aid in SARS-CoV-2 targeted therapy. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29221. [PMID: 38009705 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, poses a significant threat to public health. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recombinant human ACE2 (RhACE2), as a soluble supplement for human ACE2, can competitively block SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, a mouse organ in situ rhACE2 high aggregation model was constructed for the first time, and in vivo real-time positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of rhACE2 in the mouse model was performed using an ACE2-specific agent 68 Ga-HZ20. This radiotracer exhibits reliable radiochemical properties in vitro and maintains a high affinity for rhACE2 in vivo. In terms of probe uptake, 68 Ga-HZ20 showed a good target-to-nontarget ratio and was rapidly cleared from the circulatory system and excreted by the kidneys and urinary system. PET imaging with this radiotracer can noninvasively and accurately monitor the content and distribution of rhACE2 in the body, which clarifies that rhACE2 can aggregate in multiple organs, suggesting the preventive and therapeutic potential of rhACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanke Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chuangui Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Song Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chengxue He
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Central Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- International Cancer Center, Department of medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Youping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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13
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Ratswohl C, Vázquez García C, Ahmad AUW, Gonschior H, Lebedin M, Silvis CE, Spatt L, Gerhard C, Lehmann M, Sander LE, Kurth F, Olsson S, de la Rosa K. A design strategy to generate a SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine that abrogates ACE2 binding and improves neutralizing antibody responses. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350408. [PMID: 37435628 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The structure-based design of antigens holds promise for developing vaccines with higher efficacy and improved safety profiles. We postulate that abrogation of host receptor interaction bears potential for the improvement of vaccines by preventing antigen-induced modification of receptor function as well as the displacement or masking of the immunogen. Antigen modifications may yet destroy epitopes crucial for antibody neutralization. Here, we present a methodology that integrates deep mutational scans to identify and score SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain variants that maintain immunogenicity, but lack interaction with the widely expressed host receptor. Single point mutations were scored in silico, validated in vitro, and applied in vivo. Our top-scoring variant receptor binding domain-G502E prevented spike-induced cell-to-cell fusion, receptor internalization, and improved neutralizing antibody responses by 3.3-fold in rabbit immunizations. We name our strategy BIBAX for body-inert, B-cell-activating vaccines, which in the future may be applied beyond SARS-CoV-2 for the improvement of vaccines by design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ratswohl
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Vázquez García
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ata Ul Wakeel Ahmad
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannes Gonschior
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mikhail Lebedin
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Casper Ewijn Silvis
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Spatt
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathrin Gerhard
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Lehmann
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif E Sander
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Simon Olsson
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Västra Götalands län, Sweden
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Huang WY, Wu KP. SheddomeDB 2023: A Revision of an Ectodomain Shedding Database Based on a Comprehensive Literature Review and Online Resources. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:2570-2576. [PMID: 37458416 PMCID: PMC10407926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Ectodomain shedding of membrane proteins is a proteolytic event involved in several biological phenomena, including inflammation, development, diseases, and cancer progression. Though ectodomain shedding is a post-translational modification that plays an important role in cellular regulation, this biological phenomenon is seriously underannotated in public protein databases. Given the importance of the shedding events, we conducted a comprehensive literature review for membrane protein shedding and constructed the database, SheddomeDB in 2017. In response to user feedback, novel shedding findings, more associated biomedical events, and the advance in web technology, we revised SheddomeDB to a new version, SheddomeDB 2023. The revised SheddomeDB 2023 includes 481 protein entries across seven species; all the content was manually verified and curated. The content of SheddomeDB 2023 mainly came from a comprehensive literature survey by our newly developed semiautomated screening tool. We also integrated verified and updated cleavage and secretome information from other databases into the revision. In addition, SheddomeDB 2023 features a graphical presentation of cleavage information and a user-friendly interface for searching and browsing entries in the database. This revised comprehensive database of ectodomain shedding is expected to benefit biomedical researchers across different disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wun-Yi Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Pin Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
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15
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di Filippo L, Uygur M, Locatelli M, Nannipieri F, Frara S, Giustina A. Low vitamin D levels predict outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with both severe and non-severe disease at hospitalization. Endocrine 2023; 80:669-683. [PMID: 36854858 PMCID: PMC9974397 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low vitamin D in COVID-19 have been related to worse outcomes. However, most of the studies conducted so far were not-controlled and retrospective, including biases potentially influencing this association. We evaluated 25(OH)vitamin D levels of patients with both severe and non-severe disease at hospital-admission, and in a cohort of control subjects. Moreover, we evaluated sACE-2 levels to investigate the mechanisms underlying the association between vitamin D and COVID-19. METHODS COVID-19 patients were enrolled in a matched for age, sex and comorbidities 1:1-ratio based on the presence/or not of respiratory-distress/severe-disease at hospital-admission. Control matched subjects were enrolled from an outpatient-setting. RESULTS Seventy-three COVID-19 patients (36 severe and 37 non-severe) and 30 control subjects were included. We observed a higher vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) prevalence in COVID-19 patients than control subjects (75% vs 43%). No differences were found regarding 25(OH)vitamin D and sACE-2 levels between patients with and without severe-disease at study entry. During the disease-course, in the severe group a life-threatening disease occurred in 17 patients (47.2%), and, in the non-severe group, a worsening disease occurred in 10 (27%). 25(OH)vitamin D levels, at admission, were negatively correlated with sACE-2 levels, and were lower in patients whose disease worsened as compared to those in whom it did not, independently from the disease severity at admission. In multivariate-analysis, lower 25(OH)vitamin D resulted as an independent risk factor for disease worsening. CONCLUSIONS 25(OH)vitamin D levels at hospital-admission strongly predicted the occurrence of worsening outcomes in COVID-19 independently of the disease severity at presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi di Filippo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Melin Uygur
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Locatelli
- Laboratory Medicine Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Frara
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Giustina
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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16
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Kakavandi S, Zare I, VaezJalali M, Dadashi M, Azarian M, Akbari A, Ramezani Farani M, Zalpoor H, Hajikhani B. Structural and non-structural proteins in SARS-CoV-2: potential aspects to COVID-19 treatment or prevention of progression of related diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:110. [PMID: 37189112 PMCID: PMC10183699 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new member of the Coronaviridae family known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are structural and non-structural proteins (NSPs) in the genome of this virus. S, M, H, and E proteins are structural proteins, and NSPs include accessory and replicase proteins. The structural and NSP components of SARS-CoV-2 play an important role in its infectivity, and some of them may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, including cancer, coagulation disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with targets such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate pathological intracellular signaling pathways by triggering transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), CD147, and Eph receptors, which play important roles in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, and multiple cancers such as glioblastoma, lung malignancies, and leukemias. Several compounds such as polyphenols, doxazosin, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib could inhibit these interactions. It has been demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a stronger affinity for human ACE2 than the spike protein of SARS-CoV, leading the current study to hypothesize that the newly produced variant Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to human ACE2 more strongly than the primary strain. SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses against structural and NSPs have become resistant to previous vaccines. Therefore, the review of recent studies and the performance of current vaccines and their effects on COVID-19 and related diseases has become a vital need to deal with the current conditions. This review examines the potential role of these SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the initiation of chronic diseases, and it is anticipated that these proteins could serve as components of an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 and related diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz, 7178795844, Iran
| | - Maryam VaezJalali
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Dadashi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Azarian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Nano Bio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Hajikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Vassiliou AG, Vrettou CS, Keskinidou C, Dimopoulou I, Kotanidou A, Orfanos SE. Endotheliopathy in Acute COVID-19 and Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8237. [PMID: 37175942 PMCID: PMC10179170 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary endothelium is a highly regulated organ that performs a wide range of functions under physiological and pathological conditions. Since endothelial dysfunction has been demonstrated to play a direct role in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, its role in COVID-19 has also been extensively investigated. Indeed, apart from the COVID-19-associated coagulopathy biomarkers, new biomarkers were recognised early during the pandemic, including markers of endothelial cell activation or injury. We systematically searched the literature up to 10 March 2023 for studies examining the association between acute and long COVID-19 severity and outcomes and endothelial biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice G. Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (C.S.V.); (C.K.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Stylianos E. Orfanos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (C.S.V.); (C.K.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
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18
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Yang X, Lin C, Liu J, Zhang Y, Deng T, Wei M, Pan S, Lu L, Li X, Tian G, Mi J, Xu F, Yang C. Identification of the regulatory mechanism of ACE2 in COVID-19-induced kidney damage with systems genetics approach. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:449-460. [PMID: 36951969 PMCID: PMC10034233 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02304-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 can directly target the kidney and induce renal damage. As the cell surface receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a pivotal role for renal physiology and function. Thus, it is important to understand ACE2 through which pathway influences the pathogenesis of renal damage induced by COVID-19. In this study, we first performed an eQTL mapping for Ace2 in kidney tissues in 53 BXD mice strains. Results demonstrated that Ace2 is highly expressed and strongly controlled by a genetic locus on chromosome 16 in the kidney, with six genes (Dnase1, Vasn, Usp7, Abat, Mgrn1, and Rbfox1) dominated as the upstream modulator, as they are highly correlated with Ace2 expression. Gene co-expression analysis showed that Ace2 co-variates are significantly involved in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) pathway which acts as a reno-protector. Importantly, we also found that Ace2 is positively correlated with Pdgf family members, particularly Pdgfc, which showed the most association among the 76 investigated growth factors. Mammalian Phenotype Ontology enrichment indicated that the cognate transcripts for both Ace2 and Pdgfc were mainly involved in regulating renal physiology and morphology. Among which, Cd44, Egfr, Met, Smad3, and Stat3 were identified as hub genes through protein-protein interaction analysis. Finally, in aligning with our systems genetics findings, we found ACE2, pdgf family members, and RAS genes decreased significantly in the CAKI-1 kidney cancer cells treated with S protein and receptor binding domain structural protein. Collectively, our data suggested that ACE2 work with RAS, PDGFC, as well as their cognate hub genes to regulate renal function, which could guide for future clinical prevention and targeted treatment for COVID-19-induced renal damage outcomes. KEY MESSAGES: • Ace2 is highly expressed and strongly controlled by a genetic locus on chromosome 16 in the kidney. • Ace2 co-variates are enriched in the RAS pathway. • Ace2 is strongly correlated with the growth factor Pdgfc. • Ace2 and Pdgfc co-expressed genes involved in the regulation of renal physiology and morphology. • SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein induces down-regulation of Ace2, RAS, and Pdgfc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Yang
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Chunhua Lin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, 264008, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Tingzhi Deng
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Mengna Wei
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Shuijing Pan
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Xuri Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Jia Mi
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China.
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China.
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Chunhua Yang
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Shandong, Yantai, 264003, China.
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19
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How the Competition for Cysteine May Promote Infection of SARS-CoV-2 by Triggering Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020483. [PMID: 36830041 PMCID: PMC9952211 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 induces a broad range of clinical manifestations. Besides the main receptor, ACE2, other putative receptors and co-receptors have been described and could become genuinely relevant to explain the different tropism manifested by new variants. In this study, we propose a biochemical model envisaging the competition for cysteine as a key mechanism promoting the infection and the selection of host receptors. The SARS-CoV-2 infection produces ROS and triggers a massive biosynthesis of proteins rich in cysteine; if this amino acid becomes limiting, glutathione levels are depleted and cannot control oxidative stress. Hence, infection succeeds. A receptor should be recognized as a marker of suitable intracellular conditions, namely the full availability of amino acids except for low cysteine. First, we carried out a comparative investigation of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human ACE2. Then, using hierarchical cluster protein analysis, we searched for similarities between all human proteins and spike produced by the latest variant, Omicron BA.1. We found 32 human proteins very close to spike in terms of amino acid content. Most of these potential SARS-CoV-2 receptors have less cysteine than spike. We suggest that these proteins could signal an intracellular shortage of cysteine, predicting a burst of oxidative stress when used as viral entry mediators.
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20
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Bellavite P, Ferraresi A, Isidoro C. Immune Response and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Adverse Effects of Spike Proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA Vaccines. Biomedicines 2023; 11:451. [PMID: 36830987 PMCID: PMC9953067 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 disease) uses the Spike proteins of its envelope for infecting target cells expressing on the membrane the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) enzyme that acts as a receptor. To control the pandemic, genetically engineered vaccines have been designed for inducing neutralizing antibodies against the Spike proteins. These vaccines do not act like traditional protein-based vaccines, as they deliver the message in the form of mRNA or DNA to host cells that then produce and expose the Spike protein on the membrane (from which it can be shed in soluble form) to alert the immune system. Mass vaccination has brought to light various adverse effects associated with these genetically based vaccines, mainly affecting the circulatory and cardiovascular system. ACE2 is present as membrane-bound on several cell types, including the mucosa of the upper respiratory and of the gastrointestinal tracts, the endothelium, the platelets, and in soluble form in the plasma. The ACE2 enzyme converts the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II into peptides with vasodilator properties. Here we review the pathways for immunization and the molecular mechanisms through which the Spike protein, either from SARS-CoV-2 or encoded by the mRNA-based vaccines, interferes with the Renin-Angiotensin-System governed by ACE2, thus altering the homeostasis of the circulation and of the cardiovascular system. Understanding the molecular interactions of the Spike protein with ACE2 and the consequent impact on cardiovascular system homeostasis will direct the diagnosis and therapy of the vaccine-related adverse effects and provide information for development of a personalized vaccination that considers pathophysiological conditions predisposing to such adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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21
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Balasubramanian N, James TD, Selvakumar GP, Reinhardt J, Marcinkiewcz CA. Repeated ethanol exposure and withdrawal alters angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in discrete brain regions: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:219-239. [PMID: 36529893 PMCID: PMC9878009 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be at higher risk for COVID-19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are required for cellular entry by SARS-CoV-2, but information on their expression in specific brain regions after alcohol exposure is limited. We sought to clarify how chronic alcohol exposure affects ACE2 expression in monoaminergic brainstem circuits and other putative SARS-CoV-2 entry points. METHODS Brains were examined for ACE2 using immunofluorescence after 4 weeks of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor inhalation. We also examined TMPRSS2, Cathepsin L, and ADAM17 by Western blot and RAS pathway mediators and pro-inflammatory markers via RT-qPCR. RESULTS ACE2 was increased in most brain regions following CIE including the olfactory bulb (OB), hypothalamus (HT), raphe magnus (RMG), raphe obscurus (ROB), locus coeruleus (LC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG). We also observed increased colocalization of ACE2 with monoaminergic neurons in brainstem nuclei. Moreover, soluble ACE2 (sACE2) was elevated in OB, HT, and LC. The increase in sACE2 in OB and HT was accompanied by upregulation of ADAM17, an ACE2 sheddase, while TMPRSS2 increased in HT and LC. Cathepsin L, an endosomal receptor involved in viral entry, was also increased in OB. Alcohol can increase Angiotensin II, which triggers a pro-inflammatory response that may upregulate ACE2 via activation of RAS pathway receptors AT1R/AT2R. ACE2 then metabolizes Angiotensin II to Angiotensin (1-7) and provokes an anti-inflammatory response via MAS1. Accordingly, we report that AT1R/AT2R mRNA decreased in OB and increased in the LC, while MAS1 mRNA increased in both OB and LC. Other mRNAs for pro-inflammatory markers were also dysregulated in OB, HT, raphe, and LC. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that alcohol triggers a compensatory upregulation of ACE2 in the brain due to disturbed RAS and may increase the risk or severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas D James
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | - Jessica Reinhardt
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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22
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Nejat R, Torshizi MF, Najafi DJ. S Protein, ACE2 and Host Cell Proteases in SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Infectivity; Is Soluble ACE2 a Two Blade Sword? A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:204. [PMID: 36851081 PMCID: PMC9968219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the spread of the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, researchers have restlessly sought to unravel how the virus enters the host cells. Some proteins on each side of the interaction between the virus and the host cells are involved as the major contributors to this process: (1) the nano-machine spike protein on behalf of the virus, (2) angiotensin converting enzyme II, the mono-carboxypeptidase and the key component of renin angiotensin system on behalf of the host cell, (3) some host proteases and proteins exploited by SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the complex process of SARS-CoV-2 entrance into the host cells with the contribution of the involved host proteins as well as the sequential conformational changes in the spike protein tending to increase the probability of complexification of the latter with angiotensin converting enzyme II, the receptor of the virus on the host cells, are discussed. Moreover, the release of the catalytic ectodomain of angiotensin converting enzyme II as its soluble form in the extracellular space and its positive or negative impact on the infectivity of the virus are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nejat
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Laleh Hospital, Tehran 1467684595, Iran
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23
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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] [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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24
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A Closer Look at ACE2 Signaling Pathway and Processing during COVID-19 Infection: Identifying Possible Targets. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010013. [PMID: 36679858 PMCID: PMC9867515 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the identification of its role as the functional receptor for SARS-CoV in 2003 and for SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, ACE2 has been studied in depth to understand COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. ACE2 is a widely expressed protein, and it plays a major regulatory role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System (RAAS). The key to understanding susceptibility and severity may be found in ACE2 variants. Some variants have been shown to affect binding affinity with SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we discuss the role of ACE2 in COVID-19 infection, highlighting the importance of ACE2 isoforms (soluble and membrane-bound) and explore how ACE2 variants may influence an individual's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease outcome.
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25
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Wang B, Zhao J, Liu S, Feng J, Luo Y, He X, Wang Y, Ge F, Wang J, Ye B, Huang W, Bo X, Wang Y, Xi JJ. ACE2 decoy receptor generated by high-throughput saturation mutagenesis efficiently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its prevalent variants. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1488-1499. [PMID: 35587428 PMCID: PMC9176695 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2079426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The recent global pandemic was a spillover from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Viral entry involves the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein interacting with the protease domain (PD) of the cellular receptor, ACE2. We hereby present a comprehensive mutational landscape of the effects of ACE2-PD point mutations on RBD-ACE2 binding using a saturation mutagenesis approach based on microarray-based oligo synthesis and a single-cell screening assay. We observed that changes in glycosylation sites and directly interacting sites of ACE2-PD significantly influenced ACE2-RBD binding. We further engineered an ACE2 decoy receptor with critical point mutations, D30I, L79W, T92N, N322V, and K475F, named C4-1. C4-1 shows a 200-fold increase in neutralization for the SARS-CoV-2 D614G pseudotyped virus compared to wild-type soluble ACE2 and a sevenfold increase in binding affinity to wild-type spike compared to the C-terminal Ig-Fc fused wild-type soluble ACE2. Moreover, C4-1 efficiently neutralized prevalent variants, especially the omicron variant (EC50=16 ng/mL), and rescued monoclonal antibodies, vaccine, and convalescent sera neutralization from viral immune-escaping. We hope to next investigate translating the therapeutic potential of C4-1 for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junxuan Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Feng
- College of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yufeng Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feixiang Ge
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Buqing Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijin Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- Institute of Health Service and Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines, Institute for Biological Product Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Jeff Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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26
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Mohammadi P, Varpaei HA, Seifi A, Zahak Miandoab S, Beiranvand S, Mobaraki S, Mohammadi M, Abdollahi A. Soluble ACE2 as a Risk or Prognostic Factor in COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-sectional Study. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2022; 36:135. [PMID: 36479537 PMCID: PMC9719580 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.36.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. The first known receptor for this virus in the human body is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the same receptor for the SARS virus. Methods: A total of 38 hospitalized adult (18 years) patients with laboratory or clinically confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were identified in the infectious disease ward of Tehran Imam Khomeini hospital complex in this single-center cross-sectional study. A blood sample was taken at the time of hospitalization and a second one was taken 48 hours later. Blood samples are kept frozen at -80 degrees Celsius. After the complete collection of samples, the ACE2 level of the samples was measured using a serum sACE2 detection ELISA kit. The data were analyzed using SPSS v26. P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. An analysis of covariance was performed to examine the mean differences in day 7 serum ACE2 concentration among the 2 groups after adjusting for the baseline serum ACE2 concentration. The 1-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were any differences between independent groups (mechanical ventilation yes/no) on serum ACE2 levels at 3 different times. Results: The mean age of patients was 64.13 ± 16.49 years, 21 patients (55.3%) were men, 16 patients (42%) were polymerase chain reaction test positive, and 15 patients (39.5%) died. A total of 35 individuals (92.1%) had chest computed tomography images that indicated lung involvement. A comparison of the 2 groups of patients who died and were discharged revealed that serum ACE2 at the first (p=0.033) and third (7th day) measurements were statistically different (p=0.026). Patients had a mean of serum ACE2. The results indicated that the day 7 serum ACE2 concentration did significantly differ between the 2 groups after controlling for the baseline serum ACE2 concentration (p=0.023). The model explained about 73.61% of the variance in the 7-day serum ACE2 concentration. Specifically, after adjusting for the baseline concentration, survived patients had the lowest level of serum ACE2 concentration (1 ± 0.65) on the 7th day compared with the deceased patient group (2.83 ± 1.12). Conclusion: Soluble ACE2 in the serum of COVID-19 patients who died, later on, was significantly higher than the discharged patients when the samples were taken seven days after admission. It is suggested that serum soluble ACE2 level could be used as a prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients' outcomes and also their need for mechanical ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Mohammadi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arash Seifi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Zahak Miandoab
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Beiranvand
- Department of Nursing, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Mobaraki
- Department of Nursing, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Mohammadi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, General ICU of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran, Corresponding author:Mostafa Mohammadi,
| | - Alireza Abdollahi
- Imam Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Sharma P, Malik S, Wadhwan V, Gotur Palakshappa S, Singh R. Prevalence of oral manifestations in COVID-19: A systematic review. Rev Med Virol 2022; 32:e2345. [PMID: 35271738 PMCID: PMC9111150 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel disease caused by a newly identified virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing diverse systemic manifestations. The oral cavity too is not spared and the symptoms appear either independently, concurrently, or sequentially. In view of the rising documented cases of oral lesions of COVID-19, this systematic review aims to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations in COVID-19 confirmed individuals. An extensive literature search was conducted in databases like Scopus, Pubmed/Medline, Livivo, Lilacs and Google Scholar and varied oral signs and symptoms were reported as per the PRISMA guidelines. Studies published in English language literature only were included and were subjected to the risk of bias using the Joana Briggs Institute Appraisal tools for prevalence studies, case series and case reports. In a two-phase selection, 34 studies were included: 21 observational, 3 case-series and 10 case reports. These observational studies included approximately 14,003 patients from 10 countries. In this review, we explored the most commonly encountered oral and dental manifestations in COVID-19 and identified that loss of taste acuity, xerostomia and anosmia were frequently reported. Elevated incidence of opportunistic infections like mucormycosis and aspergillosis were reported during the treatment due to prolonged intake of steroids. Immunosuppression and poor oral hygiene led to secondary manifestations like enanthematous lesions. However, it is not clear that oral signs and symptoms are due to COVID-19 infection itself or are the result of extensive treatment regimen followed [PROSPERO CRD42021258264].
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral MicrobiologySubharti Dental College and HospitalSwami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityMeerutUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Sangeeta Malik
- Department of Oral Medicine & RadiologySubharti Dental College and HospitalSwami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityMeerutUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Vijay Wadhwan
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral MicrobiologySubharti Dental College and HospitalSwami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityMeerutUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Suhasini Gotur Palakshappa
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral MicrobiologySubharti Dental College and HospitalSwami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityMeerutUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Roli Singh
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral MicrobiologySubharti Dental College and HospitalSwami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityMeerutUttar PradeshIndia
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28
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Soltani-Zangbar MS, Parhizkar F, Abdollahi M, Shomali N, Aghebati-Maleki L, Shahmohammadi Farid S, Roshangar L, Mahmoodpoor A, Yousefi M. Immune system-related soluble mediators and COVID-19: basic mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:131. [PMID: 36038915 PMCID: PMC9421625 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00948-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
During SARS-CoV-2 infection, an effective immune response provides the first line of defense; however, excessive inflammatory innate immunity and impaired adaptive immunity may harm tissues. Soluble immune mediators are involved in the dynamic interaction of ligands with membrane-bound receptors to maintain and restore health after pathological events. In some cases, the dysregulation of their expression can lead to disease pathology. In this literature review, we described current knowledge of the basic features of soluble immune mediators and their dysregulation during SARS-CoV-2 infections and highlighted their contribution to disease severity and mortality. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Forough Parhizkar
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Abdollahi
- School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sima Shahmohammadi Farid
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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29
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Kjertakov M. Commentary: Moderate exercise may prevent the development of severe forms of COVID-19, whereas high-intensity exercise may result in the opposite. Front Physiol 2022; 13:902739. [PMID: 36072850 PMCID: PMC9441653 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.902739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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30
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Wang S, Li S, Zhai X, Rong P, He J, Liu L, He X, Liu W. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation releases extrapineal melatonin and reduces thermal hypersensitivity in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:916822. [PMID: 36033612 PMCID: PMC9403073 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.916822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common comorbidity of COVID-19, and both are related to the lack of circulating melatonin. In addition, chronic pain is a common sequela of both COVID-19 and T2D. Using a neuropathic pain model produced by sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury in Zucker diabetic fatty rats, a verified preclinical genetic T2D neuropathy animal model, this study aimed to show that transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) could elevate plasma melatonin concentration, upregulate the expression of melatonin receptors (MTRs) in the amygdala, and relieve peripheral neuropathic pain. Furthermore, taVNS would restore melatonin levels and relieve pain even in pinealectomized rats. On the contrary, intraperitoneally injected luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, would attenuate the antinociceptive effects of taVNS. In conclusion, the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of taVNS on chronic pain involves the release of extrapineal melatonin and the positive regulation of the expression of central MTRs. This beneficial efficacy should be considered during COVID-19 rehabilitation in individuals with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxing Wang
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuxing Wang,
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zhai
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jietao He
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Lina Liu
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xinxin He
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Wenguo Liu
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
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31
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Clerbaux LA, Albertini MC, Amigó N, Beronius A, Bezemer GFG, Coecke S, Daskalopoulos EP, del Giudice G, Greco D, Grenga L, Mantovani A, Muñoz A, Omeragic E, Parissis N, Petrillo M, Saarimäki LA, Soares H, Sullivan K, Landesmann B. Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework. J Clin Med 2022; 11:4464. [PMID: 35956081 PMCID: PMC9369763 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing factors modulating COVID-19 is crucial since abundant clinical evidence shows that outcomes are markedly heterogeneous between patients. This requires identifying the factors and understanding how they mechanistically influence COVID-19. Here, we describe how eleven selected factors (age, sex, genetic factors, lipid disorders, heart failure, gut dysbiosis, diet, vitamin D deficiency, air pollution and exposure to chemicals) influence COVID-19 by applying the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP), which is well-established in regulatory toxicology. This framework aims to model the sequence of events leading to an adverse health outcome. Several linear AOPs depicting pathways from the binding of the virus to ACE2 up to clinical outcomes observed in COVID-19 have been developed and integrated into a network offering a unique overview of the mechanisms underlying the disease. As SARS-CoV-2 infectibility and ACE2 activity are the major starting points and inflammatory response is central in the development of COVID-19, we evaluated how those eleven intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate those processes impacting clinical outcomes. Applying this AOP-aligned approach enables the identification of current knowledge gaps orientating for further research and allows to propose biomarkers to identify of high-risk patients. This approach also facilitates expertise synergy from different disciplines to address public health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure-Alix Clerbaux
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | | | - Núria Amigó
- Biosfer Teslab SL., 43204 Reus, Spain;
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 23204 Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Beronius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Gillina F. G. Bezemer
- Impact Station, 1223 JR Hilversum, The Netherlands;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Evangelos P. Daskalopoulos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Giusy del Giudice
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Dario Greco
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Lucia Grenga
- Département Médicaments et Technologies pour la Santé (DMTS), Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, INRAE, SPI, F-30200 Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France;
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Amalia Muñoz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 2440 Geel, Belgium;
| | - Elma Omeragic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Nikolaos Parissis
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Mauro Petrillo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Laura A. Saarimäki
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland; (G.d.G.); (D.G.); (L.A.S.)
| | - Helena Soares
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Pathogenesis, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Kristie Sullivan
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC 20016, USA;
| | - Brigitte Landesmann
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (S.C.); (E.P.D.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (B.L.)
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Li M, Chen J, Liu Y, Zhao J, Li Y, Hu Y, Chen YQ, Sun L, Shu Y, Feng F, Sun C. Rational design of AAVrh10-vectored ACE2 functional domain to broadly block the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Antiviral Res 2022; 205:105383. [PMID: 35917969 PMCID: PMC9338828 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The frequently emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have weakened the effectiveness of existing COVID-19 vaccines and neutralizing antibody therapy. Nevertheless, the infections of SARS-CoV-2 variants still depend on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor-mediated cell entry, and thus the soluble human ACE2 (shACE2) is a potential decoy for broadly blocking SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, we firstly generated the recombinant AAVrh10-vectored shACE2 constructs, a kind of adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype with pulmonary tissue tropism, and then validated its inhibition capacity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. To further optimize the minimized ACE2 functional domain candidates, a comprehensive analysis was performed to clarify the interactions between the ACE2 orthologs from various species and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. Based on the key interface amino acids, we designed a series of truncated ACE2 orthologs, and then assessed their potential affinity to bind to SARS-CoV-2 variants RBD in silico. Of note, we found that the 24-83aa fragment of dog ACE2 (dACE224-83) had a higher affinity to the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants than that of human ACE2. Importantly, AAVrh10-vectored shACE2 or dACE224-83 constructs exhibited a broadly blockage breadth against SARS-CoV-2 prototype and variants in vitro and ex vivo. Collectively, these data highlighted a promising therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchao Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaoshan Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yajie Liu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yunqi Hu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yao-Qing Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuelong Shu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; NHC Key Laboratory of System Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100730, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Fengling Feng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Caijun Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Fé LXSGM, Cipolatti EP, Pinto MCC, Branco S, Nogueira FCS, Ortiz GMD, Pinheiro ADS, Manoel EA. Enzymes in the time of COVID-19: An overview about the effects in the human body, enzyme market, and perspectives for new drugs. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:2126-2167. [PMID: 35762498 PMCID: PMC9350392 DOI: 10.1002/med.21919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The rising pandemic caused by a coronavirus, resulted in a scientific quest to discover some effective treatments against its etiologic agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). This research represented a significant scientific landmark and resulted in many medical advances. However, efforts to understand the viral mechanism of action and how the human body machinery is subverted during the infection are still ongoing. Herein, we contributed to this field with this compilation of the roles of both viral and human enzymes in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In this sense, this overview reports that proteases are vital for the infection to take place: from SARS‐CoV‐2 perspective, the main protease (Mpro) and papain‐like protease (PLpro) are highlighted; from the human body, angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2, transmembrane serine protease‐2, and cathepsins (CatB/L) are pointed out. In addition, the influence of the virus on other enzymes is reported as the JAK/STAT pathway and the levels of lipase, enzymes from the cholesterol metabolism pathway, amylase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase are also be disturbed in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Finally, this paper discusses the importance of detailed enzymatic studies for future treatments against SARS‐CoV‐2, and how some issues related to the syndrome treatment can create opportunities in the biotechnological market of enzymes and the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Xavier Soares Gomes Moura Fé
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane Pereira Cipolatti
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martina Costa Cerqueira Pinto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Centro de Tecnologia (CT), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Chemical Engineering Program, Instituto Alberto Luiz Coimbra de Pós-graduação e Pesquisa de Engenharia (COPPE), Centro de Tecnologia (CT), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Suema Branco
- Biofísica Ambiental, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fábio César Sousa Nogueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Centro de Tecnologia (CT), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisela Maria Dellamora Ortiz
- Departamento de Fármacos e Medicamentos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anderson de Sá Pinheiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Centro de Tecnologia (CT), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Evelin Andrade Manoel
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Centro de Tecnologia (CT), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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34
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de Seabra Rodrigues Dias IR, Cao Z, Kwok HF. Adamalysins in COVID-19 - Potential mechanisms behind exacerbating the disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112970. [PMID: 35658218 PMCID: PMC9010236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a current pandemic that has resulted in nearly 250 million cases and over 5 million deaths. While vaccines have been developed to prevent infection, and most COVID-19 cases end up being fairly light, there are severe cases of COVID-19 that may end up in death, even with adequate healthcare treatment. New options to combat this disease's effects, therefore, could prove to be invaluable in saving lives. Adamalysins are proteins that have several roles in regulating different functions in the human body but are also known to have functions in inflammation. They are also known to have roles in several different diseases, including COVID-19, where ADAM17, in particular, is now well-known to have a prominent role, but also several diseases which include comorbidities that may worsen cases of COVID-19. Therefore, investigating the functions of adamalysins in disease may give us clues to the molecular workings of COVID-19 as well as potentially new therapeutic targets. Understanding these molecular mechanisms may also allow for an understanding of the mechanisms behind the rare severe side effects that occur in response to current COVID-19 vaccines, which may lead to better monitoring measures for people who may be more at risk of developing these side effects. This review investigates the known roles and functions of adamalysins in disease, including what is currently known of their involvement in COVID-19, and how these functions might be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Ricardo de Seabra Rodrigues Dias
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China,Co-corresponding author
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR,Corresponding author at: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR
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35
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Daniell H, Nair SK, Esmaeili N, Wakade G, Shahid N, Ganesan PK, Islam MR, Shepley-McTaggart A, Feng S, Gary EN, Ali AR, Nuth M, Cruz SN, Graham-Wooten J, Streatfield SJ, Montoya-Lopez R, Kaznica P, Mawson M, Green BJ, Ricciardi R, Milone M, Harty RN, Wang P, Weiner DB, Margulies KB, Collman RG. Debulking SARS-CoV-2 in saliva using angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in chewing gum to decrease oral virus transmission and infection. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1966-1978. [PMID: 34774754 PMCID: PMC8580552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To advance a novel concept of debulking virus in the oral cavity, the primary site of viral replication, virus-trapping proteins CTB-ACE2 were expressed in chloroplasts and clinical-grade plant material was developed to meet FDA requirements. Chewing gum (2 g) containing plant cells expressed CTB-ACE2 up to 17.2 mg ACE2/g dry weight (11.7% leaf protein), have physical characteristics and taste/flavor like conventional gums, and no protein was lost during gum compression. CTB-ACE2 gum efficiently (>95%) inhibited entry of lentivirus spike or VSV-spike pseudovirus into Vero/CHO cells when quantified by luciferase or red fluorescence. Incubation of CTB-ACE2 microparticles reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus count in COVID-19 swab/saliva samples by >95% when evaluated by microbubbles (femtomolar concentration) or qPCR, demonstrating both virus trapping and blocking of cellular entry. COVID-19 saliva samples showed low or undetectable ACE2 activity when compared with healthy individuals (2,582 versus 50,126 ΔRFU; 27 versus 225 enzyme units), confirming greater susceptibility of infected patients for viral entry. CTB-ACE2 activity was completely inhibited by pre-incubation with SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain, offering an explanation for reduced saliva ACE2 activity among COVID-19 patients. Chewing gum with virus-trapping proteins offers a general affordable strategy to protect patients from most oral virus re-infections through debulking or minimizing transmission to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Smruti K Nair
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nardana Esmaeili
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Geetanjali Wakade
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Naila Shahid
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Prem Kumar Ganesan
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Md Reyazul Islam
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ariel Shepley-McTaggart
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sheng Feng
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ebony N Gary
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ali R Ali
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Manunya Nuth
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Selene Nunez Cruz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jevon Graham-Wooten
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Paul Kaznica
- Fraunhofer USA, Center Mid-Atlantic, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | | | - Brian J Green
- Fraunhofer USA, Center Mid-Atlantic, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Robert Ricciardi
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Milone
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald N Harty
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kenneth B Margulies
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald G Collman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Krenn K, Tretter V, Kraft F, Ullrich R. The Renin-Angiotensin System as a Component of Biotrauma in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Front Physiol 2022; 12:806062. [PMID: 35498160 PMCID: PMC9043684 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.806062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major concern in critical care medicine with a high mortality of over 30%. Injury to the lungs is caused not only by underlying pathological conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, or trauma, but also by ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) resulting from high positive pressure levels and a high inspiratory oxygen fraction. Apart from mechanical factors that stress the lungs with a specific physical power and cause volutrauma and barotrauma, it is increasingly recognized that lung injury is further aggravated by biological mediators. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased interest in the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the context of ARDS, as the RAS enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 serves as the primary cell entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2. Even before this pandemic, studies have documented the involvement of the RAS in VILI and its dysregulation in clinical ARDS. In recent years, analytical tools for RAS investigation have made major advances based on the optimized precision and detail of mass spectrometry. Given that many clinical trials with pharmacological interventions in ARDS were negative, RAS-modifying drugs may represent an interesting starting point for novel therapeutic approaches. Results from animal models have highlighted the potential of RAS-modifying drugs to prevent VILI or treat ARDS. While these drugs have beneficial pulmonary effects, the best targets and application forms for intervention still have to be determined to avoid negative effects on the circulation in clinical settings.
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Erol A. Importance of Efferocytosis in COVID-19 Mortality. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:995-1007. [PMID: 35299855 PMCID: PMC8922362 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s348639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a generally benign coronavirus disease that can spread rapidly, except for those with a group of risk factors. Since the pathogenesis responsible for the severity of the disease has not been clearly revealed, effective treatment alternatives has not been developed. The hallmark of the SARS-CoV-2-infected cells is apoptosis. Apoptotic cells are cleared through a sterile process defined as efferocytosis by professional and nonprofessional phagocytic cells. The disease would be rapidly brought under control in the organism that can achieve effective efferocytosis, which is also a kind of innate immune response. In the risk group, the efferocytic process is defective. With the addition of the apoptotic cell load associated with SARS-COV-2 infection, failure to achieve efferocytosis of dying cells can initiate secondary necrosis, which is a highly destructive process. Uncontrolled inflammation and coagulation abnormalities caused by secondary necrosis reason in various organ failures, lung in particular, which are responsible for the poor prognosis. Following the short and simplified information, this opinion paper aims to present possible treatment options that can control the severity of COVID-19 by detailing the mechanisms that can cause defective efferocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Erol
- Independent Researcher, Not Affiliated to Any Institution, Silivri-Istanbul, Turkey
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Fazio S, Affuso F, Bellavite P. A Review of the Potential Roles of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Pharmacological Approaches for the Management of Mild-to-Moderate Symptomatic COVID-19. Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e936292. [PMID: 35256581 PMCID: PMC8917781 DOI: 10.12659/msm.936292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past 2 years, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has driven investigational studies and controlled clinical trials on antiviral treatments and vaccines that have undergone regulatory approval. Now that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants may become endemic over time, there remains a need to identify drugs that treat the symptoms of COVID-19 and prevent progression toward severe cases, hospitalization, and death. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection is extremely important for the development of effective therapies against COVID-19. This review outlines the key pathways involved in the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and discusses the potential role of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pharmacological approaches for the management of early mild-to-moderate COVID-19, using the examples of combined indomethacin, low-dose aspirin, omeprazole, hesperidin, quercetin, and vitamin C. The pharmacological targets of these substances are described here for their possible synergism in counteracting SARS-CoV-2 replication and progression of the infection from the upper respiratory airways to the blood, avoiding vascular complications and cytokine and bradykinin storms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafino Fazio
- Department of Internal Medicine (retired professor), Medical School University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Bellavite
- Physiopathology Chair, Homeopathic Medical School of Verona, Verona, Italy
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39
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Lavine N, Ohayon A, Mahroum N. Renal autoimmunity: The role of bacterial and viral infections, an extensive review. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103073. [PMID: 35245692 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmunity is a process by which the loss of self-tolerance results in an immune attack against the body own tissues and organs. For autoimmunity to occur, various elements serving as triggers were described by which infections are considered one of the leading factors. In turn, renal involvement in autoimmune diseases, whether by an organ-specific attack, or as part of a systemic disease process, is well known. As bacterial and viral infections are considered to be common triggers for autoimmunity in general, we aimed to study their association with renal autoimmunity in particular. We performed an extensive search of the recent and relevant medical literature regarding renal autoimmunity syndromes such as infection-associated glomerulonephritis and vasculitis, associated with bacterial and viral infections. By utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, over 200 articles and case reports were reviewed. Among other mechanisms, direct infection of the renal parenchyma, molecular mimicry, induction of B-cells or secretion of superantigens, bacterial and viral pathogens were found to correlate with the development of renal autoimmunity. Nevertheless, this was not true for all pathogens, as some mimic autoimmune diseases and others show a surprisingly protective effect. The exact immunopathogenesis is yet to be determined, however. For conclusion, bacterial and viral infections are linked to renal autoimmunity by both direct damage and as mediators of systemic diseases. Further research particularly on the immunopathogenetic mechanisms of renal autoimmunity associated with infections is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noy Lavine
- St. George School of Medicine, University of London, London, UK; Zabludowicz Center for autoimmune diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Aviran Ohayon
- St. George School of Medicine, University of London, London, UK; Zabludowicz Center for autoimmune diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Naim Mahroum
- Zabludowicz Center for autoimmune diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel; International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Niehues RV, Wozniak J, Wiersch F, Lilienthal E, Tacken N, Schumertl T, Garbers C, Ludwig A, Düsterhöft S. The collectrin-like part of the SARS-CoV-1 and -2 receptor ACE2 is shed by the metalloproteinases ADAM10 and ADAM17. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22234. [PMID: 35199397 PMCID: PMC9111296 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101521r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane protease angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a protective regulator within the renin angiotensin system and additionally represents the cellular receptor for SARS‐CoV. The release of soluble ACE2 (sACE2) from the cell surface is hence believed to be a crucial part of its (patho)physiological functions, as both, ACE2 protease activity and SARS‐CoV binding ability, are transferred from the cell membrane to body fluids. Yet, the molecular sources of sACE2 are still not completely investigated. In this study, we show different sources and prerequisites for the release of sACE2 from the cell membrane. By using inhibitors as well as CRISPR/Cas9‐derived cells, we demonstrated that, in addition to the metalloprotease ADAM17, also ADAM10 is an important novel shedding protease of ACE2. Moreover, we observed that ACE2 can also be released in extracellular vesicles. The degree of either ADAM10‐ or ADAM17‐mediated ACE2 shedding is dependent on stimulatory conditions and on the expression level of the pro‐inflammatory ADAM17 regulator iRhom2. Finally, by using structural analysis and in vitro verification, we determined for the first time that the susceptibility to ADAM10‐ and ADAM17‐mediated shedding is mediated by the collectrin‐like part of ACE2. Overall, our findings give novel insights into sACE2 release by several independent molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabea Victoria Niehues
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Justyna Wozniak
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Wiersch
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Eva Lilienthal
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nikola Tacken
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tim Schumertl
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Düsterhöft
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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41
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Wang J, Zhao H, An Y. ACE2 Shedding and the Role in COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:789180. [PMID: 35096642 PMCID: PMC8795668 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.789180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is an important part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In the COVID-19 epidemic, it was found to be the receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). ACE2 maintains homeostasis by inhibiting the Ang II-AT1R axis and activating the Ang I (1-7)-MasR axis, protecting against lung, heart and kidney injury. In addition, ACE2 helps transport amino acids across the membrane. ACE2 sheds from the membrane, producing soluble ACE2 (sACE2). Previous studies have pointed out that sACE2 plays a role in the pathology of the disease, but the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. Recent studies have confirmed that sACE2 can also act as the receptor of SARS-COV-2, mediating viral entry into the cell and then spreading to the infective area. Elevated concentrations of sACE2 are more related to disease. Recombinant human ACE2, an exogenous soluble ACE2, can be used to supplement endogenous ACE2. It may represent a potent COVID-19 treatment in the future. However, the specific administration concentration needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Youzhong An
- *Correspondence: Huiying Zhao, ; Youzhong An,
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42
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Rahmah L, Abarikwu SO, Arero AG, Essouma M, Jibril AT, Fal A, Flisiak R, Makuku R, Marquez L, Mohamed K, Ndow L, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rezaei N, Rzymski P. Oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19: opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:1255-1278. [PMID: 35871712 PMCID: PMC9309032 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00388-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of antiviral COVID-19 medications can successfully inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and prevent disease progression to a more severe form. However, the timing of antiviral treatment plays a crucial role in this regard. Oral antiviral drugs provide an opportunity to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection without a need for hospital admission, easing the general burden that COVID-19 can have on the healthcare system. This review paper (i) presents the potential pharmaceutical antiviral targets, including various host-based targets and viral-based targets, (ii) characterizes the first-generation anti-SARS-CoV-2 oral drugs (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir), (iii) summarizes the clinical progress of other oral antivirals for use in COVID-19, (iv) discusses ethical issues in such clinical trials and (v) presents challenges associated with the use of oral antivirals in clinical practice. Oral COVID-19 antivirals represent a part of the strategy to adapt to long-term co-existence with SARS-CoV-2 in a manner that prevents healthcare from being overwhelmed. It is pivotal to ensure equal and fair global access to the currently available oral antivirals and those authorized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Rahmah
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sunny O. Abarikwu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Choba, Nigeria
| | - Amanuel Godana Arero
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mickael Essouma
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Aliyu Tijani Jibril
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Nutritional and Health Team (NHT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Department of Population Health, Division of Public Health, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland ,Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland ,Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Rangarirai Makuku
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Leander Marquez
- College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines ,Education and Research Network (USERN), Universal Scientific, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Kawthar Mohamed
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Manama, Bahrain
| | - Lamin Ndow
- National Health Laboratory Service, Kotu, Gambia ,Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Banjul, Gambia
| | | | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland ,Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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43
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Involvement of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR Axis in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Implications for COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312955. [PMID: 34884756 PMCID: PMC8657555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic, fibrotic lung disease affecting 3 million people worldwide. The ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/MasR axis is of interest in pulmonary fibrosis due to evidence of its anti-fibrotic action. Current scientific evidence supports that inhibition of ACE2 causes enhanced fibrosis. ACE2 is also the primary receptor that facilitates the entry of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 is associated with a myriad of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) leading to respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, and often death. One of the potential complications in people who recover from COVID-19 is pulmonary fibrosis. Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for fibrotic lung diseases, including the idiopathic form of this disease (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), which has a prevalence of 41% to 83%. Cigarette smoke increases the expression of pulmonary ACE2 and is thought to alter susceptibility to COVID-19. Cannabis is another popular combustible product that shares some similarities with cigarette smoke, however, cannabis contains cannabinoids that may reduce inflammation and/or ACE2 levels. The role of cannabis smoke in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis remains unknown. This review aimed to characterize the ACE2-Ang-(1–7)-MasR Axis in the context of pulmonary fibrosis with an emphasis on risk factors, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus and exposure to environmental toxicants. In the context of the pandemic, there is a dire need for an understanding of pulmonary fibrotic events. More research is needed to understand the interplay between ACE2, pulmonary fibrosis, and susceptibility to coronavirus infection.
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Feng F, Chen J, Zhao J, Li Y, Li M, Sun C. Killing Two Birds with One Stone by Administration of Soluble ACE2: A Promising Strategy to Treat Both Cardiovascular Diseases and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:2243. [PMID: 34835049 PMCID: PMC8622942 DOI: 10.3390/v13112243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters host cells mainly by the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which can recognize the spike (S) protein by its extracellular domain. Previously, recombinant soluble ACE2 (sACE2) has been clinically used as a therapeutic treatment for cardiovascular diseases. Recent data demonstrated that sACE2 can also be exploited as a decoy to effectively inhibit the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2, through blocking SARS-CoV-2 binding to membrane-anchored ACE2. In this study, we summarized the current findings on the optimized sACE2-based strategies as a therapeutic agent, including Fc fusion to prolong the half-life of sACE2, deep mutagenesis to create high-affinity decoys for SARS-CoV-2, or designing the truncated functional fragments to enhance its safety, among others. Considering that COVID-19 patients are often accompanied by manifestations of cardiovascular complications, we think that administration of sACE2 in COVID-19 patients may be a promising therapeutic strategy to simultaneously treat both cardiovascular diseases and SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review would provide insights for the development of novel therapeutic agents against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Feng
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (F.F.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaoshan Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (F.F.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (F.F.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (F.F.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Minchao Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (F.F.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Caijun Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (F.F.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.L.); (M.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
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45
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Peng M, He J, Xue Y, Yang X, Liu S, Gong Z. Role of Hypertension on the Severity of COVID-19: A Review. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 78:e648-e655. [PMID: 34321401 PMCID: PMC8562915 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic. The substantial morbidity and mortality associated with the infection has prompted us to understand potential risk factors that can predict patient outcomes. Hypertension has been identified as the most prevalent cardiovascular comorbidity in patients infected with COVID-19 that demonstrably increases the risk of hospitalization and death. Initial studies implied that renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors might increase the risk of viral infection and aggravate disease severity, thereby causing panic given the high global prevalence of hypertension. Nonetheless, subsequent evidence supported the administration of antihypertensive drugs and noted that they do not increase the severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with hypertension, rather may have a beneficial effect. To date, the precise mechanism by which hypertension predisposes to unfavorable outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19 remains unknown. In this mini review, we elaborate on the pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection coexisting with hypertension and summarize potential mechanisms, focusing on the dual roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the disorders of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in COVID-19 and hypertension. The effects of proinflammatory factors released because of immune response and gastrointestinal dysfunction in COVID-19 are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
- Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Jia He
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
- Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
- Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
- Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Shao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
- Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Zhicheng Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; and
- Institute of Hospital Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Fang L, Zhou L, Tamm M, Roth M. OM-85 Broncho-Vaxom ®, a Bacterial Lysate, Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Binding Proteins on Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1544. [PMID: 34829773 PMCID: PMC8615539 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical studies, OM-85 Broncho-Vaxom®, a bacterial lysate, reduced viral respiratory tract infection. Infection of epithelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 depends on the interaction of its spike-protein (S-protein) with host cell membrane proteins. In this study, we investigated the effect of OM-85 on the expression of S-protein binding proteins by human bronchial epithelial cells. Human bronchial epithelial cells were treated with OM-85 over 5 days. The expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) were determined by Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR. Soluble (s)ACE2, heparan sulfate, heparanase, and hyaluronic acid were assessed by ELISA. OM-85 significantly reduced the expression of ACE2 (p < 0.001), TMPRSS2 (p < 0.001), DPP4 (p < 0.005), and cellular heparan sulfate (p < 0.01), while ADAM17 (p < 0.02) expression was significantly upregulated. Furthermore, OM-85 increased the level of sACE2 (p < 0.05), hyaluronic acid (p < 0.002), and hyaluronan synthase 1 (p < 0.01). Consequently, the infection by a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein pseudo-typed lentivirus was reduced in cells pretreated with OM-85. All effects of OM-85 were concentration- and time-dependent. The results suggest that OM-85 might reduce the binding of SARS-CoV-2 S-protein to epithelial cells by modification of host cell membrane proteins and specific glycosaminoglycans. Thus, OM-85 might be considered as an add-on for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Fang
- Pulmonary Cell Research, Department of Biomedicine & Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Liang Zhou
- Pulmonary Cell Research, Department of Biomedicine & Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Tamm
- Pulmonary Cell Research, Department of Biomedicine & Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Roth
- Pulmonary Cell Research, Department of Biomedicine & Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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47
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Bolay H, Karadas Ö, Oztürk B, Sonkaya R, Tasdelen B, Bulut TDS, Gülbahar Ö, Özge A, Baykan B. HMGB1, NLRP3, IL-6 and ACE2 levels are elevated in COVID-19 with headache: a window to the infection-related headache mechanism. J Headache Pain 2021; 22:94. [PMID: 34384355 PMCID: PMC8358545 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Pathogenesis of COVID-19 -related headache is unknown, though the induction of the trigeminal neurons through inflammation is proposed. We aimed to investigate key systemic circulating inflammatory molecules and their clinical relations in COVID-19 patients with headache. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 88 COVID-19 patients, hospitalized on a regular ward during the second wave of the pandemic. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients were recorded, and laboratory tests were studied. Results The mean ages of 48 COVID-19 patients with headache (47.71 ± 10.8) and 40 COVID-19 patients without headache (45.70 ± 12.72) were comparable. COVID-19 patients suffered from headache had significantly higher serum levels of HMGB1, NLRP3, ACE2, and IL-6 than COVID-19 patients without headache, whereas CGRP and IL-10 levels were similar in the groups. Angiotensin II level was significantly decreased in the headache group. COVID-19 patients with headache showed an increased frequency of pulmonary involvement and increased D- dimer levels. Furthermore, COVID-19 was more frequently associated with weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea in patients with headache. Serum NLRP3 levels were correlated with headache duration and hospital stay, while headache response to paracetamol was negatively correlated with HMGB1 and positively associated with IL-10 levels. Conclusion Stronger inflammatory response is associated with headache in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with moderate disease severity. Increased levels of the circulating inflammatory and/or nociceptive molecules like HMGB1, NLRP3, and IL-6 may play a role in the potential induction of the trigeminal system and manifestation of headache secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayrunnisa Bolay
- Department of Neurology and Algology, Neuropsychiatry Center, Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center (NÖROM), Gazi University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Besevler, 06510, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ömer Karadas
- Neurology Department, University of Health Science, Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bilgin Oztürk
- Neurology Department, University of Health Science, Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Riza Sonkaya
- Neurology Department, University of Health Science, Gülhane School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bahar Tasdelen
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Mersin University, Medical Faculty, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Tuba D S Bulut
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Gülbahar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aynur Özge
- Department of Neurology and Algology, Mersin University, Medical Faculty, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Betül Baykan
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Headache Center, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Vassiliou AG, Zacharis A, Keskinidou C, Jahaj E, Pratikaki M, Gallos P, Dimopoulou I, Kotanidou A, Orfanos SE. Soluble Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Is Upregulated and Soluble Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Is Downregulated in COVID-19-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070695. [PMID: 34358119 PMCID: PMC8308597 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A damaged endothelium is an underlying condition of the many complications of COVID-19 patients. The increased mortality risk associated with diseases that have underlying endothelial dysfunction, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), suggests that endothelial (e) nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-derived nitric oxide could be an important defense mechanism. Additionally, intravenous recombinant angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was recently reported as an effective therapy in severe COVID-19, by blocking viral entry, and thus reducing lung injury. Very few studies exist on the prognostic value of endothelium-related protective molecules in severe COVID-19 disease. To this end, serum levels of eNOS, inducible (i) NOS, adrenomedullin (ADM), soluble (s) ACE2 levels, and serum (s) ACE activity were measured on hospital admission in 89 COVID-19 patients, hospitalized either in a ward or ICU, of whom 68 had ARDS, while 21 did not. In our cohort, the COVID-19-ARDS patients had considerably lower eNOS levels compared to the COVID-19 non-ARDS patients. On the other hand, sACE2 was significantly higher in the ARDS patients. iNOS, ADM and sACE activity did not differ. Our results might support the notion of two distinct defense mechanisms in COVID-19-derived ARDS; eNOS-derived nitric oxide could be one of them, while the dramatic rise in sACE2 may also represent an endogenous mechanism involved in severe COVID-19 complications, such as ARDS. These results could provide insight to therapeutical applications in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice G. Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Alexandros Zacharis
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Chrysi Keskinidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Edison Jahaj
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Maria Pratikaki
- Biochemical Department, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece;
| | - Parisis Gallos
- Computational Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, 185 34 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Stylianos E. Orfanos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, 106 76 Athens, Greece; (A.G.V.); (A.Z.); (C.K.); (E.J.); (I.D.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-2107235521
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Sajdel-Sulkowska EM. A Dual-Route Perspective of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lung- vs. Gut-specific Effects of ACE-2 Deficiency. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:684610. [PMID: 34177593 PMCID: PMC8226136 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.684610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, primarily considered a respiratory virus, is increasingly recognized as having gastrointestinal aspects based on its presence in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and feces. SARS-CoV-2 uses as a receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), a critical member of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid system. In addition to the systemic endocrine functions, RAAS components are also involved in intracrine and organ-specific local functions. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is a key component of RAAS and a receptor for SARS-CoV-2. It is expressed in many tissues with gastrointestinal (GI) tract ACE-2 levels far exceeding those in the respiratory tract. SARS-CoV-2 binding to its receptor results in a deficiency of ACE-2 activity in endocrine, intracrine, and local lung and GI tract ACE-2. The local ACE-2 has different organ-specific functions, including hypertension-independent activities; dysregulations of these functions may contribute to multiorgan COVID-19 pathology, its severity, long-term effects, and mortality. We review supporting evidence from this standpoint. Notably, COVID-19 comorbidities involving hypertension, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes are associated with gastrointestinal problems and display ACE-2 deficits. While RAAS inhibitors target both endocrine and intracrine ACE-2 activity, the deficit of the local ACE-2 activity in the lungs and more so in the gut have not been targeted. Consequently, the therapeutic approach to COVID-19 should be carefully reconsidered. Ongoing clinical trials testing oral probiotic bound ACE-2 delivery are promising.
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