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Dhanushkodi NR, Prakash S, Quadiri A, Zayou L, Srivastava R, Shaik AM, Suzer B, Ibraim IC, Landucci G, Tifrea DF, Singer M, Jamal L, Edwards RA, Vahed H, Brown L, BenMohamed L. Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Effect of RAGE-Ig Protein against Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Demonstrated in K18-hACE2 Mouse and Syrian Golden Hamster Models. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:576-585. [PMID: 38180084 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) continue to evolve and reemerge with chronic inflammatory long COVID sequelae, necessitating the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic molecules. Therapeutic effects of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were reported in many inflammatory diseases. However, a therapeutic effect of RAGE in COVID-19 has not been reported. In the present study, we investigated whether and how the RAGE-Ig fusion protein would have an antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapeutic effect in the COVID-19 system. The protective therapeutic effect of RAGE-Ig was determined in vivo in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and Syrian golden hamsters infected with six VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. The underlying antiviral mechanism of RAGE-Ig was determined in vitro in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Following treatment of K18-hACE2 mice and hamsters infected with various SARS-CoV-2 VOCs with RAGE-Ig, we demonstrated (1) significant dose-dependent protection (i.e., greater survival, less weight loss, lower virus replication in the lungs); (2) a reduction of inflammatory macrophages (F4/80+/Ly6C+) and neutrophils (CD11b+/Ly6G+) infiltrating the infected lungs; (3) a RAGE-Ig dose-dependent increase in the expression of type I IFNs (IFN-α and IFN-β) and type III IFN (IFNλ2) and a decrease in the inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in SARS-CoV-2-infected human lung epithelial cells; and (4) a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of CD64 (FcgR1) on monocytes and lung epithelial cells from symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Our preclinical findings revealed type I and III IFN-mediated antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects of RAGE-Ig protein against COVID-19 caused by multiple SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Rajeswari Dhanushkodi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Swayam Prakash
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Afshana Quadiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Latifa Zayou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Ruchi Srivastava
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Amin Mohammed Shaik
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Berfin Suzer
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Izabela Coimbra Ibraim
- High Containment Facility, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Gary Landucci
- High Containment Facility, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Delia F Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Mahmoud Singer
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Leila Jamal
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Robert A Edwards
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Hawa Vahed
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA
| | | | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
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Méndez-García LA, Escobedo G, Minguer-Uribe AG, Viurcos-Sanabria R, Aguayo-Guerrero JA, Carrillo-Ruiz JD, Solleiro-Villavicencio H. Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the development of COVID-19-associated neurological manifestations. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:977039. [PMID: 36187294 PMCID: PMC9523599 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.977039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, which has claimed millions of lives. This virus can infect various cells and tissues, including the brain, for which numerous neurological symptoms have been reported, ranging from mild and non-life-threatening (e.g., headaches, anosmia, dysgeusia, and disorientation) to severe and life-threatening symptoms (e.g., meningitis, ischemic stroke, and cerebral thrombosis). The cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an enzyme that belongs to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). RAS is an endocrine system that has been classically associated with regulating blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance; however, it is also involved in promoting inflammation, proliferation, fibrogenesis, and lipogenesis. Two pathways constitute the RAS with counter-balancing effects, which is the key to its regulation. The first axis (classical) is composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin (Ang) II, and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) as the main effector, which -when activated- increases the production of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone, sympathetic nervous system tone, blood pressure, vasoconstriction, fibrosis, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Both systemic and local classical RAS' within the brain are associated with cognitive impairment, cell death, and inflammation. The second axis (non-classical or alternative) includes ACE2, which converts Ang II to Ang-(1-7), a peptide molecule that activates Mas receptor (MasR) in charge of opposing Ang II/AT1R actions. Thus, the alternative RAS axis enhances cognition, synaptic remodeling, cell survival, cell signal transmission, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the brain. In a physiological state, both RAS axes remain balanced. However, some factors can dysregulate systemic and local RAS arms. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 causes the internalization and degradation of this enzyme, reducing its activity, and disrupting the balance of systemic and local RAS, which partially explain the appearance of some of the neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the role of RAS in the development of the neurological effects due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we will discuss the RAS-molecular targets that could be used for therapeutic purposes to treat the short and long-term neurological COVID-19-related sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía A. Méndez-García
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alan Gerardo Minguer-Uribe
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Cellular Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Viurcos-Sanabria
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
- PECEM, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José A. Aguayo-Guerrero
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Damián Carrillo-Ruiz
- Research Directorate, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac, Huixquilucan, Mexico
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Salehi M, Amiri S, Ilghari D, Hasham LFA, Piri H. The Remarkable Roles of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) and Its Soluble Isoforms in COVID-19: The Importance of RAGE Pathway in the Lung Injuries. Indian J Clin Biochem 2022; 38:159-171. [PMID: 35999871 PMCID: PMC9387879 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-022-01081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The respiratory symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is associated with accumulation of pre-inflammatory molecules such as advanced glycation end-products (AGES), calprotectin, high mobility group box family-1 (HMGB1), cytokines, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and other molecules in the alveolar space of lungs and plasma. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs), which is mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), plays a critical role in the severity of chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and ARDS. The RAGE gene is most expressed in the alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) of the pulmonary system. Several clinical trials are now being conducted to determine the possible association between the levels of soluble isoforms of RAGE (sRAGE and esRAGE) and the severity of the disease in patients with ARDS and acute lung injury (ALI). In the current article, we reviewed the most recent studies on the RAGE/ligands axis and sRAGE/esRAGE levels in acute respiratory illness, with a focus on COVID-19–associated ARDS (CARDS) patients. According to the research conducted so far, sRAGE/esRAGE measurements in patients with CARDS can be used as a powerful chemical indicator among other biomarkers for assessment of early pulmonary involvement. Furthermore, inhibiting RAGE/MAPK and Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (ATR1) in CARDS patients can be a powerful strategy for diminishing cytokine storm and severe respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Salehi
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Shahin Amiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dariush Ilghari
- Midland Memorial Hospital, 400 Rosalind Redfern Grover Pkwy, Midland, TX 79701 USA
| | | | - Hossein Piri
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Kurashima CK, Ng PK, Kendal-Wright CE. RAGE against the Machine: Can Increasing Our Understanding of RAGE Help Us to Battle SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6359. [PMID: 35742804 PMCID: PMC9224312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a receptor that is thought to be a key driver of inflammation in pregnancy, SARS-CoV-2, and also in the comorbidities that are known to aggravate these afflictions. In addition to this, vulnerable populations are particularly susceptible to the negative health outcomes when these afflictions are experienced in concert. RAGE binds a number of ligands produced by tissue damage and cellular stress, and its activation triggers the proinflammatory transcription factor Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), with the subsequent generation of key proinflammatory cytokines. While this is important for fetal membrane weakening, RAGE is also activated at the end of pregnancy in the uterus, placenta, and cervix. The comorbidities of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity are known to lead to poor pregnancy outcomes, and particularly in populations such as Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. They have also been linked to RAGE activation when individuals are infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we propose that increasing our understanding of this receptor system will help us to understand how these various afflictions converge, how forms of RAGE could be used as a biomarker, and if its manipulation could be used to develop future therapeutic targets to help those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney K. Kurashima
- School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.K.K.); (P.K.N.)
| | - Po’okela K. Ng
- School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.K.K.); (P.K.N.)
| | - Claire E. Kendal-Wright
- School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI 96816, USA; (C.K.K.); (P.K.N.)
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai’i, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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5
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Bai H, Si L, Jiang A, Belgur C, Zhai Y, Plebani R, Oh CY, Rodas M, Patil A, Nurani A, Gilpin SE, Powers RK, Goyal G, Prantil-Baun R, Ingber DE. Mechanical control of innate immune responses against viral infection revealed in a human lung alveolus chip. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1928. [PMID: 35396513 PMCID: PMC8993817 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29562-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical breathing motions have a fundamental function in lung development and disease, but little is known about how they contribute to host innate immunity. Here we use a human lung alveolus chip that experiences cyclic breathing-like deformations to investigate whether physical forces influence innate immune responses to viral infection. Influenza H3N2 infection of mechanically active chips induces a cascade of host responses including increased lung permeability, apoptosis, cell regeneration, cytokines production, and recruitment of circulating immune cells. Comparison with static chips reveals that breathing motions suppress viral replication by activating protective innate immune responses in epithelial and endothelial cells, which are mediated in part through activation of the mechanosensitive ion channel TRPV4 and signaling via receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). RAGE inhibitors suppress cytokines induction, while TRPV4 inhibition attenuates both inflammation and viral burden, in infected chips with breathing motions. Therefore, TRPV4 and RAGE may serve as new targets for therapeutic intervention in patients infected with influenza and other potential pandemic viruses that cause life-threatening lung inflammation. Mechanical forces in lungs facilitate breathing motions. Here the authors use a microfluidic human lung alveolus chip to study influenza infection and find that mechanical forces from active chips also induce innate inflammatory responses via, at least partially, signaling from TRPV4 and RAGE, thereby implicating them as potential therapeutic targets for lung inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Bai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Longlong Si
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chaitra Belgur
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Roberto Plebani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Center on Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, 66023, Italy
| | - Crystal Yuri Oh
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Melissa Rodas
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Aditya Patil
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Atiq Nurani
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sarah E Gilpin
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rani K Powers
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Girija Goyal
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rachelle Prantil-Baun
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Donald E Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Vascular Biology Program and Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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6
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Jessop F, Schwarz B, Scott D, Roberts LM, Bohrnsen E, Hoidal JR, Bosio CM. Impairing RAGE signaling promotes survival and limits disease pathogenesis following SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155896. [PMID: 35076028 PMCID: PMC8855831 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular and molecular mechanisms driving morbidity following SARS-CoV-2 infection have not been well defined. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a central mediator of tissue injury and contributes to SARS-CoV-2 disease pathogenesis. In this study, we temporally delineated key cell and molecular events leading to lung injury in mice following SARS-CoV-2 infection and assessed efficacy of therapeutically targeting RAGE to improve survival. Early following infection, SARS-CoV-2 replicated to high titers within the lungs and evaded triggering inflammation and cell death. However, a significant necrotic cell death event in CD45– populations, corresponding with peak viral loads, was observed on day 2 after infection. Metabolic reprogramming and inflammation were initiated following this cell death event and corresponded with increased lung interstitial pneumonia, perivascular inflammation, and endothelial hyperplasia together with decreased oxygen saturation. Therapeutic treatment with the RAGE antagonist FPS-ZM1 improved survival in infected mice and limited inflammation and associated perivascular pathology. Together, these results provide critical characterization of disease pathogenesis in the mouse model and implicate a role for RAGE signaling as a therapeutic target to improve outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forrest Jessop
- Immunity to Pulmonary Pathogens Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, and
| | - Benjamin Schwarz
- Immunity to Pulmonary Pathogens Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, and
| | - Dana Scott
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Lydia M. Roberts
- Immunity to Pulmonary Pathogens Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, and
| | - Eric Bohrnsen
- Immunity to Pulmonary Pathogens Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, and
| | - John R. Hoidal
- Division of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Occupational Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Catharine M. Bosio
- Immunity to Pulmonary Pathogens Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, and
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COVID-19, the Pandemic of the Century and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Diseases. CARDIOLOGY DISCOVERY 2021; 1:233-258. [PMID: 34888547 PMCID: PMC8638821 DOI: 10.1097/cd9.0000000000000038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection likely ranks among the deadliest diseases in human history. As with other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 infection damages not only the lungs but also the heart and many other organs that express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor for SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has upended lives worldwide. Dietary behaviors have been altered such that they favor metabolic and cardiovascular complications, while patients have avoided hospital visits because of limited resources and the fear of infection, thereby increasing out-hospital mortality due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Clinical observations show that sex, age, and race all influence the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, as do hypertension, obesity, and pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. Many hospitalized COVID-19 patients suffer cardiac injury, acute coronary syndromes, or cardiac arrhythmia. SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and necrosis, endothelial cell damage and dysfunction, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production, vasoconstriction, fibrotic and thrombotic protein expression, vascular permeability and microvascular dysfunction, heart inflammatory cell accumulation and activation, and a cytokine storm. Current data indicate that COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular diseases should not discontinue many existing cardiovascular therapies such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, steroids, aspirin, statins, and PCSK9 inhibitors. This review aims to furnish a framework relating to COVID-19 and cardiovascular pathophysiology.
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Aslani M, Mortazavi-Jahromi SS, Mirshafiey A. Cytokine storm in the pathophysiology of COVID-19: Possible functional disturbances of miRNAs. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108172. [PMID: 34601331 PMCID: PMC8452524 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, as the causative agent of COVID-19, is an enveloped positives-sense single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Beta-CoVs sub-family. A sophisticated hyper-inflammatory reaction named cytokine storm is occurred in patients with severe/critical COVID-19, following an imbalance in immune-inflammatory processes and inhibition of antiviral responses by SARS-CoV-2, which leads to pulmonary failure, ARDS, and death. The miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with an average length of 22 nucleotides which play various roles as one of the main modulators of genes expression and maintenance of immune system homeostasis. Recent evidence has shown that Homo sapiens (hsa)-miRNAs have the potential to work in three pivotal areas including targeting the virus genome, regulating the inflammatory signaling pathways, and reinforcing the production/signaling of IFNs-I. However, it seems that several SARS-CoV-2-induced interfering agents such as viral (v)-miRNAs, cytokine content, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), etc. preclude efficient function of hsa-miRNAs in severe/critical COVID-19. This subsequently leads to increased virus replication, intense inflammatory processes, and secondary complications development. In this review article, we provide an overview of hsa-miRNAs roles in viral genome targeting, inflammatory pathways modulation, and IFNs responses amplification in severe/critical COVID-19 accompanied by probable interventional factors and their function. Identification and monitoring of these interventional elements can help us in designing the miRNAs-based therapy for the reduction of complications/mortality rate in patients with severe/critical forms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Abbas Mirshafiey
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wu Q, Coumoul X, Grandjean P, Barouki R, Audouze K. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and COVID-19 relationships: A computational systems biology approach. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106232. [PMID: 33223326 PMCID: PMC7831776 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients at high risk of severe forms of COVID-19 frequently suffer from chronic diseases, but other risk factors may also play a role. Environmental stressors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can contribute to certain chronic diseases and might aggravate the course of COVID-19. OBJECTIVES To explore putative links between EDCs and COVID-19 severity, an integrative systems biology approach was constructed and applied. METHODS As a first step, relevant data sets were compiled from major data sources. Biological associations of major EDCs to proteins were extracted from the CompTox database. Associations between proteins and diseases known as important COVID-19 comorbidities were obtained from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Based on these data, we developed a tripartite network (EDCs-proteins-diseases) and used it to identify proteins overlapping between the EDCs and the diseases. Signaling pathways for common proteins were then investigated by over-representation analysis. RESULTS We found several statistically significant pathways that may be dysregulated by EDCs and that may also be involved in COVID-19 severity. The Th17 and the AGE/RAGE signaling pathways were particularly promising. CONCLUSIONS Pathways were identified as possible targets of EDCs and as contributors to COVID-19 severity, thereby highlighting possible links between exposure to environmental chemicals and disease development. This study also documents the application of computational systems biology methods as a relevant approach to increase the understanding of molecular mechanisms linking EDCs and human diseases, thereby contributing to toxicology prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qier Wu
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Robert Barouki
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Karine Audouze
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France.
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10
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Yan M, Dong Y, Bo X, Cheng Y, Cheng J. Large Screening Identifies ACE2 Positively Correlates With NF-κB Signaling Activity and Targeting NF-κB Signaling Drugs Suppress ACE2 Levels. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771555. [PMID: 34867400 PMCID: PMC8639591 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 infected more than 156 million people and caused over 3 million death in the whole world, therefore a better understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanism and the searching for more effective treatments were urgently needed. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we found that ACE2 was an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) in human cell lines. By performing an ISG library screening, we found that ACE2 levels were positively regulated by multiple ISGs. Interestingly, ACE2 levels were highly correlated with ISGs-induced NF-κB activities, but not IFNβ levels. Furthermore, using an approved clinical durgs library, we found two clinical drugs, Cepharanthine and Glucosamine, significantly inhibited ACE2 level, IFNβ level, and NF-κB signaling downstream TNFα and IL6 levels. Our finding suggested the possible inhibitory effects of Cepharanthine and Glucosamine during SARS-CoV-2 infection and the subsequent inflammatory cytokine storm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Yan
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuena Bo
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
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11
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Sellegounder D, Zafari P, Rajabinejad M, Taghadosi M, Kapahi P. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and its receptor, RAGE, modulate age-dependent COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. A review and hypothesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107806. [PMID: 34352471 PMCID: PMC8141786 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel virus SARS-CoV-2, is often more severe in older adults. Besides age, other underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and malignancies, which are also associated with aging, have been considered risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. A rapidly expanding body of evidence has brought up various scenarios for these observations and hyperinflammatory reactions associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) generated upon glycation of proteins, DNA, or lipids play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases and all of the above-mentioned COVID-19 risk factors. Interestingly, the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is mainly expressed by type 2 epithelial cells in the alveolar sac, which has a critical role in SARS-CoV-2-associated hyper inflammation and lung injury. Here we discuss our hypothesis that AGEs, through their interaction with RAGE amongst other molecules, modulates COVID-19 pathogenesis and related comorbidities, especially in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durai Sellegounder
- (BuckInstitute for Researchon Aging), (Novato), (CA 94945), (United States)
| | - Parisa Zafari
- (Departmentof Immunology), (School of Medicine), (Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences), (Sari), (Iran)
| | - Misagh Rajabinejad
- (Departmentof Immunology), (School of Medicine), (Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences), (Sari), (Iran); (StudentResearch Committee), (Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences), (Iran)
| | - Mahdi Taghadosi
- (Departmentof Immunology), (School of Medicine), (Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences), (Kermanshah), (Iran).
| | - Pankaj Kapahi
- (BuckInstitute for Researchon Aging), (Novato), (CA 94945), (United States).
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12
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Kostoff RN, Briggs MB, Kanduc D, Shores DR, Kovatsi L, Vardavas AI, Porter AL. Common contributing factors to COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel disease. Toxicol Rep 2021; 8:1616-1637. [PMID: 34485092 PMCID: PMC8406546 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The devastating complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) result from an individual's dysfunctional immune response following the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Multiple toxic stressors and behaviors contribute to underlying immune system dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 exploits the dysfunctional immune system to trigger a chain of events ultimately leading to COVID-19. We have previously identified many contributing factors (CFs) (representing toxic exposure, lifestyle factors and psychosocial stressors) common to myriad chronic diseases. We hypothesized significant overlap between CFs associated with COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), because of the strong role immune dysfunction plays in each disease. A streamlined dot-product approach was used to identify potential CFs to COVID-19 and IBD. Of the fifty CFs to COVID-19 that were validated for demonstration purposes, approximately half had direct impact on COVID-19 (the CF and COVID-19 were mentioned in the same record; i.e., CF---→COVID-19), and the other half had indirect impact. The nascent character of the COVID-19 core literature (∼ one year old) did not allow sufficient time for the direct impacts of many CFs on COVID-19 to be identified. Therefore, an immune system dysfunction (ID) literature directly related to the COVID-19 core literature was used to augment the COVID-19 core literature and provide the remaining CFs that impacted COVID-19 indirectly (i.e., CF---→immune system dysfunction---→COVID-19). Approximately 13000 potential CFs for myriad diseases (obtained from government and university toxic substance lists) served as the starting point for the dot-product identification process. These phrases were intersected (dot-product) with phrases extracted from a PubMed-derived IBD core literature, a nascent COVID-19 core literature, and the COVID-19-related immune system dysfunction (ID) core literature to identify common ID/COVID-19 and IBD CFs. Approximately 3000 potential CFs common to both ID and IBD, almost 2300 potential CFs common to ID and COVID-19, and over 1900 potential CFs common to IBD and COVID-19 were identified. As proof of concept, we validated fifty of these ∼3000 overlapping ID/IBD candidate CFs with biologic plausibility. We further validated 24 of the fifty as common CFs in the IBD and nascent COVID-19 core literatures. This significant finding demonstrated that the CFs indirectly related to COVID-19 -- identified with use of the immune system dysfunction literature -- are strong candidates to emerge eventually as CFs directly related to COVID-19. As discussed in the main text, many more CFs common to all these core literatures could be identified and validated. ID and IBD share many common risk/contributing factors, including behaviors and toxic exposures that impair immune function. A key component to immune system health is removal of those factors that contribute to immune system dysfunction in the first place. This requires a paradigm shift from traditional Western medicine, which often focuses on treatment, rather than prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Neil Kostoff
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Gainesville, VA, 20155, United States
| | | | - Darja Kanduc
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70125, Italy
| | - Darla Roye Shores
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, United States
| | - Leda Kovatsi
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Alexander I. Vardavas
- Laboratory of Toxicology & Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Alan L. Porter
- R&D, Search Technology, Inc., Peachtree Corners, GA, 30092, United States
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, United States
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13
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Age, obesity and hyperglycaemia: Activation of innate immunity initiates a series of molecular interactions involving anionic surfaces leading to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Med Hypotheses 2021; 155:110646. [PMID: 34392108 PMCID: PMC8330138 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major factors in COVID-19 causing a progression to excessive morbidity and mortality. An important characteristic of these conditions is poor glycaemic control leading to inappropriate chemical reactions and the production of glycated proteins in which positively charged lysine and arginine residues are neutralised. We propose that this protein glycation primes the inflammatory system as the presence of aspartate and glutamate residues in any glycated zwitterionic protein will thus increase its anionic characteristics. As a result, these macromolecules will be recognised by the innate immune system and identified as originating from infection or cell damage (sterile inflammation). Many proteins in the body exist to non-specifically target these anionic macromolecules and rely heavily on positively charged (cationic) binding-sites to produce a relatively non-specific interaction as the first step in the body’s response. Proteins involved in this innate immunity are collectively referred to as damage associated molecular pattern molecules or pathogen associated molecular pattern molecules. A crucial player in this process is RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products). RAGE plays a central role in the inflammatory response and on ligand binding stimulates many aspects of inflammation including the production of the key inflammatory mediator NF-κB, and the subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines. This process has the potential to show a positive feedback loop resulting in a dramatic response within the tissue. We propose that protein glycation primes the inflammatory system by generating negatively charged surfaces so that when a SARS-Cov-2 infection occurs within the lung the further release of negatively-charged macromolecules due to cell damage results in a potentially catastrophic inflammatory response resulting in the cytokine storm associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. That part of the population who do not suffer from inflammatory priming (Phase 1), such as the young and the non-obese, should not be subjected to the catastrophic inflammatory response seen in others (Phase 2). This hypothesis further highlights the need for improved dietary intake to minimise the inflammatory priming resulting from poor glycaemic control.
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14
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Logette E, Lorin C, Favreau C, Oshurko E, Coggan JS, Casalegno F, Sy MF, Monney C, Bertschy M, Delattre E, Fonta PA, Krepl J, Schmidt S, Keller D, Kerrien S, Scantamburlo E, Kaufmann AK, Markram H. A Machine-Generated View of the Role of Blood Glucose Levels in the Severity of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:695139. [PMID: 34395368 PMCID: PMC8356061 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.695139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 started spreading toward the end of 2019 causing COVID-19, a disease that reached pandemic proportions among the human population within months. The reasons for the spectrum of differences in the severity of the disease across the population, and in particular why the disease affects more severely the aging population and those with specific preconditions are unclear. We developed machine learning models to mine 240,000 scientific articles openly accessible in the CORD-19 database, and constructed knowledge graphs to synthesize the extracted information and navigate the collective knowledge in an attempt to search for a potential common underlying reason for disease severity. The machine-driven framework we developed repeatedly pointed to elevated blood glucose as a key facilitator in the progression of COVID-19. Indeed, when we systematically retraced the steps of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, we found evidence linking elevated glucose to each major step of the life-cycle of the virus, progression of the disease, and presentation of symptoms. Specifically, elevations of glucose provide ideal conditions for the virus to evade and weaken the first level of the immune defense system in the lungs, gain access to deep alveolar cells, bind to the ACE2 receptor and enter the pulmonary cells, accelerate replication of the virus within cells increasing cell death and inducing an pulmonary inflammatory response, which overwhelms an already weakened innate immune system to trigger an avalanche of systemic infections, inflammation and cell damage, a cytokine storm and thrombotic events. We tested the feasibility of the hypothesis by manually reviewing the literature referenced by the machine-generated synthesis, reconstructing atomistically the virus at the surface of the pulmonary airways, and performing quantitative computational modeling of the effects of glucose levels on the infection process. We conclude that elevation in glucose levels can facilitate the progression of the disease through multiple mechanisms and can explain much of the differences in disease severity seen across the population. The study provides diagnostic considerations, new areas of research and potential treatments, and cautions on treatment strategies and critical care conditions that induce elevations in blood glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Logette
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Henry Markram
- Blue Brain Project, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
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15
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Chen Y, Guo TL. Dietary advanced glycation end-products elicit toxicological effects by disrupting gut microbiome and immune homeostasis. J Immunotoxicol 2021; 18:93-104. [PMID: 34436982 PMCID: PMC9885815 DOI: 10.1080/1547691x.2021.1959677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aging immune system is characterized by a low-grade chronic systemic inflammatory state ("inflammaging") marked by elevated serum levels of inflammatory molecules such as interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). These inflammatory markers were also reported to be strong predictors for the development/severity of Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and COVID-19. The levels of these markers have been positively associated with those of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) generated via non-enzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids during normal aging and metabolism. Based on the above observations, it is clinically important to elucidate how dietary AGEs modulate inflammation and might thus increase the risk for aging-exacerbated diseases. The present narrative review discusses the potential pro-inflammatory properties of dietary AGEs with a focus on the inflammatory mediators CRP, IL-6 and ferritin, and their relations to aging in general and Type 2 diabetes in particular. In addition, underlying mechanisms - including those related to gut microbiota and the receptors for AGEs, and the roles AGEs might play in affecting physiologies of the healthy elderly, obese individuals, and diabetics are discussed in regard to any greater susceptibility to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjia Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Tai L. Guo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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16
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Zhang Z, Zhang X, Bi K, He Y, Yan W, Yang CS, Zhang J. Potential protective mechanisms of green tea polyphenol EGCG against COVID-19. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021; 114:11-24. [PMID: 34054222 PMCID: PMC8146271 DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The world is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the potential protective effects of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of green tea, against COVID-19. Scope and approach Information from literature of clinical symptoms and molecular pathology of COVID-19 as well as relevant publications in which EGCG shows potential protective activities against COVID-19 is integrated and evaluated. Key findings and conclusions EGCG, via activating Nrf2, can suppress ACE2 (a cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2) and TMPRSS2, which mediate cell entry of the virus. Through inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 main protease, EGCG may inhibit viral reproduction. EGCG via its broad antioxidant activity may protect against SARS-CoV-2 evoked mitochondrial ROS (which promote SARS-CoV-2 replication) and against ROS burst inflicted by neutrophil extracellular traps. By suppressing ER-resident GRP78 activity and expression, EGCG can potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. EGCG also shows protective effects against 1) cytokine storm-associated acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, 2) thrombosis via suppressing tissue factors and activating platelets, 3) sepsis by inactivating redox-sensitive HMGB1, and 4) lung fibrosis through augmenting Nrf2 and suppressing NF-κB. These activities remain to be further substantiated in animals and humans. The possible concerted actions of EGCG suggest the importance of further studies on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in humans. These results also call for epidemiological studies on potential preventive effects of green tea drinking on COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiangchun Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China
| | - Keyi Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wangjun Yan
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chung S Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8020, USA
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
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17
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Rojas A, Schneider I, Lindner C, Gonzàlez I, Morales MA. Receptor for advanced glycation end-products axis and coronavirus disease 2019 in inflammatory bowel diseases: A dangerous liaison? World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2270-2280. [PMID: 34040321 PMCID: PMC8130044 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i19.2270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence supports the crucial role of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) axis activation in many clinical entities. Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there is an increasing concern about the risk and handling of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, clinical data raised during pandemic suggests that IBD patients do not have an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection or develop a more severe course of infection. In the present review, we intend to highlight how two potentially important contributors to the inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in IBD patients, the RAGE axis activation as well as the cross-talk with the renin-angiotensin system, are dampened by the high expression of soluble forms of both RAGE and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2. The soluble form of RAGE functions as a decoy for its ligands, and soluble ACE2 seems to be an additionally attenuating contributor to RAGE axis activation, particularly by avoiding the transactivation of the RAGE axis that can be produced by the virus-mediated imbalance of the ACE/angiotensin II/angiotensin II receptor type 1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Rojas
- Biomedical Research Labs, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3634000, Chile
| | - Iván Schneider
- Biomedical Research Labs, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3634000, Chile
| | - Cristian Lindner
- Biomedical Research Labs, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3634000, Chile
| | - Ileana Gonzàlez
- Biomedical Research Labs, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3634000, Chile
| | - Miguel Angel Morales
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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18
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Rojas A, Lindner C, Gonzàlez I, Morales MA. Advanced-glycation end-products axis: A contributor to the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 in diabetes patients. World J Diabetes 2021; 12:590-602. [PMID: 33995847 PMCID: PMC8107984 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i5.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling pieces of evidence derived from both clinical and experimental research has demonstrated the crucial role of the receptor for advanced-glycation end-products (RAGE) in orchestrating a plethora of proinflammatory cellular responses leading to many of the complications and end-organ damages reported in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many clinical reports have pointed out that DM increases the risk of COVID-19 complications, hospitalization requirements, as well as the overall severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 case-fatality rate. In the present review, we intend to focus on how the basal activation state of the RAGE axis in common preexisting conditions in DM patients such as endothelial dysfunction and hyperglycemia-related prothrombotic phenotype, as well as the contribution of RAGE signaling in lung inflammation, may then lead to the increased mortality risk of COVID-19 in these patients. Additionally, the cross-talk between the RAGE axis with either another severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 receptor molecule different of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 or the renin-angiotensin system imbalance produced by viral infection, as well as the role of this multi-ligand receptor on the obesity-associated low-grade inflammation in the higher risk for severe illness reported in diabetes patients with COVID-19, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Rojas
- Biomedical Research Labs, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Cristian Lindner
- Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Ileana Gonzàlez
- Biomedical Research Labs, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Miguel Angel Morales
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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19
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Chiappalupi S, Salvadori L, Vukasinovic A, Donato R, Sorci G, Riuzzi F. Targeting RAGE to prevent SARS-CoV-2-mediated multiple organ failure: Hypotheses and perspectives. Life Sci 2021; 272:119251. [PMID: 33636175 PMCID: PMC7900755 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A novel infectious disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was detected in December 2019 and declared as a global pandemic by the World Health. Approximately 15% of patients with COVID-19 progress to severe pneumonia and eventually develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock and/or multiple organ failure with high morbidity and mortality. Evidence points towards a determinant pathogenic role of members of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in mediating the susceptibility, infection, inflammatory response and parenchymal injury in lungs and other organs of COVID-19 patients. The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, has important roles in pulmonary pathological states, including fibrosis, pneumonia and ARDS. RAGE overexpression/hyperactivation is essential to the deleterious effects of RAS in several pathological processes, including hypertension, chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, all of which are major comorbidities of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We propose RAGE as an additional molecular target in COVID-19 patients for ameliorating the multi-organ pathology induced by the virus and improving survival, also in the perspective of future infections by other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Chiappalupi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Laura Salvadori
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia 06132, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara 28100, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Vukasinovic
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Rosario Donato
- Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Sorci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia 06132, Italy; Centro Universitario di Ricerca sulla Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy
| | - Francesca Riuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia 06132, Italy; Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), Perugia 06132, Italy.
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20
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Wang Z, Li K, Maskey AR, Huang W, Toutov AA, Yang N, Srivastava K, Geliebter J, Tiwari R, Miao M, Li X. A small molecule compound berberine as an orally active therapeutic candidate against COVID-19 and SARS: A computational and mechanistic study. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21360. [PMID: 33749932 PMCID: PMC8250068 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001792r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has grown into a global pandemic and a major public health threat since its breakout in December 2019. To date, no specific therapeutic drug or vaccine for treating COVID-19 and SARS has been FDA approved. Previous studies suggest that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has shown various biological activities that may help against COVID-19 and SARS, including antiviral, anti-allergy and inflammation, hepatoprotection against drug- and infection-induced liver injury, as well as reducing oxidative stress. In particular, berberine has a wide range of antiviral activities such as anti-influenza, anti-hepatitis C, anti-cytomegalovirus, and anti-alphavirus. As an ingredient recommended in guidelines issued by the China National Health Commission for COVID-19 to be combined with other therapy, berberine is a promising orally administered therapeutic candidate against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. The current study comprehensively evaluates the potential therapeutic mechanisms of berberine in preventing and treating COVID-19 and SARS using computational modeling, including target mining, gene ontology enrichment, pathway analyses, protein-protein interaction analysis, and in silico molecular docking. An orally available immunotherapeutic-berberine nanomedicine, named NIT-X, has been developed by our group and has shown significantly increased oral bioavailability of berberine, increased IFN-γ production by CD8+ T cells, and inhibition of mast cell histamine release in vivo, suggesting a protective immune response. We further validated the inhibition of replication of SARS-CoV-2 in lung epithelial cells line in vitro (Calu3 cells) by berberine. Moreover, the expression of targets including ACE2, TMPRSS2, IL-1α, IL-8, IL-6, and CCL-2 in SARS-CoV-2 infected Calu3 cells were significantly suppressed by NIT-X. By supporting protective immunity while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines; inhibiting viral infection and replication; inducing apoptosis; and protecting against tissue damage, berberine is a promising candidate in preventing and treating COVID-19 and SARS. Given the high oral bioavailability and safety of berberine nanomedicine, the current study may lead to the development of berberine as an orally, active therapeutic against COVID-19 and SARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen‐Zhen Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical ScienceHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | - Kun Li
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of IowaIowa CityIAUSA
| | - Anish R. Maskey
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | - Weihua Huang
- Department of PathologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | | | - Nan Yang
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
- General Nutraceutical TechnologyElmsfordNYUSA
| | - Kamal Srivastava
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
- General Nutraceutical TechnologyElmsfordNYUSA
| | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
- Department of OtolaryngologySchool of MedicineNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | - Raj Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
- Department of OtolaryngologySchool of MedicineNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
| | - Mingsan Miao
- Academy of Chinese Medical ScienceHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiu‐Min Li
- Department of Microbiology & ImmunologyNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
- Department of OtolaryngologySchool of MedicineNew York Medical CollegeValhallaNYUSA
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21
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Lim A, Radujkovic A, Weigand MA, Merle U. Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) as a biomarker of COVID-19 disease severity and indicator of the need for mechanical ventilation, ARDS and mortality. Ann Intensive Care 2021; 11:50. [PMID: 33751264 PMCID: PMC7983090 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-021-00836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequent respiratory failure is causing an immense strain on intensive care units globally. Early prediction of severe disease enables clinicians to avoid acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) development and improve management of critically ill patients. The soluble receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGE) is a biomarker shown to predict ARDS. Although sRAGE level varies depending on the type of disease, there is limited information available on changes in sRAGE levels in COVID-19. Therefore, sRAGE was measured in COVID-19 patients to determine sRAGE level variation in COVID-19 severity and to examine its ability to predict the need for mechanical ventilation (MV) and mortality in COVID-19. METHODS In this single-centre observational cohort study in Germany, serum sRAGE during acute COVID-19, 20 weeks after the start of COVID-19 symptoms, as well as in control groups of non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients and healthy controls were measured using ELISA. The primary endpoint was severe disease (high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO)/MV and need of organ support). The secondary endpoints were respiratory failure with need of MV and 30-day mortality. The area under the curve (AUC), cut-off based on Youden's index and odds ratio with 95% CI for sRAGE were calculated with regard to prediction of MV need and mortality. RESULTS Serum sRAGE in 164 COVID-19 patients, 101 matched COVID-19 convalescent patients, 23 non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients and 15 healthy volunteers were measured. sRAGE level increased with COVID-19 severity, need for oxygen therapy, HFNO/MV, ARDS severity, need of dialysis and catecholamine support, 30-day mortality, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and quick SOFA (qSOFA) score. sRAGE was found to be a good predictor of MV need in COVID-19 inpatients and mortality with an AUC of 0.871 (0.770-0.973) and 0.903 (0.817-0.990), respectively. When adjusted for male gender, age, comorbidity and SOFA score ≥ 3, sRAGE was independently associated with risk of need for HFNO/MV. When adjusted for SOFA score ≥ 3, sRAGE was independently associated with risk of need for MV. CONCLUSIONS Serum sRAGE concentrations are elevated in COVID-19 patients as disease severity increases. sRAGE should be considered as a biomarker for predicting the need for MV and mortality in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Aleksandar Radujkovic
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus A Weigand
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Abramczyk U, Kuzan A. What Every Diabetologist Should Know about SARS-CoV-2: State of Knowledge at the Beginning of 2021. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1022. [PMID: 33801468 PMCID: PMC7958842 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For almost a year, the major medical problem has been the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. People with diabetes who contract COVID-19 are likely to experience more serious symptoms than patients without diabetes. This article presents new research about the epidemiology of COVID-19 in a group of patients with diabetes. It details the mortality and prognosis in such patients, as well as the relationship between COVID-19 and the diseases most often coexisting with diabetes: obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and increased risk for infection. It also details how the virus infects and affects patients with hyperglycemia. The context of glycation and receptors for advanced glycation products (RAGE) seems to be of particular importance here. We also present a hypothesis related to the cause-and-effect axis-it turns out that diabetes can be both the cause of the more difficult course of COVID-19 and the result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The last part of this article discusses the impact of antihyperglycemic drugs on the development of COVID-19 and other pharmacological implications, including which non-classical antihyperglycemic drugs seem to be effective in both the treatment of coronavirus infection and glucose homeostasis, and what strategies related to RAGE and glycation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Abramczyk
- A. Falkiewicz Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw, 52-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Kuzan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
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23
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Bobkova NV. The Balance between Two Branches of RAS Can Protect from Severe COVID-19 Course. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) SUPPLEMENT. SERIES A, MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2021; 15:36-51. [PMID: 33643542 PMCID: PMC7897458 DOI: 10.1134/s1990747821010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world and required the mobilization of scientists and clinicians around the world to combat this serious disease. Along with SARS-CoV-2 virology research, understanding of the fundamental physiological processes, molecular and cellular mechanisms and intracellular signaling pathways underlying the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is important for effective therapy of this disease. The review describes in detail the interaction of the components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and receptors of end-glycosylated products (RAGE), which plays a special role in normal lung physiology and in pathological conditions in COVID-19, including the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome and "cytokine storm". A separate section is devoted to the latest developments aimed at correcting the dysfunction of the RAS caused by the binding of the virus to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)- the central element of this system. Analysis of published theoretical, clinical, and experimental data indicates the need for a complex treatment to prevent a severe course of COVID-19 using MasR agonists, blockers of the AT1R and NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as compounds with neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. V. Bobkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow oblast Russia
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24
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Patrick MT, Zhang H, Wasikowski R, Prens EP, Weidinger S, Gudjonsson JE, Elder JT, He K, Tsoi LC. Associations between COVID-19 and skin conditions identified through epidemiology and genomic studies. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 147:857-869.e7. [PMID: 33485957 PMCID: PMC7825803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is commonly associated with skin manifestations, and may also exacerbate existing skin diseases, yet the relationship between COVID-19 and skin diseases remains unclear. Objective By investigating this relationship through a multiomics approach, we sought to ascertain whether patients with skin conditions are more susceptible to COVID-19. Methods We conducted an epidemiological study and then compared gene expression across 9 different inflammatory skin conditions and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2–infected bronchial epithelial cell lines, and then performed a genome-wide association study transdisease meta-analysis between COVID-19 susceptibility and 2 skin diseases (psoriasis and atopic dermatitis). Results Skin conditions, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, increase the risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio, 1.55; P = 1.4 × 10−9) but decrease the risk of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 0.22; P = 8.5 × 10−5). We observed significant overlap in gene expression between the infected normal bronchial epithelial cells and inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. For genes that are commonly induced in both the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and skin diseases, there are 4 S100 family members located in the epidermal differentiation complex, and we also identified the “IL-17 signaling pathway” (P = 4.9 × 10−77) as one of the most significantly enriched pathways. Furthermore, a shared genome-wide significant locus in the epidermal differentiation complex was identified between psoriasis and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, with the lead marker being a significant expression quantitative trait locus for S100A12 (P = 3.3 × 10−7). Conclusions Together our findings suggest association between inflammatory skin conditions and higher risk of COVID-19, but with less severe course, and highlight shared components involved in anti–COVID-19 immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Patrick
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich.
| | - Haihan Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Rachael Wasikowski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Errol P Prens
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan Weidinger
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Johann E Gudjonsson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - James T Elder
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich; Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Kevin He
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Mich; Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich; Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
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25
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Krishnamoorthy P, Raj AS, Roy S, Kumar NS, Kumar H. Comparative transcriptome analysis of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 to identify potential pathways for drug repurposing. Comput Biol Med 2021; 128:104123. [PMID: 33260034 PMCID: PMC7683955 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2020.104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has already caused in excess of 1.25 million deaths worldwide, and the number is increasing. Knowledge of the host transcriptional response against this virus and how the pathways are activated or suppressed compared to other human coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV) that caused outbreaks previously can help in the identification of potential drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. Hence, we used time point meta-analysis to investigate available SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in-vitro transcriptome datasets in order to identify the significant genes and pathways that are dysregulated at each time point. The subsequent over-representation analysis (ORA) revealed that several pathways are significantly dysregulated at each time point after both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infection. We also performed gene set enrichment analyses of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with that of SARS-CoV-2 at the same time point and cell line, the results of which revealed that common pathways are activated and suppressed in all three coronaviruses. Furthermore, an analysis of an in-vivo transcriptomic dataset of COVID-19 patients showed that similar pathways are enriched to those identified in the earlier analyses. Based on these findings, a drug repurposing analysis was performed to identify potential drug candidates for combating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandikannan Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India
| | - Athira S Raj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India
| | - Swagnik Roy
- Microbiology Department, Zoram Medical College, Falkawn, Mizoram, 796005, India
| | | | - Himanshu Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal, Bhopal, 462066, MP, India; Laboratory of Host Defense, WPI Immunology, Frontier Research Centre, Osaka University, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
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26
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Advanced Glycation End Products (AGE) and Soluble Forms of AGE Receptor: Emerging Role as Mortality Risk Factors in CKD. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120638. [PMID: 33371369 PMCID: PMC7767383 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) can promote chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and CKD-related morbidities. The soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE) is a potential biomarker of inflammation and oxidative stress. Here, we explored the role of AGE, glycated albumin, sRAGE and its different forms, cRAGE and esRAGE, as prognostic factors for mortality in 111 advanced CKD patients. The median follow-up time was 39 months. AGE were quantified by fluorescence, sRAGE and its forms by ELISA. Malnutrition was screened by the Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association of variables with all-cause mortality. Mean levels of sRAGE, esRAGE and cRAGE were 2318 ± 1224, 649 ± 454 and 1669 ± 901 pg/mL. The mean value of cRAGE/esRAGE was 2.82 ± 0.96. AGE were 3026 ± 766 AU and MIS 6.0 ± 4.7. eGFR correlated negatively with AGE, sRAGE, esRAGE and cRAGE, but not with cRAGE/esRAGE. Twenty-eight patients died. No difference was observed between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Starting dialysis was not associated with enhanced risk of death. AGE, esRAGE and cRAGE/esRAGE were independently associated with all-cause mortality. AGE, esRAGE and cRAGE/esRAGE may help to stratify overall mortality risk. Implementing the clinical evaluation of CKD patients by quantifying these biomarkers can help to improve patient outcomes.
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27
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Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products and Its Forms in COVID-19 Patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study on Their Role as Disease Biomarkers. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113785. [PMID: 33238596 PMCID: PMC7700384 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a well-known player of diabetes mellitus (DM)-related morbidities, was supposed to be involved in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), but no data exist about COVID-19, DM, and the soluble RAGE (sRAGE) forms. We quantified total sRAGE and its forms, the endogenously secretory esRAGE and the membrane-cleaved cRAGE, in COVID-19 patients with and without DM and in healthy individuals to explore how COVID-19 may affect these molecules and their potential role as biomarkers. Circulating sRAGE and esRAGE were quantified by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assays. cRAGE was obtained by subtracting esRAGE from total sRAGE. sRAGE, esRAGE, cRAGE, and the cRAGE/esRAGE ratio did not differ between DM and non-DM patients and had the same trend when compared to healthy individuals. Levels of total sRAGE, cRAGE, and cRAGE/esRAGE ratio were upregulated, while esRAGE was downregulated. The lack of difference between DM and non-DM COVID-19 patients in the levels of sRAGE and its forms supports the hypothesis that in COVID-19 the RAGE system is modulated regardless of glycemic control. Identifying how sRAGE and its forms associate to COVID-19 prognosis and the potential of RAGE as a therapeutic target to control inflammatory burden seem of relevance to help treatment of COVID-19.
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28
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Biscetti F, Rando MM, Nardella E, Cecchini AL, Bruno P, Landolfi R, Flex A. Cardiovascular Disease and SARS-CoV-2: the Role of Host Immune Response Versus Direct Viral Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218141. [PMID: 33143371 PMCID: PMC7663579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus [2019-nCoV], which started to spread from December 2019 onwards, caused a global pandemic. Besides being responsible for the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 [SARS-CoV-2], the virus can affect other organs causing various symptoms. A close relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and the cardiovascular system has been shown, demonstrating an epidemiological linkage between SARS-CoV-2 and cardiac injury. There are emerging data regarding possible direct myocardial damage by 2019-nCoV. In this review, the most important available evidences will be discussed to clarify the precise mechanisms of cardiovascular injury in SARS-CoV-2 patients, even if further researches are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Biscetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (P.B.); (R.L.); (A.F.)
- Internal Medicine and Vascular Diseases Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.M.R.); (E.N.); (A.L.C.)
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-3015-4518
| | - Maria Margherita Rando
- Internal Medicine and Vascular Diseases Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.M.R.); (E.N.); (A.L.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Nardella
- Internal Medicine and Vascular Diseases Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.M.R.); (E.N.); (A.L.C.)
| | | | - Piergiorgio Bruno
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (P.B.); (R.L.); (A.F.)
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Raffaele Landolfi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (P.B.); (R.L.); (A.F.)
- Internal Medicine and Vascular Diseases Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.M.R.); (E.N.); (A.L.C.)
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Flex
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (P.B.); (R.L.); (A.F.)
- Internal Medicine and Vascular Diseases Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy; (M.M.R.); (E.N.); (A.L.C.)
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Genetics, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
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29
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Aceti A, Margarucci LM, Scaramucci E, Orsini M, Salerno G, Di Sante G, Gianfranceschi G, Di Liddo R, Valeriani F, Ria F, Simmaco M, Parnigotto PP, Vitali M, Romano Spica V, Michetti F. Serum S100B protein as a marker of severity in Covid-19 patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18665. [PMID: 33122776 PMCID: PMC7596559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection shows a wide-ranging clinical severity, requiring prognostic markers. We focused on S100B, a calcium-binding protein present in biological fluids, being a reliable biomarker in disorders having inflammatory processes as common basis and RAGE as main receptor. Since Covid-19 is characterized by a potent inflammatory response also involving RAGE, we tested if S100B serum levels were related to disease severity. Serum samples (n = 74) were collected from hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive patients admitted to Covid center. Illness severity was established by admission clinical criteria and Covid risk score. Treatment protocols followed WHO guidelines available at the time. Circulating S100B was determined by ELISA assay. Statistical analysis used Pearson’s χ2 test, t-Test, and ANOVA, ANCOVA, Linear Regression. S100B was detected in serum from Covid-19 patients, significantly correlating with disease severity as shown both by the level of intensity of care (p < 0.006) as well by the value of Covid score (Multiple R-squared: 0.3751); the correlation between Covid-Score and S100B was 0.61 (p < 0.01). S100B concentration was associated with inflammation markers (Ferritin, C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin), and organ damage markers (Alanine Aminotransferase, Creatinine). Serum S100B plays a role in Covid-19 and can represent a marker of clinical severity in Sars-CoV-2 infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Aceti
- Sant'Andrea Hospital A.O.U., Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Lory Marika Margarucci
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Scaramucci
- Sant'Andrea Hospital A.O.U., Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orsini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Gerardo Salerno
- Sant'Andrea Hospital A.O.U., Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Di Sante
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Section of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 1-8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gianfranceschi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Di Liddo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Valeriani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ria
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Section of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 1-8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Sant'Andrea Hospital A.O.U., Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Parnigotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 5, 35131, Padua, Italy.,Foundation for Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering and Signaling (T.E.S.) Onlus, Via De Sanctis 10, 35030, Caselle di Selvazzano Dentro, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Michetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
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30
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Stilhano RS, Costa AJ, Nishino MS, Shams S, Bartolomeo CS, Breithaupt-Faloppa AC, Silva EA, Ramirez AL, Prado CM, Ureshino RP. SARS-CoV-2 and the possible connection to ERs, ACE2, and RAGE: Focus on susceptibility factors. FASEB J 2020; 34:14103-14119. [PMID: 32965736 PMCID: PMC7537138 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001394rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has provoked major stresses on the health-care systems of several countries, and caused the death of more than a quarter of a million people globally, mainly in the elderly population with preexisting pathologies. Previous studies with coronavirus (SARS-CoV) point to gender differences in infection and disease progression with increased susceptibility in male patients, indicating that estrogens may be associated with physiological protection against the coronavirus. Therefore, the objectives of this work are threefold. First, we aim to summarize the SARS-CoV-2 infection pathway and the roles both the virus and patient play in COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) progression, clinical symptomatology, and mortality. Second, we detail the effect estrogen has on viral infection and host infection response, including its role in both the regulation of key viral receptor expression and the mediation of inflammatory activity. Finally, we describe how ERs (estrogen receptors) and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) play a critical role in metabolic pathways, which we envisage could maintain a close interplay with SARS-CoV and COVID-19 mortality rates, despite a current lack of research directly determining how. Taken together, we present the current state of the field regarding SARS-CoV-2 research and illuminate where research is needed to better define the role both estrogen and metabolic comorbidities have in the COVID-19 disease state, which can be key in screening potential therapeutic options as the search for effective treatments continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Sessa Stilhano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angelica Jardim Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Sayuri Nishino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shahin Shams
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cynthia Silva Bartolomeo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Breithaupt-Faloppa
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Maximo Prado
- Department of Biosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Holly JMP, Biernacka K, Maskell N, Perks CM. Obesity, Diabetes and COVID-19: An Infectious Disease Spreading From the East Collides With the Consequences of an Unhealthy Western Lifestyle. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:582870. [PMID: 33042029 PMCID: PMC7527410 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.582870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has had a global impact not seen for an infectious disease for over a century. This acute pandemic has spread from the East and has been overlaid onto a slow pandemic of metabolic diseases of obesity and diabetes consequent from the increasing adoption of a Western-lifestyle characterized by excess calorie consumption with limited physical activity. It has become clear that these conditions predispose individuals to a more severe COVID-19 with increased morbidity and mortality. There are many features of diabetes and obesity that may accentuate the clinical response to SARS-CoV-2 infection: including an impaired immune response, an atherothrombotic state, accumulation of advanced glycation end products and a chronic inflammatory state. These could prime an exaggerated cytokine response to viral infection, predisposing to the cytokine storm that triggers progression to septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multi-organ failure. Infection leads to an inflammatory response and tissue damage resulting in increased metabolic activity and an associated increase in the mechanisms by which cells ingest and degrade tissue debris and foreign materials. It is becoming clear that viruses have acquired an ability to exploit these mechanisms to invade cells and facilitate their own life-cycle. In obesity and diabetes these mechanisms are chronically activated due to the deteriorating metabolic state and this may provide an increased opportunity for a more profound and sustained viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff M. P. Holly
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Translational Health Science, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Wu Q, Coumoul X, Grandjean P, Barouki R, Audouze K. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and COVID-19 relationships: a computational systems biology approach. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.07.10.20150714. [PMID: 32699854 PMCID: PMC7373141 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.10.20150714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients at high risk of severe forms of COVID-19 frequently suffer from chronic diseases, but other risk factors may also play a role. Environmental stressors, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can contribute to certain chronic diseases and might aggravate the course of COVID-19. Objectives To explore putative links between EDCs and COVID-19 severity, an integrative systems biology approach was constructed and applied. Methods As a first step, relevant data sets were compiled from major data sources. Biological associations of major EDCs to proteins were extracted from the CompTox database. Associations between proteins and diseases known as important COVID-19 comorbidities were obtained from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Based on these data, we developed a tripartite network (EDCs-proteins-diseases) and used it to identify proteins overlapping between the EDCs and the diseases. Signaling pathways for common proteins were then investigated by over-representation analysis. Results We found several statistically significant pathways that may be dysregulated by EDCs and that may also be involved in COVID-19 severity. The Th17 and the AGE/RAGE signaling pathways were particularly promising. Conclusions Pathways were identified as possible targets of EDCs and as contributors to COVID-19 severity, thereby highlighting possible links between exposure to environmental chemicals and disease development. This study also documents the application of computational systems biology methods as a relevant approach to increase the understanding of molecular mechanisms linking EDCs and human diseases, thereby contributing to toxicology prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qier Wu
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - Robert Barouki
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Karine Audouze
- Université de Paris, T3S, Inserm UMR S-1124, F-75006 Paris, France
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De Francesco EM, Vella V, Belfiore A. COVID-19 and Diabetes: The Importance of Controlling RAGE. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:526. [PMID: 32760352 PMCID: PMC7375019 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, and ARNAS Garibaldi, P.O. Garibaldi-Nesima, Catania, Italy
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