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Immunohistochemical Analysis of Spermatogenesis in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Invasion in Different Age Groups. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2444-2451. [PMID: 36975529 PMCID: PMC10046913 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on studies that focused on the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on human tissues, not only pulmonary invasion was revealed, but also impaired testicular function. Thus, the study of the mechanisms of influence of SARS-CoV-2 on spermatogenesis is still relevant. Of particular interest is the study of pathomorphological changes in men of different age groups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical changes in spermatogenesis during SARS-CoV-2 invasion in different age groups. In our study, for the first time, a cohort of COVID-19-positive patients of different age groups was collected, and the following were conducted––confocal microscopy of the testicles and immunohistochemical evaluation of spermatogenesis disorders in SARS-CoV-2 invasion with antibodies to the spike protein, the nucleocapsid protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and angiotensin convertase type 2. An IHC study and confocal microscopy of testicular autopsies from COVID-19-positive patients revealed an increase in the number of S-protein- and nucleocapsid-positively stained spermatogenic cells, which indicates SARS-CoV-2 invasion into them. A correlation was found between the number of ACE2-positive germ cells and the degree of hypospermatogenesis, and in the group of patients with confirmed coronavirus infection older than 45 years, the decrease in spermatogenic function was more pronounced than in the cohort of young people. Thus, our study found a decrease in both spermatogenic and endocrine (Leydig cells) testicular functions in patients with COVID-19 infection. In the elderly, these changes were significantly higher than in the group of young patients.
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Panchal NK, Evan Prince S. The NEK family of serine/threonine kinases as a biomarker for cancer. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:17-30. [PMID: 35037094 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is defined by unrestrained cell proliferation due to impaired protein activity. Cell cycle-related proteins are likely to play a role in human cancers, including proliferation, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. The serine/threonine NEK kinases are the part of Never In Mitosis A Kinases (NIMA) family, which are less explored kinase family involved in the cell cycle, checkpoint regulation, and cilia biology. They comprise of eleven members, namely NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, NEK4, NEK5, NEK6, NEK7, NEK8, NEK9, NEK10, and NEK11, located in different cellular regions. Recent research has shown the role of NEK family in various cancers by perversely expressing. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a systematic account of our understanding of NEK kinases; structural details; and its role in the cell cycle regulation. Furthermore, we have comprehensively reviewed the NEK kinases in terms of their expression and regulation in different cancers. Lastly, we have emphasized on some of the potential NEK inhibitors reported so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagesh Kishan Panchal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, India
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, India.
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Phillips JM, Ooi SL, Pak SC. Health-Promoting Properties of Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Compounds for the COVID-19 Era—An Appraisal: Do the Pro-Health Claims Measure Up? Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072302. [PMID: 35408701 PMCID: PMC9000601 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Many mushroom species are consumed as food, while significant numbers are also utilised medicinally. Mushrooms are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. A growing body of in vitro, in vivo, and human research has revealed their therapeutic potentials, which include such properties as anti-pathogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, gut microbiota enhancement, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 specificity. The uses of medicinal mushrooms (MMs) as extracts in nutraceuticals and other functional food and health products are burgeoning. COVID-19 presents an opportunity to consider how, and if, specific MM compounds might be utilised therapeutically to mitigate associated risk factors, reduce disease severity, and support recovery. As vaccines become a mainstay, MMs may have the potential as an adjunct therapy to enhance immunity. In the context of COVID-19, this review explores current research about MMs to identify the key properties claimed to confer health benefits. Considered also are barriers or limitations that may impact general recommendations on MMs as therapy. It is contended that the extraction method used to isolate bioactive compounds must be a primary consideration for efficacious targeting of physiological endpoints. Mushrooms commonly available for culinary use and obtainable as a dietary supplement for medicinal purposes are included in this review. Specific properties related to these mushrooms have been considered due to their potential protective and mediating effects on human exposure to the SARS CoV-2 virus and the ensuing COVID-19 disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Mary Phillips
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia; (J.M.P.); (S.L.O.)
- LAGOM NutriHealing, 16 Gentile Court, Hobart, TAS 7010, Australia
| | - Soo Liang Ooi
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia; (J.M.P.); (S.L.O.)
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia; (J.M.P.); (S.L.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-6338-4952; Fax: +61-2-6338-4993
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Marinelli L, Beccuti G, Zavattaro M, Cagnina S, Gesmundo I, Bona C, Lopez C, Scabini S, Canta F, Mornese Pinna S, Lupia T, Di Bisceglie C, Ponzetto F, Settanni F, De Rosa FG, Ghigo E, Motta G. Testosterone as a Biomarker of Adverse Clinical Outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:820. [PMID: 35453570 PMCID: PMC9025790 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may affect testicles. Lower testosterone levels have been associated with worse clinical outcomes and higher mortality. Our objective was to evaluate the hypothalamic−pituitary−gonadal axis of men admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and its link with the pneumonia-treatment intensification. Short-term changes in hormonal parameters were also assessed. Methods: Men admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were recruited in two different hospitals in Piedmont, Italy. In all patients, the assessment of total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), gonadotropins, inhibin B (InhB), and other biochemical evaluations were performed at admission (T0) and before discharge (T1). Through a review of medical records, clinical history was recorded, including data on pneumonia severity. Results: Thirty-five men (median age 64 [58−74] years) were recruited. Lower TT and cFT levels at T0 were associated with CPAP therapy (p = 0.045 and 0.028, respectively), even after adjusting for age and PaO2/FIO2 ratio in a multivariable analysis. In those discharged alive, lower TT and cFT levels were associated with longer hospital stay (p < 0.01). TT, cFT, and InhB were below the normal range at T0 and significantly increased at T1 (TT 1.98 [1.30−2.72] vs. 2.53 [1.28−3.37] ng/mL, p = 0.038; cFT (0.0441 [0.0256−0.0742] vs. 0.0702 [0.0314−0.0778] ng/mL, p = 0.046; InhB 60.75 [25.35−88.02] vs. 77.05 [51.15−134.50], p < 0.01). Conclusions: Both TT and cFT levels are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in men admitted with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. As TT, cFT and InhB levels increase before discharge, short-term functional recovery of steroidogenesis and an indirect improvement of spermatozoa functional status could be hypothesized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Marinelli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Guglielmo Beccuti
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Marco Zavattaro
- Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Serena Cagnina
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Iacopo Gesmundo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Chiara Bona
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Chiara Lopez
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Silvia Scabini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (F.C.); (S.M.P.); (F.G.D.R.)
| | - Francesca Canta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (F.C.); (S.M.P.); (F.G.D.R.)
| | - Simone Mornese Pinna
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (F.C.); (S.M.P.); (F.G.D.R.)
| | - Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, 14100 Asti, Italy;
| | - Cataldo Di Bisceglie
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Federico Ponzetto
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Fabio Settanni
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, AOU Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (F.C.); (S.M.P.); (F.G.D.R.)
| | - Ezio Ghigo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
| | - Giovanna Motta
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (G.B.); (S.C.); (I.G.); (C.B.); (C.L.); (C.D.B.); (F.P.); (E.G.)
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Sengupta P, Leisegang K, Agarwal A. The impact of COVID-19 on the male reproductive tract and fertility: A systematic review. Arab J Urol 2021; 19:423-436. [PMID: 34552795 PMCID: PMC8451696 DOI: 10.1080/2090598x.2021.1955554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains an ongoing public health challenge. Although males are affected slightly more than females, the impact of SARS-COV-2 on male reproductive system remains unclear. This systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of COVID-19 on male reproductive health, including the presence of viral RNA in semen, and the impact on semen quality, testicular histology, testicular pain and male reproductive hormones. The global health is fronting an immediate as well as impending threat from the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), that inflicts more males than females. Evidence suggest that male reproductive system is susceptible to this viral infection. However, there are still several pertinent queries that remain to be fully explained regarding the mechanism in testicular SARS-CoV-2 dynamics and the exact mode of its actions. Thus, the present systematic review aims to provide a concise update on the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on male reproduction.. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines searching the PubMed database. Eligibility for inclusion were original human studies evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on male reproductive health. Specific outcomes required for inclusion were at least one of the following: i) seminal detection of mRNA virus, or evaluation of ii) semen analysis, iii) testicular histology or ultrasonography, iv) testicular clinical symptoms and/or v) male reproductive hormones in COVID-19-positive patients. RESULTS Of 553 retrieved articles, 25 met the inclusion criteria. This included studies primarily investigating the presence of viral RNA in semen (n = 12), semen quality (n = 2), testicular histology (n = 5), testicular pain (n = 2) and male reproductive hormones (n= 4). Results show little evidence for the presence of viral RNA in semen, although COVID-19 seems to affect seminal parameters, induce orchitis, and cause hypogonadism. Mortality cases suggest severe histological disruption of testicular architecture, probably due to a systemic and local reproductive tract inflammatory response and oxidative stress-induced damage. CONCLUSIONS Clinical evaluation of the male reproductive tract, seminal parameters and reproductive hormones is recommended in patients with current or a history of COVID-19, particularly in males undergoing fertility treatment. Any long-term negative impact on male reproduction remains unexplored and an important future consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallav Sengupta
- Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Malaysia
| | - Kristian Leisegang
- School of Natural Medicine, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Computational repurposing of tamibarotene against triple mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Biol Med 2021; 136:104748. [PMID: 34388463 PMCID: PMC8349365 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of the triple mutant strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) was more virulent and pathogenic than its original strain. The viral triple mutant strain of SARS-COV-2 is extremely adaptive and increases penetrability into the host. The triple mutant viral strain was first reported in Brazil and South Africa and then communicated to different countries responsible for the second wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic with a high mortality rate. The reported genomic mutations are responsible for the alterations in the viral functional and structural proteins, causing the ineffectiveness of the existing antiviral therapy targeting these proteins. Thus, in current research, molecular docking simulation-based virtual screening of a ligand library consisting of FDA-approved existing drugs followed by molecular dynamics simulation-based validation of leads was performed to develop a potent inhibitor molecule for the triple mutant viral strain SARS-CoV-2. Based on the safety profile, tamibarotene was selected as a safe and effective drug candidate for developing therapy against the triple mutant viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
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