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Soliman SSM, Hamoda AM, Nayak Y, Mostafa A, Hamdy R. Novel compounds with dual inhibition activity against SARS-CoV-2 critical enzymes RdRp and human TMPRSS2. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116671. [PMID: 39004019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 caused major worldwide problems. The spread of variants and limited treatment encouraged the design of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. A series of compounds RH1-23 were designed to dually target RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Compared to remdesivir, in vitro screening indicated the highest selectivity and potent activity of RH11-13 with half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) 3.9, 5.7, and 19.72 nM, respectively. RH11-12 showed superior inhibition activity against TMPRSS2 and RdRP with IC50 (1.7 and 4.2), and (6.1 and 4.42) nM, respectively. WaterMap analysis and molecular dynamics studies demonstrated the superior enzyme binding activity of RH11 and RH12. On Vero-E6 cells, RH11 and RH12 significantly inhibited the viral replication with 66 % and 63.2 %, and viral adsorption with 44 % and 65 %, alongside virucidal effect with 51.40 % and 90.5 %, respectively. Furthermore, the potent activity of RH12 was tested on TMPRSS2-expressing cells (Calu-3) compared to camostat. RH12 exhibited selectivity index (26.05) similar to camostat (28.01) and comparable to its SI on Vero-E6 cells (22.6). RH12 demonstrated also a significant inhibition of the viral adsorption on Calu-3 cells with 60 % inhibition at 30 nM. The designed compounds exhibited good physiochemical properties. These findings indicate a broad-spectrum antiviral efficacy of the designed compounds, particularly RH12, with a promise for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Alshaimaa M Hamoda
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre, Giza, 12622, Egypt; Disease Intervention & Prevention and Host Pathogen Interactions Programs, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, United States
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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2
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Tian WJ, Zhang XZ, Wang J, Liu JF, Li FH, Wang XJ. Calmodulin-like 5 promotes PEDV replication by regulating late-endosome synthesis and innate immune response. Virol Sin 2024; 39:501-512. [PMID: 38789039 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The infection caused by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is associated with high mortality in piglets worldwide. Host factors involved in the efficient replication of PEDV, however, remain largely unknown. Our recent proteomic study in the virus-host interaction network revealed a significant increase in the accumulation of CALML5 (EF-hand protein calmodulin-like 5) following PEDV infection. A further study unveiled a biphasic increase of CALML5 in 2 and 12 h after viral infection. Similar trends were observed in the intestines of piglets in the early and late stages of the PEDV challenge. Moreover, CALML5 depletion reduced PEDV mRNA and protein levels, leading to a one-order-of-magnitude decrease in virus titer. At the early stage of PEDV infection, CALML5 affected the endosomal trafficking pathway by regulating the expression of endosomal sorting complex related cellular proteins. CALML5 depletion also suppressed IFN-β and IL-6 production in the PEDV-infected cells, thereby indicating its involvement in negatively regulating the innate immune response. Our study reveals the biological function of CALML5 in the virology field and offers new insights into the PEDV-host cell interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiu-Zhong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jian-Feng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Fu-Huang Li
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry Service (South Section), Beijing, 102218, China.
| | - Xiao-Jia Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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3
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Jiang WP, Deng JS, Yu CC, Lin JG, Huang GJ. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Viral Activity of Sweet Potato Trypsin Inhibitor via Downregulation of TMPRSS2 Activity and ACE2 Expression In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6067. [PMID: 38892254 PMCID: PMC11172529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Known as COVID-19, it has affected billions of people worldwide, claiming millions of lives and posing a continuing threat to humanity. This is considered one of the most extensive pandemics ever recorded in human history, causing significant losses to both life and economies globally. However, the available evidence is currently insufficient to establish the effectiveness and safety of antiviral drugs or vaccines. The entry of the virus into host cells involves binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface receptor, via its spike protein. Meanwhile, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a host surface protease, cleaves and activates the virus's S protein, thus promoting viral infection. Plant protease inhibitors play a crucial role in protecting plants against insects and/or microorganisms. The major storage proteins in sweet potato roots include sweet potato trypsin inhibitor (SWTI), which accounts for approximately 60% of the total water-soluble protein and has been found to possess a variety of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, and anticancer functions. Our study found that SWTI caused a significant reduction in the expression of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, without any adverse effects on cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 axis can be targeted via SWTI to potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan;
| | - Jeng-Shyan Deng
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Chen Yu
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan;
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
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4
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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5
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Behboudi E, Nooreddin Faraji S, Daryabor G, Mohammad Ali Hashemi S, Asadi M, Edalat F, Javad Raee M, Hatam G. SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of cell tropism in various organs considering host factors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26577. [PMID: 38420467 PMCID: PMC10901034 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
A critical step in the drug design for SARS-CoV-2 is to discover its molecular targets. This study comprehensively reviewed the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2, exploring host cell tropism and interaction targets crucial for cell entry. The findings revealed that beyond ACE2 as the primary entry receptor, alternative receptors, co-receptors, and several proteases such as TMPRSS2, Furin, Cathepsin L, and ADAM play critical roles in virus entry and subsequent pathogenesis. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 displays tropism in various human organs due to its diverse receptors. This review delves into the intricate details of receptors, host proteases, and the involvement of each organ. Polymorphisms in the ACE2 receptor and mutations in the spike or its RBD region contribute to the emergence of variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, impacting the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. The challenge posed by mutations raises questions about the effectiveness of existing vaccines and drugs, necessitating consideration for updates in their formulations. In the urgency of these critical situations, repurposed drugs such as Camostat Mesylate and Nafamostat Mesylate emerge as viable pharmaceutical options. Numerous drugs are involved in inhibiting receptors and host factors crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry, with most discussed in this review. In conclusion, this study may provide valuable insights to inform decisions in therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Behboudi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Daryabor
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ali Hashemi
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Maryam Asadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fahime Edalat
- Department of Bacteriology & Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Raee
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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6
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Fernandes GFS, Lopes JR, Dos Santos JL, Scarim CB. Phthalimide as a versatile pharmacophore scaffold: Unlocking its diverse biological activities. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1346-1375. [PMID: 37492986 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Phthalimide, a pharmacophore exhibiting diverse biological activities, holds a prominent position in medicinal chemistry. In recent decades, numerous derivatives of phthalimide have been synthesized and extensively studied for their therapeutic potential across a wide range of health conditions. This comprehensive review highlights the latest developments in medicinal chemistry, specifically focusing on phthalimide-based compounds that have emerged within the last decade. These compounds showcase promising biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer, antiepileptic, antischizophrenia, antiplatelet, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antiparasitic, anthelmintic, antiviral, and antidiabetic properties. The physicochemical profiles of the phthalimide derivatives were carefully analyzed using the online platform pkCSM, revealing the remarkable versatility of this scaffold. Therefore, this review emphasizes the potential of phthalimide as a valuable scaffold for the development of novel therapeutic agents, providing avenues for the exploration and design of new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliana R Lopes
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jean L Dos Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cauê B Scarim
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Frumenzio G, Chandramouli B, Besker N, Grottesi A, Talarico C, Frigerio F, Emerson A, Musiani F. Conformational response to ligand binding of TMPRSS2, a protease involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Insights through computational modeling. Proteins 2023; 91:1288-1297. [PMID: 37409524 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to the considerable research which has been undertaken in the last few years to improve our understanding of the biology and mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2, we know how the virus uses its surface spike protein to infect host cells. The transmembrane prosthesis, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) protein, located on the surface of human cells, recognizes the cleavage site in the spike protein, leading to the release of the fusion peptide and entry of the virus into the host cells. Because of its role, TMPRSS2 has been proposed as a drug target to prevent infection by the virus. In this study, we aim to increase our understanding of TMPRSS2 using long scale microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the conformational changes over time. The comparison between simulations conducted on the protein in the native (apo) and inhibited form (holo), has shown that in the holo form the inhibitor stabilizes the catalytic site and induces rearrangements in the extracellular domain of the protein. In turn, it leads to the formation of a new cavity in the vicinity of the ligand binding pocket that is stable in the microsecond time scale. Given the low specificity of known protease inhibitors, these findings suggest a new potential drug target site that can be used to improve TMPRSS2 specific recognition by newly designed inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Frumenzio
- Super Computing Applications and Innovation, Department HPC, CINECA, Casalecchio di Reno, Italy
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew Emerson
- Super Computing Applications and Innovation, Department HPC, CINECA, Casalecchio di Reno, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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8
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Sidhwani SK, Mirza T, Khatoon A, Shaikh F, Khan R, Shaikh OA, Nashwan AJ. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) polymorphisms and susceptibility of severe SARS-CoV-2 in a subset of Pakistani population. Virol J 2023; 20:120. [PMID: 37308887 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02091-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Science is digging for the varied presentation of COVID-19 patients exposed to the same risk factors, and medical conditions may be influenced by the presence of polymorphic genetic variants. This study investigated the link between ACE2 gene polymorphisms and the severity of SARS-CoV-2. This cross-sectional study recruited COVID-19 PCR-positive patients by consecutive sampling from Ziauddin Hospital from April to September 2020. DNA was extracted from whole blood, followed by gene amplification and Sanger's sequencing. Most of the patients, 77: 53.8%, were serious. Males were higher (80; 55.9%) with age more than 50 years (106: 74.1%). We found 22 ACE2 SNPs. rs2285666 SNP was most prevalent with 49.2% CC, 45.2% TT, 4.8% CT heterozygosity, and 0.8% AA genotypes. Variants with multiple genotypes were also insignificantly associated with the severity of COVID-19 in the analysis of the dominant model. Only rs2285666 had a significant statistical link with gender (p-value 0.034, OR; 1.438, CI; 1.028-2.011) while rs768883316 with age groups (p-value 0.026, OR; 1.953, CI; 1.085-3.514). Haplotypes ATC of three polymorphisms (rs560997634, rs201159862, and rs751170930) commonly found in 120 (69.77%) and TTTGTAGTTAGTA haplotype consisting of 13 polymorphisms (rs756737634, rs146991645, rs1601703288, rs1927830489, rs1927831624, rs764947941, rs752242172, rs73195521, rs781378335, rs756597390, rs780478736, rs148006212, rs768583671) in 112 (90.32%) had statistically significant association with the severity having p = value 0.029 and 0.001 respectively. Males of old age and diabetics are found to have more severe COVID-19 infection in the current study. We also found that common ACE2 polymorphism rs2285666 influences the susceptibility of acquiring the severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Talat Mirza
- Department of Research, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ambrina Khatoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Fouzia Shaikh
- Department of Pathology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rizma Khan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
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9
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Abd Emoniem N, Mukhtar RM, Ghaboosh H, Elshamly EM, Mohamed MA, Elsaman T, Alzain AA. Turning down PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway by natural products: an in silico multi-target approach. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 34:163-182. [PMID: 36853097 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2023.2181392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a significant target for cancer drug discovery. Many efforts have focused on discovering new inhibitors against key kinase proteins involved in this pathway for cancer treatment. PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors, such as PKI-179, have been reported to be more effective than agents that act only on a single protein target. The present computational study aimed to discover triple target inhibitors against PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins. Accordingly, the PI3K protein bound with the ligand was used as input for e-pharmacophore modelling to generate the pharmacophore hypothesis and then screened for a library of 270,540 natural products from the Zinc database resulting in 57,220 compounds that matched the hypothesis. These compounds were then docked into the active site of PI3K, resulting in 292 compounds with better docking scores than the co-crystallized ligand. These compounds were re-docked into AKT and mTOR proteins. Besides, MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, MD simulations, and ADMET prediction were carried out, leading to 5 potential triple-target inhibitors namely, ZINC000014644152, ZINC000014760695, ZINC000014644839, ZINC000095099451, and ZINC000005998557. In conclusion, these inhibitors may be possible leads for inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and they may be further evaluated in vitro and clinically as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abd Emoniem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - R M Mukhtar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - H Ghaboosh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - E M Elshamly
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Hochschule Anhalt, Köthen, Germany
| | - M A Mohamed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - T Elsaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - A A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
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10
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A Review on COVID-19: Primary Receptor, Endothelial Dysfunction, Related Comorbidities, and Therapeutics. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE 2023. [PMCID: PMC9843681 DOI: 10.1007/s40995-022-01400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic named coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and resulted in a worldwide economic crisis. Utilizing the spike-like protein on its surface, the SARS-CoV-2 binds to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which highly expresses on the surface of many cell types. Given the crucial role of ACE2 in the renin–angiotensin system, its engagement by SARS-CoV-2 could potentially result in endothelial cell perturbation. This is supported by the observation that one of the most common consequences of COVID-19 infection is endothelial dysfunction and subsequent vascular damage. Furthermore, endothelial dysfunction is the shared denominator among previous comorbidities, including hypertension, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, etc., which are associated with an increased risk of severe disease and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Several vaccines and therapeutics have been developed and suggested for COVID-19 therapy. The present review summarizes the relationship between ACE2 and endothelial dysfunction and COVID-19, also reviews the most common comorbidities associated with COVID-19, and finally reviews several categories of potential therapies against COVID-19.
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11
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Bafadhel M, Faner R, Taillé C, Russell RE, Welte T, Barnes PJ, Agustí A. Inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of COVID-19. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220099. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0099-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused severe illness and mortality for millions worldwide. Despite the development, approval and rollout of vaccination programmes globally to prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2 and the development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), treatments are still urgently needed to improve outcomes. Early in the pandemic it was observed that patients with pre-existing asthma or COPD were underrepresented among those with COVID-19. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that the inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) routinely taken for asthma and COPD could have had a protective role in preventing severe COVID-19 and, therefore, may be a promising treatment for COVID-19. This review summarises the evidence supporting the beneficial effects of ICS on outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and explores the potential protective mechanisms.
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12
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Sharma G, Song LF, Merz KM. Effect of an Inhibitor on the ACE2-Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:6574-6585. [PMID: 35118864 PMCID: PMC8848506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c01283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 infection started in Wuhan, China, and spread across China and beyond. Since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic (March 11, 2020), three vaccines and only one antiviral drug (remdesivir) have been approved (Oct 22, 2020) by the FDA. The coronavirus enters human epithelial cells by the binding of the densely glycosylated fusion spike protein (S protein) to a receptor (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ACE2) on the host cell surface. Therefore, inhibiting the viral entry is a promising treatment pathway for preventing or ameliorating the effects of COVID-19 infection. In the current work, we have used all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the influence of the MLN-4760 inhibitor on the conformational properties of ACE2 and its interaction with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. We have found that the presence of an inhibitor tends to completely/partially open the ACE2 receptor where the two subdomains (I and II) move away from each other, while the absence results in partial or complete closure. The current study increases our understanding of ACE inhibition by MLN-4760 and how it modulates the conformational properties of ACE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Lin Frank Song
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Kenneth M. Merz
- Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
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13
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Wei N, Xu Y, Wang H, Jia Q, Shou X, Zhang X, Zhang N, Li Y, Zhai H, Hu Y. Bibliometric and visual analysis of cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19 research. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1022810. [PMID: 36568760 PMCID: PMC9773213 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1022810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global community has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged in December 2019. Since then, many studies have been conducted on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and COVID-19. The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric and visual analysis of the published relationship between CVDs and COVID-19. Methods 1,890 publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database on January 5, 2022. Microsoft Office Excel and CiteSpace were then used to carry out scientometric analysis on the relevant literature according to seven aspects: document type, countries/regions, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords. Results The research on CVDs and COVID-19 is currently in a period of rapid development, with China, USA, England, and Italy leading the field. There is active cooperation between most countries and institutions. Harvard Medical School stands out among the many institutions not only for the largest number of publications, but also for their high quality. Banerjee A, Solomon SD and Narula J are three representative authors in this field. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine was the journal with the highest number of published studies, and The Lancet was the most cited journal. Two documents with a high degree of significance in this field were identified. Popular research topics in this field are specific diseases, such as acute coronary syndrome and heart failure; pathogenesis related to ACE2, insulin resistance and pericyte; the specific therapeutic drug chloroquine; and clinical characteristics, physical activity, and mental health. ACE2 and NF-κB will be the focus of future research. Conclusions This study provides useful information for the research of CVDs and COVID-19, including potential collaborators, popular research topics, and a reference for more extensive and in-depth research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namin Wei
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiulei Jia
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xintian Shou
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ya'nan Li
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huaqiang Zhai
- Standardization Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Huaqiang Zhai
| | - Yuanhui Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Yuanhui Hu
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14
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Jayabal K, Elumalai D, Leelakrishnan S, Bhattacharya S, Rengarajan V, Kannan T, Chuang SC. Green and Regioselective Approach for the Synthesis of 3-Substituted Indole Based 1,2-Dihydropyridine and Azaxanthone Derivatives as a Potential Lead for SARS-CoV-2 and Delta Plus Mutant Virus: DFT and Docking Studies. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:43856-43876. [PMID: 36506171 PMCID: PMC9730777 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Great attempts have been done for the development of novel antiviral compounds against SAR-CoV-2 to end this pandemic situation and save human society. Herewith, we have synthesized 3-substituted indole/2-substituted pyrrole 1,2-dihydropyridine and azaxanthone scaffolds using simple, commercially available starting materials in a one-pot, green, and regioselective manner. Further, the regioselectivity of product formation was confirmed by various studies such as controlled experiments, density functional theory (DFT), Mulliken atomic charge, and electrostatic potential (ESP) surface. In addition, 3-substituted indole 1,2-dihydropyridine was successfully converted into a biologically enriched pharmacophore scaffold, viz., indolylimidazopyridinylbenzofuran scaffold, in excellent yield. Moreover, the synthesized 3-substituted indole 1,2-dihydropyridine/2-substituted pyrroles were analyzed in docking studies for anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties against their main protease (Mpro) and anti-Delta plus properties against their protein of the Delta plus K417N mutant. Further, the drug-likeness prediction was analyzed by the Lipinski rule and other pharmacokinetic properties like absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity using preADMET prediction. Interestingly, the docking results show that out of 20 synthesized compounds, 5 of them for Mpro of SAR-CoV-2 and 9 of them for 7NX7 spike glycoprotein's A chain of Delta plus K417N show greater binding affinity when compared with remdesivir that is the first to receive FDA approval and is currently used as a potent drug for the treatment of COVID-19. These results suggest that indole/pyrrole substituted 1,2-dihydropyridine derivatives are capable of combating SARS-CoV-2 and its Delta plus mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalraja Jayabal
- Department
of Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan R.O.C
| | | | - Saraswathi Leelakrishnan
- Department
of Chemistry, Pondicherry University, Puducherry 605014, India
- Department
of Chemistry, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore 641018, India
| | - Suman Bhattacharya
- Department
of Physics, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick V94
T9PX , Republic of Ireland
| | | | | | - Shih-Ching Chuang
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan R.O.C
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15
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An albumin-angiotensin converting enzyme 2-based SARS-CoV-2 decoy with FcRn-driven half-life extension. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:411-418. [PMID: 36162760 PMCID: PMC9508356 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants and breakthrough infections despite available coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines calls for antiviral therapeutics. The application of soluble angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a SARS-CoV-2 decoy that reduces cell bound ACE2-mediated virus entry is limited by a short plasma half-life. This work presents a recombinant human albumin ACE2 genetic fusion (rHA-ACE2) to increase the plasma half-life by an FcRn-driven cellular recycling mechanism, investigated using a wild type (WT) albumin sequence and sequence engineered with null FcRn binding (NB). Binding of rHA-ACE2 fusions to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subdomain 1 (S1) was demonstrated (WT-ACE2 KD = 32.8 nM and NB-ACE2 KD = 31.7 nM) using Bio-Layer Interferometry and dose-dependent in vitro inhibition of host cell infection of pseudotyped viruses displaying surface SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. FcRn-mediated in vitro recycling was translated to a five times greater plasma half-life of WT-ACE2 (t½ β = 13.5 h) than soluble ACE2 (t½ β = 2.8 h) in humanised FcRn/albumin double transgenic mice. The rHA-ACE2-based SARS-CoV-2 decoy system exhibiting FcRn-driven circulatory half-life extension introduced in this work offers the potential to expand and improve the anti-COVID-19 anti-viral drug armoury. Statement of significance The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid development of efficient antiviral therapeutics to combat SARS-CoV-2 and new mutants to lower morbidity and mortality in severe cases, and for people that are unable to receive a vaccine. Here we report a therapeutic albumin ACE2 fusion protein (rHA-ACE2), that can bind SARS-CoV-2 S protein decorated virus-like particles to inhibit viral infection, and exhibits extended in vivo half-life compared to ACE2 alone. Employing ACE2 as a binding decoy for the virus is expected to efficiently inhibit all SARS-CoV-2 mutants as they all rely on binding with endogenous ACE2 for viral cell entry and, therefore, rHA-ACE2 constitutes a versatile addition to the therapeutic arsenal for combatting COVID-19.
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16
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Wais T, Hasan M, Rai V, Agrawal DK. Gut-brain communication in COVID-19: molecular mechanisms, mediators, biomarkers, and therapeutics. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:947-960. [PMID: 35868344 PMCID: PMC9388545 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2105697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infection with COVID-19 results in acute respiratory symptoms followed by long COVID multi-organ effects presenting with neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. Temporal relationship between gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms is unclear but warranted for exploring better clinical care for COVID-19 patients. AREAS COVERED We critically reviewed the temporal relationship between gut-brain axis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroinvasion following GI infection. Mediators are identified that could serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SARS-CoV-2. We discussed the potential therapeutic approaches to mitigate the effects of GI infection with SARS-CoV-2. EXPERT OPINION Altered gut microbiota cause increased expression of various mediators, including zonulin causing disruption of tight junction. This stimulates enteric nervous system and signals to CNS precipitating neurological sequalae. Published reports suggest potential role of cytokines, immune cells, B(0)AT1 (SLC6A19), ACE2, TMRSS2, TMPRSS4, IFN-γ, IL-17A, zonulin, and altered gut microbiome in gut-brain axis and associated neurological sequalae. Targeting these mediators and gut microbiome to improve immunity will be of therapeutic significance. In-depth research and well-designed large-scale population-based clinical trials with multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches are warranted. Investigating the temporal relationship between organs involved in long-term sequalae is critical due to evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tameena Wais
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Mehde Hasan
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. Pomona, CA 91766
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17
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Sultan F, Ahuja K, Motiani RK. Potential of targeting host cell calcium dynamics to curtail SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Cell Calcium 2022; 106:102637. [PMID: 35986958 PMCID: PMC9367204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely impacted human well-being. Although vaccination programs have helped in reducing the severity of the disease, drug regimens for clinical management of COVID-19 are not well recognized yet. It is therefore important to identify and characterize the molecular pathways that could be therapeutically targeted to halt SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. SARS-CoV-2 hijacks host cell molecular machinery for its entry, replication and egress. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 interacts with host cell Calcium (Ca2+) handling proteins and perturbs Ca2+ homeostasis. We here systematically review the literature that demonstrates a critical role of host cell Ca2+ dynamics in regulating SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Further, we discuss recent studies, which have reported that SARS-CoV-2 acts on several organelle-specific Ca2+ transport mechanisms. Moreover, we deliberate upon the possibility of curtailing SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting host cell Ca2+ handling machinery. Importantly, we delve into the clinical trials that are examining the efficacy of FDA-approved small molecules acting on Ca2+ handling machinery for the management of COVID-19. Although an important role of host cell Ca2+ signaling in driving SARS-CoV-2 infection has emerged, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In future, it would be important to investigate in detail the signaling cascades that connect perturbed Ca2+ dynamics to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farina Sultan
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology (LCSP), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India
| | - Kriti Ahuja
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology (LCSP), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India
| | - Rajender K Motiani
- Laboratory of Calciomics and Systemic Pathophysiology (LCSP), Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, Delhi-NCR, India.
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18
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Thakur A, Sharma G, Badavath VN, Jayaprakash V, Merz KM, Blum G, Acevedo O. Primer for Designing Main Protease (M pro) Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:5776-5786. [PMID: 35726889 PMCID: PMC9235046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has been devastating, with hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths reported worldwide. In response, the application of structure-activity relationships (SAR) upon experimentally validated inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) may provide an avenue for the identification of new lead compounds active against COVID-19. Upon the basis of information gleaned from a combination of reported crystal structures and the docking of experimentally validated inhibitors, four "rules" for designing potent Mpro inhibitors have been proposed. The aim here is to guide medicinal chemists toward the most probable hits and to provide guidance on repurposing available structures as Mpro inhibitors. Experimental examination of our own previously reported inhibitors using the four "rules" identified a potential lead compound, the cathepsin inhibitor GB111-NH2, that was 2.3 times more potent than SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor N3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Thakur
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Department
of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Vishnu Nayak Badavath
- School
of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Hyderabad 509301, India
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835 215, India
| | - Venkatesan Jayaprakash
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835 215, India
| | - Kenneth M. Merz
- Department
of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Galia Blum
- Institute
for Drug Research, The Hebrew University
of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9112001, Israel
| | - Orlando Acevedo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
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19
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Yang S, Tong Y, Chen L, Yu W. Human Identical Sequences, hyaluronan, and hymecromone ─ the new mechanism and management of COVID-19. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:15. [PMID: 35593963 PMCID: PMC9120813 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00077-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has created formidable damage to public health and market economy. Currently, SARS-CoV-2 variants has exacerbated the transmission from person-to-person. Even after a great deal of investigation on COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 is still rampaging globally, emphasizing the urgent need to reformulate effective prevention and treatment strategies. Here, we review the latest research progress of COVID-19 and provide distinct perspectives on the mechanism and management of COVID-19. Specially, we highlight the significance of Human Identical Sequences (HIS), hyaluronan, and hymecromone ("Three-H") for the understanding and intervention of COVID-19. Firstly, HIS activate inflammation-related genes to influence COVID-19 progress through NamiRNA-Enhancer network. Accumulation of hyaluronan induced by HIS-mediated HAS2 upregulation is a substantial basis for clinical manifestations of COVID-19, especially in lymphocytopenia and pulmonary ground-glass opacity. Secondly, detection of plasma hyaluronan can be effective for evaluating the progression and severity of COVID-19. Thirdly, spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 may bind to hyaluronan and further serve as an allergen to stimulate allergic reaction, causing sudden adverse effects after vaccination or the aggravation of COVID-19. Finally, antisense oligonucleotides of HIS or inhibitors of hyaluronan synthesis (hymecromone) or antiallergic agents could be promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. Collectively, Three-H could hold the key to understand the pathogenic mechanism and create effective therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yang
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Tong
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Chen
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Yu
- Laboratory of RNA Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences & Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center & Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Pal LR, Cheng K, Nair NU, Martin-Sancho L, Sinha S, Pu Y, Riva L, Yin X, Schischlik F, Lee JS, Chanda SK, Ruppin E. Synthetic lethality-based prediction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 targets. iScience 2022; 25:104311. [PMID: 35502318 PMCID: PMC9044693 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel strategies are needed to identify drug targets and treatments for the COVID-19 pandemic. The altered gene expression of virus-infected host cells provides an opportunity to specifically inhibit viral propagation via targeting the synthetic lethal and synthetic dosage lethal (SL/SDL) partners of such altered host genes. Pursuing this disparate antiviral strategy, here we comprehensively analyzed multiple in vitro and in vivo bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of SARS-CoV-2 infection to predict clinically relevant candidate antiviral targets that are SL/SDL with altered host genes. The predicted SL/SDL-based targets are highly enriched for infected cell inhibiting genes reported in four SARS-CoV-2 CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide genetic screens. We further selected a focused subset of 26 genes that we experimentally tested in a targeted siRNA screen using human Caco-2 cells. Notably, as predicted, knocking down these targets reduced viral replication and cell viability only under the infected condition without harming noninfected healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipika R. Pal
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kuoyuan Cheng
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nishanth Ulhas Nair
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Martin-Sancho
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sanju Sinha
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Yuan Pu
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Laura Riva
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xin Yin
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fiorella Schischlik
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joo Sang Lee
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumit K. Chanda
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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21
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Kiriacos CJ, Khedr MR, Tadros M, Youness RA. Prospective Medicinal Plants and Their Phytochemicals Shielding Autoimmune and Cancer Patients Against the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Special Focus on Matcha. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837408. [PMID: 35664773 PMCID: PMC9157490 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837408] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Being "positive" has been one of the most frustrating words anyone could hear since the end of 2019. This word had been overused globally due to the high infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2. All citizens are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, but a red warning sign has been directed towards cancer and immune-compromised patients in particular. These groups of patients are not only more prone to catch the virus but also more predisposed to its deadly consequences, something that urged the research community to seek other effective and safe solutions that could be used as a protective measurement for cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic. Aim The authors aimed to turn the spotlight on specific herbal remedies that showed potential anticancer activity, immuno-modulatory roles, and promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 actions. Methodology To attain the purpose of the review, the research was conducted at the States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). To search databases, the descriptors used were as follows: "COVID-19"/"SARS-CoV-2", "Herbal Drugs", "Autoimmune diseases", "Rheumatoid Arthritis", "Asthma", "Multiple Sclerosis", "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus" "Nutraceuticals", "Matcha", "EGCG", "Quercetin", "Cancer", and key molecular pathways. Results This manuscript reviewed most of the herbal drugs that showed a triple action concerning anticancer, immunomodulation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Special attention was directed towards "matcha" as a novel potential protective and therapeutic agent for cancer and immunocompromised patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Conclusion This review sheds light on the pivotal role of "matcha" as a tri-acting herbal tea having a potent antitumorigenic effect, immunomodulatory role, and proven anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, thus providing a powerful shield for high-risk patients such as cancer and autoimmune patients during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Joseph Kiriacos
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monika Rafik Khedr
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Miray Tadros
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rana A. Youness
- Molecular Genetics Research Team (MGRT), Pharmaceutical Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
- Biology and Biochemistry Department, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire Hosted by Global Academic Foundation, Cairo, Egypt
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22
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Mahmoudi S, Dehkordi MM, Asgarshamsi MH. The effect of various compounds on the COVID mechanisms, from chemical to molecular aspects. Biophys Chem 2022; 288:106824. [PMID: 35728510 PMCID: PMC9095071 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus that caused COVID-19 pandemic is SARS-CoV-2. Although various vaccines are currently being used to prevent the disease's severe consequences, there is still a need for medications for those who become infected. The SARS-CoV-2 has a variety of proteins that have been studied extensively since the virus's advent. In this review article, we looked at chemical to molecular aspects of the various structures studied that have pharmaceutical activity and attempted to find a link between drug activity and compound structure. For example, designing of the compounds which bind to the allosteric site and modify hydrogen bonds or the salt bridges can disrupt SARS-CoV2 RBD–ACE2 complex. It seems that quaternary ammonium moiety and quinolin-1-ium structure could act as a negative allosteric modulator to reduce the tendency between spike-ACE2. Pharmaceutical structures with amino heads and hydrophobic tails can block envelope protein to prevent making mature SARS-CoV-2. Also, structures based on naphthalene pharmacophores or isosteres can form a strong bond with the PLpro and form a π-π and the Mpro's active site can be occupied by octapeptide compounds or linear compounds with a similar fitting ability to octapeptide compounds. And for protein RdRp, it is critical to consider pH and pKa so that pKa regulation of compounds to comply with patients is very effective, thus, the presence of tetrazole, phenylpyrazole groups, and analogs of pyrophosphate in the designed drugs increase the likelihood of the RdRp active site inhibition. Finally, it can be deduced that designing hybrid drug molecules along with considering the aforementioned characteristics would be a suitable approach for developing medicines in order to accurate targeting and complete inhibition this virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Mahmoudi
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Mohammadpour Dehkordi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asgarshamsi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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23
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Parkinson’s Disease and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Particularities of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Regarding Pathogenesis and Treatment. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051000. [PMID: 35625737 PMCID: PMC9138688 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data suggest that chronic neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegeneration is a significant contributing factor for progressive neuronal and glial cell death in age-related neurodegenerative pathology. Furthermore, it could be encountered as long-term consequences in some viral infections, including post-COVID-19 Parkinsonism-related chronic sequelae. The current systematic review is focused on a recent question aroused during the pandemic’s successive waves: are there post-SARS-CoV-2 immune-mediated reactions responsible for promoting neurodegeneration? Does the host’s dysregulated immune counter-offensive contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, emerging as Parkinson’s disease, in a complex interrelation between genetic and epigenetic risk factors? A synthetic and systematic literature review was accomplished based on the ”Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Principles Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) methodology, including registration on the specific online platform: International prospective register of systematic reviews—PROSPERO, no. 312183. Initially, 1894 articles were detected. After fulfilling the five steps of the selection methodology, 104 papers were selected for this synthetic review. Documentation was enhanced with a supplementary 47 bibliographic resources identified in the literature within a non-standardized search connected to the subject. As a final step of the PRISMA method, we have fulfilled a Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Time (PICOT)/Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome-Study type (PICOS)—based metanalysis of clinical trials identified as connected to our search, targeting the outcomes of rehabilitative kinesitherapeutic interventions compared to clinical approaches lacking such kind of treatment. Accordingly, we identified 10 clinical trials related to our article. The multi/interdisciplinary conventional therapy of Parkinson’s disease and non-conventional multitarget approach to an integrative treatment was briefly analyzed. This article synthesizes the current findings on the pathogenic interference between the dysregulated complex mechanisms involved in aging, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, focusing on Parkinson’s disease and the acute and chronic repercussions of COVID-19. Time will tell whether COVID-19 neuroinflammatory events could trigger long-term neurodegenerative effects and contribute to the worsening and/or explosion of new cases of PD. The extent of the interrelated neuropathogenic phenomenon remains obscure, so further clinical observations and prospective longitudinal cohort studies are needed.
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24
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Hollenberg MD, Epstein M. The innate immune response, microenvironment proteinases, and the COVID-19 pandemic: pathophysiologic mechanisms and emerging therapeutic targets. Kidney Int Suppl (2011) 2022; 12:48-62. [PMID: 35316977 PMCID: PMC8931295 DOI: 10.1016/j.kisu.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide, has fully engaged the biomedical community in attempts to elucidate the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and develop robust therapeutic strategies. To this end, the predominant research focus has been on the adaptive immune response to COVID-19 infections stimulated by mRNA and protein vaccines and on the duration and persistence of immune protection. In contrast, the role of the innate immune response to the viral challenge has been underrepresented. This overview focuses on the innate immune response to COVID-19 infection, with an emphasis on the roles of extracellular proteases in the tissue microenvironment. Proteinase-mediated signaling caused by enzymes in the extracellular microenvironment occurs upstream of the increased production of inflammatory cytokines that mediate COVID-19 pathology. These enzymes include the coagulation cascade, kinin-generating plasma kallikrein, and the complement system, as well as angiotensin-generating proteinases of the renin–angiotensin system. Furthermore, in the context of several articles in this Supplement elucidating and detailing the trajectory of diverse profibrotic pathways, we extrapolate these insights to explore how fibrosis and profibrotic pathways participate importantly in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. We propose that the lessons garnered from understanding the roles of microenvironment proteinases in triggering the innate immune response to COVID-19 pathology will identify potential therapeutic targets and inform approaches to the clinical management of COVID-19. Furthermore, the information may also provide a template for understanding the determinants of COVID-19–induced tissue fibrosis that may follow resolution of acute infection (so-called “long COVID”), which represents a major new challenge to our healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morley D. Hollenberg
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Correspondence: Murray Epstein, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, P.O. Box 016960 (R-126), Miami, Florida 33101 USA.
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25
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Coagulopathy and Fibrinolytic Pathophysiology in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063338. [PMID: 35328761 PMCID: PMC8955234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is frequently complicated by thrombosis. In some cases of severe COVID-19, fibrinolysis may be markedly enhanced within a few days, resulting in fatal bleeding. In the treatment of COVID-19, attention should be paid to both coagulation activation and fibrinolytic activation. Various thromboses are known to occur after vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) can occur after adenovirus-vectored vaccination, and is characterized by the detection of anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and thrombosis in unusual locations such as cerebral venous sinuses and visceral veins. Treatment comprises high-dose immunoglobulin, argatroban, and fondaparinux. Some VITT cases show marked decreases in fibrinogen and platelets and marked increases in D-dimer, suggesting the presence of enhanced-fibrinolytic-type disseminated intravascular coagulation with a high risk of bleeding. In the treatment of VITT, evaluation of both coagulation activation and fibrinolytic activation is important, adjusting treatments accordingly to improve outcomes.
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26
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Oh HS, Kim T, Gu DH, Lee TS, Kim TH, Shin S, Shin BS. Pharmacokinetics of Nafamostat, a Potent Serine Protease Inhibitor, by a Novel LC-MS/MS Analysis. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27061881. [PMID: 35335247 PMCID: PMC8955020 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nafamostat, a synthetic serine protease inhibitor, has been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis. Recently, an increasing number of studies have shown the promising antiviral effects of nafamostat for the treatment of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This study aimed to develop a novel liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis and to characterize the pharmacokinetics of nafamostat in rats. Nafamostat in the rat plasma was extracted by solid phase extraction, and 13C6-nafamostat was used as an internal standard. The quantification limit of nafamostat in the rat plasma was 0.5 ng/mL. The LC-MS/MS method was fully validated and applied to characterize the pharmacokinetics of nafamostat in rats. Following intravenous injection (2 mg/kg), nafamostat in the plasma showed a multiexponential decline with an average elimination half-life (t1/2) of 1.39 h. Following oral administration of nafamostat solutions (20 mg/kg) in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and in 10% DMSO with 10% Tween 80, nafamostat was rapidly absorbed, and the average oral bioavailability was 0.95% and 1.59%, respectively. The LC-MS/MS method and the pharmacokinetic information of nafamostat could be helpful for the further preclinical and clinical studies of nafamostat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Seok Oh
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.S.O.); (T.K.); (D.-H.G.); (T.S.L.)
| | - Taehyung Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.S.O.); (T.K.); (D.-H.G.); (T.S.L.)
| | - Dong-Hyeon Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.S.O.); (T.K.); (D.-H.G.); (T.S.L.)
| | - Tae Suk Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.S.O.); (T.K.); (D.-H.G.); (T.S.L.)
| | - Tae Hwan Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea;
| | - Soyoung Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea;
| | - Beom Soo Shin
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (H.S.O.); (T.K.); (D.-H.G.); (T.S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-290-7705
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27
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Rocha SM, Fagre AC, Latham AS, Cummings JE, Aboellail TA, Reigan P, Aldaz DA, McDermott CP, Popichak KA, Kading RC, Schountz T, Theise ND, Slayden RA, Tjalkens RB. A Novel Glucocorticoid and Androgen Receptor Modulator Reduces Viral Entry and Innate Immune Inflammatory Responses in the Syrian Hamster Model of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:811430. [PMID: 35250984 PMCID: PMC8889105 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.811430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant research efforts, treatment options for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remain limited. This is due in part to a lack of therapeutics that increase host defense to the virus. Replication of SARS-CoV-2 in lung tissue is associated with marked infiltration of macrophages and activation of innate immune inflammatory responses that amplify tissue injury. Antagonists of the androgen (AR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors have shown efficacy in models of COVID-19 and in clinical studies because the cell surface proteins required for viral entry, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), are transcriptionally regulated by these receptors. We postulated that the GR and AR modulator, PT150, would reduce infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and prevent inflammatory lung injury in the Syrian golden hamster model of COVID-19 by down-regulating expression of critical genes regulated through these receptors. Animals were infected intranasally with 2.5 × 104 TCID50/ml equivalents of SARS-CoV-2 (strain 2019-nCoV/USA-WA1/2020) and PT150 was administered by oral gavage at 30 and 100 mg/Kg/day for a total of 7 days. Animals were examined at 3, 5 and 7 days post-infection (DPI) for lung histopathology, viral load and production of proteins regulating the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results indicated that oral administration of PT150 caused a dose-dependent decrease in replication of SARS-CoV-2 in lung, as well as in expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Lung hypercellularity and infiltration of macrophages and CD4+ T-cells were dramatically decreased in PT150-treated animals, as was tissue damage and expression of IL-6. Molecular docking studies suggest that PT150 binds to the co-activator interface of the ligand-binding domain of both AR and GR, thereby acting as an allosteric modulator and transcriptional repressor of these receptors. Phylogenetic analysis of AR and GR revealed a high degree of sequence identity maintained across multiple species, including humans, suggesting that the mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy observed in Syrian hamsters would likely be predictive of positive outcomes in patients. PT150 is therefore a strong candidate for further clinical development for the treatment of COVID-19 across variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah M Rocha
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States.,Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Anna C Fagre
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Amanda S Latham
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States.,Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jason E Cummings
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Tawfik A Aboellail
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Philip Reigan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Devin A Aldaz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Casey P McDermott
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Katriana A Popichak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Rebekah C Kading
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Tony Schountz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Neil D Theise
- Depatment of Pathology, New York University (NYU)-Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Richard A Slayden
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Ronald B Tjalkens
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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28
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Gockel LM, Pfeifer V, Baltes F, Bachmaier RD, Wagner KG, Bendas G, Gütschow M, Sosič I, Steinebach C. Design, synthesis, and characterization of PROTACs targeting the androgen receptor in prostate and lung cancer models. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2100467. [PMID: 35128717 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202100467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the androgen receptor (AR) is a validated target for the treatment of prostate cancer, resistance to antiandrogens necessitates the development of new therapeutic modalities. Exploiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system with proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has become a practical approach to degrade specific proteins and thus to extend the portfolio of small molecules used for the treatment of a broader spectrum of diseases. Herein, we present three subgroups of enzalutamide-based PROTACs in which only the exit vector was modified. By recruiting cereblon, we were able to demonstrate the potent degradation of AR in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, the initial evaluation enabled the design of an optimized PROTAC with a rigid linker that degraded AR with a DC50 value in the nanomolar range. These results provide novel AR-directed PROTACs and a clear rationale for further investigating AR involvement in lung cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas M Gockel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vladlena Pfeifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Baltes
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rafael D Bachmaier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl G Wagner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerd Bendas
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Cell Biological Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, Bonn, Germany
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29
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Chen Y, Yang WH, Chen HF, Huang LM, Gao JY, Lin CW, Wang YC, Yang CS, Liu YL, Hou MH, Tsai CL, Chou YZ, Huang BY, Hung CF, Hung YL, Wang WJ, Su WC, Kumar V, Wu YC, Chao SW, Chang CS, Chen JS, Chiang YP, Cho DY, Jeng LB, Tsai CH, Hung MC. Tafenoquine and its derivatives as inhibitors for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101658. [PMID: 35101449 PMCID: PMC8800562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has severely affected human lives around the world as well as the global economy. Therefore, effective treatments against COVID-19 are urgently needed. Here, we screened a library containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds to identify drugs that could target the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which is indispensable for viral protein maturation and regard as an important therapeutic target. We identified antimalarial drug tafenoquine (TFQ), which is approved for radical cure of Plasmodium vivax and malaria prophylaxis, as a top candidate to inhibit Mpro protease activity. The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in complex with TFQ revealed that TFQ noncovalently bound to and reshaped the substrate-binding pocket of Mpro by altering the loop region (residues 139–144) near the catalytic Cys145, which could block the catalysis of its peptide substrates. We also found that TFQ inhibited human transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). Furthermore, one TFQ derivative, compound 7, showed a better therapeutic index than TFQ on TMPRSS2 and may therefore inhibit the infectibility of SARS-CoV-2, including that of several mutant variants. These results suggest new potential strategies to block infection of SARS-CoV-2 and rising variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeh Chen
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Hao Yang
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Min Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yan Gao
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wen Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Wang
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Shin Yang
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Liang Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hui Hou
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Tsai
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Zhen Chou
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Yue Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chian-Fang Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lin Hung
- Program of Digital Health Innovation, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Su
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Vathan Kumar
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Wu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Chao
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Shiang Chang
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Shing Chen
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Chiang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yang Cho
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Long-Bin Jeng
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hai Tsai
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; China Medical University Children's Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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30
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Vo T, Paudel K, Choudhary I, Patial S, Saini Y. Ozone exposure upregulates the expression of host susceptibility protein TMPRSS2 to SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1357. [PMID: 35079032 PMCID: PMC8789794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04906-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus and an etiologic agent for the current global health emergency, causes acute infection of the respiratory tract leading to severe disease and significant mortality. Ever since the start of SARS-CoV-2, also known as the COVID-19 pandemic, countless uncertainties have been revolving around the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. While air pollution has been shown to be strongly correlated to increased SARS-CoV-2 morbidity and mortality, whether environmental pollutants such as ground-level ozone affects the susceptibility of individuals to SARS-CoV-2 is not yet established. To investigate the impact of ozone inhalation on the expression levels of signatures associated with host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, we analyzed lung tissues collected from mice that were sub-chronically exposed to air or 0.8 ppm ozone for three weeks (4 h/night, 5 nights/week), and analyzed the expression of signatures associated with host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells is dependent on the binding of the virus to the host cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), and its subsequent proteolytic priming by the host-derived protease, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). The Ace2 transcripts were significantly elevated in the parenchyma, but not in the extrapulmonary airways and alveolar macrophages, from ozone-exposed mice. The TMPRSS2 protein and Tmprss2 transcripts were significantly elevated in the extrapulmonary airways, parenchyma, and alveolar macrophages from ozone-exposed mice. A significant proportion of additional known SARS-CoV-2 host susceptibility genes were upregulated in alveolar macrophages and parenchyma from ozone-exposed mice. Our data indicate that the unhealthy levels of ozone in the environment may predispose individuals to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the severity of this pandemic and the challenges associated with direct testing of host-environment interactions in clinical settings, we believe that this ozone exposure-based study informs the scientific community of the potentially detrimental effects of the ambient ozone levels in determining the host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Vo
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1909 Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Kshitiz Paudel
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1909 Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Ishita Choudhary
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1909 Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Sonika Patial
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1909 Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Yogesh Saini
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, 1909 Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
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Cui Q, Garcia G, Zhang M, Wang C, Li H, Zhou T, Sun G, Arumugaswami V, Shi Y. Compound screen identifies the small molecule Q34 as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 infection. iScience 2022; 25:103684. [PMID: 34977495 PMCID: PMC8704726 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak poses a serious threat to global public health. Effective countermeasures and approved therapeutics are desperately needed. In this study, we screened a small molecule library containing the NCI-DTP compounds to identify molecules that can prevent SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry. By applying a luciferase assay-based screening using a pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2-mediated cell entry assay, we identified a small molecule compound Q34 that can efficiently block cellular entry of the pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 into human ACE2-expressing HEK293T cells, and inhibit the infection of the authentic SARS-CoV-2 in human ACE2-expressing HEK293T cells, human iPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes, and human lung Calu-3 cells. Importantly, the safety profile of the compound is favorable. There is no obvious toxicity observed in uninfected cells treated with the compound. Thus, this compound holds great potential as both prophylactics and therapeutics for COVID-19 and future pandemics by blocking the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses into human cells. A compound library was screened to identify inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry Small molecule Q34 is a potent inhibitor of cellular entry of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 Compound Q34 inhibits authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection of human cells Compound Q34 is non-toxic to human cells without SARS-CoV-2 infection
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cui
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mingzi Zhang
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hongzhi Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhou
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Division of Stem Cell Biology Research, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.,Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Sharma T, Baig MH, Khan MI, Alotaibi SS, Alorabi M, Dong JJ. Computational screening of camostat and related compounds against human TMPRSS2: A Potential Treatment of COVID-19. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:217-224. [PMID: 35095307 PMCID: PMC8787670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global coronavirus pandemic has burdened the human population with mass fatalities and disastrous socio-economic consequences. The frequent occurrence of these new variants has fueled the already prevailing challenge. There is still a necessity for highly effective small molecular agents to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Here, we targeted the human transmembrane surface protease TMPRSS2, which is essential for proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2. Camostat is a well-known inhibitor of serine proteases and an effective TMPRSS2 inhibitor. A virtual library of camostat-like compounds was computationally screened against the catalytic site of TMPRSS2. Following a sequential in-depth molecular docking and dynamics simulation, we report the compounds that exhibited promising efficacy against TMPRSS2. The molecular docking and MM/PBSA free energy calculation study indicates these compounds carry excellent binding affinity against TMPRSS2 and found them more effective than camostat. The study will open doors for the effective treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanuj Sharma
- Department of Family Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohammad Hassan Baig
- Department of Family Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Mohd Imran Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
| | - Saqer S. Alotaibi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alorabi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jae-June Dong
- Department of Family Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 120-752, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding authors.
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Zanganeh S, Goodarzi N, Doroudian M, Movahed E. Potential COVID-19 therapeutic approaches targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; An updated review. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2321. [PMID: 34958163 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has spread swiftly throughout the world posing a global health emergency. The significant numbers of deaths attributed to this pandemic have researchers battling to understand this new, dangerous virus. Researchers are looking to find possible treatment regimens and develop effective therapies. This study aims to provide an overview of published scientific information on potential treatments, emphasizing angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) inhibitors as one of the most important drug targets. SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); as a viral attachment or entry inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2, human recombinant soluble ACE2; as a genetically modified soluble form of ACE2 to compete with membrane-bound ACE2, and microRNAs (miRNAs); as a negative regulator of the expression of ACE2/TMPRSS2 to inhibit SARS-CoV2 entry into cells, are the potential therapeutic approaches discussed thoroughly in this article. This review provides the groundwork for the ongoing development of therapeutic agents and effective treatments against SARS-COV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Zanganeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Goodarzi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Doroudian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elaheh Movahed
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New Year, USA
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Mahmud MS, Hossain MS, Ahmed ATMF, Islam MZ, Sarker ME, Islam MR. Antimicrobial and Antiviral (SARS-CoV-2) Potential of Cannabinoids and Cannabis sativa: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2021; 26:7216. [PMID: 34885798 PMCID: PMC8658882 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a global health crisis and, therefore, new drug discovery is a paramount need. Cannabis sativa contains hundreds of chemical constituents produced by secondary metabolism, exerting outstanding antimicrobial, antiviral, and therapeutic properties. This paper comprehensively reviews the antimicrobial and antiviral (particularly against SARS-CoV-2) properties of C. sativa with the potential for new antibiotic drug and/or natural antimicrobial agents for industrial or agricultural use, and their therapeutic potential against the newly emerged coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Cannabis compounds have good potential as drug candidates for new antibiotics, even for some of the WHO's current priority list of resistant pathogens. Recent studies revealed that cannabinoids seem to have stable conformations with the binding pocket of the Mpro enzyme of SARS-CoV-2, which has a pivotal role in viral replication and transcription. They are found to be suppressive of viral entry and viral activation by downregulating the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 enzymes in the host cellular system. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids as anti-inflammatory compounds is hypothesized for the treatment of COVID-19. However, more systemic investigations are warranted to establish the best efficacy and their toxic effects, followed by preclinical trials on a large number of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sultan Mahmud
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Mohammad Sorowar Hossain
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh;
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, Independent University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - A. T. M. Faiz Ahmed
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Md Zahidul Islam
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Md Emdad Sarker
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
| | - Md Reajul Islam
- Faculty of Textile Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh; (M.S.M.); (A.T.M.F.A.); (M.Z.I.)
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Paidi RK, Jana M, Mishra RK, Dutta D, Pahan K. Selective Inhibition of the Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 and ACE2 by SPIDAR Peptide Induces Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Responses. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 207:2521-2533. [PMID: 34645689 PMCID: PMC8664124 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Many patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in intensive care units suffer from cytokine storm. Although anti-inflammatory therapies are available to treat the problem, very often, these treatments cause immunosuppression. Because angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells serves as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), to delineate a SARS-CoV-2-specific anti-inflammatory molecule, we designed a hexapeptide corresponding to the spike S1-interacting domain of ACE2 receptor (SPIDAR) that inhibited the expression of proinflammatory molecules in human A549 lung cells induced by pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2, but not vesicular stomatitis virus. Accordingly, wild-type (wt), but not mutated (m), SPIDAR inhibited SARS-CoV-2 spike S1-induced activation of NF-κB and expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in human lung cells. However, wtSPIDAR remained unable to reduce activation of NF-κB and expression of proinflammatory molecules in lungs cells induced by TNF-α, HIV-1 Tat, and viral dsRNA mimic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, indicating the specificity of the effect. The wtSPIDAR, but not mutated SPIDAR, also hindered the association between ACE2 and spike S1 of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibited the entry of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2, but not vesicular stomatitis virus, into human ACE2-expressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Moreover, intranasal treatment with wtSPIDAR, but not mutated SPIDAR, inhibited lung activation of NF-κB, protected lungs, reduced fever, improved heart function, and enhanced locomotor activities in SARS-CoV-2 spike S1-intoxicated mice. Therefore, selective targeting of SARS-CoV-2 spike S1-to-ACE2 interaction by wtSPIDAR may be beneficial for coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh K Paidi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Malabendu Jana
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Rama K Mishra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Debashis Dutta
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Kalipada Pahan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL;
- Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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36
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Felsenstein S, Reiff AO. A hitchhiker's guide through the COVID-19 galaxy. Clin Immunol 2021; 232:108849. [PMID: 34563684 PMCID: PMC8461017 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous reviews have summarized the epidemiology, pathophysiology and the various therapeutic aspects of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but a practical guide on "how to treat whom with what and when" based on an understanding of the immunological background of the disease stages remains missing. This review attempts to combine the current knowledge about the immunopathology of COVID-19 with published evidence of available and emerging treatment options. We recognize that the information about COVID-19 and its treatment is rapidly changing, but hope that this guide offers those on the frontline of this pandemic an understanding of the host response in COVID-19 patients and supports their ongoing efforts to select the best treatments tailored to their patient's clinical status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Felsenstein
- University of Liverpool, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB, United Kingdom.
| | - Andreas Otto Reiff
- Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States.
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37
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Li Y, Li B, Wang P, Wang Q. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingfei Paidu Decoction and Xuanfei Baidu Decoction, Inhibited Cytokine Production via NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Macrophages: Implications for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:722126. [PMID: 34764867 PMCID: PMC8576273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.722126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Qingfei Paidu decoction (QPD) and Xuanfei Baidu decoction (XBD) are two typical traditional Chinese medicines with proven efficacy for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, although the underlying mechanism is not well defined. Blunted immune response and enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cytokine storm) are two main features observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Analysis based on network pharmacology has revealed that both QPD and XBD played an important role in the regulation of host immunity. We therefore investigated the role of QPD and XBD in the modulation of innate immunity in vitro, focusing on the type 1 interferon (IFN) signaling pathway in A549 cells and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. Methods: A549 cells were treated with QPD or XBD and the production of endogenous IFNα and IFNβ as well as the expression levels of some interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were detected by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Macrophages derived from THP-1 cells were treated with QPD or XBD and their pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels were measured by RT-qPCR, 6 h post LPS stimulation. In addition, the expression levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines were further analyzed by ELISA. The effect of QPD and XBD on the NF-κB signaling pathway and the pinocytosis activity of THP-1-derived macrophages were evaluated by Western blot and neutral red uptake assay, respectively. Results: Although QPD and XBD showed very little effect on the type 1 IFN signaling pathway in A549 cells, either QPD or XBD markedly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory markers including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and chemokine ligand 10 in THP-1-derived M1 macrophages. In addition, the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB p65 during the process of macrophage polarization was significantly suppressed following QPD or XBD treatment. QPD and XBD also suppressed the pinocytosis activity of macrophages. Conclusion: QPD and XBD have been shown to have robust anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Our study demonstrated that both QPD and XBD decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and blunted pinocytosis activity in THP-1-derived macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory on Transfusion-transmitted Diseases (TTD) Between Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Nanning Blood Center, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Li
- The Joint Laboratory on Transfusion-transmitted Diseases (TTD) Between Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Nanning Blood Center, Nanning, China
| | - Pan Wang
- The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Wenjiang District, Chengdu, China
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38
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Alzain AA, Elbadwi FA. Identification of novel TMPRSS2 inhibitors for COVID-19 using e-pharmacophore modelling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and quantum mechanics studies. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 26:100758. [PMID: 34667827 PMCID: PMC8516157 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100758] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly around the world and continues to have a massive global health effect, contributing to an infectious respiratory illness called coronavirus infection-19 (COVID-19). TMPRSS2 is an emerging molecular target that plays a role in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection; hence, inhibiting its activity might be a target for COVID-19. This study aims to use many computational approaches to provide compounds that could be optimized into clinical candidates. As there is no experimentally derived protein information, initially we develop the TMPRSS2 model. Then, we generate a pharmacophore model from TMPRSS2 active site consequently, and the developed models were employed for the screening of one million molecules from the Enamine database. The created model was then screened using e-pharmacophore-based screening, molecular docking, free energy estimation and molecular dynamic simulation. Also, ADMET prediction and density functional theory calculations were performed. Three potential molecules (Z126202570, Z46489368, and Z422255982) exhibited promising stable binding interactions with the target. In conclusion, these findings empower further in vitro and clinical assessment for these compounds as novel anti-COVID19 agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahim A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Fatima A Elbadwi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
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Knyazev E, Nersisyan S, Tonevitsky A. Endocytosis and Transcytosis of SARS-CoV-2 Across the Intestinal Epithelium and Other Tissue Barriers. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636966. [PMID: 34557180 PMCID: PMC8452982 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2003, the world has been confronted with three new betacoronaviruses that cause human respiratory infections: SARS-CoV, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), MERS-CoV, which causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and SARS-CoV-2, which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The mechanisms of coronavirus transmission and dissemination in the human body determine the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. An important problem is the possibility that viral particles overcome tissue barriers such as the intestine, respiratory tract, blood-brain barrier, and placenta. In this work, we will 1) consider the issue of endocytosis and the possibility of transcytosis and paracellular trafficking of coronaviruses across tissue barriers with an emphasis on the intestinal epithelium; 2) discuss the possibility of antibody-mediated transcytosis of opsonized viruses due to complexes of immunoglobulins with their receptors; 3) assess the possibility of the virus transfer into extracellular vesicles during intracellular transport; and 4) describe the clinical significance of these processes. Models of the intestinal epithelium and other barrier tissues for in vitro transcytosis studies will also be briefly characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Knyazev
- Laboratory of Microfluidic Technologies for Biomedicine, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow, Russia
| | - Stepan Nersisyan
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Tonevitsky
- Laboratory of Microfluidic Technologies for Biomedicine, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow, Russia
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Kang JH, Kim YJ, Yang MS, Shin DH, Kim DW, Park IY, Park CW. Co-Spray Dried Nafamostat Mesylate with Lecithin and Mannitol as Respirable Microparticles for Targeted Pulmonary Delivery: Pharmacokinetics and Lung Distribution in Rats. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1519. [PMID: 34575594 PMCID: PMC8468663 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a new strain of coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spreading rapidly worldwide. Nafamostat mesylate (NFM) suppresses transmembrane serine protease 2 and SARS-CoV-2 S protein-mediated fusion. In this study, pharmacokinetics and lung distribution of NFM, administered via intravenous and intratracheal routes, were determined using high performance liquid chromatography analysis of blood plasma, lung lumen using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissue. Intratracheal administration had higher drug delivery and longer residual time in the lung lumen and tissue, which are the main sites of action, than intravenous administration. We confirmed the effect of lecithin as a stabilizer through an ex vivo stability test. Lecithin acts as an inhibitor of carboxylesterase and delays NFM decomposition. We prepared inhalable microparticles with NFM, lecithin, and mannitol via the co-spray method. The formulation prepared using an NFM:lecithin:mannitol ratio of 1:1:100 had a small particle size and excellent aerodynamic performance. Spray dried microparticles containing NFM, lecithin, and mannitol (1:1:100) had the longest residual time in the lung tissue. In conclusion, NFM-inhalable microparticles were prepared and confirmed to be delivered into the respiratory tract, such as lung lumen and lung tissue, through in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (Y.-J.K.); (M.-S.Y.); (D.H.S.)
| | - Young-Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (Y.-J.K.); (M.-S.Y.); (D.H.S.)
| | - Min-Seok Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (Y.-J.K.); (M.-S.Y.); (D.H.S.)
| | - Dae Hwan Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (Y.-J.K.); (M.-S.Y.); (D.H.S.)
| | - Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Cheongju University, Cheongju 28503, Korea;
| | - Il Yeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (Y.-J.K.); (M.-S.Y.); (D.H.S.)
| | - Chun-Woong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (Y.-J.K.); (M.-S.Y.); (D.H.S.)
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41
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Rasouli M, Vakilian F, Ranjbari J. Therapeutic and protective potential of mesenchymal stem cells, pharmaceutical agents and current vaccines against covid-19. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:166-185. [PMID: 34530719 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666201221151853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It has been almost 18 months since the first outbreak of COVID-19 disease was reported in Wuhan, China. This unexpected devastating phenomenon, raised a great deal of concerns and anxiety among people around the world and imposed a huge economic burden on the nations' health care systems. Accordingly, clinical scientists, pharmacologists and physicians worldwide felt an urgent demand for a safe, effective therapeutic agent, treatment strategy or vaccine in order to prevent or cure the recently-emerged disease. Initially, due to lack of specific pharmacological agents and approved vaccines to combat the COVID-19, the disease control in the confirmed cases was limited to supportive care. Accordingly, repositioning or repurposing current drugs and examining their possible therapeutic efficacy received a great deal of attention. Despite revealing promising results in some clinical trials, the overall results are conflicting. For this reason, there is an urgent to seek and investigate other potential therapeutics. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) representing immunomodulatory and regenerative capacity to treat both curable and intractable diseases, have been investigated in COVID-19 clinical trials carried out in different parts of the world. Nevertheless, up to now, none of MSC-based approaches has been approved in controlling COVID-19 infection. Thanks to the fact that the final solution for defeating the pandemic is developing a safe, effective vaccine, enormous efforts and clinical research have been carried out. In this review, we will concisely discuss the safety and efficacy of the most relevant pharmacological agents, MSC-based approaches and candidate vaccines for treating and preventing COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Rasouli
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
| | | | - Javad Ranjbari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Iran
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42
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Pal LR, Cheng K, Nair NU, Martin-Sancho L, Sinha S, Pu Y, Riva L, Yin X, Schischlik F, Lee JS, Chanda SK, Ruppin E. Synthetic lethality-based prediction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 targets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.09.14.460408. [PMID: 34545363 PMCID: PMC8452092 DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.14.460408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Novel strategies are needed to identify drug targets and treatments for the COVID-19 pandemic. The altered gene expression of virus-infected host cells provides an opportunity to specifically inhibit viral propagation via targeting the synthetic lethal (SL) partners of such altered host genes. Pursuing this antiviral strategy, here we comprehensively analyzed multiple in vitro and in vivo bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of SARS-CoV-2 infection to predict clinically relevant candidate antiviral targets that are SL with altered host genes. The predicted SL-based targets are highly enriched for infected cell inhibiting genes reported in four SARS-CoV-2 CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide genetic screens. Integrating our predictions with the results of these screens, we further selected a focused subset of 26 genes that we experimentally tested in a targeted siRNA screen using human Caco-2 cells. Notably, as predicted, knocking down these targets reduced viral replication and cell viability only under the infected condition without harming non-infected cells. Our results are made publicly available, to facilitate their in vivo testing and further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipika R. Pal
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kuoyuan Cheng
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nishanth Ulhas Nair
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Martin-Sancho
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sanju Sinha
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Yuan Pu
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Laura Riva
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xin Yin
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fiorella Schischlik
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joo Sang Lee
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumit K. Chanda
- Immunity and Pathogenesis Program, Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory (CDSL), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Elbadwi FA, Khairy EA, Alsamani FO, Mahadi MA, Abdalrahman SE, Ahmed ZAM, Elsayed I, Ibraheem W, Alzain AA. Identification of novel transmembrane Protease Serine Type 2 drug candidates for COVID-19 using computational studies. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 26:100725. [PMID: 34514079 PMCID: PMC8421083 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emergence has resulted in a global health crisis. As a consequence, discovering an effective therapy that saves lives and slows the spread of the pandemic is a global concern currently. In silico drug repurposing is highly regarded as a precise computational method for obtaining fast and reliable results. Transmembrane serine-type 2 (TMPRSS2) is a SARS CoV-2 enzyme that is essential for viral fusion with the host cell. Inhibition of TMPRSS2 may block or lessen the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we aimed to perform an in silico drug repurposing to identify drugs that can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 TMPRSS2. As there is no 3D structure of TMPRSS2 available, homology modeling was performed to build the 3D structure of human TMPRSS2. 3848 world-approved drugs were screened against the target. Based on docking scores and visual outcomes, the best-fit drugs were chosen. Molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) studies were also conducted. Five potential drugs (Amikacin, isepamicin, butikacin, lividomycin, paromomycin) exhibited promising binding affinities. In conclusion, these findings empower purposing these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima A Elbadwi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Elaf A Khairy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Fatima O Alsamani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Mariam A Mahadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Segood E Abdalrahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Zain Alsharf M Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Inas Elsayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Walaa Ibraheem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
| | - Abdulrahim A Alzain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Gezira, Sudan
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Rahbar Saadat Y, Hosseiniyan Khatibi SM, Zununi Vahed S, Ardalan M. Host Serine Proteases: A Potential Targeted Therapy for COVID-19 and Influenza. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:725528. [PMID: 34527703 PMCID: PMC8435734 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.725528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic illustrates limited therapeutic options for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections, calling a need for additional therapeutic targets. The viral spike S glycoprotein binds to the human receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and then is activated by the host proteases. Based on the accessibility of the cellular proteases needed for SARS-S activation, SARS-CoV-2 entrance and activation can be mediated by endosomal (such as cathepsin L) and non-endosomal pathways. Evidence indicates that in the non-endosomal pathway, the viral S protein is cleaved by the furin enzyme in infected host cells. To help the virus enter efficiently, the S protein is further activated by the serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), provided that the S has been cleaved by furin previously. In this review, important roles for host proteases within host cells will be outlined in SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral therapeutic strategies will be highlighted. Although there are at least five highly effective vaccines at this time, the appearance of the new viral mutations demands the development of therapeutic agents. Targeted inhibition of host proteases can be used as a therapeutic approach for viral infection.
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Biochemical composition, transmission and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229295. [PMID: 34291285 PMCID: PMC8350435 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2), a novel human coronavirus. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization in March 2020 for its continuous and rapid spread worldwide. Rapidly emerging COVID-19 epicenters and mutants of concerns have created mammoth chaos in healthcare sectors across the globe. With over 185 million infections and approximately 4 million deaths globally, COVID-19 continues its unchecked spread despite all mitigation measures. Until effective and affordable antiretroviral drugs are made available and the population at large is vaccinated, timely diagnosis of the infection and adoption of COVID-appropriate behavior remains major tool available to curtail the still escalating COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an updated overview of various techniques of COVID-19 testing in human samples and also discusses, in brief, the biochemical composition and mode of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. Technological advancement in various molecular, serological and immunological techniques including mainly the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), CRISPR, lateral flow assays (LFAs), and immunosensors are reviewed.
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Kim YS, Chung HS, Noh SG, Lee B, Chung HY, Choi JG. Geraniin Inhibits the Entry of SARS-CoV-2 by Blocking the Interaction between Spike Protein RBD and Human ACE2 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168604. [PMID: 34445310 PMCID: PMC8395245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite the development of vaccines, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the absence of effective therapeutics demand the continual investigation of COVID-19. Natural products containing active ingredients may be good therapeutic candidates. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of geraniin, the main ingredient in medical plants Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. ellipticus and Nephelium lappaceum, for treating COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor to initiate virus entry into cells; viral entry may be an important target of COVID-19 therapeutics. Geraniin was found to effectively block the binding between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and hACE2 receptor in competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, suggesting that geraniin might inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human epithelial cells. Geraniin also demonstrated a high affinity to both proteins despite a relatively lower equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) for the spike protein (0.63 μM) than hACE2 receptor (1.12 μM), according to biolayer interferometry-based analysis. In silico analysis indicated geraniin’s interaction with the residues functionally important in the binding between the two proteins. Thus, geraniin is a promising therapeutic agent for COVID-19 by blocking SARS-CoV-2’s entry into human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Soo Kim
- Korean Medicine (KM) Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Korea; (Y.S.K.); (H.-S.C.)
| | - Hwan-Suck Chung
- Korean Medicine (KM) Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Korea; (Y.S.K.); (H.-S.C.)
| | - Sang Gyun Noh
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.G.N.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Bonggi Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pukyong National University, Nam-gu, Daeyeon Dong, Busan 608737, Korea;
| | - Hae Young Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (S.G.N.); (H.Y.C.)
| | - Jang-Gi Choi
- Korean Medicine (KM) Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Korea; (Y.S.K.); (H.-S.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-940-3865
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Abstract
The emergence of the novel SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has resulted in an unprecedented pandemic that has been accompanied by a global health crisis. Although the lungs are the main organs involved in COVID-19, systemic disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations also develops in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. One of the major systems affected by this virus is the cardiovascular system. The presence of preexisting cardiovascular disease increases mortality in patients with COVID-19, and cardiovascular injuries, including myocarditis, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, endothelial cell injury, thrombotic events, and myocardial interstitial fibrosis, are observed in some patients with COVID-19. The underlying pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated cardiovascular complications is not fully understood, although direct viral infection of myocardium and cytokine storm have been suggested as possible mechanisms of myocarditis. In this Review, we summarize available data on SARS-CoV-2-related cardiac damage and discuss potential mechanisms of cardiovascular implications of this rapidly spreading virus.
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48
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An Updated Review of Computer-Aided Drug Design and Its Application to COVID-19. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:8853056. [PMID: 34258282 PMCID: PMC8241505 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8853056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic poses serious health concerns around the world. The lack of approved drugs or vaccines continues to be a challenge and further necessitates the discovery of new therapeutic molecules. Computer-aided drug design has helped to expedite the drug discovery and development process by minimizing the cost and time. In this review article, we highlight two important categories of computer-aided drug design (CADD), viz., the ligand-based as well as structured-based drug discovery. Various molecular modeling techniques involved in structure-based drug design are molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation, whereas ligand-based drug design includes pharmacophore modeling, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSARs), and artificial intelligence (AI). We have briefly discussed the significance of computer-aided drug design in the context of COVID-19 and how the researchers continue to rely on these computational techniques in the rapid identification of promising drug candidate molecules against various drug targets implicated in the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The structural elucidation of pharmacological drug targets and the discovery of preclinical drug candidate molecules have accelerated both structure-based as well as ligand-based drug design. This review article will help the clinicians and researchers to exploit the immense potential of computer-aided drug design in designing and identification of drug molecules and thereby helping in the management of fatal disease.
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Hashemi P, Pezeshki S. Repurposing metformin for covid-19 complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2021; 43:265-270. [PMID: 34057870 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2021.1925294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the exact role of current drugs in Covid-19 disease is essential in the era of global pandemics. Metformin which prescribed as the first-line treatment of type 2 diabetes has beneficial effects on Sars-cov2 infection. These effects are including regulation of immune system, Renin-Angiotensin System and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 function in Covid-19 infection. It also activates ACE2, the main receptor of Sars-cov2, in the epithelial cells of respiratory tissue through AMPK signaling and subsequently decreases the rate of viral adhesion. Metformin also declines the adherence of Sars-cov2 to DPP4 (the other receptor of the virus) on T cells. Hence, regulatory effects of metformin on membranous ACE2, and DPP4 can modulate immune reaction against Sars-cov2. Also, immunometabolic effects of metformin on inflammatory cells impair hyper-reactive immune response against the virus through reduction of glycolysis and propagation of mitochondrial oxidation. Metformin also decreases platelet aggravation and risk of thrombosis. In this article, we argue that metformin has beneficial effects on Covid-19 infection in patients with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. This opinion should be investigated in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Hashemi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Pezeshki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
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50
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Role of Iron Chelation and Protease Inhibition of Natural Products on COVID-19 Infection. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112306. [PMID: 34070628 PMCID: PMC8198259 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 callings for international attention to develop new effective therapeutics, no specific protocol is yet available, leaving patients to rely on general and supportive therapies. A range of respiratory diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, have been associated with higher iron levels that may promote the course of viral infection. Recent studies have demonstrated that some natural components could act as the first barrier against viral injury by affecting iron metabolism. Moreover, a few recent studies have proposed the combination of protease inhibitors for therapeutic use against SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the role of viral protease in virus infectivity. In this regard, this review focuses on the analysis, through literature and docking studies, of a number of natural products able to counteract SARS-CoV-2 infection, acting both as iron chelators and protease inhibitors.
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