1
|
de Carvalho MAG, Souza GB, Tizziani T, Pontes CLM, Dambrós BP, de Sousa NF, Scotti MT, Steindel M, Braga AL, Sandjo LP, de Assis FF. Synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluation of gallamide and selenogallamide derivatives as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400253. [PMID: 39148177 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The present work reports the inhibitory effect of amides derived from gallic acid (gallamides) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro), along with cytotoxicity evaluation and molecular docking studies. In addition to gallamides, other relevant compounds were also synthesized and evaluated against Mpro, making a total of 25 compounds. Eight compounds presented solubility issues during the inhibitory assay and one showed no inhibitory activity. Compounds 3a, 3b, and 3f showed the highest enzymatic inhibition with IC50 = 0.26 ± 0.19 µM, 0.80 ± 0.38 µM, and 2.87 ± 1.17 µM, respectively. Selenogallamide 6a exhibited IC50 values of 5.42 ± 2.89 µM and a comparison with its nonselenylated congener 3c shows that the insertion of the chalcogen moiety improved the inhibitory capacity of the compound by approximately 10 times. Regarding the cellular toxicity in THP-1 and Vero cells, compounds 3e and 3g, showed moderate cytotoxicity in Vero cells, while for THP-1 both were nontoxic, with CC50 > 150 µM. Derivative 3d showed moderate cytotoxicity against both cell lines, whereas 6d was moderatly toxic to THP-1. Other compounds analyzed do not induce substantial cellular toxicity at the concentrations tested. The molecular docking results for compounds 3a, 3b, and 3f show that hydrogen bonding interactions involving the hydroxyl groups (OH) of the gallate moiety are relevant, as well as the carbonyl group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryelle A G de Carvalho
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gabriella B Souza
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Tiago Tizziani
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Carime L M Pontes
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Bibiana P Dambrós
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Natália F de Sousa
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Marcus T Scotti
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Exact and Natural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Mario Steindel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Antonio L Braga
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Louis P Sandjo
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Francisco F de Assis
- Department of Chemistry, CFM, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario-Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Morris JN, Esseili MA. Screening Commercial Tea for Rapid Inactivation of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024; 16:159-170. [PMID: 38294673 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09581-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infects the oral mucosa and is shed in salivary fluids. Traditionally, tea has been used by various cultures to treat respiratory ailments. The objective of this study was to identify commercially available teas that can rapidly inactivate infectious SARS-CoV-2 in saliva. Initially, tea (n = 24) was prepared as 40 mg/mL infusions and incubated with SARS-CoV-2 resuspended in water, for 5 min at 37 °C. Then, five teas that showed >3 log reduction in virus infectivity were further investigated at 40 and 10 mg/mL infusions for 60 and 10 s contact time with SARS-CoV-2 resuspended in saliva. Tea polyphenols were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. SARS-CoV-2 infectivity was quantified on Vero-E6 cell line using TCID50 assay. At 10 mg/mL infusion, black tea showed the highest reduction (3 log, i.e., 99.9%) of infectious SARS-CoV-2 within 10 s. Green, mint medley, eucalyptus-mint, and raspberry zinger teas showed similar inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 (1.5-2 log, i.e., 96-99% reduction). At 40 mg/mL infusions, all five teas showed >3 log reduction in virus infectivity within 10 s. Tea polyphenol but not pH was significantly correlated to virus reduction. Time-of-addition assay revealed that the five teas displayed preventive effects (0.5-1 log, i.e., 68-90% reduction) against SARS-CoV-2 infection of Vero-E6 cells as well as during post-virus infection (1.2-1.9 log, i.e., 94-98%). However, the highest inhibitory effect was observed when the teas were added at the time of virus infection (2-3 log, i.e., 99-99.9%). Our results provide insights into a rapid at-home intervention (tea drinking or gargling) to reduce infectious SARS-CoV-2 load in the oral cavity which might also mitigate infection of the oral mucosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julianna N Morris
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA
| | - Malak A Esseili
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin Campus, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA, 30223, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gabbianelli R, Shahar E, de Simone G, Rucci C, Bordoni L, Feliziani G, Zhao F, Ferrati M, Maggi F, Spinozzi E, Mahajna J. Plant-Derived Epi-Nutraceuticals as Potential Broad-Spectrum Anti-Viral Agents. Nutrients 2023; 15:4719. [PMID: 38004113 PMCID: PMC10675658 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224719] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be diminishing, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants represents a threat to humans due to their inherent transmissibility, immunological evasion, virulence, and invulnerability to existing therapies. The COVID-19 pandemic affected more than 500 million people and caused over 6 million deaths. Vaccines are essential, but in circumstances in which vaccination is not accessible or in individuals with compromised immune systems, drugs can provide additional protection. Targeting host signaling pathways is recommended due to their genomic stability and resistance barriers. Moreover, targeting host factors allows us to develop compounds that are effective against different viral variants as well as against newly emerging virus strains. In recent years, the globe has experienced climate change, which may contribute to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases through a variety of factors. Warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can increase the geographic range of disease-carrying vectors, increasing the risk of diseases spreading to new areas. Climate change may also affect vector behavior, leading to a longer breeding season and more breeding sites for disease vectors. Climate change may also disrupt ecosystems, bringing humans closer to wildlife that transmits zoonotic diseases. All the above factors may accelerate the emergence of new viral epidemics. Plant-derived products, which have been used in traditional medicine for treating pathological conditions, offer structurally novel therapeutic compounds, including those with anti-viral activity. In addition, plant-derived bioactive substances might serve as the ideal basis for developing sustainable/efficient/cost-effective anti-viral alternatives. Interest in herbal antiviral products has increased. More than 50% of approved drugs originate from herbal sources. Plant-derived compounds offer diverse structures and bioactive molecules that are candidates for new drug development. Combining these therapies with conventional drugs could improve patient outcomes. Epigenetics modifications in the genome can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequences. Host cells can use epigenetic gene regulation as a mechanism to silence incoming viral DNA molecules, while viruses recruit cellular epitranscriptomic (covalent modifications of RNAs) modifiers to increase the translational efficiency and transcript stability of viral transcripts to enhance viral gene expression and replication. Moreover, viruses manipulate host cells' epigenetic machinery to ensure productive viral infections. Environmental factors, such as natural products, may influence epigenetic modifications. In this review, we explore the potential of plant-derived substances as epigenetic modifiers for broad-spectrum anti-viral activity, reviewing their modulation processes and anti-viral effects on DNA and RNA viruses, as well as addressing future research objectives in this rapidly emerging field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Gabbianelli
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Ehud Shahar
- Department of Nutrition and Natural Products, Migal—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel;
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Kiryat Shmona 1220800, Israel
| | - Gaia de Simone
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Chiara Rucci
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Laura Bordoni
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Giulia Feliziani
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Fanrui Zhao
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (R.G.); (G.d.S.); (L.B.); (G.F.); (F.Z.)
| | - Marta Ferrati
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.F.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Filippo Maggi
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.F.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Eleonora Spinozzi
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Centre, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.F.); (F.M.); (E.S.)
| | - Jamal Mahajna
- Department of Nutrition and Natural Products, Migal—Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona 11016, Israel;
- Department of Biotechnology, Tel-Hai College, Kiryat Shmona 1220800, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Z, Song XQ, Xu W, Lei S, Zhang H, Yang L. Stand Up to Stand Out: Natural Dietary Polyphenols Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Gossypol as Potential Therapeutic Candidates against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection. Nutrients 2023; 15:3885. [PMID: 37764669 PMCID: PMC10535599 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183885] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated collaborative drug discovery efforts in academia and the industry with the aim of developing therapies and vaccines that target SARS-CoV-2. Several novel therapies have been approved and deployed in the last three years. However, their clinical application has revealed limitations due to the rapid emergence of viral variants. Therefore, the development of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic agents with a high potency and safety profile remains a high priority for global health. Increasing awareness of the "back to nature" approach for improving human health has prompted renewed interest in natural products, especially dietary polyphenols, as an additional therapeutic strategy to treat SARS-CoV-2 patients, owing to its good safety profile, exceptional nutritional value, health-promoting benefits (including potential antiviral properties), affordability, and availability. Herein, we describe the biological properties and pleiotropic molecular mechanisms of dietary polyphenols curcumin, resveratrol, and gossypol as inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants as observed in in vitro and in vivo studies. Based on the advantages and disadvantages of dietary polyphenols and to obtain maximal benefits, several strategies such as nanotechnology (e.g., curcumin-incorporated nanofibrous membranes with antibacterial-antiviral ability), lead optimization (e.g., a methylated analog of curcumin), combination therapies (e.g., a specific combination of plant extracts and micronutrients), and broad-spectrum activities (e.g., gossypol broadly inhibits coronaviruses) have also been emphasized as positive factors in the facilitation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug development to support effective long-term pandemic management and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xian-qing Song
- General Surgery Department, Baoan Central Hospital, Affiliated Baoan Central Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Shizeng Lei
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China; (W.X.); (S.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yano A, Yuki S, Kanno Y, Shiraishi A, Onuma H, Uesugi S. Dihydroisocoumarins of Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergia inhibit binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2023; 87:1045-1055. [PMID: 37296229 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbad078] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Binding of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to the cognate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is the initial step in the viral infection process. In this study, we screened an in-house extract library to identify food materials with inhibitory activity against this binding using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and attempted to ascertain their active constituents. Hydrangea macrophylla var. thunbergia leaves were identified as candidate materials. Its active compounds were purified using conventional chromatographic methods and identified as naringenin, dihydroisocoumarins, hydrangenol, and phyllodulcin, which have affinities for the ACE2 receptor and inhibit ACE2 receptor-spike S1 binding. Given that boiled water extracts of H. macrophylla leaves are commonly consumed as sweet tea in Japan, we speculated that this tea could be used as a potential natural resource to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Yano
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Iwate, Japan
| | - Sayaka Yuki
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Iwate, Japan
| | - Yuko Kanno
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Iwate, Japan
| | - Akiko Shiraishi
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hiroki Onuma
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Iwate, Japan
| | - Shota Uesugi
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Iwate Biotechnology Research Center, Kitakami, Iwate, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Z, Yang L. The Therapeutic Potential of Natural Dietary Flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Nutrients 2023; 15:3443. [PMID: 37571380 PMCID: PMC10421531 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The exploration of non-toxic and cost-effective dietary components, such as epigallocatechin 3-gallate and myricetin, for health improvement and disease treatment has recently attracted substantial research attention. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity for the investigation and identification of dietary components capable of treating viral infections, as well as gathering the evidence needed to address the major challenges presented by public health emergencies. Dietary components hold great potential as a starting point for further drug development for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to their good safety, broad-spectrum antiviral activities, and multi-organ protective capacity. Here, we review current knowledge of the characteristics-chemical composition, bioactive properties, and putative mechanisms of action-of natural bioactive dietary flavonoids with the potential for targeting SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Notably, we present promising strategies (combination therapy, lead optimization, and drug delivery) to overcome the inherent deficiencies of natural dietary flavonoids, such as limited bioavailability and poor stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Natural Products and Pharmaceutical Intermediates in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Liyan Yang
- School of Physics and Physical Engineering, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rafiq A, Jabeen T, Aslam S, Ahmad M, Ashfaq UA, Mohsin NUA, Zaki MEA, Al-Hussain SA. A Comprehensive Update of Various Attempts by Medicinal Chemists to Combat COVID-19 through Natural Products. Molecules 2023; 28:4860. [PMID: 37375415 PMCID: PMC10305344 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global panic because of its continual evolution and recurring spikes. This serious malignancy is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the outbreak, millions of people have been affected from December 2019 till now, which has led to a great surge in finding treatments. Despite trying to handle the pandemic with the repurposing of some drugs, such as chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir, ivermectin, etc., against COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues its out-of-control spread. There is a dire need to identify a new regimen of natural products to combat the deadly viral disease. This article deals with the literature reports to date of natural products showing inhibitory activity towards SARS-CoV-2 through different approaches, such as in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies. Natural compounds targeting the proteins of SARS-CoV-2-the main protease (Mpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), spike proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), endoribonuclease, exoribonuclease, helicase, nucleocapsid, methyltransferase, adeno diphosphate (ADP) phosphatase, other nonstructural proteins, and envelope proteins-were extracted mainly from plants, and some were isolated from bacteria, algae, fungi, and a few marine organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Rafiq
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Tooba Jabeen
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sana Aslam
- Department of Chemistry, Government College Women University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Matloob Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Noor ul Amin Mohsin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Magdi E. A. Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami A. Al-Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Storozhuk M, Lee S, Lee JI, Park J. Green Tea Consumption and the COVID-19 Omicron Pandemic Era: Pharmacology and Epidemiology. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030852. [PMID: 36984007 PMCID: PMC10054848 DOI: 10.3390/life13030852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of the development of numerous vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 and the approval of several drugs for its treatment, there is still a great need for effective and inexpensive therapies against this disease. Previously, we showed that green tea and tea catechins interfere with coronavirus replication as well as coronavirus 3CL protease activity, and also showed lower COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in countries with higher green tea consumption. However, it is not clear whether green tea is still effective against the newer SARS-CoV-2 variants including omicron. It is also not known whether higher green tea consumption continues to contribute to lower COVID-19 morbidity and mortality now that vaccination rates in many countries are high. Here, we attempted to update the information regarding green tea in relation to COVID-19. Using pharmacological and ecological approaches, we found that EGCG as well as green tea inhibit the activity of the omicron variant 3CL protease efficiently, and there continues to be pronounced differences in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality between groups of countries with high and low green tea consumption as of December 6, 2022. These results collectively suggest that green tea continues to be effective against COVID-19 despite the new omicron variants and increased vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maksim Storozhuk
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 01024 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Siyun Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin I Lee
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsoo Park
- Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Z, Hao M, Zhang X, He Y, Chen X, Taylor EW, Zhang J. Potential of green tea EGCG in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with greater tropism toward the upper respiratory tract. Trends Food Sci Technol 2023; 132:40-53. [PMID: 36594074 PMCID: PMC9796359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has had an enormous adverse impact on global public health. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the WHO declared several variants of concern (VOCs), including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Compared with earlier variants, Omicron, now a dominant lineage, exhibits characteristics of enhanced transmissibility, tropism shift toward the upper respiratory tract, and attenuated disease severity. The robust transmission of Omicron despite attenuated disease severity still poses a great challenge for pandemic control. Under this circumstance, its tropism shift may be utilized for discovering effective preventive approaches. Scope and approach This review aims to estimate the potential of green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most potent antiviral catechin, in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, based on current knowledge concerning EGCG distribution in tissues and Omicron tropism. Key findings and conclusions EGCG has a low bioavailability. Plasma EGCG levels are in the range of submicromolar concentrations following green tea drinking, or reach at most low μM concentrations after pharmacological intervention. Nonetheless, its levels in the upper respiratory tract could reach concentrations as high as tens or even hundreds of μM following green tea consumption or pharmacological intervention. An approach for delivering sufficiently high concentrations of EGCG in the pharynx has been developed. Convincing data have demonstrated that EGCG at tens to hundreds of μM can dramatically neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and effectively eliminate SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effects and plaque formation. Thus, EGCG, which exhibits hyperaccumulation in the upper respiratory tract, deserves closer investigation as an antiviral in the current global battle against COVID-19, given Omicron's greater tropism toward the upper respiratory tract.
Collapse
Key Words
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- COVID-19
- EGCG
- EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-gallate
- GRP78, glucose-regulated protein 78
- HO-1, hemeoxygenase 1
- IFN-β, interferon-β
- Mpro, main protease
- MxA, MxGTPases
- Nrf2, nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2
- Nsp15, nonstructural protein 15
- Omicron variant
- SARS-CoV-2
- TMPRSS2, transmembrane serine protease 2
- The upper respiratory tract
- Tropism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiangchun Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China
| | - Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiongsheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ethan Will Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Baranova A, Song Y, Cao H, Yue W, Zhang F. Causal associations of tea intake with COVID-19 infection and severity. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1005466. [PMID: 36687732 PMCID: PMC9848307 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1005466] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tea ingredients can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection at adequate concentrations. It is not known whether tea intake could impact the susceptibility to COVID-19 or its severity. We aimed to evaluate the causal effects of tea intake on COVID-19 outcomes. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the causal associations between tea intake (N = 441,279) and three COVID-19 outcomes, including SARS-CoV-2 infection (122,616 cases and 2,475,240 controls), hospitalized COVID-19 (32,519 cases and 2,062,805 controls), and critical COVID-19 (13,769 cases and 1,072,442 controls). The MR analyses indicated that genetic propensity for tea consumption conferred a negative causal effect on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78-0.97, P = 0.015). No causal effects on hospitalized COVID-19 (0.84, 0.64-1.10, P = 0.201) or critical COVID-19 (0.73, 0.51-1.03, P = 0.074) were detected. Our study revealed that tea intake could decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the potential preventive effect of tea consumption on COVID-19 transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ancha Baranova
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States,Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuqing Song
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Hongbao Cao
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | - Weihua Yue
- Peking University Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
| | - Fuquan Zhang
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Fuquan Zhang ✉
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2 as a Target for Phytochemicals against Coronavirus. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11141862. [PMID: 35890496 PMCID: PMC9319234 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In late December 2019, the first cases of COVID-19 emerged as an outbreak in Wuhan, China that later spread vastly around the world, evolving into a pandemic and one of the worst global health crises in modern history. The causative agent was identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although several vaccines were authorized for emergency use, constantly emerging new viral mutants and limited treatment options for COVID-19 drastically highlighted the need for developing an efficient treatment for this disease. One of the most important viral components to target for this purpose is the main protease of the coronavirus (Mpro). This enzyme is an excellent target for a potential drug, as it is essential for viral replication and has no closely related homologues in humans, making its inhibitors unlikely to be toxic. Our review describes a variety of approaches that could be applied in search of potential inhibitors among plant-derived compounds, including virtual in silico screening (a data-driven approach), which could be structure-based or fragment-guided, the classical approach of high-throughput screening, and antiviral activity cell-based assays. We will focus on several classes of compounds reported to be potential inhibitors of Mpro, including phenols and polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids.
Collapse
|