Propolis efficacy on SARS-COV viruses: a review on antimicrobial activities and molecular simulations

CTLA-4 rs5742909 but not ADAM33 rs2280091 is a predictor factor for COVID-19 mortality

BACKGROUND

Research has demonstrated the association between susceptibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). On the other hand, the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) serves as a pivotal inhibitory receptor with a substantial impact on the advancement of viral infections. Besides, the disintegrin and metalloproteinase33 (ADAM33) gene is associated with both asthma and heightened airway responsiveness. Hence, this investigation sought to elucidate the potential association between the CTLA-4 rs5742909 and ADAM33 rs2280091 SNPs and the fatality rate of COVID-19 across various variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

METHODS

Both SNPs were genotyped with the PCR-RFLP assay in 1734 improved and 1450 deceased individuals.

RESULTS

Our obtained results revealed a significant association between the CTLA-4 rs5742909 C/T-T/T genotypes and increased mortality risk of COVID-19 in three different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The ADAM33 rs2280091 polymorphism demonstrated no significant association with COVID-19 mortality under various inheritance models. Nevertheless, subsequent adjustments for SARS-CoV-2 variants revealed a notable association between the GA genotype of ADAM33 rs2280091 and mortality rates specifically among individuals infected with the Delta variant.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the prediction of COVID-19 severity could be facilitated through the utilization of the CTLA-4 rs5742909 marker. Conversely, in the case of ADAM33 rs2280091, such prognostication appears to be contingent upon the specific variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Comparative analysis of COVID-19 responses in Japan and Africa: diet, phytochemicals, vitamin D, and gut microbiota in reducing mortality-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

As the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic subsides, the clinical sequelae are becoming more problematic. Interestingly, the statistical data indicate that Africa has experienced the lowest number of cases and deaths, with an unexpected phenomenon where the number of deaths from COVID-19 has not increased significantly. Several studies have investigated the relationship between diet and coronavirus. However, no systematic review/meta-analysis has conclusively linked diet (phytochemicals and vitamin D) and the gut microbiota in the context of COVID-19.

Methods

This study examined the responses to COVID-19 in Japan and Africa, formulating the following hypotheses: (1) a healthy diet is effective against COVID-19, (2) blood vitamin D levels are associated with COVID-19 mortality, and (3) COVID-19 is associated with the gut microbiota. To investigate these hypotheses, a keyword search and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, and each hypothesis was tested.

Results

This study found that a healthy diet, particularly rich in phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids, is effective against COVID-19. An association was detected between blood vitamin D levels and COVID-19 mortality. The gut microbiota was linked to COVID-19 and its amelioration. These findings may have significant implications for not only understanding COVID-19 but also future prevention of pneumonia.

New insight in molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, is a pathogenic bacterium that has claimed millions of lives since the Middle Ages. According to the World Health Organization's report, tuberculosis ranks among the ten deadliest diseases worldwide. The presence of an extensive array of genes and diverse proteins within the cellular structure of this bacterium has provided us with a potent tool for diagnosis. While the culture method remains the gold standard for tuberculosis diagnosis, it is possible that molecular diagnostic methods, emphasis on the identification of mutation genes (e.g., rpoB and gyrA) and single nucleotide polymorphisms, could offer a safe and reliable alternative. Over the past few decades, as our understanding of molecular genetics has expanded, methods have been developed based on gene expansion and detection. These methods typically commence with DNA amplification through nucleic acid targeted techniques such as polymerase chain reaction. Various molecular compounds and diverse approaches have been employed in molecular assays. In this review, we endeavor to provide an overview of molecular assays for the diagnosis of tuberculosis with their properties (utilization, challenges, and functions). The ultimate goal is to explore the potential of replacing traditional bacterial methods with these advanced molecular diagnostic techniques.

Modulation of innate immunity related genes resulting in prophylactic antimicrobial and antiviral properties

BACKGROUND

The innate immunity acts during the early phases of infection and its failure in response to a multilayer network of co-infections is cause of immune system dysregulation. Epidemiological SARS-CoV-2 infections data, show that Influenza Virus (FLU-A-B-C) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are co-habiting those respiratory traits. These viruses, especially in children (mostly affected by 'multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children' [MIS-C] and the winter pandemic FLU), in the aged population, and in 'fragile' patients are causing alteration in immune response. Then, bacterial and fungal pathogens are also co-habiting the upper respiratory traits (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans), thus contributing to morbidity in those COVID-19 affected patients.

METHODS

Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry using the quadrupole orbital ion trap analyser (i.e., UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was adopted to measure the polyphenols content of a new nutraceutical formula (Solution-3). Viral infections with SARS-CoV-2 (EG.5), FLU-A and RSV-A viruses (as performed in BLS3 authorised laboratory) and real time RT-PCR (qPCR) assay were used to test the antiviral action of the nutraceutical formula. Dilution susceptibility tests have been used to estimate the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC, respectively) of Solution-3 on a variety of microorganisms belonging to Gram positive/ negative bacteria and fungi. Transcriptomic data analyses and functional genomics (i.e., RNAseq and data mining), coupled to qPCR and ELISA assays have been used to investigate the mechanisms of action of the nutraceutical formula on those processes involved in innate immune response.

RESULTS

Here, we have tested the combination of natural products containing higher amounts of polyphenols (i.e., propolis, Verbascum thapsus L., and Thymus vulgaris L.), together with the inorganic long chain polyphosphates 'polyPs' with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal behaviours, against SARS-CoV-2, FLU-A, RSV-A, Gram positive/ negative bacteria and fungi (i.e., Candida albicans). These components synergistically exert an immunomodulatory action by enhancing those processes involved in innate immune response (e.g., cytokines: IFNγ, TNFα, IL-10, IL-6/12; chemokines: CXCL1; antimicrobial peptides: HBD-2, LL-37; complement system: C3).

CONCLUSION

The prophylactic antimicrobial success of this nutraceutical formula against SARS-CoV-2, FLU-A and RSV-A viruses, together with the common bacteria and fungi co-infections as present in human oral cavity, is expected to be valuable.

Molecular docking as a tool for the discovery of novel insight about the role of acid sphingomyelinase inhibitors in SARS- CoV-2 infectivity

Recently, COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, caused > 6 million deaths. Symptoms included respiratory strain and complications, leading to severe pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the ACE-2 receptor of the host cell membrane to enter. Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 entry may effectively inhibit infection. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) is a lysosomal protein that catalyzes the conversion of sphingolipid (sphingomyelin) to ceramide. Ceramide molecules aggregate/assemble on the plasma membrane to form "platforms" that facilitate the viral intake into the cell. Impairing the ASMase activity will eventually disrupt viral entry into the cell. In this review, we identified the metabolism of sphingolipids, sphingolipids' role in cell signal transduction cascades, and viral infection mechanisms. Also, we outlined ASMase structure and underlying mechanisms inhibiting viral entry 40 with the aid of inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMAs). In silico molecular docking analyses of FIASMAs with inhibitors revealed that dilazep (S = - 12.58 kcal/mol), emetine (S = - 11.65 kcal/mol), pimozide (S = - 11.29 kcal/mol), carvedilol (S = - 11.28 kcal/mol), mebeverine (S = - 11.14 kcal/mol), cepharanthine (S = - 11.06 kcal/mol), hydroxyzin (S = - 10.96 kcal/mol), astemizole (S = - 10.81 kcal/mol), sertindole (S = - 10.55 kcal/mol), and bepridil (S = - 10.47 kcal/mol) have higher inhibition activity than the candidate drug amiodarone (S = - 10.43 kcal/mol), making them better options for inhibition.

The Effects of Propolis on Viral Respiratory Diseases

Propolis remains an interesting source of natural chemical compounds that show, among others, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Due to the growing incidence of respiratory tract infections caused by various pathogenic viruses, complementary methods of prevention and therapy supporting pharmacotherapy are constantly being sought out. The properties of propolis may be important in the prevention and treatment of respiratory tract diseases caused by viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, influenza viruses, the parainfluenza virus and rhinoviruses. One of the main challenges in recent years has been severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing COVID-19. Recently, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the activity of various propolis preparations against SARS-CoV-2 as an adjuvant treatment for this infection. Propolis has shown a few key mechanisms of anti-SARS-CoV-2 action such as: the inhibition of the interaction of the S1 spike protein and ACE-2 protein; decreasing the replication of viruses by diminishing the synthesis of RNA transcripts in cells; decreasing the particles of coronaviruses. The anti-viral effect is observed not only with extracts but also with the single biologically active compounds found in propolis (e.g., apigenin, caffeic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, quercetin). Moreover, propolis is effective in the treatment of hyperglycemia, which increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The aim of the literature review was to summarize recent studies from the PubMed database evaluating the antiviral activity of propolis extracts in terms of prevention and the therapy of respiratory tract diseases (in vitro, in vivo, clinical trials). Based upon this review, it was found that in recent years studies have focused mainly on the assessment of the effectiveness of propolis and its chemical components against COVID-19. Propolis exerts wide-spectrum antimicrobial activities; thus, propolis extracts can be an effective option in the prevention and treatment of co-infections associated with diseases of the respiratory tract.