1
|
Chittasupho C, Umsumarng S, Srisawad K, Arjsri P, Phongpradist R, Samee W, Tingya W, Ampasavate C, Dejkriengkraikul P. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Lung Cell Inflammation by Triphala-Loaded Nanoparticle Targeting Spike Glycoprotein S1. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:751. [PMID: 38931873 PMCID: PMC11206841 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060751] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat. The spike glycoprotein S1 of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to induce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, contributing to hyperinflammation in COVID-19 patients. Triphala, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy composed of dried fruits from three plant species-Emblica officinalis (Family Euphorbiaceae), Terminalia bellerica (Family Combretaceae), and Terminalia chebula (Family Combretaceae)-shows promise in addressing inflammation. However, the limited water solubility of its ethanolic extract impedes its bioavailability. In this study, we aimed to develop nanoparticles loaded with Triphala extract, termed "nanotriphala", as a drug delivery system. Additionally, we investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory properties of nanotriphala and its major compounds, namely gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid, in lung epithelial cells (A549) induced by CoV2-SP. The nanotriphala formulation was prepared using the solvent displacement method. The encapsulation efficiency of Triphala in nanotriphala was determined to be 87.96 ± 2.60% based on total phenolic content. In terms of in vitro release, nanotriphala exhibited a biphasic release profile with zero-order kinetics over 0-8 h. A549 cells were treated with nanotriphala or its active compounds and then induced with 100 ng/mL of spike S1 subunit (CoV2-SP). The results demonstrate that chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid are the active compounds in nanotriphala, which significantly reduced cytokine release (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18) and suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, and NLRP3) (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, nanotriphala and its active compounds notably attenuated the expression of inflammasome machinery proteins (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the nanoparticle formulation of Triphala enhances its stability and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties against CoV2-SP-induction. This was achieved by suppressing inflammatory mediators and the NLRP3 inflammasome machinery. Thus, nanotriphala holds promise as a supportive preventive anti-inflammatory therapy for COVID-19-related chronic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuda Chittasupho
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Sonthaya Umsumarng
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Kamonwan Srisawad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.A.)
- Anticarcinogenesis and Apoptosis Research Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Punnida Arjsri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Rungsinee Phongpradist
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Weerasak Samee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand;
| | - Wipawan Tingya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Chadarat Ampasavate
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (C.C.); (R.P.); (W.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Pornngarm Dejkriengkraikul
- Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (K.S.); (P.A.)
- Anticarcinogenesis and Apoptosis Research Cluster, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saquib Q, Bakheit AH, Ahmed S, Ansari SM, Al-Salem AM, Al-Khedhairy AA. Identification of Phytochemicals from Arabian Peninsula Medicinal Plants as Strong Binders to SARS-CoV-2 Proteases (3CL Pro and PL Pro) by Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation Studies. Molecules 2024; 29:998. [PMID: 38474509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050998] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We provide promising computational (in silico) data on phytochemicals (compounds 1-10) from Arabian Peninsula medicinal plants as strong binders, targeting 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLPro) and papain-like proteases (PLPro) of SARS-CoV-2. Compounds 1-10 followed the Lipinski rules of five (RO5) and ADMET analysis, exhibiting drug-like characters. Non-covalent (reversible) docking of compounds 1-10 demonstrated their binding with the catalytic dyad (CYS145 and HIS41) of 3CLPro and catalytic triad (CYS111, HIS272, and ASP286) of PLPro. Moreover, the implementation of the covalent (irreversible) docking protocol revealed that only compounds 7, 8, and 9 possess covalent warheads, which allowed the formation of the covalent bond with the catalytic dyad (CYS145) in 3CLPro and the catalytic triad (CYS111) in PLPro. Root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of gyration (Rg) analysis from molecular dynamic (MD) simulations revealed that complexation between ligands (compounds 7, 8, and 9) and 3CLPro and PLPro was stable, and there was less deviation of ligands. Overall, the in silico data on the inherent properties of the above phytochemicals unravel the fact that they can act as reversible inhibitors for 3CLPro and PLPro. Moreover, compounds 7, 8, and 9 also showed their novel properties to inhibit dual targets by irreversible inhibition, indicating their effectiveness for possibly developing future drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Nonetheless, to confirm the theoretical findings here, the effectiveness of the above compounds as inhibitors of 3CLPro and PLPro warrants future investigations using suitable in vitro and in vivo tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quaiser Saquib
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H Bakheit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabiha M Ansari
- Botany & Microbiology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Al-Salem
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz A Al-Khedhairy
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mao S, Yao J, Zhang T, Zhang X, Tan W, Li C. Bilobalide attenuates lipopolysaccharide‑induced HepG2 cell injury by inhibiting TLR4‑NF‑κB signaling via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:24. [PMID: 38125341 PMCID: PMC10728898 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12312] [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: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is involved in the pathological process underlying a number of liver diseases. Bilobalide (BB) is a natural compound from Ginkgo biloba leaves that was recently demonstrated to exert hepatoprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress in the liver cancer cell line HepG2. The anti-inflammatory activity of BB has been reported in recent studies. The major objective of the present study was to investigate whether BB could attenuate inflammation-associated cell damage. HepG2 cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and BB, and cell damage was evaluated by measuring cell viability using MTT assay. The activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by measuring the levels of IκBα, NF-κB p65, phosphorylated (p)-IκBα, p-p65, p65 DNA-binding activity and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. A toll-like receptor (TLR)4 inhibitor (CLI-095) was used to detect the involvement of TLR4 in cell injury caused by LPS. In addition, the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 was applied to explore the involvement of the PI3K/Akt axis in mediating the effects of BB. The results demonstrated that LPS induced HepG2 cell injury. LPS also elevated the levels of p-IκBα, p-p65, p65 DNA-binding activity and inflammatory cytokines. However, CLI-095 significantly attenuated the LPS-induced cell damage and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling. BB also dose-dependently attenuated the LPS-induced cell damage, activation of NF-κB signaling and TLR4 overexpression. Furthermore, it was observed that LY294002 diminished the cytoprotective effects of BB on cell injury, TLR4 expression and NF-κB activation. These findings indicated that BB could attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory injury to HepG2 cells by regulating TLR4-NF-κB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Jinpeng Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Yantai Kaifaqu Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264006, P.R. China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 261041, P.R. China
| | - Chengde Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology in Universities of Shandong, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yu T, Cui Y, Xin S, Fu Y, Ding Y, Hao L, Nie H. Mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium alleviates acute lung injury through KGF-mediated regulation of epithelial sodium channels. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115896. [PMID: 37984305 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115896] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a progressive inflammatory injury, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to treat ALI. MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) contains many cytokines, in which keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a soluble factor that plays a role in lung development. We aim to explore the protective effects of MSCs secreted KGF on ALI, and investigate the involvement of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), which are important in alveolar fluid reabsorption. Both lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced mouse and alveolar organoid ALI models were established to confirm the potential therapeutic effect of MSCs secreted KGF. Meanwhile, the expression and regulation of ENaC were determined in alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells. The results demonstrated that MSC-CM and KGF could alleviate the extent of inflammation-related pulmonary edema in ALI mice, which was abrogated by a KGF neutralizing antibody. In an alveolar organoid ALI model, KGF in MSC-CM could improve the proliferation and decrease the differentiation of ATII cells. At the cellular level, the LPS-inhibited protein expression of ENaC could be reversed by KGF in MSC-CM. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and our experimental data provided the evidence that the NF-κB signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of ENaC. Our research confirmed that the therapeutic effect of MSC-CM on edematous ALI was closely related to KGF, which may be involved in the proliferation and differentiation of ATII cells, as well as the upregulation of ENaC expression by the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yong Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shuning Xin
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yunmei Fu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Liying Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Hongguang Nie
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vezzani B, Perrone M, Carinci M, Palumbo L, Tombolato A, Tombolato D, Daminato C, Gentili V, Rizzo R, Campo G, Morandi L, Papi A, Spadaro S, Casolari P, Contoli M, Pinton P, Giorgi C. SARS-CoV-2 infection as a model to study the effect of cinnamaldehyde as adjuvant therapy for viral pneumonia. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:40. [PMID: 37986089 PMCID: PMC10658863 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00364-9] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent pandemic outbursts, due to SARS-CoV-2, have highlighted once more the central role of the inflammatory process in the propagation of viral infection. The main consequence of COVID-19 is the induction of a diffuse pro-inflammatory state, also defined as a cytokine storm, which affects different organs, but mostly the lungs. We aimed to prove the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde, the active compound of cinnamon, as an anti-inflammatory compound, able to reduce SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm. RESULTS We enrolled 53 COVID-19 patients hospitalized for respiratory failure. The cohort was composed by 39 males and 13 females, aged 65.0 ± 9.8 years. We reported that COVID-19 patients have significantly higher IL-1β and IL-6 plasma levels compared to non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. In addition, human mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are significantly more prone to release pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimuli. We demonstrated, using in vitro cell models, that macrophages are responsible for mediating the pro-inflammatory cytokine storm while lung cells support SARS-CoV-2 replication upon viral infection. In this context, cinnamaldehyde administration significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2-related inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 mediated IL-1β release in both PBMCs and THP-1 macrophages, as well as viral replication in CaLu-3 epithelial cells. Lastly, aerosol-administered cinnamaldehyde was able to significantly reduce IL-1β release in an in vivo lung-inflammatory model. CONCLUSION The obtained results suggest the possible use of cinnamaldehyde as a co-adjuvant preventive treatment for COVID-19 disease together with vaccination, but also as a promising dietary supplement to reduce, more broadly, viral induced inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Vezzani
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariasole Perrone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marianna Carinci
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Palumbo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Valentina Gentili
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Campo
- Cardiology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto Papi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Savino Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Casolari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Contoli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlotta Giorgi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
- Laboratory of Technologies for Advanced Therapy (LTTA), Technopole of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bakheit AH, Saquib Q, Ahmed S, Ansari SM, Al-Salem AM, Al-Khedhairy AA. Covalent Inhibitors from Saudi Medicinal Plants Target RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:2175. [PMID: 38005857 PMCID: PMC10675690 DOI: 10.3390/v15112175] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has caused a huge loss of human life, and the number of deaths is still continuing. Despite the lack of repurposed drugs and vaccines, the search for potential small molecules to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 is in demand. Hence, we relied on the drug-like characters of ten phytochemicals (compounds 1-10) that were previously isolated and purified by our research team from Saudi medicinal plants. We computationally evaluated the inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by compounds 1-10. Non-covalent (reversible) docking of compounds 1-10 with RdRp led to the formation of a hydrogen bond with template primer nucleotides (A and U) and key amino acid residues (ASP623, LYS545, ARG555, ASN691, SER682, and ARG553) in its active pocket. Covalent (irreversible) docking revealed that compounds 7, 8, and 9 exhibited their irreversible nature of binding with CYS813, a crucial amino acid in the palm domain of RdRP. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analysis by RMSD, RMSF, and Rg parameters affirmed that RdRP complexes with compounds 7, 8, and 9 were stable and showed less deviation. Our data provide novel information on compounds 7, 8, and 9 that demonstrated their non-nucleoside and irreversible interaction capabilities to inhibit RdRp and shed new scaffolds as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. Bakheit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Quaiser Saquib
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.-S.); (A.A.A.-K.)
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sabiha M. Ansari
- Botany & Microbiology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah M. Al-Salem
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.-S.); (A.A.A.-K.)
| | - Abdulaziz A. Al-Khedhairy
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.-S.); (A.A.A.-K.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fessler SN, Liu L, Chang Y, Yip T, Johnston CS. Palmitoylethanolamide Reduces Proinflammatory Markers in Unvaccinated Adults Recently Diagnosed with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr 2022; 152:2218-2226. [PMID: 36084236 PMCID: PMC9494383 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac154] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation is at the core of many chronic conditions and exacerbates infectious conditions, including the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel food supplement, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), specifically Levagen+, as compared with a placebo on proinflammatory biomarkers in adults recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who were unvaccinated and nonhospitalized. METHODS This study was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted October 2020-March 2021 (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04912921). Participants aged 19-53 y were unvaccinated and recently infected with COVID-19 as indicated by a positive test result per RT-PCR or antigen test, and they reported to the test site following diagnosis as allowed by the CDC's return-to-work policy. Participants were stratified by age, sex, and BMI and randomly assigned by coin toss to receive 600 mg Levagen+ twice daily (LEV) or placebo tablets twice daily (CON) for 4 wk. At baseline and week 4, participants completed health histories, 24-h dietary recalls, anthropometrics, and nonfasting blood sampling. The primary outcomes were the 4-wk change between groups for IL-6, C-reactive protein, ferritin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to assess treatment effects on outcomes, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS A total of 60 participants completed the study (LEV: n = 30; CON: n = 30). After 4 wk of supplementation, sP-selectin (β = -11.5; 95% CI: -19.8, -3.15; P = 0.0078), IL-1β (β = -22.9; 95% CI: -42.4, -3.40; P = 0.0222), and IL-2 (β = -1.73; 95% CI: -3.45, -0.065; P = 0.0492) concentrations were significantly reduced in the LEV group compared with the CON group. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory mechanisms are crucial to optimal resolution of infectious conditions, yet unchecked secretion of inflammatory mediators can promote the dysregulated immune response implicated in COVID-19 complications. Overall, PEA supplementation produced anti-inflammatory effects in individuals recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who were nonhospitalized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha N Fessler
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Address correspondence to SNF (E-mail: )
| | - Li Liu
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Yung Chang
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Theresa Yip
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carol S Johnston
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sojobi AO, Zayed T. Impact of sewer overflow on public health: A comprehensive scientometric analysis and systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111609. [PMID: 34216613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sewer overflow (SO), which has attracted global attention, poses serious threat to public health and ecosystem. SO impacts public health via consumption of contaminated drinking water, aerosolization of pathogens, food-chain transmission, and direct contact with fecally-polluted rivers and beach sediments during recreation. However, no study has attempted to map the linkage between SO and public health including Covid-19 using scientometric analysis and systematic review of literature. Results showed that only few countries were actively involved in SO research in relation to public health. Furthermore, there are renewed calls to scale up environmental surveillance to safeguard public health. To safeguard public health, it is important for public health authorities to optimize water and wastewater treatment plants and improve building ventilation and plumbing systems to minimize pathogen transmission within buildings and transportation systems. In addition, health authorities should formulate appropriate policies that can enhance environmental surveillance and facilitate real-time monitoring of sewer overflow. Increased public awareness on strict personal hygiene and point-of-use-water-treatment such as boiling drinking water will go a long way to safeguard public health. Ecotoxicological studies and health risk assessment of exposure to pathogens via different transmission routes is also required to appropriately inform the use of lockdowns, minimize their socio-economic impact and guide evidence-based welfare/social policy interventions. Soft infrastructures, optimized sewer maintenance and prescreening of sewer overflow are recommended to reduce stormwater burden on wastewater treatment plant, curtail pathogen transmission and marine plastic pollution. Comprehensive, integrated surveillance and global collaborative efforts are important to curtail on-going Covid-19 pandemic and improve resilience against future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarek Zayed
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|