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Maruta H, He H. Rapamycin vs TORin-1 or Gleevec vs Nilotinib: Simple chemical evolution that converts PAK1-blockers to TOR-blockers or vice versa? Drug Discov Ther 2024; 18:134-139. [PMID: 38569833 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2023.01097] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Both PAK1 (RAC/CDC42-activating kinase 1) and TOR (Target of Rapamycin) are among the major oncogenic/ageing kinases. However, they play the opposite role in our immune system, namely immune system is suppressed by PAK1, while it requires TOR. Thus, PAK1-blockers, would be more effective for therapy of cancers, than TOR-blockers. Since 2015 when we discovered genetically that PDGF-induced melanogenesis depends on "PAK1", we are able to screening a series of PAK1-blockers as melanogenesis-inhibitors which could eventually promote longevity. Interestingly, rapamycin, the first TOR-inhibitor, promotes melanogenesis, clearly indicating that TOR suppresses melanogenesis. However, a new TOR-inhibitor called TORin-1 no longer suppresses immune system, and blocks melanogenesis in cell culture. These observations strongly indicate that TORin-1 acts as PAK1-blockers, instead of TOR-blockers, in vivo. Thus, it is most likely that melanogenesis in cell culture could enable us to discriminate PAK1-blockers from TORblockers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong He
- Melbourne University Hospital (Austin Health), Melbourne, Australia
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating form of pain arising from injury or disease of the nervous system that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain are still not fully understood. Dendritic spines are small protrusions on the surface of neurons that play an important role in synaptic transmission. Recent studies have shown that dendritic spines reorganize in the superficial and deeper laminae of the spinal cord dorsal horn with the development of neuropathic pain in multiple models of disease or injury. Given the importance of dendritic spines in synaptic transmission, it is possible that studying dendritic spines could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing intractable pain. In this review article, we highlight the emergent role of dendritic spines in neuropathic pain, as well as discuss the potential for studying dendritic spines for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis A Benson
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jared F King
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marike L Reimer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sierra D Kauer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen G Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew M Tan
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
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Chen Y, Jiang X, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Wei S, Yu Y, Zhou Q, Yu Y, Wang J, Liu H, Hua X, Yang Z, Chen Z, Li Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Wang Y. Coptisine inhibits neointimal hyperplasia through attenuating Pak1/Pak2 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells without retardation of re-endothelialization. Atherosclerosis 2024; 391:117480. [PMID: 38447436 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Vascular injury-induced endothelium-denudation and profound vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and dis-regulated apoptosis lead to post-angioplasty restenosis. Coptisine (CTS), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has multiple beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Recent studies identified it selectively inhibits VSMCs proliferation. However, its effects on neointimal hyperplasia, re-endothelialization, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS Cell viability was assayed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence of Ki67 and TUNEL. Quantitative phosphoproteomics (QPP) was employed to screen CTS-responsive phosphor-sites in the key regulators of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Neointimal hyperplasia was induced by balloon injury of rat left carotid artery (LCA). Adenoviral gene transfer was conducted in both cultured cells and LCA. Re-endothelialization was evaluated by Evan's blue staining of LCA. RESULTS 1) CTS had strong anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cultured rat VSMCs, with the EC50 4∼10-folds lower than that in endothelial cells (ECs). 2) Rats administered with CTS, either locally to LCA's periadventitial space or orally, demonstrated a potently inhibited balloon injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia, but had no delaying effect on re-endothelialization. 3) The QPP results revealed that the phosphorylation levels of Pak1S144/S203, Pak2S20/S197, Erk1T202/Y204, Erk2T185/Y187, and BadS136 were significantly decreased in VSMCs by CTS. 4) Adenoviral expression of phosphomimetic mutants Pak1D144/D203/Pak2D20/D197 enhanced Pak1/2 activities, stimulated the downstream pErk1T202/Y204/pErk2T185/Y187/pErk3S189/pBadS136, attenuated CTS-mediated inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and promotion of apoptosis in vitro, and potentiated neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. 5) Adenoviral expression of phosphoresistant mutants Pak1A144/A203/Pak2A20/A197 inactivated Pak1/2 and totally simulated the inhibitory effects of CTS on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated VSMCs proliferation and PDGF-inhibited apoptosis in vitro and neointimal hyperplasia in vivo. 6) LCA injury significantly enhanced the endogenous phosphorylation levels of all but pBadS136. CTS markedly attenuated all the enhanced levels. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CTS is a promising medicine for prevention of post-angioplasty restenosis without adverse impact on re-endothelialization. CTS-directed suppression of pPak1S144/S203/pPak2S20/S197 and the subsequent effects on downstream pErk1T202/Y204/pErk2T185/Y187/pErk3S189 and pBadS136 underline its mechanisms of inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis. Therefore, the phosphor-sites of Pak1S144/S203/Pak2S20/S197 constitute a potential drug-screening target for fighting neointimal hyperplasia restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xueze Jiang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China; Department of Cardiology, Baoshan Branch of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yuchan Yuan
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Sisi Wei
- Children Inherited Metabolism and Endocrine Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511400, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Julie Wang
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Hua Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Med, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuesheng Hua
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhenwei Yang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yigang Li
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qunshan Wang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Yuepeng Wang
- Molecular Cardiology Research Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Maruta H, Ahn MR. WITHDRAWN: Lactobacillus and other probiotic bacteria: Their anti-melanogenicity and longevity promoting activities are closely linked through the major ‘pathogenic’ kinase PAK1. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Maruta H, Ahn MR. Probiotic microbes: Are their anti-melanogenicity and longevity promoting activities closely linked through the major "pathogenic" kinase PAK1? Drug Discov Ther 2022; 16:43-46. [PMID: 35264474 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2022.01013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PAK1-deficient mutant of C. elegans lives 60% longer than the wild-type. Interestingly, PAK1-deficient mutant of melanocytes produces less melanin (only a half compared with the wild-type) in the presence of either serum (PDGF) or α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone). These observations indicate that the major "pathogenic" kinase PAK1 is responsible for both shortening the healthy lifespan, and PDGF/α-MSH-dependent melanogenesis. For screening of PAK1-blocking probiotic bacteria or their products, their anti-melanogenic as well as longevity promoting properties were examined. Recently it was found that C. elegans fed with Lactobacillus rhamnosus in Xinjiang cheese lives 40% longer than the worm fed with the standard E. coli. Interestingly, a Chinese traditional medicine called "ChiBai" fermented with the Lactobacillus rhamnosus also inhibited the α-MSH-induced melanogenesis, and this bacteria itself produces butyric acid that blocks the oncogenic HDAC (histone deacetylase)-PAK1 signaling pathway. These findings strongly suggest, if not proven, that anti-melanogenic activity of Lactobacillus and many other probiotic bacteria might serve as a reliable indicator for their longevity promoting activity. In this context, a popular Japanese Lactobacillus-fermented milk drink called "Calpis", developed a century ago, and recently proven to inhibit the melanogenesis by suppressing the PAK1-dependent tyrosinase gene expression, may potentially prolong our healthy lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mok-Ryeon Ahn
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.,Center for Silver-Targeted Biomaterials, Brain Busan 21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea
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Magnavacca A, Sangiovanni E, Racagni G, Dell'Agli M. The antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of propolis: An update and future perspectives for respiratory diseases. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:897-945. [PMID: 34725836 PMCID: PMC9298305 DOI: 10.1002/med.21866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Propolis is a complex natural product that possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties mainly attributed to the high content in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and their derivatives. The chemical composition of propolis is multifarious, as it depends on the botanical sources from which honeybees collect resins and exudates. Nevertheless, despite this variability propolis may have a general pharmacological value, and this review systematically compiles, for the first time, the existing preclinical and clinical evidence of propolis activities as an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent, focusing on the possible application in respiratory diseases. In vitro and in vivo assays have demonstrated propolis broad‐spectrum effects on viral infectivity and replication, as well as the modulatory actions on cytokine production and immune cell activation as part of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Clinical trials confirmed propolis undeniable potential as an effective therapeutic agent; however, the lack of rigorous randomized clinical trials in the context of respiratory diseases is tangible. Since propolis is available as a dietary supplement, possible use for the prevention of respiratory diseases and their deleterious inflammatory drawbacks on the respiratory tract in humans is considered and discussed. This review opens up new perspectives on the clinical investigation of neglected propolis biological properties which, now more than ever, are particularly relevant with respect to the recent outbreaks of pandemic respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Magnavacca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Sangiovanni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Racagni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Dell'Agli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Zhao X, Wang L, Li X, Zhang Q, Li W, Lin A, Xu J, Wu X, Xie W. A Practical Synthetic Route to Artepillin C and Drupanin. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.202100262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xue‐Zheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Qing‐Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Ai‐Jun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Jin‐Yi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Ming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
| | - Wei‐Jia Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines (SKLNM) and Department of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 P. R. China
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8
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Liu H, Liu K, Dong Z. The Role of p21-Activated Kinases in Cancer and Beyond: Where Are We Heading? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:641381. [PMID: 33796531 PMCID: PMC8007885 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.641381] [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: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (PAKs), downstream effectors of Ras-related Rho GTPase Cdc42 and Rac, are serine/threonine kinases. Biologically, PAKs participate in various cellular processes, including growth, apoptosis, mitosis, immune response, motility, inflammation, and gene expression, making PAKs the nexus of several pathogenic and oncogenic signaling pathways. PAKs were proved to play critical roles in human diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes, pancreatic acinar diseases, and cardiac disorders. In this review, we systematically discuss the structure, function, alteration, and molecular mechanisms of PAKs that are involved in the pathogenic and oncogenic effects, as well as PAK inhibitors, which may be developed and deployed in cancer therapy, anti-viral infection, and other diseases. Furthermore, we highlight the critical questions of PAKs in future research, which provide an opportunity to offer input and guidance on new directions for PAKs in pathogenic, oncogenic, and drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
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Shahinozzaman M, Basak B, Emran R, Rozario P, Obanda DN. Artepillin C: A comprehensive review of its chemistry, bioavailability, and pharmacological properties. Fitoterapia 2020; 147:104775. [PMID: 33152464 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artepillin C (ARC), a prenylated derivative of p-coumaric acid, is one of the major phenolic compounds found in Brazilian green propolis (BGP) and its botanical source Baccharis dracunculifolia. Numerous studies on ARC show that its beneficial health effects correlate with the health effects of both BGP and B. dracunculifolia. Its wide range of pharmacological benefits include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer effects. Most studies have focused on anti-oxidation, inflammation, diabetic, and cancers using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Mechanisms underlying anti-cancer properties of ARC are apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and the inhibition of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a protein characterized in many human diseases/disorders including COVID-19 infection. Therefore, further pre-clinical and clinical studies with ARC are necessary to explore its potential as intervention for a wide variety of diseases including the recent pandemic coronaviral infection. This review summarizes the comprehensive data on the pharmacological effects of ARC and could be a guideline for its future study and therapeutic usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahinozzaman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Bristy Basak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh
| | - Rashiduzzaman Emran
- Department of Biochemistry, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Khamarbari, Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Patricia Rozario
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Diana N Obanda
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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Berretta AA, Silveira MAD, Cóndor Capcha JM, De Jong D. Propolis and its potential against SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and COVID-19 disease: Running title: Propolis against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110622. [PMID: 32890967 PMCID: PMC7430291 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Propolis, a resinous material produced by honey bees from plant exudates, has long been used in traditional herbal medicine and is widely consumed as a health aid and immune system booster. The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest in propolis products worldwide; fortunately, various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism are potential targets for propolis compounds. SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells is characterized by viral spike protein interaction with cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and serine protease TMPRSS2. This mechanism involves PAK1 overexpression, which is a kinase that mediates coronavirus-induced lung inflammation, fibrosis, and immune system suppression. Propolis components have inhibitory effects on the ACE2, TMPRSS2 and PAK1 signaling pathways; in addition, antiviral activity has been proven in vitro and in vivo. In pre-clinical studies, propolis promoted immunoregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including reduction in IL-6, IL-1 beta and TNF-α. This immunoregulation involves monocytes and macrophages, as well as Jak2/STAT3, NF-kB, and inflammasome pathways, reducing the risk of cytokine storm syndrome, a major mortality factor in advanced COVID-19 disease. Propolis has also shown promise as an aid in the treatment of various of the comorbidities that are particularly dangerous in COVID-19 patients, including respiratory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Standardized propolis products with consistent bioactive properties are now available. Given the current emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited therapeutic options, propolis is presented as a promising and relevant therapeutic option that is safe, easy to administrate orally and is readily available as a natural supplement and functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andresa Aparecida Berretta
- Research, Development and Innovation Department, Apis Flora Indl. Coml. Ltda, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - José Manuel Cóndor Capcha
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States.
| | - David De Jong
- Genetics Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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