1
|
Jia G, Wang Y, Wang J, Yu B, Zhao H, Zhao Z, Zhao W, Gao Y, Wang B, Song Z. Benzimidazole-based structure optimization to discover novel anti-gastric cancer agents targeting ROS/MAPK pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23762. [PMID: 38967723 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23762] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Given the malignancy of gastric cancer, developing highly effective and low-toxic targeted drugs is essential to prolong patient survival and improve patient outcomes. In this study, we conducted structural optimizations based on the benzimidazole scaffold. Notably, compound 8 f presented the most potent antiproliferative activity in MGC803 cells and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that compound 8 f caused the apoptosis of MGC803 cells by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, accompanied by corresponding markers change. In vivo investigations additionally validated the inhibitory effect of compound 8 f on tumor growth in xenograft models bearing MGC803 cells without obvious toxicity. Our studies suggest that compound 8 f holds promise as a potential and safe lead compound for developing anti-gastric cancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Jia
- Department of Oncology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuanying Wang
- Academy of Medical Sciences; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jikuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Henan Province; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bingxin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haiyang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ze Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenming Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ya Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Henan Province; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Henan Province; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhiyu Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yoshihara F, Matsuzawa Y, Nakatsuka K, Kirigaya J, Takeuchi I, Kimura K, Konishi M, Tamura K, Fukui K, Tsukahara K, Shimizu H, Iwabuchi K, Yamada Y, Saka K, Sato Y, Ogawa M, Hayakawa K, Ohmagari N, Ikeda S, Akao M, Shimomura H, Kihara Y, Yoshimoto A, Morita M, Kumada N, Ogata S, Nishimura K, Arisato T, Matsuo M, Kishida M, Yasuda S, Ogawa H. Relationship between 2nd-generation angiotensin receptor blockers and the risk of hypotension in COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital. Hypertens Res 2024; 47:1943-1951. [PMID: 38664510 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01682-y] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
It has not yet been established whether angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), statins, and multiple drugs affect the severity of COVID-19. Therefore, we herein performed an observational study on the effects of 1st- and 2nd-generation ARB, statins, and multiple drugs, on COVID-19 in patients admitted to 15 Japanese medical facilities. The results obtained showed that ARB, statins, and multiple drugs were not associated with the primary outcome (odds ratio: 1.040, 95% confidence interval: 0.688-0.571; 0.696, 0.439-1.103; 1.056, 0.941-1.185, respectively), each component of the primary outcome (in-hospital death, ventilator support, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and admission to the intensive care unit), or the secondary outcomes (oxygen administration, disturbed consciousness, and hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≤90 mmHg). ARB were divided into 1st- and 2nd-generations based on their approval for use (before 2000 and after 2001), with the former consisting of losartan, candesartan, and valsartan, and the latter of telmisartan, olmesartan, irbesartan, and azilsartan. The difference of ARB generation was not associated with the primary outcome (odds ratio with 2nd-generation ARB relative to 1st-generation ARB: 1.257, 95% confidence interval: 0.613-2.574). The odd ratio for a hypotension as one of the secondary outcomes with 2nd-generation ARB was 1.754 (95% confidence interval: 1.745-1.763) relative to 1st-generation ARB. These results suggest that patients taking 2nd-generation ARB may be at a higher risk of hypotension than those taking 1st-generation ARB and also that careful observations are needed. Further studies are continuously needed to support decisions to adjust medications for co-morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fumiki Yoshihara
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Yasushi Matsuzawa
- Division of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama city, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kiyomasa Nakatsuka
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jin Kirigaya
- Division of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama city, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takeuchi
- Advanced Critical Care and Emergency Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kimura
- Division of Cardiology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama city, Japan
| | - Masaaki Konishi
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kouichi Tamura
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fukui
- Department of Cardiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kengo Tsukahara
- Division of Cardiology, Fujisawa City Hospital, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shimizu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fujisawa City Hospital, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Keisuke Iwabuchi
- Department of General Medicine, Kanagawa Prefectural Ashigarakami Hospital, Ashigara, Japan
| | - Yu Yamada
- Division of Cardiology, Kanagawa Prefectural Ashigarakami Hospital, Ashigara, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Saka
- Division of Cardiology, Yokosuka City Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Yukihito Sato
- Department of Cardiology, Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, Amagasaki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ogawa
- Department of Cardiology, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kayoko Hayakawa
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ohmagari
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Syuhei Ikeda
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, 1-1 Mukaihata-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaharu Akao
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, 1-1 Mukaihata-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Shimomura
- Division of Cardiology, Fukuoka Tokushukai Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuki Kihara
- Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, 2-1-1, Minamimachi, Minatojima, Chuoku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Yoshimoto
- Department of Nephrology, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masanori Morita
- Critical Care Medical Center Sakai City Medical Center, Sakai, Japan
| | - Norihiko Kumada
- Department of Urology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | - Soshiro Ogata
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Nishimura
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Arisato
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Miki Matsuo
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Kishida
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moore GJ, Ridway H, Gadanec LK, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A, Swiderski J, Kelaidonis K, Vidali VP, Matsoukas MT, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Structural Features Influencing the Bioactive Conformation of Angiotensin II and Angiotensin A: Relationship between Receptor Desensitization, Addiction, and the Blood-Brain Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5779. [PMID: 38891966 PMCID: PMC11171751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115779] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The N-terminal portion of the octapeptide angiotensin II (DRVYIHPF; AngII), a vasopressor peptide that favorably binds to, and activates, AngII type 1 receptor (AT1R), has an important role in maintaining bioactive conformation. It involves all three charged groups, namely (i) the N-terminal amino group cation, (ii) the Asp sidechain anion and (iii) the Arg guanidino cation. Neutralization of any one of these three charged groups results in a substantial reduction (<5%) in bioactivity, implicating a specialized function for this cluster. In contrast, angiotensin A (ARVYIHPF; AngA) has reduced bioactivity at AT1R; however, replacement of Asp in AngII with sarcosine (N-methyl-glycine) not only restores bioactivity but increases the activity of agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonist analogues. A bend produced at the N-terminus by the introduction of the secondary amino acid sarcosine is thought to realign the functional groups that chaperone the C-terminal portion of AngII, allowing transfer of the negative charge originating at the C-terminus to be transferred to the Tyr hydroxyl-forming tyrosinate anion, which is required to activate the receptor and desensitizes the receptor (tachyphylaxis). Peptide (sarilesin) and nonpeptide (sartans) moieties, which are long-acting inverse agonists, appear to desensitize the receptor by a mechanism analogous to tachyphylaxis. Sartans/bisartans were found to bind to alpha adrenergic receptors resulting in structure-dependent desensitization or resensitization. These considerations have provided information on the mechanisms of receptor desensitization/tolerance and insights into possible avenues for treating addiction. In this regard sartans, which appear to cross the blood-brain barrier more readily than bisartans, are the preferred drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Harry Ridway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (V.A.); (A.Z.); (J.S.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (V.A.); (A.Z.); (J.S.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (V.A.); (A.Z.); (J.S.)
| | - Jordan Swiderski
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (V.A.); (A.Z.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Veroniki P. Vidali
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, 15341 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Christos T. Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (V.A.); (A.Z.); (J.S.)
- NewDrug/NeoFar PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ridgway H, Moore GJ, Gadanec LK, Zulli A, Apostolopoulos V, Hoffmann W, Węgrzyn K, Vassilaki N, Mpekoulis G, Zouridakis M, Giastas P, Vidali VP, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas MT, Dimitriou M, Mavromoustakos T, Tsiodras S, Gorgoulis VG, Karakasiliotis I, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Novel benzimidazole angiotensin receptor blockers with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity equipotent to that of nirmatrelvir: computational and enzymatic studies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:437-459. [PMID: 38828744 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2362675] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension worsens outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Sartans, a type of antihypertensive angiotensin receptor blocker-(ARB), reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality by targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral and antihypertensive effects of nirmatrelvir, commercial sartans (candesartan, losartan, and losartan carboxylic (Exp3174)), and newly synthesized sartans (benzimidazole-N-biphenyl carboxyl (ACC519C) and benzimidazole-N-biphenyl tetrazole (ACC519T)), compared to nirmatrelvir, the antiviral component of Paxlovid. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and enzymatic studies assessed drug effects on ACE2. Antiviral abilities were tested with SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells, and antihypertensive effects were evaluated using angiotensin II-contracted rabbit iliac arteries. RESULTS Benzimidazole-based candesartan and ACC519C showed antiviral activity comparable to nirmatrelvir (95% inhibition). Imidazole-based losartan, Exp3174, and ACC519T were less potent (75%-80% and 50%, respectively), with Exp3174 being the least effective. SPR analysis indicated high sartans-ACE2 binding affinity. Candesartan and nirmatrelvir combined had greater inhibitory and cytopathic effects (3.96%) than individually (6.10% and 5.08%). ACE2 enzymatic assays showed varying effects of novel sartans on ACE2. ACC519T significantly reduced angiotensin II-mediated contraction, unlike nirmatrelvir and ACC519T(2). CONCLUSION This study reports the discovery of a new class of benzimidazole-based sartans that significantly inhibit SARS-CoV-2, likely due to their interaction with ACE2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM, USA
| | - Graham J Moore
- Pepmetics Inc, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Weronika Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mpekoulis
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Zouridakis
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Giastas
- Structural Neurobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Natural Products and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Marios Dimitriou
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Faculty of Medicine, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis G Gorgoulis
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Ioannis Karakasiliotis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - John M Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rothlin RP, Pelorosso F, Duarte M, Nicolosi L, Fernandez Criado I, Salgado MV, Vetulli H. RAAS inhibitors in COVID-19: Not all are created equal. Telmisartan is the one. Rev Port Cardiol 2024; 43:219-220. [PMID: 37940073 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo P Rothlin
- Sociedad Argentina de Farmacología Clínica, Asociación Médica Argentina, Argentina.
| | - Facundo Pelorosso
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, Argentina
| | - Mariano Duarte
- Laboratorio de Hipertensión, División de Cardiología, Hospital de Clínicas «José de San Martín», Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Segunda Cátedra de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Nicolosi
- División de Cardiología, Hospital Español de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Fernandez Criado
- Sección de Tecnología Educativa e Informática Médica, Hospital de Clínicas «José de San Martín», Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Salgado
- Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Servicio de Medicina Familiar, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, Argentina
| | - Héctor Vetulli
- Servicio de Electrofisiología Cardíaca, Arritmias y Marcapasos, Sanatorio Otamendi y Miroli, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gracia-Ramos AE, Ángeles-Durán GY, Flores-Gómez IR, Flores-Martínez E, Valdin-Orozco TI, Reyes-Peralta JR, Pedraza-Hervert C, Garcia-Arroyo FA, Cortés Ortíz A, Pecero-Hidalgo MJ. Standard of care plus telmisartan on respiratory failure due to COVID-19 (STAR-COVID trial). Minerva Cardiol Angiol 2024; 72:102-110. [PMID: 38231079 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5683.23.06463-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential influence of renin-angiotensin inhibitors on the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been considered in preclinical and observational studies with contradictory results. Therefore, we investigated the effect of telmisartan in reducing lung injury among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS The STAR-COVID trial was conducted as a prospective, parallel-group, randomized, open-label study involving hospitalized adult patients with severe COVID-19 (NCT04510662). Sixty-six patients were enrolled: 33 were assigned to the telmisartan group and 33 to the control group. The mean age of participants was 48.8 years, with 62.5% being male. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either telmisartan (40 mg daily for 14 days or until discharge) plus standard of care or standard of care alone. The primary outcome assessed was the initiation of mechanical ventilation within 14 days. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, the need for vasopressors, hemodialysis requirements, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS Comparison between the telmisartan group and the control group revealed no significant difference in the occurrence of mechanical ventilation at 14 days (25% with telmisartan vs. 18.7% with control, P=0.579). Additionally, there were no significant differences observed in terms of mortality (25% vs. 21.9%, P=0.768), the need for vasopressors (18.8% in both groups, P=1.000), hemodialysis requirements (6.3% vs. 3.1%, P=0.500), and length of hospital stay (median of 7 days in both groups, P=0.962). CONCLUSIONS Compared with the standard of care, telmisartan therapy demonstrated no significant impact on respiratory failure in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham E Gracia-Ramos
- Department of Internal Medicine, La Raza Medical Complex, Mexican Social Security Institute, UMAE Hospital General "Dr. Gaudencio González Garza, " Mexico City, Mexico -
- School of Medicine, Section of Graduate Studies and Research, National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico -
| | - Gissel Y Ángeles-Durán
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - Iván R Flores-Gómez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - Emmanuel Flores-Martínez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - Tania I Valdin-Orozco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - Jesús R Reyes-Peralta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - César Pedraza-Hervert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - Flor A Garcia-Arroyo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - Antonio Cortés Ortíz
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| | - María J Pecero-Hidalgo
- Director Office, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango (HRAEZ), Zumpango, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yoshihara F. Association between blood pressure and COVID-19 severity. Hypertens Res 2024; 47:683-684. [PMID: 38145992 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fumiki Yoshihara
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Avilés-Alía AI, Zulaica J, Perez JJ, Rubio-Martínez J, Geller R, Granadino-Roldán JM. The Discovery of inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein through computational drug repurposing. Comput Biol Med 2024; 171:108163. [PMID: 38417382 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108163] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 must bind its principal receptor, ACE2, on the target cell to initiate infection. This interaction is largely driven by the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the viral Spike (S) protein. Accordingly, antiviral compounds that can block RBD/ACE2 interactions can constitute promising antiviral agents. To identify such molecules, we performed a virtual screening of the Selleck FDA approved drugs and the Selleck database of Natural Products using a multistep computational procedure. An initial set of candidates was identified from an ensemble docking process using representative structures determined from the analysis of four 3 μ s molecular dynamics trajectories of the RBD/ACE2 complex. Two procedures were used to construct an initial set of candidates including a standard and a pharmacophore guided docking procedure. The initial set was subsequently subjected to a multistep sieving process to reduce the number of candidates to be tested experimentally, using increasingly demanding computational procedures, including the calculation of the binding free energy computed using the MMPBSA and MMGBSA methods. After the sieving process, a final list of 10 candidates was proposed, compounds which were subsequently purchased and tested ex-vivo. The results identified estradiol cypionate and telmisartan as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. Our findings demonstrate that the methodology presented here enables the discovery of inhibitors targeting viruses for which high-resolution structures are available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Avilés-Alía
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, UV-CSIC), C/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joao Zulaica
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, UV-CSIC), C/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J Perez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya- Barcelona Tech, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime Rubio-Martínez
- Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona and the Institut de Recerca en Quimica Teorica i Computacional (IQTCUB), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ron Geller
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio, UV-CSIC), C/ Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - José M Granadino-Roldán
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica. Universidad de Jaén, Campus "Las Lagunillas" s/n, 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bhattacharyya S, Tobacman JK. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction increases carbohydrate sulfotransferases and reduces N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase by p38 MAPK. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:39. [PMID: 38355690 PMCID: PMC10866996 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01741-3] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunostaining in lungs of patients who died with COVID-19 infection showed increased intensity and distribution of chondroitin sulfate and decline in N-acetylgalactostamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B; ARSB). To explain these findings, human small airway epithelial cells were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (SPRBD) and transcriptional mechanisms were investigated. Phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-SMAD3 increased following exposure to the SPRBD, and their inhibition suppressed the promoter activation of the carbohydrate sulfotransferases CHST15 and CHST11, which contributed to chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis. Decline in ARSB was mediated by phospho-38 MAPK-induced N-terminal Rb phosphorylation and an associated increase in Rb-E2F1 binding and decline in E2F1 binding to the ARSB promoter. The increases in chondroitin sulfotransferases were inhibited when treated with phospho-p38-MAPK inhibitors, SMAD3 (SIS3) inhibitors, as well as antihistamine desloratadine and antibiotic monensin. In the mouse model of carrageenan-induced systemic inflammation, increases in phospho-p38 MAPK and expression of CHST15 and CHST11 and declines in DNA-E2F binding and ARSB expression occurred in the lung, similar to the observed effects in this SPRBD model of COVID-19 infection. Since accumulation of chondroitin sulfates is associated with fibrotic lung conditions and diffuse alveolar damage, increased attention to p38-MAPK inhibition may be beneficial in ameliorating Covid-19 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Bhattacharyya
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Joanne K Tobacman
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maimeri N, Marmiere M, Losiggio R, Nardelli P, Baiardo Redaelli M, Fresilli S, D'Amico F, Zangrillo A, Hajjar LA, Landoni G. Interventions reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review of randomized evidence. Minerva Med 2024; 115:61-67. [PMID: 37947782 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.23.08590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic changed the way medical research is published, possibly forever. As the need for rapidity led to the rise of preprint servers, the undeniable drop in the overall quality of scientific publications requires an in-depth review of all available evidence. The present manuscript aims to identify and summarize all treatments which have been reported to reduce mortality in randomized trials in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Independent investigators searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify all randomized trials of any intervention influencing mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients up to August 18th, 2022. Articles were selected only when they fulfilled all the following: randomized trial design; dealing with any kind of interventions in adult hospitalized COVID-19 patients; and statistically significant reduction in mortality. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS We identified 28 interventions (42 manuscripts) reducing mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. About 60% of the studies (26/42) were multicentric, for a total of 1140 centers involved worldwide. Several of these studies were published in high-ranked, peer-reviewed journals. Interventions with randomized evidence of mortality reduction in hospitalized COVID-19 patients belonged to 5 domains: corticosteroids, immunomodulators, antimicrobials, supportive therapies, and other drugs. CONCLUSIONS Many interventions have the potential to reduce mortality in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The correct treatment of future pandemics relies on large, multicentric randomized clinical trials for further evaluation of these promising strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Maimeri
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marilena Marmiere
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosario Losiggio
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Nardelli
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Baiardo Redaelli
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Fresilli
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo D'Amico
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludhmila A Hajjar
- Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Institute (ICESP), University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy -
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Del Vecchio L, Balafa O, Dounousi E, Ekart R, Fernandez BF, Mark PB, Sarafidis P, Valdivielso JM, Ferro CJ, Mallamaci F. COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2024; 39:177-189. [PMID: 37771078 PMCID: PMC10828215 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad170] [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: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Affected patients are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease for several reasons. Among various comorbidities, CKD is associated with the more severe forms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This is particularly true for patients receiving dialysis or for kidney recipients. From the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several CV complications have been observed in affected subjects, spanning acute inflammatory manifestations, CV events, thrombotic episodes and arrythmias. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized, including direct cytopathic viral effects on the myocardium, endothelial damage and hypercoagulability. This spectrum of disease can occur during the acute phase of the infection, but also months after recovery. This review is focussed on the CV complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with particular interest in their implications for the CKD population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Del Vecchio
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Sant'Anna Hospital, ASST Lariana, Como, Italy
| | - Olga Balafa
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelia Dounousi
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Robert Ekart
- Department of Dialysis, Clinic for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | - Patrick B Mark
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pantelis Sarafidis
- 1st Department of Nephrology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jose M Valdivielso
- Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research on Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Charles J Ferro
- Department of Renal Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham and Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham,UK
| | - Francesca Mallamaci
- Francesca Mallamaci Department of Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation Azienda Ospedaliera “Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli” & CNR-IFC, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lee MMY, Kondo T, Campbell RT, Petrie MC, Sattar N, Solomon SD, Vaduganathan M, Jhund PS, McMurray JJV. Effects of renin-angiotensin system blockers on outcomes from COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY 2024; 10:68-80. [PMID: 37740450 PMCID: PMC10766905 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcvp/pvad067] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the effects of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers in adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This meta-analysis provides estimates of the safety and efficacy of treatment with (vs. without) RAS blockers from these trials. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (1 March-12 April 2023). Event/patient numbers were extracted, comparing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor/angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) treatment with no treatment, for the outcomes: intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, acute kidney injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy (RRT), acute myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, heart failure, thromboembolic events, and all-cause death. Fixed-effects meta-analysis estimates were pooled. RESULTS Sixteen RCTs including 3492 patients were analysed. Compared with discontinuation of RAS blockers, continuation was not associated with increased risk of ICU [risk ratio (RR) 0.96, 0.66-1.41], ventilation (RR 0.77, 0.55-1.09), vasopressors (RR 0.92, 0.58-1.44), AKI (RR 1.01, 0.40-2.56), RRT (RR 1.01, 0.46-2.21), or thromboembolic events (RR 1.07, 0.36-3.19). RAS blocker initiation was not associated with increased risk of ICU (RR 0.71, 0.47-1.08), ventilation (RR 1.12, 0.91-1.38), AKI (RR 1.28, 0.89-1.86), RRT (RR 1.66, 0.89-3.12), or thromboembolic events (RR 1.20, 0.06-23.70), although vasopressor use increased (RR 1.27, 1.02-1.57). The RR for all-cause death in the continuation/discontinuation trials was 1.24 (0.80-1.92), and 1.22 (0.96-1.55) in the initiation trials. In patients with severe/critical COVID-19, RAS blocker initiation increased the risk of all-cause death (RR 1.31, 1.01-1.72). CONCLUSION ACE inhibitors and ARBs may be continued in non-severe COVID-19 infection, where indicated. Conversely, initiation of RAS blockers may be harmful in critically ill patients.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023408926.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Y Lee
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Toru Kondo
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ross T Campbell
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Mark C Petrie
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Naveed Sattar
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Scott D Solomon
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Muthiah Vaduganathan
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pardeep S Jhund
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - John J V McMurray
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gadanec LK, Swiderski J, Apostolopoulos V, Kelaidonis K, Vidali VP, Canko A, Moore GJ, Matsoukas JM, Zulli A. Existence of Quantum Pharmacology in Sartans: Evidence in Isolated Rabbit Iliac Arteries. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17559. [PMID: 38139391 PMCID: PMC10744031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417559] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantum pharmacology introduces theoretical models to describe the possibility of ultra-high dilutions to produce biological effects, which may help to explain the placebo effect observed in hypertensive clinical trials. To determine this within physiology and to evaluate novel ARBs, we tested the ability of known angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (candesartan and telmisartan) used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as novel ARBs (benzimidazole-N-biphenyl tetrazole (ACC519T), benzimidazole-bis-N,N'-biphenyl tetrazole (ACC519T(2)) and 4-butyl-N,N0-bis[[20-2Htetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl)imidazolium bromide (BV6(K+)2), and nirmatrelvir (the active ingredient in Paxlovid) to modulate vascular contraction in iliac rings from healthy male New Zealand White rabbits in responses to various vasopressors (angiotensin A, angiotensin II and phenylephrine). Additionally, the hemodynamic effect of ACC519T and telmisartan on mean arterial pressure in conscious rabbits was determined, while the ex vivo ability of BV6(K+)2 to activate angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) was also investigated. We show that commercially available and novel ARBs can modulate contraction responses at ultra-high dilutions to different vasopressors. ACC519T produced a dose-dependent reduction in rabbit mean arterial pressure while BV6(K+)2 significantly increased ACE2 metabolism. The ability of ARBs to inhibit contraction responses even at ultra-low concentrations provides evidence of the existence of quantum pharmacology. Furthermore, the ability of ACC519T and BV6(K+)2 to modulate blood pressure and ACE2 activity, respectively, indicates their therapeutic potential against hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (J.S.); (V.A.)
| | - Jordan Swiderski
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (J.S.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (J.S.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | | | - Veroniki P. Vidali
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi, 153 41 Athens, Greece; (V.P.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Aleksander Canko
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi, 153 41 Athens, Greece; (V.P.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (J.S.); (V.A.)
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26 504 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (L.K.G.); (J.S.); (V.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Moschovou K, Antoniou M, Chontzopoulou E, Papavasileiou KD, Melagraki G, Afantitis A, Mavromoustakos T. Exploring the Binding Effects of Natural Products and Antihypertensive Drugs on SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Investigation of Main Protease and Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15894. [PMID: 37958877 PMCID: PMC10649947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this in silico study, we conducted an in-depth exploration of the potential of natural products and antihypertensive molecules that could serve as inhibitors targeting the key proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: the main protease (Mpro) and the spike (S) protein. By utilizing Induced Fit Docking (IFD), we assessed the binding affinities of the molecules under study to these crucial viral components. To further comprehend the stability and molecular interactions of the "protein-ligand" complexes that derived from docking studies, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, shedding light on the molecular basis of potential drug candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, we employed Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculations on all "protein-ligand" complexes, underscoring the robust binding capabilities of rosmarinic acid, curcumin, and quercetin against Mpro, and salvianolic acid b, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin toward the S protein. Furthermore, in order to expand our search for potent inhibitors, we conducted a structure similarity analysis, using the Enalos Suite, based on the molecules that indicated the most favored results in the in silico studies. The Enalos Suite generated 115 structurally similar compounds to salvianolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and quercetin. These compounds underwent IFD calculations, leading to the identification of two salvianolic acid analogues that exhibited strong binding to all the examined binding sites in both proteins, showcasing their potential as multi-target inhibitors. These findings introduce exciting possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic agents aiming to effectively disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 virus lifecycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Moschovou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Antoniou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Eleni Chontzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos D. Papavasileiou
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Georgia Melagraki
- Division of Physical Sciences & Applications, Hellenic Military Academy, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., 1046 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Chemoinformatics, NovaMechanics MIKE, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qin Z, Li Y, Sun W, Lu Y, Zhang N, Yang R, Liu Y, Tang L, Liu Q. Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on the storm of inflammatory factors in respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2: an updated meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1198987. [PMID: 37920591 PMCID: PMC10619852 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1198987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background New reports suggest that anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to treat respiratory tract infections caused by SARS-CoV-2. Anti-inflammatory drugs were the most frequently used treatment for the COVID-19-related cytokine storm in China. However, the efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs has yet to be systematically analyzed, and clinicians are often uncertain which class of anti-inflammatory drug is the most effective in treating patients with respiratory tract infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, especially those with severe disease. Methods From 1 October 2022, relevant studies were searched in the PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. A total of 16,268 publications were retrieved and collated according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and sensitivity analyses were performed using STATA 14 software. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the combined advantage ratio was expressed as a 95% confidence interval (CI). In total, 19 randomized controlled trials were included in the study. STATA 14 software was used for all random effects model analyses, and the results are expressed as relative risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI. Results Quantitative analyses were performed on 14,514 patients from 19 relevant randomized controlled clinical trials. Pooled estimates (RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.44-0.80) revealed that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs resulted in a significant reduction in mortality in patients with respiratory tract infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 compared with controls, and methylprednisolone (RR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.56) was more effective than other anti-inflammatory drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs were effective in reducing mortality in critically ill patients (RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.45-0.98) compared with non-critically ill patients (RR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.34-0.76); however, more clinical evidence is needed to confirm these findings. Conclusion The use of anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 reduces patient mortality, especially in severe cases. In individual studies, methylprednisolone was more effective than other drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiping Qin
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Rongfei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yiting Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Li Tang
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Qingshan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yuan C, Ma Z, Xie J, Li W, Su L, Zhang G, Xu J, Wu Y, Zhang M, Liu W. The role of cell death in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:357. [PMID: 37726282 PMCID: PMC10509267 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01580-8] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), showing high infectiousness, resulted in an ongoing pandemic termed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 cases often experience acute respiratory distress syndrome, which has caused millions of deaths. Apart from triggering inflammatory and immune responses, many viral infections can cause programmed cell death in infected cells. Cell death mechanisms have a vital role in maintaining a suitable environment to achieve normal cell functionality. Nonetheless, these processes are dysregulated, potentially contributing to disease pathogenesis. Over the past decades, multiple cell death pathways are becoming better understood. Growing evidence suggests that the induction of cell death by the coronavirus may significantly contributes to viral infection and pathogenicity. However, the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with cell death, together with its associated mechanisms, is yet to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the existing evidence concerning the molecular modulation of cell death in SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as viral-host interactions, which may shed new light on antiviral therapy against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenling Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiufeng Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Su
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guozhi Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaru Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ridgway H, Orbell JD, Matsoukas MT, Kelaidonis K, Moore GJ, Tsiodras S, Gorgoulis VG, Chasapis CT, Apostolopoulos V, Matsoukas JM. W254 in furin functions as a molecular gate promoting anti-viral drug binding: Elucidation of putative drug tunneling and docking by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:4589-4612. [PMID: 37817778 PMCID: PMC10561063 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.09.003] [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] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Furins are serine endoproteases that process precursor proteins into their biologically active forms, and they play essential roles in normal metabolism and disease presentation, including promoting expression of bacterial virulence factors and viral pathogenesis. Thus, furins represent vital targets for development of antimicrobial and antiviral therapeutics. Recent experimental evidence indicated that dichlorophenyl (DCP)-pyridine "BOS" drugs (e.g., BOS-318) competitively inhibit human furin by an induced-fit mechanism in which tryptophan W254 in the furin catalytic cleft (FCC) functions as a molecular gate, rotating nearly 180o through a steep energy barrier about its chi-1 dihedral to an "open" orientation, exposing a buried (i.e., cryptic) hydrophobic pocket 1. Once exposed, the non-polar DCP group of BOS-318, and similar halo-phenyl groups of analogs, enter the cryptic pocket, stabilizing drug binding. Here, we demonstrate flexible-receptor docking of BOS-318 (and various analogs) was unable to emulate the induced-fit motif, even when tryptophan was replaced with less bulky phenylalanine or glycine. While either substitution allowed access to the hydrophobic pocket for most ligands tested, optimal binding was observed only for W254, inferring a stabilizing effect of the indole sidechain. Furthermore, non-equilibrium steered molecular dynamics (sMD) in which the bound drugs (or their fragments) were extracted from the FCC did not cause closure of the open W254 gate, consistent with the thermodynamic stability of the open or closed W254 orientations. Finally, interactive molecular dynamics (iMD) revealed two putative conduits of drug entry and binding into the FCC, each coupled with W254 dihedral rotation and opening of the cryptic pocket. The iMD simulations further revealed ligand entry and binding in the FCC is likely driven in part by energy fluxes stemming from disruption and re-formation of ligand and protein solvation shells during drug migration from the solution phase into the FCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - John D. Orbell
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- College of Sport, Health & Engineering, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
| | | | | | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sotiris Tsiodras
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilis G. Gorgoulis
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
- Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, M20 4GJ Manchester, UK
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7XH Surrey, UK
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, VIC, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne 3021, VIC, Australia
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug/NeoFar PC, Patras Science Park, Patras 26504, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, VIC, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mekary W, Fares S, Abdulhai F, Massoud G, Refaat M, Mericskay M, Booz GW, Zouein FA. Assessing the outcomes of prescribing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers for COVID-19 patients. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19373. [PMID: 37662725 PMCID: PMC10472216 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with heart failure were affected severely by COVID-19. Most heart failure patients are on guideline directed medical therapy, which includes ACE inhibitors (ACEI) and ARBs. These medications were controversial at the beginning of the pandemic due to their interplay with the receptor that SARS-CoV-2 binds in the lungs. We investigated the effect that ACEI and ARB had on patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Methods We recruited 176 patients with COVID-19 infection and cardiovascular comorbidities at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon. Of these, 110 patients were taking ACEI or ARB and 66 were not. We collected clinical data and looked at inflammatory markers such as CRP and IL-6 and cardiac markers such as troponin T. We also reported the incidence of ARDS, sepsis, and death of each patient, and compared the 2 groups. Results We found that patients taking ACEI and ARB had a statistically significant decrease in levels of troponin T, IL-6, and CRP compared to patients not taking these medications (p < 0.05). We found no difference in rates of ARDS, sepsis, or death between the 2 groups. Conclusion Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system had no effect on the mortality of patients with COVID-19 and on their overall disease progression. However, it may be beneficial not to stop these medications as they decrease inflammation in the body and the levels of troponin, which are related to increased stress on the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Mekary
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- The Cardiovascular Renal And Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souha Fares
- Hariri School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Abdulhai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine/Cardiac Electrophysiology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Gaelle Massoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- The Cardiovascular Renal And Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Reproductive Sciences & Women's Health Research, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Marwan Refaat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine/Cardiac Electrophysiology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Clinical Research Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mathias Mericskay
- Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, France
| | - George W. Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Fouad A. Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- The Cardiovascular Renal And Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, France
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS. RAAS inhibitors in COVID-19: They are not all the same! Rev Port Cardiol 2023; 42:815-816. [PMID: 37353197 PMCID: PMC10282925 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chia Siang Kow
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, United Kingdom; School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mulgaonkar N, Wang H, Zhang J, Roundy CM, Tang W, Chaki SP, Pauvolid-Corrêa A, Hamer GL, Fernando S. Montelukast and Telmisartan as Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1891. [PMID: 37514075 PMCID: PMC10385313 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier studies with montelukast (M) and telmisartan (T) have revealed their potential antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 wild-type (WT) but have not assessed their efficacy against emerging Variants of Concern (VOCs) such as Omicron. Our research fills this gap by investigating these drugs' impact on VOCs, a topic that current scientific literature has largely overlooked. We employed computational methodologies, including molecular mechanics and machine learning tools, to identify drugs that could potentially disrupt the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD-ACE2 protein interaction. This led to the identification of two FDA-approved small molecule drugs, M and T, conventionally used for treating asthma and hypertension, respectively. Our study presents an additional potential use for these drugs as antivirals. Our results show that both M and T can inhibit not only the WT SARS-CoV-2 but also, in the case of M, the Omicron variant, without reaching cytotoxic concentrations. This novel finding fills an existing gap in the literature and introduces the possibility of repurposing these drugs for SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, an essential step in responding to the evolving global pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirmitee Mulgaonkar
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Haoqi Wang
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Junrui Zhang
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Wendy Tang
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sankar Prasad Chaki
- Texas A&M Global Health Research Complex, Division of Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Alex Pauvolid-Corrêa
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sandun Fernando
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Di Stefano L, Ram M, Scharfstein DO, Li T, Khanal P, Baksh SN, McBee N, Bengtson CD, Gadomski A, Geriak M, Puskarich MA, Salathe MA, Schutte AE, Tignanelli CJ, Victory J, Bierer BE, Hanley DF, Freilich DA. Losartan in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in North America: An individual participant data meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33904. [PMID: 37335665 PMCID: PMC10256351 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have been hypothesized to benefit patients with COVID-19 via the inhibition of viral entry and other mechanisms. We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis assessing the effect of starting the ARB losartan in recently hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS We searched ClinicalTrials.gov in January 2021 for U.S./Canada-based trials where an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/ARB was a treatment arm, targeted outcomes could be extrapolated, and data sharing was allowed. Our primary outcome was a 7-point COVID-19 ordinal score measured 13 to 16 days post-enrollment. We analyzed data by fitting multilevel Bayesian ordinal regression models and standardizing the resulting predictions. RESULTS 325 participants (156 losartan vs 169 control) from 4 studies contributed IPD. Three were randomized trials; one used non-randomized concurrent and historical controls. Baseline covariates were reasonably balanced for the randomized trials. All studies evaluated losartan. We found equivocal evidence of a difference in ordinal scores 13-16 days post-enrollment (model-standardized odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.76-1.71; adjusted OR 1.15, 95% CrI 0.15-3.59) and no compelling evidence of treatment effect heterogeneity among prespecified subgroups. Losartan had worse effects for those taking corticosteroids at baseline after adjusting for covariates (ratio of adjusted ORs 0.29, 95% CrI 0.08-0.99). Hypotension serious adverse event rates were numerically higher with losartan. CONCLUSIONS In this IPD meta-analysis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, we found no convincing evidence for the benefit of losartan versus control treatment, but a higher rate of hypotension adverse events with losartan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon Di Stefano
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Malathi Ram
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Division of Brain Injury Outcomes, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Daniel O. Scharfstein
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Tianjing Li
- University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO
| | - Preeti Khanal
- Division of Brain Injury Outcomes, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Nichol McBee
- Division of Brain Injury Outcomes, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Charles D. Bengtson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, KS City, KS
| | - Anne Gadomski
- Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY
| | | | - Michael A. Puskarich
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Matthias A. Salathe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, KS City, KS
| | - Aletta E. Schutte
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Victory
- Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY
| | - Barbara E. Bierer
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel F. Hanley
- Division of Brain Injury Outcomes, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Daniel A. Freilich
- Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kiouri DP, Ntallis C, Kelaidonis K, Peana M, Tsiodras S, Mavromoustakos T, Giuliani A, Ridgway H, Moore GJ, Matsoukas JM, Chasapis CT. Network-Based Prediction of Side Effects of Repurposed Antihypertensive Sartans against COVID-19 via Proteome and Drug-Target Interactomes. Proteomes 2023; 11:21. [PMID: 37368467 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes11020021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of targeting the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) as a treatment for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently under investigation. One way to combat this disease involves the repurposing of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which are antihypertensive drugs, because they bind to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which in turn interacts with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. However, there has been no in silico analysis of the potential toxicity risks associated with the use of these drugs for the treatment of COVID-19. To address this, a network-based bioinformatics methodology was used to investigate the potential side effects of known Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antihypertensive drugs, Sartans. This involved identifying the human proteins targeted by these drugs, their first neighbors, and any drugs that bind to them using publicly available experimentally supported data, and subsequently constructing proteomes and protein-drug interactomes. This methodology was also applied to Pfizer's Paxlovid, an antiviral drug approved by the FDA for emergency use in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 treatment. The study compares the results for both drug categories and examines the potential for off-target effects, undesirable involvement in various biological processes and diseases, possible drug interactions, and the potential reduction in drug efficiency resulting from proteoform identification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Despoina P Kiouri
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Ntallis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Graham J Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - John M Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ilerhunmwuwa NP, Inyang L, Hakobyan N, Wasifuddin M, Tahir M, Aiwuyo H, Ankah P, Torere BE, Amaechi UM, Wang JC. Outcomes of COVID-19 hospitalizations in patients with sickle cell disease: A nationwide analysis. Eur J Haematol 2023. [PMID: 37290934 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a paucity of data on the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the United States. We examined the outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and SCD. METHODS We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify the data of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and SCD in 2020 using the International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision codes. In-hospital outcomes (invasive mechanical ventilation and mortality) were compared between SCD and non-SCD groups. RESULTS Of the 1 057 550 COVID-19 hospitalizations, 2870 (0.3%) had SCD. The median age of the SCD group was 42 (IQR: 31) vs. 66 (IQR: 23) in the non-SCD group (p < .0001). Patients with SCD were likely to be females (62.02% vs. 37.98%, p < .0001), Blacks (87.81% vs. 12.19%, p < .0001), and in the lowest income quartile (50.62% vs. 11.15%, p < .0001). There was no difference in the outcomes between the two groups. There were increased odds of invasive mechanical ventilation and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 in Asians, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Blacks (except for in-hospital mortality) compared to Whites. CONCLUSION In-hospital mortality and invasive mechanical ventilation outcomes in SCD are comparable to that in non-SCD patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nosakhare Paul Ilerhunmwuwa
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Lawrence Inyang
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Narek Hakobyan
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mustafa Wasifuddin
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Muhammad Tahir
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Henry Aiwuyo
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Paul Ankah
- Department of Internal Medicine, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Beatrice E Torere
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA
| | - Uchenna M Amaechi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jen Chin Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, One Brooklyn Health/Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Boulos PK, Freeman SV, Henry TD, Mahmud E, Messenger JC. Interaction of COVID-19 With Common Cardiovascular Disorders. Circ Res 2023; 132:1259-1271. [PMID: 37167359 PMCID: PMC10171313 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321952] [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] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The onset and widespread dissemination of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in late 2019 impacted the world in a way not seen since the 1918 H1N1 pandemic, colloquially known as the Spanish Flu. Much like the Spanish Flu, which was observed to disproportionately impact young adults, it became clear in the early days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that certain groups appeared to be at higher risk for severe illness once infected. One such group that immediately came to the forefront and garnered international attention was patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Here, we examine the available literature describing the interaction of COVID-19 with a myriad of cardiovascular conditions and diseases, paying particular attention to patients diagnosed with arrythmias, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. We further discuss the association of acute COVID-19 with de novo cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction due to coronary thrombosis, myocarditis, and new onset arrhythmias. We will evaluate various biochemical theories to explain these findings, including possible mechanisms of direct myocardial injury caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 virus at the cellular level. Finally, we will discuss the strategies employed by numerous groups and governing bodies within the cardiovascular disease community to address the unprecedented challenges posed to the care of our most vulnerable patients, including heart transplant recipients, end-stage heart failure patients, and patients suffering from acute coronary syndromes, during the early days and height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter K. Boulos
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Aurora (P.K.B., S.V.F., J.C.M.)
| | - Scott V. Freeman
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Aurora (P.K.B., S.V.F., J.C.M.)
| | - Timothy D. Henry
- The Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH (T.D.H.)
| | - Ehtisham Mahmud
- Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla (E.M.)
| | - John C. Messenger
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Aurora (P.K.B., S.V.F., J.C.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kelaidonis K, Ligielli I, Letsios S, Vidali VP, Mavromoustakos T, Vassilaki N, Moore GJ, Hoffmann W, Węgrzyn K, Ridgway H, Chasapis CT, Matsoukas JM. Computational and Enzymatic Studies of Sartans in SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 Binding: The Role of Tetrazole and Perspectives as Antihypertensive and COVID-19 Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098454. [PMID: 37176159 PMCID: PMC10179460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is an extension of current research into a novel class of synthetic antihypertensive drugs referred to as "bisartans", which are bis-alkylated imidazole derivatives bearing two symmetric anionic biphenyltetrazoles. Research to date indicates that bisartans are superior to commercially available hypertension drugs, since the former undergo stronger docking to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is the key receptor involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, thus initiating COVID-19 infection and in regulating levels of vasoactive peptides such as angiotensin II and beneficial heptapeptides A(1-7) and Alamandine in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In previous studies using in vivo rabbit-iliac arterial models, we showed that Na+ or K+ salts of selected Bisartans initiate a potent dose-response inhibition of vasoconstriction. Furthermore, computational studies revealed that bisartans undergo stable binding to the vital interfacial region between ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 "receptor binding domain" (i.e., the viral RBD). Thus, bisartan homologs are expected to interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or suppress disease expression in humans. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the role of tetrazole in binding and the network of amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD-ACE2 complex involved in interactions with sartans. This study would, furthermore, allow the expansion of the synthetic space to create a diverse suite of new bisartans in conjunction with detailed computational and in vitro antiviral studies. A critical role for tetrazole was uncovered in this study, shedding light on the vital importance of this group in the binding of sartans and bisartans to the ACE2/Spike complex. The in silico data predicting an interaction of tetrazole-containing sartans with ACE2 were experimentally validated by the results of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses performed with a recombinant human ACE2 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Ligielli
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Veroniki P Vidali
- Natural Products and Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, NCSR "Demokritos", 15341 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Vassilaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Graham J Moore
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Weronika Hoffmann
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, University of Gdańsk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Christos T Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - John M Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Swiderski J, Gadanec LK, Apostolopoulos V, Moore GJ, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas JM, Zulli A. Role of Angiotensin II in Cardiovascular Diseases: Introducing Bisartans as a Novel Therapy for Coronavirus 2019. Biomolecules 2023; 13:787. [PMID: 37238657 PMCID: PMC10216788 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050787] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the main contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Major pathogenic phenotypes of CVDs include the development of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and hyper-inflammatory responses. These phenotypes have been found to overlap with the pathophysiological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). CVDs have been identified as major risk factors for severe and fatal COVID-19 states. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, its dysregulation is observed in CVDs, where upregulation of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling via angiotensin II (AngII) leads to the AngII-dependent pathogenic development of CVDs. Additionally, the interaction between the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 leads to the downregulation of the latter, resulting in the dysregulation of the RAS. This dysregulation favors AngII/AT1R toxic signaling pathways, providing a mechanical link between cardiovascular pathology and COVID-19. Therefore, inhibiting AngII/AT1R signaling through angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) has been indicated as a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of COVID-19. Herein, we review the role of AngII in CVDs and its upregulation in COVID-19. We also provide a future direction for the potential implication of a novel class of ARBs called bisartans, which are speculated to contain multifunctional targeting towards COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Swiderski
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| | - Laura Kate Gadanec
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Graham J. Moore
- Pepmetics Incorporated, 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V8Y 3H4, Canada;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | - John M. Matsoukas
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26500 Patras, Greece;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; (J.S.); (L.K.G.); (V.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dutsch A, Schunkert H. RAAS inhibition and beyond-cardiovascular medications in patients at risk of or affected by COVID-19. Herz 2023:10.1007/s00059-023-05168-4. [PMID: 37097476 PMCID: PMC10127983 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-023-05168-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Causal therapy is still in its infancy. Contrary to initial views that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may increase the risk for a deleterious disease course, it has been shown that these agents may actually be beneficial for patients affected by COVID-19. In this article, we provide an overview of the three most commonly used classes of drugs in cardiovascular disease (ACEi/ARB, statins, beta-blockers) and their potential role in COVID-19 therapy. More results from randomized clinical trials are necessary to identify patients that can benefit most from the use of the respective drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dutsch
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636, Munich, Germany
- DZHK e. V. (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Heribert Schunkert
- Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636, Munich, Germany.
- DZHK e. V. (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lawler PR, Derde LPG, van de Veerdonk FL, McVerry BJ, Huang DT, Berry LR, Lorenzi E, van Kimmenade R, Gommans F, Vaduganathan M, Leaf DE, Baron RM, Kim EY, Frankfurter C, Epelman S, Kwan Y, Grieve R, O'Neill S, Sadique Z, Puskarich M, Marshall JC, Higgins AM, Mouncey PR, Rowan KM, Al-Beidh F, Annane D, Arabi YM, Au C, Beane A, van Bentum-Puijk W, Bonten MJM, Bradbury CA, Brunkhorst FM, Burrell A, Buzgau A, Buxton M, Cecconi M, Cheng AC, Cove M, Detry MA, Estcourt LJ, Ezekowitz J, Fitzgerald M, Gattas D, Godoy LC, Goossens H, Haniffa R, Harrison DA, Hills T, Horvat CM, Ichihara N, Lamontagne F, Linstrum KM, McAuley DF, McGlothlin A, McGuinness SP, McQuilten Z, Murthy S, Nichol AD, Owen DRJ, Parke RL, Parker JC, Pollock KM, Reyes LF, Saito H, Santos MS, Saunders CT, Seymour CW, Shankar-Hari M, Singh V, Turgeon AF, Turner AM, Zarychanski R, Green C, Lewis RJ, Angus DC, Berry S, Gordon AC, McArthur CJ, Webb SA. Effect of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Initiation on Organ Support-Free Days in Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023; 329:1183-1196. [PMID: 37039790 PMCID: PMC10326520 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.4480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non-critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support-free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support-free days among critically ill patients was 10 (-1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (-1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support-free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02735707.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Lawler
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frank Gommans
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - David E Leaf
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca M Baron
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edy Y Kim
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Slava Epelman
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yvonne Kwan
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Richard Grieve
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen O'Neill
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zia Sadique
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Paul R Mouncey
- Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC), London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn M Rowan
- Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC), London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Djillali Annane
- Hospital Raymond Poincaré (Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris), Garches, France
- Université Versailles SQY - Université Paris Saclay, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Yaseen M Arabi
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Carly Au
- Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC), London, United Kingdom
| | - Abi Beane
- University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Meredith Buxton
- Global Coalition for Adaptive Research, Larkspur, California
| | | | | | - Matthew Cove
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | - David Gattas
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lucas C Godoy
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Rashan Haniffa
- University of Oxford, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Intensive Care Surveillance (NICST), Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - David A Harrison
- Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre (ICNARC), London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Hills
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniel F McAuley
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | | | - Shay P McGuinness
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Alistair D Nichol
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David R J Owen
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute of Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael L Parke
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Luis Felipe Reyes
- Universidad de La Sabana, Chia, Colombia
- Clinica Universidad de La Sabana, Chia, Colombia
| | - Hiroki Saito
- St Marianna University School of Medicine, Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexis F Turgeon
- Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Canada
| | - Anne M Turner
- Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ), Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Roger J Lewis
- Berry Consultants, Austin, Texas
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California
- Statistical Editor, JAMA
| | - Derek C Angus
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Senior Editor, JAMA
| | | | - Anthony C Gordon
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, St Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Steve A Webb
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- St John of God Hospital, Subiaco, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gonçalves J, Santos CD, Fresco P, Fernandez-Llimos F. Potential use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors to reduce COVID-19 severity. Rev Port Cardiol 2023; 42:373-383. [PMID: 36893838 PMCID: PMC9999244 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2022.02.014] [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: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection and its clinical manifestations (COVID-19) quickly evolved to a pandemic and a global public health emergency. The limited effectivity of available treatments aimed at reducing virus replication and the lessons learned from other coronavirus infections (SARS-CoV-1 or NL63) that share the internalization process of SARS-CoV-2, led us to revisit the COVID-19 pathogenesis and potential treatments. Virus protein S binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) initiating the internalization process. Endosome formation removes ACE2 from the cellular membrane preventing its counter-regulative effect mediated by the metabolism of angiotensin II to angiotensin (1-7). Internalized virus-ACE2 complexes have been identified for these coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 presents the highest affinity for ACE2 and produces the most severe symptoms. Assuming ACE2 internalization is the trigger for COVID-19 pathogenesis, accumulation of angiotensin II can be viewed as the potential cause of symptoms. Angiotensin II is a strong vasoconstrictor, but has also important roles in hypertrophy, inflammation, remodeling, and apoptosis. Higher levels of ACE2 in the lungs explain the acute respiratory distress syndrome as primary symptoms. Most of the described findings and clinical manifestations of COVID-19, including increased interleukin levels, endothelial inflammation, hypercoagulability, myocarditis, dysgeusia, inflammatory neuropathies, epileptic seizures and memory disorders can be explained by excessive angiotensin II levels. Several meta-analyses have demonstrated that previous use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers were associated with better prognosis for COVID-19. Therefore, pragmatic trials to assess the potential therapeutic benefits of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors should be urgently promoted by health authorities to widen the therapeutic options for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I(3)S: Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Catarina D Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Fresco
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; I(3)S: Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Llimos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rothlin RP, Pelorosso FG, Duarte M, Nicolosi L, Ignacio FC, Salgado MV, Vetulli H. Telmisartan and losartan: The marked differences between their chemical and pharmacological properties may explain the difference in therapeutic efficacy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2023; 11:e01083. [PMID: 37038324 PMCID: PMC10086312 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Pedro Rothlin
- Sociedad Argentina de Farmacología Clínica, Asociación Médica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo Germán Pelorosso
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Mariano Duarte
- Laboratorio de Hipertensión, División de Cardiología, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Segunda Cátedra de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Nicolosi
- División de Cardiología, Hospital Español de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernandez Criado Ignacio
- Sección de Tecnología Educativa e Informática Médica, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Salgado
- Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Servicio de Medicina Familiar, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Héctor Vetulli
- Servicio de Electrofisiología Cardíaca, Arritmias y Marcapasos, Sanatorio Otamendi y Miroli, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mackey K, Kansagara D, Vela K. Update Alert 10: Risks and Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors or Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers on SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Adults. Ann Intern Med 2023; 176:eL230049. [PMID: 36940439 PMCID: PMC10064412 DOI: 10.7326/l23-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kathryn Vela
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Treating COVID-19: Targeting the Host Response, Not the Virus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030712. [PMID: 36983871 PMCID: PMC10054780 DOI: 10.3390/life13030712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), inexpensive generic drugs like statins, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs, especially if used in combination, might be the only practical way to save the lives of patients with severe COVID-19. These drugs will already be available in all countries on the first pandemic day. Because they target the host response to infection instead of the virus, they could be used to save lives during any pandemic. Observational studies show that inpatient statin treatment reduces 28–30-day mortality but randomized controlled trials have failed to show this benefit. Combination treatment has been tested for antivirals and dexamethasone but, with the exception of one observational study in Belgium, not for inexpensive generic drugs. Future pandemic research must include testing combination generic drug treatments that could be used in LMICs.
Collapse
|
33
|
Salim MM, Radwan AS, Hadad GM, Belal F, Elkhoudary MM. Green fluorometric strategy for simultaneous determination of the antihypertensive drug telmisartan (A tentative therapeutic for COVID-19) with Nebivolol in human plasma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3576. [PMID: 36864220 PMCID: PMC9980868 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30400-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Telmisartan (TEL) and Nebivolol (NEB) are frequently co-formulated in a single dosage form that is frequently prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, moreover, telmisartan is currently proposed to be used to treat COVID19-induced lung inflammation. Green rapid, simple, and sensitive synchronous spectrofluorimetric techniques for simultaneous estimation of TEL and NEB in their co-formulated pharmaceutical preparations and human plasma were developed and validated. Synchronous fluorescence intensity at 335 nm was used for TEL determination (Method I). For the mixture, the first derivative synchronous peak amplitudes (D1) at 296.3 and 320.5 nm were used for simultaneous estimation of NEB and TEL, respectively (Method II). The calibration plots were rectilinear over the concentration ranges of 30-550 ng/mL, and 50-800 ng/mL for NEB and TEL, respectively. The high sensitivity of the developed methods allowed for their analysis in human plasma samples. NEB`s Quantum yield was estimated by applying the single-point method. The greenness of the proposed approaches was evaluated using the Eco-scale, National Environmental Method Index (NEMI), and Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Salim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University- Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Aya Saad Radwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University- Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Hadad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Fathalla Belal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M Elkhoudary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University- Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Angeli F, Zappa M, Reboldi G, Gentile G, Trapasso M, Spanevello A, Verdecchia P. The spike effect of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines on blood pressure. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 109:12-21. [PMID: 36528504 PMCID: PMC9744686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Among the various comorbidities potentially worsening the clinical outcome in patients hospitalized for the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), hypertension is one of the most prevalent. However, the basic mechanisms underlying the development of severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among hypertensive patients remain undefined and the direct association of hypertension with outcome in COVID-19 is still a field of debate. Experimental and clinical data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes a rise in blood pressure (BP) during the acute phase of infection. Acute increase in BP and high in-hospital BP variability may be tied with acute organ damage and a worse outcome in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. In this context, the failure of the counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) axis is a potentially relevant mechanism involved in the raise in BP. It is well recognized that the efficient binding of the Spike (S) protein to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors mediates the virus entry into cells. Internalization of ACE2, downregulation and malfunction predominantly due to viral occupation, dysregulates the protective RAS axis with increased generation and activity of angiotensin (Ang) II and reduced formation of Ang1,7. Thus, the imbalance between Ang II and Ang1-7 can directly contribute to excessively rise BP in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A similar mechanism has been postulated to explain the raise in BP following COVID-19 vaccination ("Spike Effect" similar to that observed during the infection of SARS-CoV-2). S proteins produced upon vaccination have the native-like mimicry of SARS-CoV-2 S protein's receptor binding functionality and prefusion structure and free-floating S proteins released by the destroyed cells previously targeted by vaccines may interact with ACE2 of other cells, thereby promoting ACE2 internalization and degradation, and loss of ACE2 activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Angeli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy; Department of Medicine and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Maugeri Care and Research Institute, IRCCS Tradate, 21049, Italy.
| | - Martina Zappa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Reboldi
- Department of Medicine, and Centro di Ricerca Clinica e Traslazionale (CERICLET), University of Perugia, Perugia, 06100, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gentile
- College of Medicine and Health. University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom and Department of Nephrology, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Truro, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Trapasso
- Dipartimento di Igiene e Prevenzione Sanitaria, PSAL, Sede Territoriale di Varese, ATS Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Antonio Spanevello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, 21100, Italy; Department of Medicine and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Maugeri Care and Research Institute, IRCCS Tradate, 21049, Italy
| | - Paolo Verdecchia
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, and Fondazione Umbra Cuore e Ipertensione-ONLUS, Perugia, 06100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Paguio JA, Casipit BA, John TA, Balu A, Lo KB. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers and outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:219-226. [PMID: 36821251 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2184351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our prior analysis demonstrated no significant difference in risk of mortality or disease progression among patients with COVID-19. With the availability of findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we provide an updated review of RCTs which explored the outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 treated with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor (ACEis)/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) versus control. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis covers RCTs exploring mortality, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients treated with ACEi/ARBs. RESULTS Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis. For mortality with ACEi/ARB utilization among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the pooled risk ratio (RR) was 0.97 (95% CI 0.64-1.47, p = 0.89) with heterogeneity of 26%. Further, the pooled RR for ACEi/ARB use on ICU admission and mechanical ventilation were 0.55 (0.55-1.08, p = 0.13) with a heterogeneity of 0% and 1.02 (0.78-1.32, p = 0.91) with a heterogeneity of 0%, respectively. CONCLUSION Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the use of ACEi/ARB was not associated with increased risk of mortality, ICU admission, or mechanical ventilation compared to control. These findings support continuation of ACEi/ARB for whom baseline clinical indications for these agents exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Alexander Paguio
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bruce Adrian Casipit
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tara A John
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aniruddh Balu
- Longfellow Middle School, Fairfax, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Bryan Lo
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Piplani S, Singh P, Petrovsky N, Winkler DA. Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Drugs Binding to the Spike Fatty Acid Binding Pocket Using In Silico Docking and Molecular Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044192. [PMID: 36835602 PMCID: PMC9966092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs against novel targets are needed to treat COVID-19 patients, especially as SARS-CoV-2 is capable of rapid mutation. Structure-based de novo drug design and repurposing of drugs and natural products is a rational approach to discovering potentially effective therapies. These in silico simulations can quickly identify existing drugs with known safety profiles that can be repurposed for COVID-19 treatment. Here, we employ the newly identified spike protein free fatty acid binding pocket structure to identify repurposing candidates as potential SARS-CoV-2 therapies. Using a validated docking and molecular dynamics protocol effective at identifying repurposing candidates inhibiting other SARS-CoV-2 molecular targets, this study provides novel insights into the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its potential regulation by endogenous hormones and drugs. Some of the predicted repurposing candidates have already been demonstrated experimentally to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 activity, but most of the candidate drugs have yet to be tested for activity against the virus. We also elucidated a rationale for the effects of steroid and sex hormones and some vitamins on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Piplani
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5046, Australia
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Warradale 5046, Australia
| | - Puneet Singh
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5046, Australia
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Warradale 5046, Australia
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5046, Australia
- Vaxine Pty Ltd., 11 Walkley Avenue, Warradale 5046, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - David A. Winkler
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville 3052, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lung Injury in COVID-19 Has Pulmonary Edema as an Important Component and Treatment with Furosemide and Negative Fluid Balance (NEGBAL) Decreases Mortality. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041542. [PMID: 36836076 PMCID: PMC9966668 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041542] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV2 promotes dysregulation of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone. The result is excessive retention of water, producing a state of noxious hypervolemia. Consequently, in COVID-19 injury lung is pulmonary edema. Our report is a case-control study, retrospective. We included 116 patients with moderate-severe COVID-19 lung injury. A total of 58 patients received standard care (Control group). A total of 58 patients received a standard treatment with a more negative fluid balance (NEGBAL group), consisting of hydric restriction and diuretics. Analyzing the mortality of the population studied, it was observed that the NEGBAL group had lower mortality than the Control group, p = 0.001. Compared with Controls, the NEGBAL group had significantly fewer days of hospital stay (p < 0.001), fewer days of ICU stay (p < 0.001), and fewer days of IMV (p < 0.001). The regressive analysis between PaO2/FiO2BAL and NEGBAL demonstrated correlation (p = 0.04). Compared with Controls, the NEGBAL group showed significant progressive improvement in PaO2/FiO2 (p < 0.001), CT score (p < 0.001). The multivariate model, the vaccination variables, and linear trends resulted in p = 0.671 and quadratic trends p = 0.723, whilst the accumulated fluid balance is p < 0.001. Although the study has limitations, the promising results encourage more research on this different therapeutic approach, since in our research it decreases mortality.
Collapse
|
38
|
Ridgway H, Ntallis C, Chasapis CT, Kelaidonis K, Matsoukas MT, Plotas P, Apostolopoulos V, Moore G, Tsiodras S, Paraskevis D, Mavromoustakos T, Matsoukas JM. Molecular Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2: The Dominant Role of Arginine in Mutations and Infectivity. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020309. [PMID: 36851526 PMCID: PMC9963001 DOI: 10.3390/v15020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background, Aims, Methods, Results, Conclusions: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global challenge due to its ability to mutate into variants that spread more rapidly than the wild-type virus. The molecular biology of this virus has been extensively studied and computational methods applied are an example paradigm for novel antiviral drug therapies. The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the human population is driven, in part, by mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S-) protein, some of which enable tighter binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2). More stable RBD-ACE2 association is coupled with accelerated hydrolysis by proteases, such as furin, trypsin, and the Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) that augment infection rates, while inhibition of the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) can prevent the viral replication. Additionally, non-RBD and non-interfacial mutations may assist the S-protein in adopting thermodynamically favorable conformations for stronger binding. This study aimed to report variant distribution of SARS-CoV-2 across European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and relate mutations with the driving forces that trigger infections. Variants' distribution data for SARS-CoV-2 across EU/EEA countries were mined from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) based on the sequence or genotyping data that are deposited in the Global Science Initiative for providing genomic data (GISAID) and The European Surveillance System (TESSy) databases. Docking studies performed with AutoDock VINA revealed stabilizing interactions of putative antiviral drugs, e.g., selected anionic imidazole biphenyl tetrazoles, with the ACE2 receptor in the RBD-ACE2 complex. The driving forces of key mutations for Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa, Lambda, and Omicron variants, which stabilize the RBD-ACE2 complex, were investigated by computational approaches. Arginine is the critical amino acid in the polybasic furin cleavage sites S1/S2 (681-PRRARS-686) S2' (814-KRS-816). Critical mutations into arginine residues that were found in the delta variant (L452R, P681R) and may be responsible for the increased transmissibility and morbidity are also present in two widely spreading omicron variants, named BA.4.6 and BQ.1, where mutation R346T in the S-protein potentially contributes to neutralization escape. Arginine binders, such as Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), could be a class of novel drugs for treating COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry Ridgway
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, VIC, Australia
- AquaMem Consultants, Rodeo, NM 88056, USA
| | - Charalampos Ntallis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos T. Chasapis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Panagiotis Plotas
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, VIC, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne 3021, VIC, Australia
| | - Graham Moore
- Pepmetics Inc., 772 Murphy Place, Victoria, BC V6Y 3H4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Mavromoustakos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11571 Athens, Greece
| | - John M. Matsoukas
- NewDrug PC, Patras Science Park, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3030, VIC, Australia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen D, Yun X, Lee D, DiCostanzo JR, Donini O, Shikuma CM, Thompson K, Lehrer AT, Shimoda L, Suk JS. Telmisartan Nanosuspension for Inhaled Therapy of COVID-19 Lung Disease and Other Respiratory Infections. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:750-757. [PMID: 36448927 PMCID: PMC9718101 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy and the occurrence of elusive variants necessitate further treatment options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Accumulated evidence indicates that clinically used hypertensive drugs, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may benefit patients by mitigating disease severity and/or viral propagation. However, current clinical formulations administered orally pose systemic safety concerns and likely require a very high dose to achieve the desired therapeutic window in the lung. To address these limitations, we have developed a nanosuspension formulation of an ARB, entirely based on clinically approved materials, for inhaled treatment of COVID-19. We confirmed in vitro that our formulation exhibits physiological stability, inherent drug activity, and inhibitory effect against SARV-CoV-2 replication. Our formulation also demonstrates excellent lung pharmacokinetics and acceptable tolerability in rodents and/or nonhuman primates following direct administration into the lung. Thus, we are currently pursuing clinical development of our formulation for its uses in patients with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daiqin Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Xin Yun
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daiheon Lee
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | | | - Cecilia M. Shikuma
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Karen Thompson
- Department of Pathology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Axel T. Lehrer
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology & Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Larissa Shimoda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- Center for Nanomedicine, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Over 2 years have passed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed millions of lives. Unlike the early days of the pandemic, when management decisions were based on extrapolations from in vitro data, case reports and case series, clinicians are now equipped with an armamentarium of therapies based on high-quality evidence. These treatments are spread across seven main therapeutic categories: anti-inflammatory agents, antivirals, antithrombotics, therapies for acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, anti-SARS-CoV-2 (neutralizing) antibody therapies, modulators of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and vitamins. For each of these treatments, the patient population characteristics and clinical settings in which they were studied are important considerations. Although few direct comparisons have been performed, the evidence base and magnitude of benefit for anti-inflammatory and antiviral agents clearly outweigh those of other therapeutic approaches such as vitamins. The emergence of novel variants has further complicated the interpretation of much of the available evidence, particularly for antibody therapies. Importantly, patients with acute and chronic kidney disease were under-represented in many of the COVID-19 clinical trials, and outcomes in this population might differ from those reported in the general population. Here, we examine the clinical evidence for these therapies through a kidney medicine lens.
Collapse
|
41
|
Roy R, McDonaugh B, O'Gallagher K. COVID-19 and the heart. Br Med Bull 2022; 144:4-11. [PMID: 36155748 PMCID: PMC9619476 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence for a bi-directional relationship between COVID-19 and the cardiovascular (CV) system. SOURCE OF DATA Published literature. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Pre-existing heart failure (HF) increases the risk of mortality with COVID-19. CV complications are recognized, including increased rates of acute coronary syndromes, HF, arrhythmia and myocarditis. Drugs targeting the angiotensin system are safe and may provide prognostic benefit. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Vaccination as a cause of myocarditis remains a key area of contention. GROWING POINTS As the pandemic progresses, we are gaining more data about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the CV system: long COVID, and medium-to-long-term increases in CV risk. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Large-scale longitudinal studies will shed light on long-term CV outcomes with COVID-19. Furthermore, the differential effects of COVID-19 variants on the CV system must be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Roy
- Cardiovascular Department, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | | | - Kevin O'Gallagher
- Cardiovascular Department, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 9RS, UK.,British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Silva-Aguiar RP, Teixeira DE, Peres RAS, Peruchetti DB, Gomes CP, Schmaier AH, Rocco PRM, Pinheiro AAS, Caruso-Neves C. Subclinical Acute Kidney Injury in COVID-19: Possible Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214193. [PMID: 36430671 PMCID: PMC9693299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, a bidirectional interaction between kidney disease and the progression of COVID-19 has been demonstrated. Kidney disease is an independent risk factor for mortality of patients with COVID-19 as well as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leading to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with COVID-19. However, the detection of kidney damage in patients with COVID-19 may not occur until an advanced stage based on the current clinical blood and urinary examinations. Some studies have pointed out the development of subclinical acute kidney injury (subAKI) syndrome with COVID-19. This syndrome is characterized by significant tubule interstitial injury without changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Despite the complexity of the mechanism(s) underlying the development of subAKI, the involvement of changes in the protein endocytosis machinery in proximal tubule (PT) epithelial cells (PTECs) has been proposed. This paper focuses on the data relating to subAKI and COVID-19 and the role of PTECs and their protein endocytosis machinery in its pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo P. Silva-Aguiar
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Douglas E. Teixeira
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A. S. Peres
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Diogo B. Peruchetti
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Carlos P. Gomes
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
| | - Alvin H. Schmaier
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Patricia R. M. Rocco
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health-NanoSAÚDE, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Acacia S. Pinheiro
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health-NanoSAÚDE, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Celso Caruso-Neves
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Innovation Network in Nanosystems for Health-NanoSAÚDE, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jardine MJ, Kotwal SS, Bassi A, Hockham C, Jones M, Wilcox A, Pollock C, Burrell LM, McGree J, Rathore V, Jenkins CR, Gupta L, Ritchie A, Bangi A, D'Cruz S, McLachlan AJ, Finfer S, Cummins MM, Snelling T, Jha V. Angiotensin receptor blockers for the treatment of covid-19: pragmatic, adaptive, multicentre, phase 3, randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2022; 379:e072175. [PMID: 36384746 PMCID: PMC9667467 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether disrupting the renin angiotensin system with angiotensin receptor blockers will improve clinical outcomes in people with covid-19. DESIGN CLARITY was a pragmatic, adaptive, multicentre, phase 3, randomised controlled trial. SETTING 17 hospital sites in India and Australia. PARTICIPANTS Participants were at least 18 years old, previously untreated with angiotensin receptor blockers, with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection who had been admitted to hospital for management of covid-19. INTERVENTION Oral angiotensin receptor blockers (telmisartan in India) or placebo (1:1) for 28 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was covid-19 disease severity using a modified World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale (WHO scale) at day 14. Secondary outcomes were WHO scale scores at day 28, mortality, intensive care unit admission, and respiratory failure. Analyses were evaluated on an ordinal scale in the intention-to-treat population. RESULTS Between 3 May 2020 and 13 November 2021, 2930 people were screened for eligibility, with 393 randomly assigned to angiotensin receptor blockers (of which 388 (98.7%) to telmisartan 40 mg/day) and 394 to the control group. 787 participants were randomised: 778 (98.9%) from India and nine (1.1%) from Australia. The median WHO scale score at day 14 was 1 (interquartile range 1-1) in 384 participants assigned angiotensin receptor blockers and 1 (1-1) in 382 participants assigned placebo (adjusted odds ratio 1.51 (95% credible interval 1.02 to 2.23), probability of an odds ratio of >1 (Pr(OR>1)=0.98). WHO scale scores at day 28 showed little evidence of difference between groups (1.02 (0.55 to 1.87), Pr(OR>1)=0.53). The trial was stopped when a prespecified futility rule was met. CONCLUSIONS In patients admitted to hospital for covid-19, mostly with mild disease, not requiring oxygen, no evidence of benefit, based on disease severity score, was found for treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers, using predominantly 40 mg/day of telmisartan. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04394117.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meg J Jardine
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | - Sradha S Kotwal
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, NSW, Australia
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Abhinav Bassi
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, New Delhi, India
| | - Carinna Hockham
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mark Jones
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Arlen Wilcox
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Carol Pollock
- Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Louise M Burrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Breathing and Sleep, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - James McGree
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Vinay Rathore
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, India
| | - Christine R Jenkins
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Lalit Gupta
- Maulana Azad Medical College and Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Angus Ritchie
- Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sanjay D'Cruz
- Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Finfer
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle M Cummins
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Snelling
- The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivekanand Jha
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, New Delhi, India
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Rocheleau GLY, Lee T, Russell JA. The authors reply. Crit Care Med 2022; 50:e797-e798. [PMID: 36227049 PMCID: PMC9555596 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve L Y Rocheleau
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of Limerick School of Medicine, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Terry Lee
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Science (CHEOS), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James A Russell
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Evaluating Risk: Benefit Ratio of Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation to SARS-CoV-2-Infected Autoimmune and Cancer Patients: Do Vitamin–Drug Interactions Exist? Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101654. [PMID: 36295089 PMCID: PMC9604733 DOI: 10.3390/life12101654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review brings attention to a crucial yet under-investigated subject which is vitamin–drug interactions. Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K have been proven to possess many beneficial effects in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Moreover, it has been reported that deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins have been directly linked to COVID-19 infection-related morbidity and mortality, especially in high-risk populations such as cancer and autoimmune patients. However, many vitamin–drug interactions exist between most of the newly COVID-19 FDA-approved medications and fat-soluble vitamins. Hence, this mandates personalizing the COVID-19 treatment protocols, especially for patients who have any deficiency in any of these vital vitamins. Weighing the risk-to-benefit ratio of supplementing any of these fat-soluble vitamins with COVID-19 medications is considered crucial to maximize the therapeutic benefit and decrease the side effects of these drugs. Abstract COVID-19 is a recent pandemic that mandated the scientific society to provide effective evidence-based therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment for such a global threat, especially to those patients who hold a higher risk of infection and complications, such as patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. Recent research has examined the role of various fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in reducing the severity of COVID-19 infection. Studies showed that deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins abrogates the immune system, thus rendering individuals more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, another line of evidence showed that supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins during the course of infection enhances the viral clearance episode by promoting an adequate immune response. However, more thorough research is needed to define the adequate use of vitamin supplements in cancer and autoimmune patients infected with COVID-19. Moreover, it is crucial to highlight the vitamin–drug interactions of the COVID-19 therapeutic modalities and fat-soluble vitamins. With an emphasis on cancer and autoimmune patients, the current review aims to clarify the role of fat-soluble vitamins in SARS-CoV-2 infection and to estimate the risk-to-benefit ratio of a fat-soluble supplement administered to patients taking FDA-approved COVID-19 medications such as antivirals, anti-inflammatory, receptor blockers, and monoclonal antibodies.
Collapse
|
46
|
Freilich D, Victory J, Jenkins P, Gadomski A. COVIDMED - An early pandemic randomized clinical trial of losartan treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 29:100968. [PMID: 35874909 PMCID: PMC9296371 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of losartan for COVID-19 patients. Methods COVIDMED was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled platform RCT. Enrollees were randomized to standard care plus hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, losartan, or placebo. Hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir arms were discontinued early. We report losartan data vs. combined (lopinavir-ritonavir and placebo) and prespecified placebo-only controls. The primary endpoint was the mean COVID-19 Ordinal Severity Score (COSS) slope of change. Slow enrollment prompted early termination. Results Fourteen patients were included in our final analysis (losartan [N = 9] vs. control [N = 5] [lopinavir/ritonavir [N = 2], placebo [N = 3]]). Most baseline parameters were balanced. Losartan treatment was not associated with a difference in mean COSS slope of change vs. combined (p = 0.4) or placebo-only control (p = 0.05) (trend favoring placebo). 60-day mortality and overall AE/SAE rates were insignificantly higher with losartan. Conclusion In this small RCT in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, losartan did not improve outcome and was associated with adverse safety signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Freilich
- Bassett Medical Center, 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, USA
| | - Jennifer Victory
- Bassett Research Institute, 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, USA
| | - Paul Jenkins
- Bassett Research Institute, 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, USA
| | - Anne Gadomski
- Bassett Research Institute, 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Schieffer E, Schieffer B. The rationale for the treatment of long-Covid symptoms – A cardiologist's view. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:992686. [PMID: 36186977 PMCID: PMC9520195 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.992686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic left us with thousands of patients suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and psychiatric disorders named post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 or just long-Covid. In parallel, the vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein saved millions of lives worldwide but long-Covid symptoms also appeared rarely following vaccination with a strong overlap to the “canonical” long-Covid symptoms. A therapeutic strategy targeting both, post-VAC and post-SARS-CoV-2 long-Covid symptoms is warranted since exposure to the S-protein either by vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger identical immuno-inflammatory cascades resulting in long-Covid symptoms.
Collapse
|
48
|
Nepali K, Sharma R, Sharma S, Thakur A, Liou JP. Beyond the vaccines: a glance at the small molecule and peptide-based anti-COVID19 arsenal. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:65. [PMID: 36064696 PMCID: PMC9444709 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00847-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented efforts of the researchers have been witnessed in the recent past towards the development of vaccine platforms for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Albeit, vaccination stands as a practical strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, supplementing the anti-COVID19 arsenal with therapeutic options such as small molecules/peptides and antibodies is being conceived as a prudent strategy to tackle the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Noteworthy to mention that collective efforts from numerous teams have led to the generation of a voluminous library composed of chemically and mechanistically diverse small molecules as anti-COVID19 scaffolds. This review article presents an overview of medicinal chemistry campaigns and drug repurposing programs that culminated in the identification of a plethora of small molecule-based anti-COVID19 drugs mediating their antiviral effects through inhibition of proteases, S protein, RdRp, ACE2, TMPRSS2, cathepsin and other targets. In light of the evidence ascertaining the potential of small molecule drugs to approach conserved proteins required for the viral replication of all coronaviruses, accelerated FDA approvals are anticipated for small molecules for the treatment of COVID19 shortly. Though the recent attempts invested in this direction in pursuit of enrichment of the anti-COVID-19 armoury (chemical tools) are praiseworthy, some strategies need to be implemented to extract conclusive benefits of the recently reported small molecule viz. (i) detailed preclinical investigation of the generated anti-COVID19 scaffolds (ii) in-vitro profiling of the inhibitors against the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants (iii) development of assays enabling rapid screening of the libraries of anti-COVID19 scaffold (iv) leveraging the applications of machine learning based predictive models to expedite the anti-COVID19 drug discovery campaign (v) design of antibody-drug conjugates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ram Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center for Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Renin-Angiotensin System Pathway Therapeutics Associated With Improved Outcomes in Males Hospitalized With COVID-19. Crit Care Med 2022; 50:1306-1317. [PMID: 35607951 PMCID: PMC9380153 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are associated with improved outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 according to sex and to report sex-related differences in renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study comparing the effects of ARB or ACE inhibitors versus no ARBs or ACE inhibitors in males versus females. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 downregulates ACE-2, potentially increasing angiotensin II (a pro-inflammatory vasoconstrictor). Sex-based differences in RAS dysregulation may explain sex-based differences in responses to ARBs because the ACE2 gene is on the X chromosome. We recorded baseline characteristics, comorbidities, prehospital ARBs or ACE inhibitor treatment, use of organ support and mortality, and measured RAS components at admission and days 2, 4, 7, and 14 in a subgroup ( n = 46), recorded d -dimer ( n = 967), comparing males with females. SETTING ARBs CORONA I is a multicenter Canadian observational cohort of patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19. This analysis includes patients admitted to 10 large urban hospitals across the four most populated provinces. PATIENTS One-thousand six-hundred eighty-six patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 (February 2020 to March 2021) for acute COVID-19 illness were included. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Males on ARBs before admission had decreased use of ventilation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.52; p = 0.007) and vasopressors (aOR = 0.55; p = 0.011) compared with males not on ARBs or ACE inhibitors. No significant effects were observed in females for these outcomes. The test for interaction was significant for use of ventilation ( p = 0.006) and vasopressors ( p = 0.044) indicating significantly different responses to ARBs according to sex. Males had significantly higher plasma ACE-1 at baseline and angiotensin II at day 7 and 14 than females. CONCLUSIONS ARBs use was associated with less ventilation and vasopressors in males but not females. Sex-based differences in RAS dysregulation may contribute to sex-based differences in outcomes and responses to ARBs in COVID-19.
Collapse
|
50
|
Gnanenthiran SR, Borghi C, Burger D, Caramelli B, Charchar F, Chirinos JA, Cohen JB, Cremer A, Di Tanna GL, Duvignaud A, Freilich D, Gommans DHF, Gracia-Ramos AE, Murray TA, Pelorosso F, Poulter NR, Puskarich MA, Rizas KD, Rothlin R, Schlaich MP, Schreinlecher M, Steckelings UM, Sharma A, Stergiou GS, Tignanelli CJ, Tomaszewski M, Unger T, van Kimmenade RRJ, Wainford RD, Williams B, Rodgers A, Schutte AE. Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Patients With COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Led by the International Society of Hypertension. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026143. [PMID: 36000426 PMCID: PMC9496439 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Published randomized controlled trials are underpowered for binary clinical end points to assess the safety and efficacy of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) in adults with COVID‐19. We therefore performed a meta‐analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of RASi in adults with COVID‐19. Methods and Results MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register were searched for randomized controlled trials that randomly assigned patients with COVID‐19 to RASi continuation/commencement versus no RASi therapy. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality at ≤30 days. A total of 14 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and enrolled 1838 participants (aged 59 years, 58% men, mean follow‐up 26 days). Of the trials, 11 contributed data. We found no effect of RASi versus control on all‐cause mortality (7.2% versus 7.5%; relative risk [RR], 0.95; [95% CI, 0.69–1.30]) either overall or in subgroups defined by COVID‐19 severity or trial type. Network meta‐analysis identified no difference between angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors versus angiotensin II receptor blockers. RASi users had a nonsignificant reduction in acute myocardial infarction (2.1% versus 3.6%; RR, 0.59; [95% CI, 0.33–1.06]), but increased risk of acute kidney injury (7.0% versus 3.6%; RR, 1.82; [95% CI, 1.05–3.16]), in trials that initiated and continued RASi. There was no increase in need for dialysis or differences in congestive cardiac failure, cerebrovascular events, venous thromboembolism, hospitalization, intensive care admission, inotropes, or mechanical ventilation. Conclusions This meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers versus control in patients with COVID‐19 found no difference in all‐cause mortality, a borderline decrease in myocardial infarction, and an increased risk of acute kidney injury with RASi. Our findings provide strong evidence that RASi can be used safely in patients with COVID‐19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonali R Gnanenthiran
- The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Claudio Borghi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences University of Bologna Italy
| | - Dylan Burger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute University of Ottawa Canada
| | - Bruno Caramelli
- Interdisciplinary Medicine in Cardiology Unit, InCor University of Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Fadi Charchar
- School of Health and Life Sciences Federation University Australia Ballarat VIC Australia
| | - Julio A Chirinos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine Philadelphia PA
| | - Jordana B Cohen
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine Philadelphia PA
| | - Antoine Cremer
- Department of Cardiology and Hypertension, Hypertension Excellence Center Hôpital Saint André, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux & University Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Alexandre Duvignaud
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Division of Tropical Medicine and Clinical International Health Hôpital Pellegrin, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux & University Bordeaux Bordeaux France
| | | | - D H Frank Gommans
- Department of Cardiology Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Abraham E Gracia-Ramos
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital General, Centro Médico Nacional "La Raza" Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social Mexico City Mexico.,Departamento de Medicina Interna Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Zumpango Estado de Mexico Mexico
| | - Thomas A Murray
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health University of Minnesota Minneapolis MN
| | - Facundo Pelorosso
- Asociacion Argentina de Medicamentos Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires Argentina.,Servicio de Anatomía Patologica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC Santa Cruz Argentina
| | - Neil R Poulter
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit Imperial College London London UK
| | - Michael A Puskarich
- Department of Emergency Medicine Hennepin County Medical Center University of Minnesota Minneapolis MN
| | - Konstantinos D Rizas
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital Munich Munich Germany
| | - Rodolfo Rothlin
- Asociacion Argentina de Medicamentos Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires Argentina.,Sociedad Argentina de Farmacología Clínica, Asociacion Medica Argentina Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Markus P Schlaich
- Dobney Hypertension Centre, Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Unit-Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation University of Western Australia Perth Australia
| | - Michael Schreinlecher
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | | | - Abhinav Sharma
- Division of Cardiology McGill University Health Centre Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - George S Stergiou
- Hypertension Center STRIDE-7, School of Medicine, Third Department of Medicine, Sotiria Hospital National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Athens Greece
| | | | - Maciej Tomaszewski
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health University of Manchester Manchester UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Thomas Unger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht-School for Cardiovascular Diseases Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Roland R J van Kimmenade
- Department of Cardiology Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen The Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Richard D Wainford
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Boston University School of Medicine Boston MA
| | - Bryan Williams
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science University College London and National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre London UK
| | - Anthony Rodgers
- The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Aletta E Schutte
- The George Institute for Global Health University of New South Wales Sydney NSW Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|