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Praetzel R, Kepley C. Human Lung Mast Cells as a Possible Reservoir for Coronavirus: A Novel Unrecognized Mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 Immune-Mediated Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6511. [PMID: 38928216 PMCID: PMC11204339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126511] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health concern. Cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 depends on viral spike (S) proteins binding to cellular receptors (ACE2) and their subsequent priming by host cell proteases (TMPRSS2). Assessing effects of viral-induced host response factors and determining which cells are used by SARS-CoV-2 for entry might provide insights into viral transmission, add clarity to the virus' pathogenesis, and possibly reveal therapeutic targets. Mast cells (MCs) are ubiquitously expressed tissue cells that act as immune sentinels given their ability to react specifically to pathogens at environmental interfaces, such as in the lung. Several lines of evidence suggest a critical role for MCs in SARS-CoV-2 infections based on patients' mediator profiles, especially the "cytokine storm" responsible for most morbidity and mortality. In this pilot study, we demonstrated that human lung MCs (n = 3 donors) are a source of renin and that they upregulate the membrane receptor for SARS-CoV-2 (ACE2) as well as the protease required for cellular entry (TMPRSS2) under certain conditions. We hypothesized that infection of human MCs with SARS-CoV-2 may be a heretofore-unrecognized mechanism of viral pathogenesis, and further studies are required to assess this question.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Kepley
- Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA
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2
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Bueno V, Destro PH, Teixeira D, Frasca D. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 1 Expression in the Leukocytes of Adults Aged 64 to 67 Years. JMIRX MED 2023; 4:e45220. [PMID: 37725526 PMCID: PMC10414256 DOI: 10.2196/45220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The renin angiotensin system is composed of several enzymes and substrates on which angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 1 and renin act to produce angiotensin II. ACE1 and its substrates control blood pressure, affect cardiovascular and renal function, hematopoiesis, reproduction, and immunity. The increased expression of ACE1 has been observed in human monocytes during congestive heart failure and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Moreover, T lymphocytes from individuals with hypertension presented increased expression of ACE1 after in vitro stimulation with angiotensin II (ATII) with the highest ACE1 expression observed in individuals with hypertension with low-grade inflammation. Our group and others have shown that aging is associated with comorbidities, chronic inflammation, and immunosenescence, but there is a lack of data about ACE1 expression on immune cells during the aging process. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the levels of ACE1 expression in nonlymphoid cells compared to lymphoid that in cells in association with the immunosenescence profile in adults older than 60 years. Cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from blood samples were used. Cells were stained with monoclonal antibodies and evaluated via flow cytometry. We found that ACE1 was expressed in 56.9% of nonlymphocytes and in more than 90% of lymphocytes (all phenotypes). All donors exhibited characteristics of immunosenescence, as evaluated by low frequencies of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, high frequencies of effector memory re-expressing CD45RA CD8+ T cells, and double-negative memory B cells. These findings, in addition to the increased C-reactive protein levels, are intriguing questions for the study of ACE1, inflammaging, immunosenescence, and perspectives for drug development or repurposing (Reviewed by the Plan P #PeerRef Community).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valquiria Bueno
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Destro
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Teixeira
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Frasca
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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T Cells Immunophenotyping and CD38 Overexpression as Hallmarks of the Severity of COVID-19 and Predictors of Patients' Outcomes. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020710. [PMID: 36675642 PMCID: PMC9861629 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020710] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND By the end of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic spread all around the world with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from mild to moderate to severe or critical cases. T cell subtype dysregulation is mostly involved in the immunopathogenic mechanism. The present study aimed to highlight the role of monitoring T cell subtypes and their activation (expression of CD38) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects and their role in predicting severity and patients' outcomes. MATERIALS The study involved 70 adult COVID-19 confirmed cases stratified into three groups: a mild/asymptomatic group, a clinically moderate group, and a clinically severe/critical group. Flow cytometry analysis was used for the assessment of CD3+ cells for total T cell count, CD4+ cells for helper T cells (Th), CD8+ cells for cytotoxic T cells (Tc), CD4+CD25+ cells for regulatory T cells (T reg), and CD38 expression in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells for T cell activation. RESULTS A statistically significant difference was found between COVID-19 cases and healthy controls as regards low counts of all the targeted T cell subtypes, with the lowest counts detected among patients of the severe/critical group. Furthermore, CD38 overexpression was observed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION Decreased T cell count, specifically CD8+ T cell (Tc), with T cell overactivation which was indicated by CD38 overexpression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had a substantial prognostic role in predicting severity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. These findings can provide a preliminary tool for clinicians to identify high-risk patients requiring vigilant monitoring, customized supportive therapy, or ICU admission. Studies on larger patient groups are needed.
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Aleksova A, Fluca AL, Gagno G, Pierri A, Padoan L, Derin A, Moretti R, Noveska EA, Azzalini E, D'Errico S, Beltrami AP, Zumla A, Ippolito G, Sinagra G, Janjusevic M. Long-term effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality. Life Sci 2022; 310:121018. [PMID: 36183780 PMCID: PMC9561478 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Since the very beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020, it was evident that patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) were at an increased risk of developing severe illness, and complications spanning cerebrovascular disorders, dysrhythmias, acute coronary syndrome, ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, myocarditis, heart failure, thromboembolic disease, stroke, and death. Underlying these was excessive systemic inflammation and coagulopathy due to SARS-COV-2 infection, the effects of which also continued long-term as evidenced by post-COVID-19 cardiovascular complications. The acute and chronic cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 occurred even among those who were not hospitalized and had no previous CVD or those with mild symptoms. This comprehensive review summarizes the current understanding of molecular mechanisms triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus on various cells that express the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, leading to endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, myocarditis, impaired coagulation, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia and a multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children or Kawasaki-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Aleksova
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Lucia Fluca
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giulia Gagno
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pierri
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Padoan
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Physiopathology, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Agnese Derin
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy
| | - Rita Moretti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Neurology, Neurological Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elena Aleksova Noveska
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Eros Azzalini
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Errico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Department of Infection, Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | | | - Gianfranco Sinagra
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Milijana Janjusevic
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Trieste, Italy; Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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5
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Noninvasive Mapping of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 in Pigeons Using Micro Positron Emission Tomography. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12060793. [PMID: 35743823 PMCID: PMC9224634 DOI: 10.3390/life12060793] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ACE2 receptor, as the potential entrance site of SARS-CoV-2-affected cells, plays a crucial role in spreading infection. The DX600 peptide is a competitive inhibitor of ACE2. We previously constructed the 68Ga-labeled DOTA-DX600 (also known as 68Ga-HZ20) peptide and confirmed its ACE2 binding ability both in vitro and in vivo. In this research, we aimed to investigate the noninvasive mapping of ACE2 expression in fowl using 68Ga-HZ20 micro-PET. We chose pigeons as an animal model and first studied the administration method of 68Ga-HZ20 by direct site injection or intravenous injection. Then, the dynamic micro-PET scan of 68Ga-HZ20 was conducted at 0–40 min. Additionally, 18F-FDG was used for comparison. Finally, the pigeons were sacrificed, and the main organs were collected for further immunoPET and IHC staining. Micro PET/CT imaging results showed that 68Ga-HZ20 uptake was distributed from the heart at the preliminary injection to the kidneys, liver, stomach, and lungs over time, where the highest uptake was observed in the kidneys (SUVmax = 6.95, 20 min) and lung (SUVmax = 1.11, 20 min). Immunohistochemical experiments were carried out on its main organs. Compared to the SUVmax data, the IHC results showed that ACE2 was highly expressed in both kidneys and intestines, and the optimal imaging time was determined to be 20 min after injection through correlation analysis. These results indicated that 68Ga-HZ20 is a potential target molecule for SARS-CoV-2 in fowl, which is worthy of promotion and further study.
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COVID-19 in Joint Ageing and Osteoarthritis: Current Status and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020720. [PMID: 35054906 PMCID: PMC8775477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a trending topic worldwide due to its immense impact on society. Recent trends have shifted from acute effects towards the long-term morbidity of COVID-19. In this review, we hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 contributes to age-related perturbations in endothelial and adipose tissue, which are known to characterize the early aging process. This would explain the long-lasting symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 as the result of an accelerated aging process. Connective tissues such as adipose tissue and musculoskeletal tissue are the primary sites of aging. Therefore, current literature was analyzed focusing on the musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Hypovitaminosis D, increased fragility, and calcium deficiency point towards bone aging, while joint and muscle pain are typical for joint and muscle aging, respectively. These characteristics could be classified as early osteoarthritis-like phenotype. Exploration of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and osteoarthritis on endothelial and adipose tissue, as well as neuronal function, showed similar perturbations. At a molecular level, this could be attributed to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression, renin-angiotensin system dysfunction, and inflammation. Finally, the influence of the nicotinic cholinergic system is being evaluated as a new treatment strategy. This is combined with the current knowledge of musculoskeletal aging to pave the road towards the treatment of long-term COVID-19.
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7
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78495111110.1152/physrev.00046.2020" />
Abstract
This medical review addresses the hypothesis that CD38/NADase is at the center of a functional axis (i.e., intracellular Ca2+ mobilization/IFNγ response/reactive oxygen species burst) driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, as already verified in respiratory syncytial virus pathology and CD38 activity in other cellular settings. Key features of the hypothesis are that 1) the substrates of CD38 (e.g., NAD+ and NADP+) are depleted by viral-induced metabolic changes; 2) the products of the enzymatic activity of CD38 [e.g., cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (ADPR)/ADPR/nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate] and related enzymes [e.g., poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, Sirtuins, and ADP-ribosyl hydrolase] are involved in the anti‐viral and proinflammatory response that favors the onset of lung immunopathology (e.g., cytokine storm and organ fibrosis); and 3) the pathological changes induced by this kinetic mechanism may be reduced by distinct modulators of the CD38/NAD+ axis (e.g., CD38 blockers, NAD+ suppliers, among others). This view is supported by arrays of associative basic and applied research data that are herein discussed and integrated with conclusions reported by others in the field of inflammatory, immune, tumor, and viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto L. Horenstein
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo C. Faini
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
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8
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Touyz RM, Boyd MO, Guzik T, Padmanabhan S, McCallum L, Delles C, Mark PB, Petrie JR, Rios F, Montezano AC, Sykes R, Berry C. Cardiovascular and Renal Risk Factors and Complications Associated With COVID-19. CJC Open 2021; 3:1257-1272. [PMID: 34151246 PMCID: PMC8205551 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, represents the largest medical challenge in decades. It has exposed unexpected cardiovascular vulnerabilities at all stages of the disease (pre-infection, acute phase, and subsequent chronic phase). The major cardiometabolic drivers identified as having epidemiologic and mechanistic associations with COVID-19 are abnormal adiposity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Hypertension is of particular interest, because components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which are critically involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension, are also implicated in COVID-19. Specifically, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), a multifunctional protein of the RAS, which is part of the protective axis of the RAS, is also the receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells, causing viral infection. Cardiovascular and cardiometabolic comorbidities not only predispose people to COVID-19, but also are complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that acute kidney injury is common in COVID-19, occurs early and in temporal association with respiratory failure, and is associated with poor prognosis, especially in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Here, we discuss cardiovascular and kidney disease in the context of COVID-19 and provide recent advances on putative pathophysiological mechanisms linking cardiovascular disease and COVID-19, focusing on the RAS and ACE2, as well as the immune system and inflammation. We provide up-to-date information on the relationships among hypertension, diabetes, and COVID-19 and emphasize the major cardiovascular diseases associated with COVID-19. We also briefly discuss emerging cardiovascular complications associated with long COVID-19, notably postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian M. Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus O.E. Boyd
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sandosh Padmanabhan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Linsay McCallum
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick B. Mark
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Petrie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco Rios
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Augusto C. Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Sykes
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Berry
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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9
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Gori M, Ghirardi A, D'Elia E, Imeri G, Di Marco F, Gavazzi A, Carobbio A, Balestrieri G, Giammarresi A, Trevisan R, Amoroso M, Raimondi F, Novelli L, Magro B, Mangia G, Lorini FL, Fagiuoli S, Barbui T, Rizzi M, Cosentini R, Sironi S, Senni M. Association between inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system and lung function in elderly patients recovered from severe COVID-19. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021; 29:e196-e199. [PMID: 34535993 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Gori
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Arianna Ghirardi
- FROM Research Foundation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Emilia D'Elia
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Imeri
- The Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Fabiano Di Marco
- The Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Carobbio
- The Department of Oncology and Hematology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Trevisan
- The Endocrinology Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mariangela Amoroso
- The Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Raimondi
- The Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.,University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Novelli
- The Unit of Pulmonary Medicine, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Bianca Magro
- The Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Mangia
- The Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- The Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Tiziano Barbui
- FROM Research Foundation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Rizzi
- The Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Sironi
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Michele Senni
- Cardiovascular Department, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
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10
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Wang J, Liu Y, Zhang S. Prognostic and immunological value of ATP6AP1 in breast cancer: implications for SARS-CoV-2. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:16904-16921. [PMID: 34228637 PMCID: PMC8312471 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal ATPase H+ Transporting Accessory Protein 1 (ATP6AP1) expression may promote carcinogenesis. We investigated the association of ATP6AP1 with breast cancer (BC) and COVID-19. The Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases were used to evaluate the expression and prognostic value of ATP6AP1 in BC. ATP6AP1 was upregulated in BC tissues, and higher ATP6AP1 expression was associated with poorer outcomes. Data from the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, Tumor-Immune System Interaction Database and Kaplan-Meier plotter indicated that ATP6AP1 expression correlated with immune infiltration, and that its prognostic effects in BC depended on tumor-infiltrating immune cell subtype levels. Multiple databases were used to evaluate the association of ATP6AP1 with clinicopathological factors, assess the mutation and methylation of ATP6AP1, and analyze gene co-expression and enrichment. The ATP6AP1 promoter was hypomethylated in BC tissues and differentially methylated between different disease stages and subtypes. Data from the Gene Expression Omnibus indicated that ATP6AP1 levels in certain cell types were reduced after SARS-CoV-2 infections. Ultimately, higher ATP6AP1 expression was associated with a poorer prognosis and with higher or lower infiltration of particular immune cells in BC. BC patients may be particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections, which may alter their prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintian Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yunjiang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
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11
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Amendola A, Garoffolo G, Songia P, Nardacci R, Ferrari S, Bernava G, Canzano P, Myasoedova V, Colavita F, Castilletti C, Sberna G, Capobianchi MR, Piacentini M, Agrifoglio M, Colombo GI, Poggio P, Pesce M. Human cardiosphere-derived stromal cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2 evolve into hyper-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotype and produce infective viral particles depending on the levels of ACE2 receptor expression. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1557-1566. [PMID: 33705542 PMCID: PMC7989620 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Patients with severe respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 undergo cardiac complications due to hyper-inflammatory conditions. Although the presence of the virus has been detected in the myocardium of infected patients, and infection of induced pluripotent cells-derived cardiomyocytes has been demonstrated, the reported expression of ACE2 in cardiac stromal cells suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may determine cardiac injury by sustaining productive infection and increasing inflammation. Methods and Results We analyzed expression of ACE2 receptor in primary human cardiac stromal cells derived from cardiospheres, using proteomics and transcriptomics before exposing them to SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Using conventional and high sensitivity PCR methods, we measured virus release in the cellular supernatants and monitored the intracellular viral bioprocessing. We performed high-resolution imaging to show the sites of intracellular viral production and demonstrated the presence of viral particles in the cells with electron microscopy. We finally used RT-qPCR assays to detect genes linked to innate immunity and fibrotic pathways coherently regulated in cells after exposure to the virus. Conclusions Our findings indicate that cardiac stromal cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and produce variable viral yields depending on the extent of cellular ACE2 receptor expression. Interestingly, these cells also evolved toward hyper-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic phenotypes independently of ACE2 levels. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 infection of myocardial stromal cells could be involved in cardiac injury, and explain the high number of complications observed in severe cases of COVID-19. Translational Perspective In the present investigation, we provide evidence that human cardiac stromal cells, a major component of the non-contractile cellular fraction in the heart can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, in direct relationship to the extent of ACE2 receptor expression. Our work also suggests that these cells, when exposed to the virus, can evolve toward inflammatory and fibrotic phenotypes independently of ACE2. In addition to describing a novel cellular target of SARS-CoV-2 in the human heart, our study generates new hypothesis on potential mechanisms underlying cardiac complications observed in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Amendola
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Garoffolo
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy.,DIMET Ph.D. program, Università di Milano-Bicocca, Italy
| | - Paola Songia
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Nardacci
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy.,Ph.D. program in Translational Medicine, Università degli studi di Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bernava
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Canzano
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Colavita
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sberna
- Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive, Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Agrifoglio
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy.,Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Poggio
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pesce
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Via C. Parea, 4, Milan, Italy
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12
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Suryantoro SD, Thaha M, Hayati MR, Yusuf M, Pikir BS, Susilo H. Correlation between anti-hypertensive drugs and disease progression among moderate, severe, and critically ill COVID-19 patients in the second referral hospital in Surbaya: A retrospective cohort study. F1000Res 2021; 10:393. [PMID: 34912542 PMCID: PMC8593622 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51785.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension, as the comorbidity accompanying COVID-19, is related to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2R) and endothelial dysregulation which have an important role in blood pressure regulation. Other anti-hypertensive agents are believed to trigger the hyperinflammation process. We aimed to figure out the association between the use of anti-hypertensive drugs and the disease progression of COVID-19 patients. Methods: This study is an observational cohort study among COVID-19 adult patients from moderate to critically ill admitted to Universitas Airlangga Hospital (UAH) Surabaya with history of hypertension and receiving anti-hypertensive drugs. Results: Patients receiving beta blockers only had a longer length of stay than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) or calcium channel blockers alone (17, 13.36, and 13.73 respectively), had the higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission than ACEi/ARB (p 0.04), and had the highest mortality rate (54.55%). There were no significant differences in length of stay, ICU admission, mortality rate, and days of death among the single, double, and triple anti-hypertensive groups. The mortality rate in groups taking ACEi/ARB was lower than other combination. Conclusions: Hypertension can increase the severity of COVID-19. The use of ACEI/ARBs in ACE-2 receptor regulation which is thought to aggravate the condition of COVID-19 patients has not yet been proven. This is consistent with findings in other anti-hypertensive groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satriyo Dwi Suryantoro
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Thaha
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mutiara Rizky Hayati
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Yusuf
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Budi Susetyo Pikir
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Hendri Susilo
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
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13
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Suryantoro SD, Thaha M, Hayati MR, Yusuf M, Pikir BS, Susilo H. Correlation between anti-hypertensive drugs and disease progression among moderate, severe, and critically ill COVID-19 patients in the second referral hospital in Surabaya: A retrospective cohort study. F1000Res 2021; 10:393. [PMID: 34912542 PMCID: PMC8593622 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51785.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypertension, as the comorbidity accompanying COVID-19, is related to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2R) and endothelial dysregulation which have an important role in blood pressure regulation. Other anti-hypertensive agents are believed to trigger the hyperinflammation process. We aimed to figure out the association between the use of anti-hypertensive drugs and the disease progression of COVID-19 patients. Methods: This study is an observational cohort study among COVID-19 adult patients from moderate to critically ill admitted to Universitas Airlangga Hospital (UAH) Surabaya with history of hypertension and receiving anti-hypertensive drugs. Results: Patients receiving beta blockers only had a longer length of stay than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) or calcium channel blockers alone (17, 13.36, and 13.73 respectively), had the higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission than ACEi/ARB (p 0.04), and had the highest mortality rate (54.55%). There were no significant differences in length of stay, ICU admission, mortality rate, and days of death among the single, double, and triple anti-hypertensive groups. The mortality rate in groups taking ACEi/ARB was lower than other combination. Conclusions: Hypertension can increase the severity of COVID-19. The use of ACEI/ARBs in ACE-2 receptor regulation which is thought to aggravate the condition of COVID-19 patients has not yet been proven. This is consistent with findings in other anti-hypertensive groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satriyo Dwi Suryantoro
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Thaha
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mutiara Rizky Hayati
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Yusuf
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Budi Susetyo Pikir
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Hendri Susilo
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
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14
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Suryantoro SD, Thaha M, Hayati MR, Yusuf M, Pikir BS, Susilo H. Correlation between anti-hypertensive drugs and disease progression among moderate, severe, and critically ill COVID-19 patients in the second referral hospital in Surabaya: A retrospective cohort study. F1000Res 2021; 10:393. [PMID: 34912542 PMCID: PMC8593622 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51785.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypertension, as the comorbidity accompanying COVID-19, is related to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2R) and endothelial dysregulation which have an important role in blood pressure regulation. Other anti-hypertensive agents are believed to trigger the hyperinflammation process. We aimed to figure out the association between the use of anti-hypertensive drugs and the disease progression of COVID-19 patients. Methods: This study is an observational cohort study among COVID-19 adult patients from moderate to critically ill admitted to Universitas Airlangga Hospital (UAH) Surabaya with history of hypertension and receiving anti-hypertensive drugs. Results: Patients receiving beta blockers only had a longer length of stay than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) or calcium channel blockers alone (17, 13.36, and 13.73 respectively), had the higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission than ACEi/ARB (p 0.04), and had the highest mortality rate (54.55%). There were no significant differences in length of stay, ICU admission, mortality rate, and days of death among the single, double, and triple anti-hypertensive groups. The mortality rate in groups taking ACEi/ARB was lower than other combination. Conclusions: Hypertension can increase the severity of COVID-19. The use of ACEI/ARBs in ACE-2 receptor regulation which is thought to aggravate the condition of COVID-19 patients has not yet been proven. This is consistent with findings in other anti-hypertensive groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satriyo Dwi Suryantoro
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Thaha
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mutiara Rizky Hayati
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Mochammad Yusuf
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Budi Susetyo Pikir
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Hendri Susilo
- Airlangga University Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, 60115, Indonesia
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
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15
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Ionescu MD, Balgradean M, Cirstoveanu CG, Balgradean I, Popa LI, Pavelescu C, Capitanescu A, Berghea EC, Filip C. Myopericarditis Associated with COVID-19 in a Pediatric Patient with Kidney Failure Receiving Hemodialysis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040486. [PMID: 33920512 PMCID: PMC8073656 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 can be associated with cardiac and pulmonary involvement and is emerging as one of the most significant and life-threatening complications in patients with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis. Here, we report a critically ill case of a 13-year-old female patient with acute pericarditis and bilateral pleurisy, screened positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, presented with high fever, frequent dry cough, and dyspnea with tachypnea. COVID-19-induced myopericarditis has been noted to be a complication in patients with concomitant kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT). This article brings information in the light of our case experience, suggesting that the direct effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on cardiac tissue was a significant contributor to myopericarditis in our patient. Further studies in this direction are required, as such associations have thus far been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Daniela Ionescu
- Department of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.I.); (M.B.); (C.G.C.); (L.I.P.); (E.C.B.)
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Mihaela Balgradean
- Department of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.I.); (M.B.); (C.G.C.); (L.I.P.); (E.C.B.)
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Catalin Gabriel Cirstoveanu
- Department of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.I.); (M.B.); (C.G.C.); (L.I.P.); (E.C.B.)
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Ioana Balgradean
- Department of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade-University of Medicine, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Tirgu Mures, Romania;
| | - Loredana Ionela Popa
- Department of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.I.); (M.B.); (C.G.C.); (L.I.P.); (E.C.B.)
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Carmen Pavelescu
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrei Capitanescu
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Elena Camelia Berghea
- Department of Pediatrics, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.I.); (M.B.); (C.G.C.); (L.I.P.); (E.C.B.)
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Cristina Filip
- “Maria Sklodowska Curie” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania; (C.P.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Abstract
This medical review addresses the hypothesis that CD38/NADase is at the center of a functional axis (i.e., intracellular Ca2+ mobilization/IFNγ response/reactive oxygen species burst) driven by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, as already verified in respiratory syncytial virus pathology and CD38 activity in other cellular settings. Key features of the hypothesis are that 1) the substrates of CD38 (e.g., NAD+ and NADP+) are depleted by viral-induced metabolic changes; 2) the products of the enzymatic activity of CD38 [e.g., cyclic adenosine diphosphate-ribose (ADPR)/ADPR/nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate] and related enzymes [e.g., poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, Sirtuins, and ADP-ribosyl hydrolase] are involved in the anti‐viral and proinflammatory response that favors the onset of lung immunopathology (e.g., cytokine storm and organ fibrosis); and 3) the pathological changes induced by this kinetic mechanism may be reduced by distinct modulators of the CD38/NAD+ axis (e.g., CD38 blockers, NAD+ suppliers, among others). This view is supported by arrays of associative basic and applied research data that are herein discussed and integrated with conclusions reported by others in the field of inflammatory, immune, tumor, and viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto L Horenstein
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo C Faini
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio Malavasi
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; and Centro Ricerca Medicina, Sperimentale (CeRMS) and Fondazione Ricerca Molinette Onlus, Turin, Italy
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17
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Saadah LM, Deiab GIA, Al-Balas Q, Basheti IA. Carnosine to Combat Novel Coronavirus (nCoV): Molecular Docking and Modeling to Cocrystallized Host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Viral Spike Protein. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235605. [PMID: 33260592 PMCID: PMC7730390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role in the entry of coronaviruses into host cells. The current paper described how carnosine, a naturally occurring supplement, can be an effective drug candidate for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the basis of molecular docking and modeling to host ACE2 cocrystallized with nCoV spike protein. Methods: First, the starting point was ACE2 inhibitors and their structure–activity relationship (SAR). Next, chemical similarity (or diversity) and PubMed searches made it possible to repurpose and assess approved or experimental drugs for COVID-19. Parallel, at all stages, the authors performed bioactivity scoring to assess potential repurposed inhibitors at ACE2. Finally, investigators performed molecular docking and modeling of the identified drug candidate to host ACE2 with nCoV spike protein. Results: Carnosine emerged as the best-known drug candidate to match ACE2 inhibitor structure. Preliminary docking was more optimal to ACE2 than the known typical angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibitor (enalapril) and quite comparable to known or presumed ACE2 inhibitors. Viral spike protein elements binding to ACE2 were retained in the best carnosine pose in SwissDock at 1.75 Angstroms. Out of the three main areas of attachment expected to the protein–protein structure, carnosine bound with higher affinity to two compared to the known ACE2 active site. LibDock score was 92.40 for site 3, 90.88 for site 1, and inside the active site 85.49. Conclusion: Carnosine has promising inhibitory interactions with host ACE2 and nCoV spike protein and hence could offer a potential mitigating effect against the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai M. Saadah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan;
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +962-79-822-2044
| | | | - Qosay Al-Balas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University for Science & Technology, 22110 Irbid, Jordan;
| | - Iman A. Basheti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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