1
|
Tsay GJ, Zouali M. Cellular pathways and molecular events that shape autoantibody production in COVID-19. J Autoimmun 2024; 147:103276. [PMID: 38936147 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103276] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of COVID-19 is the variety of complications that follow SARS-CoV-2 infection in some patients, and that target multiple organs and tissues. Also remarkable are the associations with several auto-inflammatory disorders and the presence of autoantibodies directed to a vast array of antigens. The processes underlying autoantibody production in COVID-19 have not been completed deciphered. Here, we review mechanisms involved in autoantibody production in COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and post-acute sequelae of COVID19. We critically discuss how genomic integrity, loss of B cell tolerance to self, superantigen effects of the virus, and extrafollicular B cell activation could underly autoantibody proaction in COVID-19. We also offer models that may account for the pathogenic roles of autoantibodies in the promotion of inflammatory cascades, thromboembolic phenomena, and endothelial and vascular deregulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Tsay
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Moncef Zouali
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jasiczek J, Doroszko A, Trocha T, Trocha M. Role of the RAAS in mediating the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:475-486. [PMID: 38652364 PMCID: PMC11126499 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00596-3] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) holds a position of paramount importance as enzymatic and endocrine homeostatic regulator concerning the water-electrolyte and acid-base balance. Nevertheless, its intricacy is influenced by the presence of various complementary angiotensins and their specific receptors, thereby modifying the primary RAAS actions. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) acts as a surface receptor for SARS-CoV-2, establishing an essential connection between RAAS and COVID-19 infection. Despite the recurring exploration of the RAAS impact on the trajectory of COVID-19 along with the successful resolution of many inquiries, its complete role in the genesis of delayed consequences encompassing long COVID and cardiovascular thrombotic outcomes during the post-COVID phase as well as post-vaccination, remains not fully comprehended. Particularly noteworthy is the involvement of the RAAS in the molecular mechanisms underpinning procoagulant processes throughout COVID-19. These processes significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of organ complications as well as determine clinical outcomes and are discussed in this manuscript.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Jasiczek
- Department of Cardiology, Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Kamieńskiego 73a, Wrocław, 51-124, Poland
| | - Adrian Doroszko
- Department of Cardiology, 4th Military Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Weigla 5, Wrocław, 50-981, Poland
| | - Tymoteusz Trocha
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, Wrocław, 50-556, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Trocha
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Disease, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, Wrocław, 50-556, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
You J, Huang R, Zhong R, Shen J, Huang S, Chen J, Chen F, Kang Y, Chen L. Serum AXL is a potential molecular marker for predicting COVID-19 progression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1394429. [PMID: 38799467 PMCID: PMC11116689 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1394429] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The severity, symptoms, and outcome of COVID-19 is thought to be closely linked to how the virus enters host cells. This process involves the key roles of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the Tyrosine protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL) receptors. However, there is limited research on the circulating levels of ACE2 and AXL and their implications in COVID-19. Methods A control group of 71 uninfected individuals was also included in the study. According to the Guidance for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (10th edition), a cohort of 358 COVID-19 patients were categorized into non-severe and severe cases. Serum ACE2/AXL levels in COVID-19 patients were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at different time points post-COVID-19 infection, including days 0-7, 8-15, 31-179 and >180 days. Serum SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies in COVID-19 patients at the same intervals were assessed by using an iFlash 3000 Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Analyzer. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic value of the biological markers, and the association between laboratory parameters and illness progression were explored. Results Compared with the uninfected group, the levels of ACE2 and AXL in the COVID-19 group were decreased, and the SARS-COV-2 IgG level was increased. AXL (AUC = 0.774) demonstrated a stronger predictive ability for COVID-19 than ACE2. In the first week after infection, only the level of AXL was statistically different between severe group and non-severe group. After first week, the levels of ACE2 and AXL were different in two groups. Moreover, in severe COVID-19 cases, the serum ACE2, AXL, and SARS-COV-2 IgM levels reached a peak during days 8-15 before declining, whereas serum SARS-COV-2 IgG levels continued to rise, reaching a peak at day 31-180 days before decreasing. In addition, the AXL level continued to decrease and the SARS-COV-2 IgG level continued to increase in the infected group after 180 days compared to the uninfected group. Conclusions The levels of serum ACE2 and AXL correlate with COVID-19 severity. However, AXL can also provide early warning of clinical deterioration in the first week after infection. AXL appears to be a superior potential molecular marker for predicting COVID-19 progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin You
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ruifang Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shuhang Huang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Falin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yanli Kang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Liangyuan Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sütő R, Pócsi M, Fagyas M, Kalina E, Fejes Z, Szentkereszty Z, Kappelmayer J, Nagy Jr. B. Comparison of Different Vascular Biomarkers for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Microorganisms 2024; 12:229. [PMID: 38276214 PMCID: PMC10820061 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe SARS-CoV-2 elicits a hyper-inflammatory response that results in intravascular inflammation with endothelial injury, which contributes to increased mortality in COVID-19. To predict the outcome of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, we analyzed the baseline level of different biomarkers of vascular disorders in COVID-19 subjects upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission and prior to any vaccination. A total of 70 severe COVID-19 patients (37 survivors and 33 non-survivors) were included with 16 age- and sex-matched controls. Vascular dysfunction was monitored via soluble VCAM-1, E-selectin, ACE2 and Lp-PLA2, while abnormal platelet activation was evaluated by soluble P-selectin and CD40L in parallel. These results were correlated with routine laboratory parameters and disease outcomes. Among these parameters, VCAM-1 and ACE2 showed significantly higher serum levels in COVID-19 patients with early death vs. convalescent subjects. VCAM-1 was significantly correlated with the Horowitz index (r = 0.3115) and IL-6 (r = 0.4599), while ACE2 was related to E-selectin (r = 0.4143) and CD40L (r = 0.2948). Lp-PLA2 was altered in none of these COVID-19 subcohorts and showed no relationship with the other parameters. Finally, the pre-treatment level of VCAM-1 (≥1420 ng/mL) and ACE2 activity (≥45.2 μU/mL) predicted a larger risk for mortality (Log-Rank p = 0.0031 and p = 0.0117, respectively). Vascular dysfunction with endothelial cell activation is linked to lethal COVID-19, and highly elevated soluble VCAM-1 and ACE2 at admission to ICU may predict unfavorable outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Sütő
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.S.); (M.P.); (E.K.); (Z.F.); (J.K.)
- Doctoral School of Kalman Laki, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Gyula Kenézy Campus, Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Marianna Pócsi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.S.); (M.P.); (E.K.); (Z.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Miklós Fagyas
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Edit Kalina
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.S.); (M.P.); (E.K.); (Z.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Zsolt Fejes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.S.); (M.P.); (E.K.); (Z.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Zoltán Szentkereszty
- Gyula Kenézy Campus, Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - János Kappelmayer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.S.); (M.P.); (E.K.); (Z.F.); (J.K.)
| | - Béla Nagy Jr.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (R.S.); (M.P.); (E.K.); (Z.F.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cao X, Xie Y, Zhou C, Mu H. Clinical characteristics associated with recurrent viral RNA positivity in patients within two weeks after recovering from the first SARS-CoV-2 infection. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:196-204. [PMID: 37702601 PMCID: PMC10787619 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that recovered coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients frequently exhibit recurrent viral RNA positivity (RP) for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Our study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics of these patients and explore potential reasons for RP occurrence. We divided 439 participants into four groups based on the severity of illness prior to the COVID-19 recovery and age: mild-child group, moderate-child group, mild-adult group, and moderate-adult group. Laboratory data were collected and statistical analyzed using the SPSS software, version 24.0. Significant differences were observed in age, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels between the mild-adult group and the moderate-adult group (P < 0.05). Additionally, AST levels differed significantly between the mild-child group and the moderate-child group (P < 0.05). The proportion of RP patients within the four groups varied from 7.95% to 26.13% within a 2-week period. Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age and moderate symptoms were risk factors for RP in children, while the presence of comorbidities (such as chronic heart, lung, liver, and kidney diseases), elevated IL-6 levels, and NLR were risk factors for RP in adults. We constructed two predictive models containing these relevant parameters, and the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated strong predictive utility. Our findings suggest that younger children with more severe symptoms, as well as adult patients with elevated levels of IL-6 and NLR and underlying diseases, are at higher risk of RP occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongli Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Department of Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunlei Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Mu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sütő R, Pócsi M, Szabó Z, Fejes Z, Ivády G, Kerekes G, Fagyas M, Nagy A, Szentkereszty Z, Kappelmayer J, Nagy B. Elevated level of serum human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) predicts disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:512. [PMID: 38104063 PMCID: PMC10725589 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02811-y] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We retrospectively analyzed serum level of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) as a pulmonary inflammatory biomarker in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in association with disease severity and outcome. METHODS Ninety-nine (40 critically ill, 40 severe and 19 mild) COVID-19 patients and as controls 25 age- and sex-matched non-COVID-19 bacterial sepsis subjects were included. Serum HE4 was measured by an immunoassay (Architect® i1000SR, Abbott) in the baseline samples of all study participants obtained at intensive care unit (ICU) admission or during outpatient clinic visit and follow-up sera were available in case of 30 COVID-19 subjects with life-threating conditions. Associations were studied between serum HE4, routinely available laboratory parameters, clinical characteristics, and disease progression. RESULTS Baseline HE4 level was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in critically ill (524.7 [300.1-1153.0] pmol/L) than severe COVID-19 subjects (157.4 [85.2-336.9] pmol/L) and in mild SARS-CoV-2 infection (46.7 [39.1-57.2] pmol/L). Similarly increased HE4 concentrations were found in bacterial sepsis (1118.0 [418.3-1953.0] pmol/L, P = 0.056) compared to critically ill COVID-19 individuals. Serum HE4 levels significantly correlated with age, SOFA-score, inflammation-dependent biomarkers, and the degree of lung manifestation evaluated by chest CT examination in ICU COVID-19 individuals. Based on ROC-AUC curve analysis, baseline HE4 independently indicated the severity of COVID-19 with an AUC value of 0.816 (95% CI [0.723-0.908]; P < 0.0001), while binary logistic regression test found HE4 as an independent prognostic parameter for death (OR: 10.618 [2.331-48.354]; P = 0.002). Furthermore, COVID-19 non-survivors showed much higher baseline HE4 levels without a substantial change under treatment vs. survivors (P < 0.0001). Finally, pre-treatment HE4 level of ≥ 331.7 pmol/L effectively predicted a larger risk for mortality (Log-Rank P < 0.0001) due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. CONCLUSION Elevated serum HE4 level at ICU admission highly correlates with COVID-19 severity and predicts disease outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Sütő
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Kálmán Laki, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Gyula Kenézy Campus, Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Marianna Pócsi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Gyula Kenézy Campus, Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Fejes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gergely Ivády
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Kerekes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Fagyas
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Nagy
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szentkereszty
- Gyula Kenézy Campus, Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Kappelmayer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Béla Nagy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Nooijer AH, Pickkers P, Netea MG, Kox M. Inflammatory biomarkers to predict the prognosis of acute bacterial and viral infections. J Crit Care 2023; 78:154360. [PMID: 37343422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2023.154360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Mortality in acute infections is mostly associated with sepsis, defined as 'life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection'. It remains challenging to identify the patients with increased mortality risk due to the high heterogeneity in the dysregulated host immune response and disease progression. Biomarkers reflecting different pathways involved in the inflammatory response might improve prediction of mortality risk (prognostic enrichment) among patients with acute infections by reducing heterogeneity of the host response, as well as suggest novel strategies for patient stratification and treatment (predictive enrichment) through precision medicine approaches. The predictive value of inflammatory biomarkers has been extensively investigated in bacterial infections and the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused an increased interest in inflammatory biomarkers in this viral infection. However, limited research investigated whether the prognostic potential of these biomarkers differs between bacterial and viral infections. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the value of various inflammatory biomarkers for the prediction of mortality in bacterial and viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline H de Nooijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Pickkers
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology and Metabolism, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthijs Kox
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rathkolb V, Traugott MT, Heinzel A, Poglitsch M, Aberle J, Eskandary F, Abrahamowicz A, Mueller M, Knollmueller P, Shoumariyeh T, Stuflesser J, Seeber I, Gibas G, Mayfurth H, Tinhof V, Schmoelz L, Zeitlinger M, Schoergenhofer C, Jilma B, Genser B, Hoepler W, Omid S, Karolyi M, Wenisch C, Oberbauer R, Zoufaly A, Hecking M, Reindl-Schwaighofer R. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitor discontinuation in COVID-19 did not modify systemic ACE2 in a randomized controlled trial. iScience 2023; 26:108146. [PMID: 37867935 PMCID: PMC10585392 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108146] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the similar clinical outcomes after renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor (RASi) continuation or withdrawal in COVID-19, the effects on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and RAS metabolites remain unclear. In a substudy of the randomized controlled Austrian Corona Virus Adaptive Clinical Trial (ACOVACT), patients with hypertension and COVID-19 were randomized 1:1 to either RASi continuation (n = 30) or switch to a non-RASi medication (n = 29). RAS metabolites were analyzed using a mixed linear regression model (n = 30). Time to a sustained clinical improvement was equal and ACE2 did not differ between the groups but increased over time in both. Overall ACE2 was higher with severe COVID-19. ACE-S and Ang II levels increased as expected with ACE inhibitor discontinuation. These data support the safety of RASi continuation in COVID-19, although RASi were frequently discontinued in our post hoc analysis. The study was not powered to draw definite conclusions on clinical outcomes using small sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Rathkolb
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Marianna T. Traugott
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Heinzel
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Judith Aberle
- Institute of Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Farsad Eskandary
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Agnes Abrahamowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Martin Mueller
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Petra Knollmueller
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Tarik Shoumariyeh
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Jasmin Stuflesser
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivan Seeber
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Gibas
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannah Mayfurth
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Viktoria Tinhof
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Lukas Schmoelz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Markus Zeitlinger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Bernd Genser
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoepler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sara Omid
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mario Karolyi
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Wenisch
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Oberbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- Department of Internal Medicine IV with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Hecking
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Clinical Division of Nephrology & Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ahmed R, Saba AA, Paul A, Nur J, Alam MS, Chakraborty S, Howlader MZH, Islam LN, Nabi AHMN. Intronic Variants of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Gene Modulate Plasma ACE2 Levels and Possibly Confer Protection against Severe COVID-19. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:5705076. [PMID: 37929242 PMCID: PMC10622595 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5705076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor acts as the entry point for the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Polymorphisms in the ACE2 gene may alter viral binding, regulate the expression of ACE2, and thus, affect disease severity. In this study, 68 COVID-19 patients with varying degrees of severity and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. The genetic landscape of the ACE2 gene was explored by whole exome sequencing of 29 individuals, and specific regions of ACE2 were analyzed for the rest of the participants via PCR, followed by barcode-tagged sequencing. The mean soluble ACE2 level in the plasma of healthy controls and patients did not vary significantly but was higher in the patient group (3.77 ± 1.55 ng/mL vs. 3.94 ± 1.42 ng/mL). Analysis of exon 1, exon 2, and exon 8 of the ACE2 gene revealed that these regions are highly conserved in our population. Investigation of exon 11 and its flanking intronic region revealed that deletions in a stretch of 18T nucleotides in the noncoding region significantly decrease ACE2 levels in plasma, as individuals harboring wild-type variants had higher plasma ACE2 levels compared to those harboring T1del, T2del, and T3del variants. However, the intronic variants were not found to be significantly associated with disease severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubaiat Ahmed
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Saba
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Anik Paul
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Jasmin Nur
- Department of Immunology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sohrab Alam
- Department of Immunology, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sajib Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Zakir Hossain Howlader
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Health Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Laila N. Islam
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - A. H. M. Nurun Nabi
- Laboratory of Population Genetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zi-Yang Y, Nanshan X, Dongling L, Tao H, Yigao H, Danqing Y, Caojin Z. ACE2 gene polymorphisms are associated with elevated pulmonary artery pressure in congenital heart diseases. Gene 2023; 882:147642. [PMID: 37454747 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147642] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) polymorphisms are related to the occurrence and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. However, whether ACE2 polymorphisms also affect pulmonary circulation in congenital heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the relationship between ACE2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and pulmonary circulation in CHD patients of Chinese Han ethnicity. METHODS Enrolled CHD patients (n = 367) underwent gene sequencing of ACE2 SNPs rs2074192, rs2285666, and rs2106809. Patients with pulmonary hypertension were further examined for detailed hemodynamics. RESULTS Female heterozygous patients had worse pulmonary circulation hemodynamic parameters compared to those of homozygotes. Female CHD patients with the CCA (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.32-0.88) or CCG (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35-0.99) haplotype had a lower risk of elevated pulmonary artery pressure. CONCLUSION In female CHD patients, ACE2 SNPs are related to pulmonary circulation hemodynamics. Female CHD patients with the CCA and CCG haplotype had a lower risk of pulmonary hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zi-Yang
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xie Nanshan
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Luo Dongling
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huang Tao
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huang Yigao
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Danqing
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhang Caojin
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Giani A, Xu H, Eriksdotter M, Fantin F, Zamboni M, Bäck M, Religa D. Natural Course of Aortic Stenosis in Older Subjects: Effects of COVID-19. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1594.e1-1594.e9. [PMID: 37696497 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.07.026] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both aortic stenosis (AS) and COVID-19 affect the morbidity and mortality burden among older adults. The aim of the study was to examine whether aortic stenosis (AS) affects the prognosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection and whether COVID-19 affects AS prognosis, in a cohort of older adults hospitalized with and without COVID-19. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Patients admitted to 9 geriatric clinics in Stockholm from March 2020 to November 2021. METHODS AS and COVID-19 diagnoses were identified by electronic health records; the outcomes were mortality at 30 days and any time during a median follow-up of 630 days. The associations between AS, COVID-19, and mortality were assessed by using Royston-Parmar models adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and admission waves. RESULTS Among 28,974 patients, 85 had concomitant AS and COVID-19, 529 had only AS, and 5033 had only COVID-19. Both at 30 days and at any time, as compared to patients without, concomitant AS and COVID-19 subjects had a higher mortality rate (438.4 per 100 py, 95% CI 296.2-648.8, and 72.9, 95% CI 53.7-99.0, respectively) and a higher death risk (adjusted HR 5.5, 95% CI 3.7-8.2; and 2.8, 95% CI 2.1-3.9). AS patients presented increased mortality HR both in the presence and absence of COVID-19 at 30 days (1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4; and 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, respectively) and at any time (1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.1; 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS AS was a significant mortality risk factor, independent of concomitant COVID-19. Careful AS management should always be pursued, even in acute and post-acute phases of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Giani
- Translational Cardiology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Hong Xu
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesco Fantin
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mauro Zamboni
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatric and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Magnus Bäck
- Translational Cardiology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cardiology Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dorota Religa
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pi P, Zeng Z, Zeng L, Han B, Bai X, Xu S. Molecular mechanisms of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218059. [PMID: 37601070 PMCID: PMC10436482 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first broke out in Hubei Province, China, at the end of 2019. It has brought great challenges and harms to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the lungs and is mainly manifested as pulmonary disease. However, one of the biggest crises arises from the emergence of COVID-19-induced fibrosis. At present, there are still many questions about how COVID-19 induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs and how to treat and regulate its long-term effects. In addition, as an important process of fibrosis, the effect of COVID-19 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be an important factor driving PF. This review summarizes the main pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of COVID-19 related to PF. Starting with the basic mechanisms of PF, such as EMT, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, inflammation, macrophages, innate lymphoid cells, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, hedgehog pathway as well as Notch signaling. Further, we highlight the importance of COVID-19-induced EMT in the process of PF and provide an overview of the related molecular mechanisms, which will facilitate future research to propose new clinical therapeutic solutions for the treatment of COVID-19-induced PF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Pi
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqing Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Han
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xizhe Bai
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shousheng Xu
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Neves RL, Branquinho J, Arata JG, Bittencourt CA, Gomes CP, Riguetti M, da Mata GF, Fernandes DE, Icimoto MY, Kirsztajn GM, Pesquero JB. ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L enzymatic activities in COVID-19: imbalance of ACE2/ACE ratio and potential RAAS dysregulation in severe cases. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:1719-1731. [PMID: 37537367 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01775-3] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Circulating enzymatic activity and RAAS regulation in severe cases of COVID-19 remains unclear, therefore we measured the serum activity of several proteases as potential targets to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS 152 patients with COVID-19-like symptoms were grouped according to the severity of symptoms (COVID-19 negative, mild, moderate and severe). METHODS Serum samples of COVID-19 patients and controls were subjected to biochemical analysis and enzymatic assays of ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L. One-way ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. RESULTS We detected a positive correlation among comorbidities, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels with disease severity. Enzymatic assays revealed an increase in serum ACE2 and CAT L activities in severe COVID-19 patients, while ACE, DPPIV and PREP activities were significantly reduced. Notably, analysis of ACE2/ACE activity ratio suggests a possible imbalance of ANG II/ANG(1-7) ratio, in a positive association with the disease severity. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal a correlation between proteases activity and the severity of COVID-19. These enzymes together contribute to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, trigger a systemic activation of inflammatory mediators, leading to a RAAS dysregulation and generating a significant damage in several organs, contributing to poor outcomes of severe cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Leão Neves
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Branquinho
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Galanakis Arata
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Azevedo Bittencourt
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio Perez Gomes
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelle Riguetti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ferreira da Mata
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João Bosco Pesquero
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Research and Molecular Diagnostic of Genetic Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Benedetti S, Sisti D, Vandini D, Barocci S, Sudano M, Carlotti E, Teng JLL, Zamai L. Circulating ACE2 level and zinc/albumin ratio as potential biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to COVID-19. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100973. [PMID: 37257289 PMCID: PMC10202900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100973] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutable influenza is successfully countered based on individual susceptibility and similar precision-like medicine approach should be effective against SARS-COV-2. Among predictive markers to bring precision medicine to COVID-19, circulating ACE2 has potential features being upregulated in both severe COVID-19 and predisposing comorbidities. Spike SARS-CoVs were shown to induce ADAM17-mediated shedding of enzymatic active ACE2, thus accounting for its increased activity that has also been suggested to induce positive feedback loops leading to COVID-19-like manifestations. For this reason, pre-existing ACE2 activity and inhibition of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases through zinc chelating agents have been proposed to predict COVID-19 outcome before infection and to protect from COVID-19, respectively. Since most diagnostic laboratories are not equipped for enzymatic activity determination, other potential predictive markers of disease progression exploitable by diagnostic laboratories were explored. Concentrations of circulating albumin, zinc, ACE2 protein and its activity were investigated in healthy, diabetic (COVID-19-susceptible) and SARS-CoV-2-negative COVID-19 individuals. ACE2 both protein levels and activity significantly increased in COVID-19 and diabetic patients. Abnormal high levels of ACE2 characterised a subgroup (16-19%) of diabetics, while COVID-19 patients were characterised by significantly higher zinc/albumin ratios, pointing to a relative increase of albumin-unbound zinc species, such as free zinc ones. Data on circulating ACE2 levels are in line with the hypothesis that they can drive susceptibility to COVID-19 and elevated zinc/albumin ratios support the therapeutic use of zinc chelating inhibitors of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases in a targeted therapy for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sudano
- Diabetology and Endocrinology Unit, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy; INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fricke-Galindo I, Buendia-Roldan I, Ponce-Aguilar DI, Pérez-Rubio G, Chavez-Galan L, Alanis-Ponce J, Pérez-Torres K, Valencia-Pérez Rea D, Téllez-Quijada F, Nava-Quiroz KJ, Hernández-Zenteno RDJ, Gutiérrez-Nava A, Falfán-Valencia R. The ACE rs1799752 Variant Is Associated with COVID-19 Severity but Is Independent of Serum ACE Activity in Hospitalized and Recovered Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7678. [PMID: 37108839 PMCID: PMC10142321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087678] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper assesses the association of the insertion/deletion ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) variant (rs1799752 I/D) and the serum ACE activity with the severity of COVID-19 as well as its impact on post-COVID-19, and we compare these associations with those for patients with non-COVID-19 respiratory disorders. We studied 1252 patients with COVID-19, 104 subjects recovered from COVID-19, and 74 patients hospitalized with a respiratory disease different from COVID-19. The rs1799752 ACE variant was assessed using TaqMan® Assays. The serum ACE activity was determined using a colorimetric assay. The DD genotype was related to risk for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) requirement as an indicator of COVID-19 severity when compared to the frequencies of II + ID genotypes (p = 0.025, OR = 1.428, 95% CI = 1.046-1.949). In addition, this genotype was significantly higher in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups than in the non-COVID-19 subjects. The serum ACE activity levels were lower in the COVID-19 group (22.30 U/L (13.84-32.23 U/L)), which was followed by the non-COVID-19 (27.94 U/L (20.32-53.36 U/L)) and post-COVID-19 subjects (50.00 U/L (42.16-62.25 U/L)). The DD genotype of the rs1799752 ACE variant was associated with the IMV requirement in patients with COVID-19, and low serum ACE activity levels could be related to patients with severe disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Fricke-Galindo
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
| | - Ivette Buendia-Roldan
- Translational Research Laboratory on Aging and Pulmonary Fibrosis, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.B.-R.); (K.P.-T.); (F.T.-Q.)
| | - Daniel I. Ponce-Aguilar
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Gloria Pérez-Rubio
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
| | - Leslie Chavez-Galan
- Laboratory of Integrative Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Jesús Alanis-Ponce
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
| | - Karina Pérez-Torres
- Translational Research Laboratory on Aging and Pulmonary Fibrosis, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.B.-R.); (K.P.-T.); (F.T.-Q.)
| | - Daniela Valencia-Pérez Rea
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
| | - Fernanda Téllez-Quijada
- Translational Research Laboratory on Aging and Pulmonary Fibrosis, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.B.-R.); (K.P.-T.); (F.T.-Q.)
| | - Karol J. Nava-Quiroz
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
| | | | - Angélica Gutiérrez-Nava
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | - Ramcés Falfán-Valencia
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (I.F.-G.); (D.I.P.-A.); (G.P.-R.); (J.A.-P.); (D.V.-P.R.); (K.J.N.-Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sakulpaisal M, Sothornwit J, Somboonporn W. The effects of exogenous estrogen in women with SAR-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod 2023:7128247. [PMID: 37071891 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does exogenous estrogen use affect COVID-19-related mortality in women? SUMMARY ANSWER Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was associated with a lower likelihood of all-cause fatality related to COVID-19 in postmenopausal women (odds ratio (OR) 0.28, 95% CI 0.18, 0.44; 4 studies, 21 517 women) but the combined oral contraceptive pill in premenopausal women did not have a significant effect (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.42-2.41; 2 studies, 5099 women). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Men are much more likely to die from COVID-19 than women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this systematic meta-analysis, a literature search was conducted using the following search terms related toCOVID-19 and estrogen, sex hormones, hormonal replacement, menopause, or contraception. The PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify relevant studies published between December 2019 and December 2021. We also searched MedRxiv as a preprint database and reviewed the reference lists of all included studies and clinical trial registries for ongoing clinical studies until December 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All comparative studies that compared the rates mortality and morbidity (hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and ventilation support) due to COVID-19 in women using exogenous estrogen to a control group of women (nonusers) were included. A review of the studies for inclusion, extraction of data, and assessment of the risk of bias was performed independently by two reviewers. The ROBINS-I tool and the RoB 2 tool were used for bias assessment of the included studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated using Review Manager V5.4.1. The I2 statistic was used to quantify heterogeneity. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After searching the databases, we identified a total of 5310 studies. After removing duplicate records, ineligible studies, and ongoing studies, a total of four cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial comprising 177 809 participants were included in this review. There was a moderate certainty of evidence that MHT was associated with a lower likelihood of all-cause fatality related to COVID-19 (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.18, 0.44; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 21 517 women). The review indicated a low certainty of evidence for other outcomes. The mortality rate of premenopausal women in the combined oral contraceptive pill group did not differ significantly from the control group (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.42-2.41; 2 studies, 5099 women). MHT marginally increased the rate of hospitalization and ICU admission (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.18-1.61; 3 studies, 151 485 women), but there was no significant difference in the need for respiratory support between MHT users and nonusers (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.52-1.59; 3 studies, 151 485 women). Overall, the tendency and magnitude of the effects of MHT in postmenopausal women with COVID-19 were consistent across the included studies. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The certainty of the evidence for other outcomes of this review may be limited, as all included studies were cohort studies. In addition, the dosages and durations of exogenous estrogen used by postmenopausal women varied from study to study, and combined progestogen administration may have had some effect on the outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study can aid in counseling postmenopausal women taking MHT when they are diagnosed with COVID, as they have a lower chance of death than those not taking MHT. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Khon Kaen University provided financial support for this review and had no involvement at any stage of the study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO, CRD42021271882.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maytha Sakulpaisal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jen Sothornwit
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Woraluk Somboonporn
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Norton NJ, Holder KA, Ings DP, Harnum DOA, Russell RS, Grant MD. Cellular Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Exposed Seronegative Individuals. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040996. [PMID: 37112977 PMCID: PMC10144856 DOI: 10.3390/v15040996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Some SARS-CoV-2-exposed individuals develop immunity without overt infection. We identified 11 individuals who were negative by nucleic acid testing during prolonged close contact and with no serological diagnosis of infection. As this could reflect natural immunity, cross-reactive immunity from previous coronavirus exposure, abortive infection due to de novo immune responses, or other factors, our objective was to characterize immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in these individuals. Blood was processed into plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and screened for IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies (Ab) against SARS-CoV-2 and common β-coronaviruses OC43 and HKU1. Receptor blocking activity and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) in plasma were also measured. Circulating T cells against SARS-CoV-2 were enumerated and CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses discriminated after in vitro stimulation. Exposed uninfected individuals were seronegative against SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and selectively reactive against OC43 nucleocapsid protein (N), suggesting common β-coronavirus exposure induced Ab cross-reactive against SARS-CoV-2 N. There was no evidence of protection from circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) or IFN-α. Six individuals had T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2, with four involving CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We found no evidence of protection from SARS-CoV-2 through innate immunity or immunity induced by common β-coronaviruses. Cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 were associated with time since exposure, suggesting that rapid cellular responses may contain SARS-CoV-2 infection below the thresholds required for a humoral response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha J Norton
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Program, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Kayla A Holder
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Program, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Danielle P Ings
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Program, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Debbie O A Harnum
- Eastern Regional Health Authority, Department of Health and Community Services, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Rodney S Russell
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Program, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Michael D Grant
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Program, Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lim Y, Lee MH, Jeong S, Han HW. Association of Physical Activity With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Severe Clinical Outcomes Among Patients in South Korea. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e239840. [PMID: 37097636 PMCID: PMC10130952 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.9840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The association of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with COVID-19 outcomes is unclear and needs to be investigated. Objective To identify the association of longitudinal changes in MVPA with SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This nested case-control study used data from 6 396 500 adult patients in South Korean who participated in National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) biennial health screenings from period 1 (2017-2018) to period 2 (2019-2020). Patients were followed from October 8, 2020, until the diagnosis of COVID-19 or December 31, 2021. Exposure Moderate to vigorous physical activity was measured by self-report on questionnaires during both NHIS health screenings and calculated by adding the frequency (times per week) of each moderate (≥30 minutes per day) and vigorous (≥20 minutes per day) physical activity. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were a positive diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 clinical events. Adjusted odds ratio (aORs) and 99% CIs were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 183 350 patients with COVID-19 (mean [SD] age, 51.9 [13.8] years; female, 89 369 [48.7%]; male, 93 981 [51.3%]) among 2 110 268 participants were identified. For participants with vs without COVID-19, the proportion of MVPA frequency at period 2 was 35.8% vs 35.9% for physically inactive, 18.9% vs 18.9% for 1 to 2 times per week, 17.7% vs 17.7% for 3 to 4 times per week, and 27.5% vs 27.4% for 5 or more times per week. Among unvaccinated, physically inactive patients at period 1, the odds for infection increased when engaged in MVPA 1 to 2 times per week (aOR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.01-1.15), 3 to 4 times per week (aOR, 1.09; 99% CI, 1.03-1.16), or 5 or more times per week (aOR, 1.10; 99% CI, 1.04-1.17) at period 2. Conversely, among unvaccinated patients with MVPA of 5 or more times per week at period 1, the odds for infection decreased when engaged 1 to 2 times per week (aOR, 0.90; 99% CI, 0.81-0.98) or physically inactive (aOR, 0.80; 99% CI, 0.73-0.87) at period 2. The trend of MVPA and incident infection was mitigated when participants were fully vaccinated. Furthermore, the odds for severe COVID-19 showed significant but limited associations with MVPA. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this nested case-control study show a direct association of MVPA with risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was mitigated after completion of the COVID-19 vaccination primary series. In addition, higher levels of MVPA were associated with a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes to limited proportions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YoHwan Lim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Hoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Seogsong Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Wook Han
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Scaramuzzo G, Nucera F, Asmundo A, Messina R, Mari M, Montanaro F, Johansen MD, Monaco F, Fadda G, Tuccari G, Hansbro NG, Hansbro PM, Hansel TT, Adcock IM, David A, Kirkham P, Caramori G, Volta CA, Spadaro S. Cellular and molecular features of COVID-19 associated ARDS: therapeutic relevance. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:11. [PMID: 36941580 PMCID: PMC10027286 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can be asymptomatic or cause a disease (COVID-19) characterized by different levels of severity. The main cause of severe COVID-19 and death is represented by acute (or acute on chronic) respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), often requiring hospital admission and ventilator support.The molecular pathogenesis of COVID-19-related ARDS (by now termed c-ARDS) is still poorly understood. In this review we will discuss the genetic susceptibility to COVID-19, the pathogenesis and the local and systemic biomarkers correlated with c-ARDS and the therapeutic options that target the cell signalling pathways of c-ARDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Scaramuzzo
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Emergency, Section of Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberto Messina
- Intensive Care Unit, Dipartimento di Patologia Umana e dell'Età Evolutiva Gaetano Barresi, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Matilde Mari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Emergency, Section of Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Montanaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Emergency, Section of Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matt D Johansen
- Centre for Inflammation, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Francesco Monaco
- Chirurgia Toracica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Guido Fadda
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tuccari
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Human Pathology of Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Nicole G Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Trevor T Hansel
- Medical Research Council and Asthma, UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, London, UK
| | - Ian M Adcock
- Airway Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Antonio David
- Intensive Care Unit, Dipartimento di Patologia Umana e dell'Età Evolutiva Gaetano Barresi, Università di Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paul Kirkham
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Pneumologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Odontoiatriche e delle Immagini Morfologiche e Funzionali (BIOMORF), Università di Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Carlo Alberto Volta
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Emergency, Section of Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Savino Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Emergency, Section of Intensive Care and Anesthesia, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Sant'Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang H, Lv P, Jiang J, Liu Y, Yan R, Shu S, Hu B, Xiao H, Cai K, Yuan S, Li Y. Advances in developing ACE2 derivatives against SARS-CoV-2. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e369-e378. [PMID: 36934742 PMCID: PMC10019897 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Extensive immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 rendered therapeutic antibodies ineffective in the COVID-19 pandemic. Propagating SARS-CoV-2 variants are characterised by immune evasion capacity through key amino acid mutations, but can still bind human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the spike protein and are, thus, sensitive to ACE2-mimicking decoys as inhibitors. In this Review, we examine advances in the development of ACE2 derivatives from the past 3 years, including the recombinant ACE2 proteins, ACE2-loaded extracellular vesicles, ACE2-mimicking antibodies, and peptide or mini-protein mimetics of ACE2. Several ACE2 derivatives are granted potent neutralisation efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants that rival or surpass endogenous antibodies by various auxiliary techniques such as chemical modification and practical recombinant design. The derivatives also represent enhanced production efficiency and improved bioavailability. In addition to these derivatives of ACE2, new effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 variants are expected to be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Panjing Lv
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingrui Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruixi Yan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Piralla A, Mojoli F, Pellegrinelli L, Ceriotti F, Valzano A, Grasselli G, Gismondo MR, Micheli V, Castelli A, Farina C, Arosio M, Lorini FL, Fanti D, Busni A, Laratta M, Maggi F, Novazzi F, Cabrini L, Callegaro AP, Keim R, Remuzzi G, Cavallero A, Malandrin SMI, Rona R, Giardina F, Ferrari G, Zavaglio F, D'angelo P, Galli C, Bubba L, Binda S, Oggioni M, Uceda Renteria SC, Bono P, Baj A, Ferrante FD, Guarneri D, Tonelli M, Napolitano G, Nava A, Romeo L, Nicolini E, Valaperta R, Varisano L, Mele C, Liguori L, Raggi M, Mongodi S, Pagani M, Severgnini P, Gasberti D, Bonanomi E, Gritti P, Marrazzo F, Giovannini I, Sacchi N, Sagliocco O, Cereda D, Buoro S, Baldanti F, Pariani E. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission for COVID-19, Northern Italy, December 2021 to January 2022. Respir Med Res 2023; 83:100990. [PMID: 36871459 PMCID: PMC9984278 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmer.2023.100990] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
This multicenter observational study included 171 COVID-19 adult patients hospitalized in the ICUs of nine hospitals in Lombardy (Northern Italy) from December, 1st 2021, to February, 9th 2022. During the study period, the Delta/Omicron variant ratio of cases decreased with a delay of two weeks in ICU patients compared to that in the community; a higher proportion of COVID-19 unvaccinated patients was infected by Delta than by Omicron whereas a higher rate of COVID-19 boosted patients was Omicron-infected. A higher number of comorbidities and a higher comorbidity score in ICU critically COVID-19 inpatients was positively associated with the Omicron infection as well in vaccinated individuals. Although people infected by Omicron have a lower risk of severe disease than those infected by Delta variant, the outcome, including the risk of ICU admission and the need for mechanical ventilation due to infection by Omicron versus Delta, remains uncertain. The continuous monitoring of the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a milestone to counteract this pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Piralla
- Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Francesco Mojoli
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Pellegrinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Ceriotti
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Valzano
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Grasselli
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Emergency, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gismondo
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Micheli
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Castelli
- Division of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Arosio
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Diana Fanti
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busni
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Laratta
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Ospedale Niguarda, Università degli studi Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Federica Novazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Luca Cabrini
- Intensive Care and Anesthesia Unit, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Rona
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, San Gerardo Hospital ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Giardina
- Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Ferrari
- Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Zavaglio
- Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Piera D'angelo
- Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Galli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Bubba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sandro Binda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Oggioni
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Bono
- Clinical Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andreina Baj
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | | | - Davide Guarneri
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Tonelli
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gavino Napolitano
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alice Nava
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Romeo
- Residency in Microbiology and Virology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan
| | - Elena Nicolini
- Residency in Microbiology and Virology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan
| | | | | | - Caterina Mele
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genetics of Rare Diseases, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS
| | - Lucia Liguori
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genetics of Rare Diseases, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS
| | - Monica Raggi
- Microbiology Laboratory San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Mongodi
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Pagani
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Severgnini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Dario Gasberti
- Intensive Care and Anesthesia Unit, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - Ezio Bonanomi
- Department of Emergency and ICU, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paolo Gritti
- Department of Emergency and ICU, ASST "Papa Giovanni XXIII", Bergamo, Italy
| | - Francesco Marrazzo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Ospedale Niguarda, Università degli studi Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giovannini
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Ospedale Niguarda, Università degli studi Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Danilo Cereda
- Direzione Generale Welfare, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Buoro
- Direzione Generale Welfare, Regione Lombardia, Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Microbiology and Virology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Pariani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen H, Peng J, Wang T, Wen J, Chen S, Huang Y, Zhang Y. Counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin system in hypertension: Review and update in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115370. [PMID: 36481346 PMCID: PMC9721294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115370] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality and disability, with hypertension being the most prevalent risk factor. Excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) under pathological conditions, leading to vascular remodeling and inflammation, is closely related to cardiovascular dysfunction. The counter-regulatory axis of the RAS consists of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (1-7), angiotensin (1-9), alamandine, proto-oncogene Mas receptor, angiotensin II type-2 receptor and Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member D. Each of these components has been shown to counteract the effects of the overactivated RAS. In this review, we summarize the latest insights into the complexity and interplay of the counter-regulatory RAS axis in hypertension, highlight the pathophysiological functions of ACE2, a multifunctional molecule linking hypertension and COVID-19, and discuss the function and therapeutic potential of targeting this counter-regulatory RAS axis to prevent and treat hypertension in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyin Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangyun Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Tengyao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Jielu Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Sifan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Corresponding authors
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China,Corresponding authors
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zamai L. Hypothesis: Efficacy of early treatments with some NSAIDs in COVID-19: Might it also depend on their direct and/or indirect zinc chelating ability? Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:279-286. [PMID: 36482040 PMCID: PMC9877557 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15989] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work argues for the involvement of the zinc chelating ability of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as an additive mechanism able to increase their efficacy against COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of Urbino Carlo BoUrbinoItaly,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)—Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS)L'AquilaItaly
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nejat R, Torshizi MF, Najafi DJ. S Protein, ACE2 and Host Cell Proteases in SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Infectivity; Is Soluble ACE2 a Two Blade Sword? A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020204. [PMID: 36851081 PMCID: PMC9968219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020204] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the spread of the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, researchers have restlessly sought to unravel how the virus enters the host cells. Some proteins on each side of the interaction between the virus and the host cells are involved as the major contributors to this process: (1) the nano-machine spike protein on behalf of the virus, (2) angiotensin converting enzyme II, the mono-carboxypeptidase and the key component of renin angiotensin system on behalf of the host cell, (3) some host proteases and proteins exploited by SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the complex process of SARS-CoV-2 entrance into the host cells with the contribution of the involved host proteins as well as the sequential conformational changes in the spike protein tending to increase the probability of complexification of the latter with angiotensin converting enzyme II, the receptor of the virus on the host cells, are discussed. Moreover, the release of the catalytic ectodomain of angiotensin converting enzyme II as its soluble form in the extracellular space and its positive or negative impact on the infectivity of the virus are considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nejat
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Laleh Hospital, Tehran 1467684595, Iran
- Correspondence:
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shmakova AA, Popov VS, Romanov IP, Khabibullin NR, Sabitova NR, Karpukhina AA, Kozhevnikova YA, Kurilina EV, Tsokolaeva ZI, Klimovich PS, Rubina KA, Vassetzky YS, Semina EV. Urokinase System in Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Hidden Threat of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021382. [PMID: 36674896 PMCID: PMC9867169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a common and threatening post-COVID-19 complication with poorly resolved molecular mechanisms and no established treatment. The plasminogen activator system, including urokinase (uPA) and urokinase receptor (uPAR), is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and contributes to the development of lung injury and post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, although their cellular and molecular underpinnings still remain obscure. The aim of the current study was to assess the role of uPA and uPAR in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. We analyzed uPA and uPAR expression in human lung tissues from COVID-19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis using single-cell RNA-seq and immunohistochemistry. We modeled lung fibrosis in Plau-/- and Plaur-/- mice upon bleomycin instillation and explored the effect of uPAR downregulation in A549 and BEAS-2B lung epithelial cells. We found that uPAR expression drastically decreased in the epithelial airway basal cells and monocyte/macrophage cells, whereas uPA accumulation significantly increased in tissue samples of COVID-19 patients. Lung injury and fibrosis in Plaur-/- vs. WT mice upon bleomycin instillation revealed that uPAR deficiency resulted in pro-fibrogenic uPA accumulation, IL-6 and ACE2 upregulation in lung tissues and was associated with severe fibrosis, weight loss and poor survival. uPAR downregulation in A549 and BEAS-2B was linked to an increased N-cadherin expression, indicating the onset of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and potentially contributing to pulmonary fibrosis. Here for the first time, we demonstrate that plasminogen treatment reversed lung fibrosis in Plaur-/- mice: the intravenous injection of 1 mg of plasminogen on the 21st day of bleomycin-induced fibrosis resulted in a more than a two-fold decrease in the area of lung fibrosis as compared to non-treated mice as evaluated by the 42nd day. The expression and function of the plasminogen activator system are dysregulated upon COVID-19 infection, leading to excessive pulmonary fibrosis and worsening the prognosis. The potential of plasminogen as a life-saving treatment for non-resolving post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Shmakova
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir S. Popov
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Iliya P. Romanov
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Nailya R. Sabitova
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Ella V. Kurilina
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Zoya I. Tsokolaeva
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina S. Klimovich
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | - Kseniya A. Rubina
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Ekaterina V. Semina
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, 121552 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mortazavi F, Soltanshahi M, Tamaddon G. Evaluation of the Relationship Between Serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p Expression Levels with Soluble ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in COVID-19 Patients. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2023; 22:e137832. [PMID: 38444707 PMCID: PMC10912867 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-137832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Background The emergence and rapid global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented a significant global health challenge. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects human host cells through the interaction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), which serve as main regulators for viral entry. Specifically, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes are influenced by two microRNAs: miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p, respectively. The objective of this study was to explore the association between the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p and the presence of circulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in severe and non-severe cases of COVID-19. Objectives This study sought to examine the potential utility of microRNAs as biomarkers for assessing disease severity and progression. Additionally, the study aimed to elucidate the interplay between microRNAs and the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, which play crucial roles in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and infection. Methods This practical-foundational study involved the collection of samples from 61 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 31 healthy individuals. Subsequently, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized to measure the concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the blood samples. Additionally, the expression levels of serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using GraphPad Prism software (version 8.02) and SPSS software (version 19.0), ensuring the accurate interpretation of results. Results The findings revealed significant increases in the peripheral blood concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in patients with non-severe COVID-19, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Similarly, patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited higher serum levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 than healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were decreased in both non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, a decrease in the serum levels of both miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p was observed in patients with severe COVID-19, compared to those with non-severe cases (P < 0.001). Furthermore, this study identified a negative correlation between miR-200b-3p and ACE2 serum levels and between miR-214-3p and TMPRSS2 peripheral blood levels. Conclusions The above-mentioned findings suggest that miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p might be potential biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Mortazavi
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Soltanshahi
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Robertson J, Nellgård B, Hultén LM, Nilsson S, Dalla K, Börjesson M, Zetterberg H, Svanvik J, Gisslén M. Sex difference in circulating soluble form of ACE2 protein in moderate and severe COVID-19 and healthy controls. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1058120. [PMID: 36569121 PMCID: PMC9773379 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1058120] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) in epithelial cells is the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The extracellular portion of ACE2 may be shedded to plasma in which process ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) is important. Results on the relationship between circulating levels of the soluble form of ACE2 (sACE2) and disease severity are inconclusive. This study investigates if sACE2 concentration correlates with COVID-19 severity, and whether this is affected by sex. Materials and methods Soluble form of ACE2 was analyzed in three groups: 104 patients (23 women and 81 men) with severe COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), patients with moderate COVID-19 who required hospital care (n = 19, 4 women and 15 men), and age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 20, 4 women and 16 men). Blood samples were collected at hospital admission between 18 March 2020, and 3 May 2021, and at follow-up between 27 October 2020, and 19 October 2021. Circulating sACE2 (μg/L) was measured in EDTA plasma with a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, CRP, ferritin, and lymphocyte count were analyzed during hospital stay. Results In total, 23 patients (22%) died in the ICU. When comparing healthy controls [mean age 58.1 (SD 11.4) years] and patients with moderate COVID-19 [mean age 61.0 (SD 13.2) years] with patients in the ICU [mean age 63.6 (SD 11.6) years], we found that sACE2 concentration decreased (70% reduction) with disease severity in men (p = 0.002) but increased 3.7-fold with severity in women (p = 0.043), suggesting a sex-related difference in how COVID-19 severity is related to sACE2 concentration. Moreover, we identified a relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and sACE2 concentration during the intensive care treatment, such that higher CRP and higher ferritin concentration correlated with lower sACE2 concentration in men. Conclusion The decrease in sACE2 concentration, selectively in men, in severe COVID-19 is of pathophysiological interest since men are affected more severely by the disease compared to women. Additionally, the inflammatory biomarkers, CRP and ferritin, correlated inversely with sACE2 concentration, suggesting a role in severe disease. Our findings imply that sACE2 is a possible biomarker of disease severity in a sex-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josefina Robertson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Josefina Robertson,
| | - Bengt Nellgård
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive care, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lillemor Mattsson Hultén
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Keti Dalla
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive care, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Börjesson
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Center for Health and Performance, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom,United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joar Svanvik
- The Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Gisslén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Circulating angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:12470-12483. [PMID: 36579082 PMCID: PMC9791519 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i34.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a widespread outbreak since December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 infection-related illness has been dubbed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. Asymptomatic and subclinical infections, a severe hyper-inflammatory state, and mortality are all examples of clinical signs. After attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter cells through membrane fusion and endocytosis. In addition to enabling viruses to cling to target cells, the connection between the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 may potentially impair the functionality of ACE2. Blood pressure is controlled by ACE2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the active vasoconstrictor octapeptide angiotensin (Ang) II to the heptapeptide Ang-(1-7) and free L-Phe. Additionally, Ang I can be broken down by ACE2 into Ang-(1-9) and metabolized into Ang-(1-7). Numerous studies have demonstrated that circulating ACE2 (cACE2) and Ang-(1-7) have the ability to restore myocardial damage in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cardiomyocyte fibrosis actions. There have been some suggestions for raising ACE2 expression in COVID-19 patients, which might be used as a target for the creation of novel treatment therapies. With regard to this, SARS-CoV-2 is neutralized by soluble recombinant human ACE2 (hrsACE2), which binds the viral S-protein and reduces damage to a variety of organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs, by lowering Ang II concentrations and enhancing conversion to Ang-(1-7). This review aims to investigate how the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and cACE2 are related. Additionally, there will be discussion of a number of potential therapeutic approaches to tip the ACE/ACE-2 balance in favor of the ACE-2/Ang-(1-7) axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pathomthep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 gains cell entry via angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, a membrane-bound enzyme of the "alternative" (alt) renin-angiotensin system (RAS). ACE2 counteracts angiotensin II by converting it to potentially protective angiotensin 1-7. Using mass spectrometry, we assessed key metabolites of the classical RAS (angiotensins I-II) and alt-RAS (angiotensins 1-7 and 1-5) pathways as well as ACE and ACE2 concentrations in 159 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, stratified by disease severity (severe, n = 76; non-severe: n = 83). Plasma renin activity (PRA-S) was calculated as the sum of RAS metabolites. We estimated ACE activity using the angiotensin II:I ratio (ACE-S) and estimated systemic alt-RAS activation using the ratio of alt-RAS axis metabolites to PRA-S (ALT-S). We applied mixed linear models to assess how PRA-S and ACE/ACE2 concentrations affected ALT-S, ACE-S, and angiotensins II and 1-7. Median angiotensin I and II levels were higher with severe versus non-severe COVID-19 (angiotensin I: 86 versus 30 pmol/L, p < 0.01; angiotensin II: 114 versus 58 pmol/L, p < 0.05), demonstrating activation of classical RAS. The difference disappeared with analysis limited to patients not taking a RAS inhibitor (angiotensin I: 40 versus 31 pmol/L, p = 0.251; angiotensin II: 76 versus 99 pmol/L, p = 0.833). ALT-S in severe COVID-19 increased with time (days 1-6: 0.12; days 11-16: 0.22) and correlated with ACE2 concentration (r = 0.831). ACE-S was lower in severe versus non-severe COVID-19 (1.6 versus 2.6; p < 0.001), but ACE concentrations were similar between groups and correlated weakly with ACE-S (r = 0.232). ACE2 and ACE-S trajectories in severe COVID-19, however, did not differ between survivors and non-survivors. Overall RAS alteration in severe COVID-19 resembled severity of disease-matched patients with influenza. In mixed linear models, renin activity most strongly predicted angiotensin II and 1-7 levels. ACE2 also predicted angiotensin 1-7 levels and ALT-S. No single factor or the combined model, however, could fully explain ACE-S. ACE2 and ACE-S trajectories in severe COVID-19 did not differ between survivors and non-survivors. In conclusion, angiotensin II was elevated in severe COVID-19 but was markedly influenced by RAS inhibitors and driven by overall RAS activation. ACE-S was significantly lower with severe COVID-19 and did not correlate with ACE concentrations. A shift to the alt-RAS axis because of increased ACE2 could partially explain the relative reduction in angiotensin II levels.
Collapse
|
30
|
Long Chain N3-PUFA Decreases ACE2 Protein Levels and Prevents SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213825. [PMID: 36430303 PMCID: PMC9695276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213825] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a target of interest for both COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease management. Even though lower ACE2 levels may be beneficial in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, maintaining the ACE1/ACE2 balance is also crucial for cardiovascular health. So far, reports describing conditions capable of altering ACE2 protein levels, especially via dietary components, are limited. In this study, the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) on the protein levels of ACE1 and ACE2 in rodent tissues, human endothelial and kidney cell lines, and human plasma were examined. The ability of n3-PUFA to affect the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into cells was also tested. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and in some cases eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not α-linoleic acid (ALA), reduced both ACE1 and ACE2 (non-glycosylated p100 and glycosylated p130 forms) in the heart, aorta, and kidneys of obese rats, as well as in human EA.hy926 endothelial and HEK293 kidney cells. Dietary supplementation with either DHA or ALA had no effect on plasma soluble ACE2 levels in humans. However, treatment of HEK293 cells with 80 and 125 µM DHA for 16 h inhibited the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. These results strongly suggest that DHA treatment may reduce the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells via a mechanism involving a decrease in the absolute level of ACE2 protein as well as its glycosylation. Our findings warrant further evaluation of long-chain n3-PUFA supplements as a novel option for restricting SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in the general population.
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Skeeters SS, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An ACE2 decoy can be administered by inhalation and potently targets omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. EMBO Mol Med 2022. [PMID: 36094679 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.28.486075v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably sublineages of B.1.1.529/omicron, have emerged that escape antibodies in clinical use. As an alternative, soluble decoy receptors based on the host entry receptor ACE2 broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, inhalation of aerosolized sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 increased survival and ameliorated lung injury in K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy's therapeutic efficacy, which was further confirmed by intravenous administration, supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Furthermore, sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 tightly binds and neutralizes BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 omicron and protects K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with a high dose of BA.1 omicron virus. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 is demonstrated by the inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kui K Chan
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Skeeters SS, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An ACE2 decoy can be administered by inhalation and potently targets omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16109. [PMID: 36094679 PMCID: PMC9539395 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably sublineages of B.1.1.529/omicron, have emerged that escape antibodies in clinical use. As an alternative, soluble decoy receptors based on the host entry receptor ACE2 broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, inhalation of aerosolized sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 increased survival and ameliorated lung injury in K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy's therapeutic efficacy, which was further confirmed by intravenous administration, supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Furthermore, sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 tightly binds and neutralizes BA.1, BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 omicron and protects K18-hACE2 mice inoculated with a high dose of BA.1 omicron virus. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE22 .v2.4-IgG1 is demonstrated by the inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular BiologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Present address:
Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterPittsburghPAUSA
| | | | - Laura Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular BiologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine and the Center for Lung and Vascular BiologyThe University of Illinois College of MedicineChicagoILUSA
| | - Erik Procko
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of IllinoisUrbanaILUSA
- Cyrus Biotechnology, Inc.SeattleWAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lennol MP, García-Ayllón MS, Esteban M, García-Arriaza J, Sáez-Valero J. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a potential biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine efficacy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001951. [PMID: 36311758 PMCID: PMC9597869 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Various species of the SARS-CoV-2 host cell receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), are present in serum, which may result from virus entry and subsequent proteolytic processing of the membrane receptor. We have recently demonstrated changes of particular ACE2 species in virus infected humans, either cleaved fragments or circulating full-length species. Here, we further explore the potential of serum ACE2 as a biomarker to test SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine efficacy in virus susceptible transgenic K18-hACE2 mice expressing human ACE2. First, in serum samples derived from K18-hACE2 mice challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2, we observed an increase in the levels of cleaved ACE2 fragment at day 2 post-challenge, which may represent the subsequent proteolytic processing through virus entry. These elevated levels were maintained until the death of the animals at day 6 post-challenge. The circulating full-length ACE2 form displayed a sizable peak at day 4, which declined at day 6 post-challenge. Noticeably, immunization with two doses of the MVA-CoV2-S vaccine candidate prevented ACE2 cleaved changes in serum of animals challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2. The efficacy of the MVA-CoV2-S was extended to vaccinated mice after virus re-challenge. These findings highlight that ACE2 could be a potential serum biomarker for disease progression and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Lennol
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Salud García-Ayllón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan García-Arriaza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan García-Arriaza, ; Javier Sáez-Valero,
| | - Javier Sáez-Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan García-Arriaza, ; Javier Sáez-Valero,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Tang SGH, Hadi MHH, Arsad SR, Ker PJ, Ramanathan S, Afandi NAM, Afzal MM, Yaw MW, Krishnan PS, Chen CP, Tiong SK. Prerequisite for COVID-19 Prediction: A Review on Factors Affecting the Infection Rate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12997. [PMID: 36293576 PMCID: PMC9602751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192012997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the year 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as the dominant topic of discussion in the public and research domains. Intensive research has been carried out on several aspects of COVID-19, including vaccines, its transmission mechanism, detection of COVID-19 infection, and its infection rate and factors. The awareness of the public related to the COVID-19 infection factors enables the public to adhere to the standard operating procedures, while a full elucidation on the correlation of different factors to the infection rate facilitates effective measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection by policy makers and enforcers. Hence, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive and analytical review of different factors affecting the COVID-19 infection rate. Furthermore, this review analyses factors which directly and indirectly affect the COVID-19 infection risk, such as physical distance, ventilation, face masks, meteorological factor, socioeconomic factor, vaccination, host factor, SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the availability of COVID-19 testing. Critical analysis was performed for the different factors by providing quantitative and qualitative studies. Lastly, the challenges of correlating each infection risk factor to the predicted risk of COVID-19 infection are discussed, and recommendations for further research works and interventions are outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Gee Hoon Tang
- Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Haziq Hasnul Hadi
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Siti Rosilah Arsad
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Pin Jern Ker
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Santhi Ramanathan
- Faculty of Business, Multimedia University, Jalan Ayer Keroh Lama, Malacca 75450, Malaysia
| | - Nayli Aliah Mohd Afandi
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Madihah Mohd Afzal
- Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies (CORE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Mei Wyin Yaw
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Prajindra Sankar Krishnan
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Chai Phing Chen
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| | - Sieh Kiong Tiong
- Institute of Sustainable Energy, Department of Electrical & Electronics, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bani Hani A, Abu Tarboush N, Bani Ali M, Alabhoul F, Alansari F, Abuhani A, Al-Kawak M, Shamoun B, Albdour S, Abu Abeeleh M, Ahram M. Serum ACE2 Level is Associated With Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Biomark Insights 2022; 17:11772719221125123. [PMID: 36156891 PMCID: PMC9500304 DOI: 10.1177/11772719221125123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) represents the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 to enter endothelial cells, causing coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we investigate the association between circulating ACE2 levels with the severity of COVID-19. Methods: Serum ACE2 levels were measured in 144 COVID-19-positive subjects at hospital admission, and 123 COVID-19-negative control subjects. The association between ACE2 and clinical outcomes was analyzed. Results: About 144 COVID-19 patients and 123 healthy controls data were analyzed, the mean age of patients was 62 years and 50% of them were males. The mean age of the control group was 55 years and 63% were males. ACE-II level was measured and compared between COVID-19 patients and controls and revealed no significant differences (P > .05). ACE-II level was measured in COVID-19 patients and compared between different patient’s subgroups, ACE II level was not dependent on gender, smoking, ACE intake, or comorbidities (P > .05), and was significantly correlated with cardiovascular diseases (CVS) (P-value = .046) ICU admission (P-value = .0007) and Death (P-value = .0082). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the COVID-19 and Control group, however, ACE2 serum level was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 who were critically ill or non-survivors, its increased level is also associated with length of stay. Elevated ACE2 level is associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease, and it has the potential to be a predictor of the severity of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Bani Hani
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nafez Abu Tarboush
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mo'ath Bani Ali
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fahad Alabhoul
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Fahad Alansari
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Abuhani
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Al-Kawak
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Badea'a Shamoun
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Prince Hamza Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Suzan Albdour
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mahmoud Abu Abeeleh
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mamoun Ahram
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Méndez-García LA, Escobedo G, Minguer-Uribe AG, Viurcos-Sanabria R, Aguayo-Guerrero JA, Carrillo-Ruiz JD, Solleiro-Villavicencio H. Role of the renin-angiotensin system in the development of COVID-19-associated neurological manifestations. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:977039. [PMID: 36187294 PMCID: PMC9523599 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.977039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, which has claimed millions of lives. This virus can infect various cells and tissues, including the brain, for which numerous neurological symptoms have been reported, ranging from mild and non-life-threatening (e.g., headaches, anosmia, dysgeusia, and disorientation) to severe and life-threatening symptoms (e.g., meningitis, ischemic stroke, and cerebral thrombosis). The cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an enzyme that belongs to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). RAS is an endocrine system that has been classically associated with regulating blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance; however, it is also involved in promoting inflammation, proliferation, fibrogenesis, and lipogenesis. Two pathways constitute the RAS with counter-balancing effects, which is the key to its regulation. The first axis (classical) is composed of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin (Ang) II, and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) as the main effector, which -when activated- increases the production of aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone, sympathetic nervous system tone, blood pressure, vasoconstriction, fibrosis, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Both systemic and local classical RAS' within the brain are associated with cognitive impairment, cell death, and inflammation. The second axis (non-classical or alternative) includes ACE2, which converts Ang II to Ang-(1-7), a peptide molecule that activates Mas receptor (MasR) in charge of opposing Ang II/AT1R actions. Thus, the alternative RAS axis enhances cognition, synaptic remodeling, cell survival, cell signal transmission, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the brain. In a physiological state, both RAS axes remain balanced. However, some factors can dysregulate systemic and local RAS arms. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 causes the internalization and degradation of this enzyme, reducing its activity, and disrupting the balance of systemic and local RAS, which partially explain the appearance of some of the neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the role of RAS in the development of the neurological effects due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, we will discuss the RAS-molecular targets that could be used for therapeutic purposes to treat the short and long-term neurological COVID-19-related sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía A. Méndez-García
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Galileo Escobedo
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alan Gerardo Minguer-Uribe
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Cellular Physiology Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Viurcos-Sanabria
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
- PECEM, School of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José A. Aguayo-Guerrero
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Research Division, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Damián Carrillo-Ruiz
- Research Directorate, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga,”Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
The majority of severe COVID-19 patients develop anti-cardiac autoantibodies. GeroScience 2022; 44:2347-2360. [PMID: 36112333 PMCID: PMC9483490 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by an inflammatory burst, which is accompanied by multiorgan failure. The elderly population has higher risk for severe or fatal outcome for COVID-19. Inflammatory mediators facilitate the immune system to combat viral infection by producing antibodies against viral antigens. Several studies reported that the pro-inflammatory state and tissue damage in COVID-19 also promotes autoimmunity by autoantibody generation. We hypothesized that a subset of these autoantibodies targets cardiac antigens. Here we aimed to detect anti-cardiac autoantibodies in severe COVID-19 patients during hospitalization. For this purpose, 104 COVID-19 patients were recruited, while 40 heart failure patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 20 patients with severe aortic stenosis served as controls. Patients were tested for anti-cardiac autoantibodies, using human heart homogenate as a bait. Follow-up samples were available in 29 COVID-19 patients. Anti-cardiac autoantibodies were detected in 68% (71 out of 104) of severe COVID-19 patients. Overall, 39% of COVID-19 patients had anti-cardiac IgG autoantibodies, while 51% had anti-cardiac autoantibodies of IgM isotype. Both IgG and IgM anti-cardiac autoantibodies were observed in 22% of cases, and multiple cardiac antigens were targeted in 38% of COVID-19 patients. These anti-cardiac autoantibodies targeted a diverse set of myocardial proteins, without apparent selectivity. As controls, heart failure patients (with dilated cardiomyopathy) had similar occurrence of IgG (45%, p = 0.57) autoantibodies, while significantly lower occurrence of IgM autoantibodies (30%, p = 0.03). Patients with advanced aortic stenosis had significantly lower number of both IgG (11%, p = 0.03) and IgM (10%, p < 0.01) type anti-cardiac autoantibodies than that in COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we detected changes in the anti-cardiac autoantibody profile in 7 COVID-19 patients during hospital treatment. Surprisingly, the presence of these anti-cardiac autoantibodies did not affect the clinical outcome and the prevalence of the autoantibodies did not differ between the elderly (over 65 years) and the patients younger than 65 years of age. Our results demonstrate that the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients produce novel anti-cardiac IgM autoantibodies. COVID-19 also reactivates resident IgG autoantibodies. These autoantibodies may promote autoimmune reactions, which can complicate post-COVID recuperation, contributing to post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (long COVID).
Collapse
|
38
|
Kjertakov M. Commentary: Moderate exercise may prevent the development of severe forms of COVID-19, whereas high-intensity exercise may result in the opposite. Front Physiol 2022; 13:902739. [PMID: 36072850 PMCID: PMC9441653 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.902739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
39
|
Shi C, Zhu J, Shen Y, Luo S, Zhu H, Song R. Off-Policy Confidence Interval Estimation with Confounded Markov Decision Process. J Am Stat Assoc 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2022.2110876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ye Shen
- North Carolina State University
| | | | - Hongtu Zhu
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Nagy B. Foreword: Current Laboratory Aspects of COVID-19. EJIFCC 2022; 33:75-78. [PMID: 36313908 PMCID: PMC9562487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Béla Nagy
- Corresponding author: Béla Nagy Jr., MD, PhD Department of Laboratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen Nagyerdei krt. 98 H-4032, Debrecen Hungary E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Schroeder PH, Brenner LN, Kaur V, Cromer SJ, Armstrong K, LaRocque RC, Ryan ET, Meigs JB, Florez JC, Charles RC, Mercader JM, Leong A. Proteomic analysis of cardiometabolic biomarkers and predictive modeling of severe outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2022; 21:136. [PMID: 35864532 PMCID: PMC9301894 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-022-01569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high heterogeneity in the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 makes it challenging to identify high-risk patients early in the disease. Cardiometabolic comorbidities have shown strong associations with COVID-19 severity in epidemiologic studies. Cardiometabolic protein biomarkers, therefore, may provide predictive insight regarding which patients are most susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19. METHODS In plasma samples collected from 343 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic, we measured 92 circulating protein biomarkers previously implicated in cardiometabolic disease. We performed proteomic analysis and developed predictive models for severe outcomes. We then used these models to predict the outcomes of out-of-sample patients hospitalized with COVID-19 later in the surge (N = 194). RESULTS We identified a set of seven protein biomarkers predictive of admission to the intensive care unit and/or death (ICU/death) within 28 days of presentation to care. Two of the biomarkers, ADAMTS13 and VEGFD, were associated with a lower risk of ICU/death. The remaining biomarkers, ACE2, IL-1RA, IL6, KIM1, and CTSL1, were associated with higher risk. When used to predict the outcomes of the future, out-of-sample patients, the predictive models built with these protein biomarkers outperformed all models built from standard clinical data, including known COVID-19 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that proteomic profiling can inform the early clinical impression of a patient's likelihood of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and, ultimately, accelerate the recognition and treatment of high-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Schroeder
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura N Brenner
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Varinderpal Kaur
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sara J Cromer
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katrina Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward T Ryan
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James B Meigs
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jose C Florez
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richelle C Charles
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Josep M Mercader
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Leong
- Diabetes Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mariappan V, Ranganadin P, Shanmugam L, Rao SR, Balakrishna Pillai A. Early shedding of membrane-bounded ACE2 could be an indicator for disease severity in SARS-CoV-2. Biochimie 2022; 201:139-147. [PMID: 35724946 PMCID: PMC9212747 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 uses membrane bound Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a key host receptor for its entry. However, inconsistent results are available in terms of shedding of membrane ACE2 and circulating levels of soluble ACE2 during SARS-CoV-2. To ascertain soluble ACE2 as an effective biomarker for the prediction of COVID-19 outcome, in the present study, we investigated the levels of plasma ACE2 during the early phase of infection in COVID-19 patients. The study involved a total of 42 COVID-19 patients along with 10 healthy controls. Plasma levels of ACE2 was determined using ELISA at the time of admission and on day 7 post admission. The association of sACE2 with D-dimer a marker for hyper-coagulation was performed using a dependence test. Compared to healthy controls, SARS-CoV-2 cases has shown a huge increase in the sACE2 at the time of admission. During the course of infection, we found a significant increase (P ≤ 0.001) in sACE2 in severe cases compared to moderate. There was a strong increase in sACE2 in cases with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Interestingly, a strong positive correlation (P ≤ 0.001) was obtained between sACE2 and D-dimer. Thus, an excessive shedding of ACE2 during the early phase is a common phenomenon in severe form of the SARS-CoV-2. Along with D-dimer, the sACE2 levels could serve as a clinical biomarker for the prediction of disease outcome. However further studies are needed to ascertain its role in host-virus interplay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Mariappan
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility (CIDRF), MGM Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607 402, India.
| | - Pajanivel Ranganadin
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607 402, India.
| | - Lokesh Shanmugam
- ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Ayapakkam, Chennai, 600 070, India; Department of General Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607 402, India.
| | - S R Rao
- Research, Innovation and Development, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607 402, India.
| | - Agieshkumar Balakrishna Pillai
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility (CIDRF), MGM Advanced Research Institute (MGMARI), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Puducherry, 607 402, India.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Effect of Norelgestromin and Ethinylestradiol in Transdermal Patches on the Clinical Outcomes and Biochemical Parameters of COVID-19 Patients: A Clinical Trial Pilot Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060757. [PMID: 35745676 PMCID: PMC9228088 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is still considered a global pandemic. Transdermal patches (TP) with immunoregulators such as estrogen and progesterone compounds could be a feasible option to treat COVID-19 because of their accessibility and relative safety. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the additional treatment with norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol in TP on the clinical and biochemical evolution of COVID-19 patients. The present is a clinical-trial pilot study that included subjects diagnosed with COVID-19, randomized into two groups; the experimental Evra® TP (norelgestromin 6 mg and ethinylestradiol 0.60 mg) was administered such that it was applied on arrival and replaced at day 8 and day 15. The control continued with the conventional COVID-19 treatment protocol. A blood sample was taken each week in order to evaluate relevant biochemical parameters, clinical signs, and evolution. In total, 44 subjects participated in this study, 30 in the experimental group and 14 in the control group. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of age and comorbidities. The experimental group had a significantly lower hospital stay (p = 0.01), high flow supplemental oxygen (p = 0.001), mechanical ventilation (p = 0.003), and intubation (p = 0.01), and the oxygen saturation significantly increased (p = 0.01) in comparison with control group when patients were exposed to room air. A decrease in ferritin (p < 0.05) was observed, with no significant increase in ESR (p > 0.05), D dimer (p > 0.05) and platelets (p > 0.05) in an auto-controlled analysis in the experimental group. Norelgestromin and ethinylestradiol TP could be a safe and effective treatment for moderate and severe COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
|
44
|
Mińczuk K, Baranowska-Kuczko M, Krzyżewska A, Schlicker E, Malinowska B. Cross-Talk between the (Endo)Cannabinoid and Renin-Angiotensin Systems: Basic Evidence and Potential Therapeutic Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116350. [PMID: 35683028 PMCID: PMC9181166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is dedicated to the cross-talk between the (endo)cannabinoid and renin angiotensin systems (RAS). Activation of AT1 receptors (AT1Rs) by angiotensin II (Ang II) can release endocannabinoids that, by acting at cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), modify the response to AT1R stimulation. CB1R blockade may enhance AT1R-mediated responses (mainly vasoconstrictor effects) or reduce them (mainly central nervous system-mediated effects). The final effects depend on whether stimulation of CB1Rs and AT1Rs induces opposite or the same effects. Second, CB1R blockade may diminish AT1R levels. Third, phytocannabinoids modulate angiotensin-converting enzyme-2. Additional studies are required to clarify (1) the existence of a cross-talk between the protective axis of the RAS (Ang II—AT2 receptor system or angiotensin 1-7—Mas receptor system) with components of the endocannabinoid system, (2) the influence of Ang II on constituents of the endocannabinoid system and (3) the (patho)physiological significance of AT1R-CB1R heteromerization. As a therapeutic consequence, CB1R antagonists may influence effects elicited by the activation or blockade of the RAS; phytocannabinoids may be useful as adjuvant therapy against COVID-19; single drugs acting on the (endo)cannabinoid system (cannabidiol) and the RAS (telmisartan) may show pharmacokinetic interactions since they are substrates of the same metabolizing enzyme of the transport mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Mińczuk
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Marta Baranowska-Kuczko
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Anna Krzyżewska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
| | - Eberhard Schlicker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (B.M.); Tel.: +48-85-7485699 (B.M.)
| | - Barbara Malinowska
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mickiewicza 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (K.M.); (M.B.-K.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (E.S.); (B.M.); Tel.: +48-85-7485699 (B.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
The Pathophysiology of Long COVID throughout the Renin-Angiotensin System. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27092903. [PMID: 35566253 PMCID: PMC9101946 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27092903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has expanded across the world since its discovery in Wuhan (China) and has had a significant impact on people’s lives and health. Long COVID is a term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to describe a variety of persistent symptoms after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Long COVID has been demonstrated to affect various SARS-CoV-2-infected persons, independently of the acute disease severity. The symptoms of long COVID, like acute COVID-19, consist in the set of damage to various organs and systems such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, urinary, and immune systems. Fatigue, dyspnea, cardiac abnormalities, cognitive and attention impairments, sleep disturbances, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle pain, concentration problems, and headache were all reported as symptoms of long COVID. At the molecular level, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is heavily involved in the pathogenesis of this illness, much as it is in the acute phase of the viral infection. In this review, we summarize the impact of long COVID on several organs and tissues, with a special focus on the significance of the RAS in the disease pathogenesis. Long COVID risk factors and potential therapy approaches are also explored.
Collapse
|
46
|
Krenn K, Tretter V, Kraft F, Ullrich R. The Renin-Angiotensin System as a Component of Biotrauma in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Front Physiol 2022; 12:806062. [PMID: 35498160 PMCID: PMC9043684 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.806062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major concern in critical care medicine with a high mortality of over 30%. Injury to the lungs is caused not only by underlying pathological conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, or trauma, but also by ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) resulting from high positive pressure levels and a high inspiratory oxygen fraction. Apart from mechanical factors that stress the lungs with a specific physical power and cause volutrauma and barotrauma, it is increasingly recognized that lung injury is further aggravated by biological mediators. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased interest in the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the context of ARDS, as the RAS enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 serves as the primary cell entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV)-2. Even before this pandemic, studies have documented the involvement of the RAS in VILI and its dysregulation in clinical ARDS. In recent years, analytical tools for RAS investigation have made major advances based on the optimized precision and detail of mass spectrometry. Given that many clinical trials with pharmacological interventions in ARDS were negative, RAS-modifying drugs may represent an interesting starting point for novel therapeutic approaches. Results from animal models have highlighted the potential of RAS-modifying drugs to prevent VILI or treat ARDS. While these drugs have beneficial pulmonary effects, the best targets and application forms for intervention still have to be determined to avoid negative effects on the circulation in clinical settings.
Collapse
|
47
|
Kassif Lerner R, Stein Yeshurun M, Hemi R, Zada N, Asraf K, Doolman R, Benoit SW, Santos de Oliveira MH, Lippi G, Henry BM, Pessach IM, Pode Shakked N. The Predictive Value of Serum ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Concentrations in Patients with COVID-19-A Prospective Pilot Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040622. [PMID: 35455738 PMCID: PMC9032089 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges for healthcare systems during the Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was the inability to successfully predict which patients would require mechanical ventilation (MV). Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and TransMembrane Protease Serine S1 member 2 (TMPRSS2) are enzymes that play crucial roles in SARS-CoV-2 entry into human host cells. However, their predictive value as biomarkers for risk stratification for respiratory deterioration requiring MV has not yet been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate whether serum ACE2 and TMPRSS2 levels are associated with adverse outcomes in COVID-19, and specifically the need for MV. COVID-19 patients admitted to an Israeli tertiary medical center between March--November 2020, were included. Serum samples were obtained shortly after admission (day 0) and again following one week of admission (day 7). ACE2 and TMPRSS2 concentrations were measured with ELISA. Of 72 patients included, 30 (41.6%) ultimately required MV. Serum ACE2 concentrations >7.8 ng/mL at admission were significantly associated with the need for MV (p = 0.036), inotropic support, and renal replacement therapy. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, elevated ACE2 at admission was associated with the need for MV (OR = 7.49; p = 0.014). To conclude, elevated serum ACE2 concentration early in COVID-19 illness correlates with respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation. We suggest that measuring serum ACE2 at admission may be useful for predicting the risk of severe disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reut Kassif Lerner
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel; (R.K.L.); (I.M.P.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.S.Y.); (R.H.); (R.D.)
| | - Michal Stein Yeshurun
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.S.Y.); (R.H.); (R.D.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
| | - Rina Hemi
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.S.Y.); (R.H.); (R.D.)
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel;
| | - Nahid Zada
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel;
| | - Keren Asraf
- The Dworman Automated-Mega Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel;
| | - Ram Doolman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.S.Y.); (R.H.); (R.D.)
- The Dworman Automated-Mega Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel;
| | - Stefanie W. Benoit
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.W.B.); (B.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | | | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Brandon Michael Henry
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.W.B.); (B.M.H.)
| | - Itai M. Pessach
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel; (R.K.L.); (I.M.P.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.S.Y.); (R.H.); (R.D.)
| | - Naomi Pode Shakked
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.S.Y.); (R.H.); (R.D.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (S.W.B.); (B.M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nazari-Khanamiri F, Ghasemnejad-Berenji M. A hypothesis that Notopterol may be effective in COVID-19 via JAK/STAT and other signaling pathways. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 34:405-407. [PMID: 35390234 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2022-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading disease, causing a global pandemic. It is circulating in multiple countries and causing a series of respiratory infections. Due to the uncertain safety and efficacy of the vaccines and lack of specific medicines, it's important to investigate new pharmacological procedures and find out new drugs that help us eradicate this pandemic. We suggest the hypothesis that Notopterol (NOT), the main Secondary metabolite of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T (a common Chinese medicinal herb), may have the potential benefits on SARS-CoV2 infection for this reasons: (a) NOT exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-angiogenic properties, (b) NOT indicates a significant reduction in cytokines and chemokines releasing including TNFa, IL-6, interferon-γ, which may decrease COVID-19 cytokine storm (c) NOT can suppress the expression of genes which leads to inflammation via Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. It is exactly acting like tocilizumab, (an approved drug against COVID-19) and (d) Notopterygium incisum has antiviral activity against influenza virus, it can reduce the viral-induced oxidative stress. By these explanations, it is hopeful that NOT may be effective in COVID-19 infections which needs further investigations to examine Notopterol as a beneficial agent against the SARS-CoV2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Takeshita H, Yamamoto K. Tryptophan Metabolism and COVID-19-Induced Skeletal Muscle Damage: Is ACE2 a Key Regulator? Front Nutr 2022; 9:868845. [PMID: 35463998 PMCID: PMC9028463 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.868845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by systemic damage to organs, including skeletal muscle, due to excessive secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Clinical studies have suggested that the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism is selectively enhanced in patients with severe COVID-19. In addition to acting as a receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative virus of COVID-19, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) contributes to tryptophan absorption and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system. In this article, we review previous studies to assess the potential for a link between tryptophan metabolism, ACE2, and skeletal muscle damage in patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhang L, Narayanan KK, Cooper L, Chan KK, Devlin CA, Aguhob A, Shirley K, Rong L, Rehman J, Malik AB, Procko E. An engineered ACE2 decoy receptor can be administered by inhalation and potently targets the BA.1 and BA.2 omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022. [PMID: 35378764 PMCID: PMC8978935 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.28.486075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein neutralize infection and are efficacious for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants have emerged that partially or fully escape monoclonal antibodies in clinical use. Notably, the BA.2 sublineage of B.1.1.529/omicron escapes nearly all monoclonal antibodies currently authorized for therapeutic treatment of COVID-19. Decoy receptors, which are based on soluble forms of the host entry receptor ACE2, are an alternative strategy that broadly bind and block S from SARS-CoV-2 variants and related betacoronaviruses. The high-affinity and catalytically active decoy sACE22.v2.4-IgG1 was previously shown to be effective in vivo against SARS-CoV-2 variants when administered intravenously. Here, the inhalation of sACE22.v2.4-IgG1 is found to increase survival and ameliorate lung injury in K18-hACE2 transgenic mice inoculated with a lethal dose of the virulent P.1/gamma virus. Loss of catalytic activity reduced the decoy’s therapeutic efficacy supporting dual mechanisms of action: direct blocking of viral S and turnover of ACE2 substrates associated with lung injury and inflammation. Binding of sACE22.v2.4-IgG1 remained tight to S of BA.1 omicron, despite BA.1 omicron having extensive mutations, and binding exceeded that of four monoclonal antibodies approved for clinical use. BA.1 pseudovirus and authentic virus were neutralized at picomolar concentrations. Finally, tight binding was maintained against S from the BA.2 omicron sublineage, which differs from S of BA.1 by 26 mutations. Overall, the therapeutic potential of sACE22.v2.4-IgG1 is further confirmed by inhalation route and broad neutralization potency persists against increasingly divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
|