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Lindo J, Coelho P, Gavinhos C, Martins M, Liberal J, Ferreira AJ, Gonçalves T, Rodrigues F. Health Status and COVID-19 Epidemiology in an Inland Region of Portugal: A Retrospective Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1033. [PMID: 39200643 PMCID: PMC11353782 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21081033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
Multiple factors, from socioeconomic development to genetic background, can affect the regional impact of some diseases, and this has also been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this retrospective study was to characterize a population in the interior of Portugal regarding health status and COVID-19 epidemiology. Between October 2021 and January 2023, 1553 subjects residing in Beira Baixa, Portugal, were included. Using a self-report approach, demographic and clinical data were obtained. Blood group, blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation and anti-spike protein immunoglobulin concentration were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. The average age of the participants was 48.95 (±14.43) years, with 64% being male and 36% being female. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (19.2%), dyslipidemia (12.6%) and diabetes mellitus (6.6%). Half of the population was overweight, and more than half of the subjects had no history of tobacco consumption. Among the participants, 33% were infected with SARS-CoV-2: 70.1% had mild disease, 14.1% moderate disease and 1.4% severe disease. There was a very significant adherence to vaccination (97%). Previously infected or vaccinated people had higher anti-spike protein immunoglobulin values; this value depended on the vaccine administered (p < 0.001). Patients with autoimmune diseases and smokers had lower levels of anti-S IgG antibodies (p = 0.030 and p = 0.024, respectively). The severity of COVID-19 did not affect the concentration of anti-S IgG (p = 0.430). This study highlights the general health statuses and the impact of COVID-19 on a population in the Portuguese interior. Knowledge of the circulation and impact of the virus in this specific population can alert and assist in better interventions being conducted by health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lindo
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.L.)
- CNC-UC—Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Dermatology Department, Coimbra’s Hospital and University Center, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Coelho
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center (Sprint), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Catarina Gavinhos
- IPCB/ESALD—Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, Escola Superior Agrária, UID-QRural, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Manuel Martins
- IPCB/ESALD—Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, Escola Superior Agrária, UID-QRural, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal; (C.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Joana Liberal
- IPC/ESTSC—Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Escola Superior Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - António Jorge Ferreira
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.L.)
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.L.)
- CNC-UC—Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Rodrigues
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center (Sprint), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
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Zhao JV, Yao M, Liu Z. Using genetics and proteomics data to identify proteins causally related to COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan: a Mendelian randomization study. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6384-6416. [PMID: 38575325 PMCID: PMC11042960 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205711] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic poses a heavy burden on public health and accounts for substantial mortality and morbidity. Proteins are building blocks of life, but specific proteins causally related to COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan have not been systematically examined. METHODS We conducted a Mendelian randomization study to assess the effects of 1,361 plasma proteins on COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan, using large GWAS of severe COVID-19 (up to 13,769 cases and 1,072,442 controls), COVID-19 hospitalization (32,519 cases and 2,062,805 controls) and SARS-COV2 infection (122,616 cases and 2,475,240 controls), healthspan (n = 300,477) and parental lifespan (~0.8 million of European ancestry). RESULTS We identified 35, 43, and 63 proteins for severe COVID, COVID-19 hospitalization, and SARS-COV2 infection, and 4, 32, and 19 proteins for healthspan, father's attained age, and mother's attained age. In addition to some proteins reported previously, such as SFTPD related to severe COVID-19, we identified novel proteins involved in inflammation and immunity (such as ICAM-2 and ICAM-5 which affect COVID-19 risk, CXCL9, HLA-DRA and LILRB4 for healthspan and lifespan), apoptosis (such as FGFR2 and ERBB4 which affect COVID-19 risk and FOXO3 which affect lifespan) and metabolism (such as PCSK9 which lowers lifespan). We found 2, 2 and 3 proteins shared between COVID-19 and healthspan/lifespan, such as CXADR and LEFTY2, shared between severe COVID-19 and healthspan/lifespan. Three proteins affecting COVID-19 and seven proteins affecting healthspan/lifespan are targeted by existing drugs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided novel insights into protein targets affecting COVID-19, healthspan and lifespan, with implications for developing new treatment and drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie V. Zhao
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Minhao Yao
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Švitek L, Lišnjić D, Grubišić B, Zlosa M, Schönberger E, Vlahović Vlašić N, Smajić P, Sabadi D, Rolić T, Kralik K, Mandić S. GDF-15 Levels and Other Laboratory Findings as Predictors of COVID-19 Severity and Mortality: A Pilot Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:757. [PMID: 38672113 PMCID: PMC11048158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040757] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a stress-induced cytokine associated with acute and chronic inflammatory states. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the prognostic roles of GDF-15 and routine clinical laboratory parameters in COVID-19 patients. Upon the admission of 95 adult hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Croatia, blood analysis was performed, and medical data were collected. The patients were categorized based on survival, ICU admission, and hospitalization duration. Logistic regression and ROC curve methods were employed for the statistical analysis. Logistic regression revealed two independent predictors of negative outcomes: CURB-65 score (OR = 2.55) and LDH (OR = 1.005); one predictor of ICU admission: LDH (OR = 1.004); and one predictor of prolonged hospitalization: the need for a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) upon admission (OR = 4.75). The ROC curve showed diagnostic indicators of negative outcomes: age, CURB-65 score, LDH, and GDF-15. The largest area under the curve (AUC = 0.767, specificity = 65.6, sensitivity = 83.9) was represented by GDF-15, with a cutoff value of 3528 pg/mL. For ICU admission, significant diagnostic indicators were LDH, CRP, and IL-6. Significant diagnostic indicators of prolonged hospitalization were CK, GGT, and oxygenation with an HFNC upon admission. This study reaffirms the significance of the commonly used laboratory parameters and clinical scores in evaluating COVID-19. Additionally, it introduces the potential for a new diagnostic approach and research concerning GDF-15 levels in this widespread disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Švitek
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Infectology and Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Lišnjić
- Department of Infectology and Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Barbara Grubišić
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mihaela Zlosa
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ema Schönberger
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Clinic, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Nika Vlahović Vlašić
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Infectology and Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Petra Smajić
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Infectology and Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dario Sabadi
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Infectology and Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tara Rolić
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Institute of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Kralik
- Department of Medical Statistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Sanja Mandić
- Polyclinic LabPlus, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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Vanslambrouck JM, Neil JA, Rudraraju R, Mah S, Tan KS, Groenewegen E, Forbes TA, Karavendzas K, Elliott DA, Porrello ER, Subbarao K, Little MH. Kidney organoids reveal redundancy in viral entry pathways during ACE2-dependent SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Virol 2024; 98:e0180223. [PMID: 38334329 PMCID: PMC10949421 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01802-23] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
With a high incidence of acute kidney injury among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, considerable attention has been focussed on whether SARS-CoV-2 specifically targets kidney cells to directly impact renal function, or whether renal damage is primarily an indirect outcome. To date, several studies have utilized kidney organoids to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19, revealing the ability for SARS-CoV-2 to predominantly infect cells of the proximal tubule (PT), with reduced infectivity following administration of soluble ACE2. However, the immaturity of standard human kidney organoids represents a significant hurdle, leaving the preferred SARS-CoV-2 processing pathway, existence of alternate viral receptors, and the effect of common hypertensive medications on the expression of ACE2 in the context of SARS-CoV-2 exposure incompletely understood. Utilizing a novel kidney organoid model with enhanced PT maturity, genetic- and drug-mediated inhibition of viral entry and processing factors confirmed the requirement for ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 entry but showed that the virus can utilize dual viral spike protein processing pathways downstream of ACE2 receptor binding. These include TMPRSS- and CTSL/CTSB-mediated non-endosomal and endocytic pathways, with TMPRSS10 likely playing a more significant role in the non-endosomal pathway in renal cells than TMPRSS2. Finally, treatment with the antihypertensive ACE inhibitor, lisinopril, showed negligible impact on receptor expression or susceptibility of renal cells to infection. This study represents the first in-depth characterization of viral entry in stem cell-derived human kidney organoids with enhanced PTs, providing deeper insight into the renal implications of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. IMPORTANCE Utilizing a human iPSC-derived kidney organoid model with improved proximal tubule (PT) maturity, we identified the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 entry in renal cells, confirming ACE2 as the sole receptor and revealing redundancy in downstream cell surface TMPRSS- and endocytic Cathepsin-mediated pathways. In addition, these data address the implications of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in the setting of the commonly prescribed ACE-inhibitor, lisinopril, confirming its negligible impact on infection of kidney cells. Taken together, these results provide valuable insight into the mechanism of viral infection in the human kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Vanslambrouck
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica A. Neil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rajeev Rudraraju
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sophia Mah
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ker Sin Tan
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ella Groenewegen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas A. Forbes
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katerina Karavendzas
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David A. Elliott
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Australia Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Enzo R. Porrello
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Cardiovascular Genomics and Regenerative Medicine, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kanta Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- The WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Melissa H. Little
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kumar S, Granados J, Aceves M, Peralta J, Leandro AC, Thomas J, Williams-Blangero S, Curran JE, Blangero J. Pre-Infection Innate Immunity Attenuates SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Viral Load in iPSC-Derived Alveolar Epithelial Type 2 Cells. Cells 2024; 13:369. [PMID: 38474333 PMCID: PMC10931100 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050369] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A large portion of the heterogeneity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) susceptibility and severity of illness (SOI) remains poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection-associated damage to alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AT2s) in the distal lung may directly contribute to disease severity and poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Our in vitro modeling of SARS-CoV-2 infection in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived AT2s from 10 different individuals showed interindividual variability in infection susceptibility and the postinfection cellular viral load. To understand the underlying mechanism of the AT2's capacity to regulate SARS-CoV-2 infection and cellular viral load, a genome-wide differential gene expression analysis between the mock and SARS-CoV-2 infection-challenged AT2s was performed. The 1393 genes, which were significantly (one-way ANOVA FDR-corrected p ≤ 0.05; FC abs ≥ 2.0) differentially expressed (DE), suggest significant upregulation of viral infection-related cellular innate immune response pathways (p-value ≤ 0.05; activation z-score ≥ 3.5), and significant downregulation of the cholesterol- and xenobiotic-related metabolic pathways (p-value ≤ 0.05; activation z-score ≤ -3.5). Whilst the effect of post-SARS-CoV-2 infection response on the infection susceptibility and postinfection viral load in AT2s is not clear, interestingly, pre-infection (mock-challenged) expression of 238 DE genes showed a high correlation with the postinfection SARS-CoV-2 viral load (FDR-corrected p-value ≤ 0.05 and r2-absolute ≥ 0.57). The 85 genes whose expression was negatively correlated with the viral load showed significant enrichment in viral recognition and cytokine-mediated innate immune GO biological processes (p-value range: 4.65 × 10-10 to 2.24 × 10-6). The 153 genes whose expression was positively correlated with the viral load showed significant enrichment in cholesterol homeostasis, extracellular matrix, and MAPK/ERK pathway-related GO biological processes (p-value range: 5.06 × 10-5 to 6.53 × 10-4). Overall, our results strongly suggest that AT2s' pre-infection innate immunity and metabolic state affect their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (J.G.); (M.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Jose Granados
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (J.G.); (M.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Miriam Aceves
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (J.G.); (M.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Juan Peralta
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.P.); (A.C.L.); (S.W.-B.); (J.E.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Ana C. Leandro
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.P.); (A.C.L.); (S.W.-B.); (J.E.C.); (J.B.)
| | - John Thomas
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (J.G.); (M.A.); (J.T.)
| | - Sarah Williams-Blangero
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.P.); (A.C.L.); (S.W.-B.); (J.E.C.); (J.B.)
| | - Joanne E. Curran
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.P.); (A.C.L.); (S.W.-B.); (J.E.C.); (J.B.)
| | - John Blangero
- Division of Human Genetics and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA; (J.P.); (A.C.L.); (S.W.-B.); (J.E.C.); (J.B.)
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Barmania F, Mellet J, Holborn MA, Pepper MS. Genetic Associations with Coronavirus Susceptibility and Disease Severity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:119-140. [PMID: 37378764 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global public health emergency, and the disease it causes is highly variable in its clinical presentation. Host genetic factors are increasingly recognised as a determinant of infection susceptibility and disease severity. Several initiatives and groups have been established to analyse and review host genetic epidemiology associated with COVID-19 outcomes. Here, we review the genetic loci associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity focusing on the common variants identified in genome-wide association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Barmania
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Juanita Mellet
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Megan A Holborn
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Cell Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Wang Z, Zhan J, Gao H. Computer-aided drug design combined network pharmacology to explore anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-inflammatory targets and mechanisms of Qingfei Paidu Decoction for COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1015271. [PMID: 36618410 PMCID: PMC9816407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1015271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by an intense inflammatory process that may ultimately lead to organ failure and patient death. Qingfei Paidu Decoction (QFPD), a traditional Chines e medicine (TCM) formula, is widely used in China as anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory. However, the potential targets and mechanisms for QFPD to exert anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. Methods In this study, Computer-Aided Drug Design was performed to identify the antiviral or anti-inflammatory components in QFPD and their targets using Discovery Studio 2020 software. We then investigated the mechanisms associated with QFPD for treating COVID-19 with the help of multiple network pharmacology approaches. Results and discussion By overlapping the targets of QFPD and COVID-19, we discovered 8 common targets (RBP4, IL1RN, TTR, FYN, SFTPD, TP53, SRPK1, and AKT1) of 62 active components in QFPD. These may represent potential targets for QFPD to exert anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-inflammatory effects. The result showed that QFPD might have therapeutic effects on COVID-19 by regulating viral infection, immune and inflammation-related pathways. Our work will promote the development of new drugs for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hongwei Gao
- School of Life Science, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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8
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Xanthopoulos A, Bourazana A, Giamouzis G, Skoularigki E, Dimos A, Zagouras A, Papamichalis M, Leventis I, Magouliotis DE, Triposkiadis F, Skoularigis J. COVID-19 and the heart. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9970-9984. [PMID: 36246800 PMCID: PMC9561576 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i28.9970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in December 2019 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a strain of SARS-CoV. Patients infected with the virus present a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild flu-like symptoms, cough, fever and fatigue to severe lung injury, appearing as bilateral interstitial pneumonia or acute respiratory failure. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection predominantly offends the respiratory system, it has been associated with several cardiovascular complications as well. For example, patients with COVID-19 may either develop type 2 myocardial infarction due to myocardial oxygen demand and supply imbalance or acute coronary syndrome resulting from excessive inflammatory response to the primary infection. The incidence of COVID-19 related myocarditis is estimated to be accountable for an average of 7% of all COVID-19 related fatal cases, whereas heart failure (HF) may develop due to infiltration of the heart by inflammatory cells, destructive action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, micro-thrombosis and new onset or aggravated endothelial and respiratory failure. Lastly, SARS-CoV-2 can engender arrhythmias through direct myocardial damage causing acute myocarditis or through HF decompensation or secondary, through respiratory failure or severe respiratory distress syndrome. In this comprehensive review we summarize the COVID-19 related cardiovascular complications (acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis, HF, arrhythmias) and discuss the main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Xanthopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Angeliki Bourazana
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Grigorios Giamouzis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos Dimos
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Alexandros Zagouras
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Leventis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Dimitrios E Magouliotis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Thessaly, Larissa Biopolis, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - John Skoularigis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
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9
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Fan S, Liu H, Li L. The REEP family of proteins: molecular targets and role in pathophysiology. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106477. [PMID: 36191880 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Receptor expression-enhancing proteins (REEPs) are an evolutionarily conserved protein family that is pivotal to the structure and function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The REEP family can be classified into two major subfamilies in higher species, the REEP1-4 and REEP5-6 subfamilies. Within the REEP1-4 subfamily, REEP1 and REEP2 are closely related, and REEP3 and REEP4 are similarly related. The REEP family is widely distributed in various tissues. Recent studies indicate that the REEP family is involved in many pathological and physiological processes, such as ER morphogenesis and remodeling, microtubule cytoskeleton regulation, and the trafficking and expression of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Moreover, the REEP family plays crucial roles in the occurrence and development of many diseases, including neurological diseases, diabetes, retinal diseases, cardiac diseases, infertility, obesity, oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (OJIA), COVID-19, and cancer. In the present review, we describe the distribution and structure of the REEP family. Furthermore, we summarize the functions and the associated diseases of this family. Based on the pleiotropic actions of the REEP family, the study of its family members is crucial to understanding the relevant pathophysiological processes and developing strategies to modulate and control these related diseases. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIAL: The datasets used or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Fan
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Huimei Liu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of tumor microenvironment responsive drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China.
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10
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Zhang W, Yang Z, Zhou F, Wei Y, Ma X. Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies Potential Therapeutic Targets of Paxlovid Against LUAD/COVID-19. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:935906. [PMID: 36157452 PMCID: PMC9493477 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.935906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a pandemic in many countries around the world. The virus is highly contagious and has a high fatality rate. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients may have higher susceptibility and mortality to COVID-19. While Paxlovid is the first oral drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for COVID-19, its specific drug mechanism for lung cancer patients infected with COVID-19 remains to be further studied. Methods COVID-19 related genes were obtained from NCBI, GeneCards, and KEGG, and then the transcriptome data for LUAD was downloaded from TCGA. The drug targets of Paxlovid were revealed through BATMAN-TCM, DrugBank, SwissTargetPrediction, and TargetNet. The genes related to susceptibility to COVID-19 in LUAD patients were obtained through differential analysis. The interaction of LUAD/COVID-19 related genes was evaluated and displayed by STRING, and a COX risk regression model was established to screen and evaluate the correlation between genes and clinical characteristics. The Venn diagram was drawn to select the candidate targets of Paxlovid against LUAD/COVID-19, and the functional analysis of the target genes was performed using KEGG and GO enrichment analysis. Finally, Cytoscape was used to screen and visualize the Hub Gene, and Autodock was used for molecular docking between the drug and the target. Result Bioinformatics analysis was performed by combining COVID-19-related genes with the gene expression and clinical data of LUAD, including analysis of prognosis-related genes, survival rate, and hub genes screened out by the prognosis model. The key targets of Paxlovid against LUAD/COVID-19 were obtained through network pharmacology, the most important targets include IL6, IL12B, LBP. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that Paxlovid modulates the IL-17 signaling pathway, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, during LUAD/COVID-19 treatment. Conclusions Based on bioinformatics and network pharmacology, the prognostic signature of LUAD/COVID-19 patients was screened. And identified the potential therapeutic targets and molecular pathways of Paxlovid Paxlovid in the treatment of LUAD/COVID. As promising features, prognostic signatures and therapeutic targets shed light on improving the personalized management of patients with LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Zhang
- Tumor Research and Therapy Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical Unversity, Jinan, China
- Shandong First Medical Unversity, Jinan, China
| | - Zhe Yang
- Tumor Research and Therapy Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical Unversity, Jinan, China
| | - Fengge Zhou
- Tumor Research and Therapy Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical Unversity, Jinan, China
| | - Yanjun Wei
- Tumor Research and Therapy Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ma
- Shandong First Medical Unversity, Jinan, China
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11
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Levi Y, Yamin D, Brandes T, Shmueli E, Patalon T, Peretz A, Gazit S, Nahir B. Early Oxygen Treatment Measurements Can Predict COVID-19 Mortality: A Preliminary Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1146. [PMID: 35742198 PMCID: PMC9222284 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Halting the rapid clinical deterioration, marked by arterial hypoxemia, is among the greatest challenges clinicians face when treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals. While it is clear that oxygen measures and treatment procedures describe a patient's clinical condition at a given time point, the potential predictive strength of the duration and extent of oxygen supplementation methods over the entire course of hospitalization for a patient death from COVID-19 has yet to be assessed. In this study, we aim to develop a prediction model for COVID-19 mortality in hospitals by utilizing data on oxygen supplementation modalities of patients. We analyzed the data of 545 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 complications admitted to Assuta Ashdod Medical Center, Israel, between 7 March 2020, and 16 March 2021. By solely analyzing the daily data on oxygen supplementation modalities in 182 random patients, we could identify that 75% (9 out of 12) of individuals supported by reservoir oxygen masks during the first two days died 3-30 days following hospital admission. By contrast, the mortality rate was 4% (4 out of 98) among those who did not require any oxygenation supplementation. Then, we combined this data with daily blood test results and clinical information of 545 patients to predict COVID-19 mortality. Our Random Forest model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score on the test set of 82.5%, 81.3%, and 83.0% at admission, two days post-admission, and seven days post-admission, respectively. Overall, our results could essentially assist clinical decision-making and optimized treatment and management for COVID-19 hospitalized patients with an elevated risk of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosi Levi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (Y.L.); (T.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Dan Yamin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (Y.L.); (T.B.); (E.S.)
- Center for Combatting Pandemics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tomer Brandes
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (Y.L.); (T.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Erez Shmueli
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (Y.L.); (T.B.); (E.S.)
| | - Tal Patalon
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel; (T.P.); (S.G.); (B.N.)
| | - Asaf Peretz
- Internal Medicine COVID-19 Ward, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod 7747629, Israel;
| | - Sivan Gazit
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel; (T.P.); (S.G.); (B.N.)
| | - Barak Nahir
- Kahn Sagol Maccabi (KSM) Research & Innovation Center, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv 68125, Israel; (T.P.); (S.G.); (B.N.)
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12
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Ahmed DS, Isnard S, Berini C, Lin J, Routy JP, Royston L. Coping With Stress: The Mitokine GDF-15 as a Biomarker of COVID-19 Severity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:820350. [PMID: 35251002 PMCID: PMC8888851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.820350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily cytokine that plays a central role in metabolism regulation. Produced in response to mitochondrial stress, tissue damage or hypoxia, this cytokine has emerged as one of the strongest predictors of disease severity during inflammatory conditions, cancers and infections. Reports suggest that GDF-15 plays a tissue protective role via sympathetic and metabolic adaptation in the context of mitochondrial damage, although the exact mechanisms involved remain uncertain. In this review, we discuss the emergence of GDF-15 as a distinctive marker of viral infection severity, especially in the context of COVID-19. We will critically review the role of GDF-15 as an inflammation-induced mediator of disease tolerance, through metabolic and immune reprogramming. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms of GDF-15 elevation during COVID-19 cytokine storm and its limitations. Altogether, this cytokine seems to be involved in disease tolerance to viral infections including SARS-CoV-2, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darakhshan Sohail Ahmed
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Isnard
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carolina Berini
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - John Lin
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Léna Royston
- Infectious Disease and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies causal links between blood proteins and severe COVID-19. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010042. [PMID: 35239653 PMCID: PMC8893330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In November 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic death toll surpassed five million individuals. We applied Mendelian randomization including >3,000 blood proteins as exposures to identify potential biomarkers that may indicate risk for hospitalization or need for respiratory support or death due to COVID-19, respectively. After multiple testing correction, using genetic instruments and under the assumptions of Mendelian Randomization, our results were consistent with higher blood levels of five proteins GCNT4, CD207, RAB14, C1GALT1C1, and ABO being causally associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or respiratory support/death due to COVID-19 (ORs = 1.12-1.35). Higher levels of FAAH2 were solely associated with an increased risk of hospitalization (OR = 1.19). On the contrary, higher levels of SELL, SELE, and PECAM-1 decrease risk of hospitalization or need for respiratory support/death (ORs = 0.80-0.91). Higher levels of LCTL, SFTPD, KEL, and ATP2A3 were solely associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization (ORs = 0.86-0.93), whilst higher levels of ICAM-1 were solely associated with a decreased risk of respiratory support/death of COVID-19 (OR = 0.84). Our findings implicate blood group markers and binding proteins in both hospitalization and need for respiratory support/death. They, additionally, suggest that higher levels of endocannabinoid enzymes may increase the risk of hospitalization. Our research replicates findings of blood markers previously associated with COVID-19 and prioritises additional blood markers for risk prediction of severe forms of COVID-19. Furthermore, we pinpoint druggable targets potentially implicated in disease pathology.
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14
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 117:155-161. [PMID: 35134561 PMCID: PMC8817419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemosensory disorders associated with COVID-19 have been widely discussed during the pandemic. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the risk factors for olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19. Methods Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies published between December 1, 2019, and August 31, 2021. We selected random-effects model or fixed-effects model to pool data based on heterogeneity. The results were reported as odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was reported as I2. Results Twenty-six studies with a total of 13,813 patients were included. The pooled data indicated that sex (OR 1.47; 95% CI 0.93–2.31), age (SMD −5.80; 95% CI −13.35 to 1.75), smoking (OR 2.04; 95% CI 0.72–5.79), and comorbidity (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.58–2.53) of patients with COVID-19 had no effect on gustatory dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction was more likely to occur in older patients with COVID-19 (SMD, −5.22; 95% CI, −8.28 to −2.16). Patients with COVID-19 with nasal congestion (OR 3.41; 95% CI 2.30–5.06) and rhinorrhea (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.60–3.45) were more prone to olfactory dysfunction. Conclusion These findings emphasize that older patients with COVID-19 are more likely to experience olfactory dysfunction. Symptoms of nasal congestion and rhinorrhea may affect the recognition of olfactory dysfunction.
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15
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Islam S, Islam T, Islam MR. New Coronavirus Variants are Creating More Challenges to Global Healthcare System: A Brief Report on the Current Knowledge. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2022; 15:2632010X221075584. [PMID: 35141522 PMCID: PMC8819824 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x221075584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus is naturally mutating over time and producing new variants. Some of them are more contagious and destructive than previous strains. Also, some variants are capable of therapeutic escaping. Earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants proved that some are supercritical, and newly mutated strains are creating new challenges to the global healthcare systems. Here we aimed to evaluate different coronavirus variants and associated challenges for healthcare systems. We searched for information online and on the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. We found the wild-type virus is more sensitive for neutralization and more controllable than newer variants. The Delta and Omicron variants are more highly transmissible than Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants. Also, few strains are resistant to neutralization. Therefore, there is a chance of reinfection among the vaccinated population. The transmissibility and resistance of the recently identified Omicron variant is still unclear. The Delta variant is the most dangerous among all variants due to its high transmissibility, disease severity, and mortality rate. For poor and developing countries, oxygen supply, medication, vaccination, and device supply are challenging during epidemic waves. Slowing down the transmission, mass vaccination, vaccine redesign, re-compiling action plans, and following safety guidelines can be effective solutions to the new challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Md. Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
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16
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Islam S, Islam T, Islam MR. New Coronavirus Variants are Creating More Challenges to Global Healthcare System: A Brief Report on the Current Knowledge. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2022. [PMID: 35141522 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x2210755846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus is naturally mutating over time and producing new variants. Some of them are more contagious and destructive than previous strains. Also, some variants are capable of therapeutic escaping. Earlier SARS-CoV-2 variants proved that some are supercritical, and newly mutated strains are creating new challenges to the global healthcare systems. Here we aimed to evaluate different coronavirus variants and associated challenges for healthcare systems. We searched for information online and on the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. We found the wild-type virus is more sensitive for neutralization and more controllable than newer variants. The Delta and Omicron variants are more highly transmissible than Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants. Also, few strains are resistant to neutralization. Therefore, there is a chance of reinfection among the vaccinated population. The transmissibility and resistance of the recently identified Omicron variant is still unclear. The Delta variant is the most dangerous among all variants due to its high transmissibility, disease severity, and mortality rate. For poor and developing countries, oxygen supply, medication, vaccination, and device supply are challenging during epidemic waves. Slowing down the transmission, mass vaccination, vaccine redesign, re-compiling action plans, and following safety guidelines can be effective solutions to the new challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salsabil Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Towhidul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rabiul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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17
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Williams TL, Strachan G, Macrae RGC, Kuc RE, Nyimanu D, Paterson AL, Sinha S, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Differential expression in humans of the viral entry receptor ACE2 compared with the short deltaACE2 isoform lacking SARS-CoV-2 binding sites. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24336. [PMID: 34934117 PMCID: PMC8692523 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03731-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ACE2 is a membrane protein that regulates the cardiovascular system. Additionally, ACE2 acts as a receptor for host cell infection by human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 that emerged as the cause of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and has brought unprecedented burden to economy and health. ACE2 binds the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 with high affinity and shows little variation in amino acid sequence meaning natural resistance is rare. The discovery of a novel short ACE2 isoform (deltaACE2) provides evidence for inter-individual differences in SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity, and likelihood of developing subsequent 'Long COVID'. Critically, deltaACE2 loses SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding sites in the extracellular domain, and is predicted to confer reduced susceptibility to viral infection. We aimed to assess the differential expression of full-length ACE2 versus deltaACE2 in a panel of human tissues (kidney, heart, lung, and liver) that are implicated in COVID-19, and confirm ACE2 protein in these tissues. Using dual antibody staining, we show that deltaACE2 localises, and is enriched, in lung airway epithelia and bile duct epithelia in the liver. Finally, we also confirm that a fluorescently tagged SARS-CoV-2 spike protein monomer shows low binding at lung and bile duct epithelia where dACE2 is enriched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Williams
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 110, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Gregory Strachan
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, Addenbrooke's Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robyn G C Macrae
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 110, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 110, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Duuamene Nyimanu
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 110, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Anna L Paterson
- Department of Pathology, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sanjay Sinha
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Janet J Maguire
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 110, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Level 6, Addenbrooke's Centre for Clinical Investigation, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 110, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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18
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Fierce L, Robey AJ, Hamilton C. Simulating near-field enhancement in transmission of airborne viruses with a quadrature-based model. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:1843-1859. [PMID: 34297863 PMCID: PMC8447483 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Some infectious diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, and SARS-CoV-2, may be transmitted when virus-laden particles expelled from an infectious person are inhaled by someone else, which is known as the airborne transmission route. These virus-laden particles are more concentrated in the expiratory jet of an infectious person than elsewhere in a well-mixed room, but this near-field enhancement in virion exposure has not been well quantified. Transmission of airborne viruses depends on factors that are inherently variable and, in many cases, poorly constrained, and quantifying this uncertainty requires large ensembles of model simulations that span the variability in input parameters. However, models that are well-suited to simulate the near-field evolution of respiratory particles are also computationally expensive, which limits the exploration of parametric uncertainty. In order to perform many simulations that span the wide variability in factors governing airborne transmission, we developed the Quadrature-based model of Respiratory Aerosol and Droplets (QuaRAD). QuaRAD is an efficient framework for simulating the evolution of virus-laden particles after they are expelled from an infectious person, their deposition to the nasal cavity of a susceptible person, and the subsequent risk of initial infection. We simulated 10 000 scenarios to quantify the risk of initial infection by a particular virus, SARS-CoV-2. The predicted risk of infection was highly variable among scenarios and, in each scenario, was strongly enhanced near the infectious individual. In more than 50% of scenarios, the physical distancing needed to avoid near-field enhancements in airborne transmission was beyond the recommended safe distance of two meters (six feet) if the infectious person is not wearing a mask, though this distance defining the near-field extent was also highly variable among scenarios; the variability in the near-field extent is explained predominantly by variability in expiration velocity. Our findings suggest that maintaining at least two meters of distance from an infectious person greatly reduces exposure to airborne virions; protections against airborne transmission, such as N95 respirators, should be available when distancing is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fierce
- Atmospheric Sciences and Global Change DivisionPacific Northwest National LaboratoryRichlandWashingtonUSA
| | - Alison J. Robey
- Center for Environmental StudiesWilliams CollegeWilliamstownMassachusettsUSA
| | - Cathrine Hamilton
- Department of ChemistryIndiana University of PennsylvaniaIndianaPennsylvaniaUSA
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19
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Li K, Wohlford-Lenane C, Bartlett JA, McCray PB. Intersubject Variation in ACE2 Protein Expression in Human Airway Epithelia and Its Relationship to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1357-1361. [PMID: 34289058 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 ) initiates entry into airway epithelia by binding its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). METHODS To explore whether interindividual variation in ACE2 abundance contributes to variability in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, we measured ACE2 protein abundance in primary airway epithelial cultures derived from 58 human donor lungs. RESULTS We found no evidence for sex- or age-dependent differences in ACE2 protein expression. Furthermore, we found that variations in ACE2 abundance had minimal effects on viral replication and induction of the interferon response in airway epithelia infected with SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the relative importance of additional host factors, beyond viral receptor expression, in determining COVID-19 lung disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | | | | | - Paul B McCray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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20
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Cadé M, Muñoz-Garcia J, Babuty A, Fouassier M, Heymann MF, Monahan PE, Heymann D. FVIII at the crossroad of coagulation, bone and immune biology: Emerging evidence of biological activities beyond hemostasis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:102-116. [PMID: 34311113 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hemophilia A is an X-linked hereditary disorder that results from deficient coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) activity, leading to spontaneous bleeding episodes, particularly in joints and muscles. FVIII deficiency has been associated with altered bone remodeling, dysregulated macrophage polarization, and inflammatory processes that are associated with the neoformation of abnormal blood vessels. Treatment based on FVIII replacement can lead to the development of inhibitors that render FVIII concentrate infusion ineffective. In this context, hemophilia has entered a new therapeutic era with the development of new drugs, such as emicizumab, that seek to restore the hemostatic balance by bypassing pathologically acquired antibodies. We discuss the potential extrahemostatic functions of FVIII that may be crucial for defining future therapies in hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Cadé
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain 44805, France
| | - Javier Muñoz-Garcia
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain 44805, France
| | - Antoine Babuty
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain 44805, France; Department of Haemostasis, CHU de Nantes, France
| | | | - Marie-Francoise Heymann
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain 44805, France
| | - Paul E Monahan
- Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Dominique Heymann
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain 44805, France; University of Sheffield, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Sheffield, UK.
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21
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Dukhinova M, Kokinos E, Kuchur P, Komissarov A, Shtro A. Macrophage-derived cytokines in pneumonia: Linking cellular immunology and genetics. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 59:46-61. [PMID: 33342718 PMCID: PMC8035975 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages represent the first line of anti-pathogen defense - they encounter invading pathogens to perform the phagocytic activity, to deliver the plethora of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and to shape the tissue microenvironment. Throughout pneumonia course, alveolar macrophages and infiltrated blood monocytes produce increasing cytokine amounts, which activates the antiviral/antibacterial immunity but can also provoke the risk of the so-called cytokine "storm" and normal tissue damage. Subsequently, the question of how the cytokine spectrum is shaped and balanced in the pneumonia context remains a hot topic in medical immunology, particularly in the COVID19 pandemic era. The diversity in cytokine profiles, involved in pneumonia pathogenesis, is determined by the variations in cytokine-receptor interactions, which may lead to severe cytokine storm and functional decline of particular tissues and organs, for example, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Cytokines and their receptors form unique profiles in individual patients, depending on the (a) microenvironmental context (comorbidities and associated treatment), (b) lung monocyte heterogeneity, and (c) genetic variations. These multidisciplinary strategies can be proactively considered beforehand and during the pneumonia course and potentially allow the new age of personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Dukhinova
- International Institute "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technology", ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Elena Kokinos
- International Institute "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technology", ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina Kuchur
- International Institute "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technology", ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Komissarov
- International Institute "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technology", ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Shtro
- International Institute "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technology", ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Department of Chemotherapy, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, St. Petersburg, Russia
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22
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Pojero F, Candore G, Caruso C, Di Bona D, Groneberg DA, Ligotti ME, Accardi G, Aiello A. The Role of Immunogenetics in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2636. [PMID: 33807915 PMCID: PMC7961811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is induced by SARS-CoV-2 and may arise as a variety of clinical manifestations, ranging from an asymptomatic condition to a life-threatening disease associated with cytokine storm, multiorgan and respiratory failure. The molecular mechanism behind such variability is still under investigation. Several pieces of experimental evidence suggest that genetic variants influencing the onset, maintenance and resolution of the immune response may be fundamental in predicting the evolution of the disease. The identification of genetic variants behind immune system reactivity and function in COVID-19 may help in the elaboration of personalized therapeutic strategies. In the frenetic look for universally shared treatment plans, those genetic variants that are common to other diseases/models may also help in addressing future research in terms of drug repurposing. In this paper, we discuss the most recent updates about the role of immunogenetics in determining the susceptibility to and the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We propose a narrative review of available data, speculating about lessons that we have learnt from other viral infections and immunosenescence, and discussing what kind of aspects of research should be deepened in order to improve our knowledge of how host genetic variability impacts the outcome for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Pojero
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.A.)
| | - Giuseppina Candore
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.A.)
| | - Calogero Caruso
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.A.)
| | - Danilo Di Bona
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - David A. Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Mattia E. Ligotti
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.A.)
| | - Giulia Accardi
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.A.)
| | - Anna Aiello
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Immunosenescence, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (F.P.); (G.C.); (M.E.L.); (G.A.)
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23
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Geteneh A, Alemnew B, Tadesse S, Girma A. Clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in North Wollo Zone, North-East Ethiopia. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:217. [PMID: 34046123 PMCID: PMC8140732 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.217.27859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pandemics has remained to be a public health emergency of international concern. This ongoing pandemic has resulted in the death of millions of people globally. About one and a half thousand people have died due to this illness in Ethiopia. The clinical presentations of the disease vary with geography and populations. We therefore aimed at investigating the clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in North-East Ethiopia. METHODS real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted for 18,112 individuals suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection during June 27 to October 20, 2020, at Woldia university COVID-19 testing center. Recorded data of 372 Ethiopians who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection at Woldia university COVID-19 testing center were retrospectively extracted and analyzed using SPSS v25.0. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS nearly 2.1% of the screened participants were found positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among them, three fourth of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were male, with an overall median age of 30 years. About 85% of the patients were asymptomatic. The most common clinical manifestations were cough (14.2%), followed by fever (11.0%) and headache (8.6%), whereas hypertension (1.6%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (1.6%) diabetes mellitus (1.1%), and chronic respiratory diseases (1.1%) were relatively the most common comorbidities noted. The case-fatality ratio was found at 1.6%. Age and underlying comorbidities had a statistically significant association with severity and poor outcome of patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION the finding from this study indicated that older age and people with underlying comorbidities are at high risk of having the severe disease and poor outcomes. Hence, appropriate care and priority should be given to these people to decrease the morbidity and mortality caused by this illness. The presence of higher asymptomatic infection is the possible indicator of potential asymptomatic transmissions within the community. This highlights the need for widespread testing, and contact tracing to flatten the transmission curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alene Geteneh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Birhan Alemnew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Selamyhun Tadesse
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Girma
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
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