Evaluation of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity of Bakuchiol using RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines and in animal models stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Lipids Extracted from Aptocyclus ventricosus Eggs Possess Immunoregulatory Effects on RAW264.7 Cells by Activating the MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancement properties of lipids derived from Aptocyclus ventricosus eggs on RAW264.7 cells. Firstly, we determined the fatty acid compositions of A. ventricosus lipids by performing gas chromatography analysis. The results showed that A. ventricosus lipids contained saturated fatty acids (24.37%), monounsaturated fatty acids (20.90%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (54.73%). They also contained notably high levels of DHA (25.91%) and EPA (22.05%) among the total fatty acids. Our results for the immune-associated biomarkers showed that A. ventricosus lipids had immune-enhancing effects on RAW264.7 cells. At the maximum dose of 300 µg/mL, A. ventricosus lipids generated NO (119.53%) and showed greater phagocytosis (63.69%) ability as compared with untreated cells. A. ventricosus lipids also upregulated the expression of iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α genes and effectively upregulated the phosphorylation of MAPK (JNK, p38, and ERK) and NF-κB p65, indicating that these lipids could activate the MAPK and NF-κB pathways to stimulate macrophages in the immune system. Besides their immune-enhancing abilities, A. ventricosus lipids significantly inhibited LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory responses via the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. The results indicated that these lipids significantly reduced LPS-induced NO production, showing a decrease from 86.95% to 38.89%. Additionally, these lipids downregulated the expression of genes associated with the immune response and strongly suppressed the CD86 molecule on the cell surface, which reduced from 39.25% to 33.80%. Collectively, these findings imply that lipids extracted from A. ventricosus eggs might have biological immunoregulatory effects. Thus, they might be considered promising immunomodulatory drugs and functional foods.

Bakuchiol regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways to protect against LPS-induced acute lung injury in vitro and in vivo

Bakuchiol (Bak) possesses a protective effect in acute lung injury (ALI). Nonetheless, the molecular processes that regulate the protective activity of Bak in ALI remain elusive. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats and RLE-6TN cells were used as the ALI models in vivo and in vitro to investigate the function and mechanism of Bak. Rats were divided into four groups: control, LPS, LPS + Bak (30 mg/kg), and LPS + Bak (60 mg/kg). RLE-6TN cells were assigned into four groups: control, LPS, LPS + Bak (10 µM), and LPS + Bak (20 µM). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were quantified by ELISA. Apoptosis was analyzed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assayed to evaluate oxidative stress. In LPS-induced rats, Bak attenuated pathological injury, lung wet/dry weight ratio, MPO expression, and protein concentration and cell number in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Bak decreased the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in BALF. Bak reduced MDA content and 4-HNE expression, and increased SOD and GSH-Px activities in lung tissues. Bak also repressed pulmonary apoptosis by decreasing Bax expression and enhancing Bcl-2 expression. In LPS-treated RLE-6TN cells, Bak downregulated the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and inhibited the protein expression of iNOS and COX2. Bak decreased MDA level and ROS production and increased SOD and GSH-Px activities. Bak also suppressed cell apoptosis, reduced Bax expression, and increased Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, Bak decreased the expression of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-p65. Additionally, Bak inhibited Keap1 expression and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 levels. Bak protects against LPS-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in ALI by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of bakuchiol derivatives as multi-target agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The concept of multi-target-directed ligands offers fresh perspectives for the creation of brand-new Alzheimer's disease medications. To explore their potential as multi-targeted anti-Alzheimer's drugs, eighteen new bakuchiol derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by IR, NMR, and HRMS. Eighteen compounds were assayed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in vitro using Ellman's method. It was shown that most of the compounds inhibited AChE and BuChE to varying degrees, but the inhibitory effect on AChE was relatively strong, with fourteen compounds showing inhibition of >50% at the concentration of 200 μM. Among them, compound 3g (IC50 = 32.07 ± 2.00 μM) and compound 3n (IC50 = 34.78 ± 0.34 μM) showed potent AChE inhibitory activities. Molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulation showed that compound 3g interacts with key amino acids at the catalytically active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of acetylcholinesterase and binds stably to acetylcholinesterase. On the other hand, compounds 3n and 3q significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 released from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Compound 3n possessed both anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, an in-depth study of compound 3n is expected to be a multi-targeted anti-AD drug.

Computational analysis followed by in vitro studies to explore cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) inhibition potential of the new natural molecule polonilignan

Targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines and their production is found to be of therapeutic benefit for the regulation of inflammation in various chronic autoimmune diseases. Our continued efforts to discover small molecular-weight pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitors resulted in identifying a novel natural lignan molecule named polonilignan, isolated from the culture broth extract of an endophytic fungus Penicillium polonicum. An in silico study (molecular docking, ADME predictions, binding free energy calculation and molecular dynamics simulation) of the polonilignan over the pro-inflammatory cytokines proteins TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was performed using Schrodinger LLC software to understand the binding interactions, drug-like properties, and stability of the ligand-protein complex. Further, in-vitro testing of inhibition of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β by polonilignan was carried out using ELISA and RT-PCR on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell lines along with the testing of nitrite production effect (Griess assay) and cytotoxicity (MTT) analysis. Under the computational study, polonilignan revealed good docking scores, binding interactions, and stability under MDS and desirable in silico ADME results over the proteins TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Poloniligan showed significant inhibition of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α with IC50 values of 2.01 μM, 6.59 μM and 42.10 μM, respectively. Also, it reduced the translocation of the NF-κB subunit p65 to the nucleus (confocal microscopy). The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were lowered significantly (p < .001) by the compound, and the diminution was higher with IL-1β. Further, the lignan was non-cytotoxic and effective in attenuating nitrite release (IC50 48.56 μM). Thus, polonilignan has been identified as a new pan-cytokine and NO inhibitor, it is recommended to optimise a method for the synthesis of this small molecular weight lignan and explore its pharmacokinetic characteristics, toxicity and therapeutic effect under various chronic inflammatory disease models.

Integrated investigation and discovery of therapeutic targets for 3-hydroxybakuchiol against diabetes based on molecular docking studies and cell experiments

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent endocrine condition. We aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic effects of 3-hydroxybakuchiol (HYD) by exploring its potential targets and molecular mechanisms through bioinformatics analysis and cell experiments.

METHODS

We performed an extensive search and screening of HYD and its potential targets for diabetes mellitus across various databases. Enrichment analyses were conducted using the ClusterProfiler package. PPI networks of the identified genes were constructed using STRING, and topological analysis was performed to identify core targets. The results were further confirmed through molecular docking. To validate the findings of our bioinformatics analysis, we conducted cell experiments using insulin resistance-induced HepG2 cells and C2C12 cells.

RESULTS

We discovered 260 common targets of HYD and diabetes mellitus, which were primarily related to the MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and endocrine resistance. A topological analysis of the PPI network identified four core targets (HSP90AA1, AKT1, SRC, and MAPK1). Molecular docking studies further confirmed the strong binding ability between HYD and these core targets. In cell experiments, we observed that HYD enhanced glucose uptake and suppressed gluconeogenesis in HepG2 cells and C2C12 cells. This resulted in an improvement in glucose metabolism, potentially through the regulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides valuable insights into the pharmacological effects of HYD on diabetes mellitus, suggesting its potential as a promising treatment option for the disease.

Bifidobacterium animalis sup F1-7 Acts as an Effective Activator to Regulate Immune Response Via Casepase-3 and Bak of FAS/CD95 Pathway

Intestinal microecology was closely related to immune regulation, but the related mechanism was still unclear. This study aimed to reveal how microorganisms improved immune response via casepase-3 and Bak of FAS/CD95 pathway. Bifidobacterium animalis F1-7 inhibited the melanoma B16-F10 cells in vitro effectively; had a potent anticancer effect of lung cancer mice; effectively improved the spleen immune index and CD3+ (75.8%) and CD8+ (19.8%) expression level; strengthened the phagocytosis of macrophages; inhibited the overexpression of inflammatory factors IL-6 (319.10 ± 2.46 pg/mL), IL-8 (383.05 ± 9.87 pg/mL), and TNF-α (2003.40 ± 11.42 pg/mL); and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 (406.00 ± 3.59 pg/mL). This process was achieved by promoting caspase-8/3 and BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), Bak genes, and protein expression. This study confirmed the B. animalis F1-7 could act as an effective activator to regulate immune response by promoting the expression of caspase-8/3, Bid and Bak genes, and proteins and by activating the FAS/CD95 pathway. Our study provided a data support for the application of potentially beneficial microorganisms of B. animalis F1-7 as an effective activator to improve immunity.

Bakuchiol inhibits lung cancer by modulating tumor microenvironment and the expression of PD-L1

Immune checkpoint therapy is an emerging frontier in cancer therapy. With the aim to develop an efficient herb derived compound to facilitate immune checkpoint therapy, here we investigate if a herb-derived compound, Bakuchiol (BAK), can be used to treat lung cancer and elucidate if BAK could serve as a PD-L1 regulator. To this end, a murine lung cancer model was established by subcutaneously inoculating murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. BAK of 5 to 40 mg/kg was used for treatment in vivo for 15 days. On Day 15, the population of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, Treg cells. BAK could effectively inhibit tumor growth by starting treatment either on Day 0 or 6 after tumor inoculation at doses of 5-40 mg/kg. BAK treatment increased the population of cytotoxic immune cells (i.e., CD8+ T cells, and M1 macrophages), meanwhile decreasing pro-tumor immune cells (i.e., CD3+ T cells, Treg cells, and M2 macrophages). Anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL1β, IL2, IFNγ, TNF-α, IL4 and IL10 were upregulated by BAK. PD-L1 expression in the tumor was also lowered by BAK. AKT and STAT3 signaling were inhibited by BAK. BAK is an efficient agent in reducing LLC tumor growth. These data support the potential of BAK as a new drug for treating lung cancer by serving as a PD-L1 inhibitor that suppresses the activation of AKT and STAT3.

Bioceramic and polycationic biopolymer nanocomposite scaffolds for improved wound self-healing and anti-inflammatory properties: an in vitro study

The development of wound healing scaffolds with high porosity, rapid healing properties, and anti-inflammatory functionality is vital in the chronic wound healing stage for the production of extracellular matrices of injured tissues. The 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) possesses good biocompatibility and provides a potential bonding resource for fibroblast cell proliferation, growth factor synthesis, and granulated tissue formation. Chitosan, a natural polymer, promotes tissue regeneration and has anti-microbial properties. BG and chitosan scaffolds were prepared by the freeze-drying (lyophilization) method. The chitosan scaffold is a semi-crystalline polymer with a random crystal structure because it contains more hydroxyl groups. Chitosan alone shows a sheet-like morphology with a porous microstructure (1.7475 nm). BG particulates were well decorated over the surface of the chitosan scaffold with a homogeneous dispersion. Cell viability was observed for L929 cells on the chitosan-BG scaffolds. Confocal images vividly depict the interaction of the L929 cells with the scaffold without causing any damage to the cell membrane. In vitro scratch assay shows the best wound healing activity (complete wound closure) for the BG-chitosan nanocomposite scaffolds at 18 h. The chitosan-BG scaffolds were combined with anti-inflammatory drugs and induced inflammatory genes at an inhibition rate of COX of (36, 28, and 30%), LOX of (20, 13, and 14%), and NO of (48, 38, and 39%) for chitosan, chitosan-BG, and chitosan-BG (Na-free) at 100 μL addition. The in vitro bioactivities proved that the chitosan-BG scaffolds could enable better cell formation, and exhibited improved biocompatibility, and anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Bakuchiol and ethyl (linoleate/oleate) synergistically modulate endocannabinoid tone in keratinocytes and repress inflammatory pathway mRNAs

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays an active role in epidermal homeostasis. Phytocannabinoids such as cannabidiol modulate this system but also act through eCB-independent mechanisms. This study evaluated the effects of cannabidiol, bakuchiol (BAK), and ethyl (linoleate/oleate) (ELN) in keratinocytes and reconstituted human epidermis. Molecular docking simulations showed that each compound binds the active site of the eCB carrier FABP5. However, BAK and ethyl linoleate bound this site with the highest affinity when combined 1:1 (w/w), and in vitro assays showed that BAK + ELN most effectively inhibited FABP5 and fatty acid amide hydrolase. In TNF-stimulated keratinocytes, BAK + ELN reversed TNF-induced expression shifts and uniquely downregulated type I IFN genes and PTGS2 (COX2). BAK + ELN also repressed expression of genes linked to keratinocyte differentiation but upregulated those associated with proliferation. Finally, BAK + ELN inhibited cortisol secretion in reconstituted human epidermis skin (not observed with cannabidiol). These results support a model in which BAK and ELN synergistically interact to inhibit eCB degradation, favoring eCB mobilization and inhibition of downstream inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF, COX-2, type I IFN). A topical combination of these ingredients may thus enhance cutaneous eCB tone or potentiate other modulators, suggesting novel ways to modulate the eCB system for innovative skincare product development.

Applications of bakuchiol in dermatology: Systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Bakuchiol (BAK), a meroterpene phenol abundant in the plant Psoralea corylifolia, is an emerging cosmeceutical agent with promising anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The trend for "clean" skincare products and search for anti-aging retinoid alternatives have poised BAK as a "must-have" ingredient in skincare.

AIMS

Our aim was to review the data for the applications of BAK in dermatology.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of PubMed.

RESULTS

Thirty articles matched our search terms ["Bakuchiol" and "Dermatology"] or ["Bakuchiol" and "Skin"] of which one did not meet inclusion criteria, 16 were pre-clinical studies, seven clinical studies, three commentaries, two narrative reviews, and one report on adverse events. BAK has been mostly studied for its effects on photoaging, acne, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), showing beneficial results comparable to those achieved by topical retinoids. While having no structural resemblance to retinoids, BAK can function as a retinol analog, through retinol-like regulation of gene expression. In in vivo studies, BAK was used alone or in combination with other products resulting in a significant reduction in photodamage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkle scores, and acne severity. Additionally, in vitro studies hinted at its anti-cancer properties by inhibiting epidermal growth factor induced neoplastic cell transformation. Also, demonstrated potential applications in psoriasis by normalizing keratinocyte activity and in pigmentary disorders through inhibition of melanogenesis. There was one adverse event case reported of contact dermatitis in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative with anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additional studies are warranted to better understand its applications in dermatology.

Monoterpenes as Sirtuin-1 Activators: Therapeutic Potential in Aging and Related Diseases

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT) is a class III, NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase that also modulates the activity of numerous non-histone proteins through deacylation. SIRT1 plays critical roles in regulating and integrating cellular energy metabolism, response to stress, and circadian rhythm by modulating epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial homeostasis, proteostasis, telomere maintenance, inflammation, and the response to hypoxia. SIRT1 expression and activity decrease with aging, and enhancing its activity extends life span in various organisms, including mammals, and improves many age-related diseases, including cancer, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and renal diseases, but the opposite, that is, aggravation of various diseases, such as some cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, has also been reported. Accordingly, many natural and synthetic SIRT1 activators and inhibitors have been developed. Known SIRT1 activators of natural origin are mainly polyphenols. Nonetheless, various classes of non-polyphenolic monoterpenoids have been identified as inducers of SIRT1 expression and/or activity. This narrative review discusses current information on the evidence that supports the role of those compounds as SIRT1 activators and their potential both as tools for research and as pharmaceuticals for therapeutic application in age-related diseases.

Terpenes and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives

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Terpenes and terpenoids are the main bioactive compounds of essential oils (EOs).

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EOs and their major constituents confer several biological activities.

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EOs are potential as natural food preservatives.

Essential oils (EOs) are volatile and concentrated liquids extracted from different parts of plants. Bioactive compounds found in EOs, especially terpenes and terpenoids possess a wide range of biological activities including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiallergic. Available literature confirms that EOs exhibit antimicrobial and food preservative properties that are considered as a real potential application in food industry. Hence, the purpose of this review is to present an overview of current knowledge of EOs for application in pharmaceutical and medical industries as well as their potential as food preservatives in food industry.

The Roles of Platelet-Activating Factor and Magnesium in Pathophysiology of Hypertension, Atherogenesis, Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke and Aging

Hypertension and atherosclerosis are debilitating diseases that affect millions each year. Long-term consequences include but are not limited to stroke, myocardial infarction, and kidney failure. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a proinflammatory mediator synthesized from a subclass of phosphatidylcholines that increases platelet activation, leukocyte adhesion, infiltration of macrophages, and intracellular lipid accumulation, thereby contributing to atherosclerosis. Magnesium, a key micronutrient and free radical scavenger, is a water-soluble mineral that regulates peripheral vasodilation and calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyapatite homeostasis. Magnesium’s antihypertensive ability stems from its role as a natural calcium antagonist and promoter of vasodilatory mediators, such as nitric oxide. Platelet-activating factor and magnesium share an inverse relationship, and elevated magnesium levels have been shown to have protective effects against plaque formation as well as antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic effects, all of which allow for healthier aging. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the role of platelet-activating factor and magnesium in the pathophysiology of hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and aging. Since the pathophysiology of the platelet-activating factor biomolecule is underexplored, further research studies are warranted in order to navigate the putative signaling pathways involved in the cardioprotective effects of dietary magnesium as a natural anti-PAF agent.

Optimization of the composite enzyme extraction of polysaccharide from Erythronium sibiricum bulb and its immunoregulatory activities

An efficient compound enzyme extraction process was developed and optimized to extract the polysaccharide from Erythronium sibiricum bulb via response surface methodology. The polysaccharide E2P was obtained. Then, the preliminary characteristics of E2P were determined via colorimetry and chromatography. Additionally, the immunoregulatory activities of E2P and another polysaccharide (ESBP, extracted using the hot water method) were compared. The optimized extraction results were as follows: temperature (54.56 °C), time (2.52 h), pH (6.53), and enzyme concentration ratio (0.5% cellulase:1.5% amylase). The yield (64.18% ± 2.91%) obtained under the aforementioned conditions was considerably higher than the yield of ESBP (37.25% ± 0.17%). The total sugar, uronic acid, starch, and protein contents of E2P were 81.77% ± 2.84%, 3.31% ± 0.45%, 3.29% ± 0.01%, and 0.24% ± 0.02%, respectively. The HPLC result suggested that the predominant monosaccharides of E2P included glucose, galactose, and arabinose, with a molar ratio of 543.2:1:1.8. The in vitro tests in RAW264.7 cells indicated that ESBP exhibited better immunomodulatory activities than E2P. In particular, ESBP can promote the proliferation, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion abilities of cytokines, such as nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β of RAW264.6 cells. By contrast, E2P can only promote phagocytosis ability and the secretion of IL-1β.

α‑rhamnrtin‑3‑α‑rhamnoside exerts anti‑inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated RAW264.7 cells by abrogating NF‑κB and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

α-rhamnrtin-3-α-rhamnoside (ARR) is the principal compound extracted from Loranthus tanakae Franch. & Sav. However, its underlying pharmacological properties remain undetermined. Inflammation is a defense mechanism of the body; however, the excessive activation of the inflammatory response can result in physical injury. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ARR on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and to determine the underlying molecular mechanism. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity. Nitric oxide (NO) production was measured via a NO colorimetric kit. Levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) and proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-6, were detected using ELISAs. Reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR analysis was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-induced RAW246.7 cells. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to measure the expression levels of NF-κB and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related proteins to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the inflammatory response. The results of the cytotoxicity assay revealed that doses of ARR ≤200 µg/ml exhibited no significant effect on the viability of RAW264.7 cells. The results of the Griess assay demonstrated that ARR inhibited the production of NO. In addition, the results of the ELISAs and RT-qPCR analysis discovered that ARR reduced the production of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the proinflammatory mediators, PGE₂, iNOS and COX-2, in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that ARR inhibited LPS-induced activation of TNF-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and NF-κB p65 signaling molecules, while reversing the downregulation of the NOD-like receptor family CARD domain containing 3 (NLRC3) signaling molecule, which was consistent with the results of the western blotting analysis. Immunofluorescence results indicated that ARR reduced the increase of NF-κB p65 nuclear expression induced by LPS. Furthermore, the results of the western blotting experiments also revealed that ARR upregulated heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 and Nrf2 pathway molecules. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that ARR may exert anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating NF-κB and activating Nrf2-mediated inflammatory responses, suggesting that ARR may be an attractive anti-inflammatory candidate drug.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mitochondrial-Based Immunity in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a deadly pandemic with surging mortality rates and no cure. COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with a range of clinical symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, headache, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, and a loss of smell or taste. Aged individuals with compromised immunity are highly susceptible to COVID-19 and the likelihood of mortality increases with age and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 highjacks mitochondria of immune cells, replicates within mitochondrial structures, and impairs mitochondrial dynamics leading to cell death. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell and are largely involved in maintaining cell immunity, homeostasis, and cell survival/death. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondria from COVID-19 infected cells are highly vulnerable, and vulnerability increases with age. The purpose of our article is to summarize the role of various age-related comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, and neurological diseases in increasing mortality rates amongst the elderly with COVID-19. Our article also highlights the interaction between coronavirus and mitochondrial dynamics in immune cells. We also highlight the current treatments, lifestyles, and safety measures that can help protect against COVID-19. Further research is urgently needed to understand the molecular mechanisms between the mitochondrial virus and disease progression in COVID-19 patients.