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Stakišaitis D, Kapočius L, Valančiūtė A, Balnytė I, Tamošuitis T, Vaitkevičius A, Sužiedėlis K, Urbonienė D, Tatarūnas V, Kilimaitė E, Gečys D, Lesauskaitė V. SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Sex-Related Differences, and a Possible Personalized Treatment Approach with Valproic Acid: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050962. [PMID: 35625699 PMCID: PMC9138665 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences identified in the COVID-19 pandemic are necessary to study. It is essential to investigate the efficacy of the drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19, and to analyse the sex-related beneficial and adverse effects. The histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) is a potential drug that could be adapted to prevent the progression and complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. VPA has a history of research in the treatment of various viral infections. This article reviews the preclinical data, showing that the pharmacological impact of VPA may apply to COVID-19 pathogenetic mechanisms. VPA inhibits SARS-CoV-2 virus entry, suppresses the pro-inflammatory immune cell and cytokine response to infection, and reduces inflammatory tissue and organ damage by mechanisms that may appear to be sex-related. The antithrombotic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, glucose- and testosterone-lowering in blood serum effects of VPA suggest that the drug could be promising for therapy of COVID-19. Sex-related differences in the efficacy of VPA treatment may be significant in developing a personalised treatment strategy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatas Stakišaitis
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 08660 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (A.V.); (I.B.); (E.K.)
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Linas Kapočius
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (A.V.); (I.B.); (E.K.)
| | - Angelija Valančiūtė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (A.V.); (I.B.); (E.K.)
| | - Ingrida Balnytė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (A.V.); (I.B.); (E.K.)
| | - Tomas Tamošuitis
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Arūnas Vaitkevičius
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Kęstutis Sužiedėlis
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 08660 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Daiva Urbonienė
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 2, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Vacis Tatarūnas
- Institute of Cardiology, Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave., 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.T.); (D.G.)
| | - Evelina Kilimaitė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (A.V.); (I.B.); (E.K.)
| | - Dovydas Gečys
- Institute of Cardiology, Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave., 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.T.); (D.G.)
| | - Vaiva Lesauskaitė
- Institute of Cardiology, Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave., 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.T.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence: (D.S.); (V.L.)
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Li D, Yang E, Zhao J, Zhang H. Association between MeCP2 and Smad7 in the pathogenesis and development of pathological scars. J Plast Surg Hand Surg 2021; 55:284-293. [PMID: 33475023 DOI: 10.1080/2000656x.2021.1874399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To explore the relationship between methylated binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (Smad7) in the pathogenesis and development of pathological scars. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of MeCP2 in different types of human scars and hypertrophic scars at different growth times. The methylation status of Smad7 gene promoter in different scar tissues was determined by methylation-specific PCR. After transfection with MeCP2-siRNA (small interfering RNA) in human keloid fibroblasts, MTT assay was used to assess the proliferation activity of keloid fibroblasts, while RT-PCR and Western blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of MeCP2, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), phospho-Smad2 (p-Smad2) and Smad7. MeCP2 was mainly expressed in the nucleus of fibroblasts. The mRNA and protein levels of MeCP2 were significantly higher in keloids than in hypertrophic scars, normal scars and normal skin (p<.05). The expression level of MeCP2 in hypertrophic scars during the growth period of <6 months was markedly higher than that of >6 months (p<.05). The methylation level of Smad7 was significantly higher in keloids compared to normal skin. After MeCP2 silencing, the proliferation rate of human keloid fibroblasts was decreased, the mRNA and protein levels of Smad7 were increased, and the expression levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA and p-Smad2 were decreased (p<.05). MeCP2 and Smad7 play an important role in formation of pathological scars. During keloid formation, MeCP2 weakens the inhibitory effect of Smad7 on p-Smad2/3 by downregulating the expression of Smad7, which in turn promotes fibrosis and scar hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, Chongqing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - E Yang
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, Chongqing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, Chongqing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hengshu Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, Chongqing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing, China
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Jusic A, Salgado-Somoza A, Paes AB, Stefanizzi FM, Martínez-Alarcón N, Pinet F, Martelli F, Devaux Y, Robinson EL, Novella S. Approaching Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Non-Coding RNA Research. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4890. [PMID: 32664454 PMCID: PMC7402336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest cause of sickness and mortality worldwide in both males and females. Clinical statistics demonstrate clear sex differences in risk, prevalence, mortality rates, and response to treatment for different entities of CVD. The reason for this remains poorly understood. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as key mediators and biomarkers of CVD. Similarly, current knowledge on differential regulation, expression, and pathology-associated function of ncRNAs between sexes is minimal. Here, we provide a state-of-the-art overview of what is known on sex differences in ncRNA research in CVD as well as discussing the contributing biological factors to this sex dimorphism including genetic and epigenetic factors and sex hormone regulation of transcription. We then focus on the experimental models of CVD and their use in translational ncRNA research in the cardiovascular field. In particular, we want to highlight the importance of considering sex of the cellular and pre-clinical models in clinical studies in ncRNA research and to carefully consider the appropriate experimental models most applicable to human patient populations. Moreover, we aim to identify sex-specific targets for treatment and diagnosis for the biggest socioeconomic health problem globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amela Jusic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Antonio Salgado-Somoza
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (A.S.-S.); (F.M.S.); (Y.D.)
| | - Ana B. Paes
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Menéndez Pelayo 4 Accesorio, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.B.P.); (N.M.-A.)
| | - Francesca Maria Stefanizzi
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (A.S.-S.); (F.M.S.); (Y.D.)
| | - Núria Martínez-Alarcón
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Menéndez Pelayo 4 Accesorio, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (A.B.P.); (N.M.-A.)
| | - Florence Pinet
- INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, University of Lille, U1167 F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Policlinico San Donato IRCCS, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy;
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; (A.S.-S.); (F.M.S.); (Y.D.)
| | - Emma Louise Robinson
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Susana Novella
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, and INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Menéndez Pelayo 4 Accesorio, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Azodi M, Kamps R, Heymans S, Robinson EL. The Missing "lnc" between Genetics and Cardiac Disease. Noncoding RNA 2020; 6:ncrna6010003. [PMID: 31947625 PMCID: PMC7151612 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna6010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the biggest threats to public health worldwide. Identifying key genetic contributors to CVD enables clinicians to assess the most effective treatment course and prognosis, as well as potentially inform family members. This often involves either whole exome sequencing (WES) or targeted panel analysis of known pathogenic genes. In the future, tailored or personalized therapeutic strategies may be implemented, such as gene therapy. With the recent revolution in deep sequencing technologies, we know that up to 90% of the human genome is transcribed, despite only 2% of the 6 billion DNA bases coding for proteins. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) “genes” make up an important and significant fraction of this “dark matter” of the genome. We highlight how, despite lncRNA genes exceeding that of classical protein-coding genes by number, the “non-coding” human genome is neglected when looking for genetic components of disease. WES platforms and pathogenic gene panels still do not cover even characterized lncRNA genes that are functionally involved in the pathophysiology of CVD. We suggest that the importance of lncRNAs in disease causation and progression be taken as seriously as that of pathogenic protein variants and mutations, and that this is maybe a new area of attention for clinical geneticists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maral Azodi
- INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada;
| | - Rick Kamps
- Department of Genetics & Cell Biology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Stephane Heymans
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB), Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emma Louise Robinson
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB), Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, B3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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