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Esposito G, Hunashal Y, Percipalle M, Fogolari F, Venit T, Leonchiks A, Gunsalus KC, Piano F, Percipalle P. Assessing nanobody interaction with SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303839. [PMID: 38758765 PMCID: PMC11101046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9 and the nanobody 2NSP90 was investigated by NMR spectroscopy using the paramagnetic perturbation methodology PENELOP (Paramagnetic Equilibrium vs Nonequilibrium magnetization Enhancement or LOss Perturbation). The Nsp9 monomer is an essential component of the replication and transcription complex (RTC) that reproduces the viral gRNA for subsequent propagation. Therefore preventing Nsp9 recruitment in RTC would represent an efficient antiviral strategy that could be applied to different coronaviruses, given the Nsp9 relative invariance. The NMR results were consistent with a previous characterization suggesting a 4:4 Nsp9-to-nanobody stoichiometry with the occurrence of two epitope pairs on each of the Nsp9 units that establish the inter-dimer contacts of Nsp9 tetramer. The oligomerization state of Nsp9 was also analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations and both dimers and tetramers resulted plausible. A different distribution of the mapped epitopes on the tetramer surface with respect to the former 4:4 complex could also be possible, as well as different stoichiometries of the Nsp9-nanobody assemblies such as the 2:2 stoichiometry suggested by the recent crystal structure of the Nsp9 complex with 2NSP23 (PDB ID: 8dqu), a nanobody exhibiting essentially the same affinity as 2NSP90. The experimental NMR evidence, however, ruled out the occurrence in liquid state of the relevant Nsp9 conformational change observed in the same crystal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Esposito
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Federico Fogolari
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Informatiche e Fisiche, Università di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tomas Venit
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | - Kristin C. Gunsalus
- Department of Biology and Center Genomics System Biology, NYU, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Fabio Piano
- Department of Biology and Center Genomics System Biology, NYU, New York, New York, United States of America
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Piergiorgio Percipalle
- Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Center Genomics System Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Zhai C, Wang M, Jin Y, Chung HJ, Kim S, Kim HJ, Hong ST. Oral delivery of a host-directed antiviral, niclosamide, as a cholate-coated nanoformulation. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2023; 62:106973. [PMID: 37741586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.106973] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Potentially significant drug candidates often face elimination from consideration due to the lack of an effective method for systemic delivery. The poor solubility of these candidates has posed a major obstacle for their development as oral pills or injectables. Niclosamide, a host-directed antiviral, is a good example. In this study, a nanoformulation technology that allows for the non-covalent formulation of niclosamide with cholic acids was developed. This formulation enables efficient systemic delivery through endocytosis and enterohepatic circulation of bile-acid-coated nanoparticles. The oral bioavailability of niclosamide-delivery nanoparticles (NDNs) was significantly enhanced to 38.3%, representing an eight-fold increase compared with pure niclosamide. Consequently, the plasma concentration of niclosamide for the NDN formulation reached 1179.6 ng/mL, which is 11 times higher than the therapeutic plasma level. This substantial increase in plasma level contributed to the complete resolution of clinical symptoms in animals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This nanoformulation not only provides an orally deliverable antiviral drug for SARS-CoV-2 with improved pharmaceutical bioavailability, but also offers a solution to the systemic delivery challenges faced by potentially significant drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongkai Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea; Animal Diseases and Public Health Engineering Research Centre of Henan Province, Luoyang Polytechnic, Luoyang, China
| | - Mingda Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | - Yanyan Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hea-Jong Chung
- Gwangju Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Sura Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jin Kim
- SNJ Pharma Inc., BioLabs-LA at the Lundquist Institute for BioMedical Innovation at Harbor UCLA, Torrance, CA, USA.
| | - Seong-Tshool Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea.
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Ibrahim FM, Fadila DE, Elmawla DAEA. Older adults' acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine: Application of the health belief model. Nurs Open 2023; 10:6989-7002. [PMID: 37485792 PMCID: PMC10495744 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance among older adults and the factors that independently predict vaccine acceptance using the Health Belief Model (HBM). DESIGN This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. METHODS Consenting older adults aged 60 years and older (n = 384) from Primary Health Care Centers in rural and urban areas of Mansoura District, Egypt, who could interact adequately with researchers participated in the study. The data were collected through an electronic questionnaire that included socio-demographic data, health-related characteristics, and health beliefs based on the HBM framework. RESULTS Overall, 46.9% were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 19.5% declined, and 33.6% were undecided. Higher perceptions of COVID-19 severity, vaccine benefits, and action cues were associated with vaccine acceptance (p = 0.05). PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Vaccination campaigns that highlight the benefits of immunization should be prioritized by policymakers. In addition, vaccinated peoples should use social media to spread awareness about the advantages and challenges of vaccination. Nurse leaders should apply the HBM to forecast health-related behaviors, especially vaccination attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma M. Ibrahim
- Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of NursingMansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
| | - Doaa E Fadila
- Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of NursingMansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
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Sadeghizadeh M, Asadollahi E, Jahangiri B, Yadollahzadeh M, Mohajeri M, Afsharpad M, Najafi F, Rezaie N, Eskandari M, Tavakoli-Ardakani M, Feizabadi F, Masjedi MR. Promising clinical outcomes of nano-curcumin treatment as an adjunct therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2023; 37:3631-3644. [PMID: 37118944 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Different immunomodulation strategies have been used to manage COVID-19 due to the complex immune-inflammatory processes involved in the pathogenesis of this infection. Curcumin with its powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties could serve as a possible COVID-19 therapy. In this study, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of nano-curcumin oral soft gels as a complementary therapy in moderate-severe COVID-19 patients. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) plus sofosbuvir was routinely administered to all 42 COVID-19 patients, who were randomly assigned to receive 140 mg of nano-curcumin or placebo for 14 days. CT scans of the chest were taken, and blood tests were run for all patients at time points of 0, 7, and 14 days. Our results indicated that C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels significantly decreased from baseline in the nano-curcumin-treated group on day 7. Furthermore, blood levels of D-dimer, CRP, serum ferritin, ESR, and inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 decreased more significantly in the nano-curcumin-treated group after 14 days. Additionally, the nano-curcumin group showed significant improvements in chest CT scores, oxygen saturation levels, and hospitalization duration. Based on our data, oral administration of nano-curcumin may be regarded as a promising adjunct treatment for COVID-19 patients due to its ability to speed up chest clearance and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Asadollahi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Jahangiri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Yadollahzadeh
- Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mandana Afsharpad
- Cancer Control Research Center, Cancer Control Foundation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhood Najafi
- Department of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Rezaie
- Department of Pulmonology, Firouzgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohana Eskandari
- Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Tavakoli-Ardakani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Feizabadi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Masjedi
- Cancer Control Research Center, Cancer Control Foundation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Tobacco Control Research Center (TCRC), Iranian Anti-tobacco Association, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Munir MZ, Khan AH, Khan TM. Clinical Disease Characteristics and Treatment Trajectories Associated with Mortality among COVID-19 Patients in Punjab, Pakistan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081192. [PMID: 37108026 PMCID: PMC10138068 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on Pakistani COVID-19 patient mortality predictors is limited. It is essential to comprehend the relationship between disease characteristics, medications used, and mortality for better patient outcomes. METHODS The medical records of confirmed cases in the Lahore and Sargodha districts were examined using a two-stage cluster sampling from March 2021 to March 2022. Demographics, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, and pharmacological medications as mortality indicators were noted and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 288 deaths occurred out of the 1000 cases. Death rates were higher for males and people over 40. Most of those who were mechanically ventilated perished (OR: 124.2). Dyspnea, fever, and cough were common symptoms, with a significant association amid SpO2 < 95% (OR: 3.2), RR > 20 breaths/min (OR: 2.5), and mortality. Patients with renal (OR: 2.3) or liver failure (OR: 1.5) were at risk. Raised C-reactive protein (OR: 2.9) and D-dimer levels were the indicators of mortality (OR: 1.6). The most prescribed drugs were antibiotics, (77.9%), corticosteroids (54.8%), anticoagulants (34%), tocilizumab (20.3%), and ivermectin (9.2%). CONCLUSIONS Older males having breathing difficulties or signs of organ failure with raised C-reactive protein or D-dimer levels had high mortality. Antivirals, corticosteroids, tocilizumab, and ivermectin had better outcomes; antivirals were associated with lower mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zeeshan Munir
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Amer Hayat Khan
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Tahir Mehmood Khan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Banday Sunway, Subang Jaya 45700, Selangor, Malaysia
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6
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Dalamaga M, Nasiri-Ansari N, Spyrou N. Perspectives and Challenges of COVID-19 with Obesity-Related Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061771. [PMID: 36980657 PMCID: PMC10046880 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has created an unprecedented threat worldwide, involving overwhelmed health-care systems in the majority of countries [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Spyrou
- Tisch Cancer Institute Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1190 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
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7
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Zheng C, Rangsinth P, Shiu PHT, Wang W, Li R, Li J, Kwan YW, Leung GPH. A Review on the Sources, Structures, and Pharmacological Activities of Lucidenic Acids. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041756. [PMID: 36838743 PMCID: PMC9962123 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum has long been used as a multi-purpose plant and functional food. The pharmacological properties of G. lucidum are primarily attributed to its polysaccharides and triterpenoids. Ganoderic and lucidenic acids are the two major triterpenoids groups in G. lucidum. Despite the discovery of 22 types of lucidenic acids, research on lucidenic acids is significantly less extensive compared to that on ganoderic acid. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, in this review, we aimed to summarize the sources, contents, chemical structures, and pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, neuroprotective, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and anti-diabetic properties, of lucidenic acids. Studies on lucidenic acids are still preliminary and have several limitations. Therefore, more in-depth studies with optimal designs are essential for the development of lucidenic acids as medicines, functional foods, and nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Panthakarn Rangsinth
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Polly H. T. Shiu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Renkai Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiu-Wa Kwan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George P. H. Leung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence:
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Karbalaeimahdi M, Farajnia S, Bargahi N, Ghadiri-Moghaddam F, Rasouli Jazi HR, Bakhtiari N, Ghasemali S, Zarghami N. The Role of Interferons in Long Covid Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:65-76. [PMID: 36795973 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the new generation of vaccines and anti-COVID-19 treatment regimens facilitated the management of acute COVID-19 infections, concerns about post-COVID-19 syndrome or Long Covid are rising. This issue can increase the incidence and morbidity of diseases such as diabetes, and cardiovascular, and lung infections, especially among patients suffering from neurodegenerative disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and ischemia. There are numerous risk factors that cause COVID-19 patients to experience post-COVID-19 syndrome. Three potential causes attributed to this disorder include immune dysregulation, viral persistence, and autoimmunity. Interferons (IFNs) are crucial in all aspects of post-COVID-19 syndrome etiology. In this review, we discuss the critical and double-edged role of IFNs in post-COVID-19 syndrome and how innovative biomedical approaches that target IFNs can reduce the occurrence of Long Covid infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Karbalaeimahdi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Safar Farajnia
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farzaneh Ghadiri-Moghaddam
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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9
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Karampela I. Perspectives in vaccines, immune response, therapeutic interventions and COVID-19. Metabol Open 2022; 17:100223. [PMID: 36570684 PMCID: PMC9758070 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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10
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Feng Y, Grotegut S, Jovanovic P, Gandin V, Olson SH, Murad R, Beall A, Colayco S, De-Jesus P, Chanda S, English BP, Singer RH, Jackson M, Topisirovic I, Ronai ZA. Inhibition of coronavirus HCoV-OC43 by targeting the eIF4F complex. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1029093. [PMID: 36532738 PMCID: PMC9751428 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1029093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation initiation complex 4F (eIF4F) is a rate-limiting factor in protein synthesis. Alterations in eIF4F activity are linked to several diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases. To this end, coronaviruses require eIF4F complex activity to produce proteins essential for their life cycle. Efforts to target coronaviruses by abrogating translation have been largely limited to repurposing existing eIF4F complex inhibitors. Here, we report the results of a high throughput screen to identify small molecules that disrupt eIF4F complex formation and inhibit coronavirus RNA and protein levels. Of 338,000 small molecules screened for inhibition of the eIF4F-driven, CAP-dependent translation, we identified SBI-1232 and two structurally related analogs, SBI-5844 and SBI-0498, that inhibit human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43; OC43) with minimal cell toxicity. Notably, gene expression changes after OC43 infection of Vero E6 or A549 cells were effectively reverted upon treatment with SBI-5844 or SBI-0498. Moreover, SBI-5844 or SBI-0498 treatment effectively impeded the eIF4F complex assembly, with concomitant inhibition of newly synthesized OC43 nucleocapsid protein and OC43 RNA and protein levels. Overall, we identify SBI-5844 and SBI-0498 as small molecules targeting the eIF4F complex that may limit coronavirus transcripts and proteins, thereby representing a basis for developing novel therapeutic modalities against coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongmei Feng
- Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Stefan Grotegut
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Predrag Jovanovic
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valentina Gandin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Steven H. Olson
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Rabi Murad
- Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Anne Beall
- Immunology and Infectious Disease Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sharon Colayco
- Immunology and Infectious Disease Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Paul De-Jesus
- Immunology and Infectious Disease Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sumit Chanda
- Immunology and Infectious Disease Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Brian P. English
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Robert H. Singer
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, United States
| | - Michael Jackson
- Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Lady Davis Institute, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ze’ev A. Ronai
- Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Ze’ev A. Ronai,
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 is due, in part, to dysregulation of the human immune system in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immune cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 can trigger a hyperinflammatory response of both the adaptive and innate immune system that has been associated with severe disease, hospitalization, and death, and better treatment options are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED A mainstay of therapy for COVID-19 involves an antiviral agent, remdesivir, in combination with a systemic corticosteroid, dexamethasone. EXPERT OPINION The addition of a second immunomodulator, such as an interleukin-6 inhibitor or a Janus kinase inhibitor, has been associated with clinical benefit in a subset of patients with moderate-to-severe disease, but their use remains controversial. This manuscript reviews what is known about the approach to treatment of severe COVID-19 and examines how immunomodulators such as infliximab and abatacept may alter clinical management and COVID-19 research in the years ahead based on the results of randomized, controlled trials.
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Molecular Docking and In-Silico Analysis of Natural Biomolecules against Dengue, Ebola, Zika, SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern and Monkeypox Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911131. [PMID: 36232431 PMCID: PMC9569982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and rapid evolution of human pathogenic viruses, combined with the difficulties in developing effective vaccines, underline the need to develop innovative broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutic agents. The present study aims to determine the in silico antiviral potential of six bacterial antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), two phytochemicals (silvestrol, andrographolide), and two bacterial secondary metabolites (lyngbyabellin A, hapalindole H) against dengue virus, Zika virus, Ebola virus, the major variants of SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus. The comparison of docking scores obtained with natural biomolecules was performed with specific neutralizing antibodies (positive controls for ClusPro) and antiviral drugs (negative controls for Autodock Vina). Glycocin F was the only natural biomolecule tested to show high binding energies to all viral surface proteins and the corresponding viral cell receptors. Lactococcin G and plantaricin ASM1 also achieved high docking scores with all viral surface proteins and most corresponding cell surface receptors. Silvestrol, andrographolide, hapalindole H, and lyngbyabellin A showed variable docking scores depending on the viral surface proteins and cell receptors tested. Three glycocin F mutants with amino acid modifications showed an increase in their docking energy to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 Indian variant, and of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Japan/Brazil variant, and the dengue DENV envelope protein. All mutant AMPs indicated a frequent occurrence of valine and proline amino acid rotamers. AMPs and glycocin F in particular are the most promising biomolecules for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral treatments targeting the attachment and entry of viruses into their target cell.
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Zhou H, Møhlenberg M, Thakor JC, Tuli HS, Wang P, Assaraf YG, Dhama K, Jiang S. Sensitivity to Vaccines, Therapeutic Antibodies, and Viral Entry Inhibitors and Advances To Counter the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0001422. [PMID: 35862736 PMCID: PMC9491202 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00014-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) keeps evolving and mutating into newer variants over time, which gain higher transmissibility, disease severity, and spread in communities at a faster rate, resulting in multiple waves of surge in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. A highly mutated and transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has recently emerged, driving the extremely high peak of infections in almost all continents at an unprecedented speed and scale. The Omicron variant evades the protection rendered by vaccine-induced antibodies and natural infection, as well as overpowers the antibody-based immunotherapies, raising the concerns of current effectiveness of available vaccines and monoclonal antibody-based therapies. This review outlines the most recent advancements in studying the virology and biology of the Omicron variant, highlighting its increased resistance to current antibody-based therapeutics and its immune escape against vaccines. However, the Omicron variant is highly sensitive to viral fusion inhibitors targeting the HR1 motif in the spike protein, enzyme inhibitors, involving the endosomal fusion pathway, and ACE2-based entry inhibitors. Omicron variant-associated infectivity and entry mechanisms of Omicron variant are essentially distinct from previous characterized variants. Innate sensing and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 and T cell immunity to the virus provide new perspectives of vaccine and drug development. These findings are important for understanding SARS-CoV-2 viral biology and advances in developing vaccines, antibody-based therapies, and more effective strategies to mitigate the transmission of the Omicron variant or the next SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Michelle Møhlenberg
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jigarji C. Thakor
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Pengfei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yehuda G. Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Amanatidou E, Gkiouliava A, Pella E, Serafidi M, Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Dalamaga M. Breakthrough infections after COVID-19 vaccination: Insights, perspectives and challenges. Metabol Open 2022; 14:100180. [PMID: 35313532 PMCID: PMC8928742 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination programs against SARS-CoV-2 constitute the mainstay of public health interventions against the global COVID-19 pandemic. Currently available vaccines have shown 90% or better rates of protection against severe disease and mortality. Barely a year after vaccines became available, the Omicron variant and its unprecedented speed of transmission has posed a new challenge. Overall, Omicron presents increased immune escape, transmissibility, and decreased pathogenicity. Vaccines do not offer a full protection against SARS-CoV-2 acquisition, since "breakthrough" infections may occur in fully vaccinated individuals, who may in turn spread the virus to others. Breakthrough infections may be causally related to the viral profile (viral variant and load, incubation period, transmissibility, pathogenicity, immune evasion), immunity characteristics (mucosal versus systemic immunity, duration of immunity, etc.), host determinants (age, comorbidities, immune status, immunosuppressive drugs) and vaccination properties (platform, antigen dose, dose number, dose interval, route of administration). Determining the rate of breakthrough infections may be challenging and necessitates the conduction of population-based studies regarding vaccine effectiveness as well as neutralizing antibody testing, a surrogate of immune protection. In this review, we analyze the causes of breakthrough infections, their clinical consequences (severity of infection and transmission), methods of determining their incidence as well as challenges and perspectives. Long COVID as well as multi-inflammatory syndrome in adolescents may be significantly reduced in breakthrough infections. The need for universal pancoranavirus vaccines that would aim at protecting against a plethora of SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as emerging variants is discussed. Finally, novel vaccine strategies, such as nasal vaccines, may confer robust mucosal and systemic protection, reducing efficiently transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evropi Amanatidou
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna Gkiouliava
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eva Pella
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Serafidi
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Karampela
- Second Department of Critical Care, Attikon General University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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15
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Tsilingiris D, Nasiri-Ansari N, Spyrou N, Magkos F, Dalamaga M. Management of Hematologic Malignancies in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: Pathogenetic Mechanisms, Impact of Obesity, Perspectives, and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2494. [PMID: 35626099 PMCID: PMC9139192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an unprecedented societal and healthcare system crisis, considerably affecting healthcare workers and patients, particularly those with chronic diseases. Patients with hematologic malignancies faced a variety of challenges, pertinent to the nature of an underlying hematologic disorder itself as well as its therapy as a risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, suboptimal vaccine efficacy and the need for uninterrupted medical observation and continued therapy. Obesity constitutes another factor which was acknowledged since the early days of the pandemic that predisposed people to severe COVID-19, and shares a likely causal link with the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of hematologic cancers. We review here the epidemiologic and pathogenetic features that obesity and hematologic malignancies share, as well as potential mutual pathophysiological links predisposing people to a more severe SARS-CoV-2 course. Additionally, we attempt to present the existing evidence on the multi-faceted crucial challenges that had to be overcome in this diverse patient group and discuss further unresolved questions and future challenges for the management of hematologic malignancies in the era of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 17 St Thomas Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Spyrou
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
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16
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Saied AA, Metwally AA, Alobo M, Shah J, Sharun K, Dhama K. Bovine-derived antibodies and camelid-derived nanobodies as biotherapeutic weapons against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants: A review article. Int J Surg 2022; 98:106233. [PMID: 35065260 PMCID: PMC8768012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected 305 million individuals worldwide and killed about 5.5 million people as of January 10, 2022. SARS-CoV-2 is the third major outbreak caused by a new coronavirus in the previous two decades, following SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Even though vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is considered a critical strategy for preventing virus spread in the population and limiting COVID-19 clinical manifestations, new therapeutic drugs, and management strategies are urgently needed, particularly in light of the growing number of SARS-CoV-2 variants (such as Delta and Omicron variants). However, the use of conventional antibodies has faced many challenges, such as viral escape mutants, increased instability, weak binding, large sizes, the need for large amounts of plasma, and high-cost manufacturing. Furthermore, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in the human population and recurrent coronavirus spillovers highlight the need for broadly neutralizing antibodies that are not affected by an antigenic drift that could limit future zoonotic infection. Bovine-derived antibodies and camelid-derived nanobodies are more potent and protective than conventional human antibodies, thanks to their inbuilt characteristics, and can be produced in large quantities. In addition, it was reported that these biotherapeutics are effective against a broad spectrum of epitopes, reducing the opportunity of viral pathogens to develop mutational escape. In this review, we focus on the potential benefits behind our rationale for using bovine-derived antibodies and camelid-derived nanobodies in countering SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants and mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdulRahman A. Saied
- Department of Food Establishments Licensing (Aswan Branch), National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Aswan, 81511, Egypt,Touristic Activities and Interior Offices Sector (Aswan Office), Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Aswan, 81511, Egypt,Corresponding author. Department of Food Establishments Licensing (Aswan Branch), National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), Aswan, 81511, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A. Metwally
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, 81511, Egypt,Corresponding author. Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Moses Alobo
- Grand Challenges Africa, Science for Africa Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jaffer Shah
- Medical Research Center, Kateb University, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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17
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Abu-Melha S, Edrees MM, Said MA, Riyadh SM, Al-Kaff NS, Gomha SM. Potential COVID-19 Drug Candidates Based on Diazinyl-Thiazol-Imine Moieties: Synthesis and Greener Pastures Biological Study. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27020488. [PMID: 35056802 PMCID: PMC8777737 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel series of 1-aryl-N-[4-phenyl-5-(arylazo)thiazol-2-yl)methanimines has been synthesized via the condensation of 2-amino-4-phenyl-5-arylazothiazole with various aromatic aldehydes. The synthesized imines were characterized by spectroscopic techniques, namely 1H and 13C-NMR, FTIR, MS, and Elemental Analysis. A molecular comparative docking study for 3a-f was calculated, with reference to two approved drugs, Molnupiravir and Remdesivir, using 7BQY (Mpro; PDB code 7BQY; resolution: 1.7 A°) under identical conditions. The binding scores against 7BQY were in the range of -7.7 to -8.7 kcal/mol for 3a-f. The high scores of the compounds indicated an enhanced binding affinity of the molecules to the receptor. This is due to the hydrophobic interactions and multi-hydrogen bonds between 3a-f ligands and the receptor's active amino acid residues. The main aim of using in silco molecular docking was to rank 3a-f with respect to the approved drugs, Molnupiravir and Remdesivir, using free energy methods as greener pastures. A further interesting comparison presented the laydown of the ligands before and after molecular docking. These results and other supporting statistical analyses suggested that ligands 3a-f deserve further investigation in the context of potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19. Free-cost, PASS, SwissADME, and Way2drug were used in this research paper to determine the possible biological activities and cytotoxicity of 3a-f.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sraa Abu-Melha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.-M.); (M.M.E.)
| | - Mastoura Mohamed Edrees
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.-M.); (M.M.E.)
- Department of Organic Chemistry, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza 12311, Egypt
| | - Musa A. Said
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: (M.A.S.); (S.M.G.)
| | - Sayed M. Riyadh
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Nadia S. Al-Kaff
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sobhi M. Gomha
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Madinah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 42351, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.A.S.); (S.M.G.)
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18
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Tsilingiris D, Dalamaga M, Liu J. SARS-CoV-2 adipose tissue infection and hyperglycemia: A further step towards the understanding of severe COVID-19. Metabol Open 2022; 13:100163. [PMID: 35039801 PMCID: PMC8755555 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100163] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted the prognostic significance of hyperglycemia in the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A number of mechanisms have been proposed as potential drivers of this association, which were, however, up until recently based rather on speculation than on investigational evidence. It has been recently come to light that the development of insulin resistance in the frame of COVID-19 is likely the driving force behind the development of overt hyperglycemia. This results through the infectious insult of the adipose tissue, and is observed in conjunction with aberrant adipokine secretion by host adipocytes, such as decreased adiponectin, as well as a switch towards an antiviral immune secretory profile. These data could have a considerable relevance not only for the management of hyperglycemia in the course of the infection but also for the overall understanding of the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 17 St Thomas Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, Goudi, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Junli Liu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai, China
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19
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Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Liu J, Dalamaga M. Potential implications of lipid nanoparticles in the pathogenesis of myocarditis associated with the use of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Metabol Open 2021; 13:100159. [PMID: 34938983 PMCID: PMC8677426 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mRNA-based vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 exhibit a remarkable efficacy and effectiveness in preventing particularly severe Covid-19 with an overall favorable adverse event profile, their use has been associated with rare cases of acute myocarditis. These occur most commonly after the second dose, with the highest incidence among young male recipients. This complication has not been frequently observed among adenoviral vector vaccine receivers, and its clinical, laboratory and imaging features resemble those of other common causes of acute myocarditis. The pathogenesis of mRNA-vaccine associated myocarditis has not yet been elucidated, although a number of mechanisms have been proposed, typically implicating the administered S-protein mRNA and likely mediated through an autoimmune mechanism. Nonetheless, other mechanisms may be implicated given the fact that myocarditis cases are very rarely observed among recipients of non mRNA vaccines. The recent observation of a similar adverse event in a recipient of the non-mRNA, peptide-based NVX-CoV2373 in the frame of a phase III clinical trial with 7020 participants in the active treatment arm raises the question whether the lipid nanoparticle sheath, which is a common structural component of these platforms could be implicated in the pathogenesis of vaccine-induced myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 17 St Thomas street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Natalia G Vallianou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Karampela
- Second Department of Critical Care, Attikon General University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1 Rimini St, Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Junli Liu
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
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20
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Demeke CA, Woldeyohanins AE, Kifle ZD. Herbal medicine use for the management of COVID-19: A review article. Metabol Open 2021; 12:100141. [PMID: 34693242 PMCID: PMC8519661 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For many thousands of years, herbal products and dietary plants have been prescribed for various diseases by traditional healers. Thus, the aim of this review is to present main herbal products, their source, characteristics, and potential antiviral actions concerning COVID-19. Publications on herbal products related to antiviral effects were searched from different databases, such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, Medline, Scopus, and PubMed, until August 2021, using English key terms. According to different studies, there are so many important medicinal plants with antiviral activity, which can be used for viral infections or can be prescribed as supportive treatment. lack of information on the safety profile and amount of dose for different diseases is some of the limitations of medicinal plants. herbal medicine can interfere with COVID-19 pathogenesis by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry to host cells. Some of the antiviral medicinal plant species are citrus Spp., orange (C. Sinensis), Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Mentha piperita, and nigella sativa are the most desirable herbal drink or fruit that can introduce effective adjuvant components in COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chilot Abiyu Demeke
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Alem Endashaw Woldeyohanins
- Department of Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zemene Demelash Kifle
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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21
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The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the attendance and clinical outcomes of patients with ophthalmic disease: A mini-review. Metabol Open 2021; 12:100131. [PMID: 34604730 PMCID: PMC8474871 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 was followed by a rapid spread leading to its declaration as a pandemic in a short time. The transmission through aerosols and direct contact with infected individuals forced the application of strict safety protocols and rearrangements in the activities of different healthcare systems around the world. Ophthalmology healthcare workers are highly exposed to viral infection and therefore adjustments were made to ensure the safety of patients and health providers by performing only urgent treatments. The suspension and delay in regular follow-up visits and the lower number of patients recorded during the lockdown period due to restrictions and patient anxiety led to severe consequences in the clinical and anatomical outcome affecting the overall prognosis. The current review aims to summarize the effect of the lockdown policies in the number and profile of patients that attended the ophthalmology clinics from different countries and analyze the effect of the pandemic in terms of vision and patient functionality. The effects of the pandemic included a reduction in the number of appointments, cancellations of non-emergency conditions and delays of surgical interventions. These had a negative effect in terms of visual outcomes.
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22
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COVID-19 vaccines: Current evidence and considerations. Metabol Open 2021; 12:100124. [PMID: 34541483 PMCID: PMC8433053 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global crisis, with devastating health, business and social impacts. Vaccination is a safe, simple, and effective way of protecting a person against COVID-19. By the end of August 2021, only 24.6% of the world population has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Since the emergence of COVID-19, several COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and approved for emergency use. Current vaccines have shown efficacy with low risk of adverse effects. However, COVID-19 vaccines have been related to a relatively small number of cases of heart inflammation, anaphylaxis (allergic reactions), and blood clots formation. On the other hand, COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended for children less than 12 years of age. Furthermore, It has been proposed that some new variants (e.g., Lambda and Delta) are proficient in escaping from the antiviral immunity elicited by vaccination. Herein we present current considerations regarding the COVID-19 vaccines including: efficacy against new variants, challenges in distribution, disparities in availability, dosage gender and race difference, COVID-19 vaccine transport and storage, limitations in children and pregnant women. Long-time monitoring is essential in order to find vaccine efficacy and to rule out related side effects.
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23
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Abbasi E, Mirzaei F, Tavilani H, Khodadadi I. Diabetes and COVID-19: Mechanism of pneumonia, treatment strategy and vaccine. Metabol Open 2021; 11:100122. [PMID: 34514363 PMCID: PMC8421075 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
As of August 5, 2021, there were about 200,000,000 global confirmed patients of COVID-19, with more than 4,250,000 deaths. The COVID-19 disease which is a tremendous public health threat, jumps unpredictably and outbreaks very quickly. The overall mortality rate of COVID-19 infection is 1%-15% but reaches up to 17-38% in older cases with chronic disorders and in intensive care unit (ICU) subjects. Diabetic patients, particularly those whose disease is not well controlled can be more susceptible to COVID-19. Although diabetes was present in 5.3%-42.3% of fatalities from COVID-19, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of action of novel coronavirus in diabetic patients are unknown. Based on the elevating of global prevalence, diabetes is the main medical problem associated with COVID-19. It is plausible that diabetes can forecast elevated severity of pneumonia. The mortality of lung infection among diabetes is remarkably higher compared with non-diabetic patients. Mechanisms responsible for severe pneumonia in the diabetic patients as well as treatment of diabetic patients infected with COVID-19 are largely speculative. Hence, this paper will summarize the recent findings related to the mechanisms of pneumonia and treatment strategies in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Abbasi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mirzaei
- Department of Anatomical sciences, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Heidar Tavilani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Iraj Khodadadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Nutrition Health Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Corresponding author. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Street, Hamadan, Iran.;
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24
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Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Dalamaga M. Vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia: The shady chapter of a success story. Metabol Open 2021; 11:100101. [PMID: 34179744 PMCID: PMC8217988 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The recognition of the rare but serious and potentially lethal complication of vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) raised concerns regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and led to the reconsideration of vaccination strategies in many countries. Following the description of VITT among recipients of adenoviral vector ChAdOx1 vaccine, a review of similar cases after Ad26.COV2·S vaccination gave rise to the question whether this entity may constitute a potential class effect of all adenoviral vector vaccines. Most cases are females, typically younger than 60 years who present shortly (range: 5-30 days) following vaccination with thrombocytopenia and thrombotic manifestations, occasionally in multiple sites. Following initial incertitude, concrete recommendations to guide the diagnosis (clinical suspicion, initial laboratory screening, PF4-polyanion-antibody ELISA) and management of VITT (non-heparin anticoagulants, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin) have been issued. The mechanisms behind this rare syndrome are currently a subject of active research and include the following: 1) production of PF4-polyanion autoantibodies; 2) adenoviral vector entry in megacaryocytes and subsequent expression of spike protein on platelet surface; 3) direct platelet and endothelial cell binding and activation by the adenoviral vector; 4) activation of endothelial and inflammatory cells by the PF4-polyanion autoantibodies; 5) the presence of an inflammatory co-signal; and 6) the abundance of circulating soluble spike protein variants following vaccination. Apart from the analysis of potential underlying mechanisms, this review aims to synopsize the clinical and epidemiologic features of VITT, to present the current evidence-based recommendations on diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of VITT and to discuss new dilemmas and perspectives that emerged after the description of this entity.
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Key Words
- Adenoviral vector
- Adenovirus
- CAR, Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor
- CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019
- CVST, cerebellar sinus thrombosis
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- HIT, Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- ICU, Intensive Care Unit
- IVIG, Intravenous immunoglobulin
- LMWH, low molecular weight heparin
- PF4, Platelet factor 4
- PLT, Platelet
- PRAC, Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee
- PT, prothrombin time
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-Cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- SVT, splanchnic vein thrombosis
- TTS, thrombosis-thrombocytopenia-syndrome
- VCAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1
- VIPIT, vaccine-induced prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia
- VITT, vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia
- Vaccine
- Vaccine induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia
- aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time
- ΕΜΑ, European Medicines Agency
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine,
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 17 St
Thomas Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital,
45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Karampela
- Second Department of Critical Care, Attikon General University Hospital,
Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1 Rimini St,
Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and
Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens,
Greece
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Mentis AFA, Dalamaga M, Lu C, Polissiou MG. Saffron for "toning down" COVID-19-related cytokine storm: Hype or hope? A mini-review of current evidence. Metabol Open 2021; 11:100111. [PMID: 34312610 PMCID: PMC8294713 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2021.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the potential role of saffron in downregulating inflammation and cytokine storm during COVID-19. MAIN FINDINGS Three main compounds of saffron, i.e., crocetin esters, picrocrocin, and safranal, present strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action for several disease states (e.g., Alzheimer's, cancer, and depression) but have also been studied in COVID-19. In particular, based on our comprehensive review of both in vitro and in silico studies, saffron's essential oils and other constituents appear to have both immunomodulatory and anti-asthmatic actions; these actions can be particularly helpful to treat patients with respiratory symptoms due to COVID-19. Moreover, crocin appears to reduce the COVID-19-related cytokine cascade and downregulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene expression. Last, in silico studies suggest that saffron's astragalin and crocin could have inhibitory actions on SARS-CoV-2 protease and spike protein, respectively. CONCLUSION Saffron represents a promising substance for toning down cytokine storm during COVID-19, as well as a potential preventive treatment for COVID-19. However, appropriate randomized clinical trials, especially those using biomarkers as surrogates to assess inflammatory status, should be designed in order to assess the clinical efficacy of saffron and allow its use as an adjunct treatment modality, particularly in resource-poor settings where access to drugs may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, Athens, Greece
- UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Cuncun Lu
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Moschos G Polissiou
- Laboratory of Chemistry, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food, Biotechnology and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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