Myricetin exerts its antiviral activity against infectious bronchitis virus by inhibiting the deubiquitinating activity of papain-like protease

Lipid Selectivity of Membrane Action of the Fragments of Fusion Peptides of Marburg and Ebola Viruses

The life cycle of Ebola and Marburg viruses includes a step of the virion envelope fusion with the cell membrane. Here, we analyzed whether the fusion of liposome membranes under the action of fragments of fusion peptides of Ebola and Marburg viruses depends on the composition of lipid vesicles. A fluorescence assay and electron microscopy were used to quantify the fusogenic activity of the virus fusion peptides and to identify the lipid determinants affecting membrane merging. Differential scanning calorimetry of lipid phase transitions revealed alterations in the physical properties of the lipid matrix produced by virus fusion peptides. Additionally, we found that plant polyphenols, quercetin, and myricetin inhibited vesicle fusion induced by the Marburg virus fusion peptide.

The alleviating effect of Phillygenin on the regulation of respiratory microbiota and its metabolites in IBV-infected broilers by inhibiting the TLR7/MyD88/NF-κB axis

Phillygenin (PHI) is an active ingredient derived from the leaf of Forsythia suspensa that has been found to alleviate inflammation and peroxidation response. Avian infectious bronchitis (IB) is a major threat to poultry industry viral respiratory tract disease that infected with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). This study investigated the protection of PHI to CEK cell and broiler's tracheal injury triggered by avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The results showed that IBV infection did not cause serious clinical symptoms and slowing-body weight in PHI-treated broilers. The expression of virus loads, pro-inflammation factors (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in CEK cell, and tracheas were decreased compared to the IBV group, exhibiting its potent anti-inflammation. Mechanistically, the study demonstrated that the inhibition of TLR7/MyD88/NF-κB pathway was mainly involved in the protection effect of PHI to inflammation injury. Interestingly, a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus in respiratory tract was observed in PHI-treated broilers than in the IBV group. Significant differences were observed between the IBV group and PHI-treated group in the Ferroptosis, Tryptophan metabolism, and Glutathione metabolism pathways. PHI exhibited potent protection effect on IBV infection and alleviated inflammation injury, mainly through inhibiting TLR7/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. The study encourages further development of PHI, paving the way to its clinical use as a new candidate drug to relieve IBV-induced respiratory symptoms.

Myricetin alleviates renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition via NOX4/NF-κB/snail axis in diabetic nephropathy based on network pharmacology analysis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a leading cause of end-stage renal disease, remains a formidable challenge in diabetes management due to the complex nature of its pathogenesis, particularly the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Our innovative study leverages network pharmacology to explore the therapeutic potentials of Myricetin, a natural flavonoid, focusing on its effects against NOX4, a critical mediator in DN progression. This investigation marks a pioneering approach by integrating network pharmacology to predict and elucidate the inhibitory relationship between Myricetin and NOX4. Utilizing a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) induced DN mouse model, we delved into the effects of Myricetin on renal EMT processes. Through network pharmacology analyses coupled with molecular docking studies, we identified and confirmed Myricetin's binding efficacy to NOX4. Extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments further established Myricetin's significant impact on mitigating EMT by modulating the NOX4-NF-κB-Snail signaling pathway. Results from our research demonstrated notable improvements in renal function and reductions in tissue fibrosis among treated HFD/STZ mice. By curtailing NOX4 expression, Myricetin effectively reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, thereby inhibiting NF-κB activation and subsequent Snail expression, crucial steps in the EMT pathway. Supported by both theoretical predictions and empirical validations, this study unveils the mechanism underlying Myricetin's modulation of EMT in DN through disrupting the NOX4-NF-κB-Snail axis. These findings not only contribute a new therapeutic avenue for DN treatment but also underscore the utility of network pharmacology in advancing drug discovery processes.

Myricetin inhibits transmissible gastroenteritis virus replication by targeting papain-like protease deubiquitinating enzyme activity

Myricetin, a natural flavonoid found in various foods, was investigated for its antiviral effect against transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). This α-coronavirus causes significant economic losses in the global swine industry. The study focused on the papain-like protease (PLpro), which plays a crucial role in coronavirus immune evasion by mediating deubiquitination. Targeting PLpro could potentially disrupt viral replication and enhance antiviral responses. The results demonstrated that myricetin effectively inhibited TGEV-induced cytopathic effects in a dose-dependent manner, with an EC50 value of 31.19 μM. Myricetin significantly reduced TGEV viral load within 48 h after an 8-h co-incubation period. Further investigations revealed that myricetin at a concentration of 100 μM directly inactivated TGEV and suppressed its intracellular replication stage. Moreover, pretreatment with 100 μM myricetin conferred a protective effect on PK-15 cells against TGEV infection. Myricetin competitively inhibited PLpro with an IC50 value of 6.563 μM. Molecular docking experiments show that myricetin binds to the Cys102 residue of PLpro through conventional hydrogen bonds, Pi-sulfur, and Pi-alkyl interactions. This binding was confirmed through site-directed mutagenesis experiments, indicating myricetin as a potential candidate for preventing and treating TGEV infection.

Antiviral effect of palmatine against infectious bronchitis virus through regulation of NF-κB/IRF7/JAK-STAT signalling pathway and apoptosis

1. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), a gamma-coronavirus, can infect chickens of all ages and leads to an acute contact respiratory infection. This study evaluated the anti-viral activity of palmatine, a natural non-flavonoid alkaloid, against IBV in chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cells.2. The half toxic concentration (CC50) of palmatine was 672.92 μM, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of palmatine against IBV was 7.76 μM and the selection index (SI) was 86.74.3. Mode of action assay showed that palmatine was able to directly inactivate IBV and inhibited the adsorption, penetration and intracellular replication of IBV.4. Palmatine significantly upregulated TRAF6, TAB1 and IKK-β compared with the IBV-infected group, leading to the increased expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in the downstream NF-κB signalling pathway.5. Palmatine significantly up-regulated the levels of MDA5, MAVS, IRF7, IFN-α and IFN-β in the IRF7 pathway, inducing type I interferon production. It up-regulated the expression of 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthase (OAS) in the JAK-STAT pathway.6. IBV infection induced cell apoptosis and palmatine-treatment delayed the process of apoptosis by regulation of the expression of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, BCL-2, CASPASE-3 and CASPASE-8).7. Palmatine could exert anti-IBV activity through regulation of NF-κB/IRF7/JAK-STAT signalling pathways and apoptosis, providing a theoretical basis for the utilisation of palmatine to treat IBV infection.

Flavonoids: A treasure house of prospective pharmacological potentials

Flavonoids are organic compounds characterized by a range of phenolic structures, which are abundantly present in various natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea, and wine. The health advantages of these natural substances are renowned, and initiatives are being taken to extract the flavonoids. Apigenin, galangin, hesperetin, kaempferol, myricetin, naringenin, and quercetin are the seven most common compounds belonging to this class. A thorough analysis of bibliographic records from reliable sources including Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and others was done to learn more about the biological activities of these flavonoids. These flavonoids appear to have promising anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, cytotoxic, and lipid-lowering activities, according to evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research. The review contains recent trends, therapeutical interventions, and futuristic aspects of flavonoids to treat several diseases like diabetes, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases. However, this manuscript should be handy in future drug discovery. Despite these encouraging findings, a notable gap exists in clinical research, hindering a comprehensive understanding of the effects of flavonoids at both high and low concentrations on human health. Future investigations should prioritize exploring bioavailability, given the potential for high inter-individual variation. As a starting point for further study on these flavonoids, this review paper may promote identifying and creating innovative therapeutic uses.

Baicalin Protects Broilers against Avian Coronavirus Infection via Regulating Respiratory Tract Microbiota and Amino Acid Metabolism

An increasing amount of evidence indicates that Baicalin (Bai, a natural glycosyloxyflavone compound) exhibits an antiviral effect against avian viruses. However, it remains unclear if the antiviral effect of Bai against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is exerted indirectly by modulating respiratory tract microbiota and/or their metabolites. In this study, we investigated the protection efficacy of Bai in protecting cell cultures and broilers from IBV infection and assessed modulation of respiratory tract microbiota and metabolites during infection. Bai was administered orally to broilers by being mixed in with drinking water for seven days. Ultimately, broilers were challenged with live IBV. The results showed that Bai treatment reduced respiratory tract symptoms, improved weight gain, slowed histopathological damage, reduced virus loads and decreased pro-inflammation cytokines production. Western blot analysis demonstrated that Bai treatment significantly inhibited Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) expression both in cell culture and cells of the trachea. Bai treatment reversed respiratory tract microbiota dysbiosis, as shown by 16S rDNA sequencing in the group of broilers inoculated with IBV. Indeed, we observed a decrease in Proteobacteria abundance and an increase in Firmicutes abundance. Metabolomics results suggest that the pentose phosphate pathway, amino acid and nicotinamide metabolism are linked to the protection conferred by Bai against IBV infection. In conclusion, these results indicated that further assessment of anti-IBV strategies based on Bai would likely result in the development of antiviral molecule(s) which can be administered by being mixed with feed or water.

The Therapeutic Potential of Natural Dietary Flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The exploration of non-toxic and cost-effective dietary components, such as epigallocatechin 3-gallate and myricetin, for health improvement and disease treatment has recently attracted substantial research attention. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity for the investigation and identification of dietary components capable of treating viral infections, as well as gathering the evidence needed to address the major challenges presented by public health emergencies. Dietary components hold great potential as a starting point for further drug development for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection owing to their good safety, broad-spectrum antiviral activities, and multi-organ protective capacity. Here, we review current knowledge of the characteristics-chemical composition, bioactive properties, and putative mechanisms of action-of natural bioactive dietary flavonoids with the potential for targeting SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Notably, we present promising strategies (combination therapy, lead optimization, and drug delivery) to overcome the inherent deficiencies of natural dietary flavonoids, such as limited bioavailability and poor stability.

An Investigation of the Antiviral Potential of Phytocompounds against Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus through Template-Based Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Analysis

Vaccination is widely used to control Infectious Bronchitis in poultry; however, the limited cross-protection and safety issues associated with these vaccines can lead to vaccination failures. Keeping these limitations in mind, the current study explored the antiviral potential of phytocompounds against the Infectious Bronchitis virus using in silico approaches. A total of 1300 phytocompounds derived from fourteen botanicals were screened for their potential ability to inhibit the main protease, papain-like protease or RNA-dependent RNA–polymerase of the virus. The study identified Methyl Rosmarinate, Cianidanol, Royleanone, and 6,7-Dehydroroyleanone as dual-target inhibitors against any two of the key proteins. At the same time, 7-alpha-Acetoxyroyleanone from Rosmarinus officinalis was found to be a multi-target protein inhibitor against all three proteins. The potential multi-target inhibitor was subjected to molecular dynamics simulations to assess the stability of the protein–ligand complexes along with the corresponding reference ligands. The findings specified stable interactions of 7-alpha-Acetoxyroyleanone with the protein targets. The results based on the in silico study indicate that the phytocompounds can potentially inhibit the essential proteins of the Infectious Bronchitis virus; however, in vitro and in vivo studies are required for validation. Nevertheless, this study is a significant step in exploring the use of botanicals in feed to control Infectious Bronchitis infections in poultry.

Serum amyloid A regulates TLR2/4-mediated IFN-β signaling pathway against Marek's disease virus

Serum amyloid A (SAA), an acute response phase protein (APP), is crucial for the innate immune response during pathogenic microorganisms' invasion. Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that activates multiple innate immune molecules, including SAA, in the host during infection. However, the pathway through which SAA participates in MDV-induced host innate immunity remains unknown. The present study aimed to elucidate the pathway through which SAA exerts its anti-MDV function. We observed that MDV infection in vivo and in vitro significantly elevated SAA expression. Furthermore, through SAA overexpression and knockdown experiments, we demonstrated that SAA could inhibit MDV replication. Subsequently, we found that SAA activated Toll-Like Receptor 2/4 (TLR2/4) -mediated Interferon Beta (IFN-β) promoter activity and IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) promoter activity. During MDV infection, SAA enhanced TLR2/4-mediated IFN-β signal transduction and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) expression of type I IFN (IFN-I) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Finally, TLR2/4 inhibitor OxPAPC inhibits the anti-MDV activity of SAA. These results demonstrated that SAA inhibits MDV replication and enhancing TLR2/4-mediated IFN-β signal transduction to promote IFNs and ISGs expression. This finding is the first to demonstrate the signaling pathway by which SAA exerts its anti-MDV function. It also provides new insights into the control of oncogenic herpesviruses from the perspective of acute response phase proteins.

Myricetin alleviated hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular senescence of nucleus pulposus cell through regulating SERPINE1

BACKGROUND

Myricetin (MYR) is a common plant flavonoid with antioxidant and anticancer properties. However, the anti-aging effect of MYR on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) is still unknown. The study aimed to explore the effect of MYR on the senescence of NPCs.

METHODS

Methyl-thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used to detect NPCs viability. Senescence level was evaluated by senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and the expression levels of P21, P16, IL-6 and IL-8. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between hydrogen peroxide + MYR (HO + MYR) group and HO group, and Gene Ontology (GO) functional was performed to analyze DEGs. A Venn diagram was generated to screen overlapping DEGs related to aging and inflammation, and the role of the promising validated DEG was selected for further investigation by gene functional assays.

RESULTS

HO inhibited NPCs viability and stimulated the senescent phenotype of NPCs, whereas MYR treatment significantly reversed SA-β-gal activity in NPCs. MYR also reduced the expression of p21 and p16 and the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by HO. RNA-seq screened 421 DEGs. The GO enrichment results showed DEGs were mainly enriched in terms such as "sterol biosynthetic process". We also found SERPINE1 has the highest log2FC abs. Silence of SERPINE1 inhibited HO-induced NPCs senescence, and overexpression of SERPINE1 could limit the anti-aging effect of MYR.

CONCLUSIONS

MYR alleviated HO-induced senescence of NPCs by regulating SERPINE1 in vitro.

The Degree of Hydroxylation of Phenolic Rings Determines the Ability of Flavonoids and Stilbenes to Inhibit Calcium-Mediated Membrane Fusion

This paper discusses the possibility of using plant polyphenols as viral fusion inhibitors with a lipid-mediated mechanism of action. The studied agents are promising candidates for the role of antiviral compounds due to their high lipophilicity, low toxicity, bioavailability, and relative cheapness. Fluorimetry of calcein release at the calcium-mediated fusion of liposomes, composed of a ternary mixture of dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine, dioleoyl phosphatidylglycerol, and cholesterol, in the presence of 4'-hydroxychalcone, cardamonin, isoliquiritigenin, phloretin, resveratrol, piceatannol, daidzein, biochanin A, genistein, genistin, liquiritigenin, naringenin, catechin, taxifolin, and honokiol, was performed. It was found that piceatannol significantly inhibited the calcium-induced fusion of negatively charged vesicles, while taxifolin and catechin showed medium and low antifusogenic activity, respectively. As a rule, polyphenols containing at least two OH-groups in both phenolic rings were able to inhibit the calcium-mediated fusion of liposomes. In addition, there was a correlation between the ability of the tested compounds to inhibit vesicle fusions and to perturb lipid packing. We suggest that the antifusogenic action of polyphenols was determined by the depth of immersion and the orientation of the molecules in the membrane.

Flavonoid Components, Distribution, and Biological Activities in Taxus: A review

Taxus, also known as "gold in plants" because of the famous agents with emphases on Taxol and Docetaxel, is a genus of the family Taxaceae, distributed almost around the world. The plants hold an important place in traditional medicine in China, and its products are used for treating treat dysuria, swelling and pain, diabetes, and irregular menstruation in women. In order to make a further study and better application of Taxus plants for the future, cited references from between 1958 and 2022 were collected from the Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), SciFinder, and Google Scholar, and the chemical structures, distribution, and bioactivity of flavonoids identified from Taxus samples were summed up in the research. So far, 59 flavonoids in total with different skeletons were identified from Taxus plants, presenting special characteristics of compound distribution. These compounds have been reported to display significant antibacterial, antiaging, anti-Alzheimer's, antidiabetes, anticancer, antidepressant, antileishmaniasis, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antiallergic, antivirus, antilipase, neuronal protective, and hepatic-protective activities, as well as promotion of melanogenesis. Flavonoids represent a good example of the utilization of the Taxus species. In the future, further pharmacological and clinical experiments for flavonoids could be accomplished to promote the preparation of relative drugs.

Radix Isatidis polysaccharide (RIP) resists the infection of QX-type infectious bronchitis virus via the MDA5/TLR3/IRF7 signaling pathway

Although vaccines play a major role in the prevention of infectious bronchitis (IB), Anti-IB drugs still have great potential in poultry production. Radix Isatidis polysaccharide (RIP) is a crude extract of Banlangen with antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and multiple immunomodulatory functions. The aim of this study was to explore the innate immune mechanisms responsible for RIP-mediated alleviation of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV)-induced kidney lesions in chickens. Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicken and chicken embryo kidney (CEK) cells cultures were pretreated with RIP and then infected with the QX-type IBV strain, Sczy3. Morbidity, mortality, and tissue mean lesion scores were calculated for IBV-infected chickens, and the viral loads, inflammatory factor gene mRNA expression levels, and innate immune pathway gene mRNA expression levels in infected chickens and CEK cell cultures were determined. The results show that RIP could alleviate IBV-induced kidney damage, decrease CEK cells susceptibility to IBV infection, and reduce viral loads. Additionally, RIP reduced the mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β by decreasing the mRNA expression level of NF-κB. Conversely, the expression levels of MDA5, TLR3, STING, Myd88, IRF7, and IFN-β were increased, indicating that RIP conferred resistance to QX-type IBV infection via the MDA5, TLR3, IRF7 signaling pathway. These results provide a reference for both further research into the antiviral mechanisms of RIP and the development of preventative and therapeutic drugs for IB.