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Yadav P, Chen DB, Kumar S. Region-Specific and Pregnancy-Enhanced Vasodilator Effects of Hydrogen Sulfide. OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY RESEARCH 2023; 6:309-316. [PMID: 38288009 PMCID: PMC10824528 DOI: 10.26502/ogr0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a cardiovascular signaling molecule that causes vasodilation in vascular smooth muscle cells, but its mechanism is unclear. We examined how H2S affects mesenteric and uterine arteries without endothelium in nonpregnant and pregnant rats and the underlying mechanisms. H2S donors GYY4137 and NaHS relaxed uterine arteries more than mesenteric arteries in both pregnant and nonpregnant rats. GYY4137 and NaHS caused greater relaxation in the uterine artery of pregnant versus nonpregnant rats. High extracellular K+ abolished NaHS relaxation in pregnant uterine arteries, indicating potassium channel involvement. NaHS relaxation was unaffected by voltage-gated potassium channel blockers, reduced by ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockers, and abolished by calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel blockers. Thiol-reductant dithiothreitol also prevented NaHS relaxation. Thus, H2S has region-specific and pregnancy-enhanced vasodilator effects in the uterine arteries, mainly mediated by BKCa channels and sulfhydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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2
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Advances of H2S in Regulating Neurodegenerative Diseases by Preserving Mitochondria Function. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030652. [PMID: 36978900 PMCID: PMC10044936 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxicity is induced by different toxic substances, including environmental chemicals, drugs, and pathogenic toxins, resulting in oxidative damage and neurodegeneration in mammals. The nervous system is extremely vulnerable to oxidative stress because of its high oxygen demand. Mitochondria are the main source of ATP production in the brain neuron, and oxidative stress-caused mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. H2S was initially identified as a toxic gas; however, more recently, it has been recognized as a neuromodulator as well as a neuroprotectant. Specifically, it modulates mitochondrial activity, and H2S oxidation in mitochondria produces various reactive sulfur species, thus modifying proteins through sulfhydration. This review focused on highlighting the neuron modulation role of H2S in regulating neurodegenerative diseases through anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and S-sulfhydration, and emphasized the importance of H2S as a therapeutic molecule for neurological diseases.
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Vatish M, Powys VR, Cerdeira AS. Novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches for preeclampsia. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2023; 32:124-133. [PMID: 36683536 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will summarize recent findings relating to the diagnostic approach to preeclampsia and current avenues of research aimed at modifying the underlying disease process. RECENT FINDINGS Growing international consensus supports a broad preeclampsia definition that incorporates maternal end-organ and uteroplacental dysfunction. Recent evidence demonstrates that this definition better identifies women and babies at risk of adverse outcomes compared to the traditional definition of hypertension and proteinuria. Multiple studies have demonstrated the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of angiogenic biomarkers such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and placental growth factor as a clinical adjunct to diagnose and predict severity of preeclampsia associated outcomes. Current novel therapeutic approaches to preeclampsia target pathogenic pathways (e.g. antiangiogenesis) or downstream effects such as oxidative stress and nitric oxide. Recent findings relating to these promising candidates are discussed. Multicenter clinical trials are needed to evaluate their effectiveness and ability to improve fetal and maternal outcomes. SUMMARY We provide an updated framework of the current approaches to define and diagnose preeclampsia. Disease modifying therapies (in particular, targeting the angiogenic pathway) are being developed for the first time and promise to revolutionize the way we manage preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Vatish
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | | | - Ana Sofia Cerdeira
- Nuffield Department of Women's Health and Reproductive Research, University of Oxford, Oxford
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Meijerink L, Wever KE, Terstappen F, Ganzevoort W, Lely AT, Depmann M. Statins in pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction: A systematic review and meta-analysis on maternal blood pressure and fetal growth across species. BJOG 2023; 130:577-585. [PMID: 36681887 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several human randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are investigating the effects of statins on pre-eclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). This cross-species meta-analysis summarises the preclinical evidence of statin use for PE and FGR. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the effects of statins on maternal blood pressure (MBP) and birthweight (BW) in pregnancies complicated by PE or FGR. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed and Embase.com were searched on 10 May 2022 using 'statins' and 'pregnancy'. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs and cohorts with matched control groups as well as animal studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The main outcomes were MBP in mmHg and BW in grams. The standardised mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Subgroup analyses on species, statin, dose, timing and route of administration were performed if subgroups included at least three studies. MAIN RESULTS Our data included one human and 12 animal studies. Prenatal administration of statins significantly reduced MBP during pregnancy (SMD -2.49 mmHg [95% CI -4.26 to -0.71], p = 0.01). There was no significant effect of statins on BW (SMD 0.69 [95% CI -0.65 to 2.03], p = 0.28). Our subgroup analyses showed no effect on MBP of different doses, species or route of administration. CONCLUSIONS Our cross-species meta-analyses demonstrate that statins only reduce maternal blood pressure in rodent pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction and have no effect on birthweight across species. The broad confidence intervals, inconsistent direction of the observed effects across the studies and large risk of bias lead us to conclude that a solid base for further human RCTs is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Meijerink
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, location Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kim E Wever
- Department for Health Evidence, SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Anaesthesiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fieke Terstappen
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, location Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Titia Lely
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, location Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martine Depmann
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, location Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hirsch A, Rotem R, Ternovsky N, Hirsh Raccah B. Pravastatin and placental insufficiency associated disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1021548. [PMID: 36438820 PMCID: PMC9682185 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1021548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Uteroplacental insufficiency associated disorders, such as preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and obstetrical antiphospholipid syndrome, share pathophysiology and risk factors with cardiovascular diseases treated with statins. Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes among women with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders who were treated with statins. Search Strategy: Electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2022 Selection Criteria: Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Data collection and analysis: Pooled odds ratios were calculated using a random-effects model; meta-regression was utilized when applicable. Main Results: The analysis included ten studies describing 1,391 women with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders: 703 treated with pravastatin and 688 not treated with statins. Women treated with pravastatin demonstrated significant prolongation of pregnancy (mean difference 0.44 weeks, 95%CI:0.01-0.87, p = 0.04, I2 = 96%) and less neonatal intensive care unit admissions (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.23-0.75, p = 0.004, I2 = 25%). In subgroup analysis, prolongation of pregnancy from study entry to delivery was statistically significant in cohort studies (mean difference 8.93 weeks, 95%CI:4.22-13.95, p = 0.00) but not in randomized control studies. Trends were observed toward a decrease in preeclampsia diagnoses (OR = 0.54, 95%CI:0.27-1.09, p = 0.09, I = 44%), perinatal death (OR = 0.32, 95%CI:0.09-1.13, p = 0.08, I2 = 54%) and an increase in birth weight (mean difference = 102 g, 95%CI: -14-212, p = 0.08, I2 = 96%). A meta-regression analysis demonstrated an association between earlier gestational age at initiation of treatment and a lower risk of preeclampsia development (R2 = 1). Conclusion: Pravastatin treatment prolonged pregnancy duration and improved associated obstetrical outcomes in pregnancies complicated with uteroplacental insufficiency disorders in cohort studies. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ identifier CRD42020165804 17/2/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayala Hirsch
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reut Rotem
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Natali Ternovsky
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bruria Hirsh Raccah
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Cardiology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
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Wang X, Yu S, Jian Y, Pan H, Guo J, Wu J, Guo W. Hydrogen sulfide against preeclampsia exposure-induced oxidative mitochondrial damage in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1023982. [DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1023982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Extravillous trophoblast invasion disorder caused by oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). In order to identify whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can prevent oxidative stress injury in extravillous trophoblasts. HTR-8/SVneo cells were detected by H2S inhibiting H2O2 induced oxidative mitochondrial damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). JC-1 detected the potential of the mitochondrial membrane in this experiment. Then to detect the expression level of the apoptosis-inducing protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) associated X protein (Bax), caspase 3, p53, p-p53, the apoptosis-inhibiting protein Bcl-2, PRAP, and the mitochondria fission protein Drp1, p-Drp1. CCK-8 assay, it was demonstrated that cell proliferation in the NaHS group was significantly higher than that in the Mod group, indicating that H2S may induce cell proliferation. Transwell assay elucidated that cell invasion in the NaHS group was recovered compared to the Mod group. ROS concentration no matter in cells or mitochondria was decreased by NaHS, which we could get from the comparison between the Mod group, PAG group, and NaHS group. The concentration of MDA was significantly lower in the NaHS group, and the concentration of SOD was extremely high in the NaHS group. Utilized JC-1 to detect mitochondrial membrane potential and found that cells from the NaHS group had a stable potential while cells from the Mod group and PAG group partly lost their potential, which could demonstrate that NaHS could maintain mitochondrial membrane potential. The western blot results revealed that p-Drp1 had a significant decline in the NaHS group, which means mitochondria fission was decreased in the NaHS group. The expression level of Bax and caspase 3 was significantly lower than in the Mod group and PAG group, and the expression level of Bcl-and PRAP was significantly higher in the NaHS group. That could prove that NaHS protect HTR-8/SVneo cell by inhibiting cell apoptosis. These promising results show that H2S elicits its effects on cell apoptosis by decreasing ROS concentration, maintaining mitochondrial membrane stability, and promoting apoptosis-inhibiting protein expression in cells.
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Sodium Thiosulphate-Loaded Liposomes Control Hydrogen Sulphide Release and Retain Its Biological Properties in Hypoxia-like Environment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112092. [DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, or insufficient oxygen availability is a common feature in the development of a myriad of cardiovascular-related conditions including ischemic disease. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) donors, such as sodium thiosulphate (STS), are known for their cardioprotective properties. However, H2S due to its gaseous nature, is released and cleared rapidly, limiting its potential translation to clinical settings. For the first time, we developed and characterised liposome formulations encapsulating STS and explored their potential for modulating STS uptake, H2S release and the ability to retain pro-angiogenic and biological signals in a hypoxia-like environment mirroring oxygen insufficiency in vitro. Liposomes were prepared by varying lipid ratios and characterised for size, polydispersity and charge. STS liposomal encapsulation was confirmed by HPLC-UV detection and STS uptake and H2S release was assessed in vitro. To mimic hypoxia, cobalt chloride (CoCl2) was administered in conjunction with formulated and non-formulated STS, to explore pro-angiogenic and metabolic signals. Optimised liposomal formulation observed a liposome diameter of 146.42 ± 7.34 nm, a polydispersity of 0.22 ± 0.19, and charge of 3.02 ± 1.44 mV, resulting in 25% STS encapsulation. Maximum STS uptake (76.96 ± 3.08%) from liposome encapsulated STS was determined at 24 h. Co-exposure with CoCl2 and liposome encapsulated STS resulted in increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA as well as protein expression, enhanced wound closure and increased capillary-like formation. Finally, liposomal STS reversed metabolic switch induced by hypoxia by enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics. These novel findings provide evidence of a feasible controlled-delivery system for STS, thus H2S, using liposome-based nanoparticles. Likewise, data suggests that in scenarios of hypoxia, liposomal STS is a good therapeutic candidate to sustain pro-angiogenic signals and retain metabolic functions that might be impaired by limited oxygen and nutrient availability.
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Zhang X, Chen Y, Sun D, Zhu X, Ying X, Yao Y, Fei W, Zheng C. Emerging pharmacologic interventions for pre-eclampsia treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:739-759. [PMID: 36223503 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2134779] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication and a major global concern for the mortality of both mother and fetus. Existing symptomatic treatments do not delay disease progression; thus, timely delivery of the baby is the most effective measure. However, the risk of various maternal and fetal injuries remains. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize the potential strategies for pharmacologic interventions in pre-eclamptic therapy. Specifically, we discuss the pathophysiological process of various effective candidate therapeutics that act on potential pathways and molecular targets to inhibit key stages of the disease. We refer to this pathogenesis-focused drug discovery model as a pathogenesis-target-drug (P-T-D) strategy. Finally, we discuss the introduction of nanotechnologies to improve the safety and efficacy of therapeutics via their specific placental targeting ability and placental retention effects. EXPERT OPINION Despite the active development of novel pharmacological treatments based on our current knowledge of pre-eclamptic pathogenesis, investigations are still in the early phase. Thus, further exploration of the pathological mechanisms, integrated with the P-T-D strategy and novel nanosystems, could encourage the development of more effective and safer strategies. Such advances could lead to a shift from expectant management to mechanistic-based therapy for pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Dongli Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xia Ying
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Weidong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
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9
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Song ZL, Zhao L, Ma T, Osama A, Shen T, He Y, Fang J. Progress and perspective on hydrogen sulfide donors and their biomedical applications. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1930-1977. [PMID: 35657029 DOI: 10.1002/med.21913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) has been identified as the third gasotransmitter in humans. Increasing evidence have shown that H2 S is of preventive or therapeutic effects on diverse pathological complications. As a consequence, it is of great significance to develop suitable approaches of H2 S-based therapeutics for biomedical applications. H2 S-releasing agents (H2 S donors) play important roles in exploring and understanding the physiological functions of H2 S. More importantly, accumulating studies have validated the theranostic potential of H2 S donors in extensive repertoires of in vitro and in vivo disease models. Thus, it is imperative to summarize and update the literatures in this field. In this review, first, the background of H2 S on its chemical and biological aspects is concisely introduced. Second, the studies regarding the H2 S-releasing compounds are categorized and described, and accordingly, their H2 S-donating mechanisms, biological applications, and therapeutic values are also comprehensively delineated and discussed. Necessary comparisons between related H2 S donors are presented, and the drawbacks of many typical H2 S donors are analyzed and revealed. Finally, several critical challenges encountered in the development of multifunctional H2 S donors are discussed, and the direction of their future development as well as their biomedical applications is proposed. We expect that this review will reach extensive audiences across multiple disciplines and promote the innovation of H2 S biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Long Song
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,Botanical Agrochemicals Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lanning Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Alsiddig Osama
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tong Shen
- Botanical Agrochemicals Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yilin He
- Botanical Agrochemicals Research & Development Center, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science & Technology, Nanjing, China
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10
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Abbas‐Hanif A, Rezai H, Ahmed SF, Ahmed A. The impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and therapeutic drug development. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2108-2120. [PMID: 34085281 PMCID: PMC8239854 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging data show that pregnant women with COVID-19 are at significantly higher risk of severe outcomes compared with non-pregnant women of similar age. This review discusses the invaluable insight revealed from vaccine clinical trials in women who were vaccinated and inadvertently became pregnant during the trial period. It further explores a number of clinical avenues in their management and proposes a drug development strategy in line with clinical trials for vaccines and drug treatments for the drug development community. Little is known of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the mother and the baby. Our hypothesis that COVID-19 predisposes pregnant women to pre-eclampsia or hypertensive disorders during pregnancy is supported by a clinical study, and this may also adversely impact a woman's cardiovascular disease risk later in life. It may also increase a woman's risk of pre-eclampsia in subsequent pregnancy. This is an ever-evolving landscape, and early knowledge for healthcare providers and drug innovators is offered to ensure benefits outweigh the risks. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines appear to generate robust humoral immunity in pregnant and lactating women. This novel approach to vaccination also offers new ways to therapeutically tackle disorders of many unmet medical needs. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on The second wave: are we any closer to efficacious pharmacotherapy for COVID 19? (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyah Abbas‐Hanif
- Division of Drug DevelopmentMirZyme TherapeuticsBirminghamUK
- Department of CardiologyChelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Homira Rezai
- Division of Drug DevelopmentMirZyme TherapeuticsBirminghamUK
| | | | - Asif Ahmed
- Division of Drug DevelopmentMirZyme TherapeuticsBirminghamUK
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
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11
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Magli E, Perissutti E, Santagada V, Caliendo G, Corvino A, Esposito G, Esposito G, Fiorino F, Migliaccio M, Scognamiglio A, Severino B, Sparaco R, Frecentese F. H 2S Donors and Their Use in Medicinal Chemistry. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1899. [PMID: 34944543 PMCID: PMC8699746 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a ubiquitous gaseous signaling molecule that has an important role in many physiological and pathological processes in mammalian tissues, with the same importance as two others endogenous gasotransmitters such as NO (nitric oxide) and CO (carbon monoxide). Endogenous H2S is involved in a broad gamut of processes in mammalian tissues including inflammation, vascular tone, hypertension, gastric mucosal integrity, neuromodulation, and defense mechanisms against viral infections as well as SARS-CoV-2 infection. These results suggest that the modulation of H2S levels has a potential therapeutic value. Consequently, synthetic H2S-releasing agents represent not only important research tools, but also potent therapeutic agents. This review has been designed in order to summarize the currently available H2S donors; furthermore, herein we discuss their preparation, the H2S-releasing mechanisms, and their -biological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Frecentese
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (E.M.); (E.P.); (V.S.); (G.C.); (A.C.); (G.E.); (G.E.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.S.); (B.S.); (R.S.)
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12
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Saif J, Ahmad S, Rezai H, Litvinova K, Sparatore A, Alzahrani FA, Wang K, Ahmed A. Hydrogen sulfide releasing molecule MZe786 inhibits soluble Flt-1 and prevents preeclampsia in a refined RUPP mouse model. Redox Biol 2020; 38:101814. [PMID: 33321463 PMCID: PMC7744945 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An imbalance in angiogenic growth factors and poor utero-placental perfusion are strongly associated with preeclampsia. The reduced utero-placental perfusion (RUPP) model that mimics insufficient placental perfusion is used to study preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to develop a refined RUPP model in C57Bl/6 J mice to test the efficacy of MZe786 as a potential inhibitor of soluble Flt-1 for preeclampsia therapy. Murine RUPP (mRUPP) was induced through bilateral ligation of the ovarian arteries at E11.5 that resulted in typical preeclampsia symptoms including increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP), kidney injury and elevated soluble Flt-1 (sFlt-1) levels in the maternal plasma and amniotic fluid. The murine RUPP kidneys showed tubular and glomerular damage along with increased oxidative stress characterised by increased nitrotyrosine staining. The mRUPP displayed abnormal placental vascular histology, reduced expression of placental cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) producing enzyme, and resulted in adverse fetal outcomes (FGR). Importantly, oral administration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-releasing compound MZe786 from E11.5 to E17.5 successfully prevented the development of preeclampsia. Specifically, MZe786 treatment reduced maternal MAP and kidney nitrotyrosine staining and improved fetal outcome. The circulation levels of sFlt-1 were dramatically decreased in MZe786 treated animals implying that H2S released from MZe786 offered protection by inhibiting sFlt-1 levels. MZe786 prevent preeclampsia and warrant a rapid move to randomised control clinical trial. Refined mouse reduced uterine perfusion pressure (mRUPP) model exhibits preeclampsia symptoms. Mouse RUPP induces maternal hypertension, kidney injury, elevates circulating sFlt-1 levels and promotes nitrosative stress. Mouse RUPP reduces expression of the protective enzyme, placental cystathionine γ-lyase and causes poor fetal outcome. H2S releasing aspirin, MZe786, acts as an inhibitor of sFlt-1 to successfully prevent preeclampsia and improve fetal outcome. MZe786 is a novel drug with therapeutic potential to prevent preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaimy Saif
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK; Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shakil Ahmad
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK; Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Birmingham, UK
| | - Homira Rezai
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK
| | - Karina Litvinova
- Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anna Sparatore
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK; Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Faisal A Alzahrani
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK; King Fahad Center for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Keqing Wang
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK; Aston Medical Research Institute, Aston Medical School, Birmingham, UK
| | - Asif Ahmed
- Mirzyme Therapeutics, Innovation Birmingham Campus, Faraday Wharf, Birmingham, B7 4BB, UK; King Fahad Center for Medical Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; President's Office, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, UK.
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