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Kebriaei A, Besharati R, Namdar Ahmad Abad H, Havakhah S, Khosrojerdi M, Azimian A. The relationship between microRNAs and COVID-19 complications. Noncoding RNA Res 2025; 10:16-24. [PMID: 39296641 PMCID: PMC11406673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.08.007] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past three years, since the onset of COVID-19, several scientific studies have concentrated on understanding susceptibility to the virus, the progression of the illness, and possible long-term complexity. COVID-19 is broadly recognized with effects on multiple systems in the body, and various factors related to society, medicine, and genetics/epigenetics may contribute to the intensity and results of the disease. Additionally, a SARS-CoV-2 infection can activate pathological activities and expedite the emergence of existing health issues into clinical problems. Forming easily accessible, distinctive, and permeable biomarkers is essential for categorizing patients, preventing the disease, predicting its course, and tailoring treatments for COVID-19 individually. One promising candidate for such biomarkers is microRNAs, which could serve various purposes in understanding diverse forms of COVID-19, including susceptibility, intensity, disease progression, outcomes, and potential therapeutic options. This review provides an overview of the most significant findings related to the involvement of microRNAs in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Furthermore, it explores the function of microRNAs in a broad span of effects that may arise from accompanying or underlying health status. It underscores the value of comprehending how diverse conditions, such as neurological disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity, interact with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Kebriaei
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Reza Besharati
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmad Abad
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Havakhah
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mahsa Khosrojerdi
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Azimian
- Department of Pathobiology and Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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2
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Gostomczyk K, Borowczak J, Siekielska-Domanowska M, Szczerbowski K, Maniewski M, Dubiel M, Szylberg Ł, Bodnar M. Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 Placental Transmission. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2024; 72:aite-2024-0001. [PMID: 38299561 DOI: 10.2478/aite-2024-0001] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The widespread occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections and the diverse range of symptoms have placed significant strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Pregnancy has also been affected by COVID-19, with an increased risk of complications and unfavorable outcomes for expectant mothers. Multiple studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 can infiltrate the placenta, breach its protective barrier, and infect the fetus. Although the precise mechanisms of intrauterine transmission remain unclear, factors such as perinatal infection, macrophages, sexual intercourse, and the virus' interaction with host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) proteins appear to play a role in this process. The integrity of the placental barrier fluctuates throughout pregnancy and appears to influence the likelihood of fetal transmission. The expression of placental cell receptors, like ACE2, changes during pregnancy and in response to placental damage. However, due to the consistent presence of others, such as NRP-1, SARS-CoV-2 may potentially enter the fetus at different stages of pregnancy. NRP-1 is also found in macrophages, implicating maternal macrophages and Hofbauer cells as potential routes for viral transmission. Our current understanding of SARS-CoV-2's vertical transmission pathways remains limited. Some researchers question the ACE2-associated transmission model due to the relatively low expression of ACE2 in the placenta. Existing studies investigating perinatal transmission and the impact of sexual intercourse have either involved small sample sizes or lacked statistical significance. This review aims to explore the current state of knowledge regarding the potential mechanisms of COVID-19 vertical transmission, identifying areas where further research is needed to fill the gaps in our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Marta Siekielska-Domanowska
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szczerbowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Mariusz Dubiel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Chair of Pathology, Dr. Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bodnar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
- Chair of Pathology, Dr. Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Hunter R, Baird B, Garcia M, Begay J, Goitom S, Lucas S, Herbert G, Scieszka D, Padilla J, Brayer K, Ottens AK, Suter MA, Barrozo ER, Hines C, Bleske B, Campen MJ. Gestational ozone inhalation elicits maternal cardiac dysfunction and transcriptional changes to placental pericytes and endothelial cells. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:238-249. [PMID: 37695302 PMCID: PMC10682975 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ozone (O3) is a criteria air pollutant with the most frequent incidence of exceeding air quality standards. Inhalation of O3 is known to cause lung inflammation and consequent systemic health effects, including endothelial dysfunction. Epidemiologic data have shown that gestational exposure to air pollutants correlates with complications of pregnancy, including low birth weight, intrauterine growth deficiency, preeclampsia, and premature birth. Mechanisms underlying how air pollution may facilitate or exacerbate gestational complications remain poorly defined. The current study sought to uncover how gestational O3 exposure impacted maternal cardiovascular function, as well as the development of the placenta. Pregnant mice were exposed to 1PPM O3 or a sham filtered air (FA) exposure for 4 h on gestational day (GD) 10.5, and evaluated for cardiac function via echocardiography on GD18.5. Echocardiography revealed a significant reduction in maternal stroke volume and ejection fraction in maternally exposed dams. To examine the impact of maternal O3 exposure on the maternal-fetal interface, placentae were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Mid-gestational O3 exposure led to significant differential expression of 4021 transcripts compared with controls, and pericytes displayed the greatest transcriptional modulation. Pathway analysis identified extracellular matrix organization to be significantly altered after the exposure, with the greatest modifications in trophoblasts, pericytes, and endothelial cells. This study provides insights into potential molecular processes during pregnancy that may be altered due to the inhalation of environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Brenna Baird
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Marcus Garcia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jessica Begay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Siem Goitom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Selita Lucas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David Scieszka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jamie Padilla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kathryn Brayer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Andrew K Ottens
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Melissa A Suter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Enrico R Barrozo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Curt Hines
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Barry Bleske
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Naidoo N, Abel T, Moodley J, Naicker T. Immunoexpression of neuropilin-1 in the chorionic villi of HIV-infected preeclamptic South African women of African ancestry. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:307-319. [PMID: 37302087 PMCID: PMC10257896 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is an essential regulator of maternal immune tolerance, placentation, and angiogenesis. Its dysregulation in preeclampsia (PE) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection implicates NRP-1 in disease susceptibility and progression. Therefore, this study investigates placental NRP-1 immunoexpression in HIV-complicated preeclamptic pregnancies in South African women of African ancestry receiving antiretroviral therapy. Immunohistochemistry of recombinant anti-neuropilin-1 antibody was performed on placental tissue from 30 normotensive and 60 early onset (EOPE) and late-onset (LOPE) preeclamptic women stratified by HIV status. Qualitative analysis of NRP-1 immunostaining within the chorionic villi revealed a predominant localization in trophoblasts and syncytial knots as well as endothelial, fibroblast-like, and Hofbauer cells. Following morphometric evaluation, we report that PE and HIV infection and/or antiretroviral usage independently downregulate placental NRP-1 immunoexpression; however, as a comorbidity, this decline is further augmented within the conducting and exchange villi. Furthermore, reduced immunoexpression of NRP-1 in EOPE compared with LOPE villi may be due to maternal-fetal maladaptation. It is plausible that the decreased NRP-1 immunoexpression in PE placentae facilitates syncytiotrophoblast apoptosis and subsequent deportation of NRP-1 into the maternal circulation, contributing to the anti-angiogenic milieu of PE. We hypothesize that the intense NRP-1 immunoreactivity observed in Hofbauer cells at the maternal-fetal interface may contribute to the natural prevention mechanism of HIV vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitalia Naidoo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Women's Health and HIV Research Group, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa.
| | - Tashlen Abel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Women's Health and HIV Research Group, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Women's Health and HIV Research Group, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics & Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Jankovic M, Nikolic D, Novakovic I, Petrovic B, Lackovic M, Santric-Milicevic M. miRNAs as a Potential Biomarker in the COVID-19 Infection and Complications Course, Severity, and Outcome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1091. [PMID: 36980399 PMCID: PMC10047241 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last three years, since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of scientific publications have focused on resolving susceptibility to the infection, as well as the course of the disease and potential long-term complications. COVID-19 is widely considered as a multisystem disease and a variety of socioeconomic, medical, and genetic/epigenetic factors may contribute to the disease severity and outcome. Furthermore, the SARS-COV-2 infection may trigger pathological processes and accelerate underlying conditions to clinical entities. The development of specific and sensitive biomarkers that are easy to obtain will allow for patient stratification, prevention, prognosis, and more individualized treatments for COVID-19. miRNAs are proposed as promising biomarkers for different aspects of COVID-19 disease (susceptibility, severity, complication course, outcome, and therapeutic possibilities). This review summarizes the most relevant findings concerning miRNA involvement in COVID-19 pathology. Additionally, the role of miRNAs in wide range of complications due to accompanied and/or underlying health conditions is discussed. The importance of understanding the functional relationships between different conditions, such as pregnancy, obesity, or neurological diseases, with COVID-19 is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Jankovic
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Children's Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Novakovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Petrovic
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Lackovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital "Dragisa Misovic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Santric-Milicevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Management, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Abel T, Moodley J, Khaliq OP, Naicker T. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2: Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential in Preeclampsia Comorbidity with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213752. [PMID: 36430232 PMCID: PMC9691176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in the synergy of preeclampsia (PE), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Downregulation of VEGFR-2 in PE promotes endothelial dysfunction and prevents endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The HIV-1 accessory protein, tat (trans-activator of transcription), prevents VEGFR-2 signaling via the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) ligand. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) may cause immune reconstitution, impaired decidualization, and endothelial injury, thus may be a risk factor for PE development. The VEGF/VEGFR-2 interaction may be associated with SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary oedema. Endothelial dysfunction and heightened inflammation are both associated with PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; therefore, it is plausible that both characteristics may be exacerbated in the synergy of these events. In addition, this review explored microRNAs (miR) regulating VEGFR-2. An overexpression of miR-126 is evident in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection; thus, modulating the expression of miR-126 may be a therapeutic strategy. However, the involvement of microRNAs in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection needs further investigating. Since these conditions have been evaluated independently, this review attempts to predict their clinical manifestations in their synergy, as well as independently; thereby providing a platform for early diagnosis and therapeutic potential in PE, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashlen Abel
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Jagidesa Moodley
- Women’s Health and HIV Research Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Olive P. Khaliq
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institution, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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