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Hao M, He Y, Song T, Guo H, Rayman MP, Zhang J. Dopamine and its precursor levodopa inactivate SARS-CoV-2 main protease by forming a quinoprotein. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 220:167-178. [PMID: 38718952 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Many studies show either the absence, or very low levels of, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA and/or antigen in the brain of COVID-19 patients. Reports consistently indicate an abortive infection phenomenon in nervous cells despite the fact that they contain the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE2. Dopamine levels in different brain regions are in the range of micromolar to millimolar concentrations. We have shown that sub-micromolar to low micromolar concentrations of dopamine or its precursor (levodopa) time- and dose-dependently inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), which is vital for the viral life cycle, by forming a quinoprotein. Thiol detection coupled with the assessment of Mpro activity suggests that among the 12 cysteinyl thiols, the active site, Cys145-SH, is preferentially conjugated to the quinone derived from the oxidation of dopamine or levodopa. LC-MS/MS analyses show that the Cys145-SH is covalently conjugated by dopamine- or levodopa-o-quinone. These findings help explain why SARS-CoV-2 causes inefficient replication in many nerve cell lines. It is well recognized that inhaled pulmonary drug delivery is the most robust therapy pathway for lung diseases. CVT-301 (orally inhaled levodopa) was approved by the FDA as a drug for Parkinson's patients prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2018. Based on the fact that SARS-CoV-2 causes inefficient replication in the CNS with abundant endogenous Mpro inhibitor in addition to the current finding that levodopa has an Mpro-inhibitory effect somewhat stronger than dopamine, we should urgently investigate the use of CVT-301 as a lung-targeting, COVID-19, Mpro inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Tingting Song
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- Center for Biological Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Margaret P Rayman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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He Y, Hao M, Yang M, Guo H, Rayman MP, Zhang X, Zhang J. Influence of EGCG oxidation on inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133451. [PMID: 38944088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133451] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a well-recognized target for COVID-19 therapy. Green tea (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) possesses Mpro-inhibitory activity; however, the influence of EGCG oxidation on its inhibition activity remains obscure, given its high oxidation propensity. This study reveals that prolonged EGCG oxidation in the presence of Mpro dramatically increases its inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.26 μM. The inhibitory mechanism is that EGCG-quinone preferentially binds the active site Mpro-Cys145-SH, which forms a quinoprotein. Though Mpro is present in the cell lysate, EGCG preferentially depletes its thiols. Non-cytotoxic EGCG effectively generates a quinoprotein in living cells, thus EGCG might selectively inhibit Mpro in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Chlorogenic acid facilitates EGCG oxidation. Together, they synergistically deplete multiple Mpro thiols though this is not more beneficial than EGCG alone. By contrast, excessive EGCG oxidation prior to incubation with Mpro largely compromises its inhibitory activity. Overall, the low IC50 and the high selectivity imply that EGCG is a promising dietary Mpro inhibitor. While EGCG oxidation in the presence of Mpro has a pivotal role in inhibition, enhancing EGCG oxidation by chlorogenic acid no longer increases its inhibitory potential. EGCG oxidation in the absence of Mpro should be avoided to maximize its Mpro-inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Joint Research Center for Food Nutrition and Health of IHM, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Meng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Joint Research Center for Food Nutrition and Health of IHM, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Mingchuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Joint Research Center for Food Nutrition and Health of IHM, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Huimin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Joint Research Center for Food Nutrition and Health of IHM, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Center for Biological Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Margaret P Rayman
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Xiangchun Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310008, China.
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Joint Research Center for Food Nutrition and Health of IHM, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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Wu X, Wang Y, Wang D, Wang Z, Yang M, Yang L, Wang F, Wang W, Zhang X. Formation of EGCG oxidation self-assembled nanoparticles and their antioxidant activity in vitro and hepatic REDOX regulation activity in vivo. Food Funct 2024; 15:2181-2196. [PMID: 38315103 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05309a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenol in tea and exerts several health-promoting effects. It easily autoxidizes into complex polymers and becomes deactivated due to the presence of multiple phenolic hydroxyl structures. Nonetheless, the morphology and biological activity of complex EGCG polymers are yet to be clarified. The present study demonstrated that EGCG autoxidation self-assembled nanoparticles (ENPs) exhibit antioxidant activity in vitro and hepatic REDOX homeostasis regulation activity in vivo. Also, the formation of ENPs during the EGCG autoxidation process was based on the intermolecular interaction forces that maintain the stability of the nanoparticles. Similar to EGCG, ENPs are scavengers of reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals in vitro and also regulate hepatic REDOX activity through liver redox enzymes, including thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), thioredoxin (Trx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutaredoxin (Grx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in vivo. Moreover, ENPs activate the NRF2 antioxidant-responsive element pathway, exerting a detoxification effect at high doses. Unlike EGCG, ENPs do not cause liver damage at low doses and also maintain liver biosafety at high doses through self-assembly, forming large particles, which is supported by the unchanged levels of liver damage biomarkers, including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), liver γ-phosphorylated histone 2AX (γ-H2AX), and P53-related genes (Thbs, MDM2, P53, and Bax). Collectively, these findings revealed that ENPs, with adequate biosafety and regulation of hepatic redox activity in vivo, may serve as substitutes with significant potential for antioxidant applications or as food additives to overcome the instability and liver toxicity of EGCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximing Wu
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, 230601, China.
- Laboratory of Redox Biology, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
| | - Yijun Wang
- Laboratory of Redox Biology, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
| | - Mingchuan Yang
- Laboratory of Redox Biology, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Lumin Yang
- Laboratory of Redox Biology, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Fuming Wang
- Laboratory of Redox Biology, State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea and Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, 230601, China.
| | - Xiangchun Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China.
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Li X, Yang L, Hao M, Song T, He Y, Yang M, Zhang J. Chlorogenic acid as an indispensible partner of caffeic acid in coffee via selective regulation of prooxidative actions of caffeic acid. Food Res Int 2023; 173:113482. [PMID: 37803805 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113482] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeic acid (CA) are two major phenolic acids in coffee. Though the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified CA as a Group2B carcinogen, coffee consumption seems generally safe within the usual levels of intake and is more likely to benefit health than to harm it. We thus speculated that CGA may effectively suppress the carcinogenic potential of CA. In a molar ratio achievable in vivo, this study shows that CGA can inhibit (i) copper reduction caused by CA, (ii) CA oxidation caused by copper, (iii) the formation of hydroxyl radicals by CA and copper, and (iv) DNA damage induced by CA, quercetin or (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the presence of copper. CA tends to undergo autoxidation to produce hydrogen peroxide and quinone, which further reacts with proteins to form quinoproteins. This autoxidation at a tolerable level normally induces beneficial adaptive responses. This study shows that CGA is less efficient than CA in producing hydrogen peroxide and quinoprotein; however, together they synergistically produce hydrogen peroxide and quinoprotein in vitro at a molar ratio achievable in vivo. In conclusion, CGA can selectively regulate the prooxidant activities of CA depending on whether copper is involved or not. CGA could be viewed as an indispensable partner of CA in coffee, given its dual role in suppressing the carcinogenic potential of CA and boosting CA autoxidation which is beneficial for disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Lumin Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Hao
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tingting Song
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yufeng He
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingchuan Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
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Matiș L, Alexandru BA, Ghitea TC. Catecholamine Variations in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders and Their Neuropsychiatric Expression. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2600. [PMID: 37892974 PMCID: PMC10604142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between the central nervous system and the intestinal environment hinges on neural, hormonal, immune, and metabolic reactions. Over decades, significant effort has gone into exploring the link between the digestive system and the brain. The primary objective of this study is to assess catecholamine levels in children with neuropsychiatric disorders. We aim to examine how these levels impact the mental and physical wellbeing of these children, with a specific focus on psychoemotional symptoms and cognitive performance. Our research seeks to identify the significance of modifying neurotransmitter levels in pediatric medical interventions, ultimately striving to reduce mental health risks and enhance children's future development. A total of 135 individuals were chosen to partake, and they engaged in regular monthly consultations according to established study protocols. Clinical evaluations were conducted in a medical environment, encompassing the observation of constipation, diarrhea, and additional gastrointestinal anomalies not confined to constipation or diarrhea. This entailed the assessment of neurotransmitter imbalances, with a specific focus on dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and the noradrenaline/adrenaline ratio. Gastrointestinal disorders are indicative of imbalances in catecholamines, with lower gastrointestinal problems being correlated with such imbalances. In subjects with psychiatric disorders, a more pronounced dopamine and noradrenaline/adrenaline ratio was observed, while elevated adrenaline levels were associated with psychoanxiety disorders.
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Zhang Z, Hao M, Zhang X, He Y, Chen X, Taylor EW, Zhang J. Potential of green tea EGCG in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with greater tropism toward the upper respiratory tract. Trends Food Sci Technol 2023; 132:40-53. [PMID: 36594074 PMCID: PMC9796359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has had an enormous adverse impact on global public health. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the WHO declared several variants of concern (VOCs), including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Compared with earlier variants, Omicron, now a dominant lineage, exhibits characteristics of enhanced transmissibility, tropism shift toward the upper respiratory tract, and attenuated disease severity. The robust transmission of Omicron despite attenuated disease severity still poses a great challenge for pandemic control. Under this circumstance, its tropism shift may be utilized for discovering effective preventive approaches. Scope and approach This review aims to estimate the potential of green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most potent antiviral catechin, in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, based on current knowledge concerning EGCG distribution in tissues and Omicron tropism. Key findings and conclusions EGCG has a low bioavailability. Plasma EGCG levels are in the range of submicromolar concentrations following green tea drinking, or reach at most low μM concentrations after pharmacological intervention. Nonetheless, its levels in the upper respiratory tract could reach concentrations as high as tens or even hundreds of μM following green tea consumption or pharmacological intervention. An approach for delivering sufficiently high concentrations of EGCG in the pharynx has been developed. Convincing data have demonstrated that EGCG at tens to hundreds of μM can dramatically neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and effectively eliminate SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effects and plaque formation. Thus, EGCG, which exhibits hyperaccumulation in the upper respiratory tract, deserves closer investigation as an antiviral in the current global battle against COVID-19, given Omicron's greater tropism toward the upper respiratory tract.
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Key Words
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- COVID-19
- EGCG
- EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-gallate
- GRP78, glucose-regulated protein 78
- HO-1, hemeoxygenase 1
- IFN-β, interferon-β
- Mpro, main protease
- MxA, MxGTPases
- Nrf2, nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2
- Nsp15, nonstructural protein 15
- Omicron variant
- SARS-CoV-2
- TMPRSS2, transmembrane serine protease 2
- The upper respiratory tract
- Tropism
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiangchun Zhang
- Tea Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310008, China
| | - Yufeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiongsheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ethan Will Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27402, USA
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, School of Tea & Food Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
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