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Tuttolomondo M, Pham STD, Terp MG, Cendán Castillo V, Kalisi N, Vogel S, Langkjær N, Hansen UM, Thisgaard H, Schrøder HD, Palarasah Y, Ditzel HJ. A novel multitargeted self-assembling peptide-siRNA complex for simultaneous inhibition of SARS-CoV-2-host cell interaction and replication. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102227. [PMID: 38939051 PMCID: PMC11203390 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Effective therapeutics are necessary for managing severe COVID-19 disease despite the availability of vaccines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can silence viral genes and restrict SARS-CoV-2 replication. Cell-penetrating peptides is a robust method for siRNA delivery, enhancing siRNA stability and targeting specific receptors. We developed a peptide HE25 that blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication by various mechanisms, including the binding of multiple receptors involved in the virus's internalization, such as ACE2, integrins and NRP1. HE25 not only acts as a vehicle to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase siRNA into cells but also facilitates their internalization through endocytosis. Once inside endosomes, the siRNA is released into the cytoplasm through the Histidine-proton sponge effect and the selective cleavage of HE25 by cathepsin B. These mechanisms effectively inhibited the replication of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron variant BA.5 in vitro. When HE25 was administered in vivo, either by intravenous injection or inhalation, it accumulated in lungs, veins and arteries, endothelium, or bronchial structure depending on the route. Furthermore, the siRNA/HE25 complex caused gene silencing in lung cells in vitro. The SARS-CoV-2 siRNA/HE25 complex is a promising therapeutic for COVID-19, and a similar strategy can be employed to combat future emerging viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tuttolomondo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Thuy Duong Pham
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Green Terp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Virginia Cendán Castillo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Nazmie Kalisi
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Langkjær
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Ulla Melchior Hansen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Imaging Core Facility, DaMBIC, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Helge Thisgaard
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Daa Schrøder
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Yaseelan Palarasah
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Jørn Ditzel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cancer and Inflammation Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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2
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Derafsh E, Ebrahimzadeh F, Kahrizi MS, Kayedi M, Shojaei N, Rahimi S, Alesaeidi S, Ghafouri K. The therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) exosomes in covid-19 disease; Focusing on dexamethasone therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154815. [PMID: 37797382 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154815] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The study of diseases, specifically their aetiologies, their step-by-step progressions (pathogenesis), and their impact on normal structure and function, is the focus of pathology, a branch of science and medicine. In therapeutic fields, it is critical to decrease significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines. The immunomodulatory drugs such as dexamethasone have been used in several of inflammatory diseases such as Covid-19. The use of dexamethasone alone or in combination with other drugs or method such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is one of the most up-to-date discussions about Covid-19. In this review, we first examined the effects of dexamethasone as monotherapy on inflammatory cytokines and then examined studies that used combination therapy of dexamethasone and other drugs such as Baricitinib, Tofacitinib and tocilizumab. Also, therapeutic aspects of MSCs are examined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Derafsh
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Windsor University School of Medicine, Brighton's Estate, Cayton, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, lran
| | | | - Mehrdad Kayedi
- Department of radiology. Shiraz university of medical sciences, Shiraz, iran
| | - Niloofar Shojaei
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Shiva Rahimi
- School of medicine,fasa university of medical sciences,Fasa, Iran
| | - Samira Alesaeidi
- Department of Internal medicine and rheumatology, ⁎Rheumatology Research Center⁎, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kimia Ghafouri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Lee JG, Raj RR, Thome CP, Day NB, Martinez P, Bottenus N, Gupta A, Shields CW. Bubble-Based Microrobots with Rapid Circular Motions for Epithelial Pinning and Drug Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300409. [PMID: 37058137 PMCID: PMC10524026 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Remotely powered microrobots are proposed as next-generation vehicles for drug delivery. However, most microrobots swim with linear trajectories and lack the capacity to robustly adhere to soft tissues. This limits their ability to navigate complex biological environments and sustainably release drugs at target sites. In this work, bubble-based microrobots with complex geometries are shown to efficiently swim with non-linear trajectories in a mouse bladder, robustly pin to the epithelium, and slowly release therapeutic drugs. The asymmetric fins on the exterior bodies of the microrobots induce a rapid rotational component to their swimming motions of up to ≈150 body lengths per second. Due to their fast speeds and sharp fins, the microrobots can mechanically pin themselves to the bladder epithelium and endure shear stresses commensurate with urination. Dexamethasone, a small molecule drug used for inflammatory diseases, is encapsulated within the polymeric bodies of the microrobots. The sustained release of the drug is shown to temper inflammation in a manner that surpasses the performance of free drug controls. This system provides a potential strategy to use microrobots to efficiently navigate large volumes, pin at soft tissue boundaries, and release drugs over several days for a range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gyun Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Ritu R. Raj
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Cooper P. Thome
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Nicole B. Day
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - Payton Martinez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, UCB 427, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, UCB 422, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Nick Bottenus
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, UCB 427, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, UCB 422, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
| | - C. Wyatt Shields
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 3415 Colorado Ave, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, UCB 422, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
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Yu Y, Fang B, Yang XD, Zheng Y. One stone two birds: anti-inflammatory bronchodilators as a potential pharmacological strategy for COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1185076. [PMID: 37214443 PMCID: PMC10192734 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1185076] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has imposed a huge threat to public health across the world. While vaccinations are essential for reducing virus transmission and attenuating disease severity, the nature of high mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 renders vaccines less effective, urging quick development of effective therapies for COVID-19 disease. However, developing novel drugs remains extremely challenging due to the lengthy process and high cost. Alternatively, repurposing of existing drugs on the market represents a rapid and safe strategy for combating COVID-19 pandemic. Bronchodilators are first line drugs for inflammatory lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs repurposed for COVID-19, bronchodilators are unique in that they have both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating properties. Whether the dual properties of bronchodilators empower them greater potential to be repurposed for COVID-19 is worth exploring. In fact, clinical and preclinical studies have recently emerged to investigate the benefits of bronchodilators such assalbutamol, formoterol and theophylline in treating COVID-19, and many of them have shown encouraging efficacy on attenuating disease severity of pneumonia and other associated symptoms. To comprehensively understand the latest progress on COVID-19 intervention with bronchodilators, this review will summarize recent findings in this area and highlight the promising clinical benefits and possible adverse effects of bronchodilators as therapeutic options for COVID-19 with a focus on β2 receptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs and theophylline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yu
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bangjiang Fang
- Department of Emergency, LongHua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Yang
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuejuan Zheng
- The Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunology Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Song L, Yang J, Kong W, Liu Y, Liu S, Su L. Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide alleviates ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma through the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways and regulates the gut microbiota. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124333. [PMID: 37030458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124333] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Polysaccharides, as one of the main types of bioactive components of Cordyceps militaris, have anti-allergic asthma effects. Herein, an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma mouse model was established to assess the potential mechanisms of the separated and purified Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide (CMP). CMP is an α-pyranose with a molecular weight of 15.94 kDa that consists of Glc, Man, Gal, Xyl, Ara and GlcA in a molar ratio of 81.25:21.96:13.88:3.92:3.58:1.00. CMP improved inflammatory cytokine levels, alleviated the histopathological changes in the lung and intestinal tissues, regulated the expression of mRNA and proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, reversed gut dysbiosis at the phylum and family levels and improved microbiota function in allergic asthma mice. Moreover, it was found that the levels of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue of mice were significantly correlated with some intestinal microbial communities. Overall, CMP improved oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in allergic asthma mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways, which may be closely correlation with maintaining the stability of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyue Song
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China; College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Jintao Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Weihan Kong
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China; College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China; College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Shuyan Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China; College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China
| | - Ling Su
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China; College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, Jilin, China.
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Targeting Human Proteins for Antiviral Drug Discovery and Repurposing Efforts: A Focus on Protein Kinases. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020568. [PMID: 36851782 PMCID: PMC9966946 DOI: 10.3390/v15020568] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the great technological and medical advances in fighting viral diseases, new therapies for most of them are still lacking, and existing antivirals suffer from major limitations regarding drug resistance and a limited spectrum of activity. In fact, most approved antivirals are directly acting antiviral (DAA) drugs, which interfere with viral proteins and confer great selectivity towards their viral targets but suffer from resistance and limited spectrum. Nowadays, host-targeted antivirals (HTAs) are on the rise, in the drug discovery and development pipelines, in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry. These drugs target host proteins involved in the virus life cycle and are considered promising alternatives to DAAs due to their broader spectrum and lower potential for resistance. Herein, we discuss an important class of HTAs that modulate signal transduction pathways by targeting host kinases. Kinases are considered key enzymes that control virus-host interactions. We also provide a synopsis of the antiviral drug discovery and development pipeline detailing antiviral kinase targets, drug types, therapeutic classes for repurposed drugs, and top developing organizations. Furthermore, we detail the drug design and repurposing considerations, as well as the limitations and challenges, for kinase-targeted antivirals, including the choice of the binding sites, physicochemical properties, and drug combinations.
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The effectiveness of dexamethasone as a combination therapy for COVID-19. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2022; 72:345-358. [PMID: 36651541 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported as a global pandemic in March 2020 after invading many countries and leaving behind tens of thousands of infected patients in a brief time span. Approval of a few vaccines has been obtained and their efficacy of varying degrees established. Still, there is no effective pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of COVID-19 though several drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Recent studies have shown that dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can reduce the rate of COVID-19-related mortality in the intensive care unit by 35 % for patients who are on mechanical ventilation. Although variable efficacy of other combination therapies has been reported for treating COVID-19 associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), dexamethasone is an extensively used drug in many treatment regimens against COVID-19. The current review aims to explore the role of dexamethasone as an efficient combination treatment for COVID-19.
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Belhocine Y, Rahali S, Allal H, Assaba IM, Ghoniem MG, Ali FAM. A Dispersion Corrected DFT Investigation of the Inclusion Complexation of Dexamethasone with β-Cyclodextrin and Molecular Docking Study of Its Potential Activity against COVID-19. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247622. [PMID: 34946702 PMCID: PMC8708408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The encapsulation mode of dexamethasone (Dex) into the cavity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), as well as its potential as an inhibitor of the COVID-19 main protease, were investigated using density functional theory with the recent dispersion corrections D4 and molecular docking calculations. Independent gradient model and natural bond orbital approaches allowed for the characterization of the host–guest interactions in the studied systems. Structural and energetic computation results revealed that hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions played significant roles in the stabilization of the formed Dex@β-CD complex. The complexation energy significantly decreased from −179.50 kJ/mol in the gas phase to −74.14 kJ/mol in the aqueous phase. A molecular docking study was performed to investigate the inhibitory activity of dexamethasone against the COVID-19 target protein (PDB ID: 6LU7). The dexamethasone showed potential therapeutic activity as a SARS CoV-2 main protease inhibitor due to its strong binding to the active sites of the protein target, with predicted free energy of binding values of −29.97 and −32.19 kJ/mol as calculated from AutoDock4 and AutoDock Vina, respectively. This study was intended to explore the potential use of the Dex@β-CD complex in drug delivery to enhance dexamethasone dissolution, thus improving its bioavailability and reducing its side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youghourta Belhocine
- Department of Petrochemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Technology, 20 August 1955 University of Skikda, El Hadaik Road, P.O. Box 26, Skikda 21000, Algeria;
- Correspondence: (Y.B.); (S.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Seyfeddine Rahali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts, Qassim University, Ar Rass, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (Y.B.); (S.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Hamza Allal
- Department of Technology, Faculty of Technology, 20 August 1955 University of Skikda, El Hadaik Road, P.O. Box 26, Skikda 21000, Algeria
- Correspondence: (Y.B.); (S.R.); (H.A.)
| | - Ibtissem Meriem Assaba
- Department of Petrochemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Technology, 20 August 1955 University of Skikda, El Hadaik Road, P.O. Box 26, Skikda 21000, Algeria;
| | - Monira Galal Ghoniem
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (M.G.G.); (F.A.M.A.)
| | - Fatima Adam Mohamed Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia; (M.G.G.); (F.A.M.A.)
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Hajjo R, Sabbah DA, Bardaweel SK, Tropsha A. Shedding the Light on Post-Vaccine Myocarditis and Pericarditis in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101186. [PMID: 34696294 PMCID: PMC8541143 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis and pericarditis have been linked recently to COVID-19 vaccines without exploring the underlying mechanisms, or compared to cardiac adverse events post-non-COVID-19 vaccines. We introduce an informatics approach to study post-vaccine adverse events on the systems biology level to aid the prioritization of effective preventive measures and mechanism-based pharmacotherapy by integrating the analysis of adverse event reports from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) with systems biology methods. Our results indicated that post-vaccine myocarditis and pericarditis were associated most frequently with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines followed by live or live-attenuated non-COVID-19 vaccines such as smallpox and anthrax vaccines. The frequencies of cardiac adverse events were affected by vaccine, vaccine type, vaccine dose, sex, and age of the vaccinated individuals. Systems biology results suggested a central role of interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) in the biological processes leading to cardiac adverse events, by impacting MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. We suggest that increasing the time interval between vaccine doses minimizes the risks of developing inflammatory adverse reactions. We also propose glucocorticoids as preferred treatments based on system biology evidence. Our informatics workflow provides an invaluable tool to study post-vaccine adverse events on the systems biology level to suggest effective mechanism-based pharmacotherapy and/or suitable preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Hajjo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan;
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carlina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27515, USA;
- National Center for Epidemics and Communicable Disease Control, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Dima A. Sabbah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan;
| | - Sanaa K. Bardaweel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Alexander Tropsha
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carlina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27515, USA;
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Langarizadeh MA, Ranjbar Tavakoli M, Abiri A, Ghasempour A, Rezaei M, Ameri A. A review on function and side effects of systemic corticosteroids used in high-grade COVID-19 to prevent cytokine storms. EXCLI JOURNAL 2021; 20:339-365. [PMID: 33746666 PMCID: PMC7975631 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-3196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In December 2019, a cluster of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Cytokine storm is an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response resulting from the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that occurs at phase 3 of viral infection. Such emergence led to the development of many clinical trials to discover efficient drugs and therapeutic protocols to fight with this single-stranded RNA virus. Corticosteroids suppress inflammation of the lungs during the cytokine storm, weaken immune responses, and inhibit the elimination of pathogen. For this reason, in COVID-19 corticosteroid therapy, systemic inhibition of inflammation is observed with a wide range of side effects. The present review discusses the effectiveness of the corticosteroid application in COVID-19 infection and the related side effects of these agents. In summary, a number of corticosteroids, including and especially methylprednisolone and dexamethasone, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy, particularly for COVID-19 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Langarizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Ardavan Abiri
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Ghasempour
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoud Rezaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alieh Ameri
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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