GP73 is a glucogenic hormone contributing to SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperglycemia

Virus-induced diabetes mellitus: revisiting infection etiology in light of SARS-CoV-2

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is comprised of two predominant subtypes: type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), accounting for approximately 5 % of cases worldwide and resulting from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells, and type 2 (T2DM), accounting for approximately 95 % of cases globally and characterized by the inability of pancreatic β-cells to meet the demand for insulin due to a relative β-cell deficit in the setting of peripheral insulin resistance. Both types of DM involve derangement of glucose metabolism and are metabolic diseases generally considered to be initiated by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Viruses have been reported to play a role as infectious etiological factors in the initiation of both types of DM in predisposed individuals. Among the reported viral infections causing DM in humans, the most studied include coxsackie B virus, cytomegalovirus and hepatitis C virus. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the diabetogenic potential of SARS-CoV-2, rekindling interest in the field of virus-induced diabetes (VID). This review discusses the reported mechanisms of viral-induced DM, addressing emerging concepts in VID, as well as highlighting areas where knowledge is lacking, and further investigation is warranted.

Advances in Integrated Multi-omics Analysis for Drug-Target Identification

As an essential component of modern drug discovery, the role of drug-target identification is growing increasingly prominent. Additionally, single-omics technologies have been widely utilized in the process of discovering drug targets. However, it is difficult for any single-omics level to clearly expound the causal connection between drugs and how they give rise to the emergence of complex phenotypes. With the progress of large-scale sequencing and the development of high-throughput technologies, the tendency in drug-target identification has shifted towards integrated multi-omics techniques, gradually replacing traditional single-omics techniques. Herein, this review centers on the recent advancements in the domain of integrated multi-omics techniques for target identification, highlights the common multi-omics analysis strategies, briefly summarizes the selection of multi-omics analysis tools, and explores the challenges of existing multi-omics analyses, as well as the applications of multi-omics technology in drug-target identification.

New Insights into the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Metabolic Organs: A Narrative Review of COVID-19 Induced Diabetes

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced new-onset diabetes has raised widespread concerns. Increased glucose concentration and insulin resistance levels were observed in the COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes may have worse clinical outcomes and can have serious consequences. The types and exact mechanisms of COVID-19-caused diabetes are not well understood. Understanding the direct effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on pancreatic beta cells and insulin target metabolism organs, such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissues, will provide new ideas for preventing and treating the new-onset diabetes induced by COVID-19.

PTEN deficiency potentiates HBV-associated liver cancer development through augmented GP73/GOLM1

BACKGROUND

Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatic cancer, the majority of HBV carriers do not develop this lethal disease. Additional molecular alterations are thus implicated in the process of liver tumorigenesis. Since phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is decreased in approximately half of liver cancers, we investigated the significance of PTEN deficiency in HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis.

METHODS

HBV-positive human liver cancer tissues were checked for PTEN expression. Transgenic HBV, Alb-Cre and Ptenfl/fl mice were inter-crossed to generate WT, HBV, Pten-/- and HBV; Pten-/- mice. Immunoblotting, histological analysis and qRT-PCR were used to study these livers. Gp73-/- mice were then mated with HBV; Pten-/- mice to illustrate the role of hepatic tumor biomarker golgi membrane protein 73 (GP73)/ golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) in hepatic oncogenesis.

RESULTS

Pten deletion and HBV transgene synergistically aggravated liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis and development of mixed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). GP73 was augmented in HBV; Pten-/- livers. Knockout of GP73 blunted the synergistic effect of deficient Pten and transgenic HBV on liver injury, inflammation, fibrosis and cancer development.

CONCLUSIONS

This mixed HCC-ICC mouse model mimics liver cancer patients harboring HBV infection and PTEN/AKT signaling pathway alteration. Targeting GP73 is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer patients with HBV infection and PTEN alteration.

Deficiency of ASGR1 promotes liver injury by increasing GP73-mediated hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress

Liver injury is a core pathological process in the majority of liver diseases, yet the genetic factors predisposing individuals to its initiation and progression remain poorly understood. Here we show that asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1), a lectin specifically expressed in the liver, is downregulated in patients with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis and male mice with liver injury. ASGR1 deficiency exacerbates while its overexpression mitigates acetaminophen-induced acute and CCl4-induced chronic liver injuries in male mice. Mechanistically, ASGR1 binds to an endoplasmic reticulum stress mediator GP73 and facilitates its lysosomal degradation. ASGR1 depletion increases circulating GP73 levels and promotes the interaction between GP73 and BIP to activate endoplasmic reticulum stress, leading to liver injury. Neutralization of GP73 not only attenuates ASGR1 deficiency-induced liver injuries but also improves survival in mice received a lethal dose of acetaminophen. Collectively, these findings identify ASGR1 as a potential genetic determinant of susceptibility to liver injury and propose it as a therapeutic target for the treatment of liver injury.

Diabetes Mellitus, Energy Metabolism, and COVID-19

Obesity, diabetes mellitus (mostly type 2), and COVID-19 show mutual interactions because they are not only risk factors for both acute and chronic COVID-19 manifestations, but also because COVID-19 alters energy metabolism. Such metabolic alterations can lead to dysglycemia and long-lasting effects. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential for a further rise of the diabetes pandemic. This review outlines how preexisting metabolic alterations spanning from excess visceral adipose tissue to hyperglycemia and overt diabetes may exacerbate COVID-19 severity. We also summarize the different effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the key organs and tissues orchestrating energy metabolism, including adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas. Last, we provide an integrative view of the metabolic derangements that occur during COVID-19. Altogether, this review allows for better understanding of the metabolic derangements occurring when a fire starts from a small flame, and thereby help reducing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

GOLM1 Promotes Pulmonary Fibrosis through Upregulation of NEAT1

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal progressive disease with elusive molecular mechanisms and limited therapeutic options. Aberrant activation of fibroblasts is a central hallmark of lung fibrosis. Here, we report that Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1, also known as GP73 or GOLPH2) was increased in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Loss of GOLM1 inhibited proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts, whereas overexpression of GOLM1 exerted the opposite effects. Similarly, worsening pulmonary fibrosis after BLM treatment was observed in GOLM1-knock-in mice, whereas BLM-treated Golm1-knockout mice exhibited alleviated pulmonary fibrosis and collagen deposition. Furthermore, we identified long noncoding RNA NEAT1 downstream of GOLM1 as a potential mediator of pulmonary fibrosis through increased GOLM1 expression. Depletion of NEAT1 inhibited fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production and reversed the profibrotic effects of GOLM1 overexpression. Additionally, we identified KLF4 as a downstream mediator of GOLM1 signaling to NEAT1. Our findings suggest that GOLM1 plays a pivotal role in promoting pulmonary fibrosis through the GOLM1-KLF4-NEAT1 signaling axis. Targeting GOLM1 and its downstream pathways may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating pulmonary fibrosis.

Deep spatial proteomics reveals region-specific features of severe COVID-19-related pulmonary injury

As a primary target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, lung exhibits heterogeneous histopathological changes following infection. However, comprehensive insight into their protein basis with spatial resolution remains deficient, which hinders further understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related pulmonary injury. Here, we generate a region-resolved proteomic atlas of hallmark pathological pulmonary structures by integrating histological examination, laser microdissection, and ultrasensitive proteomics. Over 10,000 proteins are quantified across 71 post-mortem specimens. We identify a spectrum of pathway dysregulations in alveolar epithelium, bronchial epithelium, and blood vessels compared with non-COVID-19 controls, providing evidence for transitional-state pneumocyte hyperplasia. Additionally, our data reveal the region-specific enrichment of functional markers in bronchiole mucus plugs, pulmonary fibrosis, airspace inflammation, and alveolar type 2 cells, uncovering their distinctive features. Furthermore, we detect increased protein expression associated with viral entry and inflammatory response across multiple regions, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. Collectively, this study provides a distinct perspective for deciphering COVID-19-caused pulmonary dysfunction by spatial proteomics.

Covid 19 and diabetes in children: advances and strategies

BACKGROUND

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of new-onset diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Simultaneously, children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have encountered difficulties in maintaining optimal blood glucose levels. The mechanisms underpinning these correlations still remain a puzzle. We reviewed the studies that examined changes in incidence during the pandemic. These studies utilized various metrics for comparison, which encompassed the timing of data collection, diagnostic criteria, as well as the numbers and incidence rates of diabetes and DKA. We found the incidence of diabetes and DKA was higher during the pandemic. As to mechanisms, the invivo and invitro study revealed the factors such as direct viral damage, metabolic dysfunction, and immune responses all attribute to the process of T1D after suffering from COVID-19. Furthermore, we provide some useful strategies to prevent and treat children suffering from diabetes and COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong correlations have been observed between new-onset diabetes and COVID-19. Insights gleaned from clinical descriptions and basic research can offer valuable experience and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes during future pandemics.

Analysis of the management and therapeutic performance of diabetes mellitus employing special target

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition characterized predominantly by hyperglycemia. The most common causes contributing to the pathophysiology of diabetes are insufficient insulin secretion, resistance to insulin's tissue-acting effects, or a combination of both. Over the last 30 years, the global prevalence of diabetes increased from 4% to 6.4%. If no better treatment or cure is found, this amount might climb to 430 million in the coming years. The major factors of the disease's deterioration include age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Finding new therapies to manage diabetes safely and effectively without jeopardizing patient compliance has always been essential. Among the medications available to manage DM on this journey are glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, thiazolidinediones, sulphonyl urease, glinides, biguanides, and insulin-targeting receptors discovered more than 10 years ago. Despite the extensive preliminary studies, a few clinical observations suggest this process is still in its early stages. The present review focuses on targets that contribute to insulin regulation and may be employed as targets in treating diabetes since they may be more efficient and secure than current and traditional treatments.

Mechanisms and clinical relevance of the bidirectional relationship of viral infections with metabolic diseases

Viruses have been present during all evolutionary steps on earth and have had a major effect on human history. Viral infections are still among the leading causes of death. Another public health concern is the increase of non-communicable metabolic diseases in the last four decades. In this Review, we revisit the scientific evidence supporting the presence of a strong bidirectional feedback loop between several viral infections and metabolic diseases. We discuss how viruses might lead to the development or progression of metabolic diseases and conversely, how metabolic diseases might increase the severity of a viral infection. Furthermore, we discuss the clinical relevance of the current evidence on the relationship between viral infections and metabolic disease and the present and future challenges that should be addressed by the scientific community and health authorities.

Unveiling the impact of GOLM1/GP73 on cytokine production in cancer and infectious disease

The Golgi membrane protein GOLM1/GP73/GOLPH2 has been found to impact cytokine production in both infectious disease and cancer. In viral infections, GOLM1 levels are increased, and this lowers the production of type I interferons and other inflammatory cytokines. However, elevated GOLM1 expression levels due to mutations are linked to a higher production of interleukin (IL)-6 during Candida infections, potentially explaining an increased susceptibility to candidemia in individuals carrying these mutations. In cancer, the protease Furin produces a soluble form of GOLM1 that has oncogenic properties by promoting the production of the chemokine CCL2 and suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and interferon gamma. This review will focus on the role of GOLM1 in cytokine production, highlighting how it can both promote and inhibit cytokine production. It is crucial to understand this in order to effectively target GOLM1 for therapeutic purposes in diseases associated with abnormal cytokine production, including cancer and infectious disease.

Does COVID-19 Infection Increase the Risk of Diabetes? Current Evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Multiple studies report an increased incidence of diabetes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the potential increased global burden of diabetes, understanding the effect of SARS-CoV-2 in the epidemiology of diabetes is important. Our aim was to review the evidence pertaining to the risk of incident diabetes after COVID-19 infection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Incident diabetes risk increased by approximately 60% compared to patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Risk also increased compared to non-COVID-19 respiratory infections, suggesting SARS-CoV-2-mediated mechanisms rather than general morbidity after respiratory illness. Evidence is mixed regarding the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and T1D. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an elevated risk of T2D, but it is unclear whether the incident diabetes is persistent over time or differs in severity over time. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes. Future studies should evaluate vaccination, viral variant, and patient- and treatment-related factors that influence risk.

Dissecting the Interrelationship between COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus

COVID-19 disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to enormous morbidity and mortality worldwide. After gaining entry into the human host, the virus initially infects the upper and lower respiratory tract, subsequently invading multiple organs, including the pancreas. While on one hand, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection and associated death, recent reports have shown the onset of DM in COVID-19-recovered patients. SARS-CoV-2 infiltrates the pancreatic islets and activates stress response and inflammatory signaling pathways, impairs glucose metabolism, and consequently leads to their death. Indeed, the pancreatic autopsy samples of COVID-19 patients reveal the presence of SARS-CoV-2 particles in β-cells. The current review describes how the virus enters the host cells and activates an immunological response. Further, it takes a closer look into the interrelationship between COVID-19 and DM with the aim to provide mechanistic insights into the process by which SARS-CoV-2 infects the pancreas and mediates dysfunction and death of endocrine islets. The effects of known anti-diabetic interventions for COVID-19 management are also discussed. The application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a future therapy for pancreatic β-cells damage to reverse COVID-19-induced DM is also emphasized.

Severe COVID-19 associated hyperglycemia is caused by beta cell dysfunction: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, was shown to be associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes. Mechanisms contributing to the development of hyperglycemia are still unclear. We aimed to study whether hyperglycemia is related to insulin resistance and/or beta cell dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Survivors of severe COVID-19 but without a known history of diabetes were examined at baseline (T0) and after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months: corticosteroids use, indirect calorimetry, and OGTT. Insulin response and sensitivity (IS) were expressed as insulinogenic (IGI), disposition (DI), and Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory quotient (RQ) was calculated from the gas exchange and nitrogen losses.

RESULTS

26 patients (out of 37) with complete outcome data were included in the analysis (age ~59.0 years; BMI ~ 30.4, 35% women). Patients were hypermetabolic at T0 (30.3 ± 4.0 kcal/kg lean mass/day, ~120% predicted) but REE declined over 6 months (ΔT6-T0 mean dif. T6-T0 (95% CI): -5.4 (-6.8, -4.1) kcal/kg FFM/day, p < 0.0001). 17 patients at T0 and 13 patients at T6 had hyperglycemia. None of the patients had positive islet autoantibodies. Insulin sensitivity in T0 was similarly low in hyperglycemic (H) and normoglycemic patients (N) (T0 ISI_H = 3.12 ± 1.23, ISI_N = 3.47 ± 1.78, p = 0.44), whereas insulin response was lower in the H group (DI_H = 3.05 ± 1.79 vs DI_N = 8.40 ± 5.42, p = 0.003). Over 6 months ISI (ΔT6-T0 mean dif. T6-T0 for ISI (95% CI): 1.84 (0.45, 3.24), p = 0.01)) increased in the H group only.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe COVID-19 had increased REE and insulin resistance during the acute phase due to the infection and corticosteroid use, but these effects do not persist during the follow-up period. Only patients with insufficient insulin response developed hyperglycemia, indicating that beta cell dysfunction, rather than insulin resistance, was responsible for its occurrence.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and its effects on the endocrine system

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can infect multiple tissues, including endocrine organs, such as the pancreas, adrenal, thyroid, and adipose tissue. The main receptor for SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, is ubiquitously expressed in the cells of the endocrine organs and accordingly, the virus has been detected in various amounts in all endocrine tissues in post-mortem samples from COVID-19 patients. The infection with SARS-CoV-2 may directly lead to organ damage or dysfunction, such as hyperglycaemia or in rare cases, new-onset diabetes. Furthermore, an infection with SARS-CoV-2 may have indirect effects affecting the endocrine system. The exact mechanisms are not yet completely understood and have to be further investigated. Conversely, endocrine diseases may affect the severity of COVID-19 and emphasis has to be laid on reducing the prevalence, or enhance the treatment, of these often non-communicable diseases in the future.

GP73 is a promising indicator in HIV diagnosis and treatment: a one-year follow-up study

Golgi protein 73 (GP73) has been recognized as a biomarker for evaluating liver diseases, although the serum profile of patients with HIV remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the diagnostic values of serum GP73 in patients with HIV. A total of 92 patients with HIV and 60 healthy participants were selected, and serum samples were collected; 51 of 92 patients were followed up and all indicators were re-tested after 1 year. Patients with HIV had significantly lower GP73 concentration, lower viral load, and higher CD4+ T cell counts after antiretroviral treatment. A significant correlation between the changes of GP73 level and CD4+ T cell count was observed. The CD4+ T cell count was significantly correlated with the glycosylated GP73 level. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of GP73 to predict negative viral load-negative conversion alone was 0.705. When the cut-off value was set at 146.7 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 73% and 70% respectively. These results indicate that serum GP73 may have predictive ability for negative viral load-negative conversion.

Long-term quality of life and work ability among severe COVID-19 survivors: A multicenter study

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is known for its variable severity and high infectivity. Though fewer than 15% of infected cases develop severe disease, a major proportion had prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Prolonged ICU stay is known to have a long-term impact on behavior and quality of life.⁸ Therefore, it is likely that patients discharged after severe COVID-19 have issues that persist for long term. The current study aimed to assess the long-term impact of severe COVID-19 on the Quality of life (QOL), sleep pattern, behavior, and workability.

Methods

The current multicenter study adopted a cross-sectional design to analyze data from two tertiary care COVID-19 dedicated hospitals. All experimental procedures were approved by the ethics committee of the M.L.B Medical College. Participants were 20–60 age group who had been admitted to the ICU because of severe COVID-19 and had elapsed at least one and a half year since their discharge. After informed written consent the participants were assessed for: EUROHIS-QOL 8-item index; Workability Score; Quality of sleep; The major depression inventory (MDI) questionnaire; Generalized anxiety disorder 7 item scale (GAD-7); Current global health status score: an innovative subjective scale (1−10) to determine the current global health status when 5 is the status before COVID-19.

Findings

491 participants were assessed, the median follow-up time after discharge from the hospital was 561·0 days (range, 548–580 days). The mean duration of ICU stay was 8·72 ± 2·85 days. There was significant reduction in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension as compared with discharge time. The mean of EUROHIS-QOL score, workability score, current global health status score was 3·28 ± 0·98, 6·87 ± 0·85, 4·53 ± 1·36 respectively. The mean MDI and anxiety scores were 4·12 ± 1·45 and 18·63 ± 3·28, respectively.

Interpretation

Severe COVID-19 survivors have new-onset psychological disorders and sleep disturbances. Long term quality of life and work ability remains poor after prolong ICU admission secondary to severe COVID-19.

Regulation of the immune system by the insulin receptor in health and disease

The signaling pathways downstream of the insulin receptor (InsR) are some of the most evolutionarily conserved pathways that regulate organism longevity and metabolism. InsR signaling is well characterized in metabolic tissues, such as liver, muscle, and fat, actively orchestrating cellular processes, including growth, survival, and nutrient metabolism. However, cells of the immune system also express the InsR and downstream signaling machinery, and there is increasing appreciation for the involvement of InsR signaling in shaping the immune response. Here, we summarize current understanding of InsR signaling pathways in different immune cell subsets and their impact on cellular metabolism, differentiation, and effector versus regulatory function. We also discuss mechanistic links between altered InsR signaling and immune dysfunction in various disease settings and conditions, with a focus on age related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and infection vulnerability.

GP73 blockade alleviates abnormal glucose homeostasis in diabetic mice

Golgi protein 73 (GP73), also called Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1), is a resident Golgi type II transmembrane protein and is considered as a serum marker for the detection of a variety of cancers. A recent work revealed the role of the secreted GP73 in stimulating liver glucose production and systemic glucose homeostasis. Since exaggerated hepatic glucose production plays a key role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), GP73 may thus represent a potential therapeutic target for treating diabetic patients with pathologically elevated levels. Here, in this study, we found that the circulating GP73 levels were significantly elevated in T2DM and positively correlated with hemoglobin A1c. Notably, the aberrantly upregulated GP73 levels were indispensable for the enhanced protein kinase A signaling pathway associated with diabetes. In diet-induced obese mouse model, GP73 siRNA primarily targeting liver tissue was potently effective in alleviating abnormal glucose metabolism. Ablation of GP73 from whole animals also exerted a profound glucose-lowering effect. Importantly, neutralizing circulating GP73 improved glucose metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet/STZ-induced diabetic mice. We thus concluded that GP73 was a feasible therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes.

Abnormal glucose metabolism in virus associated sepsis

Sepsis is identified as a potentially lethal organ impairment triggered by an inadequate host reaction to infection (Sepsis-3). Viral sepsis is a potentially deadly organ impairment state caused by the host's inappropriate reaction to a viral infection. However, when a viral infection occurs, the metabolism of the infected cell undergoes a variety of changes that cause the host to respond to the infection. But, until now, little has been known about the challenges faced by cellular metabolic alterations that occur during viral infection and how these changes modulate infection. This study concentrates on the alterations in glucose metabolism during viral sepsis and their impact on viral infection, with a view to exploring new potential therapeutic targets for viral sepsis.

BPOZ-2 is a negative regulator of the NLPR3 inflammasome contributing to SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation

Introduction

Inflammation play important roles in the initiation and progression of acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, clotting dysfunction, or even death associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation are still largely unknown.

Methods

The animal model of septic shock and ALI was established after LPS intraperitoneal injection or intratracheal instillation. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from WT and BPOZ-2 KO mouse strains were harvested from the femurs and tibias of mice. Immunohistology staining, ELISA assay, coimmunoprecipitation, and immunoblot analysis were used to detect the histopathological changes of lung tissues and the expression of inflammatory factors and protein interaction.

Results and conclusions

We show a distinct mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 N (SARS-2-N) protein targets Bood POZ-containing gene type 2 (BPOZ-2), a scaffold protein for the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin 3 that we identified as a negative regulator of inflammatory responses, to promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation. We first demonstrated that BPOZ-2 knockout (BPOZ-2 KO) mice were more susceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock and ALI and showed increased serum IL-1β levels. In addition, BMDMs isolated from BPOZ-2 KO mice showed increased IL-1β production in response to NLRP3 stimuli. Mechanistically, BPOZ-2 interacted with NLRP3 and mediated its degradation by recruiting Cullin 3. In particular, the expression of BPOZ-2 was significantly reduced in lung tissues from mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 and in cells overexpressing SARS-2-N. Importantly, proinflammatory responses triggered by the SARS-2-N were significantly blocked by BPOZ-2 reintroduction. Thus, we concluded that BPOZ-2 is a negative regulator of the NLPR3 inflammasome that likely contributes to SARS-CoV-2-induced hyperinflammation.

Incidence Trends of New-Onset Diabetes in Children and Adolescents Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From Florida

This study examined the incidence trends of new-onset type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents in Florida before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this observational descriptive cohort study, we used a validated computable phenotype to identify incident diabetes cases among individuals <18 years of age in the OneFlorida+ network of the national Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network between January 2017 and June 2021. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis based on the autoregressive integrated moving average model to compare changes in age-adjusted incidence rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes before and after March 2020, when COVID-19 was declared a national health emergency in the U.S. The age-adjusted incidence rates of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increased post-COVID-19 for children and adolescents. These results highlight the need for longitudinal cohort studies to examine how the pandemic might influence subsequent diabetes onset in young individuals.

SARS-CoV-2 in the pancreas and the impaired islet function in COVID-19 patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common underlying diseases that may aggravates COVID-19. In the present study, we explored islet function, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and pathological changes in the pancreas of patients with COVID-19. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) and the C-peptide release test demonstrated a decrease in glucose-stimulated C-peptide secretory capacity and an increase in HbA1c levels in patients with COVID-19. The prediabetic conditions appeared to be more significant in the severe group than in the moderate group. SARS-CoV-2 receptors (ACE2, CD147, TMPRSS2 and neuropilin-1) were expressed in pancreatic tissue. In addition to SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein and virus RNA, coronavirus-like particles were present in the autophagolysosomes of pancreatic acinar cells of a patient with COVID-19. Furthermore, the expression and distribution of various proteins in pancreatic islets of patients with COVID-19 were altered. These data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 in the pancreas may directly or indirectly impair islet function.

Innate metabolic responses against viral infections

Metabolic adaptation to viral infections critically determines the course and manifestations of disease. At the systemic level, a significant feature of viral infection and inflammation that ensues is the metabolic shift from anabolic towards catabolic metabolism. Systemic metabolic sequelae such as insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia represent long-term health consequences of many infections such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The long-held presumption that peripheral and tissue-specific 'immune responses' are the chief line of defence and thus regulate viral control is incomplete. This Review focuses on the emerging paradigm shift proposing that metabolic engagements and metabolic reconfiguration of immune and non-immune cells following virus recognition modulate the natural course of viral infections. Early metabolic footprints are likely to influence longer-term disease manifestations of infection. A greater appreciation and understanding of how local biochemical adjustments in the periphery and tissues influence immunity will ultimately lead to interventions that curtail disease progression and identify new and improved prognostic biomarkers.

Association of COVID-19 with hepatic metabolic dysfunction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a global problem with over 438 million cases reported so far. Although it mostly affects the respiratory system, the involvement of extrapulmonary organs, including the liver, is not uncommon. Since the beginning of the pandemic, metabolic com-orbidities, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, have been identified as poor prognostic indicators. Subsequent metabolic and lipidomic studies have identified several metabolic dysfunctions in patients with COVID-19. The metabolic alterations appear to be linked to the course of the disease and inflammatory reaction in the body. The liver is an important organ with high metabolic activity, and a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients have metabolic comorbidities; thus, this factor could play a key role in orchestrating systemic metabolic changes during infection. Evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation in COVID-19 has both short- and long-term metabolic implications. Furthermore, COVID-19 has adverse associations with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. Due to the ensuing effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and ammonia metabolism, COVID-19 can have significant implications in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. A thorough understanding of COVID-19-associated metabolic dysfunction could lead to the identification of important plasma biomarkers and novel treatment targets. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of metabolic dysfunction in COVID-19, focusing on the liver and exploring the underlying mechanistic pathogenesis and clinical implications.

GOLM1 depletion modifies cellular sphingolipid metabolism and adversely affects cell growth

Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) is a Golgi-resident type 2 transmembrane protein known to be overexpressed in several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as in viral infections. However, the role of GOLM1 in lipid metabolism remains enigmatic. In this study, we employed siRNA-mediated GOLM1 depletion in Huh-7 HCC cells to study the role of GOLM1 in lipid metabolism. Mass spectrometric lipidomic analysis in GOLM1 knockdown cells showed an aberrant accumulation of sphingolipids, such as ceramides, hexosylceramides, dihexosylceramides, sphinganine, sphingosine, and ceramide phosphate, along with cholesteryl esters. Furthermore, we observed a reduction in phosphatidylethanolamines and lysophosphatidylethanolamines. In addition, Seahorse extracellular flux analysis indicated a reduction in mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate upon GOLM1 depletion. Finally, alterations in Golgi structure and distribution were observed both by electron microscopy imaging and immunofluorescence microscopy analysis. Importantly, we found that GOLM1 depletion also affected cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in Huh-7 HCC cells. The Golgi structural defects induced by GOLM1 reduction might potentially affect the trafficking of proteins and lipids leading to distorted intracellular lipid homeostasis, which may result in organelle dysfunction and altered cell growth. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GOLM1 depletion affects sphingolipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, Golgi structure, and proliferation of HCC cells.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A metabolic perspective

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to rage around the world. At the same time, despite strong public health measures and high vaccination rates in some countries, a post-COVID-19 syndrome has emerged which lacks a clear definition, prevalence, or etiology. However, fatigue, dyspnea, brain fog, and lack of smell and/or taste are often characteristic of patients with this syndrome. These are evident more than a month after infection, and are labeled as Post-Acute Sequelae of CoV-2 (PASC) or commonly referred to as long-COVID. Metabolic dysfunction (i.e., obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus) is a predisposing risk factor for severe acute COVID-19, and there is emerging evidence that this factor plus a chronic inflammatory state may predispose to PASC. In this article, we explore the potential pathogenic metabolic mechanisms that could underly both severe acute COVID-19 and PASC, and then consider how these might be targeted for future therapeutic approaches.

GP73 links SARS-CoV-2 infection with dysglycaemia

Severe COVID-19 is often associated with detrimental elevations in blood glucose, but the mechanisms are poorly understood. In this issue of Nature Metabolism, Wan et al. identify GP73 as a SARS-CoV-2-induced secreted factor that enhances hepatic glucose production and is necessary for SARS-CoV-2-associated glucose abnormalities.