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Sangeetha Vijayan P, Xavier J, Valappil MP. A review of immune modulators and immunotherapy in infectious diseases. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1937-1955. [PMID: 37682390 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04825-w] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The human immune system responds to harmful foreign invaders frequently encountered by the body and employs defense mechanisms to counteract such assaults. Various exogenous and endogenous factors play a prominent role in maintaining the balanced functioning of the immune system, which can result in immune suppression or immune stimulation. With the advent of different immune-modulatory agents, immune responses can be modulated or regulated to control infections and other health effects. Literature provides evidence on various immunomodulators from different sources and their role in modulating immune responses. Due to the limited efficacy of current drugs and the rise in drug resistance, there is a growing need for new therapies for infectious diseases. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of different immune-modulating agents and immune therapies specifically focused on viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sangeetha Vijayan
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology [Govt. of India], Thiruvananthapuram, 695 012, Kerala, India
| | - Joseph Xavier
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology [Govt. of India], Thiruvananthapuram, 695 012, Kerala, India
| | - Mohanan Parayanthala Valappil
- Toxicology Division, Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology [Govt. of India], Thiruvananthapuram, 695 012, Kerala, India.
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2
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Štampar P, Blagus T, Goričar K, Bogovič P, Turel G, Strle F, Dolžan V. Genetic variability in the glucocorticoid pathway and treatment outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a pilot study. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1418567. [PMID: 39135792 PMCID: PMC11317398 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1418567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. Genetic polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor, metabolizing enzymes, or transporters may affect treatment response to dexamethasone. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the glucocorticoid pathway polymorphisms with the treatment response and short-term outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19. Methods: Our pilot study included 107 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 treated with dexamethasone and/or methylprednisolone, genotyped for 14 polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid pathway. Results: In total, 83% of patients had severe disease, 15.1% had critical disease and only 1.9% had moderate disease. CYP3A4 rs35599367 was the major genetic determinant of COVID-19 severity as carriers of this polymorphism had higher risk of critical disease (OR = 6.538; 95% confidence interval = 1.19-35.914: p = 0.031) and needed intensive care unit treatment more frequently (OR = 10; 95% CI = 1.754-57.021: p = 0.01). This polymorphism was also associated with worse disease outcomes, as those patients had to switch from dexamethasone to methylprednisolone more often (OR = 6.609; 95% CI = 1.137-38.424: p = 0.036), had longer hospitalization (p = 0.022) and needed longer oxygen supplementation (p = 0.040). Carriers of NR3C1 rs6198 polymorphic allele required shorter dexamethasone treatment (p = 0.043), but had higher odds for switching therapy with methylprednisolone (OR = 2.711; 95% CI = 1.018-7.22: p = 0.046). Furthermore, rs6198 was also associated with longer duration of hospitalization (p = 0.001) and longer oxygen supplementation (p = 0.001). NR3C1 rs33388 polymorphic allele was associated with shorter hospitalization (p = 0.025) and lower odds for ICU treatment (OR = 0.144; 95% CI = 0.027-0.769: p = 0.023). GSTP1 rs1695 was associated with duration of hospitalization (p = 0.015), oxygen supplementation and (p = 0.047) dexamethasone treatment (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Our pathway-based approach enabled us to identify novel candidate polymorphisms that can be used as predictive biomarkers associated with response to glucocorticoid treatment in COVID-19. This could contribute to the patient's stratification and personalized treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricija Štampar
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Blagus
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Goričar
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Petra Bogovič
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriele Turel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Ni XX, Liu ZY, Zeng YY, Liu ZF. Heatstroke Comorbid with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review. Int Med Case Rep J 2024; 17:555-563. [PMID: 38831931 PMCID: PMC11146621 DOI: 10.2147/imcrj.s461078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperthermia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) are the main characteristics of heatstroke and COVID-19. Differentiating between these illnesses is crucial during a summer COVID-19 pandemic, but cases of heatstroke comorbid with COVID-19 are rarely reported. Case description We report the first case of heatstroke comorbid with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in a 52-year-old male. After receiving intravenous antibiotics, organ protection measures, and treatment for coagulation disorders, his fever and coma resolved. However, he developed dyspnea and cerebral hemorrhage after several days. This patient experienced a multi-pathogen pulmonary infection and an intractable coagulopathy that ultimately resulted in MODS and death. Conclusion The combination of heatstroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbated inflammation, immune abnormalities, and coagulation disorders. The interaction between inflammation and coagulation disturbances contributed to the underlying mechanism in this case, highlighting the importance of early anti-infection, treatment for coagulopathy, immune regulation, and organ protection as crucial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-xiao Ni
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine and Rehabilitation, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe-ying Liu
- Department of Medicine Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-yan Zeng
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine and Rehabilitation, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-feng Liu
- Department of Medicine Intensive Care Unit, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Pokhylko V, Cherniavska Y, Fishchuk L, Rossokha Z, Popova O, Vershyhora V, Ievseienkova O, Soloviova H, Zhuk L, Gorovenko N. Association of the C3953T (rs1143634) variant of the interleukin 1 beta gene with the features of a complicated course of COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:630. [PMID: 38720147 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09569-4] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 plays an important role in severe COVID-19. A change in IL-1 production may be associated with a mutation in the IL1Β gene. Our study analyzed the impact of the IL1Β gene variants (rs1143634) on disease progression in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, taking into account treatment strategies. METHODS AND RESULTS The study enrolled 117 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The IL1Β gene variants were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. In the group of patients, the following genotype frequencies were found based on the investigated rs1143634 variant of the IL1Β gene: CC-65.8%, CT-28.2%, and TT-6.0%. Our results showed that the group of patients with the T allele of the IL1Β gene had higher leukocyte counts (p = 0.040) and more pronounced lymphopenia (p = 0.007). It was determined that patients carrying the T allele stayed on ventilators significantly longer (p = 0.049) and required longer treatment with corticosteroids (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION Identifying variants of the IL1Β gene can be used as a predictive tool for assessing the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia and tailoring personalized treatment strategies. Further research with a larger patient cohort is required to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liliia Fishchuk
- Department of Genetic Diagnostics, Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, SI "M.D. Strazhesko National Scientific Center of the NAMS of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Zoia Rossokha
- SI "Reference-Center for Molecular Diagnostics of the Ministry of Public Health of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olena Popova
- SI "Reference-Center for Molecular Diagnostics of the Ministry of Public Health of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Viktoriia Vershyhora
- SI "Reference-Center for Molecular Diagnostics of the Ministry of Public Health of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Olena Ievseienkova
- Department of Genetic Diagnostics, Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, SI "M.D. Strazhesko National Scientific Center of the NAMS of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Nataliia Gorovenko
- Department of Genetic Diagnostics, Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, SI "M.D. Strazhesko National Scientific Center of the NAMS of Ukraine", Kyiv, Ukraine
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5
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Marozoff S, Tan J, Lu N, Kirmani A, Loree JM, Xie H, Lacaille D, Kopec JA, Esdaile JM, Corradetti B, Malone P, Koehn CL, Mennell P, Hoens AM, Aviña-Zubieta JA. Effect of Immunosuppressive or Immunomodulatory Agents on Severe COVID-19 Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study. ACR Open Rheumatol 2023. [PMID: 37818772 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We estimated the association between immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory agent (IIA) exposure and severe COVID-19 outcomes in a population-based cohort study. METHODS Participants were 18 years or older, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between February 6, 2020, and August 15, 2021, and were from administrative health data for the entire province of British Columbia, Canada. IIA use within 3 months prior to positive SARS-CoV-2 test included conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (antimalarials, methotrexate, leflunomide, sulfasalazine, individually), immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolate sodium [MMF], cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, individually and collectively), tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) biologics (adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, collectively), non-TNFi biologics or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs) (rituximab separately from abatacept, anakinra, secukinumab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib and ustekinumab collectively), and glucocorticoids. Severe COVID-19 outcomes were hospitalizations for COVID-19, ICU admissions, and deaths within 60 days of a positive test. Exposure score-overlap weighting was used to balance baseline characteristics of participants with IIA use compared with nonuse of that IIA. Logistic regression measured the association between IIA use and severe COVID-19 outcomes. RESULTS From 147,301 participants, we identified 515 antimalarial, 573 methotrexate, 72 leflunomide, 180 sulfasalazine, 468 immunosuppressant, 378 TNFi biologic, 49 rituximab, 144 other non-TNFi biologic or tsDMARD, and 1348 glucocorticoid prescriptions. Risk of hospitalizations for COVID-19 was significantly greater for MMF (odds ratio [95% CI]): 2.82 [1.81-4.40], all immunosuppressants: 2.08 [1.51-2.87], and glucocorticoids: 1.63 [1.36-1.96], relative to nonuse. Similar outcomes were seen for ICU admission and MMF: 2.52 [1.34-4.74], immunosuppressants: 2.88 [1.73-4.78], and glucocorticoids: 1.86 [1.37-2.54]. Only glucocorticoids use was associated with a significant increase in 60-day mortality: 1.58 [1.21-2.06]. No other IIAs displayed statistically significant associations with severe COVID-19 outcomes. CONCLUSION Current use of MMF and glucocorticoids were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes compared with nonuse. These results emphasize the variety of circumstances of patients taking IIAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Marozoff
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeremiah Tan
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Na Lu
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ayesha Kirmani
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Hui Xie
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, and Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Diane Lacaille
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jacek A Kopec
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - John M Esdaile
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bonnie Corradetti
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Kidney Section of the Medicine Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Peter Malone
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Koehn
- Arthritis Research Canada and Arthritis Consumer Experts, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Alison M Hoens
- Arthritis Research Canada and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Cao Y, Song Y, Ding Y, Ni J, Zhu B, Shen J, Miao L. The role of hormones in the pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of delirium in ICU: The past, the present, and the future. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 233:106356. [PMID: 37385414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106356] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Delirium is an acute brain dysfunction. As one of the common psychiatric disorders in ICU, it can seriously affect the prognosis of patients. Hormones are important messenger substances found in the human body that help to regulate and maintain the function and metabolism of various tissues and organs. They are also one of the most commonly used drugs in clinical practice. Recent evidences suggest that aberrant swings in cortisol and non-cortisol hormones might induce severe cognitive impairment, eventually leading to delirium. However, the role of hormones in the pathogenesis of delirium still remains controversial. This article reviews the recent research on risk factors of delirium and the association between several types of hormones and cognitive dysfunction. These mechanisms are expected to offer novel ideas and clinical relevance for the treatment and prevention of delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Cao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuwei Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayuan Ni
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianqin Shen
- Department of Blood Purification Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Liying Miao
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China.
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7
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Haslbauer JD, Savic Prince S, Stalder AK, Matter MS, Zinner CP, Jahn K, Obermann E, Hanke J, Leuzinger K, Hirsch HH, Tzankov A. Differential Gene Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Positive Bronchoalveolar Lavages: A Case Series. Pathobiology 2023; 91:158-168. [PMID: 37490884 PMCID: PMC10997241 DOI: 10.1159/000532057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcriptomic data on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from COVID-19 patients are currently scarce. OBJECTIVES This case series seeks to characterize the intra-alveolar immunopathology of COVID-19. METHOD BALs were performed on 14 patients (5 COVID-19, of which 3 mild and 2 largely asymptomatic, 9 controls). Controls included asthma (n = 1), unremarkable BALs (n = 3), infections with respiratory syncytial virus (n = 1), influenza B (n = 1), and infections with other coronaviruses (n = 3). SARS-CoV-2 RNA load was measured by quantitative nucleic acid testing, while the detection of other pathogens was performed by immunofluorescence or multiplex NAT. RESULTS Gene expression profiling showed 71 significantly downregulated and 5 upregulated transcripts in SARS-CoV-2-positive lavages versus controls. Downregulated transcripts included genes involved in macrophage development, polarization, and crosstalk (LGALS3, MARCO, ERG2, BTK, RAC1, CD83), and genes involved in chemokine signaling and immunometabolism (NUPR1, CEBPB, CEBPA, PECAM1, CCL18, PPARG, ALOX5, ALOX5AP). Upregulated transcripts featured genes involved in NK-T cell signaling (GZMA, GZMH, GNLY, PRF1, CD3G). Patients with mild COVID-19 showed a significant upregulation of genes involved in blood mononuclear cell/leukocyte function (G0S2, ANXA6, FCGR2B, ADORA3), coagulation (von Willebrand factor [VWF]), interferon response (IFRD1, IL12RB2), and a zinc metalloprotease elevated in asthma (CPA3) compared to asymptomatic cases. In-silico comparison of the 5 COVID-19 BAL cases to a published cohort of lethal COVID-19 showed a significant upregulation of "antigen processing and presentation" and "lysosome" pathways in lethal cases. CONCLUSIONS These data underscore the heterogeneity of immune response in COVID-19. Further studies with a larger dataset are required to gain a better understanding of the hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 immunological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin D Haslbauer
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland,
| | - Spasenija Savic Prince
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna K Stalder
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias S Matter
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carl P Zinner
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kathleen Jahn
- Clinic of Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonary Cell Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ellen Obermann
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Jasmin Hanke
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karoline Leuzinger
- Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Virology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans H Hirsch
- Transplantation and Clinical Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clinical Virology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Department of Acute Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Mateska I, Witt A, Hagag E, Sinha A, Yilmaz C, Thanou E, Sun N, Kolliniati O, Patschin M, Abdelmegeed H, Henneicke H, Kanczkowski W, Wielockx B, Tsatsanis C, Dahl A, Walch AK, Li KW, Peitzsch M, Chavakis T, Alexaki VI. Succinate mediates inflammation-induced adrenocortical dysfunction. eLife 2023; 12:e83064. [PMID: 37449973 PMCID: PMC10374281 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83064] [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] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is activated in response to inflammation leading to increased production of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex, thereby representing an endogenous feedback loop. However, severe inflammation reduces the responsiveness of the adrenal gland to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show by transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses that LPS-induced systemic inflammation triggers profound metabolic changes in steroidogenic adrenocortical cells, including downregulation of the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, in mice. Inflammation disrupts the TCA cycle at the level of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), leading to succinate accumulation and disturbed steroidogenesis. Mechanistically, IL-1β reduces SDHB expression through upregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and methylation of the SDHB promoter. Consequently, increased succinate levels impair oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis and enhance ROS production, leading to reduced steroidogenesis. Together, we demonstrate that the IL-1β-DNMT1-SDHB-succinate axis disrupts steroidogenesis. Our findings not only provide a mechanistic explanation for adrenal dysfunction in severe inflammation, but also offer a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Mateska
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Anke Witt
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Eman Hagag
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Anupam Sinha
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Canelif Yilmaz
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Evangelia Thanou
- Center of Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Department of Molecular and 10 Cellular Neurobiology, Vrije UniversiteitAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Na Sun
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Ourania Kolliniati
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School, University of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Maria Patschin
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Heba Abdelmegeed
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Holger Henneicke
- Department of Medicine III & Center for Healthy Ageing, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies, TU Dresden, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Waldemar Kanczkowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Ben Wielockx
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Christos Tsatsanis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School, University of CreteHeraklionGreece
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Axel Karl Walch
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum MünchenMunichGermany
| | - Ka Wan Li
- Center of Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Department of Molecular and 10 Cellular Neurobiology, Vrije UniversiteitAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, Technische Universität DresdenDresdenGermany
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9
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Jieping Wu
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 China
| | - Ke Men
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 People’s Republic of China
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Bruscoli S, Puzzovio PG, Zaimi M, Tiligada K, Levi-Schaffer F, Riccardi C. Glucocorticoids and COVID-19. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106511. [PMID: 36243331 PMCID: PMC9556882 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates globally, representing the greatest health and economic challenge today. Several drugs are currently approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Among these, glucocorticoids (GCs) have received particular attention due to their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. In fact, GC are widely used in current clinical practice to treat inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Major mechanisms of GC action include inhibition of innate and adaptive immune activity. In particular, an important role is played by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and the induction of proteins with anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, as indicated by various national and international regulatory agencies, GCs are recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 in patients requiring oxygen therapy, with or without mechanical ventilation. Regarding the use of GCs for the COVID-19 treatment of non-hospitalized patients at an early stage of the disease, many controversial studies have been reported and regulatory agencies have not recommended their use. The decision to start GC therapy should be based not only on the severity of COVID-19 disease, but also on careful considerations of the benefit/risk profile in individual patients, including monitoring of adverse events. In this review we summarize the effects of GCs on the major cellular and molecular components of the inflammatory/immune system, the benefits and the adverse common reactions in the treatment of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, as well as in the management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Bruscoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Puzzovio
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maria Zaimi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Tiligada
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel,Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Pharmacology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy,Corresponding author
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11
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Cosentino M, Vernocchi V, Martini S, Marino F, Allasino B, Bàlzola MA, Burigana F, Dallari A, Pagano CSF, Palma A, Rango M. Early Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis of 392 Cases in Italy. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206138. [PMID: 36294461 PMCID: PMC9605012 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020. The knowledge of COVID-19 pathophysiology soon provided a strong rationale for the early use of both anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic drugs; however, its evidence was slowly and partially incorporated into institutional guidelines. The unmet needs of COVID-19 outpatients were taken care of by networks of physicians and researchers. We analyse the characteristics, management and outcomes in COVID-19 outpatients who were taken care of by physicians within the IppocrateOrg Association. In this observational retrospective study, volunteering doctors provided data on 392 COVID-19 patients. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years (range: 0.5–97), and patients were taken care of in COVID-19 stage 0 (15.6%), stage 1 (50.0%), stage 2a (28.8%) and stage 2b (5.6%). Many patients were overweight (26%) or obese (11.5%), with chronic comorbidities (34.9%), mainly cardiovascular (23%) and metabolic (13.3%). The most frequently prescribed drugs included: vitamins and supplements (98.7%), aspirin (66.1%), antibiotics (62%), glucocorticoids (41.8%), hydroxychloroquine (29.6%), enoxaparin (28.6%), colchicine (8.9%), oxygen therapy (6.9%), and ivermectin (2.8%). Hospitalization occurred in 5.8% of cases, mainly in stage 2b (27.3%). A total of 390 patients (99.6%) recovered; one patient was lost at follow up, and one patient died after hospitalization. This is the first real-world study describing the behaviours of physicians caring for COVID-19 outpatients, and the outcomes of COVID-19 early treatment. The lethality in this cohort was 0.2%, while overall, and over the same period, the COVID-19 lethality in Italy was over 3%. The drug use described in this study appears effective and safe. The present evidence should be carefully considered by physicians and political decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cosentino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (V.V.)
| | - Veronica Vernocchi
- IppocrateOrg Association, Via Canova 15, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (V.V.)
| | - Stefano Martini
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Franca Marino
- Center for Research in Medical Pharmacology, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Barbara Allasino
- IppocrateOrg Association, Via Canova 15, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabio Burigana
- IppocrateOrg Association, Via Canova 15, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alberto Dallari
- IppocrateOrg Association, Via Canova 15, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Antonio Palma
- IppocrateOrg Association, Via Canova 15, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Rango
- IppocrateOrg Association, Via Canova 15, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
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12
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Kanczkowski W, Gaba WH, Krone N, Varga Z, Beuschlein F, Hantel C, Andoniadou C, Bornstein SR. Adrenal Gland Function and Dysfunction During COVID-19. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:532-539. [PMID: 35944524 DOI: 10.1055/a-1873-2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently one of the major health concerns worldwide accounting for many deaths and posing a great social and economic burden. Early activation of adrenal hormone secretion is pivotal to surviving systemic microbial infections. In addition, clinical studies demonstrated that glucocorticoids might also be beneficial in reducing disease progression and life deterioration in certain patients with COVID-19. Recent studies demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 might target the adrenal glands, raising the possibility that at least some COVID-19 complications may be associated with adrenal dysfunction. Whether SARS-CoV-2 infection might cause adrenal dysfunction remains unknown. Histopathological examinations provided evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection might indeed cause certain structural damage to the adrenal glands, especially concerning its vascular system. However, since no widespread cellular damage to cortical cells was observed, it is less likely that those changes could lead to an immediate adrenal crisis. This assumption is supported by the limited number of studies reporting rather adequate cortisol levels in patients with acute COVID-19. Those studies, however, could not exclude a potential late-onset or milder form of adrenal insufficiency. Although structural damage to adrenal glands is a rarely reported complication of COVID-19, some patients might develop a critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI), or iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency resulting from prolonged treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids. In this mini-review article, we aimed at describing and discussing factors involved in the adrenal gland function and possible dysfunction during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waldemar Kanczkowski
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Waqar Haider Gaba
- Internal Medicine, Shaikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cynthia Andoniadou
- Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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13
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Sakamuru S, Huang R, Xia M. Use of Tox21 Screening Data to Evaluate the COVID-19 Drug Candidates for Their Potential Toxic Effects and Related Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935399. [PMID: 35910344 PMCID: PMC9333127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, various potential therapeutic agents for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are being investigated worldwide mainly through the drug repurposing approach. Several anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory drugs were employed in randomized trials and observational studies for developing new therapeutics for COVID-19. Although an increasing number of repurposed drugs have shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, so far only remdesivir has been approved by the US FDA to treat COVID-19, and several other drugs approved for Emergency Use Authorization, including sotrovimab, tocilizumab, baricitinib, paxlovid, molnupiravir, and other potential strategies to develop safe and effective therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection are still underway. Many drugs employed as anti-viral may exert unwanted side effects (i.e., toxicity) via unknown mechanisms. To quickly assess these drugs for their potential toxicological effects and mechanisms, we used the Tox21 in vitro assay datasets generated from screening ∼10,000 compounds consisting of approved drugs and environmental chemicals against multiple cellular targets and pathways. Here we summarize the toxicological profiles of small molecule drugs that are currently under clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 based on their in vitro activities against various targets and cellular signaling pathways.
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14
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Jensterle M, Herman R, Janež A, Mahmeed WA, Al-Rasadi K, Al-Alawi K, Banach M, Banerjee Y, Ceriello A, Cesur M, Cosentino F, Galia M, Goh SY, Kalra S, Kempler P, Lessan N, Lotufo P, Papanas N, Rizvi AA, Santos RD, Stoian AP, Toth PP, Viswanathan V, Rizzo M. The Relationship between COVID-19 and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis: A Large Spectrum from Glucocorticoid Insufficiency to Excess—The CAPISCO International Expert Panel. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137326. [PMID: 35806331 PMCID: PMC9266848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly heterogeneous disease regarding severity, vulnerability to infection due to comorbidities, and treatment approaches. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis has been identified as one of the most critical endocrine targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that might significantly impact outcomes after infection. Herein we review the rationale for glucocorticoid use in the setting of COVID-19 and emphasize the need to have a low index of suspicion for glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency, adjusting for the glucocorticoid formulation used, dose, treatment duration, and underlying health problems. We also address several additional mechanisms that may cause HPA axis dysfunction, including critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency, the direct cytopathic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the adrenals, pituitary, and hypothalamus, immune-mediated inflammations, small vessel vasculitis, microthrombotic events, the resistance of cortisol receptors, and impaired post-receptor signaling, as well as the dissociation of ACTH and cortisol regulation. We also discuss the increased risk of infection and more severe illness in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing disorders of the HPA axis, from insufficiency to excess. These insights into the complex regulation of the HPA axis reveal how well the body performs in its adaptive survival mechanism during a severe infection, such as SARS-CoV-2, and how many parameters might disbalance the outcomes of this adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojca Jensterle
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (R.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rok Herman
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (R.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Janež
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.J.); (R.H.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-522-35-64
| | - Wael Al Mahmeed
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112412, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Khalid Al-Rasadi
- Medical Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 113, Oman;
| | - Kamila Al-Alawi
- Department of Training and Studies, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat 113, Oman;
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
- Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Yajnavalka Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Mohamed Bin Rashid University, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Mustafa Cesur
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Ankara Güven Hospital, 06540 Ankara, Turkey;
| | - Francesco Cosentino
- Unit of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, University of Stockholm, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Massimo Galia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Bind), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Su-Yen Goh
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital & BRIDE, Karnal 132001, India;
| | - Peter Kempler
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Nader Lessan
- The Research Institute, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 48338, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Paulo Lotufo
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Nikolaos Papanas
- Diabetes Center, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 68100 Alexandroupoli, Greece;
| | - Ali A. Rizvi
- Department of Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Raul D. Santos
- The Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Anca P. Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Carol Davila University, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Peter P. Toth
- Cicarrone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | | | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Promise), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
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15
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Sinaga BYM, Sinaga JP, Siagian P. Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Coinfection with Diabetes Mellitus in Medan, Indonesia: A Case Report. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has distracted the global health system due to significant morbidity and mortality. There are increasing mortality rates related to the existence of comorbidities. Due to immunologic conditions, other infectious diseases, such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), might coinfect with COVID-19. We describe a case of MDR-TB with diabetes mellitus and critical COVID-19 patient with fatal outcome.
CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with shortness of breath for 2 days. A history of recurrent shortness of breath has had developed for about 7 months. Room air oxygen saturation was at 66%. RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 nasopharynx swab result was positive. The chest X-ray series result showed destroyed left lung with increasing infiltrate in the lower right lung. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary MDR-TB based on GeneXpert and LPA (Line Probe Assay) test 6 months prior and also has had history of diabetes mellitus for 7 years. Then, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19, pulmonary MDR-TB, and diabetes mellitus. MDR-TB regimen, anti-diabetic medication, and management of COVID-19 were carried out. On the 6th day, the patient’s condition worsened to the point, where he needed intubation. The patient eventually passed away.
CONCLUSION: The treatment outcome was highly related to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and complications of comorbidities when patients are admitted to the hospital. The early screening and treatment of COVID-19 are important to prevent deteriorating clinical conditions caused by comorbidities.
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16
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Vaz de Paula CB, Nagashima S, Liberalesso V, Collete M, da Silva FPG, Oricil AGG, Barbosa GS, da Silva GVC, Wiedmer DB, da Silva Dezidério F, Noronha L. COVID-19: Immunohistochemical Analysis of TGF-β Signaling Pathways in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010168. [PMID: 35008594 PMCID: PMC8745764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) followed by repair with lung remodeling is observed in COVID-19. These findings can lead to pulmonary terminal fibrosis, a form of irreversible sequelae. There is evidence that TGF-β is intimately involved in the fibrogenic process. When activated, TGF-β promotes the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and regulates the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this sense, the present study evaluated the histopathological features and immunohistochemical biomarkers (ACE-2, AKT-1, Caveolin-1, CD44v6, IL-4, MMP-9, α-SMA, Sphingosine-1, and TGF-β1 tissue expression) involved in the TGF-β1 signaling pathways and pulmonary fibrosis. The study consisted of 24 paraffin lung samples from patients who died of COVID-19 (COVID-19 group), compared to 10 lung samples from patients who died of H1N1pdm09 (H1N1 group) and 11 lung samples from patients who died of different causes, with no lung injury (CONTROL group). In addition to the presence of alveolar septal fibrosis, diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) was found to be significantly increased in the COVID-19 group, associated with a higher density of Collagen I (mature) and III (immature). There was also a significant increase observed in the immunoexpression of tissue biomarkers ACE-2, AKT-1, CD44v6, IL-4, MMP-9, α-SMA, Sphingosine-1, and TGF-β1 in the COVID-19 group. A significantly lower expression of Caveolin-1 was also found in this group. The results suggest the participation of TGF-β pathways in the development process of pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, it would be plausible to consider therapy with TGF-β inhibitors in those patients recovered from COVID-19 to mitigate a possible development of pulmonary fibrosis and its consequences for post-COVID-19 life quality.
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17
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Reichardt SD, Amouret A, Muzzi C, Vettorazzi S, Tuckermann JP, Lühder F, Reichardt HM. The Role of Glucocorticoids in Inflammatory Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112921. [PMID: 34831143 PMCID: PMC8616489 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For more than 70 years, glucocorticoids (GCs) have been a powerful and affordable treatment option for inflammatory diseases. However, their benefits do not come without a cost, since GCs also cause side effects. Therefore, strong efforts are being made to improve their therapeutic index. In this review, we illustrate the mechanisms and target cells of GCs in the pathogenesis and treatment of some of the most frequent inflammatory disorders affecting the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, the lung, and the joints, as well as graft-versus-host disease, which often develops after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition, an overview is provided of novel approaches aimed at improving GC therapy based on chemical modifications or GC delivery using nanoformulations. GCs remain a topic of highly active scientific research despite being one of the oldest class of drugs in medical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille D. Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Agathe Amouret
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiara Muzzi
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.V.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Jan P. Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.V.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Fred Lühder
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Holger M. Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3963365
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