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Lu RXZ, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Beroncal EL, Li B, Lee C, Chen J, Churcher E, Vosoughi D, Liu C, Wang Y, Baker A, Trahtemberg U, Li B, Pierro A, Andreazza AC, dos Santos CC, Radisic M. Cardiac tissue model of immune-induced dysfunction reveals the role of free mitochondrial DNA and the therapeutic effects of exosomes. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk0164. [PMID: 38536913 PMCID: PMC10971762 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in the development of mature heart-on-a-chip models, human cell-based models of myocardial inflammation are lacking. Here, we bioengineered a vascularized heart-on-a-chip with circulating immune cells to model severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced acute myocarditis. We observed hallmarks of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-induced myocardial inflammation, as the presence of immune cells augmented the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, triggered progressive impairment of contractile function, and altered intracellular calcium transients. An elevation of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) was measured first in the heart-on-a-chip and then validated in COVID-19 patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction, demonstrating that mitochondrial damage is an important pathophysiological hallmark of inflammation-induced cardiac dysfunction. Leveraging this platform in the context of SARS-CoV-2-induced myocardial inflammation, we established that administration of endothelial cell-derived exosomes effectively rescued the contractile deficit, normalized calcium handling, elevated the contraction force, and reduced the ccf-mtDNA and cytokine release via Toll-like receptor-nuclear factor κB signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Xing Ze Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Naimeh Rafatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Karl T. Wagner
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Erika L. Beroncal
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bo Li
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Carol Lee
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Jingan Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Eryn Churcher
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Daniel Vosoughi
- Latner Thoracic Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Uriel Trahtemberg
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Bowen Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Agostino Pierro
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Ana C. Andreazza
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claudia C. dos Santos
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative, MITO2i, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3D5, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1
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Chimukuche RS, Kawuma R, Nkosi B, Seeley J. Scoping review on lessons learnt on the promotion and use of drugs and traditional medicine in Africa during COVID-19. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2323028. [PMID: 38471036 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2323028] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACTScientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs, substances and herbal medicines is important in medical advertising and promotion. Following guidelines for conducting a scoping review, we systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science to identify in peer reviewed articles medications that were promoted and used widely in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also searched for information about how safety concerns about untested/or not properly tested drugs were communicated to the public during the pandemic. Of the 2043 articles identified, 41 papers were eligible for inclusion. Most studies were clinical trials (n = 11), systematic reviews (n = 9), quantitative studies (n = 9) the rest were qualitative studies, reviews and reports. We found that following global trends, several drugs, traditional and herbal treatments were used and repurposed for the treatment of respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 in Africa. The results highlighted the value of some herbal medicines for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the risks posed by the unregulated sharing of advice and recommendations on treatments in Africa, and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujeko Samanthia Chimukuche
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rachel Kawuma
- Social Science, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Busisiwe Nkosi
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Social Science, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- School of Public Health and Nursing, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Tropical Hygiene and Medicine, London, UK
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El-Obeid A, Maashi Y, AlRoshody R, Alatar G, Aljudayi M, Al-Eidi H, AlGaith N, Khan AH, Hassib A, Matou-Nasri S. Herbal melanin modulates PGE2 and IL-6 gastroprotective markers through COX-2 and TLR4 signaling in the gastric cancer cell line AGS. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:305. [PMID: 37658354 PMCID: PMC10474668 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04124-3] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We reported a gastric anti-ulcerogenic effect of the Nigella sativa (L.)-derived herbal melanin (HM) using rat models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this HM gastroprotective effect remain unknown. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-catalyzed prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and secretion play major roles in gastric mucosal protection. In the current study, the human gastric carcinoma epithelial cell line AGS was used as a model to investigate the effect of HM on TLR4, COX-2, glycoprotein mucin 4 protein and gene expression using immuno-cyto-fluorescence staining, Western blot technology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Gastroprotective markers PGE2 and IL-6 production and secretion were also assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), well-known inducers of TLR4, COX-2, PGE2 and IL-6 expression, were used as a positive control. We showed that HM upregulated its main receptor TLR4 gene and protein expression in AGS cells. HM increased, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, the secretion of PGE2 and the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein, which was detected in the nucleus, cytoplasm and predominantly at the intercellular junctions of the AGS cells. In addition, HM enhanced IL-6 production and secretion, and upregulated the mucin 4 gene expression, the hallmarks of gastroprotection. To check whether HM-induced PGE2 and IL-6 through TLR4 signaling and COX-2 generated, AGS cells were pre-treated with a TLR4 signaling inhibitor TAK242 and the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. A loss of the stimulatory effects of HM on COX-2, PGE2 and IL-6 production and secretion was observed in TAK242 and NS-398-pre-treated AGS cells, confirming the role of TLR4 signaling and COX-2 generated in the HM gastroprotective effects. In conclusion, our results showed that HM enhances TLR4/COX-2-mediated secretion of gastroprotective markers PGE2 and IL-6, and upregulates mucin 4 gene expression in the human gastric epithelial cell line AGS, which may contribute to the promising beneficial gastroprotective effect of HM for human gastric prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adila El-Obeid
- Department of Biobank, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Faculty of Pharmacology, Ahfad University for Women, Omdurman, Sudan.
| | - Yahya Maashi
- Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Faisal Medical City for Southern Region, Ministry of Health, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rehab AlRoshody
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada Alatar
- Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Modhi Aljudayi
- Department of Biobank, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Al-Eidi
- Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf AlGaith
- Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Altaf Husain Khan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adil Hassib
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Sabine Matou-Nasri
- Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Medical Genomics Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Ghanbari Naeini L, Abbasi L, Karimi F, Kokabian P, Abdi Abyaneh F, Naderi D. The Important Role of Interleukin-2 in COVID-19. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:7097329. [PMID: 37649897 PMCID: PMC10465260 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7097329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is controversial literature about the effects of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine family in COVID-19 pathogenesis and immunity. So we aimed to identify the potential in the role of the IL-2 family in COVID-19. A narrative review search was done through online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search deadline was up to December 2022. We applied no time limits for the searching strategy. After retrieving articles from the databases, the authors summarized the data into two data extraction tables. The first data extraction table described the changes in the IL-2 cytokine family in COVID-19 and the second table described the therapeutic interventions targeting IL-2 family cytokines. The results of the literature on the role of the IL-2 cytokine family do not show a singular rule. IL-2 cytokine family can change during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Some studies suggest that IL-2 cytokine family rise during the infection and cause severe inflammatory response and cytokine storm. These cytokines are shown to be increased in immunocompromised patients and worsen their prognosis. In individuals without underlying disease, the upregulation of the IL-2 family shows the clinical outcome of the disease and rises with disease severity. However, some other studies show that these cytokines do not significantly change. IL-2 cytokine family is mostly upregulated in healthy individuals who had vaccination, but immunocompromised patients did not show significant changes after a single dose of vaccines, which shows that these patients need booster doses for efficient immunity. IL-2 cytokine family can also be used as immunotherapy agents in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laleh Abbasi
- Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | - Pajman Kokabian
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Delaram Naderi
- Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Lu RXZ, Rafatian N, Zhao Y, Wagner KT, Beroncal EL, Li B, Lee C, Chen J, Churcher E, Vosoughi D, Wang Y, Baker A, Trahtemberg U, Li B, Pierro A, Andreazza AC, Dos Santos CC, Radisic M. Heart-on-a-chip model of immune-induced cardiac dysfunction reveals the role of free mitochondrial DNA and therapeutic effects of endothelial exosomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552495. [PMID: 37609237 PMCID: PMC10441383 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease continues to take more human lives than all cancer combined, prompting the need for improved research models and treatment options. Despite a significant progress in development of mature heart-on-a-chip models of fibrosis and cardiomyopathies starting from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), human cell-based models of myocardial inflammation are lacking. Here, we bioengineered a vascularized heart-on-a-chip system with circulating immune cells to model SARS-CoV-2-induced acute myocarditis. Briefly, we observed hallmarks of COVID-19-induced myocardial inflammation in the heart-on-a-chip model, as the presence of immune cells augmented the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, triggered progressive impairment of contractile function and altered intracellular calcium transient activities. An elevation of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) was measured first in the in vitro heart-on-a-chip model and then validated in COVID-19 patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), demonstrating that mitochondrial damage is an important pathophysiological hallmark of inflammation induced cardiac dysfunction. Leveraging this platform in the context of SARS-CoV-2 induced myocardial inflammation, we established that administration of human umbilical vein-derived EVs effectively rescued the contractile deficit, normalized intracellular calcium handling, elevated the contraction force and reduced the ccf- mtDNA and chemokine release via TLR-NF-kB signaling axis.
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6
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Wang B, Li D, Fiselier A, Kovalchuk I, Kovalchuk O. High-CBD cannabis extracts inhibit the expression of proinflammatory factors via miRNA-mediated silencing in human small intestinal epithelial cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18817. [PMID: 37664748 PMCID: PMC10468390 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18817] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases is rapidly growing. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has killed over 6,209,000 people globally, while no drug has been proven effective for the disease. Screening natural anti-inflammatory compounds for clinical application has drawn much attention. In this study, we showed that high-CBD cannabis extracts #1, #5, #7, #169, and #317 suppressed the levels of expression of proinflammatory cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in human small intestinal epithelial cells (HSIEC) in TNFα/IFNγ-triggered inflammation. We revealed that these extracts, with the exception of extract #169, also profoundly attenuated induction of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and/or IL-8 proteins through miR-760- and miR-302c-3p-mediated silencing. The prevalent components in extracts #1 and #7 influenced the levels of IL-8 both individually as well as in combination with each other. However, the high-dose cannabis extracts displayed an inhibitory effect in the growth of HSIEC cells. These results show that our high-CBD cannabis extracts decrease the levels of proinflammatory molecules COX2, IL-6, and IL-8 via transcriptional suppression or miRNA-mediated silencing, highlighting their potential against COVID-19-associated cytokine storm syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
- Pathway Rx Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
| | - Dongping Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
- Pathway Rx Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
| | - Anna Fiselier
- Pathway Rx Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
- Swysh Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
| | - Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
- Pathway Rx Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
- Swysh Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada
- Pathway Rx Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
- Swysh Inc., Calgary, Alberta, T3H 4Z2, Canada
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7
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Wei S, Zhang Y, Zhai K, Li J, Li M, Yang J, Zhang R, Li Y, Li Z. CytoSorb in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A rapid evidence review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1067214. [PMID: 36798138 PMCID: PMC9927009 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1067214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background After its approval by the European Union in 2011, CytoSorb therapy has been applied to control cytokine storm and lower the increased levels of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators in blood. However, the efficiency of this CytoSorb treatment in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) still remains unclear. To elucidate the Cytosorb efficiency, we conducted a systematic review and single-arm proportion meta-analysis to combine all evidence available in the published literature to date, so that this comprehensive knowledge can guide clinical decision-making and future research. Methods The literature published within the period 1 December 2019 to 31 December 2021 and stored in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) was searched for all relevant studies including the cases where COVID-19 patients were treated with CytoSorb. We performed random-effects meta-analyses by R software (3.6.1) and used the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist to assess the risk of bias. Both categorical and continuous variables were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as pooled proportions for categorical variables and pooled means for continuous outcomes. Results We included 14 studies with 241 COVID-19 patients treated with CytoSorb hemadsorption. Our findings reveal that for COVID-19 patients receiving CytoSorb treatment, the combined in-hospital mortality was 42.1% (95% CI 29.5-54.6%, I2 = 74%). The pooled incidence of adjunctive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support was 73.2%. Both the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels decreased after CytoSorb treatment. The pooled mean of the CRP level decreased from 147.55 (95% CI 91.14-203.96) to 92.36 mg/L (95% CI 46.74-137.98), while that of IL-6 decreased from 339.49 (95% CI 164.35-514.63) to 168.83 pg/mL (95% CI 82.22-255.45). Conclusions The majority of the COVID-19 patients treated with CytoSorb received ECMO support. In-hospital mortality was 42.1% for the COVID-19 patients who had CytoSorb treatment. Both CRP and IL-6 levels decreased after Cytosorb treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanchun Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kerong Zhai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian Li
- Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingming Li
- Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianbao Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rongzhi Zhang
- Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongnan Li
- Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Li
- Department of Extracorporeal Circulation, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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McGrail J, Martín-Banderas L, Durán-Lobato M. Cannabinoids as Emergent Therapy Against COVID-19. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:582-590. [PMID: 35512732 PMCID: PMC9587773 DOI: 10.1089/can.2022.0018] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), was identified for the first time in late 2019 in China, resulting in a global pandemic of massive impact. Despite a fast development and implementation of vaccination strategies, and the scouting of several pharmacological treatments, alternative effective treatments are still needed. In this regard, cannabinoids represent a promising approach because they have been proven to exhibit several immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties in COVID-19 disease models and related pathological conditions. This mini-review aims at providing a practical brief overview of the potential applications of cannabinoids so far identified for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, finally considering key aspects related to their technological and clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph McGrail
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lucía Martín-Banderas
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Matilde Durán-Lobato
- Department Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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9
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Pitakbut T, Nguyen GN, Kayser O. Activity of THC, CBD, and CBN on Human ACE2 and SARS-CoV1/2 Main Protease to Understand Antiviral Defense Mechanism. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:1047-1059. [PMID: 34638139 DOI: 10.1055/a-1581-3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
THC, CBD, and CBN were reported as promising candidates against SARS-CoV2 infection, but the mechanism of action of these three cannabinoids is not understood. This study aims to determine the mechanism of action of THC, CBD, and CBN by selecting two essential targets that directly affect the coronavirus infections as viral main proteases and human angiotensin-converting enzyme2. Tested THC and CBD presented a dual-action action against both selected targets. Only CBD acted as a potent viral main protease inhibitor at the IC50 value of 1.86 ± 0.04 µM and exhibited only moderate activity against human angiotensin-converting enzyme2 at the IC50 value of 14.65 ± 0.47 µM. THC acted as a moderate inhibitor against both viral main protease and human angiotensin-converting enzymes2 at the IC50 value of 16.23 ± 1.71 µM and 11.47 ± 3.60 µM, respectively. Here, we discuss cannabinoid-associated antiviral activity mechanisms based on in silico docking studies and in vitro receptor binding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanet Pitakbut
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Gia-Nam Nguyen
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
- MINDbioscience GmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Oliver Kayser
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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10
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Chien TJ, Liu CY, Chang YI, Fang CJ, Pai JH, Wu YX, Chen SW. Therapeutic effects of herbal-medicine combined therapy for COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:950012. [PMID: 36120361 PMCID: PMC9475194 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.950012] [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: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating disease affecting global health to a great extent. Some countries have added on herbal medicines as a complementary treatment for combating COVID-19 due to the urgency of stopping the spread of this viral disease. However, whether these herbal medicines are effective is uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of herbal medicine combined therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. Methods: A literature search was performed following the PRISMA Statement and without language restrictions. Seven databases were searched from inception through December 2021. All selected studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Comparing the effects of herbal medicine combined therapy with conventional western medicine, including improvement of clinical symptoms, chest CT images, viral conversion rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6. Cochrane criteria were applied to examine the methodological quality of the enrolled trials; and meta-analysis software (RevMan 5.4.1) was used for data analysis. Results: In total, the data of 5,417 participants from 40 trials were included in this systematic review; and 28 trials were qualified for meta-analysis. The trials had medium-to-high quality based on GRADE system. Meta-analysis showed that combining herbal medicine vs conventional treatment in 1) coughing (1.43 95% CI:1.21, 1.71, p = 0.0001), 2) fever (1.09 95% CI:1.00, 1.19, p = 0.06), 3) fatigue (1.21 95% CI:1.10, 1.33, p = 0.0001); 4) CT images (1.26 95% CI:1.19, 1.34, P ≤ 0.00001), 5) viral conversion rates (1.22 95% CI:1.06, 1.40, p = 0.005) and 6) viral conversion times (-3.72 95% CI: -6.05, -1.40, p = 0.002), 7) IL6 change (1.97 95% CI: -0.72, 4.66, p = 0.15) and 8) CRP change (-7.92 95% CI: -11.30, -4.53, P ≤ 0.00001). Conclusion: Herbal medicine combined therapy significantly reduces COVID-19 clinical symptoms, improving CT images and viral conversion rates. Reported adverse events are mild. However, for certain biases in the included studies, and the need for further study on effective components of herbal medicine. Further large trials with better randomized design are warranted to definite a more definite role of herbal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ju Chien
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-Zhou, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Tsai-Ju Chien,
| | - Chia-Yu Liu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-I Chang
- Department and Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ju Fang
- Medical Library, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan,Department of Secretariat, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Juo-Hsiang Pai
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-Zhou, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Xuan Wu
- Department and Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuoh-Wen Chen
- Department and Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Yin L, Dinasarapu AR, Borkar SA, Chang KF, De Paris K, Kim-Chang JJ, Sleasman JW, Goodenow MM. Anti-inflammatory effects of recreational marijuana in virally suppressed youth with HIV-1 are reversed by use of tobacco products in combination with marijuana. Retrovirology 2022; 19:10. [PMID: 35642061 PMCID: PMC9151353 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-022-00594-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marijuana's putative anti-inflammatory properties may benefit HIV-associated comorbidities. How recreational marijuana use affects gene expression in peripheral blood cells (PBC) among youth with HIV-1 (YWH) is unknown. APPROACH YWH with defined substance use (n = 54) receiving similar antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assigned to one of four analysis groups: YWH with detectable plasma HIV-1 (> 50 RNA copies/ml) who did not use substances (H+V+S-), and YWH with undetectable plasma HIV-1 who did not use substances (H+V-S-), or used marijuana alone (H+V-S+[M]), or marijuana in combination with tobacco (H+V-S+[M/T]). Non-substance using youth without HIV infection (H-S-, n = 25) provided a reference group. PBC mRNA was profiled by Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) within outcome groups were identified by Significance Analysis of Microarrays and used for Hierarchical Clustering, Principal Component Analysis, and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. RESULTS HIV-1 replication resulted in > 3000 DEG involving 27 perturbed pathways. Viral suppression reduced DEG to 313, normalized all 27 pathways, and down-regulated two additional pathways, while marijuana use among virally suppressed YWH resulted in 434 DEG and no perturbed pathways. Relative to H+V-S-, multiple DEG normalized in H+V-S+[M]. In contrast, H+V-S+[M/T] had 1140 DEG and 10 dysregulated pathways, including multiple proinflammatory genes and six pathways shared by H+V+S-. CONCLUSIONS YWH receiving ART display unique transcriptome bioprofiles based on viral replication and substance use. In the context of HIV suppression, marijuana use, alone or combined with tobacco, has opposing effects on inflammatory gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yin
- Molecular HIV Host Interaction Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 50 South Dr., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | | | - Samiksha A Borkar
- Molecular HIV Host Interaction Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 50 South Dr., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kai-Fen Chang
- Molecular HIV Host Interaction Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 50 South Dr., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kristina De Paris
- Department of Microbiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie J Kim-Chang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John W Sleasman
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maureen M Goodenow
- Molecular HIV Host Interaction Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 50 South Dr., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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Pereira CF, Vargas DD, Toneloto FL, Ito VD, Volpato RJ. Implications of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Use in COVID-19: Scoping Review. Rev Bras Enferm 2022; 75Suppl 1:e20201374. [DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and synthesize studies on the effects of cannabis use and its relation with SARS-CoV-2, as well as the therapeutic possibilities of using cannabinoids in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Methods: scoping review, in the BVS, PubMed, SCIELO, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, MedNar, CAPES and ProQuest databases, with no language restriction and year limitation. Narrative synthesis was performed. Results: cannabis use causes changes in the respiratory and vascular system, it reduces the production of cytokines, which affects the users’ immune system, increasing the susceptibility to infection and progression of COVID-19. However, studies have suggested the use of cannabinoids in the prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19, due to their anti-inflammatory effect. Conclusions: the use of inhaled cannabis increases the progression and severity of the infection. On the other hand, the benefits of cannabinoids seem promising to modulate the immune system, but it needs further studies.
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Lyu M, Fan G, Xiao G, Wang T, Xu D, Gao J, Ge S, Li Q, Ma Y, Zhang H, Wang J, Cui Y, Zhang J, Zhu Y, Zhang B. Traditional Chinese medicine in COVID-19. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3337-3363. [PMID: 34567957 PMCID: PMC8450055 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread across the globe, posing an enormous threat to public health and safety. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in combination with Western medicine (WM), has made important and lasting contributions in the battle against COVID-19. In this review, updated clinical effects and potential mechanisms of TCM, presented in newly recognized three distinct phases of the disease, are summarized and discussed. By integrating the available clinical and preclinical evidence, the efficacies and underlying mechanisms of TCM on COVID-19, including the highly recommended three Chinese patent medicines and three Chinese medicine formulas, are described in a panorama. We hope that this comprehensive review not only provides a reference for health care professionals and the public to recognize the significant contributions of TCM for COVID-19, but also serves as an evidence-based in-depth summary and analysis to facilitate understanding the true scientific value of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Guanwei Fan
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Guangxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Taiyi Wang
- Oxford Chinese Medicine Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Dong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jie Gao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Shaoqin Ge
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yuling Ma
- Oxford Chinese Medicine Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuanlu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Boli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
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Gour A, Manhas D, Bag S, Gorain B, Nandi U. Flavonoids as potential phytotherapeutics to combat cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4258-4283. [PMID: 33786876 PMCID: PMC8250405 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, COVID-19, has become the global panic since December 2019, which urges the global healthcare professionals to identify novel therapeutics to counteract this pandemic. So far, there is no approved treatment available to control this public health issue; however, a few antiviral agents and repurposed drugs support the patients under medical supervision by compromising their adverse effects, especially in emergency conditions. Only a few vaccines have been approved to date. In this context, several plant natural products-based research studies are evidenced to play a crucial role in immunomodulation that can prevent the chances of infection as well as combat the cytokine release storm (CRS) generated during COVID-19 infection. In this present review, we have focused on flavonoids, especially epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, hesperidin, naringenin, quercetin, rutin, luteolin, baicalin, diosmin, ge nistein, biochanin A, and silymarin, which can counteract the virus-mediated elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines leading to multiple organ failure. In addition, a comprehensive discussion on available in silico, in vitro, and in vivo findings with critical analysis has also been evaluated, which might pave the way for further development of phytotherapeutics to identify the potential lead candidatetoward effective and safe management of the SARS-CoV-2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Gour
- PK‐PD, Toxicology and Formulation DivisionCSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative MedicineJammuIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Diksha Manhas
- PK‐PD, Toxicology and Formulation DivisionCSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative MedicineJammuIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadUttar PradeshIndia
| | - Swarnendu Bag
- Proteomics DivisionCSIR‐Institute of Genomics and Integrative BiologyNew DelhiIndia
| | - Bapi Gorain
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesTaylor's UniversitySubang JayaMalaysia
| | - Utpal Nandi
- PK‐PD, Toxicology and Formulation DivisionCSIR‐Indian Institute of Integrative MedicineJammuIndia
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR)GhaziabadUttar PradeshIndia
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Gasparello J, D'Aversa E, Papi C, Gambari L, Grigolo B, Borgatti M, Finotti A, Gambari R. Sulforaphane inhibits the expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 induced in bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells by exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 87:153583. [PMID: 34033999 PMCID: PMC8095027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key clinical feature of COVID-19 is a deep inflammatory state known as "cytokine storm" and characterized by high expression of several cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, including IL-6 and IL-8. A direct consequence of this inflammatory state in the lungs is the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), frequently observed in severe COVID-19 patients. The "cytokine storm" is associated with severe forms of COVID-19 and poor prognosis for COVID-19 patients. Sulforaphane (SFN), one of the main components of Brassica oleraceae L. (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae), is known to possess anti-inflammatory effects in tissues from several organs, among which joints, kidneys and lungs. PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to determine whether SFN is able to inhibit IL-6 and IL-8, two key molecules involved in the COVID-19 "cytokine storm". METHODS The effects of SFN were studied in vitro on bronchial epithelial IB3-1 cells exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S-protein). The anti-inflammatory activity of SFN on IL-6 and IL-8 expression has been evaluated by RT-qPCR and Bio-Plex analysis. RESULTS In our study SFN inhibits, in cultured IB3-1 bronchial cells, the gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8 induced by the S-protein of SARS-CoV-2. This represents the proof-of-principle that SFN may modulate the release of some key proteins of the COVID-19 "cytokine storm". CONCLUSION The control of the cytokine storm is one of the major issues in the management of COVID-19 patients. Our study suggests that SFN can be employed in protocols useful to control hyperinflammatory state associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Aversa
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Gambari
- Laboratorio RAMSES, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Brunella Grigolo
- Laboratorio RAMSES, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Borgatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Italian Consortium for Biotechnologies (C.I.B.); Research Center for Innovative Therapies of Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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Dzobo K. Coronavirus Disease 19 and Future Ecological Crises: Hopes from Epigenomics and Unraveling Genome Regulation in Humans and Infectious Agents. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 25:269-278. [PMID: 33904782 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
With coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), we have witnessed a shift from public health to planetary health and a growing recognition of the importance of systems science in developing effective solutions against pandemics in the 21st century. COVID-19 and the history of frequent infectious outbreaks in the last two decades suggest that COVID-19 is likely a dry run for future ecological crises. Now is the right time to plan ahead and deploy the armamentarium of systems science scholarship for planetary health. The science of epigenomics, which investigates both genetic and nongenetic traits regarding heritable phenotypic alterations, and new approaches to understanding genome regulation in humans and pathogens offer veritable prospects to boost the global scientific capacities to innovate therapeutics and diagnostics against novel and existing infectious agents. Several reversible epigenetic alterations, such as chromatin remodeling and histone methylation, control and influence gene expression. COVID-19 lethality is linked, in part, to the cytokine storm, age, and status of the immune system in a given person. Additionally, due to reduced human mobility and daily activities, effects of the pandemic on the environment have been both positive and negative. For example, reduction in environmental pollution and lesser extraction from nature have potential positive corollaries on water and air quality. Negative effects include pollution as plastics and other materials were disposed in unconventional places and spaces in the course of the pandemic. I discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the science of epigenomics, specifically with an eye to inform and prevent future ecological crises and pandemics that are looming on the horizon in the 21st century. In particular, this article underscores that epigenetics of both viruses and the host may influence virus infectivity and severity of attendant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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