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Staico MF, Zaffanello M, DI Pietro G, Fanos V, Marcialis MA. The kidney in COVID-19: protagonist or figurant? Panminerva Med 2023; 65:65-75. [PMID: 32432445 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.20.03965-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of injury in COVID-19 patients is diverse and multifactorial. Autopsy and biopsy studies reveal, alongside podocyte and tubular cell anomalies, the presence of virion within the cells. Evidence suggests that, in addition to the direct cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the glomeruli and renal tubules, there is also the indirect effect of cell-mediated immunity, the cytokines storm and the cross-talk between organs with possible systemic effects of the disease. These mechanisms are interconnected and have profound therapeutic implications involving extracorporeal removal of inflammatory cytokines. Dialysis patients, and children, in particular, should be classified as "at high risk" of contracting the disease. Infections are one of the most frequent causes of death in children with chronic renal failure who undergo dialysis. The reasons for this particular susceptibility are to be found in the compromised immune system, secondary to chronic malnutrition, immunosuppressive therapy, and uremia, frequent contact with healthcare personnel and other patients attending the dialysis unit and in need of the presence of other family members during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Staico
- School of Pediatrics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Zaffanello
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy -
| | | | - Vassilios Fanos
- School of Pediatrics, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Surgery, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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2
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Maltseva LD, Lakomova DY, Zakharova NB, Gurova TS, Morozova OL. Potential targets for preclinical diagnostics of acute kidney injury in covid-19 patients (review of literature). Klin Lab Diagn 2021; 66:586-592. [PMID: 34665944 DOI: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-10-586-592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
An relevance of the topic was defined by the high occurrence, unfavorable prognosis, lack of diagnostic techniques for early stages of acute kidney injury (AKI) disclosed in patients with COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). Screening of medical literature for selection of AKI preclinical biomarkers was considered as main aim of this review. More than 200 publications from Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE were reviewed. Such risk factors as hypoxemia, increased intrathoracic pressure associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), hypertension (HT) involving endothelial dysfunction, and Diabetes mellitus were considered to be associated with AKI. There were explicated cytopathic and immune-mediated (cytokine-induced) mechanisms of COVID-19 associated AKI pathogenesis. Multiple methodological approaches were defined for detection and identification of the biomarkers based on urine proteome and metabolome screening. Perspective ways in the preclinical diagnostics of AKI such as detection of the markers of injury of the hypoxia-sensitive proximal canaliculi and the ATP metabolites that reflect first stages of the energy metabolism disorder in the epithelium lining canaliculi were identified in this study. The instantaneous and non-invasive investigation of different markers was regarded as possible method of the prognostication. The accuracy of the diagnosis on the initial stages of AKI, substantiate for preventive start of therapy, and make projections on the disease`s outcome will be improved due to the identification of high-sensitive specific biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Maltseva
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
| | - D Y Lakomova
- V.I. Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University
| | | | - T S Gurova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
| | - O L Morozova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
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3
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Ventura D, Carr AL, Davis RD, Silvestry S, Bogar L, Raval N, Gries C, Hayes JE, Oliveira E, Sniffen J, Allison SL, Herrera V, Jennings DL, Page RL, McDyer JF, Ensor CR. Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System Antagonism in 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Lung Injury. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab170. [PMID: 34642634 PMCID: PMC8083494 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab170] [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: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been established that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a membrane-bound regulatory peptide, for host cell entry. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have been reported to increase ACE2 in type 2 pneumocyte pulmonary tissue. Controversy exists for the continuation of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the current pandemic. ACE2 serves as a regulatory enzyme in maintaining homeostasis between proinflammatory angiotensin II and anti-inflammatory angiotensin 1,7 peptides. Derangements in these peptides are associated with cardiovascular disease and are implicated in the progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Augmentation of the ACE2/Ang 1,7 axis represents a critical target in the supportive management of coronavirus disease 2019–associated lung disease. Observational data describing the use of RAAS inhibitors in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 have not borne signals of harm to date. However, equipoise persists, requiring an analysis of novel agents including recombinant human-ACE2 and existing RAAS inhibitors while balancing ongoing controversies associated with increased coronavirus infectivity and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ventura
- University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amy L Carr
- University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - R Duane Davis
- AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | | | - Linda Bogar
- AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Nirav Raval
- AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia Gries
- AdventHealth Transplant Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jillian E Hayes
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA.,University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Eduardo Oliveira
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, AdventHealth Medical Group, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jason Sniffen
- Infectious Diseases Consultants, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Steven L Allison
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA.,University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Victor Herrera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, AdventHealth, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Douglas L Jennings
- Long Island University College of Pharmacy, Brooklyn, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert L Page
- University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John F McDyer
- Department of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christopher R Ensor
- Department of Pharmacy, AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA.,University of Florida College of Pharmacy, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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4
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Cooper SL, Boyle E, Jefferson SR, Heslop CRA, Mohan P, Mohanraj GGJ, Sidow HA, Tan RCP, Hill SJ, Woolard J. Role of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone and Kinin-Kallikrein Systems in the Cardiovascular Complications of COVID-19 and Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8255. [PMID: 34361021 PMCID: PMC8347967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients may present as asymptomatic or demonstrate mild to severe and life-threatening symptoms. Although COVID-19 has a respiratory focus, there are major cardiovascular complications (CVCs) associated with infection. The reported CVCs include myocarditis, heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism and blood pressure abnormalities. These occur, in part, because of dysregulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and Kinin-Kallikrein System (KKS). A major route by which SARS-CoV-2 gains cellular entry is via the docking of the viral spike (S) protein to the membrane-bound angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The roles of ACE2 within the cardiovascular and immune systems are vital to ensure homeostasis. The key routes for the development of CVCs and the recently described long COVID have been hypothesised as the direct consequences of the viral S protein/ACE2 axis, downregulation of ACE2 and the resulting damage inflicted by the immune response. Here, we review the impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, the mechanisms by which dysregulation of the RAAS and KKS can occur following virus infection and the future implications for pharmacological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Cooper
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Eleanor Boyle
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Sophie R. Jefferson
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Calum R. A. Heslop
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Pirathini Mohan
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Gearry G. J. Mohanraj
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Hamza A. Sidow
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Rory C. P. Tan
- School of Medicine, Queen’s Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (E.B.); (S.R.J.); (C.R.A.H.); (P.M.); (G.G.J.M.); (H.A.S.); (R.C.P.T.)
| | - Stephen J. Hill
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Jeanette Woolard
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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5
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Lee CCE, Ali K, Connell D, Mordi IR, George J, Lang EMSL, Lang CC. COVID-19-Associated Cardiovascular Complications. Diseases 2021; 9:47. [PMID: 34209705 PMCID: PMC8293160 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to cause cardiovascular complications such as myocardial injury, thromboembolic events, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Multiple mechanisms-some overlapping, notably the role of inflammation and IL-6-potentially underlie these complications. The reported cardiac injury may be a result of direct viral invasion of cardiomyocytes with consequent unopposed effects of angiotensin II, increased metabolic demand, immune activation, or microvascular dysfunction. Thromboembolic events have been widely reported in both the venous and arterial systems that have attracted intense interest in the underlying mechanisms. These could potentially be due to endothelial dysfunction secondary to direct viral invasion or inflammation. Additionally, thromboembolic events may also be a consequence of an attempt by the immune system to contain the infection through immunothrombosis and neutrophil extracellular traps. Cardiac arrhythmias have also been reported with a wide range of implicated contributory factors, ranging from direct viral myocardial injury, as well as other factors, including at-risk individuals with underlying inherited arrhythmia syndromes. Heart failure may also occur as a progression from cardiac injury, precipitation secondary to the initiation or withdrawal of certain drugs, or the accumulation of des-Arg9-bradykinin (DABK) with excessive induction of pro-inflammatory G protein coupled receptor B1 (BK1). The presenting cardiovascular symptoms include chest pain, dyspnoea, and palpitations. There is currently intense interest in vaccine-induced thrombosis and in the treatment of Long COVID since many patients who have survived COVID-19 describe persisting health problems. This review will summarise the proposed physiological mechanisms of COVID-19-associated cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chim C. Lang
- Division of Molecular & Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK; (C.C.E.L.); (K.A.); (D.C.); (I.R.M.); (J.G.); (E.M.L.)
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6
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Epstein M. Aldosterone and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling as Determinants of Cardiovascular and Renal Injury: From Hans Selye to the Present. Am J Nephrol 2021; 52:209-216. [PMID: 33857953 DOI: 10.1159/000515622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A full understanding of the mechanisms of action of aldosterone and its interaction with the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) allows a theoretical framework to predict the therapeutic potential of MR antagonists (MRAs) in CKD, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. SUMMARY The initial focus on the mechanisms of action of aldosterone was directed primarily on its role in modulating renal excretory function. In contrast, many recent studies have demonstrated a wider and expanded role for aldosterone in modulating inflammation, collagen formation, fibrosis, and necrosis. Increasing evidence has accrued that implicates the pathophysiological overactivation of the MR as a major determinant of progression of CKD. By promoting inflammation and fibrosis, MR overactivation constitutes a pivotal determinant of CKD progression and its associated morbidity and mortality. In accord with this mechanism of action, blockade of the MR is currently being investigated as a novel treatment regimen to slow the progression of CKD. The recently reported FIDELIO-DKD (FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in Diabetic Kidney Disease) study demonstrated that patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes who were treated with finerenone (a novel nonsteroidal MRA) manifested a lower risk of a composite primary outcome event compared with patients in the placebo arm (defined as kidney failure, or a sustained decrease of ≥40% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline, or death from renal causes). In addition, patients in the finerenone group also manifested a lower risk of a key secondary outcome event (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure). Key Messages: Based on the success of the FIDELIO-DKD study, future studies should be implemented testing the hypothesis that a wide array of nondiabetic CKD is modulated by overactivation of the MR, and consequently may be amenable to treatment with novel nonsteroidal MRAs. Future studies are encouraged to elucidate the clinical implications of the interplay of nonsteroidal MRAs and the components of the renin-angiotensin cascade. The unique and recently reported interrelationship of fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) and aldosterone may also constitute a propitious subject for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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7
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Matsuishi Y, Mathis BJ, Shimojo N, Subrina J, Okubo N, Inoue Y. Severe COVID-19 Infection Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction Induces Multiple Organ Dysfunction: A Review of Therapeutic Interventions. Biomedicines 2021; 9:279. [PMID: 33801921 PMCID: PMC7999560 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has transfixed the medical world. COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild to severe and underlying chronic conditions such as pulmonary/cardiovascular disease and diabetes induce excessive inflammatory responses to COVID-19 and these underlying chronic diseases are mediated by endothelial dysfunction. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most common cause of death in COVID-19 patients, but coagulation induced by excessive inflammation, thrombosis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) also induce death by multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. These associations imply that maintaining endothelial integrity is crucial for favorable prognoses with COVID-19 and therapeutic intervention to support this may be beneficial. Here, we summarize the extent of heart injuries, ischemic stroke and hemorrhage, acute kidney injury, and liver injury caused by immune-mediated endothelial dysfunction that result in the phenomenon of multi-organ dysfunction seen in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the potential therapeutic effect of angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors that improve endothelial dysfunction as well as the bradykinin storm are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Matsuishi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan; (N.S.); (Y.I.)
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University of Tsukuba Hospital, Tsukuba 305-8571, Japan
- Health & Diseases Research Center for Rural Peoples (HDRCRP), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh;
| | - Bryan J. Mathis
- Medical English Communication Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8571, Japan;
| | - Nobutake Shimojo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan; (N.S.); (Y.I.)
| | - Jesmin Subrina
- Health & Diseases Research Center for Rural Peoples (HDRCRP), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh;
| | - Nobuko Okubo
- Neuroscience Nursing, St. Luke’s International University, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan;
| | - Yoshiaki Inoue
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan; (N.S.); (Y.I.)
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Ancochea J, Izquierdo JL, Soriano JB. Evidence of Gender Differences in the Diagnosis and Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: An Analysis of Electronic Health Records Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:393-404. [DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Ancochea
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L. Izquierdo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Joan B. Soriano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Booz GW, Altara R, Eid AH, Wehbe Z, Fares S, Zaraket H, Habeichi NJ, Zouein FA. Macrophage responses associated with COVID-19: A pharmacological perspective. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173547. [PMID: 32919938 PMCID: PMC7483085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has caused worldwide death and economic destruction. The pandemic is the result of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has demonstrated high rates of infectivity leading to great morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. At present, scientists are exploring various approaches to curb this pandemic and alleviate its health consequences, while racing to develop a vaccine. A particularly insidious aspect of COVID-19 is the delayed overactivation of the body's immune system that is manifested as the cytokine storm. This unbridled production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines can directly or indirectly cause massive organ damage and failure. Systemic vascular endothelial inflammation and thrombocytopenia are potential consequences as well. In the case of COVID-19, the cytokine storm often fits the pattern of the macrophage activation syndrome with lymphocytopenia. The basis for the imbalance between the innate and adaptive immune systems is not clearly defined, but highlights the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on macrophages. Here we discuss the potential underlying basis for the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on macrophages, both direct and indirect, and potential therapeutic targets. These include granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interferons, and CXCL10 (IP-10). Various biopharmaceuticals are being repurposed to target the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients. In addition, we discuss the rationale for activating the macrophage alpha 7 nicotinic receptors as a therapeutic target. A better understanding of the molecular consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection of macrophages could lead to novel and more effective treatments for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaele Altara
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA; Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Zena Wehbe
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut Lebanon
| | - Souha Fares
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology & Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada J Habeichi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; INSERM Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology-UMR-S1180, University Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Fouad A Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.
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10
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Saponaro F, Rutigliano G, Sestito S, Bandini L, Storti B, Bizzarri R, Zucchi R. ACE2 in the Era of SARS-CoV-2: Controversies and Novel Perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:588618. [PMID: 33195436 PMCID: PMC7556165 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.588618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is related to ACE but turned out to counteract several pathophysiological actions of ACE. ACE2 exerts antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects and reduces lung inflammation. ACE2 is subjected to extensive transcriptional and post-transcriptional modulation by epigenetic mechanisms and microRNAs. Also, ACE2 expression is regulated post-translationally by glycosylation, phosphorylation, and shedding from the plasma membrane. ACE2 protein is ubiquitous across mammalian tissues, prominently in the cardiovascular system, kidney, and intestine. ACE2 expression in the respiratory tract is of particular interest, in light of the discovery that ACE2 serves as the initial cellular target of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronaviruses, including the recent SARS-CoV2, responsible of the COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an intense effort has been made to elucidate the biochemical determinants of SARS-CoV2-ACE2 interaction. It has been determined that SARS-CoV2 engages with ACE2 through its spike (S) protein, which consists of two subunits: S1, that mediates binding to the host receptor; S2, that induces fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane and delivery of the viral genome. Owing to the role of ACE2 in SARS-CoV2 pathogenicity, it has been speculated that medical conditions, i.e., hypertension, and/or drugs, i.e., ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, known to influence ACE2 density could alter the fate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The debate is still open and will only be solved when results of properly designed experimental and clinical investigations will be made public. An interesting observation is, however that, upon infection, ACE2 activity is reduced either by downregulation or by shedding. These events might precipitate the so-called "cytokine storm" that characterizes the most severe COVID-19 forms. As evidence accumulates, ACE2 appears a druggable target in the attempt to limit virus entry and replication. Strategies aimed at blocking ACE2 with antibodies, small molecules or peptides, or at neutralizing the virus by competitive binding with exogenously administered ACE2, are currently under investigations. In this review, we will present an overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge on ACE2 biochemistry and pathophysiology, outlining open issues in the context of COVID-19 disease and potential experimental and clinical developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simona Sestito
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Storti
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and CNR-NANO, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ranieri Bizzarri
- Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and CNR-NANO, Pisa, Italy
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11
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Ebrille E, Lucciola MT, Amellone C, Ballocca F, Orlando F, Giammaria M. Syncope as the presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2020; 6:363-366. [PMID: 32373465 PMCID: PMC7198999 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ebrille
- Cardiology Division, Maria Vittoria Hospital, Turin, Italy
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