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Asadipooya K, Asadipooya A, Adatorwovor R. Combination of spironolactone and DPP-4 inhibitors for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a literature review. Arch Virol 2024; 169:122. [PMID: 38753071 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-024-06043-1] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still causing hospitalization and death, and vaccination appears to become less effective with each emerging variant. Spike, non-spike, and other possible unrecognized mutations have reduced the efficacy of recommended therapeutic approaches, including monoclonal antibodies, plasma transfusion, and antivirals. SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and probably dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) to initiate the process of endocytosis by employing host proteases such as transmembrane serine protease-2 (TMPRSS-2) and ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17 (ADAM17). Spironolactone reduces the amount of soluble ACE2 and antagonizes TMPRSS-2 and ADAM17. DPP-4 inhibitors play immunomodulatory roles and may block viral entry. The efficacy of treatment with a combination of spironolactone and DPP-4 inhibitors does not appear to be affected by viral mutations. Therefore, the combination of spironolactone and DPP-4 inhibitors might improve the clinical outcome for COVID-19 patients by decreasing the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells and providing better anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antifibrotic effects than those achieved using current therapeutic approaches such as antivirals and monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamyar Asadipooya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, 2195 Harrodsburg Rd, Suite 125, Lexington, KY, 40504, USA.
| | - Artin Asadipooya
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Wu S, Yang Y, Zhang M, Khan AU, Dai J, Ouyang J. Serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 2 in physiology and pathology: recent advancements. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1334931. [PMID: 38469181 PMCID: PMC10927012 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1334931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are the most numerous and widespread multifunctional protease inhibitor superfamily and are expressed by all eukaryotes. Serpin E2 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 2), a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily is a potent endogenous thrombin inhibitor, mainly found in the extracellular matrix and platelets, and expressed in numerous organs and secreted by many cell types. The multiple functions of serpin E2 are mainly mediated through regulating urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA, also known as PLAU), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA, also known as PLAT), and matrix metalloproteinase activity, and include hemostasis, cell adhesion, and promotion of tumor metastasis. The importance serpin E2 is clear from its involvement in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In this review, we summarize the structural characteristics of the Serpin E2 gene and protein, as well as its roles physiology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutong Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, National Virtual & Reality Experimental Education Center for Medical Morphology (Southern Medical University), National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Xinjin Branch of Chengdu Municipal Public Security Bureau, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, National Virtual & Reality Experimental Education Center for Medical Morphology (Southern Medical University), National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Yue Bei People’s Hospital Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- Chengdu Municipal Public Security Bureau Wenjiang Branch, Chengdu, China
| | - Asmat Ullah Khan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, National Virtual & Reality Experimental Education Center for Medical Morphology (Southern Medical University), National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, National Virtual & Reality Experimental Education Center for Medical Morphology (Southern Medical University), National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digital Medicine and Biomechanics, Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application, National Virtual & Reality Experimental Education Center for Medical Morphology (Southern Medical University), National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Davarpanah MA, Adatorwovor R, Mansoori Y, Ramsheh FSR, Parsa A, Hajiani M, Faramarzi H, Kavuluru R, Asadipooya K. Combination of spironolactone and sitagliptin improves clinical outcomes of outpatients with COVID-19: a prospective cohort study. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:235-243. [PMID: 37354247 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are evidences showing that sitagliptin and spironolactone can potentially improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 cases. In this observational study on acutely symptomatic outpatient COVID-19 cases, we investigated the effects of spironolactone and sitagliptin on the outcomes of the disease. METHODS This is a prospective, naturally randomized cohort study. We followed mild to moderate symptomatic COVID-19 patients, who were treated with either combination (spironolactone 100 mg daily and sitagliptin 100 mg daily) or standard (steroid, antiviral and/or supportive care) therapy up to 30 days. The primary outcome was hospitalization rate. The secondary outcomes included ER visit, duration of disease, and complications, such as hypoglycemia, low blood pressure or altered mental status. RESULTS Of the 206 patients referred to clinics randomly, 103 received standard therapy and 103 treated with combination therapy. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics, except for slightly higher clinical score in control group (6.92 ± 4.01 control, 4.87 ± 2.92 combination; P < 0.0001). Treatment with combination therapy was associated with lower admission rate (5.8% combination, 22.3% control; P = 0.0011), ER visits (7.8% combination, 23.3% control; P = 0.0021) and average duration of symptoms (6.67 ± 2.30 days combination, 18.71 ± 6.49 days control; P ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The combination of sitagliptin and spironolactone reduced duration of COVID infection and hospital visits better than standard therapeutic approaches in outpatients with COVID-19. The effects of combination of sitagliptin and spironolactone in COVID-19 patients should be further verified in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Davarpanah
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - R Adatorwovor
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Y Mansoori
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - F S R Ramsheh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - A Parsa
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - M Hajiani
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - H Faramarzi
- Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - R Kavuluru
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - K Asadipooya
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, 2195 Harrodsburg Rd, Suite 125, Lexington, KY, 40504, USA.
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Karolak I, Hrynkiewicz R, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P, Lechowicz K, Sieńko J, Szylińska A, Dabrowski W, Kotfis K. The Effect of Potassium Canrenoate (Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist) on the Markers of Inflammation in the Treatment of COVID-19 Pneumonia and Fibrosis-A Secondary Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14247. [PMID: 37762549 PMCID: PMC10532011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814247] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that presented mainly as an acute infection of the lower respiratory tract (pneumonia), with multiple long-term consequences, including lung fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of potassium canrenoate on inflammatory markers in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) of intravenous potassium canrenoate vs. placebo was performed between December 2020 and November 2021. This study is a secondary analysis of that RCT. In the final analysis, a total of 49 hospitalized patients were included (24 allocated to the potassium canrenoate group and 25 to the placebo group). Patients were assessed by serum testing and blood cell cytometry on day 1 and day 7 of the intervention. Age, sex, and body mass index were not significantly different between the placebo group and intervention group. Although there was a significantly higher rate of ischemic heart disease in the placebo group, rates of other preexisting comorbidities were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in the inflammatory parameters between the potassium canrenoate and placebo groups on day 1 and day 7. However, the intragroup comparisons using Wilcoxon's test showed significant differences between day 1 and day 7. The CD3% for potassium canrenoate increased significantly between day 1 and day 7 (12.85 ± 9.46; 11.55 vs. 20.50 ± 14.40; 17.80; p = 0.022), while the change in the placebo group was not significant (15.66 ± 11.39; 12.65 vs. 21.16 ± 15.37; 16.40; p = 0.181). The IL-1ß total count [%] increased over time for both potassium canrenoate (0.68 ± 0.58; 0.45 vs. 1.27 ± 0.83; 1.20; p = 0.004) and placebo (0.61 ± 0.59; 0.40 vs. 1.16 ± 0.91; 1.00; p = 0.016). The TNF-α total count (%) decreased significantly between day 1 and day 7 for potassium canrenoate (0.54 ± 0.45; 0.40 vs. 0.25 ± 0.23; 0.10; p = 0.031), but not for placebo (0.53 ± 0.47; 0.35 vs. 0.26 ± 0.31; 0.20; p = 0.056). Interleukin-6 (pg/mL) showed a significant decrease between day 1 and day 7 for potassium canrenoate (64.97 ± 72.52; 41.00 vs. 24.20 ± 69.38; 5.30; p = 0.006), but not the placebo group. This RCT has shown that the administration of potassium canrenoate to patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia may be associated with significant changes in certain inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, CD3%, TNF-α), potentially related to pulmonary fibrosis. Although some positive trends were observed in the potassium canrenoate group, none of these observations reached statistical significance. Any possible benefits from the use of potassium canrenoate as an anti-inflammatory or antifibrotic drug in COVID-19 patients require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Karolak
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Rafał Hrynkiewicz
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland; (R.H.); (P.N.-R.)
| | | | - Kacper Lechowicz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Jerzy Sieńko
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Szylińska
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Dabrowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kotfis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.)
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Cousins HC, Kline AS, Wang C, Qu Y, Zengel J, Carette J, Wang M, Altman RB, Luo Y, Cong L. Integrative analysis of functional genomic screening and clinical data identifies a protective role for spironolactone in severe COVID-19. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100503. [PMID: 37529368 PMCID: PMC10243122 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate that integrative analysis of CRISPR screening datasets enables network-based prioritization of prescription drugs modulating viral entry in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by developing a network-based approach called Rapid proXimity Guidance for Repurposing Investigational Drugs (RxGRID). We use our results to guide a propensity-score-matched, retrospective cohort study of 64,349 COVID-19 patients, showing that a top candidate drug, spironolactone, is associated with improved clinical prognosis, measured by intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation rates. Finally, we show that spironolactone exerts a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on viral entry in human lung epithelial cells. Our RxGRID method presents a computational framework, implemented as an open-source software package, enabling genomics researchers to identify drugs likely to modulate a molecular phenotype of interest based on high-throughput screening data. Our results, derived from this method and supported by experimental and clinical analysis, add additional supporting evidence for a potential protective role of the potassium-sparing diuretic spironolactone in severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry C. Cousins
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Adrienne Sarah Kline
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Chengkun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yuanhao Qu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - James Zengel
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jan Carette
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mengdi Wang
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Russ B. Altman
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Le Cong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Pitt B, Agarwal R, Anker SD, Ruilope LM, Rossing P, Ahlers C, Brinker M, Joseph A, Lambelet M, Lawatscheck R, Filippatos GS. Association of Finerenone Use With Reduction in Treatment-Emergent Pneumonia and COVID-19 Adverse Events Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A FIDELITY Pooled Secondary Analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2236123. [PMID: 36287567 PMCID: PMC9606845 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.36123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing pneumonia as well as an increased risk of severe COVID-19-associated adverse events and mortality. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists via blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor may alter the risk of pneumonia and COVID-19-associated adverse events in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the selective, nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is associated with protection against pneumonia and COVID-19 adverse events in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This secondary analysis used patient-level data from FIDELITY, a prespecified pooled analysis of 2 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven, phase 3 randomized clinical trials: FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD, conducted between September 2015 and February 2021. Patients in FIDELIO-DKD or FIGARO-DKD with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (urine albumin to creatine ratio, 30-5000 mg/g, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥25 mL/min/1.73 m2) were assessed. Data were analyzed from May 15, 2021, to July 28, 2022. EXPOSURE Patients were randomized to finerenone (10 or 20 mg once daily) or matching placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcomes were investigator-reported incidences of treatment-emergent infective pneumonia adverse events and serious adverse events (during and up to 3 days after treatment) and any COVID-19 adverse events. RESULTS Of 13 026 randomized patients (mean [SD] age, 64.8 [9.5] years; 9088 [69.8%] men), 12 999 were included in the FIDELITY safety population (6510 patients receiving finerenone; 6489 patients receiving placebo). Over a median (range) treatment duration of 2.6 (0-5.1) years, finerenone was consistently associated with reduced risk of pneumonia and serious pneumonia vs placebo. Overall, 307 patients (4.7%) treated with finerenone and 434 patients (6.7%) treated with placebo experienced pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71; 95% CI, 0.64-0.79; P < .001). Serious pneumonia occurred in 171 patients (2.6%) treated with finerenone and 250 patients (3.9%) treated with placebo (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60-0.79; P < .001). Incidence proportions of COVID-19 adverse events were 86 patients (1.3%) in the finerenone group and 118 patients (1.8%) in the placebo group (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.60-0.89; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that mineralocorticoid receptor blockade with finerenone was associated with protection against pneumonia and COVID-19 adverse events in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Further clinical studies may be warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: FIDELIO-DKD: NCT02540993; FIGARO-DKD: NCT02545049.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertram Pitt
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Rajiv Agarwal
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, Indianapolis
| | - Stefan D. Anker
- Department of Cardiology (CVK) and Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, German Centre for Cardiovascular Research Partner Site Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis M. Ruilope
- Cardiorenal Translational Laboratory and Hypertension Unit, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER-CV, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter Rossing
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Meike Brinker
- Cardiology and Nephrology Clinical Development, Bayer, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Amer Joseph
- Research and Development, Chiesi, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Gerasimos S. Filippatos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Hollenberg MD, Epstein M. The innate immune response, microenvironment proteinases, and the COVID-19 pandemic: pathophysiologic mechanisms and emerging therapeutic targets. Kidney Int Suppl (2011) 2022; 12:48-62. [PMID: 35316977 PMCID: PMC8931295 DOI: 10.1016/j.kisu.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide, has fully engaged the biomedical community in attempts to elucidate the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and develop robust therapeutic strategies. To this end, the predominant research focus has been on the adaptive immune response to COVID-19 infections stimulated by mRNA and protein vaccines and on the duration and persistence of immune protection. In contrast, the role of the innate immune response to the viral challenge has been underrepresented. This overview focuses on the innate immune response to COVID-19 infection, with an emphasis on the roles of extracellular proteases in the tissue microenvironment. Proteinase-mediated signaling caused by enzymes in the extracellular microenvironment occurs upstream of the increased production of inflammatory cytokines that mediate COVID-19 pathology. These enzymes include the coagulation cascade, kinin-generating plasma kallikrein, and the complement system, as well as angiotensin-generating proteinases of the renin–angiotensin system. Furthermore, in the context of several articles in this Supplement elucidating and detailing the trajectory of diverse profibrotic pathways, we extrapolate these insights to explore how fibrosis and profibrotic pathways participate importantly in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. We propose that the lessons garnered from understanding the roles of microenvironment proteinases in triggering the innate immune response to COVID-19 pathology will identify potential therapeutic targets and inform approaches to the clinical management of COVID-19. Furthermore, the information may also provide a template for understanding the determinants of COVID-19–induced tissue fibrosis that may follow resolution of acute infection (so-called “long COVID”), which represents a major new challenge to our healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morley D. Hollenberg
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Correspondence: Murray Epstein, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, P.O. Box 016960 (R-126), Miami, Florida 33101 USA.
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Association between Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist and Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040645. [PMID: 35455823 PMCID: PMC9027687 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040645] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the onset of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, various potential targeted therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection have been proposed. The protective effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) against tissue fibrosis, pulmonary and systemic vasoconstriction, and inflammation have been implicated in potentially attenuating the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection by inhibiting the deleterious effects of aldosterone. Furthermore, spironolactone, a type of MRA, has been suggested to have a beneficial effect on SARS-CoV-2 outcomes through its dual action as an MRA and antiandrogen, resulting in reduced transmembrane protease receptor serine type 2 (TMPRSS2)-related viral entry to host cells. In this study, we sought to investigate the association between MRA antagonist therapy and mortality in SARS-CoV-2 patients via systematic review and meta-analysis. The systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that reported the incidence of mortality in patients on MRA with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the outcome were obtained using the random-effects model. Five studies with a total of 1,388,178 subjects (80,903 subjects receiving MRA therapy) met the inclusion criteria. We included studies with all types of MRA therapy including spironolactone and canrenone and found no association between MRA therapy and mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR = 0.387, 95% CI: 0.134–1.117, p = 0.079).
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Kotfis K, Karolak I, Lechowicz K, Zegan-Barańska M, Pikulska A, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P, Kawa M, Sieńko J, Szylińska A, Wiśniewska M. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (Potassium Canrenoate) Does Not Influence Outcome in the Treatment of COVID-19-Associated Pneumonia and Fibrosis—A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020200. [PMID: 35215312 PMCID: PMC8874492 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In December 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 virus appeared in the world, mainly presenting as an acute infection of the lower respiratory tract, namely pneumonia. Nearly 10% of all patients show significant pulmonary fibrotic changes after the infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of potassium canrenoate in the treatment of COVID-19-associated pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. We performed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of potassium canrenoate vs placebo. A total of 55 patients were randomized and 49 were included in the final analysis (24 allocated to the intervention group and 25 allocated to the control group). Patients were assessed by physical examination, lung ultrasound, CT imaging and blood samples that underwent biochemical analysis. This RCT has shown that the administration of potassium canrenoate to patients with COVID-19 induced pneumonia was not associated with shorter mechanical ventilation time, shorter passive oxygenation, shorter length of hospitalization or less fibrotic changes on CT imaging. The overall mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups. Adverse events recorded in this study were not significantly increased by the administration of potassium canrenoate. The negative outcome of the study may be associated with the relatively small number of patients included. Any possible benefits from the use of potassium canrenoate as an antifibrotic drug in COVID-19 patients require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kotfis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.); (M.Z.-B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Igor Karolak
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.); (M.Z.-B.); (A.P.)
| | - Kacper Lechowicz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.); (M.Z.-B.); (A.P.)
| | - Małgorzata Zegan-Barańska
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.); (M.Z.-B.); (A.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Pikulska
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (I.K.); (K.L.); (M.Z.-B.); (A.P.)
| | | | - Miłosz Kawa
- Department of Radiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Sieńko
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Szylińska
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Magda Wiśniewska
- Clinical Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
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10
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Simko F, Baka T. Commentary: Effect of Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Inhibitor and Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist Treatment on ACE2 Expression and SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Primary Airway Epithelial Cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:842512. [PMID: 35153802 PMCID: PMC8832014 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.842512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fedor Simko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- *Correspondence: Fedor Simko,
| | - Tomas Baka
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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11
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Kumar N, Zuo Y, Yalavarthi S, Hunker KL, Knight JS, Kanthi Y, Obi AT, Ganesh SK. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein S1-Mediated Endothelial Injury and Pro-Inflammatory State Is Amplified by Dihydrotestosterone and Prevented by Mineralocorticoid Antagonism. Viruses 2021; 13:2209. [PMID: 34835015 PMCID: PMC8617813 DOI: 10.3390/v13112209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Men are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), and face higher odds of severe illness and death compared to women. The vascular effects of androgen signaling and inflammatory cytokines in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-mediated endothelial injury are not defined. We determined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-mediated endothelial injury under conditions of exposure to androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) and tested potentially therapeutic effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism by spironolactone. Circulating endothelial injury markers VCAM-1 and E-selectin were measured in men and women diagnosed with COVID-19. Exposure of endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro to DHT exacerbated spike protein S1-mediated endothelial injury transcripts for the cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and anti-fibrinolytic PAI-1 (p < 0.05), and increased THP-1 monocyte adhesion to ECs (p = 0.032). Spironolactone dramatically reduced DHT+S1-induced endothelial activation. TNF-α exacerbated S1-induced EC activation, which was abrogated by pretreatment with spironolactone. Analysis from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 showed concordant higher circulating VCAM-1 and E-Selectin levels in men, compared to women. A beneficial effect of the FDA-approved drug spironolactone was observed on endothelial cells in vitro, supporting a rationale for further evaluation of mineralocorticoid antagonism as an adjunct treatment in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (N.K.); (K.L.H.); (Y.K.)
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yu Zuo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Srilakshmi Yalavarthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Kristina L. Hunker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (N.K.); (K.L.H.); (Y.K.)
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason S. Knight
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (J.S.K.)
| | - Yogendra Kanthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (N.K.); (K.L.H.); (Y.K.)
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrea T. Obi
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Santhi K. Ganesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (N.K.); (K.L.H.); (Y.K.)
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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12
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Sfera A, Osorio C, Rahman L, Zapata-Martín del Campo CM, Maldonado JC, Jafri N, Cummings MA, Maurer S, Kozlakidis Z. PTSD as an Endothelial Disease: Insights From COVID-19. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:770387. [PMID: 34776871 PMCID: PMC8586713 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.770387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiologic agent of COVID-19, has affected almost every aspect of human life, precipitating stress-related pathology in vulnerable individuals. As the prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder in pandemic survivors exceeds that of the general and special populations, the virus may predispose to this disorder by directly interfering with the stress-processing pathways. The SARS-CoV-2 interactome has identified several antigens that may disrupt the blood-brain-barrier by inducing premature senescence in many cell types, including the cerebral endothelial cells. This enables the stress molecules, including angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, to aberrantly activate the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex, increasing the vulnerability to stress related disorders. This is supported by observing the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in both posttraumatic stress disorder and SARS-CoV-2 critical illness. In this narrative review, we take a closer look at the virus-host dialog and its impact on the renin-angiotensin system, mitochondrial fitness, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. We discuss the role of furin cleaving site, the fibrinolytic system, and Sigma-1 receptor in the pathogenesis of psychological trauma. In other words, learning from the virus, clarify the molecular underpinnings of stress related disorders, and design better therapies for these conditions. In this context, we emphasize new potential treatments, including furin and bromodomains inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adonis Sfera
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Carolina Osorio
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Leah Rahman
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | | | - Jose Campo Maldonado
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | - Nyla Jafri
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | | | - Steve Maurer
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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13
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Kolkhof P, Joseph A, Kintscher U. Nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism for cardiovascular and renal disorders - New perspectives for combination therapy. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105859. [PMID: 34461222 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During the recent 30 years, there has been a dramatic increase in knowledge about the role of aldosterone and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular (CV) and kidney diseases. The scientific perspective on the aldosterone/MR ensemble extended from a previously renal epithelial-centered focus on sodium-potassium exchange to a broader view as systemic modulators of extracellular matrix, inflammation and fibrosis. Spironolactone was launched as the first antagonist of aldosterone 27 years before the MR was cloned. It was classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, based on its initial clinical characterization as a diuretic and its preferred activity to compensate for the potassium loss induced by loop diuretics when used in combination. The second steroidal MR antagonist was eplerenone which was discovered at a time when the role of aldosterone and MR in cardiac fibrosis was rediscovered. The constraint of developing potentially life-threatening hyperkalaemia when used in combination with other inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) in patients with reduced kidney function initiated extensive research and development activities with the goal to identify novel nonsteroidal MR antagonists with an improved benefit-risk ratio. Here we summarize major current clinical trials with MRAs in different CV and renal diseases. Addition of the nonsteroidal MRA finerenone to optimal RAS blockade recently reduced CV and kidney outcomes in two large phase III trials in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We provide an outlook on further opportunities for combination therapy of nonsteroidal MRA finerenone with RAS inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kolkhof
- Cardiovascular Research, Research and Early Development, R&D Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Amer Joseph
- Cardiology and Nephrology, Clinical Development, R&D Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kintscher
- Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal Research Center, 10115 Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Germany
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14
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ACE2, the Counter-Regulatory Renin-Angiotensin System Axis and COVID-19 Severity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173885. [PMID: 34501332 PMCID: PMC8432177 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin (ANG)-converting enzyme (ACE2) is an entry receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ACE2 also contributes to a deviation of the lung renin-angiotensin system (RAS) towards its counter-regulatory axis, thus transforming harmful ANG II to protective ANG (1-7). Based on this purported ACE2 double function, it has been put forward that the benefit from ACE2 upregulation with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) counterbalances COVID-19 risks due to counter-regulatory RAS axis amplification. In this manuscript we discuss the relationship between ACE2 expression and function in the lungs and other organs and COVID-19 severity. Recent data suggested that the involvement of ACE2 in the lung counter-regulatory RAS axis is limited. In this setting, an augmentation of ACE2 expression and/or a dissociation of ACE2 from the ANG (1-7)/Mas pathways that leaves unopposed the ACE2 function, the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, predisposes to more severe disease and it appears to often occur in the relevant risk factors. Further, the effect of RAASi on ACE2 expression and on COVID-19 severity and the overall clinical implications are discussed.
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15
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers: potential allies in the COVID-19 pandemic instead of a threat? Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1009-1014. [PMID: 33881142 PMCID: PMC8062870 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the leading player of the protective renin–angiotensin system (RAS) pathway but also the entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). RAS inhibitors seemed to interfere with the ACE2 receptor, and their safety was addressed in COVID-19 patients. Pedrosa et al. (Clin. Sci. (Lond.) (2021), 135, 465–481) showed in rats that captopril and candesartan up-regulated ACE2 expression and the protective RAS pathway in lung tissue. In culture of pneumocytes, the captopril/candesartan-induced ACE2 up-regulation was associated with inhibition of ADAM17 activity, counterbalancing increased ACE2 expression, which was associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 spike protein entry. If confirmed in humans, these results could become the pathophysiological background for justifying RAS inhibitors as cornerstone cardiovascular protectives even during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) associates with a considerable high rate of mortality and represents currently the most important concern in global health. The risk of more severe clinical manifestation of COVID-19 is higher in males and steeply raised with age but also increased by the presence of chronic comorbidities. Among the latter, early reports suggested that arterial hypertension associates with higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, more severe course and increased COVID-19-related deaths. Furthermore, experimental studies suggested that key pathophysiological hypertension mechanisms, such as activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), may play a role in COVID-19. In fact, ACE2 (angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2) is the pivotal receptor for SARS-CoV-2 to enter host cells and provides thus a link between COVID-19 and RAS. It was thus anticipated that drugs modulating the RAS including an upregulation of ACE2 may increase the risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2 and poorer outcomes in COVID-19. Since the use of RAS-blockers, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, represents the backbone of recommended antihypertensive therapy and intense debate about their use in the COVID-19 pandemic has developed. Currently, a direct role of hypertension, independent of age and other comorbidities, as a risk factor for the SARS-COV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcome, particularly death, has not been established. Similarly, both current experimental and clinical studies do not support an unfavorable effect of RAS-blockers or other classes of first line blood pressure lowering drugs in COVID-19. Here, we review available data on the role of hypertension and its management on COVID-19. Conversely, some aspects as to how the COVID-19 affects hypertension management and impacts on future developments are also briefly discussed. COVID-19 has and continues to proof the critical importance of hypertension research to address questions that are important for global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Savoia
- Clinical and Molecular Medicine Department, Division of Cardiology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (C.S., M.V.)
| | - Massimo Volpe
- Clinical and Molecular Medicine Department, Division of Cardiology, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy (C.S., M.V.)
| | - Reinhold Kreutz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie und Toxikologie (R.K.)
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17
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Simko F, Hrenak J, Adamcova M, Paulis L. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System: Friend or Foe-The Matter of Balance. Insight on History, Therapeutic Implications and COVID-19 Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063217. [PMID: 33809971 PMCID: PMC8004737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fedor Simko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.H.); (L.P.)
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 83305 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-(0)2-59357276
| | - Jaroslav Hrenak
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.H.); (L.P.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Inselspital—University Hospital of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Adamcova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Ludovit Paulis
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.H.); (L.P.)
- Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre for Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
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18
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Chifu I, Detomas M, Dischinger U, Kimpel O, Megerle F, Hahner S, Fassnacht M, Altieri B. Management of Patients With Glucocorticoid-Related Diseases and COVID-19. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:705214. [PMID: 34594302 PMCID: PMC8476969 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.705214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a global health crisis affecting millions of people worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 enters the host cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) after being cleaved by the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). In addition to the lung, gastrointestinal tract and kidney, ACE2 is also extensively expressed in endocrine tissues, including the pituitary and adrenal glands. Although glucocorticoids could play a central role as immunosuppressants during the cytokine storm, they can have both stimulating and inhibitory effects on immune response, depending on the timing of their administration and their circulating levels. Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) or Cushing's syndrome (CS) are therefore vulnerable groups in relation to COVID-19. Additionally, patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) could also be more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the immunosuppressive state caused by the cancer itself, by secreted glucocorticoids, and by anticancer treatments. This review comprehensively summarizes the current literature on susceptibility to and outcome of COVID-19 in AI, CS and ACC patients and emphasizes potential pathophysiological mechanisms of susceptibility to COVID-19 as well as the management of these patients in case of SARS-CoV-2. Finally, by performing an in silico analysis, we describe the mRNA expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and the genes encoding their co-receptors CTSB, CTSL and FURIN in normal adrenal and adrenocortical tumors (both adenomas and carcinomas).
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Chifu
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Detomas
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dischinger
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Otilia Kimpel
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Felix Megerle
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Hahner
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Central Laboratory, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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