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Aghajani Mir M. Illuminating the pathogenic role of SARS-CoV-2: Insights into competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) regulatory networks. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 122:105613. [PMID: 38844190 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The appearance of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 triggered a significant economic and health crisis worldwide, with heterogeneous molecular mechanisms that contribute to its development are not yet fully understood. Although substantial progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2 infection and therapy, it continues to rank among the top three global causes of mortality due to infectious illnesses. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), being integral components across nearly all biological processes, demonstrate effective importance in viral pathogenesis. Regarding viral infections, ncRNAs have demonstrated their ability to modulate host reactions, viral replication, and host-pathogen interactions. However, the complex interactions of different types of ncRNAs in the progression of COVID-19 remains understudied. In recent years, a novel mechanism of post-transcriptional gene regulation known as "competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA)" has been proposed. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and viral ncRNAs function as ceRNAs, influencing the expression of associated genes by sequestering shared microRNAs. Recent research on SARS-CoV-2 has revealed that disruptions in specific ceRNA regulatory networks (ceRNETs) contribute to the abnormal expression of key infection-related genes and the establishment of distinctive infection characteristics. These findings present new opportunities to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, offering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This progress paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of ceRNETs, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms involved. Further exploration of these mechanisms holds promise for enhancing our ability to prevent viral infections and develop effective antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Aghajani Mir
- Deputy of Research and Technology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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2
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Laughey W, Lodhi I, Pennick G, Smart L, Sanni O, Sandhu S, Charlesworth B. Ibuprofen, other NSAIDs and COVID-19: a narrative review. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:2147-2159. [PMID: 37603158 PMCID: PMC10518289 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01309-7] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
At the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March 2020), there was speculation that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, used to manage some of the symptoms of COVID-19, could increase the susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and negatively impact clinical outcomes. In the absence of any robust mechanistic and clinical evidence, this speculation led to confusion about the safety of ibuprofen, contributing to the so-called 'infodemic' surrounding COVID-19. A wealth of evidence has been generated in subsequent years, and this narrative review aims to consider the body of in vitro and in vivo research, observational studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the use of NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, in COVID-19. Overall, the direction of evidence supports that NSAIDs do not increase susceptibility to infection, nor worsen disease outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Neither do they impact the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines. There is no basis to limit the use of NSAIDs, and doing so may deprive patients of effective self-care measures to control symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Laughey
- Reckitt Health Care UK Ltd, Hull, UK.
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
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3
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Party P, Ambrus R. Investigation of Physico-Chemical Stability and Aerodynamic Properties of Novel "Nano-in-Micro" Structured Dry Powder Inhaler System. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1348. [PMID: 37512657 PMCID: PMC10386112 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary drug transport has numerous benefits. Large surface areas for absorption and limited drug degradation of the gastrointestinal system are provided through the respiratory tract. The administration is painless and easy for the patient. Due to their better stability when compared to liquid formulations, powders have gained popularity among pulmonary formulations. In the pharmaceutical sector, quality assurance and product stability have drawn a lot of attention. Due to this, it was decided to perform a long-term stability study on a previously developed, nanosized dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation that contained meloxicam. Wet milling was implemented to reduce the particle size, and nano spray-drying was used to produce the extra-fine inhalable particles. The particle diameter was determined using dynamic light scattering and laser diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to describe the morphology. X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to determine the crystallinity. In an artificial lung medium, the in vitro dissolution was studied. The Andersen Cascade Impactor was used to investigate the in vitro aerodynamic characteristics. The stability test results demonstrated that the DPI formulation maintained its essential qualities after 6 and 12 months of storage. Consequently, the product might be promising for further studies and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Party
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Rita Ambrus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology and Regulatory Affairs, University of Szeged, Eötvös Street 6, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
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4
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Chen P, Wu M, He Y, Jiang B, He ML. Metabolic alterations upon SARS-CoV-2 infection and potential therapeutic targets against coronavirus infection. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:237. [PMID: 37286535 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01510-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a global pandemic due to the high viral transmissibility and pathogenesis, bringing enormous burden to our society. Most patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Although only a small proportion of patients progressed to severe COVID-19 with symptoms including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated coagulopathy, and cardiovascular disorders, severe COVID-19 is accompanied by high mortality rates with near 7 million deaths. Nowadays, effective therapeutic patterns for severe COVID-19 are still lacking. It has been extensively reported that host metabolism plays essential roles in various physiological processes during virus infection. Many viruses manipulate host metabolism to avoid immunity, facilitate their own replication, or to initiate pathological response. Targeting the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host metabolism holds promise for developing therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent studies dedicated to uncovering the role of host metabolism during the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in aspects of entry, replication, assembly, and pathogenesis with an emphasis on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Microbiota and long COVID-19 are also discussed. Ultimately, we recapitulate metabolism-modulating drugs repurposed for COVID-19 including statins, ASM inhibitors, NSAIDs, Montelukast, omega-3 fatty acids, 2-DG, and metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiran Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mandi Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yaqing He
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Binghua Jiang
- Cell Signaling and Proteomic Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ming-Liang He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China.
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5
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Significance of Pulmonary Endothelial Injury and the Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prostanoid Signaling. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:bioengineering10010117. [PMID: 36671689 PMCID: PMC9855370 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The endothelium plays a key role in the dynamic balance of hemodynamic, humoral and inflammatory processes in the human body. Its central importance and the resulting therapeutic concepts are the subject of ongoing research efforts and form the basis for the treatment of numerous diseases. The pulmonary endothelium is an essential component for the gas exchange in humans. Pulmonary endothelial dysfunction has serious consequences for the oxygenation and the gas exchange in humans with the potential of consecutive multiple organ failure. Therefore, in this review, the dysfunction of the pulmonary endothel due to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, ventilator-related injury, and aspiration is presented in a medical context. Selected aspects of the interaction of endothelial cells with primarily alveolar macrophages are reviewed in more detail. Elucidation of underlying causes and mechanisms of damage and repair may lead to new therapeutic approaches. Specific emphasis is placed on the processes leading to the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and downstream prostanoid-based signaling pathways associated with this enzyme.
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Mimicking Gene-Environment Interaction of Higher Altitude Dwellers by Intermittent Hypoxia Training: COVID-19 Preventive Strategies. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010006. [PMID: 36671699 PMCID: PMC9855005 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to protect against hypoxia pathogenesis in several investigations. It has also been utilized as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. COX inhibitors, which have previously been shown to be effective in treating previous viral and malarial infections are strong candidates for improving the COVID-19 therapeutic doctrine. However, another COX inhibitor, ibuprofen, is linked to an increase in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which could increase virus susceptibility. Hence, inhibiting COX2 via therapeutics might not always be protective and we need to investigate the downstream molecules that may be involved in hypoxia environment adaptation. Research has discovered that people who are accustomed to reduced oxygen levels at altitude may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19. It is important to highlight that the study's conclusions only applied to those who regularly lived at high altitudes; they did not apply to those who occasionally moved to higher altitudes but still lived at lower altitudes. COVID-19 appears to be more dangerous to individuals residing at lower altitudes. The downstream molecules in the (COX2) pathway have been shown to adapt in high-altitude dwellers, which may partially explain why these individuals have a lower prevalence of COVID-19 infection. More research is needed, however, to directly address COX2 expression in people living at higher altitudes. It is possible to mimic the gene-environment interaction of higher altitude people by intermittent hypoxia training. COX-2 adaptation resulting from hypoxic exposure at altitude or intermittent hypoxia exercise training (IHT) seems to have an important therapeutic function. Swimming, a type of IHT, was found to lower COX-2 protein production, a pro-inflammatory milieu transcription factor, while increasing the anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, Intermittent Hypoxia Preconditioning (IHP) has been demonstrated in numerous clinical investigations to enhance patients' cardiopulmonary function, raise cardiorespiratory fitness, and increase tissues' and organs' tolerance to ischemia. Biochemical activities of IHP have also been reported as a feasible application strategy for IHP for the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we aim to highlight some of the most relevant shared genes implicated with COVID-19 pathogenesis and hypoxia. We hypothesize that COVID-19 pathogenesis and hypoxia share a similar mechanism that affects apoptosis, proliferation, the immune system, and metabolism. We also highlight the necessity of studying individuals who live at higher altitudes to emulate their gene-environment interactions and compare the findings with IHT. Finally, we propose COX2 as an upstream target for testing the effectiveness of IHT in preventing or minimizing the effects of COVID-19 and other oxygen-related pathological conditions in the future.
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Effect of the Duration of NSAID Use on COVID-19. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58121713. [PMID: 36556916 PMCID: PMC9781801 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to control pain and fever. However, their effect on COVID-19 infected patients has not been fully studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of the duration of NSAIDs use on COVID-19 infection and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: In South Korea, 25,739 eligible patients who received COVID-19 testing between 1 January and 31 July 2020, were included in this retrospective observational cohort analysis. Based on the date of the first COVID-19 test for each patient, NSAID prescription dates were used to separate patients into two groups (short-term group: <2 weeks; long-term group: 8−12 weeks). COVID-19 infectivity and clinical outcomes were analyzed. We used the propensity score-matching (PSM) method. Results: Of the 580 patients who had taken NSAIDs before the date of COVID-19 test, 534 and 46 patients were grouped in the short- and long-term NSAID-use groups, respectively. We did not find a statistically significant increased risk of COVID-19 infection (adjustment for age and sex, p = 0.413; adjustment for age, sex, region of residence, comorbidity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and current use of medication, p = 0.259) or change in clinical outcomes, including conventional oxygen therapy, admission of intensive care unit, artificial ventilation, or death, between the two groups in which the PSM method was applied. Conclusions: The duration of NSAIDs use did not have a statistically significant effect on COVID-19 infectivity or clinical outcomes. However, further studies looking at clinical presentation and laboratory test results in a large number of people should be performed.
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8
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Al‐kuraishy HM, Al‐Gareeb AI, Kaushik A, Kujawska M, Batiha GE. Ginkgo biloba in the management of the COVID-19 severity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200188. [PMID: 35672257 PMCID: PMC9348126 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is linked with inflammatory disorders and the development of oxidative stress in extreme cases. Therefore, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drugs may alleviate these complications. Ginkgo biloba L. folium extract (EGb) is a herbal medicine containing various active constituents. This review aims to provide a critical discussion on the potential role of EGb in the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The antiviral effect of EGb is mediated by different mechanisms, including blocking SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease that provides trans-variant effectiveness. Moreover, EGb impedes the development of pulmonary inflammatory disorders through the diminution of neutrophil elastase activity, the release of proinflammatory cytokines, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis. Thus, EGb can attenuate the acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19. In conclusion, EGb offers the potential of being used as adjuvant antiviral and symptomatic therapy. Nanosystems enabling targeted delivery, personalization, and booster of effects provide the opportunity for the use of EGb in modern phytotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al‐kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineALmustansiriyia UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineALmustansiriyia UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ajeet Kaushik
- NanoBioTech Laboratory, Health System Engineering, Department of Environmental EngineeringFlorida Polytechnic UniversityLakelandFloridaUSA
| | | | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityDamanhourAlBeheiraEgypt
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9
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Abdel Shaheed C, Beardsley J, Day RO, McLachlan AJ. Immunomodulatory effects of pharmaceutical opioids and antipyretic analgesics: Mechanisms and relevance to infection. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:3114-3131. [PMID: 35229890 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how pharmaceutical opioids and antipyretic analgesics interact with the immune system potentially has major clinical implications for management of patients with infectious diseases and surgical and critical care patients. An electronic search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and the Cochrane library to identify reports describing the immunomodulatory effects of opioid analgesics and antipyretic analgesics, and their effects in infectious diseases. In adaptive immunity, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have divergent effects: augmenting cell-mediated immunity but inhibiting humoral immunity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have demonstrated a beneficial role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and histoplasmosis in animals, and may be plausible adjuvants to antimicrobial agents in these diseases. There is a need to evaluate these findings rigorously in human clinical trials. There is preliminary evidence demonstrating antiviral effects of indomethacin in SARS CoV-2 in vitro; however, uncertainty regarding its clinical benefit in humans needs to be resolved in large clinical trials. Certain opioid analgesics are associated with immunosuppressive effects, with a developing understanding that fentanyl, morphine, methadone and buprenorphine suppress innate immunity, whilst having diverse effects on adaptive immunity. Morphine suppresses key cells of the innate immunity and is associated with greater risk of infection in the postsurgical setting. Efforts are needed to achieve adequate analgesia whilst avoiding suppression of the innate immunity in the immediate postoperative period caused by certain opioids, particularly in cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Abdel Shaheed
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard O Day
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Kelleni MT. NSAIDs and Kelleni's protocol as potential early COVID-19 treatment game changer: could it be the final countdown? Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:343-348. [PMID: 34822026 PMCID: PMC8613510 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00896-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have previously published several papers illustrating numerous immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential benefits when we repurposed safe, generic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/nitazoxanide/azithromycin (Kelleni's protocol), to early manage our COVID-19 pediatric, adult, and pregnant patients. In this manuscript, we discuss some recently published meta-analysis and clinical studies supporting our practice and discuss a molecular study that might be interpreted as an academic proof that our protocol might also prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication. Moreover, after aspirin has been suggested to be independently associated with reduced risk of mechanical ventilation, ICU admission and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19, we claim that the molecular interpretation of the results that led to this suggestion was not scientifically accurate, and we provide our academic interpretation confirming that low-dose aspirin is least likely to improve COVID-19 mortality through anticoagulation as was suggested. Furthermore, we describe other potential benefits related to aspirin-triggered lipoxins and resolvins while illustrating how NSAIDs interfere with COX-1, COX-2, SARS-CoV-2/ SARS-CoV-2 ORF protein-dependent activation of caspases and their subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis and necroptosis which were associated with COVID-19 complications. Similarly, NSAIDs are known caspase inhibitors and thus they might independently inhibit other caspase-related COVID-19-associated downstream pathological signaling mechanisms. Finally, we postulated that CARD-14, a caspase recruitment domain-containing protein, polymorphisms might play a role in the development of severe and critical COVID-19 and confirmed our old call to early adopt NSAIDs, as an integral part of Kelleni's protocol, as of choice in its management aiming to end this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina T Kelleni
- Pharmacology Department, College of Medicine, Minia University, Minya, Egypt.
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de Bruin N, Schneider AK, Reus P, Talmon S, Ciesek S, Bojkova D, Cinatl J, Lodhi I, Charlesworth B, Sinclair S, Pennick G, Laughey WF, Gribbon P, Kannt A, Schiffmann S. Ibuprofen, Flurbiprofen, Etoricoxib or Paracetamol Do Not Influence ACE2 Expression and Activity In Vitro or in Mice and Do Not Exacerbate In-Vitro SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031049. [PMID: 35162972 PMCID: PMC8835123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 uses the human cell surface protein angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor by which it gains access into lung and other tissue. Early in the pandemic, there was speculation that a number of commonly used medications—including ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—have the potential to upregulate ACE2, thereby possibly facilitating viral entry and increasing the severity of COVID-19. We investigated the influence of the NSAIDS with a range of cyclooxygenase (COX)1 and COX2 selectivity (ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, etoricoxib) and paracetamol on the level of ACE2 mRNA/protein expression and activity as well as their influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection levels in a Caco-2 cell model. We also analysed the ACE2 mRNA/protein levels and activity in lung, heart and aorta in ibuprofen treated mice. The drugs had no effect on ACE2 mRNA/protein expression and activity in the Caco-2 cell model. There was no up-regulation of ACE2 mRNA/protein expression and activity in lung, heart and aorta tissue in ibuprofen-treated mice in comparison to untreated mice. Viral load was significantly reduced by both flurbiprofen and ibuprofen at high concentrations. Ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, etoricoxib and paracetamol demonstrated no effects on ACE2 expression or activity in vitro or in vivo. Higher concentrations of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (A.-K.S.); (S.T.); (S.C.)
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune Mediated Diseases, CIMD, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Schneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (A.-K.S.); (S.T.); (S.C.)
| | - Philipp Reus
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.R.); (D.B.); (J.C.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Sonja Talmon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (A.-K.S.); (S.T.); (S.C.)
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (A.-K.S.); (S.T.); (S.C.)
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.R.); (D.B.); (J.C.)
| | - Denisa Bojkova
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.R.); (D.B.); (J.C.)
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (P.R.); (D.B.); (J.C.)
| | - Imran Lodhi
- Reckitt Healthcare Ltd., Dansom Lane South, Kingston Upon Hull HU8 7DS, UK; (I.L.); (B.C.); (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.F.L.)
| | - Bruce Charlesworth
- Reckitt Healthcare Ltd., Dansom Lane South, Kingston Upon Hull HU8 7DS, UK; (I.L.); (B.C.); (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.F.L.)
| | - Simon Sinclair
- Reckitt Healthcare Ltd., Dansom Lane South, Kingston Upon Hull HU8 7DS, UK; (I.L.); (B.C.); (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.F.L.)
| | - Graham Pennick
- Reckitt Healthcare Ltd., Dansom Lane South, Kingston Upon Hull HU8 7DS, UK; (I.L.); (B.C.); (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.F.L.)
| | - William F. Laughey
- Reckitt Healthcare Ltd., Dansom Lane South, Kingston Upon Hull HU8 7DS, UK; (I.L.); (B.C.); (S.S.); (G.P.); (W.F.L.)
- Health Professions Education Unit, Hull York Medical School, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Philip Gribbon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Discovery Research ScreeningPort, 22525 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Aimo Kannt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (A.-K.S.); (S.T.); (S.C.)
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune Mediated Diseases, CIMD, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.K.); or (S.S.); Tel.: +49-69-870025053 (A.K.); +49-69-870025060 (S.S.); Fax: +49-69-870010000 (S.S.)
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (A.-K.S.); (S.T.); (S.C.)
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: (A.K.); or (S.S.); Tel.: +49-69-870025053 (A.K.); +49-69-870025060 (S.S.); Fax: +49-69-870010000 (S.S.)
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12
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Barbagallo D, Palermo CI, Barbagallo C, Battaglia R, Caponnetto A, Spina V, Ragusa M, Di Pietro C, Scalia G, Purrello M. Competing endogenous RNA network mediated by circ_3205 in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:75. [PMID: 35039944 PMCID: PMC8763136 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new member of the Betacoronaviridae family, responsible for the recent pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. To start exploring the molecular events that follow host cell infection, we queried VirusCircBase and identified a circular RNA (circRNA) predicted to be synthesized by SARS-CoV-2, circ_3205, which we used to probe: (i) a training cohort comprised of two pools of cells from three nasopharyngeal swabs of SARS-CoV-2 infected (positive) or uninfected (negative, UCs) individuals; (ii) a validation cohort made up of 12 positive and 3 negative samples. The expression of circRNAs, miRNAs and miRNA targets was assayed through real-time PCR. CircRNA-miRNA interactions were predicted by TarpMiR, Analysis of Common Targets for circular RNAs (ACT), and STarMir tools. Enrichment of the biological processes and the list of predicted miRNA targets were retrieved from DIANA miRPath v3.0. Our results showed that the predicted SARS-CoV-2 circ_3205 was expressed only in positive samples and its amount positively correlated with that of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) mRNA and the viral load (r values = 0.80952 and 0.84867, Spearman's correlation test, respectively). Human (hsa) miR-298 was predicted to interact with circ_3205 by all three predictive tools. KCNMB4 and PRKCE were predicted as hsa-miR-298 targets. Interestingly, the function of both is correlated with blood coagulation and immune response. KCNMB4 and PRKCE mRNAs were upregulated in positive samples as compared to UCs (6 and 8.1-fold, p values = 0.049 and 0.02, Student's t test, respectively) and their expression positively correlated with that of circ_3205 (r values = 0.6 and 0.25, Spearman's correlation test, respectively). We propose that our results convincingly suggest that circ_3205 is a circRNA synthesized by SARS-CoV-2 upon host cell infection and that it may behave as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), sponging hsa-miR-298 and contributing to the upregulation of KCNMB4 and PRKCE mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Concetta Ilenia Palermo
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico‑Vittorio Emanuele, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Angela Caponnetto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Vittoria Spina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Medical Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Scalia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
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13
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Chiang KC, Rizk JG, Nelson DJ, Krishnamurti L, Subbian S, Imig JD, Khan I, Reddy ST, Gupta A. Ramatroban for chemoprophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: David takes on Goliath. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:13-28. [PMID: 35068281 PMCID: PMC10119876 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2031975] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In COVID-19 pneumonia, there is a massive increase in fatty acid levels and lipid mediators with a predominance of cyclooxygenase metabolites, notably TxB2 ≫ PGE2 > PGD2 in the lungs, and 11-dehydro-TxB2, a TxA2 metabolite, in the systemic circulation. While TxA2 stimulates thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptors, 11-dehydro-TxB2 is a full agonist of DP2 (formerly known as the CRTh2) receptors for PGD2. Anecdotal experience of using ramatroban, a dual receptor antagonist of the TxA2/TP and PGD2/DP2 receptors, demonstrated rapid symptomatic relief from acute respiratory distress and hypoxemia while avoiding hospitalization. AREAS COVERED Evidence supporting the role of TxA2/TP receptors and PGD2/DP2 receptors in causing rapidly progressive lung injury associated with hypoxemia, a maladaptive immune response and thromboinflammation is discussed. An innovative perspective on the dual antagonism of TxA2/TP and PGD2/DP2 receptor signaling as a therapeutic approach in COVID-19 is presented. This paper examines ramatroban an anti-platelet, immunomodulator, and antifibrotic agent for acute and long-haul COVID-19. EXPERT OPINION Ramatroban, a dual blocker of TP and DP2 receptors, has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of respiratory dysfunction, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and sepsis, as well as preliminary evidence for rapid relief from dyspnea and hypoxemia in COVID-19 pneumonia. Ramatroban merits investigation as a promising antithrombotic and immunomodulatory agent for chemoprophylaxis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John G. Rizk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Arizona State University, Edson College, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Lakshmanan Krishnamurti
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Selvakumar Subbian
- Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School and Public Health Research Institute, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - John D. Imig
- Drug Discovery Center and Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Srinivasa T. Reddy
- Departments of Medicine, and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Degree Program, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Charak Foundation, Orange, CA
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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14
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Zhou B, Li S, Ye J, Liu Y, Hu L, Tang Y, Wu Z, Zhang P. Immunopathological events surrounding IL-6 and IFN-α: A bridge for anti-lupus erythematosus drugs used to treat COVID-19. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108254. [PMID: 34710657 PMCID: PMC8527889 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108254] [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: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
With the outbreak and rapid spread of COVID-19, the world health situation is unprecedentedly severe. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease, which can cause multiple organ damage. Numerous studies have shown that immune factors have important roles in the pathogenesis of both COVID-19 and SLE. In the early stages of COVID-19 and SLE pathogenesis, IFN-α expression is frequently increased, which aggravates the virus infection and promotes SLE development. In addition, increased IL-6 levels, caused by different mechanisms, are observed in the peripheral blood of patients with severe COVID-19 and SLE, stimulating a series of immune cascades that lead to a cytokine storm, as well as causing B cell hyperfunction and production of numerous of antibodies, aggravating both COVID-19 and SLE. In this review, we explore the background immunopathological mechanisms in COVID-19 and SLE and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used SLE drugs for patients with COVID-19, to optimize treatment plans for patients with SLE who develop COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangyi Zhou
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China,Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siying Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jujian Ye
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China,Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China
| | - Longtai Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Tang
- Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University/The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijian Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Boai Hospital of Zhongshan, Southern Medical University, People’s Republic of China,Corresponding authors
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China,Corresponding authors
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15
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Pandolfi S, Chirumbolo S, Ricevuti G, Valdenassi L, Bjørklund G, Lysiuk R, Doşa MD, Lenchyk L, Fazio S. Home pharmacological therapy in early COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization and reduce mortality: Time for a suitable proposal. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021; 130:225-239. [PMID: 34811895 PMCID: PMC9011697 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID‐19 pandemic is a highly dramatic concern for mankind. In Italy, the pandemic exerted its major impact throughout the period of February to June 2020. To date, the awkward amount of more than 134,000 deaths has been reported. Yet, post‐mortem autopsy was performed on a very modest number of patients who died from COVID‐19 infection, leading to a first confirmation of an immune‐thrombosis of the lungs as the major COVID‐19 pathogenesis, likewise for SARS. Since then (June–August 2020), no targeted early therapy considering this pathogenetic issue was approached. The patients treated with early anti‐inflammatory, anti‐platelet, anticoagulant and antibiotic therapy confirmed that COVID‐19 was an endothelial inflammation with immuno‐thrombosis. Patients not treated or scarcely treated with the most proper and appropriate therapy and in the earliest, increased the hospitalization rate in the intensive care units and also mortality, due to immune‐thrombosis from the pulmonary capillary district and alveoli. The disease causes widespread endothelial inflammation, which can induce damage to various organs and systems. Therapy must be targeted in this consideration, and in this review, we demonstrate how early anti‐inflammatory therapy may treat endothelia inflammation and immune‐thrombosis caused by COVID‐19, by using drugs we are going to recommend in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Pandolfi
- High School of Oxygen Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Unit of Neurosurgery, Villa Mafalda Health Clinics, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Valdenassi
- High School of Oxygen Ozone Therapy, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Department of Direction Board, Council for Nutritional an Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Roman Lysiuk
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Monica Daniela Doşa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, Constanta, Romania
| | - Larysa Lenchyk
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Serafino Fazio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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16
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Maricuto AL, Velásquez VL, Pineda J, Flora-Noda DM, Rodríguez I, Rodríguez-Inés CA, Noya-González ÓO, Contreras R, Omaña-Ávila ÓD, Escalante-Pérez IA, Camejo-Ávila NA, Kuffaty-Akkou NA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Carballo M, Landaeta ME, Forero-Peña DA. Amoebic liver abscess in a COVID-19 patient: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1134. [PMID: 34736397 PMCID: PMC8567734 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06819-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which affects people living in low- and middle-income countries and has intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. To date, knowledge on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) coinfection with enteric parasites is limited, and E. histolytica coinfection has not been previously described. Here we present the case of a patient with COVID-19 who, during hospitalisation, presented a clinical picture consistent with an amoebic liver abscess (ALA). Case presentation A 54-year-old man, admitted as a suspected case of COVID-19, presented to our hospital with dyspnoea, malaise, fever and hypoxaemia. A nasopharyngeal swab was positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. After 7 days, he developed diarrhoea, choluria and dysentery. An abdominal ultrasound showed a lesion compatible with a liver abscess; stool examination revealed E. histolytica trophozoites, and additional serology for E. histolytica was positive. After 12 days of treatment with metronidazole, ceftazidime and nitazoxanide, the patient reported acute abdominal pain, and an ultrasound examination revealed free liquid in the abdominal cavity. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, finding 3000 mL of a thick fluid described as “anchovy paste”. Computed tomography scan revealed a second abscess. He ended up receiving 21 days of antibiotic treatment and was discharged with satisfactory improvement. Conclusion Here we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ALA and COVID-19 co-presenting. Based on their pathophysiological similarities, coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and E. histolytica could change the patient’s clinical course; however, larger studies are needed to fully understand the interaction between these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Maricuto
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Viledy L Velásquez
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Jacinto Pineda
- "Dr. José Antonio O'Daly" Anatomopathological Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - David M Flora-Noda
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Isaac Rodríguez
- Radiodiagnosis Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Óscar O Noya-González
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Rosa Contreras
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Óscar D Omaña-Ávila
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Iván A Escalante-Pérez
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | | | - Nicolle A Kuffaty-Akkou
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.,"Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Martín Carballo
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - María E Landaeta
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - David A Forero-Peña
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela. .,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
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17
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Ziegler O, Sriram N, Gelev V, Radeva D, Todorov K, Feng J, Sellke FW, Robson SC, Hiromura M, Alexandrov BS, Usheva A. The cardiac molecular setting of metabolic syndrome in pigs reveals disease susceptibility and suggests mechanisms that exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes in patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19752. [PMID: 34611227 PMCID: PMC8492658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99143-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the cardiac-specific risk mechanism is unknown. Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes (all MetS components) are the most common form of CVD and represent risk factors for worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to their non MetS peers. Here, we use obese Yorkshire pigs as a highly relevant animal model of human MetS, where pigs develop the hallmarks of human MetS and reproducibly mimics the myocardial pathophysiology in patients. Myocardium-specific mass spectroscopy-derived metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics enabled the identity and quality of proteins and metabolites to be investigated in the myocardium to greater depth. Myocardium-specific deregulation of pro-inflammatory markers, propensity for arterial thrombosis, and platelet aggregation was revealed by computational analysis of differentially enriched pathways between MetS and control animals. While key components of the complement pathway and the immune response to viruses are under expressed, key N6-methyladenosin RNA methylation enzymes are largely overexpressed in MetS. Blood tests do not capture the entirety of metabolic changes that the myocardium undergoes, making this analysis of greater value than blood component analysis alone. Our findings create data associations to further characterize the MetS myocardium and disease vulnerability, emphasize the need for a multimodal therapeutic approach, and suggests a mechanism for observed worse outcomes in MetS patients with COVID-19 comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Ziegler
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery and, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Nivedita Sriram
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery and, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Vladimir Gelev
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Denitsa Radeva
- Department of Chemistry, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Kostadin Todorov
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Jun Feng
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery and, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Frank W Sellke
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery and, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Simon C Robson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Makoto Hiromura
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, 815-8511, Japan
| | | | - Anny Usheva
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery and, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been discouraged for the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, fearing that they could increase the risk of infection or the severity of SARS-CoV-2. Methods Original studies providing information on exposure to NSAIDs and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes were retrieved and were included in a descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis with Cochrane Revue Manager (REVMAN 5.4), using inverse variance odds ratio (OR) with random- or fixed-effects models. Results Of 92,853 papers mentioning COVID-19, 266 mentioned NSAIDs and 61 mentioned ibuprofen; 19 papers had analysable data. Three papers described NSAID exposure and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity, five papers described the risk of hospital admission in positive patients, 10 papers described death, and six papers described severe composite outcomes. Five papers studied exposure to ibuprofen and death. Using random-effects models, there was no excess risk of SARS-CoV-2 positivity (OR 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.05). In SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, exposure to NSAIDs was not associated with excess risk of hospital admission (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80–1.17), death (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.80–0.98), or severe outcomes (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.90–1.44). With ibuprofen, there was no increased risk of death (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78–1.13). Using a fixed-effect model did not modify the results, nor did the sensitivity analyses. Conclusion The theoretical risks of NSAIDs or ibuprofen in SARS-CoV-2 infection are not confirmed by observational data. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40264-021-01089-5.
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19
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Gugliandolo A, Chiricosta L, Calcaterra V, Biasin M, Cappelletti G, Carelli S, Zuccotti G, Avanzini MA, Bramanti P, Pelizzo G, Mazzon E. SARS-CoV-2 Infected Pediatric Cerebral Cortical Neurons: Transcriptomic Analysis and Potential Role of Toll-like Receptors in Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8059. [PMID: 34360824 PMCID: PMC8347089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Different mechanisms were proposed as responsible for COVID-19 neurological symptoms but a clear one has not been established yet. In this work we aimed to study SARS-CoV-2 capacity to infect pediatric human cortical neuronal HCN-2 cells, studying the changes in the transcriptomic profile by next generation sequencing. SARS-CoV-2 was able to replicate in HCN-2 cells, that did not express ACE2, confirmed also with Western blot, and TMPRSS2. Looking for pattern recognition receptor expression, we found the deregulation of scavenger receptors, such as SR-B1, and the downregulation of genes encoding for Nod-like receptors. On the other hand, TLR1, TLR4 and TLR6 encoding for Toll-like receptors (TLRs) were upregulated. We also found the upregulation of genes encoding for ERK, JNK, NF-κB and Caspase 8 in our transcriptomic analysis. Regarding the expression of known receptors for viral RNA, only RIG-1 showed an increased expression; downstream RIG-1, the genes encoding for TRAF3, IKKε and IRF3 were downregulated. We also found the upregulation of genes encoding for chemokines and accordingly we found an increase in cytokine/chemokine levels in the medium. According to our results, it is possible to speculate that additionally to ACE2 and TMPRSS2, also other receptors may interact with SARS-CoV-2 proteins and mediate its entry or pathogenesis in pediatric cortical neurons infected with SARS-CoV-2. In particular, TLRs signaling could be crucial for the neurological involvement related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Gugliandolo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Luigi Chiricosta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini “Vittore Buzzi”, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (G.Z.)
- Pediatrics and Adolescentology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences–L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Gioia Cappelletti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences–L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini “Vittore Buzzi”, 20154 Milano, Italy; (V.C.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences–L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Avanzini
- Cell Factory, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Gloria Pelizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences–L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (G.P.)
- Pediatric Surgery Unit, Ospedale dei Bambini “Vittore Buzzi”, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (L.C.); (P.B.)
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20
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Roberts J, Pritchard AL, Treweeke AT, Rossi AG, Brace N, Cahill P, MacRury SM, Wei J, Megson IL. Why Is COVID-19 More Severe in Patients With Diabetes? The Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, Endothelial Dysfunction and the Immunoinflammatory System. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 7:629933. [PMID: 33614744 PMCID: PMC7886785 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.629933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Meta-analyses have indicated that individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of suffering a severe form of COVID-19 and have a higher mortality rate than the non-diabetic population. Patients with diabetes have chronic, low-level systemic inflammation, which results in global cellular dysfunction underlying the wide variety of symptoms associated with the disease, including an increased risk of respiratory infection. While the increased severity of COVID-19 amongst patients with diabetes is not yet fully understood, the common features associated with both diseases are dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses. An additional key player in COVID-19 is the enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is essential for adhesion and uptake of virus into cells prior to replication. Changes to the expression of ACE2 in diabetes have been documented, but they vary across different organs and the importance of such changes on COVID-19 severity are still under investigation. This review will examine and summarise existing data on how immune and inflammatory processes interplay with the pathogenesis of COVID-19, with a particular focus on the impacts that diabetes, endothelial dysfunction and the expression dynamics of ACE2 have on the disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Roberts
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia L. Pritchard
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew T. Treweeke
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Adriano G. Rossi
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Brace
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Cahill
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra M. MacRury
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Wei
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Ian L. Megson
- Institute for Health Research and Innovation, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, United Kingdom
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21
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Kling J. Following the fate of cells in vivo. Lab Anim (NY) 2020; 49:214-217. [PMID: 32704120 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-020-0602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Kling
- Freelance science writer, Bellingham, WA, USA.
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