Network Pharmacology Reveals That Resveratrol Can Alleviate COVID-19-Related Hyperinflammation

An integrated bioinformatics approach reveals the potential role of microRNA-30b-5p and let-7a-5p during SARS CoV-2 spike-1 mediated neuroinflammation

SARS-CoV-2 induced neuroinflammation contributing to neurological sequelae is one of the critical outcomes of long-COVID, however underlying regulatory mechanisms involved therein are poorly understood. We deciphered the profile of dysregulated microRNAs, their targets, associated pathways, protein-protein interactions (PPI), transcription factor-hub genes interaction networks, hub genes-microRNA co-regulatory networks in SARS-CoV-2 Spike-1 (S1) stimulated microglial cells along with candidate drug prediction using RNA-sequencing and multiple bioinformatics approaches. We identified 11 dysregulated microRNAs in the S1-stimulated microglial cells (p < 0.05). KEGG analysis revealed involvement of important neuroinflammatory pathways such as MAPK signalling, PI3K-AKT signalling, Ras signalling and axon guidance. PPI analysis further identified 11 hub genes involved in these pathways. Real time PCR validation confirmed a significant upregulation of microRNA-30b-5p and let-7a-5p; proinflammatory cytokines- IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, GM-CSF; and inflammatory genes- PIK3CA and AKT in the S1-stimulated microglial cells, while PTEN and SHIP1 expression was decreased as compared to the non-stimulated cells. Drug prediction analysis further indicated resveratrol, diclofenac and rapamycin as the potential drugs based on their degree of interaction with hub genes. Thus, targeting of these microRNAs and/or their intermediate signalling molecules would be a prospective immunotherapeutic approach in alleviating SARS-CoV-2-S1 mediated neuroinflammation; and needs further investigations.

COVID-19-Associated Sepsis: Potential Role of Phytochemicals as Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

The acute manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibit the hallmarks of sepsis-associated complications that reflect multiple organ failure. The inflammatory cytokine storm accompanied by an imbalance in the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leads to severe and critical septic shock. The sepsis signature in severely afflicted COVID-19 patients includes cellular reprogramming and organ dysfunction that leads to high mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of improved clinical care and advanced therapeutic interventions for sepsis associated with COVID-19. Phytochemicals of functional foods and nutraceutical importance have an incredible impact on the healthcare system, which includes the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases. Hence, in the present review, we aim to explore the pathogenesis of sepsis associated with COVID-19 that disrupts the physiological homeostasis of the body, resulting in severe organ damage. Furthermore, we have summarized the diverse pharmacological properties of some potent phytochemicals, which can be used as functional foods as well as nutraceuticals against sepsis-associated complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The phytochemicals explored in this article include quercetin, curcumin, luteolin, apigenin, resveratrol, and naringenin, which are the major phytoconstituents of our daily food intake. We have compiled the findings from various studies, including clinical trials in humans, to explore more into the therapeutic potential of each phytochemical against sepsis and COVID-19, which highlights their possible importance in sepsis-associated COVID-19 pathogenesis. We conclude that our review will open a new research avenue for exploring phytochemical-derived therapeutic agents for preventing or treating the life-threatening complications of sepsis associated with COVID-19.

Inhibitory effect of food-functioned phytochemicals on dysregulated inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2: a mechanistic review

Inflammatory cascades of the dysregulated inflammatory pathways in COVID-19 can cause excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines leading to cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). The molecular cascades involved in the pathways may be targeted for discovery of new anti-inflammatory agents. Many plant extracts have been used clinically in the management of COVID-19, however, their immunosuppressive activities were mainly investigated based on in silico activity. Dietary flavonoids of the extracts such as quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, isorhamnetin, baicalein, wogonin, and rutin were commonly identified as responsible for their inhibitory effects. The present review critically analyzes the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals, including dietary compounds against cytokine storm (CS) and hyperinflammation via inhibition of the altered inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2, published since the emergence of COVID-19 in December 2019. Only a few phytochemicals, mainly dietary compounds such as nanocurcumin, melatonin, quercetin, 6-shagoal, kaempferol, resveratrol, andrographolide, and colchicine have been investigated either in in silico or preliminary clinical studies to evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects against COVID-19. Sufficient pre-clinical studies on safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory effects of the phytochemicals must be performed prior to proper clinical studies to develop them into therapeutic adjuvants in the prevention and treatmemt of COVID-19 symptoms.

The Sphingolipid-Signaling Pathway as a Modulator of Infection by SARS-CoV-2

Ceramides and other related sphingolipids, important cellular components linked to metabolic homeostasis and cardiometabolic diseases, have been found to be involved in different steps of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. Hence, changes in their physiological levels are identified as predictors of COVID-19 severity and prognosis, as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, an overview of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle is given, followed by a description of the sphingolipid metabolism and its role in viral infection, with a particular focus on those steps required to finalize the viral life cycle. Furthermore, the use and development of pharmaceutical strategies to target sphingolipids to prevent and treat severe and long-term symptoms of infectious diseases, particularly COVID-19, are reviewed herein. Finally, research perspectives and current challenges in this research field are highlighted. Although many aspects of sphingolipid metabolism are not fully known, this review aims to highlight how the discovery and use of molecules targeting sphingolipids with reliable and selective properties may offer new therapeutic alternatives to infectious and other diseases, including COVID-19.

Exploration of the potential common pathogenic mechanisms in COVID-19 and silicosis by using bioinformatics and system biology

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is common worldwide. In recent years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has provided daunting challenges to public healthcare systems globally. Although multiple studies have shown a close link between COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, the inter-relational mechanisms between COVID-19 and silicosis remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the shared molecular mechanisms and drug targets of COVID-19 and silicosis. Gene expression profiling identified four modules that were most closely associated with both diseases. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis and constructed a protein-protein interaction network. Seven hub genes (budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 [BUB1], protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 [PRC1], kinesin family member C1 [KIFC1], ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 [RRM2], cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 [CDKN3], Cyclin B2 [CCNB2], and minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 [MCM6]) were involved in the interaction between COVID-19 and silicosis. We investigated how diverse microRNAs and transcription factors regulate these seven genes. Subsequently, the correlation between the hub genes and infiltrating immune cells was explored. Further in-depth analyses were performed based on single-cell transcriptomic data from COVID-19, and the expression of hub-shared genes was characterized and located in multiple cell clusters. Finally, molecular docking results reveal small molecular compounds that may improve COVID-19 and silicosis. The current study reveals the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and silicosis, which may provide a novel reference for further research.

Potential usefulness of Mediterranean diet polyphenols against COVID-19-induced inflammation: a review of the current knowledge

The Mediterranean diet is a dietary pattern typical of the populations living in the Mediterranean basin during the 50s-60s of the last century. This diet has demonstrated beneficial effects in the prevention of several pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, or several cancer types, at least in part, due to its antioxidant compounds. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, different authors have been studying the effects of certain dietary habits on the presence of COVID-19 and its severity, and the Mediterranean diet is one of them. This review gathers data from studies supporting the potential usefulness of the main phenolic compounds present in the Mediterranean diet, based on their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as preventive/therapeutic agents against COVID-19. The current evidence supports the potential benefits that hydroxytyrosol, resveratrol, flavonols such as quercetin, flavanols like catechins, and flavanones on the order of naringenin could have on COVID-19. This is due to the increase in the synthesis and translocations of Nrf-2, which increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and thus reduces ROS production, the scavenging of free radicals, and the suppression of the activity of MMP-9, which is involved in the cytokine storm, and the inhibition of NF-κB.

Resveratrol Downmodulates Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET) Generation by Neutrophils in Patients with Severe COVID-19

The formation of microthrombi in lung autopsies indicates the involvement of NETs in the immunopathogenesis of severe COVID-19. Therefore, supplements inhibiting NET formation, in association with drugs with fewer adverse effects, should be a relevant strategy to attenuate the disease. Resveratrol (RESV) is a natural polyphenol with an important antiviral and antioxidant role. To modulate neutrophils from patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we evaluated the in vitro effect of RESV on NET formation. Herein, we investigated 190 patients hospitalized with moderate, severe, and critical symptoms at Hospital das Clínicas, Brazil. We observed that neutrophilia in patients with severe COVID-19 infection is composed of neutrophils with activated profile able to release NET spontaneously. Notably, RESV decreased the neutrophil-activated status and the release of free DNA, inhibiting NET formation even under the specific PMA stimulus. At present, there is no evidence of the role of RESV in neutrophils from patients with COVID-19 infection. These findings suggest that adjunctive therapies with RESV may help decrease the inflammation of viral or bacterial infection, improving patient outcomes.

Insights into the Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral Mechanisms of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring stilbene phytoalexin phenolic compound, which has been extensively studied on its biological activity. It has been widely accepted that resveratrol possesses anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In this review, we summarize the anti-inflammatory dosages and mechanism and antiviral mechanism of resveratrol. Since viral infections are often accompanied by inflammation, we propose that the NF-κB signaling pathway is a key and common molecular mechanism of resveratrol to exert anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. For future studies, we believe that resveratrol's anti-inflammatory and antiviral mechanisms can consider the upstream signaling molecules of the NF-κB signaling pathway. For resveratrol antivirus, future studies can be conducted on the interaction of resveratrol with key proteins or important enzymes of the virus. In addition, we also think that the clinical application of resveratrol is very important. In short, resveratrol is a promising anti-inflammatory and antiviral drug, and research on it needs to be expanded.

Application of network pharmacology in the study of the mechanism of action of traditional chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19

Network pharmacology was rapidly developed based on multidisciplinary holistic analysis of biological systems, which has become a popular tool in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research in recent years. Its characteristics of integrity and systematization provide a new approach for the study on complex TCM systems, which has many similarities with the holistic concept of TCM. It has been widely used to explain the mechanism of TCM treatment of diseases, drug repositioning, and interpretation of compatibility of TCM prescriptions, to promote the modernization of TCM. The use of TCM have provided crucial support on prevention and treatment of diseases such as the famous “three medicines and three prescriptions”. Furthermore, TCM has become an important part of the treatment of COVID-19 and is one of the main contents of the “Chinese plan” to fight the epidemic. The current review demonstrated the role of TCM in treating diseases with multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, interprets the connotation of TCM treatment method selection based on pathogenesis and also discusses the application of network pharmacology in the study of COVID-19 treatment in TCM including single drug and prescription. However, there are still some shortcomings such as the lack of experimental verification and regular upgrading of the TCM pharmacology network. Therefore, we must pay attention to the characteristics of TCM and develop a network pharmacology method suitable for TCM system research when applying network pharmacology to TCM research.

The Mechanism of Chaiyin Particles in the Treatment of COVID-19 Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Objective: To explore the potential active components of Chaiyin particles (CYPs) in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their mechanism of action using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods: Based on the components of CYPs, we obtained potential targets of the interaction between CYPs and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The potential targets were analyzed by protein–protein interaction, gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. The key active components of CYPs were subjected to molecular docking with 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and papain-like protease. The components that may bind to the key target proteins of SARS-CoV-2 were screened to obtain the potential active components, targets and pathways for CYP treatment of COVID-19. The above-described network analysis results were then verified experimentally. Results: CYPs may prevent and treat COVID-19 by inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α; participating in the AGE-Rage signaling pathway, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, and other anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune regulatory signaling pathways; and blocking ACE2 via fortunellin and baicalin. Conclusion: This work illustrated that CYPs mainly play an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role in COVID-19 prevention and treatment. The potential active components and molecular mechanism of CYPs can provide theoretical support and a pharmacological basis for further development and utilization of CYPs in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. These results provide important insights into future studies of Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) modernization and prevention.

Targeting autophagy regulation in NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated lung inflammation in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Emerging evidence indicates that the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated, which results in a cytokine storm at the late stage of COVID-19. Autophagy regulation is involved in the infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 at the early stage and the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated lung inflammation at the late stage of COVID-19. Here, we discuss the autophagy regulation at different stages of COVID-19. Specifically, we highlight the therapeutic potential of autophagy activators in COVID-19 by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby avoiding the cytokine storm. We hope this review provides enlightenment for the use of autophagy activators targeting the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome, specifically the combinational therapy of autophagy modulators with the inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome, antiviral drugs, or anti-inflammatory drugs in the fight against COVID-19.

Beneficial effect of polyphenols in COVID-19 and the ectopic F1 FO -ATP synthase: Is there a link?

COVID-19 has been proposed to be an endothelial disease, as endothelial damage and oxidative stress contribute to its systemic inflammatory and thrombotic events. Polyphenols, natural antioxidant compounds appear as promising agents to prevent and treat COVID-19. Polyphenols bind and inhibit the F₁ F_o -ATP synthase rotary catalysis. An early target of polyphenols may be the ectopic F₁ F_o -ATP synthase expressed on the endothelial plasma membrane. Among the pleiotropic beneficial action of polyphenols in COVID-19, modulation of the ecto-F₁ F_o -ATP synthase, lowering the oxidative stress produced by the electron transfer chain coupled to it, would not be negligible.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis on Molecular Mechanism of Qingzi Zhitong Decoction in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease with complex pathological mechanisms. We explored the potential molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic functions of Qingzi Zhitong decoction (QZZTD) in the treatment of UC by network pharmacology and molecular docking. QZZTD is a formula of Chinese traditional medicine consisting of 10 herbs. The potential active ingredients of QZZTD and their target genes were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database, and UC-related target genes were obtained from GeneCards and OMIM databases. A total of 138 co-identified target genes were obtained by plotting the intersection target Venn diagram, and then the STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to establish protein-protein interaction networks and herb-ingredient-target networks. Four key active compounds and nine key proteins were identified. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that the biological functions of potential target genes were associated with DNA transcription, signaling receptor and ligand activity, cytokine activity, cellular autophagy, and antioxidant pathways, with related pathways involving the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway, advanced glycosylation end product (AGE)-RAGE signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Moreover, the binding activities of key target genes and essential active compounds of Chinese herbal medicines in QZZTD were further validated by molecular docking. This demonstrated that quercetin, luteolin, hyndarin, and beta-sitosterol had good binding to eight key proteins, and Akt1 was the target protein with the best binding activity, suggesting that Akt1 could be the essential mediator responsible for signaling transduction after QZZTD administration. The rat experiment verified that QZZTD inhibited PI3K-Akt pathway activation and reduced inflammation in UC. In conclusion, our study suggested four potential key active components, including quercetin, were identified in QZZTD, which could interact with Akt1 and modulate the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway. The other three pathways may also be involved in the signaling transduction induced by QZZTD in the treatment of UC.

Efficacy and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for COVID-19: a systematic review

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made an important contribution to the prevention and control of the epidemic. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and explore the mechanisms of TCM for COVID-19. We systematically searched 7 databases from their inception up to July 21, 2021, to distinguish randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies (CSs), and case–control studies (CCSs) of TCM for COVID-19. Two reviewers independently completed the screening of literature, extraction of data, and quality assessment of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Eventually, 29 RCTs involving 3060 patients and 28 retrospective studies (RSs) involving 12,460 patients were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated that TCM could decrease the proportion of patients progressing to severe cases by 55% and the mortality rate of severe or critical patients by 49%. Moreover, TCM could relieve clinical symptoms, curtail the length of hospital stay, improve laboratory indicators, and so on. In addition, we consulted the literature and obtained 149 components of Chinese medicinal herbs that could stably bind to antiviral targets or anti-inflammatory or immune-regulating targets by the prediction of molecular docking. It suggested that the mechanisms involved anti-virus, anti-inflammation, and regulation of immunity. Our study made a systematic review on the efficacy of TCM for COVID-19 and discussed the possible mechanisms, which provided clinical reference and theoretical basis for further research on the mechanism of TCM for COVID-19.

Potential therapeutic effect of Shufeng Jiedu capsule and its major herbs on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A review

The outbreak and rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a huge threat to human health and social stability. Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC), a patented herbal drug composed of eight medicinal plants, is used to treat different viral respiratory tract infectious diseases. Based on its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities in acute lung injury, SFJDC can be effectively used as a treatment for COVID-19 patients according to the diagnosis and treatment plan issued in China and existing clinical data. SFJDC has been recommended in 15 therapeutic regimens for COVID-19 in China. This review summarizes current data on the ingredients, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, and potential therapeutic effect of SFJDC on COVID-19, to provide a theoretical basis for its anti-viral mechanism and the clinical treatment of COVID-19.