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Sun HJ, Lu QB, Zhu XX, Ni ZR, Su JB, Fu X, Chen G, Zheng GL, Nie XW, Bian JS. Pharmacology of Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Donors in Cardiometabolic Diseases. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:846-895. [PMID: 38866561 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000928] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are major contributors to global mortality, emphasizing the critical need for novel therapeutic interventions. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has garnered enormous attention as a significant gasotransmitter with various physiological, pathophysiological, and pharmacological impacts within mammalian cardiometabolic systems. In addition to its roles in attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory response, burgeoning research emphasizes the significance of H2S in regulating proteins via persulfidation, a well known modification intricately associated with the pathogenesis of CMDs. This review seeks to investigate recent updates on the physiological actions of endogenous H2S and the pharmacological roles of various H2S donors in addressing diverse aspects of CMDs across cellular, animal, and clinical studies. Of note, advanced methodologies, including multiomics, intestinal microflora analysis, organoid, and single-cell sequencing techniques, are gaining traction due to their ability to offer comprehensive insights into biomedical research. These emerging approaches hold promise in characterizing the pharmacological roles of H2S in health and diseases. We will critically assess the current literature to clarify the roles of H2S in diseases while also delineating the opportunities and challenges they present in H2S-based pharmacotherapy for CMDs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This comprehensive review covers recent developments in H2S biology and pharmacology in cardiometabolic diseases CMDs. Endogenous H2S and its donors show great promise for the management of CMDs by regulating numerous proteins and signaling pathways. The emergence of new technologies will considerably advance the pharmacological research and clinical translation of H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Jian Sun
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Qing-Bo Lu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Xue-Xue Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Zhang-Rong Ni
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Jia-Bao Su
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Xiao Fu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Guo Chen
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Guan-Li Zheng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Xiao-Wei Nie
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
| | - Jin-Song Bian
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (H.-J.S., X.-X.Z., Z.-R.N., J.-B.S., X.F., G.C., G.-L.Z.); Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China (Q.-B.L.); Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (X.-W.N.); and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (J.-S.B.)
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Govednik T, Lainšček D, Kuhar U, Lachish M, Janežič S, Štrbenc M, Krapež U, Jerala R, Atlas D, Manček-Keber M. TXM peptides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, syncytia formation, and lower inflammatory consequences. Antiviral Res 2024; 222:105806. [PMID: 38211737 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105806] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
After three years of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the search and availability of relatively low-cost benchtop therapeutics for people not at high risk for a severe disease are still ongoing. Although vaccines and new SARS-CoV-2 variants reduce the death toll, the long COVID-19 along with neurologic symptoms can develop and persist even after a mild initial infection. Reinfections, which further increase the risk of sequelae in multiple organ systems as well as the risk of death, continue to require caution. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is an important target for both vaccines and therapeutics. The presence of disulfide bonds in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein is essential for its binding to the human ACE2 receptor and cell entry. Here, we demonstrate that thiol-reducing peptides based on the active site of oxidoreductase thioredoxin 1, called thioredoxin mimetic (TXM) peptides, can prevent syncytia formation, SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells, and infection in a mouse model. We also show that TXM peptides inhibit the redox-sensitive HIV pseudotyped viral cell entry. These results support disulfide targeting as a common therapeutic strategy for treating infections caused by viruses using redox-sensitive fusion. Furthermore, TXM peptides exert anti-inflammatory properties by lowering the activation of NF-κB and IRF signaling pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in mice. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the TXM peptides, which also cross the blood-brain barrier, in combination with prevention of viral infections, may provide a beneficial clinical strategy to lower viral infections and mitigate severe consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Govednik
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Duško Lainšček
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marva Lachish
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Sandra Janežič
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Malan Štrbenc
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel.
| | - Mateja Manček-Keber
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Centre of Excellence EN-FIST, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Hamad RS, Al-Kuraishy HM, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Ahmed EA, Saad HM, Batiha GES. SARS-CoV-2 infection and dysregulation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:657-673. [PMID: 37796433 PMCID: PMC10746631 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01379-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent pandemic caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) leading to pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations due to the development of oxidative stress (OS) and hyperinflammation. The underlying cause for OS and hyperinflammation in COVID-19 may be related to the inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of antioxidative responses and cellular homeostasis. The Nrf2 pathway inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the development of cytokine storm and OS in COVID-19. Nrf2 activators can attenuate endothelial dysfunction (ED), renin-angiotensin system (RAS) dysregulation, immune thrombosis, and coagulopathy. Hence, this review aimed to reveal the potential role of the Nrf2 pathway and its activators in the management of COVID-19. As well, we tried to revise the mechanistic role of the Nrf2 pathway in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab S Hamad
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, 31982, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Central Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
- AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Eman A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah M Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matruh, 51744, Egypt.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt.
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Vaz-Rodrigues R, Mazuecos L, Villar M, Urra JM, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J. Serum biomarkers for nutritional status as predictors in COVID-19 patients before and after vaccination. J Funct Foods 2023; 101:105412. [PMID: 36644001 PMCID: PMC9829648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105412] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize serum protein biomarkers for nutritional status that may be used as predictors for disease symptomatology in COVID-19 patients before and after vaccination. In pre-vaccine cohorts, proteomics analysis revealed significant differences between groups, with serum proteins alpha-1-acid glycoproteins (AGPs) 1 and 2, C-reactive protein (CRP) and retinol binding protein (RBP) increasing with COVID-19 severity, in contrast with serum albumin, transthyretin (TTR) and serotransferrin (TF) reduction as the symptomatology increased. Immunoassay reproduced and validated proteomics results of serum proteins albumin and RBP. In post-vaccine cohorts, the results showed the same pattern as in pre-vaccine cohorts for serum proteins AGPs, CRP, albumin and TTR. However, TF levels were similar between groups and RBP presented a slight reduction as COVID-19 symptomatology increased. In these cohorts, immunoassay validated proteomics results of serum proteins albumin, TTR and TF. Additionally, immune response to α-Gal in pre-vaccine cohorts varied in predominant immunoglobulin type profile, while post-vaccine groups presented mainly anti-α-Gal protective IgG antibodies. The study identified serum nutritional biomarkers that could potentially predict an accurate prognostic of COVID-19 disease to provide an appropriate nutritional care and guidance in non-vaccinated and vaccinated individuals against SARS-CoV-2. These results highlight the importance of designing personalized nutrition protocols to improve diet along with the application of prebiotics or probiotics for the control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Vaz-Rodrigues
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lorena Mazuecos
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain,Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Science and Chemical Technologies, and Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José Miguel Urra
- Immunology, Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain,Medicine School, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Christian Gortázar
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- Health and Biotechnology (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA,Corresponding author at: SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Dey S, Murmu N, Mondal T, Saha I, Chatterjee S, Manna R, Haldar S, Dash SK, Sarkar TR, Giri B. Multifaceted entrancing role of glucose and its analogue, 2-deoxy-D-glucose in cancer cell proliferation, inflammation, and virus infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113801. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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The Expression Levels of SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Mediating Molecules Promoted by Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Are Downregulated by Hydrogen Sulfide. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113624. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), which include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD), have a higher prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the literature. The effects of AITD-associated cytokines on SARS-CoV-2 infection-mediating molecule levels might be involved in the pathogenesis of susceptibility. We speculated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) might attenuate this process since H2S has antiviral effects. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that angiotensin-converting enzyme-II (ACE2) expression was higher in the HT group and neuropilin 1 (NRP1) expression was higher in HT and GD groups than in the normal group, while transmembrane protease serine type 2 (TMPRSS2) expression was lower in HT and GD groups. When culturing primary thyrocytes with cytokines or sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) plus cytokines, we found that ACE2 and NRP1 mRNA levels were upregulated while TMPRSS2 levels were downregulated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). After pretreatment with NaHS in thyrocytes, ACE2 and NRP1 expression were downregulated compared to IFN-γ or TNF-α treatment, and NaHS had no effect on TMPRSS2 expression. Our findings suggested that IFN-γ and TNF-α, which are elevated in AITDs, promoted ACE2 and NRP1 expression and inhibited TMPRSS2 expression. H2S might protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection by downregulating ACE2 and NRP1 levels.
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Oza PP, Kashfi K. Utility of NO and H 2S donating platforms in managing COVID-19: Rationale and promise. Nitric Oxide 2022; 128:72-102. [PMID: 36029975 PMCID: PMC9398942 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.08.003] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections are a continuing global burden on the human population, underscored by the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Current treatment options and supportive therapies for many viral infections are relatively limited, indicating a need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Virus-induced damage occurs through direct infection of host cells and inflammation-related changes. Severe cases of certain viral infections, including COVID-19, can lead to a hyperinflammatory response termed cytokine storm, resulting in extensive endothelial damage, thrombosis, respiratory failure, and death. Therapies targeting these complications are crucial in addition to antiviral therapies. Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide are two endogenous gasotransmitters that have emerged as key signaling molecules with a broad range of antiviral actions in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties and protective functions in the vasculature and respiratory system. The enhancement of endogenous nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide levels thus holds promise for managing both early-stage and later-stage viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Using SARS-CoV-2 as a model for similar viral infections, here we explore the current evidence regarding nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide's use to limit viral infection, resolve inflammation, and reduce vascular and pulmonary damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak P Oza
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10031, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, 10091, USA.
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Hydrogen Sulfide: A Gaseous Mediator and Its Key Role in Programmed Cell Death, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Pulmonary Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112162. [PMID: 36358533 PMCID: PMC9687070 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112162] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been acknowledged as a novel gaseous mediator. The metabolism of H2S in mammals is tightly controlled and is mainly achieved by many physiological reactions catalyzed by a suite of enzymes. Although the precise actions of H2S in regulating programmed cell death, oxidative stress and inflammation are yet to be fully understood, it is becoming increasingly clear that H2S is extensively involved in these crucial processes. Since programmed cell death, oxidative stress and inflammation have been demonstrated as three important mechanisms participating in the pathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases, it can be inferred that aberrant H2S metabolism also functions as a critical contributor to pulmonary diseases, which has also been extensively investigated. In the meantime, substantial attention has been paid to developing therapeutic approaches targeting H2S for pulmonary diseases. In this review, we summarize the cutting-edge knowledge on the metabolism of H2S and the relevance of H2S to programmed cell death, oxidative stress and inflammation. We also provide an update on the crucial roles played by H2S in the pathogenesis of several pulmonary diseases. Finally, we discuss the perspective on targeting H2S metabolism in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
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AXL inhibitors selected by molecular docking: Option for reducing SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2022; 72:329-343. [PMID: 36651539 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and the benefit from vaccines is still insufficient since COVID-19 continues to be dia g-nosed in vaccinated individuals. It is, therefore, necessary to propose specific pharmacological treatments against COVID-19. A new therapeutic target on the human cellular membrane is AXL (anexelekto), proposed as an independent pathway by which interaction with the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 allows the virus to enter the cell, without the participation of ACE2. AXL serves as another gate through which SARS-CoV-2 can enter cells. Therefore, any stage of COVID-19 could be ameliorated by hindering the interaction between AXL and SARS-CoV-2. This study proposes ten compounds (1-10), selected by mole-cu lar docking and using a library of nearly 500,000 compounds, to develop a new drug that will decrease the interaction of AXL with the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. These compounds have a specific potential site of interaction with AXL, between Glu59, His61, Glu70 and Ser74 amino acids. This site is necessary for the interaction of AXL with the S protein. With this, we propose to develop a new adjuvant treatment against COVID-19.
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The Effects of H2S and Recombinant Human Hsp70 on Inflammation Induced by SARS and Other Agents In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092155. [PMID: 36140256 PMCID: PMC9496158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection led to the search for fundamentally new ways and means to combat inflammation and other pathologies caused by this virus. Using a cellular model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis (human promonocytes), we showed that both a hydrogen sulfide donor (sodium thiosulfate, STS) and a recombinant Heat shock protein 70 (rHsp70) effectively block all major inflammatory mediators when administrated before and after LPS challenge. The protective anti-inflammatory effect of rHsp70 and H2S was also confirmed in vivo using various animal models of pneumonia. Specifically, it was found that rHsp70 injections prevented the development of the acute respiratory distress syndrome in highly pathogenic pneumonia in mice, increased animal survival, and reduced the number of Programmed death-1 (PD-1)-positive T-lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Based on our model experiments we developed a combined two-phase therapeutic approach for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. This procedure includes the inhalation of hot helium–oxygen mixtures for induction of endogenous Hsp70 in the first phase and STS inhalation in the second phase. The use of this approach has yielded positive results in COVID-19 patients, reducing the area of lung lesions, restoring parameters of innate immunity and T-cell immune response against coronavirus infection, and preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis and immune exhaustion syndrome.
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Rosa L, Cutone A, Conte MP, Campione E, Bianchi L, Valenti P. An overview on in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity of lactoferrin: its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Biometals 2022; 36:417-436. [PMID: 35920949 PMCID: PMC9362590 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00427-z] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the absolute and indisputable relevance and efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the rapid transmission, the severity of infection, the absence of the protection on immunocompromised patients, the propagation of variants, the onset of infection and/or disease in vaccinated subjects and the lack of availability of worldwide vaccination require additional antiviral treatments. Since 1987, lactoferrin (Lf) is well-known to possess an antiviral activity related to its physico-chemical properties and to its ability to bind to both heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) of host cells and/or surface components of viral particles. In the present review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the efficacy of Lf against DNA, RNA, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Recent studies have revealed that the in vitro antiviral activity of Lf is also extendable to SARS-CoV-2. In vivo, Lf oral administration in early stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection counteracts COVID-19 pathogenesis. In particular, the effect of Lf on SARS-CoV-2 entry, inflammatory homeostasis, iron dysregulation, iron-proteins synthesis, reactive oxygen formation, oxidative stress, gut-lung axis regulation as well as on RNA negativization, and coagulation/fibrinolysis balance will be critically reviewed. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underneath, including the Lf binding to HSPGs and spike glycoprotein, will be disclosed and discussed. Taken together, present data not only support the application of the oral administration of Lf alone in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients or as adjuvant of standard of care practice in symptomatic ones but also constitute the basis for enriching the limited literature on Lf effectiveness for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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A Whiff of Sulfur: One Wind a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061036. [PMID: 35739933 PMCID: PMC9219989 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive Sulfur Species (RSS), such as allicin from garlic or sulforaphane from broccoli, are fre-quently associated with biological activities and possible health benefits in animals and humans. Among these Organic Sulfur Compounds (OSCs) found in many plants and fungi, the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs) feature prominently, not only because of their often-pungent smell, but also because they are able to access places which solids and solutions cannot reach that easily. Indeed, inorganic RSS such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can be used to lit-erally fumigate entire rooms and areas. Similarly, metabolites of garlic, such as allyl methyl sulfide (AMS), are formed metabolically in humans in lower concentrations and reach the airways from inside the body as part of one’s breath. Curiously, H2S is also formed in the gastrointestinal tract by gut bacteria, and the question of if and for which purpose this gas then crosses the barriers and enters the body is indeed a delicate matter for equally delicate studies. In any case, nature is surprisingly rich in such VSCs, as fruits (for instance, the infamous durian) demonstrate, and therefore these VSCs represent a promising group of compounds for further studies.
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Cenci A, Macchia I, La Sorsa V, Sbarigia C, Di Donna V, Pietraforte D. Mechanisms of Action of Ozone Therapy in Emerging Viral Diseases: Immunomodulatory Effects and Therapeutic Advantages With Reference to SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:871645. [PMID: 35531273 PMCID: PMC9069003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.871645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) is a successful therapeutic approach accounting on the assessed beneficial action of ozone in the range 30–45 μg/ml (expanded range 10–80 μg/ml according to different protocols), as in this dosage range ozone is able to trigger a cellular hormetic response via the modulating activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as signaling molecules. The ozone-dependent ROS-mediated fatty acid oxidation leads to the formation of lipid ozonization products (LOPs), which act as signal transducers by triggering ROS signaling and therefore mitohormetic processes. These processes ultimately activate survival mechanisms at a cellular level, such as the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE system activation, the AMPK/FOXO/mTOR/Sir1 pathway and the Nrf2/NF-kB cross talk. Furthermore, indirectly, via these pathways, LOPs trigger the HIF-1α pathway, the HO-1 signaling and the NO/iNOS biochemical machinery. Ozone-driven shift of cytokine activation pathways, from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory immediately afterwards, also exert direct immunoregulatory effects on regulatory T lymphocytes as well as on the intestinal microbiota, which in turn can affect immune response thus influencing the progression of the disease. In this review, we will describe the biological and biochemical mechanisms of action of ozone therapy with the aim of evaluating both positive and critical aspects of ozone use as a therapeutic adjuvant in the light of emerging viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 and microbiome-associated disorders related to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Cenci
- Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandra Cenci,
| | - Iole Macchia
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina La Sorsa
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Gases in Sepsis: Novel Mediators and Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073669. [PMID: 35409029 PMCID: PMC8998565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, a potentially lethal condition resulting from failure to control the initial infection, is associated with a dysregulated host defense response to pathogens and their toxins. Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and disability worldwide. The pathophysiology of sepsis is very complicated and is not yet fully understood. Worse still, the development of effective therapeutic agents is still an unmet need and a great challenge. Gases, including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), are small-molecule biological mediators that are endogenously produced, mainly by enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Accumulating evidence suggests that these gaseous mediators are widely involved in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Many sepsis-associated alterations, such as the elimination of invasive pathogens, the resolution of disorganized inflammation and the preservation of the function of multiple organs and systems, are shaped by them. Increasing attention has been paid to developing therapeutic approaches targeting these molecules for sepsis/septic shock, taking advantage of the multiple actions played by NO, CO and H2S. Several preliminary studies have identified promising therapeutic strategies for gaseous-mediator-based treatments for sepsis. In this review article, we summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge on the pathophysiology of sepsis; the metabolism and physiological function of NO, CO and H2S; the crosstalk among these gaseous mediators; and their crucial effects on the development and progression of sepsis. In addition, we also briefly discuss the prospect of developing therapeutic interventions targeting these gaseous mediators for sepsis.
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