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Elgazzaz M, Filipeanu C, Lazartigues E. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Posttranslational Modifications and Implications for Hypertension and SARS-CoV-2: 2023 Lewis K. Dahl Memorial Lecture. Hypertension 2024; 81:1438-1449. [PMID: 38567498 PMCID: PMC11168885 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.124.22067] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), a multifunctional transmembrane protein, is well recognized as an important member of the (RAS) renin-angiotensin system with important roles in the regulation of cardiovascular function by opposing the harmful effects of Ang-II (angiotensin II) and AT1R (Ang-II type 1 receptor) activation. More recently, ACE2 was found to be the entry point for the SARS-CoV-2 virus into cells, causing COVID-19. This finding has led to an exponential rise in the number of publications focused on ACE2, albeit these studies often have opposite objectives to the preservation of ACE2 in cardiovascular regulation. However, notwithstanding accumulating data of the role of ACE2 in the generation of angiotensin-(1-7) and SARS-CoV-2 internalization, numerous other putative roles of this enzyme remain less investigated and not yet characterized. Currently, no drug modulating ACE2 function or expression is available in the clinic, and the development of new pharmacological tools should attempt targeting each step of the lifespan of the protein from synthesis to degradation. The present review expands on our presentation during the 2023 Lewis K. Dahl Memorial Lecture Sponsored by the American Heart Association Council on Hypertension. We provide a critical summary of the current knowledge of the mechanisms controlling ACE2 internalization and intracellular trafficking, the mutual regulation with GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors) and other proteins, and posttranslational modifications. A major focus is on ubiquitination which has become a critical step in the modulation of ACE2 cellular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Elgazzaz
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Catalin Filipeanu
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Eric Lazartigues
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
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2
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Kang SY, Kim YJ, Cho HJ. COVID-19 Outcome and Tobacco Product Use: Case-Control and Retrospective Cohort Studies Using Nationwide Samples. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e103. [PMID: 38529574 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between smoking and the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We investigated the association between combustible cigarette (CC) smoking, noncombustible tobacco product (NCTP) use, and the use of any tobacco product with various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. METHODS A case-control study was conducted using the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID19-National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) cohort. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 12,571,698 individuals from the NHIS cohort. Logistic regression evaluated the association between CC smoking, NCTP use, and use of any tobacco product with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Poisson regression evaluated the association between these forms of tobacco product use and COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality. RESULTS In the case-control study, we identified 30,878 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for SARS-CoV-2 infection were lower among current CC smokers (0.51, 0.48-0.54), current- and former-NCTP users (0.80, 0.74-0.88; 0.82, 0.74-0.91), and current users of any tobacco product (0.52, 0.49-0.55) relative to never user controls. In retrospective cohort study, we identified 16,521 COVID-19-related hospitalization and 362 COVID-19-related deaths. The relative risks (95% CIs) for COVID-19-related hospitalization were lower among current CC smokers (0.51, 0.48-0.54) and current users of any tobacco product (0.53, 0.50-0.56) relative to never user controls. There was no association between the use of tobacco product and COVID-19-related mortality. CONCLUSION Current CC smokers and current users of any tobacco product showed reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization. It remains uncertain whether these relationships are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Young Kang
- Department of Family Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Ye-Jee Kim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong-Jun Cho
- Department of Family Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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3
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Zorad S, Skrabanova M, Zilkova M, Cente M, Turic Csokova N, Kovacech B, Cizkova D, Filipcik P. Angiotensin I and II Stimulate Cell Invasion of SARS-CoV-2: Potential Mechanism via Inhibition of ACE2 Arm of RAS. Physiol Res 2024; 73:27-35. [PMID: 38466002 PMCID: PMC11019619 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935198] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), one of the key enzymes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), plays an important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection by functioning as a virus receptor. Angiotensin peptides Ang I and Ang II, the substrates of ACE2, can modulate the binding of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to the ACE2 receptor. In the present work, we found that co incubation of HEK-ACE2 and Vero E6 cells with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike pseudovirus (PVP) resulted in stimulation of the virus entry at low and high micromolar concentrations of Ang I and Ang II, respectively. The potency of Ang I and Ang II stimulation of virus entry corresponds to their binding affinity to ACE2 catalytic pocket with 10 times higher efficiency of Ang II. The Ang II induced mild increase of PVP infectivity at 20 microM; while at 100 microM the increase (129.74+/-3.99 %) was highly significant (p<0.001). Since the angiotensin peptides act in HEK ACE2 cells without the involvement of angiotensin type I receptors, we hypothesize that there is a steric interaction between the catalytic pocket of the ACE2 enzyme and the SARS-CoV-2 S1 binding domain. Oversaturation of the ACE2 with their angiotensin substrate might result in increased binding and entry of the SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the analysis of angiotensin peptides metabolism showed decreased ACE2 and increased ACE activity upon SARS-CoV-2 action. These effects should be taken into consideration in COVID-19 patients suffering from comorbidities such as the over-activated renin-angiotensin system as a mechanism potentially influencing the SARS-CoV-2 invasion into recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zorad
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. and Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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4
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Papadopoulos KI, Papadopoulou A, Aw TC. Live to die another day: novel insights may explain the pathophysiology behind smoker's paradox in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2517-2526. [PMID: 36867341 PMCID: PMC9983545 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04681-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection demonstrates a highly variable and unpredictable course. Several reports have claimed a smoker's paradox in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in line with previous suggestions that smoking is associated with better survival after acute myocardial infarction and appears protective in preeclampsia. Several plausible physiological explanations exist accounting for the paradoxical observation of smoking engendering protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we delineate novel mechanisms whereby smoking habits and smokers' genetic polymorphism status affecting various nitric oxide (NO) pathways (endothelial NO synthase, cytochrome P450 (CYP450), erythropoietin receptor (EPOR); β-common receptor (βcR)), along with tobacco smoke modulation of microRNA-155 and aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) effects, may be important determinators of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 course. While transient NO bioavailability increase and beneficial immunoregulatory modulations through the above-mentioned pathways using exogenous, endogenous, genetic and/or therapeutic modalities may have direct and specific, viricidal SARS-CoV-2 effects, employing tobacco smoke inhalation to achieve protection equals self-harm. Tobacco smoking remains the leading cause of death, illness, and impoverishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. I. Papadopoulos
- THAI StemLife, 566/3 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1), Prachaouthit Rd., Wangthonglang, Wangthonglang, 10310 Bangkok Thailand
| | - A. Papadopoulou
- Occupational and Environmental Health Services, Feelgood Lund, Ideon Science Park, Scheelevägen 17, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - T. C. Aw
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore, 529889 Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
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Saul S, Karim M, Ghita L, Huang PT, Chiu W, Durán V, Lo CW, Kumar S, Bhalla N, Leyssen P, Alem F, Boghdeh NA, Tran DH, Cohen CA, Brown JA, Huie KE, Tindle C, Sibai M, Ye C, Khalil AM, Chiem K, Martinez-Sobrido L, Dye JM, Pinsky BA, Ghosh P, Das S, Solow-Cordero DE, Jin J, Wikswo JP, Jochmans D, Neyts J, De Jonghe S, Narayanan A, Einav S. Anticancer pan-ErbB inhibitors reduce inflammation and tissue injury and exert broad-spectrum antiviral effects. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e169510. [PMID: 37581931 PMCID: PMC10541190 DOI: 10.1172/jci169510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting host factors exploited by multiple viruses could offer broad-spectrum solutions for pandemic preparedness. Seventeen candidates targeting diverse functions emerged in a screen of 4,413 compounds for SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. We demonstrated that lapatinib and other approved inhibitors of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases suppress replication of SARS-CoV-2, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), and other emerging viruses with a high barrier to resistance. Lapatinib suppressed SARS-CoV-2 entry and later stages of the viral life cycle and showed synergistic effect with the direct-acting antiviral nirmatrelvir. We discovered that ErbB1, ErbB2, and ErbB4 bind SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein and regulate viral and ACE2 internalization, and they are required for VEEV infection. In human lung organoids, lapatinib protected from SARS-CoV-2-induced activation of ErbB-regulated pathways implicated in non-infectious lung injury, proinflammatory cytokine production, and epithelial barrier injury. Lapatinib suppressed VEEV replication, cytokine production, and disruption of blood-brain barrier integrity in microfluidics-based human neurovascular units, and reduced mortality in a lethal infection murine model. We validated lapatinib-mediated inhibition of ErbB activity as an important mechanism of antiviral action. These findings reveal regulation of viral replication, inflammation, and tissue injury via ErbBs and establish a proof of principle for a repurposed, ErbB-targeted approach to combat emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirle Saul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Marwah Karim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Luca Ghita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Pei-Tzu Huang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Winston Chiu
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Verónica Durán
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chieh-Wen Lo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Nishank Bhalla
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, Biomedical Research Laboratory, and
| | - Pieter Leyssen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Farhang Alem
- Institute for Biohealth Innovation, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Niloufar A. Boghdeh
- Institute for Biohealth Innovation, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Do H.N. Tran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Courtney A. Cohen
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Viral Immunology Branch, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacquelyn A. Brown
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Huie
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Viral Immunology Branch, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Courtney Tindle
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and
- HUMANOID Center of Research Excellence, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mamdouh Sibai
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Chengjin Ye
- Disease Prevention and Intervention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ahmed Magdy Khalil
- Disease Prevention and Intervention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kevin Chiem
- Disease Prevention and Intervention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Luis Martinez-Sobrido
- Disease Prevention and Intervention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - John M. Dye
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Viral Immunology Branch, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Pinsky
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and
- HUMANOID Center of Research Excellence, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine and
| | - Soumita Das
- HUMANOID Center of Research Excellence, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Jing Jin
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - John P. Wikswo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aarthi Narayanan
- National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Disease, Biomedical Research Laboratory, and
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Shirit Einav
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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6
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Mohammed M, Ogunlade B, Elgazzaz M, Berdasco C, Lakkappa N, Ghita I, Guidry JJ, Sriramula S, Xu J, Restivo L, Mendiola Plá MA, Bowles DE, Beyer AM, Yue X, Lazartigues E, Filipeanu CM. Nedd4-2 up-regulation is associated with ACE2 ubiquitination in hypertension. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2130-2141. [PMID: 37161607 PMCID: PMC10478751 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a critical component of the compensatory renin-angiotensin system that is down-regulated during the development of hypertension, possibly via ubiquitination. However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in ACE2 ubiquitination in neurogenic hypertension. This study aimed at identifying ACE2 ubiquitination partners, establishing causal relationships and clinical relevance, and testing a gene therapy strategy to mitigate ACE2 ubiquitination in neurogenic hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS Bioinformatics and proteomics were combined to identify E3 ubiquitin ligases associated with ACE2 ubiquitination in chronically hypertensive mice. In vitro gain/loss of function experiments assessed ACE2 expression and activity to validate the interaction between ACE2 and the identified E3 ligase. Mutation experiments were further used to generate a ubiquitination-resistant ACE2 mutant (ACE2-5R). Optogenetics, blood pressure telemetry, pharmacological blockade of GABAA receptors in mice expressing ACE2-5R in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and capillary western analysis were used to assess the role of ACE2 ubiquitination in neurogenic hypertension. Ubiquitination was first validated as leading to ACE2 down-regulation, and Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4-2 (Nedd4-2) was identified as a E3 ligase up-regulated in hypertension and promoting ACE2 ubiquitination. Mutation of lysine residues in the C-terminal of ACE2 was associated with increased activity and resistance to angiotensin (Ang)-II-mediated degradation. Mice transfected with ACE2-5R in the BNST exhibited enhanced GABAergic input to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and a reduction in hypertension. ACE2-5R expression was associated with reduced Nedd4-2 levels in the BNST. CONCLUSION Our data identify Nedd4-2 as the first E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in ACE2 ubiquitination in Ang-II-mediated hypertension. We demonstrate the pivotal role of ACE2 on GABAergic neurons in the maintenance of an inhibitory tone to the PVN and the regulation of pre-sympathetic activity. These findings provide a new working model where Nedd4-2 could contribute to ACE2 ubiquitination, leading to the development of neurogenic hypertension and highlighting potential novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazher Mohammed
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Blessing Ogunlade
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Howard University, 520 W St, NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Mona Elgazzaz
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Clara Berdasco
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Navya Lakkappa
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ioana Ghita
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jessie J Guidry
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Srinivas Sriramula
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Jiaxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Xi’an, 710061, China
| | - Luke Restivo
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Michelle A Mendiola Plá
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dawn E Bowles
- Division of Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Andreas M Beyer
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Xinping Yue
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Eric Lazartigues
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1900 Perdido Street New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Cardiovascular Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, New Orleans LA 70112, USA
| | - Catalin M Filipeanu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Howard University, 520 W St, NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
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Jiang J, Li MY, Wu XY, Ying YL, Han HX, Long YT. Protein nanopore reveals the renin-angiotensin system crosstalk with single-amino-acid resolution. Nat Chem 2023; 15:578-586. [PMID: 36805037 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01139-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of crosstalk effects on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is limited by the lack of approaches to quantitatively monitor, in real time, multiple components with subtle differences and short half-lives. Here we report a nanopore framework to quantitatively determine the effect of the hidden crosstalk between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on RAS. By developing an engineered aerolysin nanopore capable of single-amino-acid resolution, we show that the ACE can be selectively inhibited by ACE2 to prevent cleavage of angiotensin I, even when the concentration of ACE is more than 30-fold higher than that of ACE2. We also show that the activity of ACE2 for cleaving angiotensin peptides is clearly suppressed by the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This leads to the relaxation of ACE and the increased probability of accumulation of the principal effector angiotensin II. The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is demonstrated to have a much greater impact on the crosstalk than the wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Yin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Lun Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan-Xing Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Tao Long
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Papadopoulos KI, Papadopoulou A, Aw TC. Beauty and the beast: host microRNA-155 versus SARS-CoV-2. Hum Cell 2023; 36:908-922. [PMID: 36847920 PMCID: PMC9969954 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00867-w] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the young and healthy usually results in an asymptomatic or mild viral syndrome, possibly through an erythropoietin (EPO)-dependent, protective evolutionary landscape. In the old and in the presence of co-morbidities, however, a potentially lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cytokine storm, through unrestrained renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) hyperactivity, has been described. Multifunctional microRNA-155 (miR-155) elevation in malaria, dengue virus (DENV), the thalassemias, and SARS-CoV-1/2, plays critical antiviral and cardiovascular roles through its targeted translational repression of over 140 genes. In the present review, we propose a plausible miR-155-dependent mechanism whereby the translational repression of AGRT1, Arginase-2 and Ets-1, reshapes RAAS towards Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2R)-mediated balanced, tolerable, and SARS-CoV-2-protective cardiovascular phenotypes. In addition, it enhances EPO secretion and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and substrate availability, and negates proinflammatory Ang II effects. Disrupted miR-155 repression of AT1R + 1166C-allele, significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular and COVID-19 outcomes, manifests its decisive role in RAAS modulation. BACH1 and SOCS1 repression creates an anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective milieu, robustly inducing antiviral interferons. MiR-155 dysregulation in the elderly, and in comorbidities, allows unimpeded RAAS hyperactivity to progress towards a particularly aggressive COVID-19 course. Elevated miR-155 in thalassemia plausibly engenders a favorable cardiovascular profile and protection against malaria, DENV, and SARS-CoV-2. MiR-155 modulating pharmaceutical approaches could offer novel therapeutic options in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. I. Papadopoulos
- THAI StemLife, 566/3 Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39 (Thepleela 1), Prachaouthit Rd., Wangthonglang, Bangkok, 10310 Thailand
| | - A. Papadopoulou
- Occupational and Environmental Health Services, Feelgood Lund, Ideon Science Park, Scheelevägen 17, 223 63 Lund, Sweden
| | - T. C. Aw
- grid.413815.a0000 0004 0469 9373Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital, 2 Simei Street 3, Singapore, 529889 Singapore
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
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9
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Altman NL, Berning AA, Saxon CE, Adamek KE, Wagner JA, Slavov D, Quaife RA, Gill EA, Minobe WA, Jonas ER, Carroll IA, Huebler SP, Raines J, Messenger JC, Ambardekar AV, Mestroni L, Rosenberg RM, Rove J, Campbell TB, Bristow MR. Myocardial Injury and Altered Gene Expression Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection or mRNA Vaccination. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:124-137. [PMID: 36281440 PMCID: PMC9581498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SARS CoV-2 enters host cells via its Spike protein moiety binding to the essential cardiac enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, followed by internalization. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are RNA sequences that are translated into Spike protein, which follows the same ACE2-binding route as the intact virion. In model systems, isolated Spike protein can produce cell damage and altered gene expression, and myocardial injury or myocarditis can occur during COVID-19 or after mRNA vaccination. We investigated 7 COVID-19 and 6 post-mRNA vaccination patients with myocardial injury and found nearly identical alterations in gene expression that would predispose to inflammation, coagulopathy, and myocardial dysfunction.
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Key Words
- ACE, angiotensin I–converting enzyme gene
- ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene
- AGT, angiotensinogen gene
- AGTR1, angiotensin II receptor type 1 gene
- ANG II, angiotensin II
- BNP, B-type natriuretic peptide
- CMR, cardiac magnetic resonance
- COVID-19
- EM, electron microscopy
- F3, coagulation factor III (tissue factor) gene
- ITGA5, integrin subunit alpha 5 gene
- IVS, interventricular septum
- LGE, late gadolinium enhancement
- LM, light microscopy
- LV, left ventricular
- LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction
- NDC, nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
- NPPB, natriuretic peptide B gene
- RV, right ventricular
- S, SARS-CoV-2 Spike
- TnI, troponin I
- gene expression
- mRNA vaccines
- myocardial injury
- myocarditis
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Altman
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amber A. Berning
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Cara E. Saxon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kylie E. Adamek
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jessica A. Wagner
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Dobromir Slavov
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Robert A. Quaife
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Edward A. Gill
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Wayne A. Minobe
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric R. Jonas
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Joshua Raines
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John C. Messenger
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amrut V. Ambardekar
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel M. Rosenberg
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jessica Rove
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Thomas B. Campbell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Michael R. Bristow
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- ARCA Biopharma, Westminster, Colorado, USA
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10
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Lee JH, Kanwar B, Khattak A, Balentine J, Nguyen NH, Kast RE, Lee CJ, Bourbeau J, Altschuler EL, Sergi CM, Nguyen TNM, Oh S, Sohn MG, Coleman M. COVID-19 Molecular Pathophysiology: Acetylation of Repurposing Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13260. [PMID: 36362045 PMCID: PMC9656873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) induces immune-mediated type 1 interferon (IFN-1) production, the pathophysiology of which involves sterile alpha motif and histidine-aspartate domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) tetramerization and the cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic-GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. As a result, type I interferonopathies are exacerbated. Aspirin inhibits cGAS-mediated signaling through cGAS acetylation. Acetylation contributes to cGAS activity control and activates IFN-1 production and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling via STING. Aspirin and dapsone inhibit the activation of both IFN-1 and NF-κB by targeting cGAS. We define these as anticatalytic mechanisms. It is necessary to alleviate the pathologic course and take the lag time of the odds of achieving viral clearance by day 7 to coordinate innate or adaptive immune cell reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hoon Lee
- Science and Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Badar Kanwar
- Department of Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care, Hunt Regional Hospital, Greenville, 75401 TX, USA
| | - Asif Khattak
- Department of Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care, Hunt Regional Hospital, Greenville, 75401 TX, USA
| | - Jenny Balentine
- Department of Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care, Hunt Regional Hospital, Greenville, 75401 TX, USA
| | - Ngoc Huy Nguyen
- Department of Health, Phutho Province, Tran Phu Str., Viet Tri City 227, Vietnam
| | | | - Chul Joong Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jean Bourbeau
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - Eric L. Altschuler
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Metropolitan Hospital, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Consolato M. Sergi
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | | | - Sangsuk Oh
- Department of Food Engineering, Food Safety Laboratory, Memory Unit, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03600, Korea
| | - Mun-Gi Sohn
- Department of Food Science, KyungHee University College of Life Science, Seoul 17104, Korea
| | - Michael Coleman
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
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11
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Silva MG, Corradi GR, Pérez Duhalde JI, Nuñez M, Cela EM, Gonzales Maglio DH, Brizzio A, Salazar MR, Espeche WG, Gironacci MM. Plasmatic renin-angiotensin system in normotensive and hypertensive patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113201. [PMID: 35661534 PMCID: PMC9135678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Besides its counterbalancing role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is the receptor for the type 2 coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, the etiological agent of COVID-19. COVID-19 is associated with increased plasmatic ACE2 levels, although conflicting results have been reported regarding angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang-(1−7) levels. We investigated plasmatic ACE2 protein levels and enzymatic activity and Ang II and Ang-(1−7) levels in normotensive and hypertensive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to healthy subjects. Methods Ang II and Ang-(1−7), and ACE2 activity and protein levels were measured in 93 adults (58 % (n = 54) normotensive and 42 % (n = 39) hypertensive) hospitalized with COVID-19. Healthy, normotensive (n = 33) and hypertensive (n = 7) outpatient adults comprised the control group. Results COVID-19 patients displayed higher ACE2 enzymatic activity and protein levels than healthy subjects. Within the COVID-19 group, ACE2 activity and protein levels were not different between normotensive and hypertensive-treated patients, not even between COVID-19 hypertensive patients under RAS blockade treatment and those treated with other antihypertensive medications. Ang II and Ang-(1−7) levels significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients. When COVID-19 patients under RAS blockade treatment were excluded from the analysis, ACE2 activity and protein levels remained higher and Ang II and Ang-(1−7) levels lower in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy people. Conclusions Our results support the involvement of RAS in COVID-19, even when patients under RAS blockade treatment were excluded. The increased circulating ACE2 suggest higher ACE2 expression and shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro G Silva
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Dpto. Química Biológica, IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gerardo R Corradi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Dpto. Química Biológica, IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Pérez Duhalde
- Unidad de Enfermedades Cardiometabólicas, Hospital San Martín de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Myriam Nuñez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Matemáticas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana M Cela
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Inmunología-IDEHU, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel H Gonzales Maglio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Inmunología-IDEHU, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Brizzio
- Unidad de Enfermedades Cardiometabólicas, Hospital San Martín de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Martin R Salazar
- Unidad de Enfermedades Cardiometabólicas, Hospital San Martín de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Walter G Espeche
- Unidad de Enfermedades Cardiometabólicas, Hospital San Martín de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariela M Gironacci
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Dpto. Química Biológica, IQUIFIB (UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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12
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Wu H, Sun Q, Yuan S, Wang J, Li F, Gao H, Chen X, Yang R, Xu J. AT1 Receptors: Their Actions from Hypertension to Cognitive Impairment. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:311-325. [PMID: 35211833 PMCID: PMC8868040 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-022-09730-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular disorders worldwide, affecting 1.13 billion people, or 14% of the global population. Hypertension is the single biggest risk factor for cerebrovascular dysfunction. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure (BP), especially in middle-aged individuals (~ 40 to 60 years old), is associated with an increased risk of dementia, later in life. Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular disease are the two leading causes of dementia, accounting for around 80% of the total cases and usually combining mixed pathologies from both. Little is known regarding how hypertension affects cognitive function, so the impact of its treatment on cognitive impairment has been difficult to assess. The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is essential for BP regulation and overactivity of this system has been established to precede the development and maintenance of hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang-II), the main peptide within this system, induces vasoconstriction and impairs neuro-vascular coupling by acting on brain Ang-II type 1 receptors (AT1R). In this review, we systemically analyzed the association between RAS and biological mechanisms of cognitive impairment, from the perspective of AT1R located in the central nervous system. Additionally, the possible contribution of brain AT1R to global cognition decline in COVID-19 cases will be discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qi Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shenglan Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Fanni Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Hongli Gao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xingjuan Chen
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jiaxi Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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13
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Shirvaliloo M. The unfavorable clinical outcome of COVID-19 in smokers is mediated by H3K4me3, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 histone marks. Epigenomics 2022; 14:153-162. [PMID: 35021853 PMCID: PMC8763212 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Smoking could predispose individuals to a more severe COVID-19 by upregulating a particular gene known as mdig, which is mediated through a number of well-known histone modifications. Smoking might regulate the transcription-activating H3K4me3 mark, along with the transcription-repressing H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 marks, in a way to favor SARS-CoV-2 entry by enhancing the expression of ACE2, NRP1 and NRP2, AT1R, CTSD and CTSL, PGE2 receptors 2-4, SLC6A20 and IL-6, all of which interact either directly or indirectly with important receptors, facilitating viral entry in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Shirvaliloo
- Infectious & Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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14
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Papadopoulos KI, Sutheesophon W, Manipalviratn S, Aw TC. Age and genotype dependent erythropoietin protection in COVID-19. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1513-1529. [PMID: 34786155 PMCID: PMC8567454 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i10.1513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) is the main mediator of erythropoiesis and an important tissue protective hormone that appears to mediate an ancestral neuroprotective innate immune response mechanism at an early age. When the young brain is threatened-prematurity, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, malaria- EPO is hyper-secreted disproportionately to any concurrent anemic stimuli. Under eons of severe malarial selection pressure, neuroprotective EPO augmenting genetic determinants such as the various hemoglobinopathies, and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism, have been positively selected. When malarial and other cerebral threats abate and the young child survives to adulthood, EPO subsides. Sustained high ACE and angiotensin II (Ang II) levels through the ACE D allele in adulthood may then become detrimental as witnessed by epidemiological studies. The ubiquitous renin angiotensin system (RAS) influences the α-klotho/fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) circuitry, and both are interconnected with EPO. Here we propose that at a young age, EPO augmenting genetic determinants through ACE D allele elevated Ang II levels in some or HbE/beta thalassemia in others would increase EPO levels and shield against coronavirus disease 2019, akin to protection from malaria and dengue fever. Human evolution may use ACE2 as a “bait” for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) to gain cellular entry in order to trigger an ACE/ACE2 imbalance and stimulate EPO hypersecretion using tissue RAS, uncoupled from hemoglobin levels. In subjects without EPO augmenting genetic determinants at any age, ACE2 binding and internalization upon SARS-CoV-2 entry would trigger an ACE/ACE2 imbalance, and Ang II oversecretion leading to protective EPO stimulation. In children, low nasal ACE2 Levels would beneficially augment this imbalance, especially for those without protective genetic determinants. On the other hand, in predisposed adults with the ACE D allele, ACE/ACE2 imbalance, may lead to uncontrolled RAS overactivity and an Ang II induced proinflammatory state and immune dysregulation, with interleukin 6 (IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor, and FGF23 elevations. IL-6 induced EPO suppression, aggravated through co-morbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and RAS pharmacological interventions may potentially lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine storm and/or autoimmunity. HbE/beta thalassemia carriers would enjoy protection at any age as their EPO stimulation is uncoupled from the RAS system. The timely use of rhEPO, EPO analogs, acetylsalicylic acid, bioactive lipids, or FGF23 antagonists in genetically predisposed individuals may counteract those detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Somjate Manipalviratn
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Jetanin Institute for Assisted Reproduction, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tar-Choon Aw
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore 529889, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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15
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Miličić Stanić B, Maddox S, de Souza AMA, Wu X, Mehranfard D, Ji H, Speth RC, Sandberg K. Male bias in ACE2 basic science research: missed opportunity for discovery in the time of COVID-19. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R925-R937. [PMID: 33848207 PMCID: PMC8203415 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00356.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the world, including the United States, men have worse outcomes from COVID-19 than women. SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of the COVID-19 pandemic, uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain cellular entry. ACE2 is a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and plays an important role in counteracting the harmful effects mediated by the angiotensin type 1 receptor. Therefore, we conducted Ovid MEDLINE and Embase database searches of basic science studies investigating the impact of the biological variable of sex on ACE2 expression and regulation from 2000, the year ACE2 was discovered, through December 31, 2020. Out of 2,131 publications, we identified 853 original research articles on ACE2 conducted in primary cells, tissues, and/or whole mammals excluding humans. The majority (68.7%) of these studies that cited the sex of the animal were conducted in males, while 11.2% were conducted solely in females; 9.26% compared ACE2 between the sexes, while 10.8% did not report the sex of the animals used. General findings are that sex differences are tissue-specific and when present, are dependent upon gonadal state. Renal, cardiac, and adipose ACE2 is increased in both sexes under experimental conditions that model co-morbidities associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes including hypertension, obesity, and renal and cardiovascular diseases; however, ACE2 protein was generally higher in the males. Studies in Ace2 knockout mice indicate ACE2 plays a greater role in protecting the female from developing hypertension than the male. Studying the biological variable of sex in ACE2 research provides an opportunity for discovery in conditions involving RAS dysfunction and will shed light on sex differences in COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branka Miličić Stanić
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sydney Maddox
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Aline M A de Souza
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Xie Wu
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Danial Mehranfard
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
| | - Hong Ji
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Robert C Speth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kathryn Sandberg
- Center for the Study of Sex Differences in Health, Aging and Disease, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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