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Li H, You J, Yang X, Wei Y, Zheng L, Zhao Y, Huang Y, Jin Z, Yi C. Glycyrrhetinic acid: A potential drug for the treatment of COVID-19 cytokine storm. PHYTOMEDICINE 2022; 102:154153. [PMID: 35636166 PMCID: PMC9098921 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cytokine storm (CS) triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused serious harm to health of humanity and huge economic burden to the world, and there is a lack of effective methods to treat this complication. PURPOSE In this research, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking to reveal the interaction mechanism in the glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) for the treatment of CS, and validated the effect of GA intervention CS by experiments. STUDY DESIGN First, we screened corresponding target of GA and CS from online databases, and obtained the action target genes through the Venn diagram. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment of the action target genes were acquired by R language to predict its mechanism. Next, molecular docking was performed on core targets. Finally, experiments in which GA intervened in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CS were implemented. RESULTS 84 action target genes were obtained from online database. The PPI network of target genes showed that TNF, IL6, MAPK3, PTGS2, ESR1 and PPARG were considered as the core genes. The results of GO and KEGG showed that action target genes were closely related to inflammatory and immune related signaling pathways, such as TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, Human cytomegalovirus infection, PPAR signaling pathway and so on. Molecule docking results prompted that GA had fine affinity with IL6 and TNF proteins. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experimental results showed that GA could significantly inhibit LPS-induced CS. CONCLUSION GA has a potential inhibitory effect on CS, which is worthy of further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Jia You
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuanfeng Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lingnan Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaqin Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, China
| | - Zhao Jin
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Cheng Yi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Thomas G, Hirter K, Frederick E, Hausburg M, Bar-Or R, Mulugeta Y, Roshon M, Mains C, Bar-Or D. AMP5A modulates Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 single-stranded RNA immune responses in PMA-differentiated THP-1 and PBMC. TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 35261923 PMCID: PMC8891742 DOI: 10.1186/s41231-022-00110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of antiviral immunity has been implicated in the progression of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection into severe cases of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Imbalances in the inflammatory response drive the overabundant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The low molecular weight fraction of 5% human serum albumin commercial preparation (AMP5A) is a novel biologic drug currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of osteoarthritis and the hyperinflammatory response associated with COVID-19. This study aims to elucidate AMP5A effects following the activation of immune cells with agonists of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and/or 8, which detect ssRNA viral sequences. METHODS CXCL10 ELISAs were used to evaluate the dynamics of myeloid cells activated with CL075 and CL307, agonists of TLR7/8 and TLR7, respectively. In addition, enrichment analysis of gene sets generated by ELISA arrays was utilized to gain insight into the biologic processes underlying the identified differentially expressed cytokine profiles. Finally, relative potency (REP) was employed to confirm the involvement of mechanisms of action paramount to AMP5A activity. RESULTS AMP5A inhibits the release of CXCL10 from both CL075- and CL307-activated PMA-differentiated THP-1 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, AMP5A suppresses a distinct set of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and CXCL10) associated with COVID-19 and pro-inflammatory NF-κB activation. REP experiments using antagonists specific for the immunomodulatory transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor, also indicate that these pathways are involved in the ability of AMP5A to inhibit CXCL10 release. CONCLUSION Due to the biphasic course of COVID-19, therapeutic approaches that augment antiviral immunity may be more beneficial early in infection, whereas later interventions should focus on inflammation suppression. In this study, we show that AMP5A inhibits TLR 7/8 signaling in myeloid cells, resulting in a decrease in inflammatory mediators associated with hyperinflammation and autoimmunity. Furthermore, data demonstrating that AMP5A activates immunomodulatory transcription factors found to be protective in lung disease is provided. These findings suggest that the modes and mechanisms of action of AMP5A are well suited to treat conditions involving dysregulated TLR 7/8 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Thomas
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO 80122 USA
| | - Kristen Hirter
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO 80122 USA
| | - Elizabeth Frederick
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO 80122 USA
| | - Melissa Hausburg
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden, Englewood, CO 80113 USA
- Trauma Research Department, St. Anthony Hospital, 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80228 USA
- Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rocky Vista University, 8401 S Chambers Rd, Parker, CO 80134 USA
- Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO 80112 USA
| | - Raphael Bar-Or
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO 80122 USA
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden, Englewood, CO 80113 USA
- Trauma Research Department, St. Anthony Hospital, 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80228 USA
- Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rocky Vista University, 8401 S Chambers Rd, Parker, CO 80134 USA
- Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO 80112 USA
| | - Yetti Mulugeta
- Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc, 373 Inverness Parkway Suite 200, Englewood, CO 80122 USA
| | - Michael Roshon
- Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
| | - Charles Mains
- Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO 80112 USA
| | - David Bar-Or
- Trauma Research Department, Swedish Medical Center, 501 E. Hampden, Englewood, CO 80113 USA
- Trauma Research Department, St. Anthony Hospital, 11600 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80228 USA
- Trauma Research Department, Penrose Hospital, 2222 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rocky Vista University, 8401 S Chambers Rd, Parker, CO 80134 USA
- Centura Health Systems, 9100 E. Mineral Cir, Centennial, CO 80112 USA
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A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Novel Inhaled Biologic Therapeutic in Adults with Respiratory Distress Secondary to COVID-19 Infection. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 11:595-605. [PMID: 34775578 PMCID: PMC8590808 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00562-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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhaled therapeutics may act to directly target and attenuate lung inflammation due to COVID-19. An inhalation form of a novel biologic drug, AMP5A, is being developed as an immunomodulatory agent to treat dysregulated immune responses and is being studied in hospitalized patients to treat respiratory complications due to COVID-19. METHODS A randomized, controlled, phase I trial was conducted to evaluate hospitalized adults with respiratory distress secondary to COVID-19. Patients received the standard care (SOC) for COVID-19, including respiratory therapy, corticosteroids, and antiviral therapies such as remdesivir. Patients were randomized 1:1 to inhalation treatment with AMP5A as an adjunct to SOC or to SOC alone (control). AMP5A was administered via inhalation daily for 5 days via hand-held nebulizer, non-invasive ventilator, or mechanical ventilation. Safety and clinical efficacy endpoints were evaluated. RESULTS Forty subjects were enrolled and randomized (n = 19 AMP5A, n = 21 control). Remdesivir was used in fewer AMP5A subjects (26%) than control (52%), and dexamethasone was administered for most subjects (84% AMP5A, 71% control). The study met its primary endpoint with no AMP5A treatment-related adverse events (AEs), and the incidence and severity of AEs were comparable between groups: 18 AEs for control (8 mild, 1 moderate, 9 severe) and 19 AEs for AMP5A (7 mild, 7 moderate, 5 severe). Notably, subjects treated with AMP5A had fewer deaths (5% vs. 24%), shorter hospital stay (8 days vs. 12 days), fewer ICU admissions (21% vs. 33%), and a greater proportion with improved clinical outcomes than control. CONCLUSION The phase I clinical results indicate inhaled AMP5A is safe, is well tolerated, and could lead to fewer patients experiencing deterioration or death. Based on the treatment effect (i.e., reduced mortality), a phase II trial has been initiated. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04606784.
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