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Alipour Z, Zarezadeh S, Ghotbi-Ravandi AA. The Potential of Anti-coronavirus Plant Secondary Metabolites in COVID-19 Drug Discovery as an Alternative to Repurposed Drugs: A Review. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:172-203. [PMID: 37956978 DOI: 10.1055/a-2209-6357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, a global pandemic was announced due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to cause COVID-19. Despite worldwide efforts, there are only limited options regarding antiviral drug treatments for COVID-19. Although vaccines are now available, issues such as declining efficacy against different SARS-CoV-2 variants and the aging of vaccine-induced immunity highlight the importance of finding more antiviral drugs as a second line of defense against the disease. Drug repurposing has been used to rapidly find COVID-19 therapeutic options. Due to the lack of clinical evidence for the therapeutic benefits and certain serious side effects of repurposed antivirals, the search for an antiviral drug against SARS-CoV-2 with fewer side effects continues. In recent years, numerous studies have included antiviral chemicals from a variety of plant species. A better knowledge of the possible antiviral natural products and their mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 will help to develop stronger and more targeted direct-acting antiviral agents. The aim of the present study was to compile the current data on potential plant metabolites that can be investigated in COVID-19 drug discovery and development. This review represents a collection of plant secondary metabolites and their mode of action against SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alipour
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Zarezadeh
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Ghotbi-Ravandi
- Department of Plant Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Sidorenko VS, Cohen I, Dorjee K, Minetti CA, Remeta DP, Gao J, Potapova I, Wang HZ, Hearing J, Yen WY, Kim HK, Hashimoto K, Moriya M, Dickman KG, Yin X, Garcia-Diaz M, Chennamshetti R, Bonala R, Johnson F, Waldeck AL, Gupta R, Li C, Breslauer KJ, Grollman AP, Rosenquist TA. Mechanisms of antiviral action and toxicities of ipecac alkaloids: Emetine and dehydroemetine exhibit anti-coronaviral activities at non-cardiotoxic concentrations. Virus Res 2024; 341:199322. [PMID: 38228190 PMCID: PMC10831786 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199322] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of highly infectious pathogens with their potential for triggering global pandemics necessitate the development of effective treatment strategies, including broad-spectrum antiviral therapies to safeguard human health. This study investigates the antiviral activity of emetine, dehydroemetine (DHE), and congeneric compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43, and evaluates their impact on the host cell. Concurrently, we assess the potential cardiotoxicity of these ipecac alkaloids. Significantly, our data reveal that emetine and the (-)-R,S isomer of 2,3-dehydroemetine (designated in this paper as DHE4) reduce viral growth at nanomolar concentrations (i.e., IC50 ∼ 50-100 nM), paralleling those required for inhibition of protein synthesis, while calcium channel blocking activity occurs at elevated concentrations (i.e., IC50 ∼ 40-60 µM). Our findings suggest that the antiviral mechanisms primarily involve disruption of host cell protein synthesis and is demonstrably stereoisomer specific. The prospect of a therapeutic window in which emetine or DHE4 inhibit viral propagation without cardiotoxicity renders these alkaloids viable candidates in strategies worthy of clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya S Sidorenko
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Ira Cohen
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Kunchok Dorjee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Conceição A Minetti
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - David P Remeta
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Junyuan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Irina Potapova
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Hong Zhan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Janet Hearing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Wan-Yi Yen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Hwan Keun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Keiji Hashimoto
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Masaaki Moriya
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Kathleen G Dickman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Xingyu Yin
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Miguel Garcia-Diaz
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Rajesh Chennamshetti
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Radha Bonala
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Francis Johnson
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Amanda L Waldeck
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Pharmacy, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Ramesh Gupta
- ChemMaster International Inc., Happauge, New York 11788, USA
| | - Chaoping Li
- Chemistry Service Unit of Shanghai Haoyuan Chemexpress Co., Ltd., Shanghai, PR China 201203
| | - Kenneth J Breslauer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers - The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Arthur P Grollman
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York 11794, USA
| | - Thomas A Rosenquist
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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Balsera-Manzanero M, Ghirga F, Ruiz-Molina A, Mori M, Pachón J, Botta B, Cordero E, Quaglio D, Sánchez-Céspedes J. Inhibition of adenovirus transport from the endosome to the cell nucleus by rotenone. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1293296. [PMID: 38273842 PMCID: PMC10808720 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1293296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Regardless of the clinical impact of human adenovirus (HAdV) infections in the healthy population and its high morbidity in immunosuppressed patients, a specific treatment is still not yet available. In this study, we screened the CM1407 COST Action's chemical library, comprising 1,233 natural products to identify compounds that restrict HAdV infection. Among them, we identified rotenolone, a compound that significantly inhibited HAdV infection. Next, we selected four isoflavonoid-type compounds (e.g., rotenone, deguelin, millettone, and tephrosin), namely rotenoids, structurally related to rotenolone in order to evaluate and characterized in vitro their antiviral activities against HAdV and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Their IC50 values for HAdV ranged from 0.0039 µM for rotenone to 0.07 µM for tephrosin, with selective indices ranging from 164.1 for rotenone to 2,429.3 for deguelin. In addition, the inhibition of HCMV replication ranged from 50% to 92.1% at twice the IC50 concentrations obtained in the plaque assay for each compound against HAdV. Our results indicated that the mechanisms of action of rotenolone, deguelin, and tephrosin involve the late stages of the HAdV replication cycle. However, the antiviral mechanism of action of rotenone appears to involve the alteration of the microtubular polymerization, which prevents HAdV particles from reaching the nuclear membrane of the cell. These isoflavonoid-type compounds exert high antiviral activity against HAdV at nanomolar concentrations, and can be considered strong hit candidates for the development of a new class of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Balsera-Manzanero
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ana Ruiz-Molina
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Jerónimo Pachón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospitales Universitarios Virgen del Rocío y Virgen Macarena/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Cordero
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Javier Sánchez-Céspedes
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Parasitología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII—CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Peng X, Shi J, Zhao Z, Tong R, Zhang X, Zhong L. Emetine, a small molecule natural product, displays potent anti-gastric cancer activity via regulation of multiple signaling pathways. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2023; 91:303-315. [PMID: 36941385 PMCID: PMC10027284 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04521-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a life-threatening malignant tumor with high incidence rate. Despite great progress, there are still many GC sufferers that cannot benefit from the existing anti-GC treatments. Therefore, it is still necessary to develop novel medicines against GC. Emetine, a natural small molecule isolated from Psychotria ipecacuanha, has been broadly used for medicinal purposes including cancer treatment. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study on the anti-GC effects of emetine and the related mechanisms of action. METHODS The cell viability was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assay. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by edu incorporation assay and Annexin V-PI staining, respectively. Moreover, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were conducted to detect cell migration and invasion after treatment with emetine. To elucidate the molecular mechanism involved in the anti-GC effects of emetine, RNA sequencing and functional enrichment analysis were carried out on MGC803 cells. Then, the western blot analysis was performed to further verify the anti-GC mechanism of emetine. In vivo anti-tumor efficacy of emetine was evaluated in the MGC803 xenograft model. RESULTS MTT and colony formation assay exhibited a strong potency of emetine against GC cell growth, with IC50 values of 0.0497 μM and 0.0244 μM on MGC803 and HGC-27 cells, respectively. Further pharmacodynamic studies revealed that emetine restrained the growth of GC cells mainly via proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction. Meanwhile, emetine also had the ability to block GC cell migration and invasion. The results of RNA sequencing and western blot showed that emetine acted through regulating multiple signaling pathways, including not only MAPKs and Wnt/β-catenin signaling axes, but also PI3K/AKT and Hippo/YAP signaling cascades that were not found in other tumor types. Notably, the antitumor efficacy of emetine could also be observed in MGC803 xenograft models. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that emetine is a promising lead compound and even a potential drug candidate for GC treatment, deserving further structural optimization and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerun Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lei Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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5
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England C, TrejoMartinez J, PerezSanchez P, Karki U, Xu J. Plants as Biofactories for Therapeutic Proteins and Antiviral Compounds to Combat COVID-19. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:617. [PMID: 36983772 PMCID: PMC10054913 DOI: 10.3390/life13030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a profound impact on the world's health and economy. Although the end of the pandemic may come in 2023, it is generally believed that the virus will not be completely eradicated. Most likely, the disease will become an endemicity. The rapid development of vaccines of different types (mRNA, subunit protein, inactivated virus, etc.) and some other antiviral drugs (Remdesivir, Olumiant, Paxlovid, etc.) has provided effectiveness in reducing COVID-19's impact worldwide. However, the circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus has been constantly mutating with the emergence of multiple variants, which makes control of COVID-19 difficult. There is still a pressing need for developing more effective antiviral drugs to fight against the disease. Plants have provided a promising production platform for both bioactive chemical compounds (small molecules) and recombinant therapeutics (big molecules). Plants naturally produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds as secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids/terpenes and polyphenols, which are a rich source of countless antiviral compounds. Plants can also be genetically engineered to produce valuable recombinant therapeutics. This molecular farming in plants has an unprecedented opportunity for developing vaccines, antibodies, and other biologics for pandemic diseases because of its potential advantages, such as low cost, safety, and high production volume. This review summarizes the latest advancements in plant-derived drugs used to combat COVID-19 and discusses the prospects and challenges of the plant-based production platform for antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin England
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | | | - Paula PerezSanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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Lei S, Chen X, Wu J, Duan X, Men K. Small molecules in the treatment of COVID-19. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:387. [PMID: 36464706 PMCID: PMC9719906 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has become a global crisis, and brought severe disruptions to societies and economies. Until now, effective therapeutics against COVID-19 are in high demand. Along with our improved understanding of the structure, function, and pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2, many small molecules with potential anti-COVID-19 effects have been developed. So far, several antiviral strategies were explored. Besides directly inhibition of viral proteins such as RdRp and Mpro, interference of host enzymes including ACE2 and proteases, and blocking relevant immunoregulatory pathways represented by JAK/STAT, BTK, NF-κB, and NLRP3 pathways, are regarded feasible in drug development. The development of small molecules to treat COVID-19 has been achieved by several strategies, including computer-aided lead compound design and screening, natural product discovery, drug repurposing, and combination therapy. Several small molecules representative by remdesivir and paxlovid have been proved or authorized emergency use in many countries. And many candidates have entered clinical-trial stage. Nevertheless, due to the epidemiological features and variability issues of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to continue exploring novel strategies against COVID-19. This review discusses the current findings in the development of small molecules for COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, their detailed mechanism of action, chemical structures, and preclinical and clinical efficacies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jieping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingmei Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Ke Men
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Some natural compounds and their analogues having potent anti- SARS-CoV-2 and anti-proteases activities as lead molecules in drug discovery for COVID-19. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY REPORTS 2022; 6:100079. [PMID: 36060987 PMCID: PMC9420082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmcr.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ji X, Meng X, Zhu X, He Q, Cui Y. Research and development of Chinese anti-COVID-19 drugs. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4271-4286. [PMID: 36119967 PMCID: PMC9472487 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak and spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) highlighted the importance and urgency of the research and development of therapeutic drugs. Very early into the COVID-19 pandemic, China has begun developing drugs, with some notable progress. Herein, we summarizes the anti-COVID-19 drugs and promising drug candidates originally developed and researched in China. Furthermore, we discussed the developmental prospects, mechanisms of action, and advantages and disadvantages of the anti-COVID-19 drugs in development, with the aim to contribute to the rational use of drugs in COVID-19 treatment and more effective development of new drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the variants. Neutralizing antibody is an effective approach to overcome COVID-19. However, drug resistance induced by rapid virus mutation will likely to challenge neutralizing antibodies. Taking into account current epidemic trends, small molecule drugs have a crucial role in fighting COVID-19 due to their significant advantage of convenient administration and affordable and broad-spectrum. Traditional Chinese medicines, including natural products and traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, contribute to the treatment of COVID-19 due to their unique mechanism of action. Currently, the research and development of Chinese anti-COVID-19 drugs have led to some promising achievements, thus prompting us to expect even more rapidly available solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwei Ji
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Xiangrui Meng
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qingfeng He
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yimin Cui
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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Pitakbut T, Nguyen GN, Kayser O. Activity of THC, CBD, and CBN on Human ACE2 and SARS-CoV1/2 Main Protease to Understand Antiviral Defense Mechanism. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:1047-1059. [PMID: 34638139 DOI: 10.1055/a-1581-3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
THC, CBD, and CBN were reported as promising candidates against SARS-CoV2 infection, but the mechanism of action of these three cannabinoids is not understood. This study aims to determine the mechanism of action of THC, CBD, and CBN by selecting two essential targets that directly affect the coronavirus infections as viral main proteases and human angiotensin-converting enzyme2. Tested THC and CBD presented a dual-action action against both selected targets. Only CBD acted as a potent viral main protease inhibitor at the IC50 value of 1.86 ± 0.04 µM and exhibited only moderate activity against human angiotensin-converting enzyme2 at the IC50 value of 14.65 ± 0.47 µM. THC acted as a moderate inhibitor against both viral main protease and human angiotensin-converting enzymes2 at the IC50 value of 16.23 ± 1.71 µM and 11.47 ± 3.60 µM, respectively. Here, we discuss cannabinoid-associated antiviral activity mechanisms based on in silico docking studies and in vitro receptor binding studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanet Pitakbut
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Gia-Nam Nguyen
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
- MINDbioscience GmbH, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Oliver Kayser
- Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
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10
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Valipour M, Irannejad H, Emami S. Application of emetine in SARS-CoV-2 treatment: regulation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway for preventing emetine-induced cardiac complications. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2379-2386. [DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamid Irannejad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Emami
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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11
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Sakamuru S, Huang R, Xia M. Use of Tox21 Screening Data to Evaluate the COVID-19 Drug Candidates for Their Potential Toxic Effects and Related Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:935399. [PMID: 35910344 PMCID: PMC9333127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.935399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, various potential therapeutic agents for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are being investigated worldwide mainly through the drug repurposing approach. Several anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory drugs were employed in randomized trials and observational studies for developing new therapeutics for COVID-19. Although an increasing number of repurposed drugs have shown anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities in vitro, so far only remdesivir has been approved by the US FDA to treat COVID-19, and several other drugs approved for Emergency Use Authorization, including sotrovimab, tocilizumab, baricitinib, paxlovid, molnupiravir, and other potential strategies to develop safe and effective therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2 infection are still underway. Many drugs employed as anti-viral may exert unwanted side effects (i.e., toxicity) via unknown mechanisms. To quickly assess these drugs for their potential toxicological effects and mechanisms, we used the Tox21 in vitro assay datasets generated from screening ∼10,000 compounds consisting of approved drugs and environmental chemicals against multiple cellular targets and pathways. Here we summarize the toxicological profiles of small molecule drugs that are currently under clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 based on their in vitro activities against various targets and cellular signaling pathways.
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Valipour M. Different Aspects of Emetine's Capabilities as a Highly Potent SARS-CoV-2 Inhibitor against COVID-19. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:387-399. [PMID: 35702393 PMCID: PMC9159504 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the global movement to find the appropriate agents to fight the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), emetine is one of the strongest anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds with sub-micromolar EC50 values, identified in several studies and high-throughput screening efforts. The reported anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms indicate the effect of this compound on both virus-based and host-based targets. In addition to having excellent antiviral effects, emetine can relieve COVID-19 patients by reducing inflammation through inhibitory activity against NF-κB by the mechanism of IκBα phosphorylation inhibition; it can also limit the lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6. Emetine also can well reduce pulmonary arterial hypertension as an important COVID-19 complication by modulating a variety of cellular processes such as the Rho-kinase/CyPA/Bsg signaling pathway. The therapeutic value of emetine for combating COVID-19 was highlighted when in vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the concentration of this compound in the lungs increases significantly higher than the EC50 of the drug. Despite its valuable therapeutic effects, emetine has some cardiotoxic effects that limit its use in high doses. However, high therapeutic capabilities make emetine a valuable lead compound that can be used for the design and development of less toxic anti-COVID-19 agents in the future. This Review provides a collection of information on the capabilities of emetine and its potential for the treatment of COVID-19, along with structural analysis which could be used for further research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Valipour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University
of Medical Sciences, 48175-866 Sari, Iran
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Targeted protein degradation: mechanisms, strategies and application. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:113. [PMID: 35379777 PMCID: PMC8977435 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional drug discovery mainly focuses on direct regulation of protein activity. The development and application of protein activity modulators, particularly inhibitors, has been the mainstream in drug development. In recent years, PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTAC) technology has emerged as one of the most promising approaches to remove specific disease-associated proteins by exploiting cells’ own destruction machinery. In addition to PROTAC, many different targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies including, but not limited to, molecular glue, Lysosome-Targeting Chimaera (LYTAC), and Antibody-based PROTAC (AbTAC), are emerging. These technologies have not only greatly expanded the scope of TPD, but also provided fresh insights into drug discovery. Here, we summarize recent advances of major TPD technologies, discuss their potential applications, and hope to provide a prime for both biologists and chemists who are interested in this vibrant field.
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Beheshtirouy S, Khani E, Khiali S, Entezari-Maleki T. Investigational antiviral drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Arch Virol 2022; 167:751-805. [PMID: 35138438 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In the current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), antiviral drugs are at the center of attention because of their critical role against severe acute respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In addition to designing new antivirals against SARS-COV-2, a drug repurposing strategy is a practical approach for treating COVID-19. A brief insight about antivirals would help clinicians to choose the best medication for the treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss both novel and repurposed investigational antivirals, focusing on in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samineh Beheshtirouy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elnaz Khani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sajad Khiali
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Taher Entezari-Maleki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Cardiovascular Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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15
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Gao S, Huang T, Song L, Xu S, Cheng Y, Cherukupalli S, Kang D, Zhao T, Sun L, Zhang J, Zhan P, Liu X. Medicinal chemistry strategies towards the development of effective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:581-599. [PMID: 34485029 PMCID: PMC8405450 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapies are urgently needed to improve global treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we briefly provide a concise report on the medicinal chemistry strategies towards the development of effective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors with representative examples in different strategies from the medicinal chemistry perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Letian Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Yusen Cheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China,China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China,China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Ji'nan 250012, China,Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 531 88382005 (Peng Zhan), +86 531 88380270 (Xinyong Liu).
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan 250012, China,China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Ji'nan 250012, China,Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 531 88382005 (Peng Zhan), +86 531 88380270 (Xinyong Liu).
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Shagufta, Ahmad I. An Update on Pharmacological Relevance and Chemical Synthesis of Natural Products and Derivatives with Anti SARS-CoV-2 Activity. ChemistrySelect 2021; 6:11502-11527. [PMID: 34909460 PMCID: PMC8661826 DOI: 10.1002/slct.202103301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Natural products recognized traditionally as a vital source of active constituents in pharmacotherapy. The COVID-19 infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible, pathogenic, and considered an ongoing global health emergency. The emergence of COVID-19 globally and the lack of adequate treatment brought attention towards herbal medicines, and scientists across the globe instigated the search for novel drugs from medicinal plants and natural products to tackle this deadly virus. The natural products rich in scaffold diversity and structural complexity are an excellent source for antiviral drug discovery. Recently the investigation of several natural products and their synthetic derivatives resulted in the identification of promising anti SARS-CoV-2 agents. This review article will highlight the pharmacological relevance and chemical synthesis of the recently discovered natural product and their synthetic analogs as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The summarized information will pave the path for the natural product-based drug discovery of safe and potent antiviral agents, particularly against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta
- Department of Mathematics and Natural SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesAmerican University of Ras Al KhaimahRas Al Khaimah Road, P. O. Box10021Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
| | - Irshad Ahmad
- Department of Mathematics and Natural SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesAmerican University of Ras Al KhaimahRas Al Khaimah Road, P. O. Box10021Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
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Españo E, Kim J, Lee K, Kim JK. Phytochemicals for the treatment of COVID-19. J Microbiol 2021; 59:959-977. [PMID: 34724178 PMCID: PMC8559138 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-021-1467-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the lack of approved drugs against acute viral diseases. Plants are considered inexhaustible sources of drugs for several diseases and clinical conditions, but plant-derived compounds have seen little success in the field of antivirals. Here, we present the case for the use of compounds from vascular plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins, as antivirals, particularly for the treatment of COVID-19. We review current evidence for the use of these phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 infection and present their potential targets in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Españo
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiho Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea.
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