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Yu X, Kong Q. Potential value of neuroimmunotherapy for COVID-19: efficacies and mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture, and cholinergic drugs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197467. [PMID: 37475861 PMCID: PMC10355152 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197467] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is an inflammatory disease with multiple organs involved, mainly respiratory symptoms. Although the majority of patients with COVID-19 present with a mild to moderate self-limited course of illness, about 5-10% of patients with inflammatory disorders in severe COVID-19 have life-threatening progression. With the exception of a few drugs that have shown outstanding anti-COVID-19 effects, the efficacy of most drugs remains controversial. An increasing number of animal and clinical studies have shown that neuromodulation has a significant effect on reducing inflammatory markers of COVID-19, thus exerting an effective neuroimmunotherapeutic value. Currently, the main neuroimmunomodulatory measures effective against COVID-19 include vagus nerve stimulation, electroacupuncture, and cholinergic drugs. In this review, we will summarize the research progress of potential value of this neuroimmunotherapy measures for COVID-19 and elaborate its efficacies and mechanisms, in order to provide reliable evidence for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqiang Yu
- Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Heart center, Qingdao, China
- University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Cardiology, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qingming Kong
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and In Vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang province, Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Prodrugs Activated by Phosphorylation and Their Role in the Aged Population. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052332. [PMID: 36903575 PMCID: PMC10004871 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has flared across every part of the globe and affected populations from different age groups differently. People aged from 40 to 80 years or older are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to develop therapeutics to decrease the risk of the disease in the aged population. Over the last few years, several prodrugs have demonstrated significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects in in vitro assays, animal models, and medical practice. Prodrugs are used to enhance drug delivery by improving pharmacokinetic parameters, decreasing toxicity, and attaining site specificity. This article discusses recently explored prodrugs such as remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and their implications in the aged population, as well as investigating recent clinical trials.
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Matin MM, Uzzaman M, Chowdhury SA, Bhuiyan MMH. In vitro antimicrobial, physicochemical, pharmacokinetics and molecular docking studies of benzoyl uridine esters against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:3668-3680. [PMID: 33297848 PMCID: PMC7738211 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1850358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Different esters were found potential against microorganisms, and could be a better choice to solve the multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogenic global issue due to their improved biological and pharmacokinetic properties. In this view, several 4-t-butylbenzoyl uridine esters 4-15 with different aliphatic and aromatic groups were synthesized for antimicrobial, physicochemical and biological studies. In vitro antimicrobial tests against nine bacteria and three fungi along with prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) indicated promising antifungal functionality of these uridine esters compared to the antibacterial activities. In support of this observation their cytotoxicity and molecular docking studies have been performed against lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A1) and Aspergillus flavus (1R51). Significant binding affinities were observed against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (7BQY) considering hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as standard. ADMET predictions were investigated to evaluate their absorption, metabolism and toxic properties. Most of the uridine esters showed better results than that of the HCQ. Overall, the present study might be useful for the development of uridine-based novel MDR antimicrobial and COVID-19 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mahbubul Matin
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Monir Uzzaman
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shagir Ahammad Chowdhury
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mosharef Hossain Bhuiyan
- Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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Fenton C, Keam SJ. Emerging small molecule antivirals may fit neatly into COVID-19 treatment. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2022; 38:112-126. [PMID: 35250258 PMCID: PMC8882464 DOI: 10.1007/s40267-022-00897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Numerous treatments exist for COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, although most are not well established; among these are several small molecule antiviral agents. Intravenous remdesivir is an established treatment worldwide for inpatients and in some countries is also available for use in non-hospitalised high risk patients to prevent progression to severe disease and hospitalization. Oral molnupiravir and oral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir are also available in several countries to prevent progression to severe disease and hospitalization for high-risk outpatients. Many other antiviral small molecules that may have therapeutic potential are under investigation in clinical trials. This article provides a summary of key molecular targets, pharmacology and preliminary data on the efficacy and safety of small molecule antiviral agents being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fenton
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754 New Zealand
| | - Susan J. Keam
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754 New Zealand
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Smith PO, Jin P, Rahman KM. Strategies for drug repurposing against coronavirus targets. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 3:100072. [PMID: 34901833 PMCID: PMC8642829 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Repurposing regulatory agency approved drugs and investigational compounds with known safety profiles can significantly fast track the drug development timeline over de novo drug discovery, with lower investment requirements and improved attrition rate. These advantages are vital in any epidemic or pandemic situation, where hospital beds are occupied by patients for whom there is no known treatment. Here we examine drug repurposing in the context of human coronaviruses, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and, in particular, SARS-CoV-2, the virus currently causing a continued widespread pandemic with substantial impacts on public health and economy. The key druggable targets explored were those involved in viral entry, viral replication, and viral-induced ARDS, as well as viral proteases, with a focus on the strategy by which the drugs were repurposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy O. Smith
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Peiqin Jin
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Khondaker Miraz Rahman
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, UK
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In Silico Modeling as a Perspective in Developing Potential Vaccine Candidates and Therapeutics for COVID-19. COATINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings11111273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The potential of computational models to identify new therapeutics and repurpose existing drugs has gained significance in recent times. The current ‘COVID-19’ pandemic caused by the new SARS CoV2 virus has affected over 200 million people and caused over 4 million deaths. The enormity and the consequences of this viral infection have fueled the research community to identify drugs or vaccines through a relatively expeditious process. The availability of high-throughput datasets has cultivated new strategies for drug development and can provide the foundation towards effective therapy options. Molecular modeling methods using structure-based or computer-aided virtual screening can potentially be employed as research guides to identify novel antiviral agents. This review focuses on in-silico modeling of the potential therapeutic candidates against SARS CoVs, in addition to strategies for vaccine design. Here, we particularly focus on the recently published SARS CoV main protease (Mpro) active site, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS CoV2, and the spike S-protein as potential targets for vaccine development. This review can offer future perspectives for further research and the development of COVID-19 therapies via the design of new drug candidates and multi-epitopic vaccines and through the repurposing of either approved drugs or drugs under clinical trial.
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DFT Based Pharmacokinetic, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Studies of Some Glucopyranoside Esters. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCE & PROCESS ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.33736/jaspe.2940.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Monosaccharide esters (MEs) are getting more attention from bioorganic chemists due to their biodegradable and drug-likeness properties. As a consequence, carbohydrate derivatives (sugar-based esters, SEs) are an essential part of medicinal chemistry. In this context, density functional theory (DFT) with B3LYP/ 3-21G has been employed to optimize the methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-α-D-glucopyranoside (3) of methyl α-D-glucopyranoside (2) and its protected acyl esters 4-6. The prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) of these compounds showed better antifungal functionalities than the antibacterial potentiality. Thermodynamic properties and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) of these MEs indicated their stability and both the electrophilic and nucleophilic attack sites. Due to their better antifungal potentiality, molecular docking was conducted against fungal protein lanosterol 14α-demethylase (3JUS), and SARS-CoV-2 main protease (6LU7) along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies. The study indicated a better binding affinity of some esters compared to the standard antifungal and COVID-19 related drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).
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Gomez CR, Espinoza I, Faruque FS, Hasan MM, Rahman KM, Walker LA, Muhammad I. Therapeutic Intervention of COVID-19 by Natural Products: A Population-Specific Survey Directed Approach. Molecules 2021; 26:1191. [PMID: 33672163 PMCID: PMC7927139 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26041191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To date very few promising leads from natural products (NP) secondary metabolites with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties have been identified for promising/potential intervention for COVID-19. Using in-silico docking studies and genome based various molecular targets, and their in vitro anti-SARS CoV-2 activities against whole cell and/or selected protein targets, we select a few compounds of interest, which can be used as potential leads to counteract effects of uncontrolled innate immune responses, in particular those related to the cytokine storm. A critical factor for prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection relates to factors independent of viral infection or host response. They include population-related variables such as concurrent comorbidities and genetic factors critically relevant to COVID-19 health disparities. We discuss population risk factors related to SARS-CoV-2. In addition, we focus on virulence related to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd), the most common human enzymopathy. Review of data on the response of individuals and communities with high prevalence of G6PDd to NP, prompts us to propose the rationale for a population-specific management approach to rationalize design of therapeutic interventions of SARS-CoV-2 infection, based on use of NP. This strategy may lead to personalized approaches and improve disease-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian R. Gomez
- Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) & University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Ingrid Espinoza
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) & University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Fazlay S. Faruque
- Department of Preventive Medicine, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA;
| | - Md. Mahbub Hasan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK; (M.M.H.); (K.M.R.)
| | - Khondaker Miraz Rahman
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK; (M.M.H.); (K.M.R.)
| | - Larry A. Walker
- National Center for Natural Product Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA;
| | - Ilias Muhammad
- National Center for Natural Product Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA;
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