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Ghanem L, Essayli D, Kotaich J, Zein MA, Sahebkar A, Eid AH. Phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells in COVID-19: Role of cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. J Cell Physiol 2024:e31424. [PMID: 39188012 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Although the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), primarily manifests as severe respiratory distress, its impact on the cardiovascular system is also notable. Studies reveal that COVID-19 patients often suffer from certain vascular diseases, partly attributed to increased proliferation or altered phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although the association between COVID-19 and VSMCs is recognized, the precise mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2's influence on VSMC phenotype remains largely under-reviewed. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature dissecting the effect of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, few reports delve into the potential role of VSMC switching in the pathophysiology associated with COVID-19 and the molecular mechanisms involved therein. This review dissects and critiques the link between COVID-19 and VSMCs, with particular attention to pathways involving cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. These pathways underpin the interaction between the virus and VSMCs. Such interaction promotes VSMC proliferation, and eventually potentiates vascular calcification as well as worsens prognosis in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ghanem
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Dina Essayli
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Jana Kotaich
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
- MEDICA Research Investigation, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Al Zein
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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2
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Brady DK, Gurijala AR, Huang L, Hussain AA, Lingan AL, Pembridge OG, Ratangee BA, Sealy TT, Vallone KT, Clements TP. A guide to COVID-19 antiviral therapeutics: a summary and perspective of the antiviral weapons against SARS-CoV-2 infection. FEBS J 2024; 291:1632-1662. [PMID: 36266238 PMCID: PMC9874604 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral therapies are integral in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), the causative agent of COVID-19. Antiviral therapeutics can be divided into categories based on how they combat the virus, including viral entry into the host cell, viral replication, protein trafficking, post-translational processing, and immune response regulation. Drugs that target how the virus enters the cell include: Evusheld, REGEN-COV, bamlanivimab and etesevimab, bebtelovimab, sotrovimab, Arbidol, nitazoxanide, and chloroquine. Drugs that prevent the virus from replicating include: Paxlovid, remdesivir, molnupiravir, favipiravir, ribavirin, and Kaletra. Drugs that interfere with protein trafficking and post-translational processing include nitazoxanide and ivermectin. Lastly, drugs that target immune response regulation include interferons and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as dexamethasone. Antiviral therapies offer an alternative solution for those unable or unwilling to be vaccinated and are a vital weapon in the battle against the global pandemic. Learning more about these therapies helps raise awareness in the general population about the options available to them with respect to aiding in the reduction of the severity of COVID-19 infection. In this 'A Guide To' article, we provide an in-depth insight into the development of antiviral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and their ability to help fight COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drugan K. Brady
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Aashi R. Gurijala
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Liyu Huang
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Ali A. Hussain
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Audrey L. Lingan
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | | | - Brina A. Ratangee
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Tristan T. Sealy
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Kyle T. Vallone
- Department of Biological SciencesVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTNUSA
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3
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Chen YT, Chang YH, Pathak N, Tzou SC, Luo YC, Hsu YC, Li TN, Lee JY, Chen YC, Huang YW, Yang HJ, Hsu NY, Tsai HP, Chang TY, Hsu SC, Liu PC, Chin YF, Lin WC, Yang CM, Wu HL, Lee CY, Hsu HL, Liu YC, Chu JW, Wang LHC, Wang JY, Huang CH, Lin CH, Hsieh PS, Wu Lee YH, Hung YJ, Yang JM. Methotrexate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry, infection and inflammation revealed by bioinformatics approach and a hamster model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1080897. [PMID: 36618412 PMCID: PMC9811668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1080897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug repurposing is a fast and effective way to develop drugs for an emerging disease such as COVID-19. The main challenges of effective drug repurposing are the discoveries of the right therapeutic targets and the right drugs for combating the disease. Methods Here, we present a systematic repurposing approach, combining Homopharma and hierarchal systems biology networks (HiSBiN), to predict 327 therapeutic targets and 21,233 drug-target interactions of 1,592 FDA drugs for COVID-19. Among these multi-target drugs, eight candidates (along with pimozide and valsartan) were tested and methotrexate was identified to affect 14 therapeutic targets suppressing SARS-CoV-2 entry, viral replication, and COVID-19 pathologies. Through the use of in vitro (EC50 = 0.4 μM) and in vivo models, we show that methotrexate is able to inhibit COVID-19 via multiple mechanisms. Results Our in vitro studies illustrate that methotrexate can suppress SARS-CoV-2 entry and replication by targeting furin and DHFR of the host, respectively. Additionally, methotrexate inhibits all four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. In a Syrian hamster model for COVID-19, methotrexate reduced virus replication, inflammation in the infected lungs. By analysis of transcriptomic analysis of collected samples from hamster lung, we uncovered that neutrophil infiltration and the pathways of innate immune response, adaptive immune response and thrombosis are modulated in the treated animals. Conclusions We demonstrate that this systematic repurposing approach is potentially useful to identify pharmaceutical targets, multi-target drugs and regulated pathways for a complex disease. Our findings indicate that methotrexate is established as a promising drug against SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be used to treat lung damage and inflammation in COVID-19, warranting future evaluation in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ti Chen
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiu Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nikhil Pathak
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shey-Cherng Tzou
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yong-Chun Luo
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chao Hsu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Neng Li
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Yu Lee
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Cyun Chen
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Huang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ju Yang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Nung-Yu Hsu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ping Tsai
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tein-Yao Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chen Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Fan Chin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Lin
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Mi Yang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Ling Wu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Lee
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ling Hsu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Liu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Wei Chu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jann-Yuan Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Heng Huang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hung Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Institute of Biophotonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Shiuan Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Hwa Wu Lee
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Endocrine and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Yi-Jen Hung, ; Jinn-Moon Yang,
| | - Jinn-Moon Yang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,*Correspondence: Yi-Jen Hung, ; Jinn-Moon Yang,
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Nandi S, Nayak BS, Khede MK, Saxena AK. Repurposing of Chemotherapeutics to Combat COVID-19. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:2660-2694. [PMID: 36453483 DOI: 10.2174/1568026623666221130142517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel strain of SARS coronavirus. The COVID-19 disease caused by this virus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). SARS-CoV-2 mainly spreads through droplets sprayed by coughs or sneezes of the infected to a healthy person within the vicinity of 6 feet. It also spreads through asymptomatic carriers and has negative impact on the global economy, security and lives of people since 2019. Numerous lives have been lost to this viral infection; hence there is an emergency to build up a potent measure to combat SARS-CoV-2. In view of the non-availability of any drugs or vaccines at the time of its eruption, the existing antivirals, antibacterials, antimalarials, mucolytic agents and antipyretic paracetamol were used to treat the COVID-19 patients. Still there are no specific small molecule chemotherapeutics available to combat COVID-19 except for a few vaccines approved for emergency use only. Thus, the repurposing of chemotherapeutics with the potential to treat COVID-19 infected people is being used. The antiviral activity for COVID-19 and biochemical mechanisms of the repurposed drugs are being explored by the biological assay screening and structure-based in silico docking simulations. The present study describes the various US-FDA approved chemotherapeutics repositioned to combat COVID-19 along with their screening for biological activity, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisir Nandi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Affiliated to Uttarakhand Technical University, Kashipur, 244713, India
| | - Bhabani Shankar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy and Technology, Salipur, Affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha, 754202, India
| | - Mayank Kumar Khede
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy and Technology, Salipur, Affiliated to Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Odisha, 754202, India
| | - Anil Kumar Saxena
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Affiliated to Uttarakhand Technical University, Kashipur, 244713, India
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5
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Said SA, Abdulbaset A, El-Kholy AA, Besckales O, Sabri NA. The effect of Ni gella sativa and vitamin D3 supplementation on the clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1011522. [PMID: 36425571 PMCID: PMC9681154 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1011522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel coronavirus that causes severe infection in the respiratory system. Since the immune status plays an essential role in combating COVID-19, herbal medicines, which have an immunomodulatory effect, may help prevent and even treat COVID-19. Nigella sativa is one of the herbal medicines with antiviral and immunomodulatory activities, and its therapeutic effectiveness makes it a promising add-on therapy for COVID-19. In addition, vitamin D3 has an immunomodulatory role, but the effect of therapeutic vitamin D3 supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infection is still not well-known. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 as single supplemental therapies and in combination on viral clearance indicated by a negative polymerase chain reaction and the alleviation of symptoms during the study follow-up duration of 14 days. Patients and Methods: The study design was an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Respiratory Hospital at the Kobry El Qobba Armed Forces Medical Complex. In total, 120 COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms were randomly assigned to four groups, with thirty patients each, as follows: Group 1 received an oral dose of 900 mg Nigella sativa through 450 mg soft gelatin capsules twice daily for two weeks; Group 2 received 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 through 1000-IU tablets given as two tablets, once daily; Group 3 received 900 mg of Nigella sativa and 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 in the same manner of dosing as in the previous groups; and Group 4 was the control group. All groups received standard therapy for COVID-19 infections and clinical management of COVID-19's clinical symptoms. Results: The Nigella sativa-vitamin D3 combination in addition to the standard therapy for COVID-19 infections significantly contributed to the alleviation of most COVID-19 symptoms: 50% of patients were free of cough after 7 days, 70% showed an absence of fatigue after 4 days, 80% had no headache after 5 days, 90% were free of rhinorrhea after 7 days, and 86.7% of the patients had no dyspnea after 7 days. Moreover, patients in the four studied groups showed a reduced median temperature after 3 days of treatment. Negative results of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test recorded on the 7th and 14th day of therapy were superior in the Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 combination arm compared to those of the other studied arms where the value of the odds ratio (OR) on the 7th day was 0.13 with 95% CI: 0.03-0.45 and that of the 14th day was 0.09 with 95% CI: 0.02-0.3. Conclusion: The results of this study showed a promising therapeutic benefit of the administration of Nigella sativa and vitamin D3 combination in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Additionally, the remarkable viral clearance in a short time interval and reduction in the severity and progression of symptoms recommended the use of this combination as an add-on therapy for the management of COVID-19 patients. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04981743.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa A. Said
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alsayyed Abdulbaset
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal A. El-Kholy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama Besckales
- Respiratory Specialized Hospital, Kobry Al Qobba Military Complex, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa A. Sabri
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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6
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du Preez HN, Aldous C, Kruger HG, Johnson L. N-Acetylcysteine and Other Sulfur-Donors as a Preventative and Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2022; 2022:4555490. [PMID: 35992575 PMCID: PMC9385285 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4555490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The airway epithelial glycocalyx plays an important role in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 entry into the epithelial cells, while the endothelial glycocalyx contributes to vascular permeability and tone, as well as modulating immune, inflammatory, and coagulation responses. With ample evidence in the scientific literature that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is related to epithelial and endothelial dysfunction, preserving the glycocalyx should be the main focus of any COVID-19 treatment protocol. The most studied functional unit of the glycocalyx is the glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate, where the degree and position of the sulfate groups determine the biological activity. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and other sulfur donors contribute to the inorganic sulfate pool, the rate-limiting molecule in sulfation. NAC is not only a precursor to glutathione but also converts to hydrogen sulfide, inorganic sulfate, taurine, Coenzyme A, and albumin. By optimising inorganic sulfate availability, and therefore sulfation, it is proposed that COVID-19 can be prevented or at least most of the symptoms attenuated. A comprehensive COVID-19 treatment protocol is needed to preserve the glycocalyx in both the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The use of NAC at a dosage of 600 mg bid for the prevention of COVID-19 is proposed, but a higher dosage of NAC (1200 mg bid) should be administered upon the first onset of symptoms. In the severe to critically ill, it is advised that IV NAC should be administered immediately upon hospital admission, and in the late stage of the disease, IV sodium thiosulfate should be considered. Doxycycline as a protease inhibitor will prevent shedding and further degradation of the glycocalyx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi N du Preez
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Colleen Aldous
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G Kruger
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lin Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Fraccaroli L, Ruiz MD, Perdomo VG, Clausi AN, Balcazar DE, Larocca L, Carrillo C. Broadening the spectrum of ivermectin: Its effect on Trypanosoma cruzi and related trypanosomatids. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:885268. [PMID: 35967842 PMCID: PMC9366347 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.885268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is an endemic American parasitosis, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The current therapies, benznidazole (BZN) and nifurtimox (NFX), show limited efficacy and multiple side effects. Thus, there is a need to develop new trypanocidal strategies. Ivermectin (IVM) is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug with low human and veterinary toxicity with effects against T. brucei and Leishmania spp. Considering this and its relatively low cost, we evaluate IVM as a potential repurposed trypanocidal drug on T. cruzi and other trypanosomatids. We found that IVM affected, in a dose-dependent manner, the proliferation of T. cruzi epimastigotes as well as the amastigotes and trypomastigotes survival. The Selectivity Index for the amastigote stage with respect to Vero cells was 12. The IVM effect was also observed in Phytomonas jma 066 and Leishmania mexicana proliferation but not in Crithidia fasciculata. On the epimastigote stage, the IVM effect was trypanostatic at 50 μM but trypanocidal at 100 μM. The assays of the drug combinations of IVM with BNZ or NFX showed mainly additive effects among combinations. In silico studies showed that classical structures belonging to glutamate-gated Cl channels, the most common IVM target, are absent in kinetoplastids. However, we found in the studied trypanosomatid genomes one copy for putative IMPα and IMPβ, potential targets for IVM. The putative IMPα genes (with 76% similarity) showed conserved Armadillo domains but lacked the canonical IMPβ binding sequence. These results allowed us to propose a novel molecular target in T. cruzi and suggest IVM as a good candidate for drug repurposing in the Chagas disease context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fraccaroli
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, CONICET for Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Laura Fraccaroli, ; Carolina Carrillo,
| | - María Daniela Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, CONICET for Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Gabriela Perdomo
- Área Parasitología, Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Agustina Nicole Clausi
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, CONICET for Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darío Emmanuel Balcazar
- Área Parasitología, Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Luciana Larocca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, CONICET for Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Carrillo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica en Trypanosoma cruzi y otros agentes infecciosos, CONICET for Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología (ICT) Milstein - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Laura Fraccaroli, ; Carolina Carrillo,
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8
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Yang S, Shen S, Hou N. Is Ivermectin Effective in Treating COVID-19? Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:858693. [PMID: 35800451 PMCID: PMC9253511 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.858693] [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: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 was first discovered in December 2019 and subsequently became a global pandemic with serious political, economic, and social implications worldwide. We urgently need to find drugs that can be effective against COVID-19. Among the many observational studies, ivermectin has attracted the attention of many countries. Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug that also has some antiviral effects. We reviewed studies related to ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 over the last 2 years (2019.12-2022.03) via search engines such as PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost. Seven studies showed a lower mortality rate in the ivermectin group than in the control group, six studies found that the ivermectin group had a significantly fewer length of hospitalization than the control group, and eight studies showed better negative RT-PCR responses in the IVM group than in the control group. Our systematic review indicated that ivermectin may be effective for mildly to moderately ill patients. There is no clear evidence or guidelines to recommend ivermectin as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19, so physicians should use it with caution in the absence of better alternatives in the clinical setting, and self-medication is not recommended for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Graduate Department, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Shan Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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9
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Wang Z, Hu N, Zhou Y, Shi N, Shen B, Luo L, Feng J. Structure-guided affinity maturation of a novel human antibody targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8469. [PMID: 35589780 PMCID: PMC9118815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous mutation of SARS-CoV-2 has presented enormous challenges to global pandemic prevention and control. Recent studies have shown evidence that the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins is relatively conserved, and their biological functions are being confirmed. There is increasing evidence that the N protein will not only provide a specific diagnostic marker but also become an effective treatment target. In this study, 2G4, which specifically recognizes the N protein, was identified by screening a human phage display library. Based on the computer-guided homology modelling and molecular docking method used, the 3-D structures for the 2G4 scFv fragment (VH-linker-VL structure, with (G4S)3 as the linker peptide in the model), SARS-CoV-2 N protein and its complex were modelled and optimized with a suitable force field. The binding mode and key residues of the 2G4 and N protein interaction were predicted, and three mutant antibodies (named 2G4-M1, 2G4-M2 and 2G4-M3) with higher affinity were designed theoretically. Using directed point mutant technology, the three mutant antibodies were prepared, and their affinity was tested. Their affinity constants of approximately 0.19 nM (2G4-M1), 0.019 nM (2G4-M2) and 0.075 nM (2G4-M3) were at least one order of magnitude lower than that of the parent antibody (3 nM; 2G4, parent antibody), as determined using a biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay. It is expected that high-affinity candidates will be used for diagnosis and even as potential therapeutic drugs for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Naijing Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyihua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Beifen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.
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10
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Ivermectin-induced cell death of cervical cancer cells in vitro a consequence of precipitate formation in culture media. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 449:116073. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Khamees A, Bani-Issa J, Zoubi MSA, Qasem T, AbuAlArjah MI, Alawadin SA, Al-Shami K, Hussein FE, Hussein E, Bashayreh IH, Tambuwala MM, Al-Saghir M, Cornelison CT. SARS-CoV-2 and Coronavirus Disease Mitigation: Treatment Options, Vaccinations and Variants. Pathogens 2022; 11:275. [PMID: 35215217 PMCID: PMC8876838 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which was declared as a pandemic after it emerged in China 2019. A vast international effort has been conducted to prevent and treat COVID-19 due to its high transmissibility and severe morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in individuals with chronic co-morbidities. In addition, polymorphic variants increased the need for proper vaccination to overcome the infectivity of new variants that are emerging across the globe. Many treatment options have been proposed and more than 25 vaccines are in various stages of development; however, the infection peaks are oscillating periodically, which raises a significant question about the effectiveness of the prevention measures and the persistence of this pandemic disease. In this review, we are exploring the most recent knowledge and advances in the treatment and vaccination options as well as the new emerging variants of 2019-nCoV and the possible mitigation of one of the most aggressive pandemics in the last centuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almu’atasim Khamees
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Jamal Bani-Issa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Mazhar Salim Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (M.S.A.Z.); (T.Q.); (M.I.A.)
| | - Taqwa Qasem
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (M.S.A.Z.); (T.Q.); (M.I.A.)
| | - Manal Issam AbuAlArjah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (M.S.A.Z.); (T.Q.); (M.I.A.)
| | | | - Khayry Al-Shami
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Farah E. Hussein
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan; (A.K.); (J.B.-I.); (K.A.-S.); (F.E.H.)
| | - Emad Hussein
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, A’Sharqiyah University, P.O. Box 42, Ibra 400, Oman;
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid 211-63, Jordan
| | - Ibrahim H. Bashayreh
- Nursing Department, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al-Ain Campus, P.O. Box 24162, Abu-Dhabi 31201, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK;
| | - Mohannad Al-Saghir
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA;
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12
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Na-Bangchang K, Porasuphatana S, Karbwang J. Perspective: repurposed drugs for COVID-19. Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:1378-1391. [PMID: 36160358 PMCID: PMC9479713 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/152467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The article aims to emphasize the necessity of proper research design, both scientifically and ethically, in order to provide good evidence for physicians to base their decisions on when prescribing drug treatment. METHODS Research articles and guidelines related to therapy of COVID-19 were searched from the PubMed database. RESULTS Only remdesivir and tocilizumab are medicines that have been approved by the US FDA's decision to approve their clinical use in moderate and severe COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Favipiravir, ivermectin and andrographolide need further well-conducted research to confirm the efficacy and safety against COVID-19 at different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Supatra Porasuphatana
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Juntra Karbwang
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
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13
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Safety profile of COVID-19 drugs in a real clinical setting. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 78:733-753. [PMID: 35088108 PMCID: PMC8794611 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-021-03270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has affected millions all over the world and has been declared pandemic, as of 11 March 2020. In addition to the ongoing research and development of vaccines, there is still a dire need for safe and effective drugs for the control and treatment against the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Numerous repurposed drugs are under clinical investigations whose reported adverse events can raise worries about their safety. The aim of this review is to illuminate the associated adverse events related to the drugs used in a real COVID-19 setting along with their relevant mechanism(s). METHOD Through a literature search conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar database, various adverse events suspected to be induced by eight drugs, including dexamethasone, hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ivermectin, and tocilizumab, administered in COVID-19 patients in clinical practice and studies were identified in 30 case reports, 3 case series, and 10 randomized clinical trials. RESULTS Mild, moderate, or severe adverse events of numerous repurposed and investigational drugs caused by various factors and mechanisms were observed. Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting were the most frequently followed by cardiovascular, cutaneous, and hepatic adverse events. Few other rare adverse drug reactions were also observed. CONCLUSION In light of their ineffectiveness against COVID-19 as evident in large clinical studies, drugs including hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, and ivermectin should neither be used routinely nor in clinical studies. While lack of sufficient data, it creates doubt regarding the reliability of chloroquine and favipiravir use in COVID-19 patients. Hence, these two drugs can only be used in clinical studies. In contrast, ample well-conducted studies have approved the use of remdesivir, tocilizumab, and dexamethasone under certain conditions in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, it is significant to establish a strong surveillance system in order to monitor the proper safety and toxicity profile of the potential anti-COVID-19 drugs with good clinical outcomes.
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14
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Shimizu K, Hirata H, Kabata D, Tokuhira N, Koide M, Ueda A, Tachino J, Shintani A, Uchiyama A, Fujino Y, Ogura H. Ivermectin administration is associated with lower gastrointestinal complications and greater ventilator-free days in ventilated patients with COVID-19: A propensity score analysis. J Infect Chemother 2021; 28:548-553. [PMID: 35016823 PMCID: PMC8718885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 patients have been reported to have digestive symptoms with poor outcome. Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, has been used in COVID-19 patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether ivermectin has effects on gastrointestinal complications and ventilator-free days in ventilated patients with COVID-19. Methods COVID-19 patients who were mechanically ventilated in the ICU were included in this study. The ventilated patients who received ivermectin within 3 days after admission were assigned to the Ivermectin group, and the others were assigned to the Control group. Patients in the Ivermectin group received ivermectin 200 μg/kg via nasal tube. The incidence of gastrointestinal complications and ventilator-free days within 4 weeks from admission were evaluated as clinical outcomes using a propensity score with the inverse probability weighting method. Results We included 88 patients in this study, of whom 39 patients were classified into the Ivermectin group, and 49 patients were classified into the Control group. The hazard ratio for gastrointestinal complications in the Ivermectin group as compared with the Control group was 0.221 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.057 to 0.855; p = 0.029) in a Cox proportional-hazard regression model. The odds ratio for ventilator-free days as compared with the Control group was 1.920 (95% CI, 1.076 to 3.425; p = 0.027) in a proportional odds logistic regression model. Conclusions Ivermectin improved gastrointestinal complications and the number of ventilator-free days in severe COVID-19 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Prevention of gastrointestinal symptoms by SARS-Cov-2 might be associated with COVID-19 outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Shimizu
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Haruhiko Hirata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Daijiro Kabata
- Department of Medical Statistics, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-0051, Japan.
| | - Natsuko Tokuhira
- Intensive Care Unit, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka University, 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Moe Koide
- Intensive Care Unit, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka University, 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Akiko Ueda
- Laboratory for Clinical Investigation, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka University, 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Jotaro Tachino
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Shintani
- Department of Medical Statistics, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-0051, Japan.
| | - Akinori Uchiyama
- Intensive Care Unit, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka University, 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Yuji Fujino
- Intensive Care Unit, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka University, 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Ogura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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15
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Khan M, Singh GK, Abrar S, Ganeshan R, Morgan K, Harky A. Pharmacotherapeutic agents for the management of COVID-19 patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:2455-2474. [PMID: 34464223 PMCID: PMC8425433 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1960311] [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: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the largest public health challenge of the twenty-first century. While COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, manifesting as interstitial pneumonitis and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it also has implications for the cardiovascular system. Moreover, those admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19 are more likely to have cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The underlying pathophysiology of why COVID-19 onset can further decline cardiac pathologies as well as trigger acute onset of new cardiac complications is not yet well understood. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors extensively review literature focused on the current understanding and approaches of managing patients who have underlying cardiovascular diseases and concomitant COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, the authors explore the possible cardiovascular implications of the suggested COVID-19 therapeutic agents that are used to treat this lethal disease. EXPERT OPINION Current evidence is evolving around the many trialed pharmacotherapeutic considerations for the management of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with cardiovascular disease. While we await such data, clinicians should advocate for careful consideration of all concomitant medications for those presenting with COVID-19 on a patient-by-patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khan
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Sakina Abrar
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Kara Morgan
- Department of Cardiology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest, Liverpool, UK
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16
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Low ZY, Yip AJW, Lal SK. Repositioning Ivermectin for Covid-19 treatment: Molecular mechanisms of action against SARS-CoV-2 replication. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1868:166294. [PMID: 34687900 PMCID: PMC8526435 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ivermectin (IVM) is an FDA approved macrocyclic lactone compound traditionally used to treat parasitic infestations and has shown to have antiviral potential from previous in-vitro studies. Currently, IVM is commercially available as a veterinary drug but have also been applied in humans to treat onchocerciasis (river blindness - a parasitic worm infection) and strongyloidiasis (a roundworm/nematode infection). In light of the recent pandemic, the repurposing of IVM to combat SARS-CoV-2 has acquired significant attention. Recently, IVM has been proven effective in numerous in-silico and molecular biology experiments against the infection in mammalian cells and human cohort studies. One promising study had reported a marked reduction of 93% of released virion and 99.98% unreleased virion levels upon administration of IVM to Vero-hSLAM cells. IVM's mode of action centres around the inhibition of the cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling of viral proteins by disrupting the Importin heterodimer complex (IMPα/β1) and downregulating STAT3, thereby effectively reducing the cytokine storm. Furthermore, the ability of IVM to block the active sites of viral 3CLpro and S protein, disrupts important machinery such as viral replication and attachment. This review compiles all the molecular evidence to date, in review of the antiviral characteristics exhibited by IVM. Thereafter, we discuss IVM's mechanism and highlight the clinical advantages that could potentially contribute towards disabling the viral replication of SARS-CoV-2. In summary, the collective review of recent efforts suggests that IVM has a prophylactic effect and would be a strong candidate for clinical trials to treat SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia
| | - Sunil K Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia; Tropical Medicine and Biology Platform, Monash University, Sunway Campus, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor DE, Malaysia.
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17
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Sonkar C, Doharey PK, Rathore AS, Singh V, Kashyap D, Sahoo AK, Mittal N, Sharma B, Jha HC. Repurposing of gastric cancer drugs against COVID-19. Comput Biol Med 2021; 137:104826. [PMID: 34537409 PMCID: PMC8420180 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. Additionally, the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the patients of Gastric Cancer (GC; the third leading cause of death in the world) pose a great challenge for the health management of the patients. Since there have been uncertainties to develop a new drug against COVID-19, there is an urgent need for repurposing drugs that can target key proteins of both SARS-CoV-2 and GC. The SARS-CoV-2-RdRp protein contains the NiRAN domain, which is known to have kinase-like folds. A docking study of the FDA approved drugs against GC was performed using AutoDock 4.2 and Glide Schrodinger suite 2019 against SARS-CoV-2-RdRp protein. MMGBSA and MD simulation studies were performed to investigate the binding and stability of the inhibitors with the target protein. In this study, we have found 12 kinase inhibitors with high binding energies namely Baricitinib, Brepocitinib, Decernotinib, Fasudil, Filgotinib, GSK2606414, Peficitinib, Ruxolitinib, Tofacitinib, Upadacitinib, Pamapimod and Ibrutinib. These FDA approved drugs against GC can play a key role in the treatment of COVID-19 patients along with GC as comorbidity. We also hypothesize that JAK, ITK, Rho-associated kinases, FGFR2, FYN, PERK, TYK2, p38-MAPK and SYK kinases can be considered as key therapeutic targets in COVID-19 treatment. Taken altogether, we have proposed the SARS-CoV-2-RdRp as a potential therapeutic target through in-silico studies. However, further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are required for the validation of the proposed targets and drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 patients already suffering from GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sonkar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Doharey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002, U.P., India
| | - Anuranjan Singh Rathore
- SASTRA Deemed to Be University, Trichy-Tanjore Road, Thirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613401, India
| | - Vishal Singh
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, 211015, U.P., India
| | - Dharmendra Kashyap
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Allahabad, 211015, U.P., India
| | - Nitish Mittal
- Computational and Systems Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bechan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211002, U.P., India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Khandwa Road, Simrol, Indore, 453552, India.
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Cruciani M, Pati I, Masiello F, Malena M, Pupella S, De Angelis V. Ivermectin for Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:1645. [PMID: 34573986 PMCID: PMC8470309 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ivermectin has received particular attention as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, the evidence to support its clinical efficacy is controversial. OBJECTIVES We undertook a new systematic review of ivermectin for the treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19, including new primary studies, outcomes other than mortality, and grading the quality of the available evidence following the Cochrane guidance for methodology. METHODS We searched electronic databases, repository databases, and clinical trial registries (up to June 2021). The measure of treatment effect was risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The GRADE system was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. RESULTS The review includes 11 RCTs (2436 participants). The certainty of the available evidence was quite low or very low due to risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision. When the analysis was limited to patients with baseline mild or moderate disease (8 reports, 1283 patients), there were no differences in mortality between ivermectin and control groups (low level of certainty); in patients with baseline severe diseases (3 reports, 304 patients), the use of ivermectin significantly decreased mortality compared to the controls (RD -0.17; 95% CIs, -0.24/-0.10; p = 0.00001; low level of certainty). In terms of disease progression (to severe pneumonia, admission to intensive care unit, and/or mechanical ventilation), the results were much the same. At day 14, the rate of patients with a negative RT-PCR test was 21% higher (from 5 to 36% higher) for ivermectin recipients than it was for the controls (low quality of evidence). Three studies (736 subjects) indicated that prophylaxis with ivermectin increased the likelihood of preventing COVID-19 compared to controls (low quality of evidence). Serious adverse events were rarely reported. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence for the benefit of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment and prophylaxis, and most of this evidence is of low quality. Further evidence is needed to fine-tune potential indications and optimal treatment protocols for ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cruciani
- Italian National Blood Centre, National Institute of Health, 00162 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (V.D.A.)
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AULSS9 Scaligera, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Pati
- Italian National Blood Centre, National Institute of Health, 00162 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (V.D.A.)
| | - Francesca Masiello
- Italian National Blood Centre, National Institute of Health, 00162 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (V.D.A.)
| | - Marina Malena
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AULSS9 Scaligera, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Simonetta Pupella
- Italian National Blood Centre, National Institute of Health, 00162 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (V.D.A.)
| | - Vincenzo De Angelis
- Italian National Blood Centre, National Institute of Health, 00162 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (F.M.); (S.P.); (V.D.A.)
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19
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COVID-19: potential therapeutics for pediatric patients. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:1520-1538. [PMID: 34458951 PMCID: PMC8403523 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00316-1] [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: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The global spread of COVID-19 has imparted significant economic, medical, and social burdens. Like adults, children are affected by this pandemic. However, milder clinical symptoms are often experienced by them. Only a minimal proportion of the affected patients may develop severe and complicated COVID-19. Supportive treatment is recommended in all patients. Antiviral and immunomodulatory medications are spared for hospitalized children with respiratory distress or severe to critical disease. Up till now, remdesivir is the only USFDA-approved anti-COVID-19 medication indicated in the majority of symptomatic patients with moderate to severe disease. Dexamethasone is solely recommended in patients with respiratory distress maintained on oxygen or ventilatory support. The use of these medications in pediatric patients is founded on evidence deriving from adult studies. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving pediatric COVID-19 patients have assessed these medications' efficacy and safety, among others. Similarly, three novel monoclonal anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies, bamlanivimab, casirivimab and imdevimab, have been recently authorized by the USFDA. Nonetheless, their efficacy has not been demonstrated by multiple RCTs. In this review, we aim to dissect the various potential therapeutics used in children with COVID-19. We aspire to provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence and display the mechanisms of action and the pharmacokinetic properties of the studied therapeutics. Our review offers an efficient and practical guide for treating children with COVID-19.
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