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Lockwood TD. Coordination chemistry suggests that independently observed benefits of metformin and Zn 2+ against COVID-19 are not independent. Biometals 2024; 37:983-1022. [PMID: 38578560 PMCID: PMC11255062 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-024-00590-5] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Independent trials indicate that either oral Zn2+ or metformin can separately improve COVID-19 outcomes by approximately 40%. Coordination chemistry predicts a mechanistic relationship and therapeutic synergy. Zn2+ deficit is a known risk factor for both COVID-19 and non-infectious inflammation. Most dietary Zn2+ is not absorbed. Metformin is a naked ligand that presumably increases intestinal Zn2+ bioavailability and active absorption by cation transporters known to transport metformin. Intracellular Zn2+ provides a natural buffer of many protease reactions; the variable "set point" is determined by Zn2+ regulation or availability. A Zn2+-interactive protease network is suggested here. The two viral cysteine proteases are therapeutic targets against COVID-19. Viral and many host proteases are submaximally inhibited by exchangeable cell Zn2+. Inhibition of cysteine proteases can improve COVID-19 outcomes and non-infectious inflammation. Metformin reportedly enhances the natural moderating effect of Zn2+ on bioassayed proteome degradation. Firstly, the dissociable metformin-Zn2+ complex could be actively transported by intestinal cation transporters; thereby creating artificial pathways of absorption and increased body Zn2+ content. Secondly, metformin Zn2+ coordination can create a non-natural protease inhibitor independent of cell Zn2+ content. Moderation of peptidolytic reactions by either or both mechanisms could slow (a) viral multiplication (b) viral invasion and (c) the pathogenic host inflammatory response. These combined actions could allow development of acquired immunity to clear the infection before life-threatening inflammation. Nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid®) opposes COVID-19 by selective inhibition the viral main protease by a Zn2+-independent mechanism. Pending safety evaluation, predictable synergistic benefits of metformin and Zn2+, and perhaps metformin/Zn2+/Paxlovid® co-administration should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Lockwood
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
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Fu J, Schroder K, Wu H. Mechanistic insights from inflammasome structures. Nat Rev Immunol 2024; 24:518-535. [PMID: 38374299 PMCID: PMC11216901 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-00995-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Inflammasomes are supramolecular complexes that form in the cytosol in response to pathogen-associated and damage-associated stimuli, as well as other danger signals that perturb cellular homoeostasis, resulting in host defence responses in the form of cytokine release and programmed cell death (pyroptosis). Inflammasome activity is closely associated with numerous human disorders, including rare genetic syndromes of autoinflammation, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. In recent years, a range of inflammasome components and their functions have been discovered, contributing to our knowledge of the overall machinery. Here, we review the latest advances in inflammasome biology from the perspective of structural and mechanistic studies. We focus on the most well-studied components of the canonical inflammasome - NAIP-NLRC4, NLRP3, NLRP1, CARD8 and caspase-1 - as well as caspase-4, caspase-5 and caspase-11 of the noncanonical inflammasome, and the inflammasome effectors GSDMD and NINJ1. These structural studies reveal important insights into how inflammasomes are assembled and regulated, and how they elicit the release of IL-1 family cytokines and induce membrane rupture in pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Fu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kate Schroder
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Exploring the Pathophysiology of Long COVID: The Central Role of Low-Grade Inflammation and Multisystem Involvement. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6389. [PMID: 38928096 PMCID: PMC11204317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC), also referred to as Post COVID-19 Condition, Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), and other terms, represents a complex multisystem disease persisting after the acute phase of COVID-19. Characterized by a myriad of symptoms across different organ systems, LC presents significant diagnostic and management challenges. Central to the disorder is the role of low-grade inflammation, a non-classical inflammatory response that contributes to the chronicity and diversity of symptoms observed. This review explores the pathophysiological underpinnings of LC, emphasizing the importance of low-grade inflammation as a core component. By delineating the pathogenetic relationships and clinical manifestations of LC, this article highlights the necessity for an integrated approach that employs both personalized medicine and standardized protocols aimed at mitigating long-term consequences. The insights gained not only enhance our understanding of LC but also inform the development of therapeutic strategies that could be applicable to other chronic conditions with similar pathophysiological features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia;
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Sun YK, Wang C, Lin PQ, Hu L, Ye J, Gao ZG, Lin R, Li HM, Shu Q, Huang LS, Tan LH. Severe pediatric COVID-19: a review from the clinical and immunopathophysiological perspectives. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:307-324. [PMID: 38321331 PMCID: PMC11052880 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tends to have mild presentations in children. However, severe and critical cases do arise in the pediatric population with debilitating systemic impacts and can be fatal at times, meriting further attention from clinicians. Meanwhile, the intricate interactions between the pathogen virulence factors and host defense mechanisms are believed to play indispensable roles in severe COVID-19 pathophysiology but remain incompletely understood. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive literature review was conducted for pertinent publications by reviewers independently using the PubMed, Embase, and Wanfang databases. Searched keywords included "COVID-19 in children", "severe pediatric COVID-19", and "critical illness in children with COVID-19". RESULTS Risks of developing severe COVID-19 in children escalate with increasing numbers of co-morbidities and an unvaccinated status. Acute respiratory distress stress and necrotizing pneumonia are prominent pulmonary manifestations, while various forms of cardiovascular and neurological involvement may also be seen. Multiple immunological processes are implicated in the host response to COVID-19 including the type I interferon and inflammasome pathways, whose dysregulation in severe and critical diseases translates into adverse clinical manifestations. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a potentially life-threatening immune-mediated condition chronologically associated with COVID-19 exposure, denotes another scientific and clinical conundrum that exemplifies the complexity of pediatric immunity. Despite the considerable dissimilarities between the pediatric and adult immune systems, clinical trials dedicated to children are lacking and current management recommendations are largely adapted from adult guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Severe pediatric COVID-19 can affect multiple organ systems. The dysregulated immune pathways in severe COVID-19 shape the disease course, epitomize the vast functional diversity of the pediatric immune system and highlight the immunophenotypical differences between children and adults. Consequently, further research may be warranted to adequately address them in pediatric-specific clinical practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Kan Sun
- Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310030, China
| | - Can Wang
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Pei-Quan Lin
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Ru Lin
- Department of Cardiopulmonary and Extracorporeal Life Support, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Hao-Min Li
- Clinical Data Center, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Li-Su Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
| | - Lin-Hua Tan
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052, China.
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Pulito-Cueto V, Sebastián Mora-Gil M, Ferrer-Pargada D, Remuzgo-Martínez S, Genre F, Lera-Gómez L, Alonso-Lecue P, Batista-Liz JC, Tello-Mena S, Abascal-Bolado B, Izquierdo S, Ruiz-Cubillán JJ, Armiñanzas-Castillo C, Blanco R, González-Gay MA, López-Mejías R, Cifrián JM. Inflammasome-Related Genetic Polymorphisms as Severity Biomarkers of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3731. [PMID: 38612539 PMCID: PMC11011752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073731] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The most critical forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are associated with excessive activation of the inflammasome. Despite the COVID-19 impact on public health, we still do not fully understand the mechanisms by which the inflammatory response influences disease prognosis. Accordingly, we aimed to elucidate the role of polymorphisms in the key genes of the formation and signaling of the inflammasome as biomarkers of COVID-19 severity. For this purpose, a large and well-defined cohort of 377 COVID-19 patients with mild (n = 72), moderate (n = 84), severe (n = 100), and critical (n = 121) infections were included. A total of 24 polymorphisms located in inflammasome-related genes (NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, CARD8, CASP1, IL1B, IL18, NFKB1, ATG16L1, and MIF) were genotyped in all of the patients and in the 192 healthy controls (HCs) (who were without COVID-19 at the time of and before the study) by RT-qPCR. Our results showed that patients with mild, moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19 presented similar allelic and genotypic distribution in all the variants studied. No statistically significant differences in the haplotypic distribution of NLRP3, NLRC4, NLRP1, CARD8, CASP1, IL1B, and ATG16L1 were observed between COVID-19 patients, who were stratified by disease severity. Each stratified group of patients presented a similar genetic distribution to the HCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that the inflammasome polymorphisms studied are not associated with the worsening of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Pulito-Cueto
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - María Sebastián Mora-Gil
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Diego Ferrer-Pargada
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
| | | | - Fernanda Genre
- Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (F.G.)
| | - Leticia Lera-Gómez
- Department of Microbiology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain;
| | - Pilar Alonso-Lecue
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
| | - Joao Carlos Batista-Liz
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Sandra Tello-Mena
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
| | - Beatriz Abascal-Bolado
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
| | - Sheila Izquierdo
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
| | - Juan José Ruiz-Cubillán
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
| | | | - Ricardo Blanco
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Miguel A. González-Gay
- School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain;
- Department of Rheumatology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Mejías
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Rheumatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - José M. Cifrián
- Immunopathology Group, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital-Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL), 39008 Santander, Spain; (M.S.M.-G.); (P.A.-L.); (J.C.B.-L.); (R.B.); (R.L.-M.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Pneumology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain; (D.F.-P.); (S.T.-M.); (B.A.-B.); (S.I.); (J.J.R.-C.)
- School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain;
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6
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Alsayed AR, Ahmed SI, AL Shweiki AO, Al-Shajlawi M, Hakooz N. The laboratory parameters in predicting the severity and death of COVID-19 patients: Future pandemic readiness strategies. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:238-255. [PMID: 37712883 PMCID: PMC10950347 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The range of clinical manifestations associated with the infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) encompasses a broad spectrum, ranging from flu-like symptoms to the occurrence of multiple organ failure and death. The severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is categorized based on clinical presentation and is divided into three distinct levels of severity identified as non-severe, severe, and critical. Although individuals of all age groups are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, middle-aged and older adults are more frequently impacted, with the latter being more likely to develop severe illness. Various laboratory characteristics observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been correlated with adverse outcomes. These include elevated levels of D-dimer, liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, ferritin, prothrombin time, and troponin, as well as decreased lymphocyte and platelets counts. This review investigated the relationship between baseline clinical characteristics, initial laboratory parameters upon hospital admission, and the severity of illness and mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded, understanding the laboratory predictors of virus severity and mortality remains crucial, and examining these predictors can have long-term effects. Such insights can help healthcare systems manage resources more effectively and deliver timely and appropriate care by identifying and targeting high-risk individuals. This knowledge can also help us better prepare for future pandemics. By examining these predictors, we can take steps to protect public health and mitigate the impact of future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Alsayed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Syed Imran Ahmed
- College of Health and Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Anas Osama AL Shweiki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mustafa Al-Shajlawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nancy Hakooz
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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7
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Inokuchi S, Shimamoto K. Persistent Risk of Developing Autoimmune Diseases Associated With COVID-19: An Observational Study Using an Electronic Medical Record Database in Japan. J Clin Rheumatol 2024; 30:65-72. [PMID: 38190730 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000002054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the risk of developing autoimmune diseases associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan, including long-term risks and risks specific to different variants of concern. METHODS This observational study used an electronic medical record database in Japan. The COVID-19 group is composed of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, whereas the non-COVID-19 group had data sampled from the database. The outcomes of interest encompassed several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and immunoglobulin G4-related disease, as well as a composite of these diseases (any autoimmune disease). We examined the relative risk of autoimmune diseases using standardized mortality ratio weighting and the Cox proportional hazards model. Subgroup analyses based on epidemic variants were performed. In addition, short- and long-term risks were investigated using piecewise constant hazard models. RESULTS A total of 90,855 COVID-19 and 459,827 non-COVID-19 patients were included between January 16, 2020, and December 31, 2022. The relative risk of any autoimmune disease was 2.32 (95% confidence interval, 2.08-2.60). All the investigated outcomes showed a significant risk associated with COVID-19. Several autoimmune diseases exhibit a risk associated with COVID-19 in the short to long term, and the long-term risk is substantial for systemic sclerosis and immunoglobulin G4-related disease. The variant-specific risk varied across outcomes. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in the Japanese population, and this effect persists for a long time. This study provides insights into the association between viral infections and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichiro Inokuchi
- From the Research and Analytics Department, Real World Data Co, Ltd, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Mostafa RH, Moustafa A. Beyond acute infection: molecular mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular complications in long COVID. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1268571. [PMID: 38495940 PMCID: PMC10942004 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1268571] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, has manifested significant cardiovascular implications for the infected population. These cardiovascular repercussions not only linger beyond the initial phase of illness but have also been observed in individuals who remain asymptomatic. This extended and pervasive impact is often called the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) or "Long COVID". With the number of confirmed global cases approaching an alarming 756 million, the multifaceted challenges of Long COVID are undeniable. These challenges span from individual health complications to considerable burdens on worldwide healthcare systems. Our review comprehensively examines the complications of the persistent cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, we shed light on emerging therapeutic strategies that promise to manage and possibly mitigate these complications. We also introduce and discuss the profound concerns regarding the potential transgenerational repercussions of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the need for a proactive and informed approach to future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roba Hamed Mostafa
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Moustafa
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Biology, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Shoraka S, Samarasinghe AE, Ghaemi A, Mohebbi SR. Host mitochondria: more than an organelle in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1228275. [PMID: 37692170 PMCID: PMC10485703 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1228275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, the world has been facing viral pandemic called COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) caused by a new beta-coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, or SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 patients may present with a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to requiring intensive care support. The severe form of COVID-19 is often marked by an altered immune response and cytokine storm. Advanced age, age-related and underlying diseases, including metabolic syndromes, appear to contribute to increased COVID-19 severity and mortality suggesting a role for mitochondria in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, since the immune system is associated with mitochondria and its damage-related molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), the host mitochondrial system may play an important role during viral infections. Viruses have evolved to modulate the immune system and mitochondrial function for survival and proliferation, which in turn could lead to cellular stress and contribute to disease progression. Recent studies have focused on the possible roles of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been suggested that mitochondrial hijacking by SARS-CoV-2 could be a key factor in COVID-19 pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the roles of mitochondria in viral infections including SARS-CoV-2 infection based on past and present knowledge. Paying attention to the role of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 infection will help to better understand the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and to achieve effective methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Shoraka
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amali E. Samarasinghe
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Children’s Foundation Research Institute, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Amir Ghaemi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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