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Romeo A, Cappelli G, Iacovelli F, Colizzi V, Falconi M. Computational and experimental validation of phthalocyanine and hypericin as effective SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3920-3934. [PMID: 37235773 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2216276] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Phthalocyanine and hypericin have been previously identified as possible SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein fusion inhibitors through a virtual screening procedure. In this paper, atomistic simulations of metal-free phthalocyanines and atomistic and coarse-grained simulations of hypericins, placed around a complete model of the Spike embedded in a viral membrane, allowed to further explore their multi-target inhibitory potential, uncovering their binding to key protein functional regions and their propensity to insert in the membrane. Following computational results, pre-treatment of a pseudovirus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with low compounds concentrations resulted in a strong inhibition of its entry into cells, suggesting the activity of these molecules should involve the direct targeting of the viral envelope surface. The combination of computational and in vitro results hence supports the role of hypericin and phthalocyanine as promising SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors, further endorsed by literature reporting the efficacy of these compounds in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 activity and in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Romeo
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- Istituto per i Sistemi Biologici, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Montelibretti, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Mattia Falconi
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Peng Z, Lu J, Liu K, Xie L, Wang Y, Cai C, Yang D, Xi J, Yan C, Li X, Shi M. Hypericin as a promising natural bioactive naphthodianthrone: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and safety. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5639-5656. [PMID: 37690821 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8011] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypericin can be derived from St. John's wort, which is widely spread around the world. As a natural product, it has been put into clinical practice such as wound healing and depression for a long time. In this article, we review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of hypericin, aiming to introduce the research advances and provide a full evaluation of it. Turns out hypericin, as a natural photosensitizer, exhibits an excellent capacity for anticancer, neuroprotection, and elimination of microorganisms, especially when activated by light, potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects are obtained after photodynamic therapy. The mechanisms of its therapeutic effects involve the induction of cell death, inhibition of cell cycle progression, inhibition of the reuptake of amines, and inhibition of virus replication. The pharmacokinetics properties indicate that hypericin has poor water solubility and bioavailability. The distribution and excretion are fast, and it is metabolized in bile. The toxicity of hypericin is rarely reported and the conventional use of it rarely causes adverse effects except for photosensitization. Therefore, we may conclude that hypericin can be used safely and effectively against a variety of diseases. We hope to provide researchers with detailed guidance and enlighten the development of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunmei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingyi Shi
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Comunale BA, Larson RJ, Jackson-Ward E, Singh A, Koback FL, Engineer LD. The Functional Implications of Broad Spectrum Bioactive Compounds Targeting RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp) in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2023; 15:2316. [PMID: 38140557 PMCID: PMC10747147 DOI: 10.3390/v15122316] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As long as COVID-19 endures, viral surface proteins will keep changing and new viral strains will emerge, rendering prior vaccines and treatments decreasingly effective. To provide durable targets for preventive and therapeutic agents, there is increasing interest in slowly mutating viral proteins, including non-surface proteins like RdRp. METHODS A scoping review of studies was conducted describing RdRp in the context of COVID-19 through MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE. An iterative approach was used with input from content experts and three independent reviewers, focused on studies related to either RdRp activity inhibition or RdRp mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Of the 205 records screened, 43 studies were included in the review. Twenty-five evaluated RdRp activity inhibition, and eighteen described RdRp mechanisms of existing drugs or compounds against SARS-CoV-2. In silico experiments suggested that RdRp inhibitors developed for other RNA viruses may be effective in disrupting SARS-CoV-2 replication, indicating a possible reduction of disease progression from current and future variants. In vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trial studies were largely consistent with these findings. CONCLUSIONS Future risk mitigation and treatment strategies against forthcoming SARS-CoV-2 variants should consider targeting RdRp proteins instead of surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A. Comunale
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robin J. Larson
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Erin Jackson-Ward
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Lilly D. Engineer
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Motta CS, Torices S, da Rosa BG, Marcos AC, Alvarez-Rosa L, Siqueira M, Moreno-Rodriguez T, Matos ADR, Caetano BC, Martins JSCDC, Gladulich L, Loiola E, Bagshaw ORM, Stuart JA, Siqueira MM, Stipursky J, Toborek M, Adesse D. Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Leads to Inflammatory Activation through NF-κB Non-Canonical Pathway and Mitochondrial Remodeling. Viruses 2023; 15:745. [PMID: 36992454 PMCID: PMC10056985 DOI: 10.3390/v15030745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological effects of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19, as well as neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2, still pose several questions and are of both clinical and scientific relevance. We described the cellular and molecular effects of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in vitro exposure by SARS-CoV-2 to understand the underlying mechanisms of viral transmigration through the blood-brain barrier. Despite the low to non-productive viral replication, SARS-CoV-2-exposed cultures displayed increased immunoreactivity for cleaved caspase-3, an indicator of apoptotic cell death, tight junction protein expression, and immunolocalization. Transcriptomic profiling of SARS-CoV-2-challenged cultures revealed endothelial activation via NF-κB non-canonical pathway, including RELB overexpression and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 led to altered secretion of key angiogenic factors and to significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics, with increased mitofusin-2 expression and increased mitochondrial networks. Endothelial activation and remodeling can further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and lead to further BBB permeability in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolline Soares Motta
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Silvia Torices
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Barbara Gomes da Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Anne Caroline Marcos
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Liandra Alvarez-Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Michele Siqueira
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Thaidy Moreno-Rodriguez
- Urology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aline da Rocha Matos
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Braulia Costa Caetano
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Jessica Santa Cruz de Carvalho Martins
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Luis Gladulich
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Erick Loiola
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Olivia R. M. Bagshaw
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A. Stuart
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Marilda M. Siqueira
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios, Exantemáticos, Enterovírus e Emergências Virais (LVRE), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Joice Stipursky
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Каzachinskaia ЕI, Romanova VD, Ivanоva AV, Chepurnov АА, Murtazalieva ZA, Коnonova YV, Shaulo DN, Romanyuk VV, Shestopalov АМ. Inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of <i>Artemisia</i> spp. on SARS‐CoV‐2 replication <i>in vitro</i>. SOUTH OF RUSSIA: ECOLOGY, DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.18470/1992-1098-2022-4-111-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aim. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of some Artemisia spp. growing in the Novosibirsk region for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication.Materials and Methods. The laboratory strain SARS‐CoV‐2/human/RUS/Nsk‐FRCFTM‐1/2020 was passed on Vero cell culture. Dry ethanol extracts of plant parts (stems, flowers, leaves) of six types of Artemisia were prepared. The types used were: A. vulgaris L.; A. glauca (Pall. Ex Willd.); A. dracunculus L. (from three growth locations); A. absinthium L.; A. frigida Willd.; and A. sieversiana Ehrh. ex Willd. Dry extracts were dissolved in DMSO. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts against SARS‐CoV‐2 (an infectious titer of 103 TCID50/ml) replication was performed in a Vero E6 cell culture. To do this, the method of direct inactivation (neutralization) of virions, as well as schemes of “preventive” and “therapeutic” of cells, were used. Comparison samples were dry ethanol extracts of Inonotus obliquus, Syzygium aromaticum L. and Camellia sinensis L.Results. Extracts of leaves of Artemisia spp. proved to be most effective in direct inactivation of virions. By equal and decreasing activity these are the species: A. vulgaris; A. dracunculus*; A. absinthium; A. dracunculus***; A. dracunculus**; A. frigidа; A. glauca; and A. sieversiana with a 50% effective concentration of range 1.10±0.24 – 11.72±2.89 μg/ml. Extracts of flowers of A. vulgaris, A.glauca, A. dracunculus*, A. dracunculus**, A. dracunculus***, A. frigida and A. sieversiana also contain biologically active substances which act both destructively on virions and after the virus has entered cells. For extracts of stems consistently high values of EC50 were found for A. glauca (6.84±1.35; 7.81±2.00 and 14.06±3.06 μg/ml) according to the results of three experimental schemes.Conclusion. The results obtained can become the basis for the development of inexpensive domestic drugs for the treatment and/or prevention of COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Е. I. Каzachinskaia
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences; “Vector” State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology, Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Welfare
| | - V. D. Romanova
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - A. V. Ivanоva
- “Vector” State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology, Federal Service for Surveillance in the Sphere of Consumers Rights Protection and Human Welfare
| | - А. А. Chepurnov
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | | | - Yu. V. Коnonova
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | - D. N. Shaulo
- Central Siberian Botanical Garden, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
| | | | - А. М. Shestopalov
- Research Institute of Virology, Federal Research Centre of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
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Di Lecce R, Mérindol N, Pérez MG, Karimzadegan V, Berthoux L, Boari A, Zidorn C, Vurro M, Surico G, Desgagné-Penix I, Evidente A. Biochemical Analyses of Bioactive Extracts from Plants Native to Lampedusa, Sicily Minor Island. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3447. [PMID: 36559555 PMCID: PMC9788634 DOI: 10.3390/plants11243447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Major threats to the human lifespan include cancer, infectious diseases, diabetes, mental degenerative conditions and also reduced agricultural productivity due to climate changes, together with new and more devastating plant diseases. From all of this, the need arises to find new biopesticides and new medicines. Plants and microorganisms are the most important sources for isolating new metabolites. Lampedusa Island host a rich contingent of endemic species and subspecies. Seven plant species spontaneously growing in Lampedusa, i.e., Atriplex halimus L. (Ap), Daucus lopadusanus Tineo (Dl), Echinops spinosus Fiori (Es) Glaucium flavum Crantz (Gf) Hypericum aegypticum L: (Ha), Periploca angustifolia Labill (Pa), and Prasium majus L. (Pm) were collected, assessed for their metabolite content, and evaluated for potential applications in agriculture and medicine. The HPLC-MS analysis of n-hexane (HE) and CH2Cl2 (MC) extracts and the residual aqueous phases (WR) showed the presence of several metabolites in both organic extracts. Crude HE and MC extracts from Dl and He significantly inhibited butyrylcholinesterase, as did WR from the extraction of Dl and Pa. HE and MC extracts showed a significant toxicity towards hepatocarcinoma Huh7, while Dl, Ha and Er HE extracts were the most potently cytotoxic to ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma HCT-8 cell lines. Most extracts showed antiviral activity. At the lowest concentration tested (1.56 μg/mL), Dl, Gf and Ap MC extracts inhibited betacoronavirus HCoV-OC43 infection by> 2 fold, while the n-hexane extract of Pm was the most potent. In addition, at 1.56 μg/mL, potent inhibition (>10 fold) of dengue virus was detected for Dl, Er, and Pm HE extracts, while Pa and Ap MC extracts dampened infections to undetectable levels. Regarding to phytotoxicity, MC extracts from Er, Ap and Pm were more effective in inhibiting tomato rootlet elongation; the same first two extracts also inhibited seed cress germination while its radicle elongation, due to high sensitivity, was affected by all the extracts. Es and Gf MC extracts also inhibited seed germination of Phelipanche ramosa. Thus, we have uncovered that many of these Lampedusa plants displayed promising biopesticide, antiviral, and biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Di Lecce
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Natacha Mérindol
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Mayra Galarza Pérez
- Pharmazeutisches Institut, Abteilung Pharmazeutische Biologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Vahid Karimzadegan
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Lionel Berthoux
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Angela Boari
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Christian Zidorn
- Pharmazeutisches Institut, Abteilung Pharmazeutische Biologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Maurizio Vurro
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Surico
- Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and Forestry (DAGRI), Section of Agricultural Microbiology, Plant Pathology and Enthomology, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Isabel Desgagné-Penix
- Département de Chimie, Biochimie et Physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - Antonio Evidente
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant’Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122/O, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Praena B, Mascaraque M, Andreu S, Bello-Morales R, Abarca-Lachen E, Rapozzi V, Gilaberte Y, González S, López-Guerrero JA, Juarranz Á. Potent Virucidal Activity In Vitro of Photodynamic Therapy with Hypericum Extract as Photosensitizer and White Light against Human Coronavirus HCoV-229E. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14112364. [PMID: 36365182 PMCID: PMC9693429 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergent human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its high infectivity rate has highlighted the strong need for new virucidal treatments. In this sense, the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with white light, to take advantage of the sunlight, is a potent strategy for decreasing the virulence and pathogenicity of the virus. Here, we report the virucidal effect of PDT based on Hypericum extract (HE) in combination with white light, which exhibits an inhibitory activity of the human coronavirus HCoV-229E on hepatocarcinoma Huh-7 cells. Moreover, despite continuous exposure to white light, HE has long durability, being able to maintain the prevention of viral infection. Given its potent in vitro virucidal capacity, we propose HE in combination with white light as a promising candidate to fight against SARS-CoV-2 as a virucidal compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Praena
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mascaraque
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabina Andreu
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Bello-Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Edgar Abarca-Lachen
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Jorge, 50830 Villanueva de Gállego, Spain
| | | | - Yolanda Gilaberte
- Hospital Miguel Servet, Servicio de Dermatología, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Salvador González
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio López-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.-G.); (Á.J.)
| | - Ángeles Juarranz
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Edificio de Biología, Darwin 2, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigaciones Sanitarias, IRYCIS, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.A.L.-G.); (Á.J.)
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8
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Caldeira GI, Gouveia LP, Serrano R, Silva OD. Hypericum Genus as a Natural Source for Biologically Active Compounds. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11192509. [PMID: 36235373 PMCID: PMC9573133 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypericum L. genus plants are distributed worldwide, with numerous species identified throughout all continents, except Antarctica. These plant species are currently used in various systems of traditional medicine to treat mild depression, wounds and burns, diarrhea, pain, fevers, and their secondary metabolites previously shown, and the in vitro and/or in vivo cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities, as well as the acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase inhibitory activities. We conducted a systematic bibliographic search according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines to answer the question: "What is known about plants of Hypericum genus as a source of natural products with potential clinical biological activity?" We documented 414 different natural products with confirmed in vitro/in vivo biological activities, and 58 different Hypericum plant species as sources for these natural products. Phloroglucinols, acylphloroglucinols, xanthones, and benzophenones were the main chemical classes identified. The selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells, cell protection, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer's, and adipogenesis-inhibition biological activities are described. Acylphloroglucinols were the most frequent compounds with anticancer and cell-protection mechanisms. To date, no work has been published with a full descriptive list directly relating secondary metabolites to their species of origin, plant parts used, extraction methodologies, mechanisms of action, and biological activities.
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Wang Z, Belecciu T, Eaves J, Reimers M, Bachmann MH, Woldring D. Phytochemical drug discovery for COVID-19 using high-resolution computational docking and machine learning assisted binder prediction. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-21. [PMID: 35993534 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2112976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths around the world. Multiple vaccines are in use, but there are many underserved locations that do not have adequate access to them. Variants may emerge that are highly resistant to existing vaccines, and therefore cheap and readily obtainable therapeutics are needed. Phytochemicals, or plant chemicals, can possibly be such therapeutics. Phytochemicals can be used in a polypharmacological approach, where multiple viral proteins are inhibited and escape mutations are made less likely. Finding the right phytochemicals for viral protein inhibition is challenging, but in-silico screening methods can make this a more tractable problem. In this study, we screen a wide range of natural drug products against a comprehensive set of SARS-CoV-2 proteins using a high-resolution computational workflow. This workflow consists of a structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), where an initial phytochemical library was docked against all selected protein structures. Subsequently, ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) was employed, where chemical features of 34 lead compounds obtained from the SBVS were used to predict 53 lead compounds from a larger phytochemical library via supervised learning. A computational docking validation of the 53 predicted leads obtained from LBVS revealed that 28 of them elicit strong binding interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Thus, the inclusion of LBVS resulted in a 4-fold increase in the lead discovery rate. Of the total 62 leads, 18 showed promising pharmacokinetic properties in a computational ADME screening. Collectively, this study demonstrates the advantage of incorporating machine learning elements into a virtual screening workflow.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zirui Wang
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Theodore Belecciu
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Joelle Eaves
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mark Reimers
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Michael H Bachmann
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Woldring
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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10
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Torices S, Motta CS, da Rosa BG, Marcos AC, Alvarez-Rosa L, Siqueira M, Moreno-Rodriguez T, Matos A, Caetano B, Martins J, Gladulich L, Loiola E, Bagshaw ORM, Stuart JA, Siqueira MM, Stipursky J, Toborek M, Adesse D. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells leads to inflammatory activation through NF-κB non-canonical pathway and mitochondrial remodeling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.06.16.496324. [PMID: 35734080 PMCID: PMC9216721 DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.16.496324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurological effects of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19 as well as neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 still pose several questions and are of both clinical and scientific relevance. We described the cellular and molecular effects of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in vitro infection by SARS-CoV-2 to understand the underlying mechanisms of viral transmigration through the Blood-Brain Barrier. Despite the low to non-productive viral replication, SARS-CoV-2-infected cultures displayed increased apoptotic cell death and tight junction protein expression and immunolocalization. Transcriptomic profiling of infected cultures revealed endothelial activation via NF-κB non-canonical pathway, including RELB overexpression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 led to altered secretion of key angiogenic factors and to significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics, with increased mitofusin-2 expression and increased mitochondrial networks. Endothelial activation and remodeling can further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and lead to further BBB permeability in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Torices
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carolline Soares Motta
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara Gomes da Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anne Caroline Marcos
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liandra Alvarez-Rosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michele Siqueira
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaidy Moreno-Rodriguez
- Urology Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aline Matos
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Braulia Caetano
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessica Martins
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis Gladulich
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Erick Loiola
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Olivia RM Bagshaw
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey A. Stuart
- Faculty of Mathematics & Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marilda M. Siqueira
- Laboratório de Virus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joice Stipursky
- Laboratório Compartilhado, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michal Toborek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Adesse
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Torices S, Motta C, da Rosa B, Marcos A, Alvarez-Rosa L, Siqueira M, Moreno-Rodriguez T, Matos A, Caetano B, Martins J, Gladulich L, Loiola E, Bagshaw O, Stuart J, Siqueira M, Stipursky J, Toborek M, Adesse D. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human brain microvascular endothelial cells leads to inflammatory activation through NF-κB non-canonical pathway and mitochondrial remodeling. RESEARCH SQUARE 2022:rs.3.rs-1762855. [PMID: 35734086 PMCID: PMC9216729 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1762855/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurological effects of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19 as well as neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 still pose several questions and are of both clinical and scientific relevance. We described the cellular and molecular effects of the human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in vitro infection by SARS-CoV-2 to understand the underlying mechanisms of viral transmigration through the Blood-Brain Barrier. Despite the low to non- productive viral replication, SARS-CoV-2-infected cultures displayed increased apoptotic cell death and tight junction protein expression and immunolocalization. Transcriptomic profiling of infected cultures revealed endothelial activation via NF-κB non-canonical pathway, including RELB overexpression, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 led to altered secretion of key angiogenic factors and to significant changes in mitochondrial dynamics, with increased mitofusin-2 expression and increased mitochondrial networks. Endothelial activation and remodeling can further contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and lead to further BBB permeability in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aline Matos
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratório e do Sarampo, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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The role of natural products from medicinal plants against COVID-19: traditional medicine practice in Tanzania. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09739. [PMID: 35747321 PMCID: PMC9212986 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pandemic COVID-19 is a dangerous disease caused by a new coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). There is non-reliable drug or vaccine available to combat for SARS-CoV-2. More efforts to search for antiviral agents against COVID-19 are obligatory, whereas phytochemicals are potent solution. Thus, this study involved phytochemical screening and examining medicinal plants used to combat COVID-19 in Tanzania. Methods The plant materials were collected from practitioners. The plant extracts were then subjected for qualitative phytochemical screening so as to identify the nature of secondary metabolites. Results Eucalyptus species, pepper, berries, ginger, garlic, onions and lemon were identified as commonly plants used. The flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, steroids, terpenoids, and saponins were identified through phytochemical screening. Identified natural phytocompounds revealed to be potential in exhibiting antiviral activities by disrupting the viral life cycle including viral entrance, replication, assembly, and discharge, as well as virus-specific host targets. Thus, this prompt increasing of pharmaceutical industry focused on phytochemical extracts from medicinal plants, and aromatic herbs in the hopes of discovering lead compounds, with purposeful to antiviral medications. Conclusion The medicinal plants and phytocompounds revealed to have significant role due to their substantial antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The noted natural products inspire collective efforts in determination and gathering funds to support scientific researchers to investigate more phytochemicals from medicinal plants for development of antiviral drug against COVID-19.
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Hypericum perforatum and Its Ingredients Hypericin and Pseudohypericin Demonstrate an Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050530. [PMID: 35631357 PMCID: PMC9146521 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For almost two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has constituted a major challenge to human health, particularly due to the lack of efficient antivirals to be used against the virus during routine treatment interventions. Multiple treatment options have been investigated for their potential inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2. Natural products, such as plant extracts, may be a promising option, as they have shown an antiviral activity against other viruses in the past. Here, a quantified extract of Hypericum perforatum was tested and found to possess a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The antiviral potency of the extract could be attributed to the naphtodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin, in contrast to other tested ingredients of the plant material, which did not show any antiviral activity. Hypericum perforatum and its main active ingredient hypericin were also effective against different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron). Concerning its mechanism of action, evidence was obtained that Hypericum perforatum and hypericin may hold a direct virus-blocking effect against SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. Taken together, the presented data clearly emphasize the promising antiviral activity of Hypericum perforatum and its active ingredients against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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