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Qi H, Ma QH, Feng W, Chen SM, Wu CS, Wang Y, Wang TX, Hou YL, Jia ZH. Glycyrrhetinic acid blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection by activating the cGAS-STING signalling pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38922702 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) played an important role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but the scientific basis and its active ingredients are still weakly studied. This study aims to decipher the underlying anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH GA's anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect was verified both in vitro and in vivo. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays, biolayer interferometry technology, and molecular docking were employed to examine interactions of GA with human stimulator of interferon genes (hSTING). Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and RT-qPCR were used to investigate nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and levels of STING target genes. Pharmacokinetics of GA was studied in mice. KEY RESULTS GA could directly bind to Ser162 and Tyr240 residues of hSTING, thus up-regulating downstream targets and activation of the STING signalling pathway. Such activation is crucial for limiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in Calu-3 cells and protecting against lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in K18-ACE2 transgenic mice. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot indicated that GA increased levels of phosphorylated STING, phosphorylated TANK-binding kinase-1, and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). Importantly, GA increased nuclear translocation of IRF3. Pharmacokinetic analysis of GA in mice indicated it can be absorbed into circulation and detected in the lung at a stable level. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway through the GA-STING-IRF3 axis is essential for the antiviral activity of GA in mice, providing new insights into the potential translation of GA for treating SARS-CoV-2 in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qin-Hai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Si-Mian Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cai-Sheng Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tong-Xing Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yun-Long Hou
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Jia
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
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Chen L, Gong J, Yong X, Li Y, Wang S. A review of typical biological activities of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:6557-6597. [PMID: 38390501 PMCID: PMC10882267 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08025k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid compound primarily sourced from licorice root, exhibits noteworthy biological attributes, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Despite these commendable effects, its further advancement and application, especially in clinical use, have been hindered by its limited druggability, including challenges such as low solubility and bioavailability. To enhance its biological activity and pharmaceutical efficacy, numerous research studies focus on the structural modification, associated biological activity data, and underlying mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. This review endeavors to systematically compile and organize glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives that have demonstrated outstanding biological activities over the preceding decade, delineating their molecular structures, biological effects, underlying mechanisms, and future prospects for assisting researchers in finding and designing novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives, foster the exploration of structure-activity relationships, and aid in the screening of potential candidate compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Jingwen Gong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Xu Yong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Youbin Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Shuojin Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
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Noor G, Badruddeen, Akhtar J, Singh B, Ahmad M, Khan MI. An outlook on the target-based molecular mechanism of phytoconstituents as immunomodulators. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5058-5079. [PMID: 37528656 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7969] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is one of the essential defense mechanisms. Immune system inadequacy increases the risk of infections and cancer diseases, whereas over-activation of the immune system causes allergies or autoimmune disorders. Immunomodulators have been used in the treatment of immune-related diseases. There is growing interest in using herbal medicines as multicomponent agents to modulate the complex immune system in immune-related diseases. Many therapeutic phytochemicals showed immunomodulatory effects by various mechanisms. This mechanism includes stimulation of lymphoid cell, phagocytosis, macrophage, and cellular immune function enhancement. In addition increased antigen-specific immunoglobulin production, total white cell count, and inhibition of TNF-α, IFN-γ, NF-kB, IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and other cytokines that influenced the immune system. This review aims to overview, widely investigated plant-derived phytoconstituents by targeting cells to modulate cellular and humoral immunity in in vivo and in vitro. However, further high-quality research is needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of plant-based immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gazala Noor
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Badruddeen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Juber Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Bhuwanendra Singh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, S.D. College of Pharmacy and Vocational Studies, Muzaffarnagar, India
| | - Mohammad Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mohammad Irfan Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India
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Peng W, Qi H, Zhu W, Tong L, Rouzi A, Wu Y, Han L, He L, Yan Y, Pan T, Liu J, Wang Q, Jia Z, Song Y, Zhu Q, Zhou J. Lianhua Qingke ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps formation and pyroptosis. Pulm Circ 2023; 13:e12295. [PMID: 37808899 PMCID: PMC10557103 DOI: 10.1002/pul2.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
LHQK is a patented Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is clinically used for acute tracheobronchitis, cough, and other respiratory diseases. Recent studies have proved that LHQK exhibits excellent clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute lung injury (ALI). However, the corresponding mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of LHQK on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. The pathological examination, inflammatory cytokines assessments, and mucus secretion evaluation indicated that administration of LHQK ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury, and suppressed the secretion of Muc5AC and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in plasma and BALF. Furthermore, the results of cell-free DNA level showed that LHQK significantly inhibited LPS-induced NETs formation. Western blot revealed that LHQK effectively inhibited LPS-triggered pyroptosis in the lung. In addition, RNA-Seq data analysis, relatively bioinformatic analysis, and network pharmacology analysis revealed that LHQK and relative components may play multiple protective functions in LPS-induced ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by regulating multiple targets directly or indirectly related to NETs and pyroptosis. In conclusion, LHQK can effectively attenuate lung injury and reduce lung inflammation by inhibiting LPS-induced NETs formation and pyroptosis, which may be regulated directly or indirectly by active compounds of LHQK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineHebeiShijiazhuangChina
| | - Wensi Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Lin Tong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Ainiwaer Rouzi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Linxiao Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Ludan He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Ting Pan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineHebeiShijiazhuangChina
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Center for Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Fudan UniversityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qiaoliang Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Lung Inflammation and InjuryShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and BiosecurityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Research Center for Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Fudan UniversityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Injury, Emergency and Critical Medicine of Shanghai Municipal Health CommissionFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Center of Emergency and Critical Medicine in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Odaka M, Magnin M, Inoue K. Gene network inference from single-cell omics data and domain knowledge for constructing COVID-19-specific ICAM1-associated pathways. Front Genet 2023; 14:1250545. [PMID: 37719701 PMCID: PMC10501835 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1250545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a critical molecule responsible for interactions between cells. Previous studies have suggested that ICAM-1 triggers cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1 or HTLV-1, that SARS-CoV-2 shares several features with these viruses via interactions between cells, and that SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell transmission is associated with COVID-19 severity. From these previous arguments, it is assumed that ICAM-1 can be related to SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell transmission in COVID-19 patients. Indeed, the time-dependent change of the ICAM-1 expression level has been detected in COVID-19 patients. However, signaling pathways that consist of ICAM-1 and other molecules interacting with ICAM-1 are not identified in COVID-19. For example, the current COVID-19 Disease Map has no entry for those pathways. Therefore, discovering unknown ICAM1-associated pathways will be indispensable for clarifying the mechanism of COVID-19. Materials and methods: This study builds ICAM1-associated pathways by gene network inference from single-cell omics data and multiple knowledge bases. First, single-cell omics data analysis extracts coexpressed genes with significant differences in expression levels with spurious correlations removed. Second, knowledge bases validate the models. Finally, mapping the models onto existing pathways identifies new ICAM1-associated pathways. Results: Comparison of the obtained pathways between different cell types and time points reproduces the known pathways and indicates the following two unknown pathways: (1) upstream pathway that includes proteins in the non-canonical NF-κB pathway and (2) downstream pathway that contains integrins and cytoskeleton or motor proteins for cell transformation. Discussion: In this way, data-driven and knowledge-based approaches are integrated into gene network inference for ICAM1-associated pathway construction. The results can contribute to repairing and completing the COVID-19 Disease Map, thereby improving our understanding of the mechanism of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Odaka
- The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Tokyo, Japan
- Principles of Informatics Research Division, National Institute of Informatics, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes, École Centrale de Nantes, Nantes Université, UMR 6004, Nantes, France
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Morgan Magnin
- Principles of Informatics Research Division, National Institute of Informatics, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes, École Centrale de Nantes, Nantes Université, UMR 6004, Nantes, France
| | - Katsumi Inoue
- The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Tokyo, Japan
- Principles of Informatics Research Division, National Institute of Informatics, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes, École Centrale de Nantes, Nantes Université, UMR 6004, Nantes, France
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6
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Jeong JH, Lee WH, Min SC, Kim BK, Park OB, Chokkakula S, Ahn SJ, Oh S, Park JH, Jung JW, Jung JM, Kim EG, Song MS. Evaluation of the Antiviral Efficacy of Subcutaneous Nafamostat Formulated with Glycyrrhizic Acid against SARS-CoV-2 in a Murine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119579. [PMID: 37298530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for effective antiviral agents and vaccines. Drug repositioning, which involves modifying existing drugs, offers a promising approach for expediting the development of novel therapeutics. In this study, we developed a new drug, MDB-MDB-601a-NM, by modifying the existing drug nafamostat (NM) with the incorporation of glycyrrhizic acid (GA). We assessed the pharmacokinetic profiles of MDB-601a-NM and nafamostat in Sprague-Dawley rats, revealing rapid clearance of nafamostat and sustained drug concentration of MDB-601a-NM after subcutaneous administration. Single-dose toxicity studies showed potential toxicity and persistent swelling at the injection site with high-dose administration of MDB-601a-NM. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of MDB-601a-NM in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection using the K18 hACE-2 transgenic mouse model. Mice treated with 60 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of MDB-601a-NM exhibited improved protectivity in terms of weight loss and survival rates compared to the nafamostat-treated group. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent improvements in histopathological changes and enhanced inhibitory efficacy in MDB-601a-NM-treated groups. Notably, no viral replication was detected in the brain tissue when mice were treated with 60 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of MDB-601a-NM. Our developed MDB-601a-NM, a modified Nafamostat with glycyrrhizic acid, shows improved protectivity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Its sustained drug concentration after subcutaneous administration and dose-dependent improvements makes it a promising therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hwan Jeong
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Hee Lee
- MODNBIO Inc., Seoul 08378, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Cheol Min
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyu Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - On Bi Park
- Biomedical Engineering from the Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Advanced Fusion Technology, Cheongju University, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Santosh Chokkakula
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ju Ahn
- Biomedical Engineering from the Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Advanced Fusion Technology, Cheongju University, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Oh
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Jung
- Department of Medical Engineering, Catholic University of Daegu (DCU), Gyeongsan-si 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Jung
- Department of Medical IT, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung-si 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Gook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Suk Song
- Department of Microbiology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Cheongju-si 28644, Republic of Korea
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Zuo J, Meng T, Wang Y, Tang W. A Review of the Antiviral Activities of Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Monoglucuronide. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050641. [PMID: 37242424 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Licorice, a natural medicine derived from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza species, possesses a wide range of therapeutic applications, including antiviral properties. Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) are the most important active ingredients in licorice. Glycyrrhetinic acid 3-O-mono-β-d-glucuronide (GAMG) is the active metabolite of GL. GL and its metabolites have a wide range of antiviral activities against viruses, such as, the hepatitis virus, herpes virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and so on. Although their antiviral activity has been widely reported, the specific mechanism of action involving multiple links such as the virus itself, cells, and immunity are not clearly established. In this review, we will give an update on the role of GL and its metabolites as antiviral agents, and detail relevant evidence on the potential use and mechanisms of actions. Analyzing antivirals, their signaling, and the impacts of tissue and autoimmune protection may provide promising new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zuo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230011, China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230011, China
| | - Wenjian Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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Wulandari S, Hartono, Wibawa T. The role of HMGB1 in COVID-19-induced cytokine storm and its potential therapeutic targets: A review. Immunology 2023; 169:117-131. [PMID: 36571562 PMCID: PMC9880760 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperinflammation characterized by elevated proinflammatory cytokines known as 'cytokine storms' is the major cause of high severity and mortality seen in COVID-19 patients. The pathology behind the cytokine storms is currently unknown. Increased HMGB1 levels in serum/plasma of COVID-19 patients were reported by many studies, which positively correlated with the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Dead cells following SARS-CoV-2 infection might release a large amount of HMGB1 and RNA of SARS-CoV-2 into extracellular space. HMGB1 is a well-known inflammatory mediator. Additionally, extracellular HMGB1 might interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA because of its high capability to bind with a wide variety of molecules including nucleic acids and could trigger massive proinflammatory immune responses. This review aimed to critically explore the many possible pathways by which HMGB1-SARS-CoV-2 RNA complexes mediate proinflammatory responses in COVID-19. The contribution of these pathways to impair host immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to a cytokine storm was also evaluated. Moreover, since blocking the HMGB1-SARS-CoV-2 RNA interaction might have therapeutic value, some of the HMGB1 antagonists have been reviewed. The HMGB1- SARS-CoV-2 RNA complexes might trigger endocytosis via RAGE which is linked to lysosomal rupture, PRRs activation, and pyroptotic death. High levels of the proinflammatory cytokines produced might suppress many immune cells leading to uncontrolled viral infection and cell damage with more HMGB1 released. Altogether these mechanisms might initiate a proinflammatory cycle leading to a cytokine storm. HMGB1 antagonists could be considered to give benefit in alleviating cytokine storms and serve as a potential candidate for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Wulandari
- Doctorate Program of Medicine and Health Science, Faculty of MedicinePublic Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah MadaYogyakartaIndonesia,Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Sebelas MaretSurakartaIndonesia
| | - Hartono
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Sebelas MaretSurakartaIndonesia
| | - Tri Wibawa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicinePublic Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah MadaYogyakartaIndonesia
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Prajapati SK, Malaiya A, Mishra G, Jain D, Kesharwani P, Mody N, Ahmadi A, Paliwal R, Jain A. An exhaustive comprehension of the role of herbal medicines in Pre- and Post-COVID manifestations. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115420. [PMID: 35654349 PMCID: PMC9150915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has relentlessly spread all over the world even after the advent of vaccines. It demands management, treatment, and prevention as well with utmost safety and effectiveness. It is well researched that herbal medicines or natural products have shown promising outcomes to strengthen immunity with antiviral potential against SARS-COV-2. AIM OF THE REVIEW Our objective is to provide a comprehensive insight into the preventive and therapeutic effects of herbal medicines and products (Ayurvedic) for pre-and post-COVID manifestations. MATERIAL AND METHOD The database used in the text is collected and compiled from Scopus, PubMed, Nature, Elsevier, Web of Science, bioRxiv, medRxiv, American Chemical Society, and clinicaltrials.gov up to January 2022. Articles from non-academic sources such as websites and news were also retrieved. Exploration of the studies was executed to recognize supplementary publications of research studies and systematic reviews. The keywords, such as "SARS-COV-2, coronavirus, COVID-19, herbal drugs, immunity, herbal immunomodulators, infection, herbal antiviral drugs, and WHO recommendation" were thoroughly searched. Chemical structures were drawn using the software Chemdraw Professional 15.0.0.160 (PerkinElmer Informatics, Inc.). RESULT A plethora of literature supports that the use of herbal regimens not only strengthen immunity but can also treat SARS-COV-2 infection with minimal side effects. This review summarizes the mechanistic insights into herbal therapy engaging interferons and antibodies to boost the response against SARS-COV-2 infection, several clinical trials, and in silico studies (computational approaches) on selected natural products including, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Tulsi, etc. as preventive and therapeutic measures against COVID. We have also emphasized the exploitation of herbal medicine-based pharmaceutical products along with perspectives for unseen upcoming alike diseases. CONCLUSION According to the current state of art and cutting-edge research on herbal medicines have showed a significant promise as modern COVID tools. Since vaccination cannot be purported as a long-term cure for viral infections, herbal/natural medicines can only be considered a viable alternative to current remedies, as conceived from our collected data to unroot recurring viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Kumar Prajapati
- Institute of Pharmacy, Ram-Eesh Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Greater Noida, 201310, UP, India
| | - Akanksha Malaiya
- Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 484886, MP, India
| | - Gaurav Mishra
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, UP, India
| | - Dolly Jain
- Department of Pharmacy, Oriental University, Indore, 453555, Madhya Pradesh, India; Adina College of Pharmacy, Sagar, 470002, MP, India
| | - Payal Kesharwani
- Institute of Pharmacy, Ram-Eesh Institute of Vocational and Technical Education, Greater Noida, 201310, UP, India
| | - Nishi Mody
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, 470003, MP, India
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48175866, Iran
| | - Rishi Paliwal
- Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 484886, MP, India
| | - Ankit Jain
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, Karnataka, India.
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10
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Gomaa AA, Abdel-Wadood YA, Gomaa MA. Glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids, the golden nutraceuticals: multitargeting for treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 and prevention of post-COVID cognitive impairment. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1977-1992. [PMID: 36136251 PMCID: PMC9493173 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Breakthrough infections have been reported in fully vaccinated persons. Furthermore, rebound symptoms have been reported following the new FDA granted emergency use to combat SARS-CoV-2. Glycyrrhizin (GR) and boswellic acids (BAs) combination has been shown to have highly successful actions against COVID-19 in our recent clinical trial. However, the study is limited by the small sample size, and therefore, the aim of this article is to comprehensively evaluate recent evidence on the efficacy of GR and BAs in preventing the development of COVID-19 in patients with mild and moderate infections and in preventing post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment, which is the most important symptom after recovery from Covid-19 disease. We have reviewed and discussed information published since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic until July 2022 on preclinical (in vivo, in vivo and bioinformatics) and clinical studies related to the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of Gr and BAs. Sixteen studies were performed to determine the efficacy of GR against SARS-CoV-2. Ten studies were used primarily for in vitro and in vivo assays and six used molecular docking studies. However, the antiviral activity of BAs against SARS-CoV-2 was determined in only five studies using molecular modeling and bioinformatics. All these studies confirmed that GR n and BAs have strong antiviral activity and can be used as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 and as a protective agent against SARS-CoV-2. They may act by inhibiting the main protease SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) responsible for replication and blocking spike protein-mediated cell entry. Only seven rigorously designed clinical trials regarding the usefulness of GR, BAs or their combinations in the treatment of COVID-19 have been published as of July 2022. Although there is no clinical study regarding the treatment of cognitive impairment after COVID-19 that has been published so far, several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential effect of GR and BAs in the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment by inhibiting the activity of several molecules that activate inflammatory signaling pathway. In conclusion, the findings of our study documented the beneficial use of GR and BAs to treat SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and prevent post-COVID cognitive impairment. However, it warrants further studies with a larger randomized sample size to ensure that the studies have sufficient evidence of benefits against COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | | | - Mohamed A Gomaa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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11
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Glycyrrhizic Acid and Its Derivatives: Promising Candidates for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231910988. [PMID: 36232291 PMCID: PMC9569462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231910988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, chronic insulin resistance, progressive decline in β-cell function, and defect in insulin secretion. It has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. At present, there is no cure for T2DM, but it can be treated, and blood glucose levels can be controlled. It has been reported that diabetic patients may suffer from the adverse effects of conventional medicine. Therefore, alternative therapy, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), can be used to manage and treat diabetes. In this review, glycyrrhizic acid (GL) and its derivatives are suggested to be promising candidates for the treatment of T2DM and its complications. It is the principal bioactive constituent in licorice, one type of TCM. This review comprehensively summarized the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of GL and its derivatives in managing blood glucose levels and treating T2DM and its complications. In addition, it also discusses existing clinical trials and highlights the research gap in clinical research. In summary, this review can provide a further understanding of GL and its derivatives in T2DM as well as its complications and recent progress in the development of potential drugs targeting T2DM.
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12
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A Review on Herbal Secondary Metabolites Against COVID-19 Focusing on the Genetic Variants of SARS-CoV-2. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp-129618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: An outbreak of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, subsequently affecting countries worldwide and causing a pandemic. Although several vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and adenovirus vaccines, have been licensed in several countries, the danger of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants persists. To date, Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351, B.1.351.2, B.1.351.3), Delta (B.1.617.2, AY.1, AY.2, AY. 3), Gamma (P.1, P.1.1, P.1.2), and Iota (B.1 .526) circulating in the United States, Kappa (B.1.617.1) in India, Lambda (C.37) in Peru and Mu (B.1.621) in Colombia are considered the variants of concern and interest. Evidence Acquisition: Data were collected through the end of August 2021 by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. There were findings from in silico, in vitro cell-based, and non-cell-based investigations. Results: The potential and safety profile of herbal medicines need clarification to scientifically support future recommendations regarding the benefits and risks of their use. Conclusions: Current research results on natural products against SARS-CoV-2 and variants are discussed, and their specific molecular targets and possible mechanisms of action are summarized.
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13
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Liposome encapsulated clodronate mediated elimination of pathogenic macrophages and microglia: A promising pharmacological regime to defuse cytokine storm in COVID-19. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 15:100136. [PMID: 35721801 PMCID: PMC9190184 DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2022.100136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continues to pose an enormous public health concern. The SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupted host immune response accounting for cytokine storm has been linked to multiorgan failure and mortality in a significant portion of positive cases. Abruptly activated macrophages have been identified as the key pathogenic determinant of cytokine storm in COVID-19. Besides, reactive microglia have been known to discharge a surplus amount of proinflammatory factors leading to neuropathogenic events in the brains of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. Considering the fact, depletion of activated macrophages and microglia could be proposed to eradicate the life-threatening cytokine storm in COVID-19. Clodronate, a non-nitrogenous bisphosphonate drug has been identified as a potent macrophage and microglial depleting agent. While recent advancement in the field of liposome encapsulation technology offers the most promising biological tool for drug delivery, liposome encapsulated clodronate has been reported to effectively target and induce prominent phagocytic cell death in activated macrophages and microglia compared to free clodronate molecules. Thus, in this review article, we emphasize that depletion of activated macrophages and microglial cells by administration of liposome encapsulated clodronate can be a potential therapeutic strategy to diminish the pathogenic cytokine storm and alleviate multiorgan failure in COVID-19. Moreover, recently developed COVID-19 vaccines appear to render the chronic activation of macrophages accounting for immunological dysregulation in some cases. Therefore, the use of liposome encapsulated clodronate can also be extended to the clinical management of unforeseen immunogenic reactions resulting from activated macrophages associated adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
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14
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Gomaa AA, Mohamed HS, Abd-Ellatief RB, Gomaa MA, Hammam DS. Advancing combination treatment with glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids for hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 infection: a randomized clinical trial. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:477-486. [PMID: 35233748 PMCID: PMC8886861 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to a potential therapeutic role for glycyrrhizin(GR) and boswellic acids (BA) in the treatment of COVID-19 but conclusive evidence is lacking. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy of GR + BA versus placebo for the treatment of hospitalized patients with moderate SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants infection. The current study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants diagnosed by PCR test who were admitted to Sohag University hospital were eligible if they were at least 18 years of age and had moderate symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned to receive oral GR capsule (60 mg) and BA (200 mg) twice daily for 14 days or a matching placebo. All patients also received treatment with the institutional protocol for COVID-19. The primary outcome was mortality and time to recovery. Secondary outcome was clinical status score, 14 days after receiving study drugs. Adverse events from use of study drugs have been evaluated for up to 14 days. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT04487964). During the 6-month enrollment period (June-November, 2021) only 50 patients (54% women; median age 60 years, IQR 54–65) met eligibility and were randomly assigned. Evaluation of the primary outcome at 14 days showed that there were five deaths in the placebo group and no deaths in the GR + BA group. With regard to recovery time, it was significantly shorter (p = 0.0001) in the group receiving GR + BA capsule compared to the placebo group (median 7.0; IQR 6.0–8.0 days vs. median 12.5; IQR 12–20 days). Clinical status on the ordinal score scale as a secondary outcome showed a significant difference between the GR + BA group (median (IQR) score, 2 [2–3]) and placebo groups (mean (IQR) score, 3 [3–5.5]). There was a significant decrease in CRB (p = 0.000041) in GR + BA compared with the placebo group. In conclusion, this safe, inexpensive, antiviral, immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory combination may be considered for use in mild to moderate infections of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 variants. The study is limited by the small sample size; therefore, larger randomized trials are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Hamdy S Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Rasha B Abd-Ellatief
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Gomaa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Doaa S Hammam
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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15
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Hasankhani A, Bahrami A, Sheybani N, Aria B, Hemati B, Fatehi F, Ghaem Maghami Farahani H, Javanmard G, Rezaee M, Kastelic JP, Barkema HW. Differential Co-Expression Network Analysis Reveals Key Hub-High Traffic Genes as Potential Therapeutic Targets for COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Immunol 2022; 12:789317. [PMID: 34975885 PMCID: PMC8714803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.789317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The recent emergence of COVID-19, rapid worldwide spread, and incomplete knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection have limited development of therapeutic strategies. Our objective was to systematically investigate molecular regulatory mechanisms of COVID-19, using a combination of high throughput RNA-sequencing-based transcriptomics and systems biology approaches. Methods RNA-Seq data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy persons, mild and severe 17 COVID-19 patients were analyzed to generate a gene expression matrix. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expression modules in healthy samples as a reference set. For differential co-expression network analysis, module preservation and module-trait relationships approaches were used to identify key modules. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, based on co-expressed hub genes, were constructed to identify hub genes/TFs with the highest information transfer (hub-high traffic genes) within candidate modules. Results Based on differential co-expression network analysis, connectivity patterns and network density, 72% (15 of 21) of modules identified in healthy samples were altered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 caused systemic perturbations in host biological gene networks. In functional enrichment analysis, among 15 non-preserved modules and two significant highly-correlated modules (identified by MTRs), 9 modules were directly related to the host immune response and COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. Intriguingly, systemic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection identified signaling pathways and key genes/proteins associated with COVID-19's main hallmarks, e.g., cytokine storm, respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute lung injury (ALI), lymphopenia, coagulation disorders, thrombosis, and pregnancy complications, as well as comorbidities associated with COVID-19, e.g., asthma, diabetic complications, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver disorders and acute kidney injury (AKI). Topological analysis with betweenness centrality (BC) identified 290 hub-high traffic genes, central in both co-expression and PPI networks. We also identified several transcriptional regulatory factors, including NFKB1, HIF1A, AHR, and TP53, with important immunoregulatory roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, several hub-high traffic genes, including IL6, IL1B, IL10, TNF, SOCS1, SOCS3, ICAM1, PTEN, RHOA, GDI2, SUMO1, CASP1, IRAK3, HSPA5, ADRB2, PRF1, GZMB, OASL, CCL5, HSP90AA1, HSPD1, IFNG, MAPK1, RAB5A, and TNFRSF1A had the highest rates of information transfer in 9 candidate modules and central roles in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. Conclusion This study provides comprehensive information on molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-host interactions and identifies several hub-high traffic genes as promising therapeutic targets for the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Hasankhani
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Bahrami
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.,Biomedical Center for Systems Biology Science Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Negin Sheybani
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Aria
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, School of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behzad Hemati
- Biotechnology Research Center, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Farhang Fatehi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Ghazaleh Javanmard
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rezaee
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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16
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Li J, Xu D, Wang L, Zhang M, Zhang G, Li E, He S. Glycyrrhizic Acid Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Blocking Spike Protein-Mediated Cell Attachment. Molecules 2021; 26:6090. [PMID: 34684671 PMCID: PMC8539771 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), also known as glycyrrhizin, is a triterpene glycoside isolated from plants of Glycyrrhiza species (licorice). GA possesses a wide range of pharmacological and antiviral activities against enveloped viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. Since the S protein (S) mediates SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cell attachment and cell entry, we assayed the GA effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection using an S protein-pseudotyped lentivirus (Lenti-S). GA treatment dose-dependently blocked Lenti-S infection. We showed that incubation of Lenti-S virus, but not the host cells with GA prior to the infection, reduced Lenti-S infection, indicating that GA targeted the virus for infection. Surface plasmon resonance measurement showed that GA interacted with a recombinant S protein and blocked S protein binding to host cells. Autodocking analysis revealed that the S protein has several GA-binding pockets including one at the interaction interface to the receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and another at the inner side of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) which might impact the close-to-open conformation change of the S protein required for ACE2 interaction. In addition to identifying GA antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, the study linked GA antiviral activity to its effect on virus cell binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (J.L.); (D.X.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jiangsu Topcel Biological Technology Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Dongge Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (J.L.); (D.X.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Centre, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (J.L.); (D.X.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Mengyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (J.L.); (D.X.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Centre, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
| | - Guohai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541006, China;
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (J.L.); (D.X.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (J.L.); (D.X.); (L.W.); (M.Z.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Centre, Medical School, Nanjing University, Yancheng 224000, China
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