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Pacheco-García U, Varela-López E, Serafín-López J. Immune Stimulation with Imiquimod to Best Face SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Prevent Long COVID. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7661. [PMID: 39062904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Through widespread immunization against SARS-CoV-2 prior to or post-infection, a substantial segment of the global population has acquired both humoral and cellular immunity, and there has been a notable reduction in the incidence of severe and fatal cases linked to this virus and accelerated recovery times for those infected. Nonetheless, a significant demographic, comprising around 20% to 30% of the adult population, remains unimmunized due to diverse factors. Furthermore, alongside those recovered from the infection, there is a subset of the population experiencing persistent symptoms referred to as Long COVID. This condition is more prevalent among individuals with underlying health conditions and immune system impairments. Some Long COVID pathologies stem from direct damage inflicted by the viral infection, whereas others arise from inadequate immune system control over the infection or suboptimal immunoregulation. There are differences in the serum cytokines and miRNA profiles between infected individuals who develop severe COVID-19 or Long COVID and those who control adequately the infection. This review delves into the advantages and constraints associated with employing imiquimod in human subjects to enhance the immune response during SARS-CoV-2 immunization. Restoration of the immune system can modify it towards a profile of non-susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. An adequate immune system has the potential to curb viral propagation, mitigate symptoms, and ameliorate the severe consequences of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursino Pacheco-García
- Department of Cardio-Renal Pathophysiology, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Elvira Varela-López
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Jeanet Serafín-López
- Department of Immunology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico
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Gao B, Zhu H, Liu Z, He X, Sun J, Li Y, Wu X, Pehrsson P, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Yu L. Chemical Compositions of Lianqiao ( Forsythia suspensa) Extracts and Their Potential Health Benefits. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:740. [PMID: 38931407 PMCID: PMC11206439 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060740] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the fruits of Forsythia suspensa (Lianqiao), an important economic crop, for the chemical components of its water and ethanol extracts, inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein binding to ACE2, inhibition of ACE2 activity, and capacity to scavenge free radicals. A total of 42 compounds were tentatively identified in the extracts via HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The water extract showed a greater ACE2 inhibition but a weaker inhibition on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to ACE2 than the ethanol extract on a per-botanical-weight-concentration basis. The phenolic content was found to be greater in the water extract at 45.19 mg GAE/g dry botanical weight than in the ethanol extract (6.89 mg GAE/g dry botanical). Furthermore, the water extract had greater scavenging capacities against HO●, DPPH●, and ABTS●+ at 448.48, 66.36, and 121.29 µmol TE/g dry botanical, respectively, as compared to that of the ethanol extract (154.04, 3.55, and 33.83 µmol TE/g dry botanical, respectively). These results warrant further research into, and the development of, the potential COVID-19-preventive applications of Lianqiao and its extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Gao
- Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (B.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hanshu Zhu
- Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (B.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.)
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.S.); (X.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Xiaohua He
- Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA;
| | - Jianghao Sun
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.S.); (X.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Yanfang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.)
| | - Xianli Wu
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.S.); (X.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Pamela Pehrsson
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.S.); (X.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Yaqiong Zhang
- Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (B.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Yuanhang Yao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.)
| | - Liangli Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; (Z.L.); (Y.L.); (L.Y.)
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Gao B, Zhu H, Liu Z, He X, Sun J, Li Y, Wu X, Pehrsson P, Zhang Y, Yu L. Chemical Compositions of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Huangqin) Extracts and Their Effects on ACE2 Binding of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein, ACE2 Activity, and Free Radicals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2045. [PMID: 38396723 PMCID: PMC10888547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042045] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The water and ethanol extracts of huangqin, the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. with potential antiviral properties and antioxidant activities, were investigated for their chemical profiles and their abilities to interfere with the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, inhibiting ACE2 activity and scavenging free radicals. A total of 76 compounds were tentatively identified from the extracts. The water extract showed a greater inhibition on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, but less inhibition on ACE2 activity than that of the ethanol extract on a per botanical weight concentration basis. The total phenolic content was 65.27 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry botanical and the scavenging capacities against HO●, DPPH●, and ABTS●+ were 1369.39, 334.37, and 533.66 µmol trolox equivalent (TE)/g dry botanical for the water extract, respectively. These values were greater than those of the ethanol extract, with a TPC of 20.34 mg GAE/g, and 217.17, 10.93, and 50.21 µmol TE/g against HO●, DPPH●, and ABTS●+, respectively. The results suggested the potential use of huangqin as a functional food ingredient in preventing COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Gao
- Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (B.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hanshu Zhu
- Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (B.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (P.P.)
| | - Xiaohua He
- Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA
| | - Jianghao Sun
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (P.P.)
| | - Yanfang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Xianli Wu
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (P.P.)
| | - Pamela Pehrsson
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA (P.P.)
| | - Yaqiong Zhang
- Institute of Food and Nutraceutical Science, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (B.G.); (H.Z.)
| | - Liangli Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Ferrara F, Pecorelli A, Valacchi G. Redox Regulation of Nucleotide-Binding and Oligomerization Domain-Like Receptors Inflammasome. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:744-770. [PMID: 37440315 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Inflammasomes are multimeric complexes that, as part of the innate immune response, sense a wide range of pathogenic and sterile stimuli. They consist of three components, namely a sensor protein, an adaptor, and procaspase-1, which once activated result in secretion of proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and, eventually, in a gasdermin D-dependent lytic cell death called pyroptosis. Recent Advances: Since their discovery 20 years ago, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of inflammasomes have been extensively studied. Oxidative stress appears as a major contributor to modulate inflammasomes, especially NLRP3 as well as NLRP1, NLRP6, and NLRC4. Growing evidence supports the idea that the positive feedback between redox imbalance and inflammasome-driven inflammation fuels an OxInflammatory state in a variety of human pathologies. Critical Issues: The current knowledge about the redox signaling pathways involved in inflammasomes activation and functions are here highlighted. In addition, we discuss the role of this complex molecular network interaction in the onset and progression of pathological conditions including neurological and metabolic diseases as well as skin disorders, also with an insight on COVID-19-related pathology. Finally, the therapeutic strategies able to mitigate the redox-mediated inflammasome activation with synthetic and natural compounds as well as by acting on inflammasome-related post-translational modifications and microRNAs are also addressed. Future Directions: Further investigations leading to a deeper understanding of the reciprocal interaction between inflammasomes and reactive oxygen species will help identify other molecular targets for modulating their hyperactivated state, and to design novel therapeutics for chronic OxInflammatory conditions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 744-770.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ferrara
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Science Dept., North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Plants for Human Health Institute, Animal Science Dept., North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Carlini V, Noonan DM, Abdalalem E, Goletti D, Sansone C, Calabrone L, Albini A. The multifaceted nature of IL-10: regulation, role in immunological homeostasis and its relevance to cancer, COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161067. [PMID: 37359549 PMCID: PMC10287165 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a fundamental role in modulating inflammation and in maintaining cell homeostasis. It primarily acts as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, protecting the body from an uncontrolled immune response, mostly through the Jak1/Tyk2 and STAT3 signaling pathway. On the other hand, IL-10 can also have immunostimulating functions under certain conditions. Given the pivotal role of IL-10 in immune modulation, this cytokine could have relevant implications in pathologies characterized by hyperinflammatory state, such as cancer, or infectious diseases as in the case of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 syndrome. Recent evidence proposed IL-10 as a predictor of severity and mortality for patients with acute or post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this context, IL-10 can act as an endogenous danger signal, released by tissues undergoing damage in an attempt to protect the organism from harmful hyperinflammation. Pharmacological strategies aimed to potentiate or restore IL-10 immunomodulatory action may represent novel promising avenues to counteract cytokine storm arising from hyperinflammation and effectively mitigate severe complications. Natural bioactive compounds, derived from terrestrial or marine photosynthetic organisms and able to increase IL-10 expression, could represent a useful prevention strategy to curb inflammation through IL-10 elevation and will be discussed here. However, the multifaceted nature of IL-10 has to be taken into account in the attempts to modulate its levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carlini
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Douglas M. Noonan
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Eslam Abdalalem
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Clementina Sansone
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Istituto Nazionale di Biologia, Ecologia e Biotecnologie Marine, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrone
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) European Institute of Oncology IEO-, Milan, Italy
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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Pawlik A. The Potential Role of Connexins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032600. [PMID: 36768920 PMCID: PMC9916887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family which enable extracellular and intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions (GJ), respectively. Cx take part in transporting important cell-cell messengers such as 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), among others. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been correlated with cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx have been shown either to promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Cx might contribute to the progression of the disease by enhancing endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, or by inhibiting VSMC autophagy. Inhibition or modulation of the expression of specific isoforms could suppress atherosclerotic plaque formation and diminish pro-inflammatory conditions. A better understanding of the complexity of atherosclerosis pathophysiology linked with Cx could result in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the role of Cx in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discusses whether they can become novel therapeutic targets.
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Kubiak JZ, Kloc M. Recent Progress in Research on COVID-19 Pathophysiology: Biomarkers, Repurposed Drugs, Viral Invasiveness, SARS-CoV-2 Genetic Diversity, the Crystal Structure of Viral Proteins, and the Molecular and Cellular Outcomes of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214194. [PMID: 36430672 PMCID: PMC9698337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a novel zoonotic germ known as SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Z. Kubiak
- Dynamics and Mechanics of Epithelia Group, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, University of Rennes, CNRS, UMR 6290, 35000 Rennes, France
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (J.Z.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Malgorzata Kloc
- Transplant Immunology, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (J.Z.K.); (M.K.)
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Tsermpini EE, Glamočlija U, Ulucan-Karnak F, Redenšek Trampuž S, Dolžan V. Molecular Mechanisms Related to Responses to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapies in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081609. [PMID: 36009328 PMCID: PMC9405444 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a leading global health and economic challenge. What defines the disease’s progression is not entirely understood, but there are strong indications that oxidative stress and the defense against reactive oxygen species are crucial players. A big influx of immune cells to the site of infection is marked by the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Our article aims to highlight the critical role of oxidative stress in the emergence and severity of COVID-19 and, more importantly, to shed light on the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. We have reviewed the available literature and clinical trials to extract the relevant genetic variants within the oxidative stress pathway associated with COVID-19 and the anti-oxidative therapies currently evaluated in the clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, in particular clinical trials on glutathione and N-acetylcysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Eirini Tsermpini
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Una Glamočlija
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sara Redenšek Trampuž
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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