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Jiménez-Ruiz CA, Rábade-Castedo C, de Granda-Orive JI. Electronic Cigarettes are Neither Effective Nor Safe for Quitting Smoking: A Critical View of the Most Recent Meta-Analyses. Arch Bronconeumol 2024; 60:195-196. [PMID: 38160162 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Rábade-Castedo
- Servicio de Neumología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Phandthong R, Wong M, Song A, Martinez T, Talbot P. Does vaping increase the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection? Paradoxically yes and no. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L175-L189. [PMID: 38147795 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00300.2022] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Data on the relationship between electronic cigarettes (ECs) and SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited and contradictory. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of EC aerosols on SARS-CoV-2 infection of human bronchial epithelial cells and identify the causative chemical(s). Fully differentiated human bronchial epithelial tissues (hBETs) were exposed at the air-liquid interface (ALI) to aerosols produced from JUUL "Virginia Tobacco" and BLU ECs, as well as nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and benzoic acid, and infection was then evaluated with SARS-CoV-2 pseudoparticles. Pseudoparticle infection of hBETs increased with aerosols produced from PG/VG, PG/VG plus nicotine, or BLU ECs; however, JUUL EC aerosols did not increase infection compared with controls. Increased infection in PG/VG alone was due to enhanced endocytosis, whereas increased infection in PG/VG plus nicotine or in BLU ECs was caused by nicotine-induced elevation of the aerosol's pH, which correlated with increased transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) activity. Notably, benzoic acid in JUUL aerosols mitigated the enhanced infection caused by PG/VG or nicotine, offering protection that lasted for at least 48 h after exposure. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that EC aerosols can impact susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection depending on their specific ingredients. PG/VG alone or PG/VG plus nicotine enhanced infection through different mechanisms, whereas benzoic acid in JUUL aerosols mitigated the increased infection caused by certain ingredients. These findings highlight the complex relationship between ECs and SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, emphasizing the importance of considering the specific aerosol ingredients when evaluating the potential effects of ECs on infection risk.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Data on the relationship between electronic cigarettes (ECs) and SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited and contradictory. We investigated the impact of EC aerosols and their ingredients on SARS-CoV-2 infection of human bronchial epithelial cells. Our data show that specific ingredients in EC aerosols impact the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Propylene glycol (PG)/vegetable glycerin (VG) alone or PG/VG plus nicotine enhanced infection through different mechanisms, whereas benzoic acid in JUUL aerosols mitigated the increased infection caused by these ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattapol Phandthong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States
| | - Man Wong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States
| | - Ann Song
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States
| | - Teresa Martinez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States
| | - Prue Talbot
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States
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Cai J, Ma W, Wang X, Chang H, Wei Z, Li J, Zeng M. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 induces inflammation and EMT of lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts through the upregulation of GADD45A. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230779. [PMID: 38025528 PMCID: PMC10656760 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts poorly express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and the study aimed to investigate the role of the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in two lung cell lines and to understand the potential mechanism. Lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and fibroblasts (MRC-5) were treated with the spike protein, then inflammatory and EMT phenotypes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Transwell, and western blot assays. RNA-sequence and bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify dysregulated genes. The roles of the candidate genes were further investigated. The results showed that treatment with 1,000 ng/mL of spike protein in two lung cell lines caused increased levels of IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, and CXCL3, and the occurrence of EMT. RNA-sequence identified 4,238 dysregulated genes in the spike group, and 18 candidate genes were involved in both inflammation- and EMT-related processes. GADD45A had the highest verified fold change (abs), and overexpression of GADD45A promoted the secretion of cytokines and EMT in the two lung cell lines. In conclusion, the spike protein induces inflammation and EMT in lung epithelial cells and fibroblasts by upregulating GADD45A, providing a new target to inhibit inflammation and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehao Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
| | - Wenjie Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
| | - Xiangshi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
| | - Hailing Chang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
| | - Mei Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai201102, China
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Andre M, Lau LS, Pokharel MD, Ramelow J, Owens F, Souchak J, Akkaoui J, Ales E, Brown H, Shil R, Nazaire V, Manevski M, Paul NP, Esteban-Lopez M, Ceyhan Y, El-Hage N. From Alpha to Omicron: How Different Variants of Concern of the SARS-Coronavirus-2 Impacted the World. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1267. [PMID: 37759666 PMCID: PMC10525159 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is prone to mutations and the generation of genetic variants. Since its first outbreak in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has continually evolved, resulting in the emergence of several lineages and variants of concern (VOC) that have gained more efficient transmission, severity, and immune evasion properties. The World Health Organization has given these variants names according to the letters of the Greek Alphabet, starting with the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant, which emerged in 2020, followed by the Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants. This review explores the genetic variation among different VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 and how the emergence of variants made a global impact on the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nazira El-Hage
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Program Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.A.); (L.-S.L.); (M.D.P.); (J.R.); (F.O.); (J.S.); (J.A.); (E.A.); (H.B.); (R.S.); (V.N.); (M.M.); (N.P.P.); (M.E.-L.); (Y.C.)
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5
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Salehi Z, Motlagh Ghoochani BFN, Hasani Nourian Y, Jamalkandi SA, Ghanei M. The controversial effect of smoking and nicotine in SARS-CoV-2 infection. ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 19:49. [PMID: 37264452 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-023-00797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke in many diseases, notably COVID-19 infection, are being debated more frequently. The current basic data for COVID-19 is increasing and indicating the higher risk of COVID-19 infections in smokers due to the overexpression of corresponding host receptors to viral entry. However, current multi-national epidemiological reports indicate a lower incidence of COVID-19 disease in smokers. Current data indicates that smokers are more susceptible to some diseases and more protective of some other. Interestingly, nicotine is also reported to play a dual role, being both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. In the present study, we tried to investigate the effect of pure nicotine on various cells involved in COVID-19 infection. We followed an organ-based systematic approach to decipher the effect of nicotine in damaged organs corresponding to COVID-19 pathogenesis (12 related diseases). Considering that the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke are different from each other, it is necessary to be careful in generalizing the effects of nicotine and cigarette to each other in the conducted researches. The generalization and the undifferentiation of nicotine from smoke is a significant bias. Moreover, different doses of nicotine stimulate different effects (dose-dependent response). In addition to further assessing the role of nicotine in COVID-19 infection and any other cases, a clever assessment of underlying diseases should also be considered to achieve a guideline for health providers and a personalized approach to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Salehi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Yazdan Hasani Nourian
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Azimzadeh Jamalkandi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Awatade NT, Wark PAB, Chan ASL, Mamun SMAA, Mohd Esa NY, Matsunaga K, Rhee CK, Hansbro PM, Sohal SS. The Complex Association between COPD and COVID-19. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113791. [PMID: 37297985 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is mounting evidence suggesting that COPD patients are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes; however, it remains unclear whether they are more susceptible to acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide an up-to-date perspective of the intricate relationship between COPD and COVID-19. We conducted a thorough review of the literature to examine the evidence regarding the susceptibility of COPD patients to COVID-19 infection and the severity of their disease outcomes. While most studies have found that pre-existing COPD is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, some have yielded conflicting results. We also discuss confounding factors such as cigarette smoking, inhaled corticosteroids, and socioeconomic and genetic factors that may influence this association. Furthermore, we review acute COVID-19 management, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery in COPD patients and how public health measures impact their care. In conclusion, while the association between COPD and COVID-19 is complex and requires further investigation, this review highlights the need for careful management of COPD patients during the pandemic to minimize the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil T Awatade
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2305, Australia
| | - Peter A B Wark
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2305, Australia
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle 2305, Australia
| | - Andrew S L Chan
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards 2065, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - S M Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine & Sleep Medicine, Evercare Hospitals Dhaka, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | | | - Kazuto Matsunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Disease Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1-1-1 Minami-kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Chin Kook Rhee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Immune Health Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle 2305, Australia
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7248, Australia
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Phandthong R, Wong M, Song A, Martinez T, Talbot P. New insights into how popular electronic cigarette aerosols and aerosol constituents affect SARS-CoV-2 infection of human bronchial epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5807. [PMID: 37037851 PMCID: PMC10086046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31592-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the use of tobacco products and SARS-CoV-2 infection is poorly understood and controversial. Few studies have examined the effect of electronic cigarettes (ECs) on SARS-CoV-2 infection. We tested the hypothesis that EC fluids and aerosols with nicotine promote SARS-COV-2 infection by increasing viral entry into human respiratory epithelial cells. Responses of BEAS-2B cells to JUUL aerosols or their individual constituents were compared using three exposure platforms: submerged culture, air-liquid-interface (ALI) exposure in a cloud chamber, and ALI exposure in a Cultex system, which produces authentic heated EC aerosols. In general, nicotine and nicotine + propylene glycol/vegetable glycerin aerosols increased ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2) levels, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor; and increased the activity of TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2), an enzyme essential for viral entry. Lentivirus pseudoparticles with spike protein were used to test viral penetration. Exposure to nicotine, EC fluids, or aerosols altered the infection machinery and increased viral entry into cells. While most data were in good agreement across the three exposure platforms, cells were more responsive to treatments when exposed at the ALI in the Cultex system, even though the exposures were brief and intermittent. While both nicotine and JUUL aerosols increased SARS-CoV-2 infection, JUUL significantly decreased the effect of nicotine alone. These data support the idea that vaping can increase the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and that e-liquid composition may modulate this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattapol Phandthong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Man Wong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Ann Song
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Teresa Martinez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Prue Talbot
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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8
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Maishan M, Sarma A, Chun LF, Caldera S, Fang X, Abbott J, Christenson SA, Langelier CR, Calfee CS, Gotts JE, Matthay MA. Aerosolized nicotine from e-cigarettes alters gene expression, increases lung protein permeability, and impairs viral clearance in murine influenza infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1076772. [PMID: 36999019 PMCID: PMC10043316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1076772] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette use has rapidly increased as an alternative means of nicotine delivery by heated aerosolization. Recent studies demonstrate nicotine-containing e-cigarette aerosols can have immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory effects, but it remains unclear how e-cigarettes and the constituents of e-liquids may impact acute lung injury and the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by viral pneumonia. Therefore, in these studies, mice were exposed one hour per day over nine consecutive days to aerosol generated by the clinically-relevant tank-style Aspire Nautilus aerosolizing e-liquid containing a mixture of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol (VG/PG) with or without nicotine. Exposure to the nicotine-containing aerosol resulted in clinically-relevant levels of plasma cotinine, a nicotine-derived metabolite, and an increase in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A, CXCL1, and MCP-1 in the distal airspaces. Following the e-cigarette exposure, mice were intranasally inoculated with influenza A virus (H1N1 PR8 strain). Exposure to aerosols generated from VG/PG with and without nicotine caused greater influenza-induced production in the distal airspaces of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and MCP-1 at 7 days post inoculation (dpi). Compared to the aerosolized carrier VG/PG, in mice exposed to aerosolized nicotine there was a significantly lower amount of Mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) in the distal airspaces and significantly higher lung permeability to protein and viral load in lungs at 7 dpi with influenza. Additionally, nicotine caused relative downregulation of genes associated with ciliary function and fluid clearance and an increased expression of pro-inflammatory pathways at 7 dpi. These results show that (1) the e-liquid carrier VG/PG increases the pro-inflammatory immune responses to viral pneumonia and that (2) nicotine in an e-cigarette aerosol alters the transcriptomic response to pathogens, blunts host defense mechanisms, increases lung barrier permeability, and reduces viral clearance during influenza infection. In conclusion, acute exposure to aerosolized nicotine can impair clearance of viral infection and exacerbate lung injury, findings that have implications for the regulation of e-cigarette products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazharul Maishan
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Aartik Sarma
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lauren F. Chun
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Xiaohui Fang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jason Abbott
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Stephanie A. Christenson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Charles R. Langelier
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn S. Calfee
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey E. Gotts
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michael A. Matthay
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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9
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Wakabayashi Y, Nakayama S, Yamamoto A, Kitazawa T. High D-glucose levels induce ACE2 expression via GLUT1 in human airway epithelial cell line Calu-3. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:29. [PMID: 35836103 PMCID: PMC9282902 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-022-00427-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the host cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. ACE2 is expressed on human airway epithelial cells. Increased ACE2 expression may be associated with potentially high risk of COVID-19. However, the factors responsible for the regulation of ACE2 expression in human airway epithelial cells are unknown. Furthermore, hyperglycemia is a risk factor for poor disease prognosis. Results In this study, we investigated the effects of D-glucose on ACE2 mRNA and protein expressions in Calu-3 bronchial submucosal cells. The cells were cultured in minimal essential medium containing different D-glucose concentrations. After 48 and 72 h of high D-glucose (1000 mg/dL) treatment, ACE2 mRNA expressions were significantly increased. ACE2 protein expressions were significantly increased after 24 h of high D-glucose treatment. ACE2 mRNA expression was enhanced by a D-glucose concentration of 550 mg/dL or more after 72 h of treatment. In addition, we investigated the role of glucose transporters (GLUTs) in Calu-3 cells. ACE2 mRNA and protein expressions were suppressed by the GLUT1 inhibitor BAY-876 in high D-glucose-treated Calu-3 cells. GLUT-1 siRNA was also used and ACE2 mRNA expressions were suppressed in high D-glucose-treated Calu-3 cells with GLUT-1 knockdown. Conclusions This is the first report indicating that high D-glucose levels induced ACE2 expression via GLUT1 in bronchial submucosal cells in vitro. As hyperglycemia can be treated appropriately, these findings could help reduce the risk of worsening of coronavirus disease 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-022-00427-4. SARS-CoV-2 enters the host cell by binding to its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is expressed in many cell types, including bronchial epithelial cells. High D-glucose medium induced ACE2 expression in bronchial epithelial Calu-3 cells. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is expressed in Calu-3 cells, and GLUT1 inhibition decreased ACE2 expression.
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Hamon R, Ween MP. E-Cigarette Vapour Increases ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression in a Flavour- and Nicotine-Dependent Manner. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14955. [PMID: 36429673 PMCID: PMC9691196 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 infects via the respiratory system, but it can affect multiple systems and lead to multi system failure. There is growing evidence that smoking may be associated with higher rates of COVID-19 infections and worse outcomes due to increased levels of ACE2 in lung epithelial cells, but it is unknown whether E-cigarette use may lead to increased risk of COVID-19 infection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In this study, healthy donor bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or nicotine or flavoured E-cigarette vapour extract (EVE) before the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 recognition receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes. MDMs exposed to CSE and Tobacco EVE showed increased ACE2 expression; however, no treatment altered the TMPRSS2 expression. ACE2 was found to be upregulated by >2-fold in NHBE cells exposed to CSE, as well as nicotine, banana, or chocolate EVE, while TMPRSS2 was only upregulated by CSE or nicotine EVE exposure. These findings suggesting that flavourings can increase ACE2 expression in multiple cell types, while TMPRSS2 expression increases are limited to the epithelial cells in airways and may be limited to nicotine and/or cigarette smoke exposure. Therefore, increased risk of COVID-19 infection cannot be ruled out for vapers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Hamon
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Miranda P. Ween
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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11
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Phandthong R, Wong M, Song A, Martinez T, Talbot P. New Insights into How JUUL™ Electronic Cigarette Aerosols and Aerosol Constituents Affect SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.08.23.505031. [PMID: 36052374 PMCID: PMC9435402 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.23.505031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Background The relationship between the use of tobacco products and SARS-CoV-2 infection is poorly understood and controversial. Most studies have been done with tobacco cigarettes, while few have examined the effect of electronic cigarettes (ECs) on SARS-CoV-2 infection. We tested the hypothesis that EC fluids and aerosols with high concentrations of nicotine promote SARS-COV-2 infection by increasing viral entry into human respiratory epithelial cells. Methods Responses of BEAS-2B cells to authentic JUUL™ aerosols or their individual constituents (propylene glycol (PG)/vegetable glycerin (VG) and nicotine) were compared using three exposure platforms: submerged culture, air-liquid-interface (ALI) exposure in a cloud chamber, and ALI exposure in a Cultex® system, which produces authentic heated EC aerosols. SARS-CoV-2 infection machinery was assessed using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Specifically, the levels of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2) and a spike modifying enzyme, TMPRSS2 (transmembrane serine protease 2), were evaluated. Following each exposure, lentivirus pseudoparticles with spike protein and a green-fluorescent reporter were used to test viral penetration and the susceptibility of BEAS-2B cells to infection. Results Nicotine, EC fluids, and authentic JUUL™ aerosols increased both ACE2 levels and TMPRSS2 activity, which in turn increased viral particle entry into cells. While most data were in good agreement across the three exposure platforms, cells were more responsive to treatments when exposed at the ALI in the Cultex system, even though the exposures were brief and intermittent. In the Cultex system, PG/VG, PG/VG/nicotine, and JUUL™ aerosols significantly increased infection above clean air controls. However, both the PG/VG and JUUL™ treatments were significantly lower than nicotine/PG/VG. PG/VG increased infection only in the Cultex® system, which produces heated aerosol. Conclusion Our data are consistent with the conclusion that authentic JUUL™ aerosols or their individual constituents (nicotine or PG/VG) increase SARS-CoV-2 infection. The strong effect produced by nicotine was modulated in authentic JUUL aerosols, demonstrating the importance of studying mixtures and aerosols from actual EC products. These data support the idea that vaping increases the likelihood of contracting COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattapol Phandthong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Man Wong
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Ann Song
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Teresa Martinez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Prue Talbot
- Department of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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12
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Sohal SS. Therapeutic Modalities for Asthma, COPD, and Pathogenesis of COVID-19: Insights from the Special Issue. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154525. [PMID: 35956140 PMCID: PMC9369734 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
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13
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Trifunovic S, Smiljanić K, Sickmann A, Solari FA, Kolarevic S, Divac Rankov A, Ljujic M. Electronic cigarette liquids impair metabolic cooperation and alter proteomic profiles in V79 cells. Respir Res 2022; 23:191. [PMID: 35840976 PMCID: PMC9285873 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02102-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although still considered a safer alternative to classical cigarettes, growing body of work points to harmful effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) affecting a range of cellular processes. The biological effect of e-cigarettes needs to be investigated in more detail considering their widespread use. Methods In this study, we treated V79 lung fibroblasts with sub-cytotoxic concentration of e-cigarette liquids, with and without nicotine. Mutagenicity was evaluated by HPRT assay, genotoxicity by comet assay and the effect on cellular communication by metabolic cooperation assay. Additionally, comprehensive proteome analysis was performed via high resolution, parallel accumulation serial fragmentation-PASEF mass spectrometry. Results E-cigarette liquid concentration used in this study showed no mutagenic or genotoxic effect, however it negatively impacted metabolic cooperation between V79 cells. Both e-cigarette liquids induced significant depletion in total number of proteins and impairment of mitochondrial function in treated cells. The focal adhesion proteins were upregulated, which is in accordance with the results of metabolic cooperation assay. Increased presence of posttranslational modifications (PTMs), including carbonylation and direct oxidative modifications, was observed. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD032071. Conclusions Our study revealed impairment of metabolic cooperation as well as significant proteome and PTMs alterations in V79 cells treated with e-cigarette liquid warranting future studies on e-cigarettes health impact. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02102-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Trifunovic
- Biology of Robustness Group, Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences, Split, Croatia.
| | - Katarina Smiljanić
- Department of Biochemistry and Centre of Excellence for Molecular Food Sciences, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-14, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz-Institut Für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - E.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, Dortmund, Germany.,Medizinische Fakultät, Medizinisches Proteom-Center (MPC), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB243FX, Scotland, UK
| | - Fiorella A Solari
- Leibniz-Institut Für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - E.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Straße 11, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Stoimir Kolarevic
- Department of Hydroecology and Water Protection, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Divac Rankov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mila Ljujic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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14
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Aljohani FS, Rezki N, Aouad MR, Hagar M, Bakr BA, Shaaban MM, Elwakil BH. Novel 1,2,3-Triazole-sulphadiazine-ZnO Hybrids as Potent Antimicrobial Agents against Carbapenem Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11070916. [PMID: 35884170 PMCID: PMC9312158 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11070916] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pneumonia is considered one of the most virulent diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in hospitalized patients. Moreover, bacterial resistance increased over the last decades which limited the therapy options to carbapenem antibiotics. Hence, the metallo-β-lactamase-producing bacteria were deliberated as the most deadly and ferocious infectious agents. Sulphadiazine-ZnO hybrids biological activity was explored in vitro and in vivo against metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Docking studies against NDM-1 and IMP-1 MBLs revealed the superior activity of the 3a compound in inhibiting both MBLs enzymes in a valid reliable docking approach. The MBLs inhibition enzyme assay revealed the remarkable sulphadiazine-ZnO hybrids inhibitory effect against NDM-1 and IMP-1 MBLs. The tested compounds inhibited the enzymes both competitively and noncompetitively. Compound 3b-ZnO showed the highest antibacterial activity against the tested metallo-β-lactamase producers with an inhibition zone (IZ) diameter reaching 43 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) reaching 2 µg/mL. Sulphadiazine-ZnO hybrids were tested for their in vitro cytotoxicity in a normal lung cell line (BEAS-2Bs cell line). Higher cell viability was observed with 3b-ZnO. Biodistribution of the sulphadiazine-ZnO hybrids in the lungs of uninfected rats revealed that both [124I]3a-ZnO and [124I]3b-ZnO hybrids remained detectable within the rats’ lungs after 24 h of endotracheal aerosolization. Moreover, the residence duration in the lungs of [124I]3b-ZnO (t1/2 4.91 h) was 85.3%. The histopathological investigations confirmed that compound 3b-ZnO has significant activity in controlling bacterial pneumonia infection in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizah S. Aljohani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia; (N.R.); (M.R.A.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.A.); (B.H.E.)
| | - Nadjet Rezki
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia; (N.R.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Mohamed R. Aouad
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 30002, Saudi Arabia; (N.R.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Mohamed Hagar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21321, Egypt;
| | - Basant A. Bakr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21321, Egypt;
| | - Marwa M. Shaaban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt;
| | - Bassma H. Elwakil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria 21311, Egypt
- Correspondence: (F.S.A.); (B.H.E.)
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15
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Virgili F, Nenna R, Ben David S, Mancino E, Di Mattia G, Matera L, Petrarca L, Midulla F. E-cigarettes and youth: an unresolved Public Health concern. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:97. [PMID: 35701844 PMCID: PMC9194784 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01286-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and vaping devices started as a potential aid for cessation and reducing the harmful consequences of cigarette smoking, mainly in the adult population. Today e-cigarette use is highly increasing in vulnerable populations, especially young and pregnant women, due to the misconception of its harmless use. Despite the growing acknowledgment in e-cigarette as a potential harmful device, and due to mixed information found concerning its beneficial aid for smokers, along with an insufficient clinical study done in human models, it is important to further evaluate the possible benefits and risks of non-combusting, vaping nicotine or non-nicotine delivery devices. In this review we tried to summarize the latest updated information found in the literature, concentrating mainly in the variety of adverse effects of e-cigarette use and its contribution for recent and future health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Virgili
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Nenna
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Shira Ben David
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Mancino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Di Mattia
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Matera
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Petrarca
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Midulla
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
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16
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Weber S, Didelot A, Agrinier N, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Schvoerer E, Rabaud C, Jeulin H. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers and risk factors. Infect Dis Health 2022; 27:203-210. [PMID: 35644801 PMCID: PMC9110541 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure of healthcare workers (HCW) to SARS-CoV-2 is a public health concern. Not only are HCWs particularly exposed to SARS-CoV-2, but their contamination can also weaken the healthcare system. METHODS We analyzed exposure of French University Hospital HCWs to SARS-CoV-2 through history of positive RT-PCR test and SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Potential risk factors, such as age, BMI, having children or not, working in a COVID-19 unit, or smoking were explored. RESULTS From May to June 2020, among the 8960 employees of the University Hospital of Nancy, a serological test was performed in 4696 HCWs. The average (SD) age was 40.4 (11.4) years, and the sample included 3926 women (83.6%). Of the 4696 HCWs, 1050 were smokers (22.4%). Among them, 2231 HCWs had a history of COVID-19 symptoms and/or flu-like syndrome (47.5%) and 238 were seropositive (5.1%). Neither gender, sex, BMI, nor having children were associated with a history of positive RT-PCR test or seropositive status. Previous work in a COVID-19 unit was associated with a history of positive RT-PCR test (p = 0.045), but not with seroprevalence (p = 0.215). As expected, history of COVID-19 clinical manifestations was more frequent in HCWs with positive serology than in HCWs with negative serology (adjusted OR = 1.9, 95%CI [1.4-2.5], p < 0.001). Less expected, smoking was associated with a reduced risk of seropositivity among HCWs (adjusted OR = 0.6, 95%CI [0.4-0.9], p = 0.019). CONCLUSION HCW are patently exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Care to COVID-19 patients was not associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Smoking appears here associated to a lower seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Weber
- CHRU-Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Alice Didelot
- CHRU-Nancy, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Nelly Agrinier
- CHRU-Nancy, INSERM, Université de Lorraine, CIC, Epidémiologie Clinique, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Inserm U1256 NGERE, Nancy University Hospital, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- CHRU-Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Nancy, F-54000, France; Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Christian Rabaud
- CHRU-Nancy, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Nancy, F-54000, France
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- CHRU-Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Nancy, F-54000, France; Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, F-54000, France.
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Jone PN, John A, Oster ME, Allen K, Tremoulet AH, Saarel EV, Lambert LM, Miyamoto SD, de Ferranti SD. SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Associated Cardiovascular Manifestations and Complications in Children and Young Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2022; 145:e1037-e1052. [PMID: 35400169 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in a global pandemic and has overwhelmed health care systems worldwide. In this scientific statement, we describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, treatment, and outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and young adults with a focus on cardiovascular manifestations and complications. We review current knowledge about the health consequences of this illness in children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease, the public health burden and health disparities of this infection in these populations, and vaccine-associated myocarditis.
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18
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Lu W, Eapen MS, Singhera GK, Markos J, Haug G, Chia C, Larby J, Brake SJ, Westall GP, Jaffar J, Kalidhindi RSR, Fonseka ND, Sathish V, Hackett TL, Sohal SS. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), Transmembrane Peptidase Serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and Furin Expression Increases in the Lungs of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM): Implications for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infections. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030777. [PMID: 35160229 PMCID: PMC8837032 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030777] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported higher ACE2 levels in smokers and patients with COPD. The current study investigates if patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) such as IPF and LAM have elevated ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin levels, increasing their risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of COVID-19. Surgically resected lung tissue from IPF, LAM patients, and healthy controls (HC) was immunostained for ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin. Percentage ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin expression was measured in small airway epithelium (SAE) and alveolar areas using computer-assisted Image-Pro Plus 7.0 software. IPF and LAM tissue was also immunostained for myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and growth factor transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1). Compared to HC, ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Furin expression were significantly upregulated in the SAE of IPF (p < 0.01) and LAM (p < 0.001) patients, and in the alveolar areas of IPF (p < 0.001) and LAM (p < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between smoking history and ACE2 expression in the IPF cohort for SAE (r = 0.812, p < 0.05) and alveolar areas (r = 0.941, p < 0.01). This, to our knowledge, is the first study to compare ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin expression in patients with IPF and LAM compared to HC. Descriptive images show that α-SMA and TGF-β1 increase in the IPF and LAM tissue. Our data suggests that patients with ILDs are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection and post-COVID-19 interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Growth factors secreted by the myofibroblasts, and surrounding tissue could further affect COVID-19 adhesion proteins/cofactors and post-COVID-19 interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Smoking seems to be the major driving factor in patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (G.K.S.); (T.L.H.)
- UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - James Markos
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Josie Larby
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Samuel James Brake
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
| | - Glen P. Westall
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (G.P.W.); (J.J.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jade Jaffar
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (G.P.W.); (J.J.)
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Rama Satyanarayana Raju Kalidhindi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA; (R.S.R.K.); (N.D.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Nimesha De Fonseka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA; (R.S.R.K.); (N.D.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105, USA; (R.S.R.K.); (N.D.F.); (V.S.)
| | - Tillie L. Hackett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; (G.K.S.); (T.L.H.)
- UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia; (W.L.); (M.S.E.); (J.M.); (G.H.); (C.C.); (J.L.); (S.J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-6324-5434
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19
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Brake SJ, Eapen MS, McAlinden KD, Markos J, Haug G, Larby J, Chia C, Hardikar A, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Lu W, Sohal SS. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Adhesion Site Protein Upregulation in Small Airways, Type 2 Pneumocytes, and Alveolar Macrophages of Smokers and COPD – Possible Implications for Interstitial Fibrosis. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2022; 17:101-115. [PMID: 35046647 PMCID: PMC8761078 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s329783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smokers and patients with COPD are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to severe COVID-19. Methods This cross-sectional study involved resected lung tissues from 16 patients with GOLD stage I or II COPD; of which 8 were current smokers COPD (COPD-CS), and 8 ex-smokers COPD (COPD-ES), 7 normal lung function smokers (NLFS), 9 patients with small airways disease (SAD), and 10 were never-smoking normal controls (NC). Immunostaining for ACE2, Furin, and TMPRSS2 was performed and analysed for percent expression in small airway epithelium (SAE) and counts for positively and negatively stained type 2 pneumocytes and alveolar macrophages (AMs) were done using Image ProPlus V7.0. Furthermore, primary small airway epithelial cells (pSAEC) were analysed by immunofluorescence after exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Results ACE2, Furin, and TMPRSS2 expression significantly increased in SAE and type 2 pneumocytes in all the subjects (except Furin for NLFS) compared to NC (p < 0.001). Similar significance was observed for ACE2 positive AM (p < 0.002), except COPD-ES, which decreased in ACE2 positive AMs (p < 0.003). Total type 2 pneumocytes and AMs significantly increased in the pathological groups compared to NC (p < 0.01), except SAD (p = 0.08). However, AMs are significantly reduced in COPD-ES (p < 0.003). Significant changes were observed for tissue co-expression of Furin and TMPRSS2 with ACE2 in SAE, type 2 pneumocytes and AMs. These markers also negatively correlated with lung function parameters, such as FEV1/FVC % predicted, FEF25-75%, DLCO% predicted. A strong co-localisation and expression for ACE2 (p < 0.0001), Furin (p < 0.01), and TMPRSS2 (p < 0.0001) was observed in pSAEC treated with 1% CSE than controls. Discussion The increased expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Furin, in the SAE, type 2 pneumocytes and AMs of smokers and COPD are detrimental to lung function and proves that these patient groups could be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection. Increased type 2 pneumocytes suggest that these patients are vulnerable to developing post-COVID-19 interstitial pulmonary fibrosis or fibrosis in general. There could be a silently developing interstitial pathology in smokers and patients with COPD. This is the first comprehensive study to report such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel James Brake
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
| | - Kielan Darcy McAlinden
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
| | - James Markos
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - Josie Larby
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS, 7250, Australia
| | - Ashutosh Hardikar
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tillie L Hackett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, 7248, Australia
- Correspondence: Sukhwinder Singh Sohal Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag – 1322, Newnham Drive, Launceston, TAS, 7248, AustraliaTel +61 3 6324 5434 Email
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20
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Bedford R, Perkins E, Clements J, Hollings M. Recent advancements and application of in vitro models for predicting inhalation toxicity in humans. Toxicol In Vitro 2021; 79:105299. [PMID: 34920082 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Animals have been indispensable in testing chemicals that can pose a risk to human health, including those delivered by inhalation. In recent years, the combination of societal debate on the use of animals in research and testing, the drive to continually enhance testing methodologies, and technology advancements have prompted a range of initiatives to develop non-animal alternative approaches for toxicity testing. In this review, we discuss emerging in vitro techniques being developed for the testing of inhaled compounds. Advanced tissue models that are able to recreate the human response to toxic exposures alongside examples of their ability to complement in vivo techniques are described. Furthermore, technology being developed that can provide multi-organ toxicity assessments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bedford
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Harrogate, UK.
| | - E Perkins
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Harrogate, UK.
| | - J Clements
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Harrogate, UK.
| | - M Hollings
- Labcorp Early Development Laboratories Limited, Harrogate, UK.
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21
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Ghosh A, Girish V, Yuan ML, Coakley RD, Wrennall JA, Alexis NE, Sausville EL, Vasudevan A, Chait AR, Sheltzer JM, Tarran R. Combustible and Electronic Cigarette Exposures Increase ACE2 Activity and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Binding. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 205:129-133. [PMID: 34748720 PMCID: PMC8865588 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202106-1377le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arunava Ghosh
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 6797, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Vishruth Girish
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2595, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States
| | - Monet Lou Yuan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2595, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States.,Johns Hopkins University, 1466, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Raymond D Coakley
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 6797, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Joe A Wrennall
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 6797, Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Neil E Alexis
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2331, Center for Environmental Medicine Asthma and Lung Biology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Erin L Sausville
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2595, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States
| | - Anand Vasudevan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2595, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States
| | - Alexander R Chait
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2595, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States.,University of Rochester, 6927, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States
| | - Jason M Sheltzer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2595, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, United States
| | - Robert Tarran
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 6797, Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States.,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2331, Marsico Lung Institute, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States;
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22
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Besaratinia A. COVID-19: a pandemic converged with global tobacco epidemic and widespread vaping-state of the evidence. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:1009-1022. [PMID: 34223886 PMCID: PMC8344766 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the convergence of three global health challenges at a crossroad where the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) meets the tobacco epidemic and vaping. It begins with an overview of the current knowledge on the biology, pathophysiology and epidemiology of COVID-19. It then presents the state of smoking and vaping during the pandemic by summarizing the published data on prevalence, use patterns, product availability/accessibility, sales records and motivation to quit before and after the start of the pandemic. It highlights the state of evidence on the association of tobacco product use with COVID-19 infection and transmission rates, symptom severity and clinical outcomes. Also discussed are proposed biological mechanisms and behavioral factors that may modulate COVID-19 risk in tobacco product users. Furthermore, competing hypotheses on the protective effect of nicotine against COVID-19 as well as the claimed ‘smokers’ paradox’ are discussed. Considerations and challenges of COVID-19 vaccination in tobacco product users are underscored. Collectively, the present data show an ‘incomplete’ but rapidly shaping picture on the association of tobacco product use and COVID-19 infection, disease course and clinical outcomes. Evidence is also growing on the mechanisms by which tobacco product use may contribute to COVID-19 pathophysiology. Although we await definitive conclusions on the relative risk of COVID-19 infection in tobacco product users, compelling data confirm that many comorbidities associated with/caused by smoking predispose to COVID-19 infection, severe disease and poor prognosis. Additionally, it is becoming increasing clear that should smokers get the disease, they are more likely to have serious health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Besaratinia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, M/C 9603, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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23
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Electronic cigarettes: Modern instruments for toxic lung delivery and posing risk for the development of chronic disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 137:106039. [PMID: 34242684 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Following the emergence of electronic cigarette, or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI) in 2019 in the US, regulation of e-cigarettes has become globally tighter and the collective evidence of the detrimental effects of vaping has grown. The danger of cellular distress and altered homeostasis is heavily associated with the modifiable nature of electronic cigarette devices. An array of harmful chemicals and elevated concentrations of metals have been detected in e-cigarette aerosols which have been linked to various pathogeneses. Vaping is linked to increased inflammation, altered lipid homeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction whilst also increasing microbial susceptibility whilst the long-term damage is yet to be observed. The scientific evidence is mounting and highlighting that, along with traditional tobacco cigarette smoking, electronic cigarette vaping is not a safe practice.
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24
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Yong SJ. Diseased lungs may hinder COVID-19 development: A possible reason for the low prevalence of COPD in COVID-19 patients. Med Hypotheses 2021; 153:110628. [PMID: 34139599 PMCID: PMC8188770 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Presently, it remains unclear why the prevalence of lung diseases, namely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is much lower than other medical comorbidities and the general population among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). If COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, why is COPD not the leading risk factor for contracting COVID-19? The same odd phenomenon was also observed with other pathogenic human coronaviruses causing severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but not other respiratory viral infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses. One commonly proposed reason for the low COPD rates among COVID-19 patients is the usage of inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators that may protect against COVID-19. However, another possible reason not discussed elsewhere is that lungs in a diseased state may not be conducive for the severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to establish COVID-19. For one, COPD causes mucous plugging in large and small airways, which may hinder SARS-CoV-2 from reaching deeper parts of the lungs (i.e., alveoli). Thus, SARS-CoV-2 may only localize to the upper respiratory tract of persons with COPD, causing mild or asymptomatic infections requiring no hospital attention. Even if SARS-CoV-2 reaches the alveoli, cells therein are probably under a heavy burden of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and extensively damaged where it may not support efficient viral replication. As a result, limited SARS-CoV-2 virions would be produced in diseased lungs, preventing the development of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Jie Yong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia.
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25
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McAlinden KD, Barnsley K, Weber HC, Haug G, Chia C, Eapen MS, Sohal SS. Cochrane review update leaves big questions unanswered regarding vaping: implications for medical practitioners. Eur Respir J 2021; 57:57/5/2100022. [PMID: 33985983 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00022-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kielan Darcy McAlinden
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.,Equal contributors
| | - Kathryn Barnsley
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.,Equal contributors
| | - Heinrich C Weber
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.,Dept of Paediatrics and Respiratory Medicine, Tasmanian Health Service - North West, Burnie, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.,Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.,Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
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