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Gaweł P, Łukianowski B, Kościelska-Kasprzak K, Bartoszek D, Krajewska M, Królak-Olejnik B. Colostrum Lactoferrin Following Active and Recovered SARS-CoV-2 Infections during Pregnancy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1120. [PMID: 38791082 PMCID: PMC11118264 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051120] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), which is particularly abundant in human breast milk during the early stages of lactation, provides protection against a variety of infections, including viral infections, and has demonstrated activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of this study was to measure the concentrations of Lf in the colostrum of mothers with active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections during delivery, in mothers with a history of COVID-19 during pregnancy, and in non-infected controls. In this cross-sectional study, colostrum samples from 41 lactating mothers with a confirmed history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (asymptomatic or symptomatic) (both active and past infections) were collected. Twenty-eight colostrum samples collected during the pre-pandemic period served as a control group. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to analyze the Lf concentrations. Concentrations of Lf in the colostrum samples were closely related to virus infection. Colostrum samples from mothers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections contained higher concentrations of lactoferrin compared with samples from mothers from the control group. The highest concentrations of Lf were found in the colostrum samples of mothers with active SARS-CoV-2 infection during delivery when compared with the post-infection and control samples. This observed increase in lactoferrin suggests that it may be an important protective factor for breastfed infants, a finding which was particularly relevant during the pandemic period and remains relevant whenever a breastfeeding mother is infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Gaweł
- Department of Neonatology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Błażej Łukianowski
- Department of Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Kościelska-Kasprzak
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.K.-K.); (D.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Dorota Bartoszek
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.K.-K.); (D.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Magdalena Krajewska
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (K.K.-K.); (D.B.); (M.K.)
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2
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Lopdell TJ, Trevarton AJ, Moody J, Prowse-Wilkins C, Knowles S, Tiplady K, Chamberlain AJ, Goddard ME, Spelman RJ, Lehnert K, Snell RG, Davis SR, Littlejohn MD. A common regulatory haplotype doubles lactoferrin concentration in milk. Genet Sel Evol 2024; 56:22. [PMID: 38549172 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-024-00890-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron absorbing whey protein with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. Lactoferrin is economically valuable and has an extremely variable concentration in milk, partly driven by environmental influences such as milking frequency, involution, or mastitis. A significant genetic influence has also been previously observed to regulate lactoferrin content in milk. Here, we conducted genetic mapping of lactoferrin protein concentration in conjunction with RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and ATAC-seq data to pinpoint candidate causative variants that regulate lactoferrin concentrations in milk. RESULTS We identified a highly-significant lactoferrin protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL), as well as a cis lactotransferrin (LTF) expression QTL (cis-eQTL) mapping to the LTF locus. Using ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq datasets representing lactating mammary tissue samples, we also report a number of regions where the openness of chromatin is under genetic influence. Several of these also show highly significant QTL with genetic signatures similar to those highlighted through pQTL and eQTL analysis. By performing correlation analysis between these QTL, we revealed an ATAC-seq peak in the putative promotor region of LTF, that highlights a set of 115 high-frequency variants that are potentially responsible for these effects. One of the 115 variants (rs110000337), which maps within the ATAC-seq peak, was predicted to alter binding sites of transcription factors known to be involved in lactation-related pathways. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report a regulatory haplotype of 115 variants with conspicuously large impacts on milk lactoferrin concentration. These findings could enable the selection of animals for high-producing specialist herds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Lopdell
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand.
| | - Alexander J Trevarton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Janelle Moody
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Claire Prowse-Wilkins
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinarian and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Knowles
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, Victoria Street West, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Tiplady
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Amanda J Chamberlain
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael E Goddard
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBiosciences, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinarian and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richard J Spelman
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Klaus Lehnert
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell G Snell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stephen R Davis
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Mathew D Littlejohn
- Research & Development, Livestock Improvement Corporation, Ruakura Road, Hamilton, New Zealand
- AL Rae Centre for Genetics and Breeding, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Rizzi M, Avellis V, Messina A, Germano C, Tavella E, Dodaro V, Vitale R, Revelli A, Zola P, Picone S, Paolillo PM, Mondì V, Masturzo B, Manzoni P, Sainaghi PP. Vitamin D Supplementation in Neonatal and Infant MIS-C Following COVID-19 Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3712. [PMID: 38612523 PMCID: PMC11011671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still represents a great clinical challenge worldwide, and effective anti-COVID-19 drugs are limited. For this reason, nutritional supplements have been investigated as adjuvant therapeutic approaches in disease management. Among such supplements, vitamin D has gained great interest, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions both in adult and pediatric populations. Even if there is conflicting evidence about its prevention and/or mitigation effectiveness in SARS-CoV-2 infection, several studies demonstrated a strict correlation between hypovitaminosis D and disease severity in acute COVID-19 and MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children). This narrative review offers a resume of the state of the art about vitamin D's role in immunity and its clinical use in the context of the current pandemic, specially focusing on pediatric manifestations and MIS-C. It seems biologically reasonable that interventions aimed at normalizing circulating vitamin D levels could be beneficial. To help clinicians in establishing the correct prophylaxis and/or supportive therapy with vitamin D, well-designed and adequately statistically powered clinical trials involving both adult and pediatric populations are needed. Moreover, this review will also discuss the few other nutraceuticals evaluated in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Rizzi
- Department of Health Sciences (DiSS), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- IRCAD (Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Avellis
- School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Alessandro Messina
- School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Chiara Germano
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Elena Tavella
- School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Valentina Dodaro
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Raffaele Vitale
- School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Alberto Revelli
- School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Paolo Zola
- School of Medicine, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
| | - Simonetta Picone
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Policlinico Casilino, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Michele Paolillo
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Policlinico Casilino, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Mondì
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Policlinico Casilino, 00169 Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Masturzo
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Paolo Manzoni
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy (B.M.)
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- IRCAD (Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine (DiMeT), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
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4
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Mitchell M, Suh M, Hooda N, Bylsma LC, Cohen SS. The effect of bovine dairy products and their components on the incidence and natural history of infection: a systematic literature review. Nutr J 2024; 23:26. [PMID: 38413931 PMCID: PMC10898086 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-024-00923-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dairy products and their components may impact immune function, although the current evidence base has some research gaps. As part of a larger systematic literature review of dairy products/components (including probiotics, dairy proteins, and dairy fats) and immune function, we identified the available epidemiologic research on the impact of dairy products/components on incidence and natural history of infectious diseases. METHODS PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched through May 2022 to identify eligible studies using pre-defined Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study design criteria. Herein, we focused on describing the impacts of dairy product/component on infectious disease outcomes, including the effect on leukocyte and cytokine response in humans. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. RESULTS Among 9,832 studies identified from the larger literature search, 133 relevant publications from 128 studies reported on dairy product/component and infectious disease outcomes. Few studies are available on the impact of non-fermented milk and traditional yogurt on infectious disease. Evidence was identified to suggest milk and yogurt drinks fermented with Lactobacillus strains reduce the risk and burden of common infectious diseases (CIDs), although the findings are mixed and difficult to reconcile due to heterogenous study populations, bacterial strains, and study methods. Few studies are available on the impact of dairy products/components on the natural history of infection, with the available findings indicating probiotics may both improve gastrointestinal symptoms among HIV-infected persons and help eradicate and alleviate the symptoms of Heliobacter (H.) pylori. The available evidence also suggests lactoferrin may reduce the virological burden of COVID-19 and hepatitis C virus. No consistent changes in leukocytes or cytokine production were observed for any type of dairy product or their components, but probiotics appeared to enhance natural killer cell levels/activity and the phagocytic process. CONCLUSIONS Dairy products, particularly those with added probiotics, may represent an easily accessible nutritional intervention to prevent and improve the course of infectious diseases. This review highlights the need for additional research in this potentially impactful area. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42022333780.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Mitchell
- EpidStrategies, a division of ToxStrategies, LLC, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Suite B226, Katy, TX, 77494, USA.
| | - Mina Suh
- EpidStrategies, a division of ToxStrategies, LLC, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Suite B226, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | - Naushin Hooda
- EpidStrategies, a division of ToxStrategies, LLC, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Suite B226, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | - Lauren C Bylsma
- EpidStrategies, a division of ToxStrategies, LLC, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Suite B226, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | - Sarah S Cohen
- Independent contractor to ToxStrategies, LLC, Durham, NC, USA
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Pasinato A, Fama M, Tripepi G, Egan CG, Baraldi E. Lactoferrin in the Prevention of Recurrent Respiratory Infections in Preschool Children: A Prospective Randomized Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:249. [PMID: 38397361 PMCID: PMC10887729 DOI: 10.3390/children11020249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have evaluated the effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLf) on reducing respiratory infections in preschool children. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of bLf in preschool children with recurrent respiratory infections. Participants were randomly assigned bLf (n = 25) or control (n = 25). Outcomes included respiratory infection episodes (RIEs), symptom duration, school absence and medication. Fifty children aged 4.2 ± 0.1 years were included. During the active 4-month phase, median number of RIEs was reduced by 50% in the bLf group [1-episode, interquartile range (IQR): 0-2] vs. control (2, IQR: 1-3; p = 0.02). The proportion of participants with >3 RIEs was significantly lower in bLf (n = 1, 4%) vs. control (n = 7, 28%) with 80% lower odds of upper RIEs in the bLf arm (odds ratio: 0.20, 95% CI:0.06-0.74, p = 0.015). The duration of symptoms (3 vs. 6, p = 0.009) and days absent from school (3 vs. 6, p = 0.15) were lower in the active arm. Over the 2-month follow-up, no significant differences were observed between groups for infection episodes, symptom duration or school absence. However, bLf-treated children received significantly less corticosteroids over the entire 6-month study period (32% vs. 60%; p = 0.047). bLf supplementation significantly reduced the frequency and duration of RIEs in children with decreased corticosteroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pasinato
- Società Italiana Cure Pediatriche Primarie (SICuPP), Veneto Region, 20126 Milano, Italy; (A.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Mario Fama
- Società Italiana Cure Pediatriche Primarie (SICuPP), Veneto Region, 20126 Milano, Italy; (A.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Giovanni Tripepi
- National Research Council (CNR), Ospedali Riuniti, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | | | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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6
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Ianiro G, Niro A, Rosa L, Valenti P, Musci G, Cutone A. To Boost or to Reset: The Role of Lactoferrin in Energy Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15925. [PMID: 37958908 PMCID: PMC10650157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, are associated with abnormal metabolic states. The progressive loss of metabolic control is commonly characterized by insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, inflammation, central obesity, and hypertension, a cluster of metabolic dysregulations usually referred to as the "metabolic syndrome". Recently, nutraceuticals have gained attention for the generalized perception that natural substances may be synonymous with health and balance, thus becoming favorable candidates for the adjuvant treatment of metabolic dysregulations. Among nutraceutical proteins, lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein of the innate immune system, has been widely recognized for its multifaceted activities and high tolerance. As this review shows, Lf can exert a dual role in human metabolism, either boosting or resetting it under physiological and pathological conditions, respectively. Lf consumption is safe and is associated with several benefits for human health, including the promotion of oral and gastrointestinal homeostasis, control of glucose and lipid metabolism, reduction of systemic inflammation, and regulation of iron absorption and balance. Overall, Lf can be recommended as a promising natural, completely non-toxic adjuvant for application as a long-term prophylaxis in the therapy for metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance/type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusi Ianiro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (G.I.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonella Niro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (G.I.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (G.I.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (G.I.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
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7
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Cutone A, Musci G, Bonaccorsi di Patti MC. Lactoferrin, the Moonlighting Protein of Innate Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15888. [PMID: 37958871 PMCID: PMC10650585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115888] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a naturally occurring glycoprotein involved in innate immunity, was first discovered in bovine milk [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.M.)
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8
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Berkowitz RL, Bluhm AP, Knox GW, McCurdy CR, Ostrov DA, Norris MH. Sigma Receptor Ligands Prevent COVID Mortality In Vivo: Implications for Future Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15718. [PMID: 37958703 PMCID: PMC10647780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115718] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of lethal coronaviruses follows a periodic pattern which suggests a recurring cycle of outbreaks. It remains uncertain as to when the next lethal coronavirus will emerge, though its eventual emergence appears to be inevitable. New mutations in evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants have provided resistance to current antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines, reducing their therapeutic efficacy. This underscores the urgent need to investigate alternative therapeutic approaches. Sigma receptors have been unexpectedly linked to the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle due to the direct antiviral effect of their ligands. Coronavirus-induced cell stress facilitates the formation of an ER-derived complex conducive to its replication. Sigma receptor ligands are believed to prevent the formation of this complex. Repurposing FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19 offers a timely and cost-efficient strategy to find treatments with established safety profiles. Notably, diphenhydramine, a sigma receptor ligand, is thought to counteract the virus by inhibiting the creation of ER-derived replication vesicles. Furthermore, lactoferrin, a well-characterized immunomodulatory protein, has shown antiviral efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. In the present study, we aimed to explore the impact of sigma receptor ligands on SARS-CoV-2-induced mortality in ACE2-transgenic mice. We assessed the effects of an investigational antiviral drug combination comprising a sigma receptor ligand and an immunomodulatory protein. Mice treated with sigma-2 receptor ligands or diphenhydramine and lactoferrin exhibited improved survival rates and rapid rebound in mass following the SARS-CoV-2 challenge compared to mock-treated animals. Clinical translation of these findings may support the discovery of new treatment and research strategies for SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed L. Berkowitz
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.B.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Andrew P. Bluhm
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
| | - Glenn W. Knox
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.B.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - David A. Ostrov
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (R.L.B.); (D.A.O.)
| | - Michael H. Norris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601, USA
- School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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9
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Alves NS, Azevedo AS, Dias BM, Horbach IS, Setatino BP, Denani CB, Schwarcz WD, Lima SMB, Missailidis S, Ano Bom APD, Silva AMV, Barreto Vieira DF, Silva MAN, Barros CA, Carvalho CAM, Gonçalves RB. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Vero Cells by Bovine Lactoferrin under Different Iron-Saturation States. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1352. [PMID: 37895823 PMCID: PMC10609673 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101352] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid mass vaccination against COVID-19, the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, such as omicron, is still a great distress, and new therapeutic options are needed. Bovine lactoferrin (bLf), a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein available in unsaturated (apo-bLf) and saturated (holo-bLf) forms, has been shown to exert broad-spectrum antiviral activity against many viruses. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of both forms of bLf at 1 mg/mL against infection of Vero cells by SARS-CoV-2. As assessed with antiviral assays, an equivalent significant reduction in virus infection by about 70% was observed when either form of bLf was present throughout the infection procedure with the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral or omicron strain. This inhibitory effect seemed to be concentrated during the early steps of virus infection, since a significant reduction in its efficiency by about 60% was observed when apo- or holo-bLf were incubated with the cells before or during virus addition, with no significant difference between the antiviral effects of the distinct iron-saturation states of the protein. However, an ultrastructural analysis of bLf treatment during the early steps of virus infection revealed that holo-bLf was somewhat more effective than apo-bLf in inhibiting virus entry. Together, these data suggest that bLf mainly acts in the early events of SARS-CoV-2 infection and is effective against the ancestral virus as well as its omicron variant. Considering that there are no effective treatments to COVID-19 with tolerable toxicity yet, bLf shows up as a promising candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia S. Alves
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Adriana S. Azevedo
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Brenda M. Dias
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Ingrid S. Horbach
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Bruno P. Setatino
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Caio B. Denani
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Waleska D. Schwarcz
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Sheila Maria B. Lima
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Sotiris Missailidis
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Ana Paula D. Ano Bom
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Andréa M. V. Silva
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (N.S.A.); (A.S.A.); (B.M.D.); (I.S.H.); (B.P.S.); (C.B.D.); (W.D.S.); (S.M.B.L.); (S.M.); (A.P.D.A.B.); (A.M.V.S.)
| | - Débora F. Barreto Vieira
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (D.F.B.V.); (M.A.N.S.)
| | - Marcos Alexandre N. Silva
- Laboratório de Morfologia e Morfogênese Viral, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (D.F.B.V.); (M.A.N.S.)
| | - Caroline A. Barros
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20270-021, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto M. Carvalho
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém 66095-662, PA, Brazil
| | - Rafael B. Gonçalves
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20211-040, RJ, Brazil;
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10
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Darmawan KK, Karagiannis TC, Hughes JG, Small DM, Hung A. Molecular insights into the interaction of apo-lactoferrin with the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: a molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:7372-7385. [PMID: 36093960 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2121759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
LF is a bioactive protein, derived from colostrum and milk that has been found to possess various immunomodulatory, iron chelating, and antimicrobial properties, especially in its apo-form. Recent studies have demonstrated the functionality of LF in attaching to the S proteins of SARS-CoV-2, thereby preventing it from interacting with the ACE-2 receptor. However, the molecular mechanism mediating the process is poorly understood. In this study, molecular docking and MD simulations coupled with free energy calculations were applied to elucidate the key interaction of apo-LF and its N-lobe and C-lobe derivative forms with the RBD of coronavirus S proteins. This has also been extended into evaluating the L452R mutant, which is associated with the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the apo-LF C-lobe in binding to the RBD of both variants, primarily through electrostatic attractions between the acidic residues of the former and the basic residues of each RBD. Furthermore, due to the additional arginine in the L452R variant, the interaction between the C-lobe and the latter is stronger, resulting in a more favourable binding and tightly bound structure. The simulations highlight that the C-lobe, followed by full-length apo-LF can form a multimeric complex with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2, indicating their potential use as novel therapeutics, particularly the cleaved C-lobe of apo-LF to disrupt the S proteins from binding to the host ACE-2 receptor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevion K Darmawan
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tom C Karagiannis
- Epigenomic Medicine, Department of Diabetes, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeff G Hughes
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darryl M Small
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Vanderlinden E, Boonen A, Noppen S, Schoofs G, Imbrechts M, Geukens N, Snoeck R, Stevaert A, Naesens L, Andrei G, Schols D. PRO-2000 exhibits SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity by interfering with spike-heparin binding. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105700. [PMID: 37562608 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of PRO-2000, a sulfonated polyanionic compound. In Vero cells infected with the Wuhan, alpha, beta, delta or omicron variant, PRO-2000 displayed EC50 values of 1.1 μM, 2.4 μM, 1.3 μM, 2.1 μM and 0.11 μM, respectively, and an average selectivity index (i.e. ratio of cytotoxic versus antiviral concentration) of 172. Its anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was confirmed by virus yield assays in Vero cells, Caco2 cells and A549 cells overexpressing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 (A549-AT). Using pseudoviruses bearing the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), PRO-2000 was shown to block the S-mediated pseudovirus entry in Vero cells and A549-AT cells, with EC50 values of 0.091 μM and 1.6 μM, respectively. This entry process is initiated by interaction of the S glycoprotein with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) studies showed that PRO-2000 binds to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S with a KD of 1.6 nM. Similar KD values (range: 1.2 nM-2.1 nM) were obtained with the RBDs of the alpha, beta, delta and omicron variants. In an SPR neutralization assay, PRO-2000 had no effect on the interaction between the RBD and ACE2. Instead, PRO-2000 was proven to inhibit binding of the RBD to a heparin-coated sensor chip, yielding an IC50 of 1.1 nM. To conclude, PRO-2000 has the potential to inhibit a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants by blocking the heparin-binding site on the S protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Vanderlinden
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Arnaud Boonen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Noppen
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Schoofs
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maya Imbrechts
- PharmAbs, The KU Leuven Antibody Center, Herestraat 49 box 820, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nick Geukens
- PharmAbs, The KU Leuven Antibody Center, Herestraat 49 box 820, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robert Snoeck
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Stevaert
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Graciela Andrei
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- KU Leuven, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Mann JK, Reddy T, van der Stok M, Ngubane A, Mulaudzi T, Mchunu N, Nevhungoni P, Manickchund N, Manickchund P, Louise Cairns CH, Govender V, Ndung'u T, Suleman Moosa MY, Gosnell BI. Hen egg white bovine colostrum supplement reduces symptoms of mild/moderate COVID-19: a randomized control trial. Future Sci OA 2023; 9:FSO882. [PMID: 37621850 PMCID: PMC10445555 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim The ability of a hen egg white bovine colostrum supplement to prevent severe COVID-19 was tested in a double-blind randomized control study. Methods Adults with mild/moderate COVID-19, risk factors for severe disease, and within 5 days of symptom onset were assigned to the intervention (n = 77) or placebo (n = 79) arms. Symptoms were documented until day 42 post-enrollment and viral clearance was assessed at 11-13 days post-symptom onset. Results One participant developed severe COVID-19. The severe-type symptom score was lower in the active arm at 11-13 days post-symptom onset (p = 0.049). Chest pain, fever/chills, joint pain/malaise, and sore throat were significantly less frequent in the active arm. No differences in viral clearance were observed. Conclusion The intervention reduced symptoms of mild/moderate COVID-19. Clinical Trial Registration DOH-27-062021-9191 (South African National Clinical Trials Register).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Kelly Mann
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, 4091, South Africa
| | - Mary van der Stok
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Ayanda Ngubane
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Takalani Mulaudzi
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Nobuhle Mchunu
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, 4091, South Africa
| | - Portia Nevhungoni
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, 4091, South Africa
| | - Nithendra Manickchund
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Pariva Manickchund
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | | | | | - Thumbi Ndung'u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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13
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Mardi A, Kamran A, Pourfarzi F, Zare M, Hajipour A, Doaei S, Abediasl N, Hackett D. Potential of macronutrients and probiotics to boost immunity in patients with SARS-COV-2: a narrative review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1161894. [PMID: 37312883 PMCID: PMC10259402 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1161894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) may cause inflammation and increased cytokine secretion. Dietary factors may play an important role in enhancing the immune responses against infectious diseases such as SARS-COV-2. This narrative review aims to determine the effectiveness of macronutrients and probiotics to improve immunity in SARS-COV-2 patients. Dietary proteins may boost pulmonary function in SARS-COV-2 patients through inhibitory effects on the Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and reduce Angiotensin (ANG-II). Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids may improve oxygenation, acidosis, and renal function. Dietary fiber may also produce anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the level of high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Interleukin (IL-6), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). In addition, some evidence indicates that probiotics significantly improve oxygen saturation which may enhance survival rate. In conclusion, the consumption of a healthy diet including adequate macronutrients and probiotic intake may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. Following this dietary practice is likely to strengthen the immune system and have beneficial effects against SARS-COV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrouz Mardi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Science, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Aziz Kamran
- School of Medicine and Allied Medical Sciences, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Farhad Pourfarzi
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Maryam Zare
- Department of Nutrition, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran
| | - Azadeh Hajipour
- School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Saeid Doaei
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Abediasl
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Daniel Hackett
- Physical Activity, Lifestyle, Ageing and Wellbeing Faculty Research Group, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia
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14
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Ohradanova-Repic A, Praženicová R, Gebetsberger L, Moskalets T, Skrabana R, Cehlar O, Tajti G, Stockinger H, Leksa V. Time to Kill and Time to Heal: The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin in Host Defense. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1056. [PMID: 37111542 PMCID: PMC10146187 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in most human exocrine fluids, particularly breast milk. Lactoferrin is also released from neutrophil granules, and its concentration increases rapidly at the site of inflammation. Immune cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system express receptors for lactoferrin to modulate their functions in response to it. On the basis of these interactions, lactoferrin plays many roles in host defense, ranging from augmenting or calming inflammatory pathways to direct killing of pathogens. Complex biological activities of lactoferrin are determined by its ability to sequester iron and by its highly basic N-terminus, via which lactoferrin binds to a plethora of negatively charged surfaces of microorganisms and viruses, as well as to mammalian cells, both normal and cancerous. Proteolytic cleavage of lactoferrin in the digestive tract generates smaller peptides, such as N-terminally derived lactoferricin. Lactoferricin shares some of the properties of lactoferrin, but also exhibits unique characteristics and functions. In this review, we discuss the structure, functions, and potential therapeutic uses of lactoferrin, lactoferricin, and other lactoferrin-derived bioactive peptides in treating various infections and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we summarize clinical trials examining the effect of lactoferrin supplementation in disease treatment, with a special focus on its potential use in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Praženicová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tetiana Moskalets
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ondrej Cehlar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 845 51 Bratislava, Slovakia
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15
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Matino E, Tavella E, Rizzi M, Avanzi GC, Azzolina D, Battaglia A, Becco P, Bellan M, Bertinieri G, Bertoletti M, Casciaro GF, Castello LM, Colageo U, Colangelo D, Comolli D, Costanzo M, Croce A, D’Onghia D, Della Corte F, De Mitri L, Dodaro V, Givone F, Gravina A, Grillenzoni L, Gusmaroli G, Landi R, Lingua A, Manzoni R, Marinoni V, Masturzo B, Minisini R, Morello M, Nelva A, Ortone E, Paolella R, Patti G, Pedrinelli A, Pirisi M, Ravizzi L, Rizzi E, Sola D, Sola M, Tonello N, Tonello S, Topazzo G, Tua A, Valenti P, Vaschetto R, Vassia V, Zecca E, Zublena N, Manzoni P, Sainaghi PP. Effect of Lactoferrin on Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: The LAC Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051285. [PMID: 36904283 PMCID: PMC10005739 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As lactoferrin is a nutritional supplement with proven antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities, it may be used to improve the clinical course of COVID-19. The clinical efficacy and safety of bovine lactoferrin were evaluated in the LAC randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. A total of 218 hospitalized adult patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 were randomized to receive 800 mg/die oral bovine lactoferrin (n = 113) or placebo (n = 105), both given in combination with standard COVID-19 therapy. No differences in lactoferrin vs. placebo were observed in the primary outcomes: the proportion of death or intensive care unit admission (risk ratio of 1.06 (95% CI 0.63-1.79)) or proportion of discharge or National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) ≤ 2 within 14 days from enrollment (RR of 0.85 (95% CI 0.70-1.04)). Lactoferrin showed an excellent safety and tolerability profile. Even though bovine lactoferrin is safe and tolerable, our results do not support its use in hospitalized patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Matino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Tavella
- Department of Maternal-Infant Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin School of Medicine, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Rizzi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Avanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Danila Azzolina
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio Battaglia
- Division of Dermatology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Paolo Becco
- Division of Oncology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- CAAD, Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bertinieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Francesco Casciaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigi Mario Castello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Umberto Colageo
- Intensive Care Unit, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Donato Colangelo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Davide Comolli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Martina Costanzo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Croce
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Davide D’Onghia
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Della Corte
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, AOU “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luigi De Mitri
- Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Valentina Dodaro
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin School of Medicine, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Givone
- Division of Pneumology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Alessia Gravina
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Luca Grillenzoni
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Landi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Anna Lingua
- Division of Infectious Disease, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Roberto Manzoni
- Division of Dermatology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Vito Marinoni
- Division of Geriatric Care, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Bianca Masturzo
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Marina Morello
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Anna Nelva
- Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Elena Ortone
- Division of Geriatric Care, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Rita Paolella
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Patti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Medical Department, Division of Cardiology, AOU “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Anita Pedrinelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- CAAD, Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Lidia Ravizzi
- Division of Pneumology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rizzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Daniele Sola
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Mariolina Sola
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Nadir Tonello
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Stelvio Tonello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- CAAD, Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gigliola Topazzo
- Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Aldo Tua
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome, La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Vaschetto
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, AOU “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Veronica Vassia
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Erika Zecca
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Zublena
- Division of Palliative Care, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Paolo Manzoni
- Department of Maternal-Infant Medicine, Ospedale degli Infermi, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
- Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin School of Medicine, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and COVID-19 Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine and COVID-19 Sub-Intensive Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria (AOU) “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- CAAD, Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence:
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16
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Chea C, Miyauchi M, Inubushi T, Okamoto K, Haing S, Takata T. Molecular Mechanisms of Inhibitory Effects of Bovine Lactoferrin on Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020562. [PMID: 36839884 PMCID: PMC9958951 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020562] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein, has been reported to have anticancer properties. However, the molecular mechanisms behind its anticancer effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the effects of LF on invasion of OSCC, and its underlying molecular mechanism. OSCC cell lines, HSC2 and HOC313, were treated with bovine LF (bLF). The effects of bLF on cell invasion were examined by a chamber migration assay, wound healing assay, and Boyden chamber method with a basement-membrane-analogue. Expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-3, and AP-1 were examined using RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Roles of LRP1, a receptor of bLF, on cell invasion were analyzed using siLRP1 knockdown cells. Furthermore, to clarify the importance of LRP1 in invasion, the effects of bLF on tPA-induced invasion of OSCC cells were examined. The invasion assays showed that bLF suppressed invasion of the OSCC cells. Moreover, bLF down-regulated AP-1, and resulted in reductions of MMP-1 and MMP-3. With SiLRP1 knockdown, OSCC cells failed to induce their invasion, and bLF was not able to exert its effects on invasion. Furthermore, bLF remarkably inhibited tPA-induced cell invasion. These findings suggest the importance of LRP1 in bLF-suppressed invasion of OSCC cells via the reduction of AP-1 and MMP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanbora Chea
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (T.T.); Tel.: +81-82-257-5632 (C.C. & T.T.)
| | - Mutsumi Miyauchi
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Inubushi
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamada-Oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kana Okamoto
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Sivmeng Haing
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takashi Takata
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
- Shunan University, 843-4-2 Gakuenndai Syunan, Yamaguchi 745-8566, Japan
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (T.T.); Tel.: +81-82-257-5632 (C.C. & T.T.)
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17
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Kaczyńska K, Jampolska M, Wojciechowski P, Sulejczak D, Andrzejewski K, Zając D. Potential of Lactoferrin in the Treatment of Lung Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:192. [PMID: 37259341 PMCID: PMC9960651 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein that exhibits a variety of properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer, that can be used to treat numerous diseases. Lung diseases continue to be the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Many of the therapies currently used to treat these diseases have limited efficacy or are associated with side effects. Therefore, there is a constant pursuit for new drugs and therapies, and LF is frequently considered a therapeutic agent and/or adjunct to drug-based therapies for the treatment of lung diseases. This article focuses on a review of the existing and most up-to-date literature on the contribution of the beneficial effects of LF on the treatment of lung diseases, including asthma, viral infections, cystic fibrosis, or lung cancer, among others. Although in vitro and in vivo studies indicate significant potency of LF in the treatment of the listed diseases, only in the case of respiratory tract infections do human studies seem to confirm them by demonstrating the effectiveness of LF in reducing episodes of illness and shortening the recovery period. For lung cancer, COVID-19 and sepsis, the reports are conflicting, and for other diseases, there is a paucity of human studies conclusively confirming the beneficial effects of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kaczyńska
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Jampolska
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Wojciechowski
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sulejczak
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kryspin Andrzejewski
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Zając
- Department of Respiration Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5 St., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Einerhand AWC, van Loo-Bouwman CA, Weiss GA, Wang C, Ba G, Fan Q, He B, Smit G. Can Lactoferrin, a Natural Mammalian Milk Protein, Assist in the Battle against COVID-19? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245274. [PMID: 36558432 PMCID: PMC9782828 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding mass vaccination against specific SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is still a demand for complementary nutritional intervention strategies to fight COVID-19. The bovine milk protein lactoferrin (LF) has attracted interest of nutraceutical, food and dairy industries for its numerous properties-ranging from anti-viral and anti-microbial to immunological-making it a potential functional ingredient in a wide variety of food applications to maintain health. Importantly, bovine LF was found to exert anti-viral activities against several types of viruses, including certain SARS-CoV-2 variants. LF's potential effect on COVID-19 patients has seen a rapid increase of in vitro and in vivo studies published, resulting in a model on how LF might play a role during different phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Aim of this narrative review is two-fold: (1) to highlight the most relevant findings concerning LF's anti-viral, anti-microbial, iron-binding, immunomodulatory, microbiota-modulatory and intestinal barrier properties that support health of the two most affected organs in COVID-19 patients (lungs and gut), and (2) to explore the possible underlying mechanisms governing its mode of action. Thanks to its potential effects on health, bovine LF can be considered a good candidate for nutritional interventions counteracting SARS-CoV-2 infection and related COVID-19 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caiyun Wang
- Inner Mongolia Dairy Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Genna Ba
- Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Qicheng Fan
- Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Baoping He
- Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd., Hohhot 010110, China
| | - Gerrit Smit
- Yili Innovation Center Europe, 6708 WH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Lactoferrin Binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein Blocks Pseudoviral Entry and Relieves Iron Protein Dysregulation in Several In Vitro Models. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102111. [PMID: 36297546 PMCID: PMC9612385 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102111] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, a predominantly pulmonary disease characterized by a burst of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in free iron. The viral glycoprotein Spike mediates fusion to the host cell membrane, but its role as a virulence factor is largely unknown. Recently, the antiviral activity of lactoferrin against SARS-CoV-2 was demonstrated in vitro and shown to occur via binding to cell surface receptors, and its putative interaction with Spike was suggested by in silico analyses. We investigated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of bovine and human lactoferrins in epithelial and macrophagic cells using a Spike-decorated pseudovirus. Lactoferrin inhibited pseudoviral fusion and counteracted the deleterious effects of Spike on iron and inflammatory homeostasis by restoring basal levels of iron-handling proteins and of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Using pull-down assays, we experimentally proved for the first time that lactoferrin binds to Spike, immediately suggesting a mechanism for the observed effects. The contribution of transferrin receptor 1 to Spike-mediated cell fusion was also experimentally demonstrated. In silico analyses showed that lactoferrin interacts with transferrin receptor 1, suggesting a multifaceted mechanism of action for lactoferrin. Our results give hope for the use of bovine lactoferrin, already available as a nutraceutical, as an adjuvant to standard therapies in COVID-19.
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20
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Lactoferrin as Possible Treatment for Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with Long COVID: Case Series and Literature Review. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101446. [PMID: 36291381 PMCID: PMC9600357 DOI: 10.3390/children9101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Long COVID is an emergent, heterogeneous, and multisystemic condition with an increasingly important impact also on the pediatric population. Among long COVID symptoms, patients can experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and dysphagia. Although there is no standard, agreed, and optimal diagnostic approach or treatment of long COVID in children, recently compounds containing multiple micronutrients and lactoferrin have been proposed as a possible treatment strategy, due to the long-standing experience gained from other gastrointestinal conditions. In particular, lactoferrin is a pleiotropic glycoprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory activities. Moreover, it seems to have several physiological functions to protect the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, we described the resolution of symptoms after the start of therapy with high doses of oral lactoferrin in two patients referred to our post-COVID pediatric unit due to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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21
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The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J 2022; 479:1653-1708. [PMID: 36043493 PMCID: PMC9484810 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220154] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischaemia–reperfusion (I–R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I–R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.
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22
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Ohradanova-Repic A, Skrabana R, Gebetsberger L, Tajti G, Baráth P, Ondrovičová G, Praženicová R, Jantova N, Hrasnova P, Stockinger H, Leksa V. Blockade of TMPRSS2-mediated priming of SARS-CoV-2 by lactoferricin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958581. [PMID: 36081512 PMCID: PMC9445877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to vaccines, there is an urgent need for supplemental antiviral therapeutics to dampen the persistent COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), that is responsible for proteolytic priming of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, appears as a rational therapeutic target. Accordingly, selective inhibitors of TMPRSS2 represent potential tools for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Previously, we identified the human milk glycoprotein lactoferrin as a natural inhibitor of plasminogen conversion to plasmin, a serine protease homologous to TMPRSS2. Here, we tested whether lactoferrin and lactoferricin, a biologically active natural peptide produced by pepsin-mediated digestion of lactoferrin, together with synthetic peptides derived from lactoferrin, were able to block TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Particularly, we revealed that both lactoferricin and the N-terminal synthetic peptide pLF1 significantly inhibited: i) proteolytic activity of TMPRSS2 and plasmin, ii) proteolytic processing of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and iii) SARS-CoV-2 infection of SARS-CoV-2-permissive cells. Thus, natural and synthetic peptides derived from lactoferrin represent feasible candidates for supporting prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Vladimir Leksa, ; Anna Ohradanova-Repic,
| | - Rostislav Skrabana
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabor Tajti
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Baráth
- Department of Glycobiology, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Ondrovičová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Romana Praženicová
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biochemistry, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Nikola Jantova
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biochemistry, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patricia Hrasnova
- Laboratory of Structural Biology of Neurodegeneration, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Biochemistry, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- *Correspondence: Vladimir Leksa, ; Anna Ohradanova-Repic,
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23
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Rosa L, Cutone A, Conte MP, Campione E, Bianchi L, Valenti P. An overview on in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity of lactoferrin: its efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Biometals 2022; 36:417-436. [PMID: 35920949 PMCID: PMC9362590 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00427-z] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the absolute and indisputable relevance and efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the rapid transmission, the severity of infection, the absence of the protection on immunocompromised patients, the propagation of variants, the onset of infection and/or disease in vaccinated subjects and the lack of availability of worldwide vaccination require additional antiviral treatments. Since 1987, lactoferrin (Lf) is well-known to possess an antiviral activity related to its physico-chemical properties and to its ability to bind to both heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) of host cells and/or surface components of viral particles. In the present review, we summarize in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the efficacy of Lf against DNA, RNA, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Recent studies have revealed that the in vitro antiviral activity of Lf is also extendable to SARS-CoV-2. In vivo, Lf oral administration in early stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection counteracts COVID-19 pathogenesis. In particular, the effect of Lf on SARS-CoV-2 entry, inflammatory homeostasis, iron dysregulation, iron-proteins synthesis, reactive oxygen formation, oxidative stress, gut-lung axis regulation as well as on RNA negativization, and coagulation/fibrinolysis balance will be critically reviewed. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underneath, including the Lf binding to HSPGs and spike glycoprotein, will be disclosed and discussed. Taken together, present data not only support the application of the oral administration of Lf alone in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients or as adjuvant of standard of care practice in symptomatic ones but also constitute the basis for enriching the limited literature on Lf effectiveness for COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
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24
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The Influence of Viral Infections on Iron Homeostasis and the Potential for Lactoferrin as a Therapeutic in the Age of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153090. [PMID: 35956266 PMCID: PMC9370565 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The association of hyperinflammation and hyperferritinemia with adverse outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients suggests an integral role for iron homeostasis in pathogenesis, a commonly described symptom of respiratory viral infections. This dysregulated iron homeostasis results in viral-induced lung injury, often lasting long after the acute viral infection; however, much remains to be understood mechanistically. Lactoferrin is a multipurpose glycoprotein with key immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral functions, which can be found in various secreted fluids, but is most abundantly characterized in milk from all mammalian species. Lactoferrin is found at its highest concentrations in primate colostrum; however, the abundant availability of bovine-dairy-derived lactoferrin (bLf) has led to the use of bLf as a functional food. The recent research has demonstrated the potential value of bovine lactoferrin as a therapeutic adjuvant against SARS-CoV-2, and herein this research is reviewed and the potential mechanisms of therapeutic targeting are considered.
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25
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Asmari M, Waqas M, Ibrahim AE, Halim SA, Khan A, Al-Harrasi A, Wätzig H, El Deeb S. Microscale Thermophoresis and Molecular Modelling to Explore the Chelating Drug Transportation in the Milk to Infant. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144604. [PMID: 35889479 PMCID: PMC9319837 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The microscale thermophoresis (MST) technique was utilized to investigate lactoferrin–drug interaction with the iron chelator, deferiprone, using label-free system. MST depends on the intrinsic fluorescence of one interacting partner. The results indicated a significant interaction between lactoferrin and deferiprone. The estimated binding constant for the lactoferrin–deferiprone interaction was 8.9 × 10−6 ± 1.6, SD, which is to be reported for the first time. Such significant binding between lactoferrin and deferiprone may indicate the potentiation of the drug secretion into a lactating mother’s milk. The technique showed a fast and simple approach to study protein–drug interaction while avoiding complicated labeling procedures. Moreover, the binding behavior of deferiprone within the binding sites of lactoferrin was investigated through molecular docking which reflected that deferiprone mediates strong hydrogen bonding with ARG121 and ASP297 in pocket 1 and forms H-bond and ionic interaction with ASN640 and ASP395, respectively, in pocket 2 of lactoferrin. Meanwhile, iron ions provide ionic interaction with deferiprone in both of the pockets. The molecular dynamic simulation further confirmed that the binding of deferiprone with lactoferrin brings conformational changes in lactoferrin that is more energetically stable. It also confirmed that deferiprone causes positive correlation motion in the interacting residues of both pockets, with strong negative correlation motion in the loop regions, and thus changes the dynamics of lactoferrin. The MM-GBSA based binding free energy calculation revealed that deferiprone exhibits ∆G TOTAL of −63,163 kcal/mol in pocket 1 and −63,073 kcal/mol in pocket 2 with complex receptor–ligand difference in pocket 1 and pocket 2 of −117.38 kcal/mol and −111.54 kcal/mol, respectively, which in turn suggests that deferiprone binds more strongly in the pocket 1. The free energy landscape of the lactoferrin–deferiprone complex also showed that this complex remains in a high energy state that confirms the strong binding of deferiprone with the lactoferrin. The current research concluded that iron-chelating drugs (deferiprone) can be transported from the mother to the infant in the milk because of the strong attachment with the lactoferrin active pockets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mufarreh Asmari
- College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Waqas
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman; (M.W.); (A.E.I.); (S.A.H.); (A.K.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Adel Ehab Ibrahim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman; (M.W.); (A.E.I.); (S.A.H.); (A.K.); (A.A.-H.)
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port-Said University, Port Fouad 42526, Egypt
| | - Sobia Ahsan Halim
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman; (M.W.); (A.E.I.); (S.A.H.); (A.K.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman; (M.W.); (A.E.I.); (S.A.H.); (A.K.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman; (M.W.); (A.E.I.); (S.A.H.); (A.K.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Hermann Wätzig
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Sami El Deeb
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa 616, Oman; (M.W.); (A.E.I.); (S.A.H.); (A.K.); (A.A.-H.)
- Institute of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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26
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Piacentini R, Centi L, Miotto M, Milanetti E, Di Rienzo L, Pitea M, Piazza P, Ruocco G, Boffi A, Parisi G. Lactoferrin Inhibition of the Complex Formation between ACE2 Receptor and SARS CoV-2 Recognition Binding Domain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105436. [PMID: 35628247 PMCID: PMC9141661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present investigation focuses on the analysis of the interactions among human lactoferrin (LF), SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in order to assess possible mutual interactions that could provide a molecular basis of the reported preventative effect of lactoferrin against CoV-2 infection. In particular, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the pairwise interactions among the three proteins were measured via two independent techniques, biolayer interferometry and latex nanoparticle-enhanced turbidimetry. The results obtained clearly indicate that LF is able to bind the ACE2 receptor ectodomain with significantly high affinity, whereas no binding to the RBD was observed up to the maximum “physiological” lactoferrin concentration range. Lactoferrin, above 1 µM concentration, thus appears to directly interfere with RBD–ACE2 binding, bringing about a measurable, up to 300-fold increase of the KD value relative to RBD–ACE2 complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Piacentini
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (L.C.); (A.B.)
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Laura Centi
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (L.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Mattia Miotto
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Milanetti
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Rienzo
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Martina Pitea
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- D-Tails s.r.l., Via di Torre Rossa 66, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Piazza
- EDIF Instruments s.r.l., Via Ardeatina 132, 00147 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (L.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Giacomo Parisi
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence:
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27
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Bartolomé F, Rosa L, Valenti P, Lopera F, Hernández-Gallego J, Cantero JL, Orive G, Carro E. Lactoferrin as Immune-Enhancement Strategy for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Alzheimer's Disease Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:878201. [PMID: 35547737 PMCID: PMC9083828 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.878201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) (COVID-19) causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. Severe illness of COVID-19 largely occurs in older people and recent evidence indicates that demented patients have higher risk for COVID-19. Additionally, COVID-19 further enhances the vulnerability of older adults with cognitive damage. A balance between the immune and inflammatory response is necessary to control the infection. Thus, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs are hopeful therapeutic agents for the treatment of COVID-19. Accumulating evidence suggests that lactoferrin (Lf) is active against SARS-CoV-2, likely due to its potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions that ultimately improves immune system responses. Remarkably, salivary Lf levels are significantly reduced in different Alzheimer's disease (AD) stages, which may reflect AD-related immunological disturbances, leading to reduced defense mechanisms against viral pathogens and an increase of the COVID-19 susceptibility. Overall, there is an urgent necessity to protect AD patients against COVID-19, decreasing the risk of viral infections. In this context, we propose bovine Lf (bLf) as a promising preventive therapeutic tool to minimize COVID-19 risk in patients with dementia or AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Bartolomé
- Group of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre Research Institute (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francisco Lopera
- Neuroscience Group of Antioquia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jesús Hernández-Gallego
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Cantero
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | - Gorka Orive
- Laboratory of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
- Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Networked Center for Biomedical Research in Bioengineering Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Carro
- Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Neurobiology of Alzheimer’s Disease Unit, Chronic Disease Programme, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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28
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The Role of Nutrients in Prevention, Treatment and Post-Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051000. [PMID: 35267974 PMCID: PMC8912782 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, infecting human cells via its spike protein, causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is characterized by shortness of breath, fever, and pneumonia and is sometimes fatal. Unfortunately, to date, there is still no definite therapy to treat COVID-19. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved only supportive care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to maintain a correct intake of nutrients to support very weakened patients in overcoming disease arose. The literature available on nutrient intake for COVID-19 is mainly focused on prevention. However, the safe intake of micro- and/or macro-nutrients can be useful either for preventing infection and supporting the immune response during COVID-19, as well as in the post-acute phase, i.e., “long COVID”, that is sometimes characterized by the onset of various long lasting and disabling symptoms. The aim of this review is to focus on the role of nutrient intake during all the different phases of the disease, including prevention, the acute phase, and finally long COVID.
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29
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Gallo V, Giansanti F, Arienzo A, Antonini G. Antiviral properties of whey proteins and their activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Funct Foods 2022; 89:104932. [PMID: 35003332 PMCID: PMC8723829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.104932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Native and chemically modified whey proteins and their peptide derivatives are encountering the interest of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, due to the numerous properties, ranging from antimicrobial to immunological and antitumorigenic, that result in the possibility to employ milk and its protein components in a wide range of treatment and prevention strategies. Importantly, whey proteins were found to exert antiviral actions against different enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Recently, the scientific community is focusing on these proteins, especially lactoferrin, since in vitro studies have demonstrated that they exert an important antiviral activity also against SARS-CoV-2. Up-to date, several studies are investigating the efficacy of lactoferrin and other whey proteins in vivo. Aim of this review is to shed light on the most relevant findings concerning the antiviral properties of whey proteins and their potential applications in human health, focussing on their application in prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gallo
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome 00146, Italy
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Interuniversity Consortium INBB - Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Rome 00136, Italy
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila I-67100, Italy
| | - Alyexandra Arienzo
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome 00146, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium INBB - Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Rome 00136, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome 00146, Italy
- Interuniversity Consortium INBB - Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Rome 00136, Italy
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30
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Campione E, Lanna C, Cosio T, Rosa L, Conte MP, Iacovelli F, Romeo A, Falconi M, Del Vecchio C, Franchin E, Lia MS, Minieri M, Chiaramonte C, Ciotti M, Nuccetelli M, Terrinoni A, Iannuzzi I, Coppeta L, Magrini A, Bernardini S, Sabatini S, Rosapepe F, Bartoletti PL, Moricca N, Di Lorenzo A, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Miani A, Piscitelli P, Squillaci E, Valenti P, Bianchi L. Lactoferrin as Antiviral Treatment in COVID-19 Management: Preliminary Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010985. [PMID: 34682731 PMCID: PMC8535893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional cationic glycoprotein synthesized by exocrine glands and neutrophils, possesses an in vitro antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we conducted an in vivo preliminary study to investigate the antiviral effect of oral and intranasal liposomal bovine Lf (bLf) in asymptomatic and mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. From April 2020 to June 2020, a total of 92 mild-to-moderate (67/92) and asymptomatic (25/92) COVID-19 patients were recruited and divided into three groups. Thirty-two patients (14 hospitalized and 18 in home-based isolation) received only oral and intranasal liposomal bLf; 32 hospitalized patients were treated only with standard of care (SOC) treatment; and 28, in home-based isolation, did not take any medication. Furthermore, 32 COVID-19 negative, untreated, healthy subjects were added for ancillary analysis. Liposomal bLf-treated COVID-19 patients obtained an earlier and significant (p < 0.0001) SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative conversion compared to the SOC-treated and untreated COVID-19 patients (14.25 vs. 27.13 vs. 32.61 days, respectively). Liposomal bLf-treated COVID-19 patients showed fast clinical symptoms recovery compared to the SOC-treated COVID-19 patients. In bLf-treated patients, a significant decrease in serum ferritin, IL-6, and D-dimers levels was observed. No adverse events were reported. These observations led us to speculate a potential role of bLf in the management of mild-to-moderate and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.L.); (T.C.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Caterina Lanna
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.L.); (T.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Terenzio Cosio
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.L.); (T.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (M.P.C.); (P.V.)
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (M.P.C.); (P.V.)
| | - Federico Iacovelli
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Alice Romeo
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Mattia Falconi
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.I.); (A.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Claudia Del Vecchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (C.D.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Elisa Franchin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (C.D.V.); (E.F.)
| | - Maria Stella Lia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (M.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Marilena Minieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (M.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Carlo Chiaramonte
- Department of Statistics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Virology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marzia Nuccetelli
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.N.); (S.B.)
| | - Alessandro Terrinoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (M.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Ilaria Iannuzzi
- Occupational Medicine Department, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (I.I.); (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Luca Coppeta
- Occupational Medicine Department, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (I.I.); (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Magrini
- Occupational Medicine Department, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (I.I.); (L.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.N.); (S.B.)
| | | | | | | | - Nicola Moricca
- Villa dei Pini Hospital, 00042 Anzio, Italy; (S.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Andrea Di Lorenzo
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.L.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.L.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.D.L.); (M.A.); (L.S.)
| | - Alessandro Miani
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Prisco Piscitelli
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ettore Squillaci
- Department of Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging, Radiation Therapy and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.R.); (M.P.C.); (P.V.)
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.L.); (T.C.); (L.B.)
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