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Zeller J, Cheung Tung Shing KS, Nero TL, McFadyen JD, Krippner G, Bogner B, Kreuzaler S, Kiefer J, Horner VK, Braig D, Danish H, Baratchi S, Fricke M, Wang X, Kather MG, Kammerer B, Woollard KJ, Sharma P, Morton CJ, Pietersz G, Parker MW, Peter K, Eisenhardt SU. A novel phosphocholine-mimetic inhibits a pro-inflammatory conformational change in C-reactive protein. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 15:e16236. [PMID: 36468184 PMCID: PMC9832874 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an early-stage acute phase protein and highly upregulated in response to inflammatory reactions. We recently identified a novel mechanism that leads to a conformational change from the native, functionally relatively inert, pentameric CRP (pCRP) structure to a pentameric CRP intermediate (pCRP*) and ultimately to the monomeric CRP (mCRP) form, both exhibiting highly pro-inflammatory effects. This transition in the inflammatory profile of CRP is mediated by binding of pCRP to activated/damaged cell membranes via exposed phosphocholine lipid head groups. We designed a tool compound as a low molecular weight CRP inhibitor using the structure of phosphocholine as a template. X-ray crystallography revealed specific binding to the phosphocholine binding pockets of pCRP. We provide in vitro and in vivo proof-of-concept data demonstrating that the low molecular weight tool compound inhibits CRP-driven exacerbation of local inflammatory responses, while potentially preserving pathogen-defense functions of CRP. The inhibition of the conformational change generating pro-inflammatory CRP isoforms via phosphocholine-mimicking compounds represents a promising, potentially broadly applicable anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Zeller
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany,Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Karen S Cheung Tung Shing
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology InstituteThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Tracy L Nero
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology InstituteThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia,ACRF Rational Drug Discovery CentreSt. Vincent's Institute of Medical ResearchFitzroyVic.Australia
| | - James D McFadyen
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Guy Krippner
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Balázs Bogner
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Sheena Kreuzaler
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Jurij Kiefer
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Verena K Horner
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - David Braig
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Habiba Danish
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia,School of Health and Biomedical SciencesRMIT UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Sara Baratchi
- School of Health and Biomedical SciencesRMIT UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Mark Fricke
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Michel G Kather
- Centre for Integrative Signalling Analysis CISAUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Bernd Kammerer
- Centre for Integrative Signalling Analysis CISAUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Prerna Sharma
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Craig J Morton
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology InstituteThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Geoffrey Pietersz
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Michael W Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology InstituteThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia,ACRF Rational Drug Discovery CentreSt. Vincent's Institute of Medical ResearchFitzroyVic.Australia
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia,Department of Cardiometabolic HealthThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVic.Australia
| | - Steffen U Eisenhardt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical CentreMedical Faculty of the University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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Jeong EK, Lee HJ, Jung YJ. Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis. Pathogens 2022; 11:1291. [PMID: 36365041 PMCID: PMC9697779 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, consistently threatening public health. Conventional tuberculosis treatment requires a long-term treatment regimen and is associated with side effects. The efficacy of antitubercular drugs has decreased with the emergence of drug-resistant TB; therefore, the development of new TB treatment strategies is urgently needed. In this context, we present host-directed therapy (HDT) as an alternative to current tuberculosis therapy. Unlike antitubercular drugs that directly target Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of TB, HDT is an approach for treating TB that appropriately modulates host immune responses. HDT primarily aims to enhance the antimicrobial activity of the host in order to control Mtb infection and attenuate excessive inflammation in order to minimize tissue damage. Recently, research based on the repositioning of drugs for use in HDT has been in progress. Based on the overall immune responses against Mtb infection and the immune-evasion mechanisms of Mtb, this review examines the repositioned drugs available for HDT and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui-Kwon Jeong
- BIT Medical Convergence Graduate Program, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Hyo-Ji Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Kangwon Radiation Convergence Research Support Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Jung
- BIT Medical Convergence Graduate Program, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
- Kangwon Radiation Convergence Research Support Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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Nori W. C-Reactive protein role in assessing COVID-19 deceased geriatrics and survivors of severe and critical illness. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:11210-11213. [PMID: 36338205 PMCID: PMC9631145 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i30.11210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous risk variables, including age, medical co-morbidities, and deranged inflammatory response, lead to higher mortality in a senior population with coronavirus disease 2019. C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase inflammatory protein secreted by the liver, was tested in the elderly, showing a diagnostic and prognostic role. However, recent research has shed light on new applications for CRP in geriatrics. It was used as a follow-up marker and as a therapeutic target. Early and accurate identification of patients' risks may mitigate the devastation of the invading virus in older cases and permit the implementation of a quick treatment plan for those most likely to deteriorate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassan Nori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10052, AL-Saydyiah, Iraq
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Timpau AS, Miftode RS, Leca D, Timpau R, Miftode IL, Petris AO, Costache II, Mitu O, Nicolae A, Oancea A, Jigoranu A, Tuchilus CG, Miftode EG. A Real Pandora's Box in Pandemic Times: A Narrative Review on the Acute Cardiac Injury Due to COVID-19. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12071085. [PMID: 35888173 PMCID: PMC9318707 DOI: 10.3390/life12071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The intricate relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the cardiovascular system is an extensively studied pandemic topic, as there is an ever-increasing amount of evidence that reports a high prevalence of acute cardiac injury in the context of viral infection. In patients with Coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, a significant increase in serum levels of cardiac troponin or other various biomarkers was observed, suggesting acute cardiac injury, thus predicting both a severe course of the disease and a poor outcome. Pathogenesis of acute cardiac injury is not yet completely elucidated, though several mechanisms are allegedly involved, such as a direct cardiomyocyte injury, oxygen supply-demand inequity caused by hypoxia, several active myocardial depressant factors during sepsis, and endothelial dysfunction due to the hyperinflammatory status. Moreover, the increased levels of plasma cytokines and catecholamines and a significantly enhanced prothrombotic environment may lead to the destabilization and rupture of atheroma plaques, subsequently triggering an acute coronary syndrome. In the present review, we focus on describing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute cardiac injury in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explore some novel therapeutic strategies involving immunomodulatory therapy, as well as their role in preventing a severe form of the disease, with both the short-term outcome and the long-term cardiovascular sequelae being equally important in patients with SARS-CoV-2 induced acute cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia-Stefana Timpau
- Department of Infectious Diseases (Internal Medicine II), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.-S.T.); (D.L.); (I.-L.M.); (E.-G.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Radu-Stefan Miftode
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence: (R.-S.M.); (I.I.C.)
| | - Daniela Leca
- Department of Infectious Diseases (Internal Medicine II), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.-S.T.); (D.L.); (I.-L.M.); (E.-G.M.)
| | - Razvan Timpau
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, St. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ionela-Larisa Miftode
- Department of Infectious Diseases (Internal Medicine II), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.-S.T.); (D.L.); (I.-L.M.); (E.-G.M.)
| | - Antoniu Octavian Petris
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Irina Iuliana Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence: (R.-S.M.); (I.I.C.)
| | - Ovidiu Mitu
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Ana Nicolae
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Alexandru Oancea
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Alexandru Jigoranu
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.O.P.); (O.M.); (A.N.); (A.O.); (A.J.)
| | - Cristina Gabriela Tuchilus
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity (Microbiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Egidia-Gabriela Miftode
- Department of Infectious Diseases (Internal Medicine II), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (A.-S.T.); (D.L.); (I.-L.M.); (E.-G.M.)
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Special Issue “C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Disease: Clinical Aspects”. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11133610. [PMID: 35806892 PMCID: PMC9267697 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue focuses on the clinical relevance of C-reactive protein [...]
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Nori W, Ali E, Salman D. C-reactive protein in elderly and pregnant COVID-19 cases: A new role for an old marker. MUSTANSIRIYA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mj.mj_54_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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