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Kakavandi E, Sadeghi K, Shayestehpour M, Mirhendi H, Rahimi Foroushani A, Mokhtari-Azad T, Shafiei Jandaghi NZ, Yavarian J. Evaluation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin II (Ang II), miR-141-3p, and miR-421 levels in SARS-CoV-2 patients: a case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:429. [PMID: 38649818 PMCID: PMC11036566 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09310-3] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious virus that uses angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a pivotal member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), as its cell-entry receptor. Another member of the RAS, angiotensin II (Ang II), is the major biologically active component in this system. There is growing evidence suggesting that serum miRNAs could serve as prognostic biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infection and regulate ACE2 expression. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the serum levels of sACE2 and Ang II, as well as the expression level of miR-141-3p and miR-421 in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative subjects. METHODS In the present study, the serum levels of sACE2 and Ang II were measured in 94 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients and 94 SARS-CoV-2 negative subjects with some symptoms similar to those of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients using the ELISA method. In addition, the expression level of miR-141-3p and miR-421 as ACE2 regulators and biomarkers was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method. RESULTS The mean serum sACE2 concentration in the SARS-CoV-2-positive group was 3.268 ± 0.410 ng/ml, whereas in the SARS-CoV-2 negative group, it was 3.564 ± 0.437 ng/ml. Additionally, the mean serum Ang II level in the SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative groups were 60.67 ± 6.192 ng/L and 67.97 ± 6.837 ng/L, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in the serum levels of sACE2 (P value: 0.516) and Ang II (P value: 0.134) between the SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative groups. Meanwhile, our findings indicated that the expression levels of miR-141-3p and miR-421 in SARS-CoV-2 positive group were significantly lower and higher than SARS-CoV-2 negative group, respectively (P value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the results of this study showed that the serum levels of sACE2 and Ang II in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative subjects were not significantly different, but the expression levels of miR-141-3p and miR-421 were altered in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients which need more investigation to be used as biomarkers for COVID-19 diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Kakavandi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Sadeghi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shayestehpour
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahimi Foroushani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Talat Mokhtari-Azad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Jila Yavarian
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Hosseinpour-Soleimani F, Salmasi Z, Ghasemi Y, Tajbakhsh A, Savardashtaki A. MicroRNAs and proteolytic cleavage of receptors in cancers: A comprehensive review of regulatory interactions and therapeutic implications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28167. [PMID: 38560206 PMCID: PMC10979173 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28167] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a challenging disease worldwide, necessitating innovative approaches to better comprehend its underlying molecular mechanisms and devise effective therapeutic strategies. Over the past decade, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial players in cancer progression due to their regulatory roles in various cellular processes. Moreover, the involvement of unwanted soluble receptors has gained increasing attention because they contribute to tumorigenesis or drug resistance by disrupting normal signaling pathways and neutralizing ligands. This comprehensive review explores the intricate interplay between miRNAs and unwanted-soluble receptors in the context of cancer biology. This study provides an analysis of the regulatory interactions between miRNAs and these receptors, elucidating how miRNAs can either suppress or enhance their expression. MiRNAs can directly target receptor transcripts, thereby regulating soluble receptor levels. They also modulate the proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound receptors into soluble forms by targeting sheddases, such as ADAMs and MMPs. Furthermore, the review delves into the therapeutic potential of manipulating miRNAs to modulate unwanted soluble receptors. Various strategies, including synthetic miRNA mimics or anti-miRNAs, hold promise for restoring or inhibiting miRNA function to counteract aberrant receptor activity. Moreover, exploring miRNA-based delivery systems may provide targeted and precise therapies that minimizing off-target effects. In conclusion, this review sheds light on the intricate regulatory networks involving miRNAs and unwanted soluble receptors in cancer biology thereby uncovering novel therapeutic targets, and paving the way for developing innovative anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hosseinpour-Soleimani
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Salmasi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences And, Technologies, Shiraz University Of, Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71362 81407, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences And, Technologies, Shiraz University Of, Medical Sciences, Shiraz, 71362 81407, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University Med Ical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Rojas-Cruz AF, Bermúdez-Santana CI. Computational Prediction of RNA-RNA Interactions between Small RNA Tracks from Betacoronavirus Nonstructural Protein 3 and Neurotrophin Genes during Infection of an Epithelial Lung Cancer Cell Line: Potential Role of Novel Small Regulatory RNA. Viruses 2023; 15:1647. [PMID: 37631989 PMCID: PMC10458423 DOI: 10.3390/v15081647] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether RNA-RNA interactions of cytoplasmic RNA viruses, such as Betacoronavirus, might end in the biogenesis of putative virus-derived small RNAs as miRNA-like molecules has been controversial. Even more, whether RNA-RNA interactions of wild animal viruses may act as virus-derived small RNAs is unknown. Here, we address these issues in four ways. First, we use conserved RNA structures undergoing negative selection in the genomes of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 circulating in different bat species, intermediate animals, and human hosts. Second, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify Betacoronavirus-targeting hsa-miRNAs involved in lung cell infection. Third, we employed sophisticated long-range RNA-RNA interactions to refine the seed sequence homology of hsa-miRNAs with conserved RNA structures. Fourth, we used high-throughput RNA sequencing of a Betacoronavirus-infected epithelial lung cancer cell line (Calu-3) to validate the results. We proposed nine potential virus-derived small RNAs: two vsRNAs in SARS-CoV (Bats: SB-vsRNA-ORF1a-3p; SB-vsRNA-S-5p), one vsRNA in MERS-CoV (Bats: MB-vsRNA-ORF1b-3p), and six vsRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 (Bats: S2B-vsRNA-ORF1a-5p; intermediate animals: S2I-vsRNA-ORF1a-5p; and humans: S2H-vsRNA-ORF1a-5p, S2H-vsRNA-ORF1a-3p, S2H-vsRNA-ORF1b-3p, S2H-vsRNA-ORF3a-3p), mainly encoded by nonstructural protein 3. Notably, Betacoronavirus-derived small RNAs targeted 74 differentially expressed genes in infected human cells, of which 55 upregulate the molecular mechanisms underlying acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the 19 downregulated genes might be implicated in neurotrophin signaling impairment. These results reveal a novel small RNA-based regulatory mechanism involved in neuropathogenesis that must be further studied to validate its therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Felipe Rojas-Cruz
- Theoretical and Computational RNomics Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Clara Isabel Bermúdez-Santana
- Theoretical and Computational RNomics Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia;
- Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
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Arman K, Dalloul Z, Bozgeyik E. Emerging role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in COVID-19 with implications to therapeutics. Gene 2023; 861:147232. [PMID: 36736508 PMCID: PMC9892334 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection which is commonly known as COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) has creeped into the human population taking tolls of life and causing tremendous economic crisis. It is indeed crucial to gain knowledge about their characteristics and interactions with human host cells. It has been shown that the majority of our genome consists of non-coding RNAs. Non-coding RNAs including micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) display significant roles in regulating gene expression in almost all cancers and viral diseases. It is intriguing that miRNAs and lncRNAs remarkably regulate the function and expression of major immune components of SARS-CoV-2. MiRNAs act via RNA interference mechanism in which they bind to the complementary sequences of the viral RNA strand, inducing the formation of silencing complex that eventually degrades or inhibits the viral RNA and viral protein expression. LncRNAs have been extensively shown to regulate gene expression in cytokine storm and thus emerges as a critical target for COVID-19 treatment. These lncRNAs also act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by sponging miRNAs and thus affecting the expression of downstream targets during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we extensively discuss the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs, describe their mechanism of action and their different interacting human targets cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we discuss possible ways how an interference with their molecular function could be exploited for new therapies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifee Arman
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
| | - Zeinab Dalloul
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Esra Bozgeyik
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
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Jankovic M, Nikolic D, Novakovic I, Petrovic B, Lackovic M, Santric-Milicevic M. miRNAs as a Potential Biomarker in the COVID-19 Infection and Complications Course, Severity, and Outcome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1091. [PMID: 36980399 PMCID: PMC10047241 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13061091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last three years, since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of scientific publications have focused on resolving susceptibility to the infection, as well as the course of the disease and potential long-term complications. COVID-19 is widely considered as a multisystem disease and a variety of socioeconomic, medical, and genetic/epigenetic factors may contribute to the disease severity and outcome. Furthermore, the SARS-COV-2 infection may trigger pathological processes and accelerate underlying conditions to clinical entities. The development of specific and sensitive biomarkers that are easy to obtain will allow for patient stratification, prevention, prognosis, and more individualized treatments for COVID-19. miRNAs are proposed as promising biomarkers for different aspects of COVID-19 disease (susceptibility, severity, complication course, outcome, and therapeutic possibilities). This review summarizes the most relevant findings concerning miRNA involvement in COVID-19 pathology. Additionally, the role of miRNAs in wide range of complications due to accompanied and/or underlying health conditions is discussed. The importance of understanding the functional relationships between different conditions, such as pregnancy, obesity, or neurological diseases, with COVID-19 is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Jankovic
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Children's Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Novakovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Petrovic
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Lackovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital "Dragisa Misovic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Santric-Milicevic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Management, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Chen H, Peng J, Wang T, Wen J, Chen S, Huang Y, Zhang Y. Counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin system in hypertension: Review and update in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115370. [PMID: 36481346 PMCID: PMC9721294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115370] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality and disability, with hypertension being the most prevalent risk factor. Excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) under pathological conditions, leading to vascular remodeling and inflammation, is closely related to cardiovascular dysfunction. The counter-regulatory axis of the RAS consists of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (1-7), angiotensin (1-9), alamandine, proto-oncogene Mas receptor, angiotensin II type-2 receptor and Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member D. Each of these components has been shown to counteract the effects of the overactivated RAS. In this review, we summarize the latest insights into the complexity and interplay of the counter-regulatory RAS axis in hypertension, highlight the pathophysiological functions of ACE2, a multifunctional molecule linking hypertension and COVID-19, and discuss the function and therapeutic potential of targeting this counter-regulatory RAS axis to prevent and treat hypertension in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyin Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangyun Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Tengyao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Jielu Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Sifan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Corresponding authors
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China,Corresponding authors
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Mortazavi F, Soltanshahi M, Tamaddon G. Evaluation of the Relationship Between Serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p Expression Levels with Soluble ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in COVID-19 Patients. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2023; 22:e137832. [PMID: 38444707 PMCID: PMC10912867 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-137832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Background The emergence and rapid global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented a significant global health challenge. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects human host cells through the interaction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), which serve as main regulators for viral entry. Specifically, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes are influenced by two microRNAs: miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p, respectively. The objective of this study was to explore the association between the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p and the presence of circulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in severe and non-severe cases of COVID-19. Objectives This study sought to examine the potential utility of microRNAs as biomarkers for assessing disease severity and progression. Additionally, the study aimed to elucidate the interplay between microRNAs and the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, which play crucial roles in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and infection. Methods This practical-foundational study involved the collection of samples from 61 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 31 healthy individuals. Subsequently, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was utilized to measure the concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the blood samples. Additionally, the expression levels of serum miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using GraphPad Prism software (version 8.02) and SPSS software (version 19.0), ensuring the accurate interpretation of results. Results The findings revealed significant increases in the peripheral blood concentrations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in patients with non-severe COVID-19, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Similarly, patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited higher serum levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 than healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the serum levels of miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p were decreased in both non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients, compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, a decrease in the serum levels of both miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p was observed in patients with severe COVID-19, compared to those with non-severe cases (P < 0.001). Furthermore, this study identified a negative correlation between miR-200b-3p and ACE2 serum levels and between miR-214-3p and TMPRSS2 peripheral blood levels. Conclusions The above-mentioned findings suggest that miR-200b-3p and miR-214-3p might be potential biomarkers for disease severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Mortazavi
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Soltanshahi
- Department of Immunology, Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Tamaddon
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Circulating angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:12470-12483. [PMID: 36579082 PMCID: PMC9791519 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i34.12470] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a widespread outbreak since December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 infection-related illness has been dubbed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. Asymptomatic and subclinical infections, a severe hyper-inflammatory state, and mortality are all examples of clinical signs. After attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter cells through membrane fusion and endocytosis. In addition to enabling viruses to cling to target cells, the connection between the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 may potentially impair the functionality of ACE2. Blood pressure is controlled by ACE2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the active vasoconstrictor octapeptide angiotensin (Ang) II to the heptapeptide Ang-(1-7) and free L-Phe. Additionally, Ang I can be broken down by ACE2 into Ang-(1-9) and metabolized into Ang-(1-7). Numerous studies have demonstrated that circulating ACE2 (cACE2) and Ang-(1-7) have the ability to restore myocardial damage in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cardiomyocyte fibrosis actions. There have been some suggestions for raising ACE2 expression in COVID-19 patients, which might be used as a target for the creation of novel treatment therapies. With regard to this, SARS-CoV-2 is neutralized by soluble recombinant human ACE2 (hrsACE2), which binds the viral S-protein and reduces damage to a variety of organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs, by lowering Ang II concentrations and enhancing conversion to Ang-(1-7). This review aims to investigate how the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and cACE2 are related. Additionally, there will be discussion of a number of potential therapeutic approaches to tip the ACE/ACE-2 balance in favor of the ACE-2/Ang-(1-7) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pathomthep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
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Mortazavi-Jahromi SS, Aslani M. Dysregulated miRNAs network in the critical COVID-19: An important clue for uncontrolled immunothrombosis/thromboinflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109040. [PMID: 35839566 PMCID: PMC9271492 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Known as a pivotal immunohemostatic response, immunothrombosis is activated to restrict the diffusion of pathogens. This beneficial intravascular defensive mechanism represents the close interaction between the immune and coagulation systems. However, its uncontrolled form can be life-threatening to patients with the critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hyperinflammation and ensuing cytokine storm underlie the activation of the coagulation system, something which results in the provocation of more immune-inflammatory responses by the thrombotic mediators. This vicious cycle causes grave clinical complications and higher risks of mortality. Classified as an evolutionarily conserved family of the small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) serve as the fine-tuners of genes expression and play a key role in balancing the pro/anticoagulant and pro-/anti-inflammatory factors maintaining homeostasis. Therefore, any deviation from their optimal expression levels or efficient functions can lead to severe complications. Despite their extensive effects on the molecules and processes involved in uncontrolled immunothrombosis, some genetic agents and uncontrolled immunothrombosis-induced interfering factors (e.g., miRNA-single nucleotide polymorphysms (miR-SNPs), the complement system components, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)) have apparently disrupted their expressions/functions. This review study aims to give an overview of the role of miRNAs in the context of uncontrolled immunothrombosis/thromboinflammation accompanied by some presumptive interfering factors affecting their expressions/functions in the critical COVID-19. Detecting, monitoring, and resolving these interfering agents mafy facilitate the design and development of the novel miRNAs-based therapeutic approaches to the reduction of complications incidence and mortality in patients with the critical COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Shahabeddin Mortazavi-Jahromi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran.
| | - Mona Aslani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bueno LCM, Paim LR, Minin EOZ, da Silva LM, Mendes PR, Kiyota TA, Schreiber AZ, Bombassaro B, Mansour E, Moretti ML, Chow JTS, Salmena L, Coelho-Filho OR, Velloso LA, Nadruz W, Schreiber R. Increased Serum Mir-150-3p Expression Is Associated with Radiological Lung Injury Improvement in Patients with COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071363. [PMID: 35891345 PMCID: PMC9323362 DOI: 10.3390/v14071363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for an atypical pneumonia that can progress to acute lung injury. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that control specific genes and pathways. This study evaluated the association between circulating miRNAs and lung injury associated with COVID-19. Methods: We evaluated lung injury by computed tomography at hospital admission and discharge and the serum expression of 754 miRNAs using the TaqMan OpenArray after hospital discharge in 27 patients with COVID-19. In addition, miR-150-3p was validated by qRT-PCR on serum samples collected at admission and after hospital discharge. Results: OpenArray analysis revealed that seven miRNAs were differentially expressed between groups of patients without radiological lung improvement compared to those with lung improvement at hospital discharge, with three miRNAs being upregulated (miR-548c-3p, miR-212-3p, and miR-548a-3p) and four downregulated (miR-191-5p, miR-151a-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-150-3p). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that five of these miRNAs had binding sites in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Validation of miR-150-3p by qRT-PCR confirmed the OpenArray results. Conclusions: The present study shows the potential association between the serum expression of seven miRNAs and lung injury in patients with COVID-19. Furthermore, increased expression of miR-150 was associated with pulmonary improvement at hospital discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa C. M. Bueno
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Layde R. Paim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Eduarda O. Z. Minin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Luís Miguel da Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Paulo R. Mendes
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Tatiana A. Kiyota
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Angelica Z. Schreiber
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil;
| | - Bruna Bombassaro
- Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-864, SP, Brazil;
| | - Eli Mansour
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Maria Luiza Moretti
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Jonathan Tak-Sum Chow
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (J.T.-S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Leonardo Salmena
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (J.T.-S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Otavio R. Coelho-Filho
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Licio A. Velloso
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (J.T.-S.C.); (L.S.)
| | - Wilson Nadruz
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
| | - Roberto Schreiber
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-887, SP, Brazil; (L.C.M.B.); (L.R.P.); (E.O.Z.M.); (L.M.d.S.); (P.R.M.); (T.A.K.); (E.M.); (M.L.M.); (O.R.C.-F.); (L.A.V.); (W.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Ahmed JQ, Maulud SQ, Dhawan M, Priyanka, Choudhary OP, Jalal PJ, Ali RK, Tayib GA, Hasan DA. MicroRNAs in the development of potential therapeutic targets against COVID-19: A narrative review. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:788-799. [PMID: 35751930 PMCID: PMC9221922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the therapeutic regimens against the COVID-19 remain scarce, the microRNAs (miRNAs) can be exploited to generate efficient therapeutic targets. The miRNAs have been found to play pivotal roles in the several regulatory functions influencing the prognosis of viral infection. The miRNAs have a prospective role in the up and down regulation of the ACE2 receptors. This review examines the clinical applications, as well as the possible threats associated with the use of miRNAs to combat the deleterious consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methodology This article was compiled to evaluate how the miRNAs are involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and infection, and their potential functions which could help in the development of therapeutic targets against the COVID-19. The sources of the collected information include the several journals, databases and scientific search engines such as the Google scholar, Pubmed, Science direct, official website of WHO, among the other sites. The investigations on the online platform were conducted using the keywords miRNA biogenesis, miRNA and ACE2 interaction, therapeutic role of miRNAs against SARS-CoV-2 and miRNA therapy side effects. Results This review has highlighted that the miRNAs can be exploited to generate potential therapeutic targets against the COVID-19. Changes in the miRNA levels following viral replication are an essential component of the host response to infection. The collection and modification of miRNA modulates may help to minimize the deleterious consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as by controlling or inhibiting the generation of cytokines and chemokines. The degradation of viral RNA by the cellular miRNAs, along with the reduced expression of ACE2 receptors, can substantially reduce the viral load. Specific miRNAs have been found to have an antiviral influence, allowing the immune system to combat the infection or forcing the virus into a latency stage. Conclusion This review summarizes several studies revealing the involvement of miRNAs in diverse and complex processes during the infection process of SARS-CoV-2. The miRNAs can substantially reduce the viral load by degradation of viral RNA and reduced expression of ACE2 receptors, besides mitigating the deleterious consequences of the exaggerated secretion of cytokines. Extensive investigations need to be done by the scientific community to utilize the miRNA based strategies for the development of effective therapeutic targets against the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jivan Qasim Ahmed
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Sazan Qadir Maulud
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Manish Dhawan
- Department of Microbiology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004 Punjab, India; Trafford College, Altrincham, Manchester, WA14 5PQ, UK
| | - Priyanka
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Rampura Phul, Bathinda 151103, Punjab, India.
| | - Om Prakash Choudhary
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University (I), Selesih, Aizawl, 796015, Mizoram, India.
| | - Paywast Jamal Jalal
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Rezhna Kheder Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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