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Antwi I, Watkins D, Pedawi A, Ghrayeb A, Van de Vuurst C, Cory TJ. Substances of abuse and their effect on SAR-CoV-2 pathogenesis. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:301-316. [PMID: 38013836 PMCID: PMC10474379 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, various reports suggest that there has been a significant increase in substance abuse due to social distancing and related issues. Several reports have suggested the impact of chronic substance use on individuals' physiological and psychological health. Therefore, there is a need to know the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on persons with substance use disorders. Individuals with substance use disorders are the most vulnerable groups and are at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their already existing health issues associated with substance use. This review discusses some of the molecular and systemic/organic effects chronic substance use such as alcohol, nicotine, marijuana (cannabis), opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine have on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and its potential cause for worsened disease outcomes in persons with substance use disorder. This will provide healthcare providers, public health policies, and researchers with the needed knowledge to address some of the many challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate treatment strategies for persons with substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Antwi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Destiny Watkins
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alahn Pedawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Atheel Ghrayeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christine Van de Vuurst
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Theodore J. Cory
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Nicotine in Combination with SARS-CoV-2 Affects Cells Viability, Inflammatory Response and Ultrastructural Integrity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169488. [PMID: 36012747 PMCID: PMC9409480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169488] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of our study are to: (i) investigate the ability of nicotine to modulate the expression level of inflammatory cytokines in A549 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2; (ii) elucidate the ultrastructural features caused by the combination nicotine+SARS-CoV-2; and (iii) demonstrate the mechanism of action. In this study, A549 cells pretreated with nicotine were either exposed to LPS or poly(I:C), or infected with SARS-CoV-2. Treated and untreated cells were analyzed for cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and ultrastructural modifications. Vero E6 cells were used as a positive reference. Cells pretreated with nicotine showed a decrease of IL6 and TNFα in A549 cells induced by LPS or poly(I:C). In contrast, cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2 showed a high increase of IL6, IL8, IL10 and TNFα, high cytopathic effects that were dose- and time-dependent, and profound ultrastructural modifications. These modifications were characterized by membrane ruptures and fragmentation, the swelling of cytosol and mitochondria, the release of cytoplasmic content in extracellular spaces (including osmiophilic granules), the fragmentation of endoplasmic reticulum, and chromatin disorganization. Nicotine increased SARS-CoV-2 cytopathic effects, elevating the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and inducing severe cellular damage, with features resembling pyroptosis and necroptosis. The protective role of nicotine in COVID-19 is definitively ruled out.
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Zheng F, Lian E, Ramirez G, McAlister C, Zhou S, Zhang W, Liu C, Perera R, Zhan CG. Nicotine has no significant cytoprotective activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272941. [PMID: 35980910 PMCID: PMC9387791 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272941] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
When coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a pandemic, one of most important questions was whether people who smoke are at more risk of COVID-19 infection. A number of clinical data have been reported in the literature so far, but controversy exists in the collection and interpretation of the data. Particularly, there is a controversial hypothesis that nicotine might be able to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, motivated by the reported controversial clinical data and the controversial hypothesis, we carried out cytotoxicity assays in Vero E6 cells to examine the potential cytoprotective activity of nicotine against SARS-CoV-2 infection and demonstrated for the first time that nicotine had no significant cytoprotective activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Elena Lian
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Gaby Ramirez
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Carley McAlister
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Chunming Liu
- Lucille Parker Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Rushika Perera
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Le Guen CL, Muir KC, Simons M, Coffman DL, Soans RS. The Impact of Smoking Status and Smoking-Related Comorbidities on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patient Outcomes: A Causal Mediation Analysis. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 25:331-338. [PMID: 35952390 PMCID: PMC9384707 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac193] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking history is a known risk factor for significant chronic diseases as well as pulmonary infections; however, the impact of smoking status on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes has not been conclusively characterized. This study aims to evaluate the association of smoking status on COVID-19 outcomes, and to explore the mechanism by which smoking and smoking-related comorbidities relate to COVID-19 outcomes. AIMS AND METHODS Patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection from November 2020 through January 2021 were included in this study. Causal mediation models investigating the associations between smoking status and the outcomes of mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, advanced respiratory support, mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay, and hospital length of stay, through mediation via smoking-related comorbidities, were examined. RESULTS Active smokers did not experience worse COVID-19 outcomes once hospitalized. Former smokers had a higher odds of mortality (total effect OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.38, p = .01; indirect effect OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.93, p < .001), and advanced respiratory support (total effect OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.67, p = .02; indirect effect OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.54, p = .02), which were mediated by smoking-related comorbidities. While there was a nonsignificant increase in the total effect for mechanical ventilation, smoking-related comorbidities were significant mediators for their increased need (total effect OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.92 to 2.14, p = .13; indirect effect OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.87, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Although active smokers did not experience worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to never smokers, these results should be interpreted with caution. Compared to never smokers, former smokers had greater odds of mortality, advanced respiratory support, and mechanical ventilation which was significantly mediated through smoking-related comorbidities. IMPLICATIONS Previous studies have linked smoking status with worse COVID-19 outcomes, and have inferred that smoking-related comorbidities may play a role in these findings. This causal mediation analysis provides statistical evidence supporting this hypothesis, clarifying the risk that smoking-related comorbidities impart on COVID-19 outcomes in those with a smoking history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Le Guen
- Corresponding author information: Claire Le Guen, MD Temple University Hospital 3401 North Broad Street Parkinson Pavilion 4th Floor Suite 410, Philadelphia, PA 19140 Ph: +001 267-858-9932
| | | | | | - Donna L Coffman
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Temple University
| | - Rohit S Soans
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University,Department of Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Temple University Hospital
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COVID-19 in Joint Ageing and Osteoarthritis: Current Status and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020720. [PMID: 35054906 PMCID: PMC8775477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a trending topic worldwide due to its immense impact on society. Recent trends have shifted from acute effects towards the long-term morbidity of COVID-19. In this review, we hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 contributes to age-related perturbations in endothelial and adipose tissue, which are known to characterize the early aging process. This would explain the long-lasting symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 as the result of an accelerated aging process. Connective tissues such as adipose tissue and musculoskeletal tissue are the primary sites of aging. Therefore, current literature was analyzed focusing on the musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Hypovitaminosis D, increased fragility, and calcium deficiency point towards bone aging, while joint and muscle pain are typical for joint and muscle aging, respectively. These characteristics could be classified as early osteoarthritis-like phenotype. Exploration of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and osteoarthritis on endothelial and adipose tissue, as well as neuronal function, showed similar perturbations. At a molecular level, this could be attributed to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression, renin-angiotensin system dysfunction, and inflammation. Finally, the influence of the nicotinic cholinergic system is being evaluated as a new treatment strategy. This is combined with the current knowledge of musculoskeletal aging to pave the road towards the treatment of long-term COVID-19.
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Dormoy V, Perotin JM, Gosset P, Maskos U, Polette M, Deslée G. Nicotinic receptors as SARS-CoV-2 spike co-receptors? Med Hypotheses 2021; 158:110741. [PMID: 34924680 PMCID: PMC8669939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2021.110741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play an important role in homeostasis and respiratory diseases. Controversies regarding the association between COVID-19 hospitalizations and smoking suggest that nAChRs may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 respiratory syndrome. We recently detailed the expression and localization of all nAChR subunits in the human lung. Since virus association with nAChRs has been shown in the past, we hypothesize that nAChR subunits act as SARS-CoV-2 Spike co-receptors. Based on sequence alignment analysis, we report domains of high molecular similarities in nAChRs with the binding domain of hACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. This hypothesis supported by in silico pilot data provides a rational for the modelling and the in vitro experimental validation of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérian Dormoy
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Jeanne-Marie Perotin
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France.,CHU of Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Department of Respiratory Diseases, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Philippe Gosset
- University of Lille, CNRS UMR8204, Inserm U1019, CHRU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Institut Pasteur Paris, Université de Paris, Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic Systems, CNRS, UMR 3571, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Polette
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France.,CHU Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Department of Biopathology, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Gaëtan Deslée
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Inserm, P3Cell UMR-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51092 Reims, France.,CHU of Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Department of Respiratory Diseases, 51092 Reims, France
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Hollenhorst MI, Krasteva-Christ G. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Respiratory Tract. Molecules 2021; 26:6097. [PMID: 34684676 PMCID: PMC8539672 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are widely distributed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, where they play diverse physiological roles. In this review, we highlight the recent findings regarding the role of nAChR in the respiratory tract with a special focus on the involvement of nAChR in the regulation of multiple processes in health and disease. We discuss the role of nAChR in mucociliary clearance, inflammation, and infection and in airway diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. The subtype diversity of nAChR enables differential regulation, making them a suitable pharmaceutical target in many diseases. The stimulation of the α3β4 nAChR could be beneficial in diseases accompanied by impaired mucociliary clearance, and the anti-inflammatory effect due to an α7 nAChR stimulation could alleviate symptoms in diseases with chronic inflammation such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, while the inhibition of the α5 nAChR could potentially be applied in non-small cell lung cancer treatment. However, while clinical studies targeting nAChR in the airways are still lacking, we suggest that more detailed research into this topic and possible pharmaceutical applications could represent a valuable tool to alleviate the symptoms of diverse airway diseases.
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Bychkov ML, Shulepko MA, Shlepova OV, Kulbatskii DS, Chulina IA, Paramonov AS, Baidakova LK, Azev VN, Koshelev SG, Kirpichnikov MP, Shenkarev ZO, Lyukmanova EN. SLURP-1 Controls Growth and Migration of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells, Forming a Complex With α7-nAChR and PDGFR/EGFR Heterodimer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:739391. [PMID: 34595181 PMCID: PMC8476798 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.739391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted Ly6/uPAR-related protein 1 (SLURP-1) is a secreted Ly6/uPAR protein that negatively modulates the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of α7 type (α7-nAChR), participating in control of cancer cell growth. Previously we showed, that a recombinant analogue of human SLURP-1 (rSLURP-1) diminishes the lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell proliferation and abolishes the nicotine-induced growth stimulation. Here, using multiplex immunoassay, we demonstrated a decrease in PTEN and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase phosphorylation in A549 cells upon the rSLURP-1 treatment pointing on down-regulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Decreased phosphorylation of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor type β (PDGFRβ) and arrest of the A549 cell cycle in the S and G2/M phases without apoptosis induction was also observed. Using a scratch migration assay, inhibition of A549 cell migration under the rSLURP-1 treatment was found. Affinity extraction demonstrated that rSLURP-1 in A549 cells forms a complex not only with α7-nAChR, but also with PDGFRα and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which are known to be involved in regulation of cancer cell growth and migration and are able to form a heterodimer. Knock-down of the genes encoding α7-nAChR, PDGFRα, and EGFR confirmed the involvement of these receptors in the anti-migration effect of SLURP-1. Thus, SLURP-1 can target the α7-nAChR complexes with PDGFRα and EGFR in the membrane of epithelial cells. Using chimeric proteins with grafted SLURP-1 loops we demonstrated that loop I is the principal active site responsible for the SLURP-1 interaction with α7-nAChR and its antiproliferative effect. Synthetic peptide mimicking the loop I cyclized by a disulfide bond inhibited ACh-evoked current at α7-nAChR, as well as A549 cell proliferation and migration. This synthetic peptide represents a promising prototype of new antitumor drug with the properties close to that of the native SLURP-1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim L. Bychkov
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Shulepko
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Shlepova
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Dmitrii S. Kulbatskii
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina A. Chulina
- Group of Peptide Chemistry, Branch of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Alexander S. Paramonov
- Department of Structural Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ludmila K. Baidakova
- Group of Peptide Chemistry, Branch of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Viatcheslav N. Azev
- Group of Peptide Chemistry, Branch of Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Sergey G. Koshelev
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Zakhar O. Shenkarev
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Department of Structural Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina N. Lyukmanova
- Bioengineering Department, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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Lunardi F, Fortarezza F, Vedovelli L, Pezzuto F, Boscolo A, Rossato M, Vettor R, Cattelan AM, Del Vecchio C, Crisanti A, Navalesi P, Gregori D, Calabrese F. Lower Gene Expression of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 Receptor in Lung Tissues of Smokers with COVID-19 Pneumonia. Biomolecules 2021; 11:796. [PMID: 34073591 PMCID: PMC8226817 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) is the main cell entry receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), thus playing a critical role in causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The role of smoking habit in the susceptibility to infection is still controversial. In this study we correlated lung ACE-2 gene expression with several clinical/pathological data to explore susceptibility to infection. This is a retrospective observational study on 29 consecutive COVID-19 autopsies. SARS-CoV-2 genome and ACE-2 mRNA expression were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in lung tissue samples and correlated with several data with focus on smoking habit. Smoking was less frequent in high than low ACE-2 expressors (p = 0.014). A Bayesian regression also including age, gender, hypertension, and virus quantity confirmed that smoking was the most probable risk factor associated with low ACE-2 expression in the model. A direct relation was found between viral quantity and ACE-2 expression (p = 0.028). Finally, high ACE-2 expressors more frequently showed a prevalent pattern of vascular injury than low expressors (p = 0.049). In conclusion, ACE-2 levels were decreased in the lung tissue of smokers with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. These results point out complex biological interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE-2 particularly concerning the aspect of smoking habit and need larger prospective case series and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lunardi
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (F.F.); (L.V.); (F.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Francesco Fortarezza
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (F.F.); (L.V.); (F.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Luca Vedovelli
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (F.F.); (L.V.); (F.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Federica Pezzuto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (F.F.); (L.V.); (F.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Annalisa Boscolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.); (R.V.); (A.M.C.); (P.N.)
| | - Marco Rossato
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.); (R.V.); (A.M.C.); (P.N.)
| | - Roberto Vettor
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.); (R.V.); (A.M.C.); (P.N.)
| | - Anna Maria Cattelan
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.); (R.V.); (A.M.C.); (P.N.)
| | - Claudia Del Vecchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.D.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.D.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Paolo Navalesi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (M.R.); (R.V.); (A.M.C.); (P.N.)
| | - Dario Gregori
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (F.F.); (L.V.); (F.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Fiorella Calabrese
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.L.); (F.F.); (L.V.); (F.P.); (D.G.)
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Maggi F, Rosellini A, Spezia PG, Focosi D, Macera L, Lai M, Pistello M, de Iure A, Tomino C, Bonassi S, Russo P. Nicotine upregulates ACE2 expression and increases competence for SARS-CoV-2 in human pneumocytes. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00713-2020. [PMID: 33850935 PMCID: PMC7942220 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00713-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a variable degree of severity according to underlying comorbidities and life-style. Several research groups have reported an association between cigarette smoking and increased severity of COVID-19. The exact mechanism of action is largely unclear. We exposed low angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-expressing human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 epithelial cells to nicotine and assessed ACE2 expression at different times. We further used the nicotine-exposed cells in a virus neutralisation assay. Nicotine exposure induces rapid and long-lasting increases in gene and protein expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) receptor ACE2, which in turn translates into increased competence for SARS-CoV-2 replication and cytopathic effect. These findings show that nicotine worsens SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection and have implications for public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Maggi
- Dept of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, ASST dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lisa Macera
- Virology Division, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Dept of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Lai
- Dept of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Pistello
- Virology Division, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
- Dept of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio de Iure
- Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Tomino
- Scientific Direction, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Bonassi
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Dept of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Russo
- Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
- Dept of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
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Anderson G, Carbone A, Mazzoccoli G. Tryptophan Metabolites and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041597. [PMID: 33562472 PMCID: PMC7915649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of tryptophan is intimately associated with the differential regulation of diverse physiological processes, including in the regulation of responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that underpins the COVID-19 pandemic. Two important products of tryptophan metabolism, viz kynurenine and interleukin (IL)4-inducible1 (IL41)-driven indole 3 pyruvate (I3P), activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), thereby altering the nature of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. AhR activation dysregulates the initial pro-inflammatory cytokines production driven by neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells, whilst AhR activation suppresses the endogenous antiviral responses of natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells. Such immune responses become further dysregulated by the increased and prolonged pro-inflammatory cytokine suppression of pineal melatonin production coupled to increased gut dysbiosis and gut permeability. The suppression of pineal melatonin and gut microbiome-derived butyrate, coupled to an increase in circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) further dysregulates the immune response. The AhR mediates its effects via alterations in the regulation of mitochondrial function in immune cells. The increased risk of severe/fatal SARS-CoV-2 infection by high risk conditions, such as elderly age, obesity, and diabetes are mediated by these conditions having expression levels of melatonin, AhR, butyrate, and LPS that are closer to those driven by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This has a number of future research and treatment implications, including the utilization of melatonin and nutraceuticals that inhibit the AhR, including the polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and resveratrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PX, UK
| | - Annalucia Carbone
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Mazzoccoli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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