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Huang W, Chen X, Yin M, Li J, Luo M, Ai Y, Xie L, Li W, Liu Y, Xie X, Chen Y, Zhang X, He J. Protection effects of mice liver and lung injury induced by coronavirus infection of Qingfei Paidu decoction involve inhibition of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117512. [PMID: 38040130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a grave and pervasive global infectious malady brought about by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), posing a significant menace to human well-being. Qingfei Paidu decoction (QFPD) represents a pioneering formulation derived from four classical Chinese medicine prescriptions. Substantiated evidence attests to its efficacy in alleviating clinical manifestations, mitigating the incidence of severe and critical conditions, and reducing mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to investigate the protection effects of QFPD in mice afflicted with a coronavirus infection, with a particular focus on determining whether its mechanism involves the NLRP3 signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS The coronavirus mice model was established through intranasal infection of Kunming mice with Hepatic Mouse Virus A59 (MHV-A59). In the dose-effect experiment, normal saline, ribavirin (80 mg/kg), or QFPD (5, 10, 20 g/kg) were administered to the mice 2 h following MHV-A59 infection. In the time-effect experiment, normal saline or QFPD (20 g/kg) was administered to mice 2 h post MHV-A59 infection. Following the assessment of mouse body weights, food consumption, and water intake, intragastric administration was conducted once daily at consistent intervals over a span of 5 days. The impact of QFPD on pathological alterations in the livers and lungs of MHV-A59-infected mice was evaluated through H&E staining. The viral loads of MHV-A59 in both the liver and lung were determined using qPCR. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the NLRP3 pathway in the liver and lung were assessed through qPCR, Western Blot analysis, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The administration of QFPD was shown to ameliorate the reduced weight gain, decline in food consumption, and diminished water intake, all of which were repercussions of MHV-A59 infection in mice. QFPD treatment exhibited notable efficacy in safeguarding tissue integrity. The extent of hepatic and pulmonary injury, when coupled with QFPD treatment, demonstrated not only a reduction with higher treatment dosages but also a decline with prolonged treatment duration. In the dose-effect experiment, there was a notable, dose-dependent reduction in the viral loads, as well as the expression levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase 1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, and NF-κB within the liver of the QFPD-treated groups. Additionally, in the time-effects experiments, the viral loads and the expression levels of genes and proteins linked to the NLRP3 pathway were consistently lower in the QFPD-treated groups compared with the model control groups, particularly during the periods when their expressions reached their zenith in the model group. Notably, IL-18 showed only a modest elevation relative to the blank control group following QFPD treatment. CONCLUSIONS To sum up, our current study demonstrated that QFPD treatment has the capacity to alleviate infection-related symptoms, mitigate tissue damage in infected organs, and suppress viral replication in coronavirus-infected mice. The protective attributes of QFPD in coronavirus-infected mice are plausibly associated with its modulation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. We further infer that QFPD holds substantial promise in the context of coronavirus infection therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguan Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuyun Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingyu Yin
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junlin Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minyi Luo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Ai
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Xie
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wanxi Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yatian Liu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Xie
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Animal Experiment Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Rehabilitation. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyang He
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Sikes-Keilp C, Rubinow DR. GABA-ergic Modulators: New Therapeutic Approaches to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:679-693. [PMID: 37542704 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by the predictable onset of mood and physical symptoms secondary to gonadal steroid fluctuation during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although menstrual-related affective dysfunction is responsible for considerable functional impairment and reduction in quality of life worldwide, currently approved treatments for PMDD are suboptimal in their effectiveness. Research over the past two decades has suggested that the interaction between allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid derivative of progesterone, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system represents an important relationship underlying symptom genesis in reproductive-related mood disorders, including PMDD. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the plausible link between changes in GABAergic transmission secondary to the fluctuation of allopregnanolone during the luteal phase and mood impairment in susceptible individuals. As part of this discussion, we explore promising findings from early clinical trials of several compounds that stabilize allopregnanolone signaling during the luteal phase, including dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; isoallopregnanolone, a GABA-A modulating steroid antagonist; and ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator. We then reflect on the implications of these therapeutic advances, including how they may promote our knowledge of affective regulation more generally. We conclude that these and other studies of PMDD may yield critical insight into the etiopathogenesis of affective disorders, considering that (1) symptoms in PMDD have a predictable onset and offset, allowing for examination of affective state kinetics, and (2) GABAergic interventions in PMDD can be used to better understand the relationship between mood states, network regulation, and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Sikes-Keilp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
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Ramamoorthy R, Hussain H, Ravelo N, Sriramajayam K, Di Gregorio DM, Paulrasu K, Chen P, Young K, Masciarella AD, Jayakumar AR, Paidas MJ. Kidney Damage in Long COVID: Studies in Experimental Mice. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1070. [PMID: 37626956 PMCID: PMC10452084 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Signs and symptoms involving multiple organ systems which persist for weeks or months to years after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection (also known as PASC or long COVID) are common complications of individuals with COVID-19. We recently reported pathophysiological changes in various organs post-acute infection of mice with mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1, a coronavirus) (7 days) and after long-term post-infection (12 months). One of the organs severely affected in this animal model is the kidney, which correlated well with human studies showing kidney injury post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our long-term post-infection pathological observation in kidneys includes the development of edema and inflammation of the renal parenchyma, severe acute tubular necrosis, and infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes, in addition to changes observed in both acute and long-term post-infection, which include tubular epithelial cell degenerative changes, peritubular vessel congestion, proximal and distal tubular necrosis, hemorrhage in the interstitial tissue, and vacuolation of renal tubules. These findings strongly suggest the possible development of renal fibrosis, in particular in the long-term post-infection. Accordingly, we investigated whether the signaling system that is known to initiate the above-mentioned changes in kidneys in other conditions is also activated in long-term post-MHV-1 infection. We found increased TGF-β1, FGF23, NGAL, IL-18, HIF1-α, TLR2, YKL-40, and B2M mRNA levels in long-term post-MHV-1 infection, but not EGFR, TNFR1, BCL3, and WFDC2. However, only neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) increased in acute infection (7 days). Immunoblot studies showed an elevation in protein levels of HIF1-α, TLR-2, and EGFR in long-term post-MHV-1 infection, while KIM-1 and MMP-7 protein levels are increased in acute infection. Treatment with a synthetic peptide, SPIKENET (SPK), which inhibits spike protein binding, reduced NGAL mRNA in acute infection, and decreased TGF-β1, BCL3 mRNA, EGFR, HIF1-α, and TLR-2 protein levels long-term post-MHV-1 infection. These findings suggest that fibrotic events may initiate early in SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to pronounced kidney fibrosis in long COVID. Targeting these factors therapeutically may prevent acute or long-COVID-associated kidney complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajalakshmi Ramamoorthy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Hussain Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA;
| | - Natalia Ravelo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Kannappan Sriramajayam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Dibe M. Di Gregorio
- University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA;
| | - Kodisundaram Paulrasu
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Pingping Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.C.); (K.Y.)
| | - Karen Young
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (P.C.); (K.Y.)
| | | | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (R.R.); (N.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Huang D, Alexander PB, Li QJ, Wang XF. GABAergic signaling beyond synapses: an emerging target for cancer therapy. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:403-412. [PMID: 36114091 PMCID: PMC10008753 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is best known for its role as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter reducing neuronal excitability in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), thereby producing calming effects. However, an emerging body of data now supports a function for GABA beyond neurotransmission as a potent factor regulating cancer cell growth and metastasis, as well as the antitumor immune response, by shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the current knowledge on GABA's effects on the function of tumor cells, tumor-immune interactions, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Since altered GABAergic signaling is now recognized as a feature of certain types of solid tumors, we also discuss the potential of repurposing existing GABAergic agents as a new class of anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter B Alexander
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Qi-Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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The GABA and GABA-Receptor System in Inflammation, Anti-Tumor Immune Responses, and COVID-19. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020254. [PMID: 36830790 PMCID: PMC9953446 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA and GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) play major roles in neurodevelopment and neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). There has been a growing appreciation that GABAA-Rs are also present on most immune cells. Studies in the fields of autoimmune disease, cancer, parasitology, and virology have observed that GABA-R ligands have anti-inflammatory actions on T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), while also enhancing regulatory T cell (Treg) responses and shifting APCs toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes. These actions have enabled GABAA-R ligands to ameliorate autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated inflammation in preclinical models. Conversely, antagonism of GABAA-R activity promotes the pro-inflammatory responses of T cells and APCs, enhancing anti-tumor responses and reducing tumor burden in models of solid tumors. Lung epithelial cells also express GABA-Rs, whose activation helps maintain fluid homeostasis and promote recovery from injury. The ability of GABAA-R agonists to limit both excessive immune responses and lung epithelial cell injury may underlie recent findings that GABAA-R agonists reduce the severity of disease in mice infected with highly lethal coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1). These observations suggest that GABAA-R agonists may provide off-the-shelf therapies for COVID-19 caused by new SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as novel beta-coronaviruses, which evade vaccine-induced immune responses and antiviral medications. We review these findings and further advance the notions that (1) immune cells possess GABAA-Rs to limit inflammation in the CNS, and (2) this natural "braking system" on inflammatory responses may be pharmacologically engaged to slow the progression of autoimmune diseases, reduce the severity of COVID-19, and perhaps limit neuroinflammation associated with long COVID.
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Gain C, Song S, Angtuaco T, Satta S, Kelesidis T. The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of infections with coronaviruses. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1111930. [PMID: 36713204 PMCID: PMC9880066 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1111930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses can cause serious respiratory tract infections and may also impact other end organs such as the central nervous system, the lung and the heart. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on humanity. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of coronavirus infections, will set the foundation for development of new treatments to attenuate the impact of infections with coronaviruses on host cells and tissues. During infection of host cells, coronaviruses trigger an imbalance between increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced antioxidant host responses that leads to increased redox stress. Subsequently, increased redox stress contributes to reduced antiviral host responses and increased virus-induced inflammation and apoptosis that ultimately drive cell and tissue damage and end organ disease. However, there is limited understanding how different coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, manipulate cellular machinery that drives redox responses. This review aims to elucidate the redox mechanisms involved in the replication of coronaviruses and associated inflammation, apoptotic pathways, autoimmunity, vascular dysfunction and tissue damage that collectively contribute to multiorgan damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Theodoros Kelesidis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Tian J, Dillion BJ, Henley J, Comai L, Kaufman DL. A GABA-receptor agonist reduces pneumonitis severity, viral load, and death rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007955. [PMID: 36389819 PMCID: PMC9640739 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA-receptors (GABA-Rs) form a major neurotransmitter system in the brain. GABA-Rs are also expressed by 1) cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and act to inhibit their inflammatory activities, and 2) lung epithelial cells and GABA-R agonists/potentiators have been observed to limit acute lung injuries. These biological properties suggest that GABA-R agonists may have potential for treating COVID-19. We previously reported that GABA-R agonist treatments protected mice from severe disease induced by infection with a lethal mouse coronavirus (MHV-1). Because MHV-1 targets different cellular receptors and is biologically distinct from SARS-CoV-2, we sought to test GABA therapy in K18-hACE2 mice which develop severe pneumonitis with high lethality following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We observed that GABA treatment initiated immediately after SARS-CoV-2 infection, or 2 days later near the peak of lung viral load, reduced pneumonitis severity and death rates in K18-hACE2 mice. GABA-treated mice had reduced lung viral loads and displayed shifts in their serum cytokine/chemokine levels that are associated with better outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Thus, GABA-R activation had multiple effects that are also desirable for the treatment of COVID-19. The protective effects of GABA against two very different beta coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1) suggest that it may provide a generalizable off-the-shelf therapy to help treat diseases induced by new SARS-CoV-2 variants and novel coronaviruses that evade immune responses and antiviral medications. GABA is inexpensive, safe for human use, and stable at room temperature, making it an attractive candidate for testing in clinical trials. We also discuss the potential of GABA-R agonists for limiting COVID-19-associated neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Barbara J. Dillion
- High Containment Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jill Henley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lucio Comai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Daniel L. Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Paidas MJ, Cosio DS, Ali S, Kenyon NS, Jayakumar AR. Long-Term Sequelae of COVID-19 in Experimental Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5970-5986. [PMID: 35831558 PMCID: PMC9281331 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported acute COVID-19 symptoms, clinical status, weight loss, multi-organ pathological changes, and animal death in a murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1) coronavirus mouse model of COVID-19, which were similar to that observed in humans with COVID-19. We further examined long-term (12 months post-infection) sequelae of COVID-19 in these mice. Congested blood vessels, perivascular cavitation, pericellular halos, vacuolation of neuropils, pyknotic nuclei, acute eosinophilic necrosis, necrotic neurons with fragmented nuclei, and vacuolation were observed in the brain cortex 12 months post-MHV-1 infection. These changes were associated with increased reactive astrocytes and microglia, hyperphosphorylated TDP-43 and tau, and a decrease in synaptic protein synaptophysin-1, suggesting the possible long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on defective neuronal integrity. The lungs showed severe inflammation, bronchiolar airway wall thickening due to fibrotic remodeling, bronchioles with increased numbers of goblet cells in the epithelial lining, and bronchiole walls with increased numbers of inflammatory cells. Hearts showed severe interstitial edema, vascular congestion and dilation, nucleated red blood cells (RBCs), RBCs infiltrating between degenerative myocardial fibers, inflammatory cells and apoptotic bodies and acute myocyte necrosis, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Long-term changes in the liver and kidney were less severe than those observed in the acute phase. Noteworthy, the treatment of infected mice with a small molecule synthetic peptide which prevents the binding of spike protein to its respective receptors significantly attenuated disease progression, as well as the pathological changes observed post-long-term infection. Collectively, these findings suggest that COVID-19 may result in long-term, irreversible changes predominantly in the brain, lung, and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Daniela S. Cosio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Saad Ali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Norma Sue Kenyon
- Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Engineering, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, Suite # 1154, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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Medicinal Herbs in the Relief of Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection A Literature Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121897. [PMID: 35741026 PMCID: PMC9220793 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection causes complications, even in people who have had a mild course of the disease. The most dangerous seem to be neurological ailments: anxiety, depression, mixed anxiety–depressive (MAD) syndromes, and irreversible dementia. These conditions can negatively affect the respiratory system, circulatory system, and heart functioning. We believe that phytotherapy can be helpful in all of these conditions. Clinical trials confirm this possibility. The work presents plant materials (Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Piper methysticum, Humulus lupulus, Ballota nigra, Hypericum perforatum, Rhodiola rosea, Lavandula officinalis, Paullinia cupana, Ginkgo biloba, Murraya koenigii, Crataegus monogyna and oxyacantha, Hedera helix, Polygala senega, Pelargonium sidoides, Lichen islandicus, Plantago lanceolata) and their dominant compounds (valeranon, valtrate, apigenin, citronellal, isovitexin, isoorientin, methysticin, humulone, farnesene, acteoside, hypericin, hyperforin, biapigenin, rosavidin, salidroside, linalool acetate, linalool, caffeine, ginkgolide, bilobalide, mihanimbine, epicatechin, hederacoside C,α-hederine, presegenin, umckalin, 6,7,8-trixydroxybenzopyranone disulfate, fumaroprotocetric acid, protolichesteric acid, aucubin, acteoside) responsible for their activity. It also shows the possibility of reducing post-COVID-19 neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications, which can affect the functioning of the nervous system.
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Abstract
Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, originated in China and quickly spread across the globe. Despite tremendous economic and healthcare devastation, research on this virus has contributed to a better understanding of numerous molecular pathways, including those involving γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), that will positively impact medical science, including neuropsychiatry, in the post-pandemic era. SARS-CoV-2 primarily enters the host cells through the renin–angiotensin system’s component named angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2). Among its many functions, this protein upregulates GABA, protecting not only the central nervous system but also the endothelia, the pancreas, and the gut microbiota. SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE-2 usurps the neuronal and non-neuronal GABAergic systems, contributing to the high comorbidity of neuropsychiatric illness with gut dysbiosis and endothelial and metabolic dysfunctions. In this perspective article, we take a closer look at the pathology emerging from the viral hijacking of non-neuronal GABA and summarize potential interventions for restoring these systems.
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Paidas MJ, Sampath N, Schindler EA, Cosio DS, Ndubizu CO, Shamaladevi N, Kwal J, Rodriguez S, Ahmad A, Kenyon NS, Jayakumar AR. Mechanism of Multi-Organ Injury in Experimental COVID-19 and Its Inhibition by a Small Molecule Peptide. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:864798. [PMID: 35712703 PMCID: PMC9196045 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.864798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection often progresses to multi-organ failure and results in an increased mortality rate amongst these patients. However, underlying mechanisms of SARS- CoV-2-induced multi-organ failure and subsequent death are still largely unknown. Cytokine storm, increased levels of inflammatory mediators, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation abnormalities, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the organs contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID-19. One potential consequence of immune/inflammatory events is the acute progression of generalized edema, which may lead to death. We, therefore, examined the involvement of water channels in the development of edema in multiple organs and their contribution to organ dysfunction in a Murine Hepatitis Virus-1 (MHV-1) mouse model of COVID-19. Using this model, we recently reported multi-organ pathological abnormalities and animal death similar to that reported in humans with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We now identified an alteration in protein levels of AQPs 1, 4, 5, and 8 and associated oxidative stress, along with various degrees of tissue edema in multiple organs, which correlate well with animal survival post-MHV-1 infection. Furthermore, our newly created drug (a 15 amino acid synthetic peptide, known as SPIKENET) that was designed to prevent the binding of spike glycoproteins with their receptor(s), angiotensin- converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1, respectively), ameliorated animal death and reversed altered levels of AQPs and oxidative stress post-MHV-1 infection. Collectively, our findings suggest the possible involvement of altered aquaporins and the subsequent edema, likely mediated by the virus-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress response, in the pathogenesis of COVID- 19 and the potential of SPIKENET as a therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael J. Paidas, ; Arumugam R. Jayakumar,
| | - Natarajan Sampath
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Emma A. Schindler
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Daniela S. Cosio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Chima Obianuju Ndubizu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Jaclyn Kwal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Suset Rodriguez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Anis Ahmad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Norma Sue Kenyon
- Microbiology & Immunology and Biomedical Engineering, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael J. Paidas, ; Arumugam R. Jayakumar,
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Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-induced pneumonia with NAD + and NMN in two mouse models. Cell Discov 2022; 8:38. [PMID: 35487885 PMCID: PMC9053567 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00409-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global COVID-19 epidemic has spread rapidly around the world and caused the death of more than 5 million people. It is urgent to develop effective strategies to treat COVID-19 patients. Here, we revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in the dysregulation of genes associated with NAD+ metabolism, immune response, and cell death in mice, similar to that in COVID-19 patients. We therefore investigated the effect of treatment with NAD+ and its intermediate (NMN) and found that the pneumonia phenotypes, including excessive inflammatory cell infiltration, hemolysis, and embolization in SARS-CoV-2-infected lungs were significantly rescued. Cell death was suppressed substantially by NAD+ and NMN supplementation. More strikingly, NMN supplementation can protect 30% of aged mice infected with the lethal mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 from death. Mechanically, we found that NAD+ or NMN supplementation partially rescued the disturbed gene expression and metabolism caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, our in vivo mouse study supports trials for treating COVID-19 patients by targeting the NAD+ pathway.
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Li Y, Gao J, Xue L, Shang Y, Cai W, Xie X, Jiang T, Chen H, Zhang J, Wang J, Chen M, Ding Y, Wu Q. Determination of Antiviral Mechanism of Centenarian Gut-Derived Limosilactobacillus fermentum Against Norovirus. Front Nutr 2022; 9:812623. [PMID: 35419394 PMCID: PMC8997286 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.812623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although noroviruses are the causative agents of most non-bacterial foodborne disease outbreaks, effective antivirals are currently unavailable. Certain probiotic strains have been reported as active antivirals for norovirus infections, but their mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Herein, we examined the antiviral potential of 122 lactic acid bacteria isolates against murine norovirus (MNV), a human norovirus surrogate. A centenarian gut-derived strain, Limosilactobacillus fermentum PV22, exhibited the strongest MNV antagonism and reduced the viral titer by 2.23 ± 0.38 (log-value) in 5 min with stable activity at 25°C (P < 0.01). Genome mining revealed that its antiviral activity can be attributed to the synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid, and this finding was experimentally verified. Furthermore, we demonstrated the safety of the isolate and its high intestinal colonization ability. In conclusion, we discovered a centenarian gut-derived L. fermentum strain with strong anti-norovirus activity and identified its antiviral metabolite. Our results will offer new solutions for the prevention and treatment of food-related norovirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junshan Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Shang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weicheng Cai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinqiang Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huizhen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jumei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Moutong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Song M, Tian J, Middleton B, Nguyen CQ, Kaufman DL. GABA Administration Ameliorates Sjogren’s Syndrome in Two Different Mouse Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010129. [PMID: 35052808 PMCID: PMC8773584 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in the salivary and lachrymal glands resulting in oral and ocular dryness. There are no clinically approved therapies to slow the progression of SS. Immune cells possess receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA (GABA-Rs) and their activation has immunoregulatory actions. We tested whether GABA administration has potential for amelioration of SS in NOD.B10-H2b and C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice, two spontaneous SS models. Oral GABA treatment was initiated (1) after the development of sialadenitis but before the onset of overt symptoms, or (2) after the appearance of overt symptoms. When assessed weeks later, GABA-treated mice had greater saliva and tear production, as well as quicker times to salvia flow, in both SS mouse models. This was especially evident when GABA treatment was initiated after the onset of overt disease. This preservation of exocrine function was not accompanied by significant changes in the number or area of lymphocytic foci in the salivary or lachrymal glands of GABA-treated mice and we discuss the possible reasons for these observations. Given that GABA-treatment preserved saliva and tear production which are the most salient symptoms of SS and is safe for consumption, it may provide a new approach to help ameliorate SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Blake Middleton
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Cuong Q. Nguyen
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Daniel L. Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-310-794-9664
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16
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Allegra A, Sant'Antonio E, Musolino C, Ettari R. New insights into neuropeptides regulation of immune system and hemopoiesis: effects on hematologic malignancies. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2412-2437. [PMID: 34521320 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210914120228] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were reported to join to or to cooperate with different cells of the immune system, bone marrow, and peripheral cells and numerous data support that neuroactive molecules might control immune system activity and hemopoiesis operating on lymphoid organs, and the primary hematopoietic unit, the hematopoietic niche. Furthermore, many compounds seem to be able to take part to the leukemogenesis and lymphomagenesis process, and in the onset of multiple myeloma. In this review, we will assess the possibility that neurotransmitters and neuropeptides may have a role in the onset of haematological neoplasms, may affect the response to treatment or may represent a useful starting point for a new therapeutic approach. More in vivo investigations are needed to evaluate neuropeptide's role in haematological malignancies and the possible utilization as an antitumor therapeutic target. Comprehending the effect of the pharmacological administration of neuropeptide modulators on hematologic malignancies opens up new possibilities in curing clonal hematologic diseases to achieve more satisfactory outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina. Italy
| | | | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina. Italy
| | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Chemistry, University of Messina. Italy
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