1
|
Ferreira NGBP, Madeira JLO, Gergics P, Kertsz R, Marques JM, Trigueiro NSS, Benedetti AFF, Azevedo BV, Fernandes BHV, Bissegatto DD, Biscotto IP, Fang Q, Ma Q, Ozel AB, Li J, Camper SA, Jorge AAL, Mendonça BB, Arnhold IJP, Carvalho LR. Homozygous CDH2 variant may be associated with hypopituitarism without neurological disorders. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e220473. [PMID: 37166408 PMCID: PMC10388658 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Context Congenital hypopituitarism is a genetically heterogeneous condition. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a promising approach for molecular diagnosis of patients with this condition. Objectives The aim of this study is to conduct WES in a patient with congenital hypopituitarism born to consanguineous parents, CDH2 screening in a cohort of patients with congenital hypopituitarism, and functional testing of a novel CDH2 variant. Design Genomic DNA from a proband and her consanguineous parents was analyzed by WES. Copy number variants were evaluated. The genetic variants were filtered for population frequency (ExAC, 1000 genomes, gnomAD, and ABraOM), in silico prediction of pathogenicity, and gene expression in the pituitary and/or hypothalamus. Genomic DNA from 145 patients was screened for CDH2 by Sanger sequencing. Results One female patient with deficiencies in growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone and ectopic posterior pituitary gland contained a rare homozygous c.865G>A (p.Val289Ile) variant in CDH2. To determine whether the p.Val289Ile variant in CDH2 affects cell adhesion properties, we stably transfected L1 fibroblast lines, labeled the cells with lipophilic dyes, and quantified aggregation. Large aggregates formed in cells expressing wildtype CDH2, but aggregation was impaired in cells transfected with variant CDH2 or non-transfected. Conclusion A homozygous CDH2 allelic variant was found in one hypopituitarism patient, and the variant impaired cell aggregation function in vitro. No disease-causing variants were found in 145 other patients screened for CDH2 variants. Thus, CDH2 is a candidate gene for hypopituitarism that needs to be tested in different populations. Significance statement A female patient with hypopituitarism was born from consanguineous parents and had a homozygous, likely pathogenic, CDH2 variant that impairs cell aggregation in vitro. No other likely pathogenic variants in CDH2 were identified in 145 hypopituitarism patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia G B P Ferreira
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joao L O Madeira
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter Gergics
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Kertsz
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana M Marques
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicholas S S Trigueiro
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna V Azevedo
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca H V Fernandes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo, Zebrafish Facility, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora D Bissegatto
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela P Biscotto
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Qing Fang
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Asye B Ozel
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jun Li
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sally A Camper
- Laboratório de Sequenciamento em Larga Escala (SELA), Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética, Laboratório de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonça
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivo J P Arnhold
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciani R Carvalho
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rosa IF, Peçanha APB, Carvalho TRB, Alexandre LS, Ferreira VG, Doretto LB, Souza BM, Nakajima RT, da Silva P, Barbosa AP, Gomes-de-Pontes L, Bomfim CG, Machado-Santelli GM, Condino-Neto A, Guzzo CR, Peron JPS, Andrade-Silva M, Câmara NOS, Garnique AMB, Medeiros RJ, Ferraris FK, Barcellos LJG, Correia-Junior JD, Galindo-Villegas J, Machado MFR, Castoldi A, Oliveira SL, Costa CC, Belo MAA, Galdino G, Sgro GG, Bueno NF, Eto SF, Veras FP, Fernandes BHV, Sanches PRS, Cilli EM, Malafaia G, Nóbrega RH, Garcez AS, Carrilho E, Charlie-Silva I. Photobiomodulation Reduces the Cytokine Storm Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 in the Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076104. [PMID: 37047078 PMCID: PMC10094635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the exact mechanism of the pathogenesis of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is not fully understood, oxidative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been highlighted as playing a vital role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this sense, alternative treatments are needed to reduce the level of inflammation caused by COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential effect of red photobiomodulation (PBM) as an attractive therapy to downregulate the cytokine storm caused by COVID-19 in a zebrafish model. RT-qPCR analyses and protein-protein interaction prediction among SARS-CoV-2 and Danio rerio proteins showed that recombinant Spike protein (rSpike) was responsible for generating systemic inflammatory processes with significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory (il1b, il6, tnfa, and nfkbiab), oxidative stress (romo1) and energy metabolism (slc2a1a and coa1) mRNA markers, with a pattern similar to those observed in COVID-19 cases in humans. On the other hand, PBM treatment was able to decrease the mRNA levels of these pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared with rSpike in various tissues, promoting an anti-inflammatory response. Conversely, PBM promotes cellular and tissue repair of injured tissues and significantly increases the survival rate of rSpike-inoculated individuals. Additionally, metabolomics analysis showed that the most-impacted metabolic pathways between PBM and the rSpike treated groups were related to steroid metabolism, immune system, and lipid metabolism. Together, our findings suggest that the inflammatory process is an incisive feature of COVID-19 and red PBM can be used as a novel therapeutic agent for COVID-19 by regulating the inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the need for more clinical trials remains, and there is a significant gap to overcome before clinical trials can commence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana F Rosa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Ana P B Peçanha
- Department of Orthodontics, São Leopoldo Mandic College, Campinas 13045-755, Brazil
| | - Tábata R B Carvalho
- Department of Orthodontics, São Leopoldo Mandic College, Campinas 13045-755, Brazil
| | - Leonardo S Alexandre
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, Brazil
- The National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalyses, INCTBio, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Vinícius G Ferreira
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, Brazil
- The National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalyses, INCTBio, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Lucas B Doretto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Souza
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Rafael T Nakajima
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Patrick da Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Ana P Barbosa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Leticia Gomes-de-Pontes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Camila G Bomfim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | | | - Antonio Condino-Neto
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Cristiane R Guzzo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Jean P S Peron
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Magaiver Andrade-Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Niels O S Câmara
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | - Anali M B Garnique
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-220, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo J G Barcellos
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Peixes, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioexperimentação, Escola de Ciências Agrárias, Inovação e Negócios, Universidade de Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo 99052-900, Brazil
| | - Jose D Correia-Junior
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jorge Galindo-Villegas
- Department of Genomics, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 8026 Bodø, Norway
| | - Mônica F R Machado
- Biological Sciences Special Academic Unit, Federal University of Jatai, Jatai 75804-020, Brazil
| | - Angela Castoldi
- Keizo Asami Institute, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Susana L Oliveira
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Camila C Costa
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Marco A A Belo
- School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Giovane Galdino
- Institute of Motricity Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas 37133-840, Brazil
| | - Germán G Sgro
- Departamento de Ciências Biomoleculares, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Natalia F Bueno
- Integrated Structural Biology Platform, Carlos Chagas Institute, FIOCRUZ Paraná, Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Silas F Eto
- Center of Innovation and Development, Laboratory of Development and Innovation Butantan Institute, São Paulo 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Flávio P Veras
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca H V Fernandes
- Laboratory of Genetic and Sanitary Control, Technical Board of Support for Teaching and Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Paulo R S Sanches
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Cilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Laboratory of Toxicology Applied to the Environment, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí Campus, Urutaí 75790-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Aguinaldo S Garcez
- Department of Orthodontics, São Leopoldo Mandic College, Campinas 13045-755, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Carrilho
- Instituto de Química de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, São Carlos 13566-590, Brazil
- The National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalyses, INCTBio, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Ives Charlie-Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14800-060, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Castro ACH, Bezerra ÍRS, Pascon AM, da Silva GH, Philot EA, de Oliveira VL, Mancini RSN, Schleder GR, Castro CE, de Carvalho LRS, Fernandes BHV, Cilli EM, Sanches PRS, Santhiago M, Charlie-Silva I, Martinez DST, Scott AL, Alves WA, Lima RS. Modular Label-Free Electrochemical Biosensor Loading Nature-Inspired Peptide toward the Widespread Use of COVID-19 Antibody Tests. ACS Nano 2022; 16:14239-14253. [PMID: 35969505 PMCID: PMC9397565 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Limitations of the recognition elements in terms of synthesis, cost, availability, and stability have impaired the translation of biosensors into practical use. Inspired by nature to mimic the molecular recognition of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein antibody (AbS) by the S protein binding site, we synthesized the peptide sequence of Asn-Asn-Ala-Thr-Asn-COOH (abbreviated as PEP2003) to create COVID-19 screening label-free (LF) biosensors based on a carbon electrode, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The PEP2003 is easily obtained by chemical synthesis, and it can be adsorbed on electrodes while maintaining its ability for AbS recognition, further leading to a sensitivity 3.4-fold higher than the full-length S protein, which is in agreement with the increase in the target-to-receptor size ratio. Peptide-loaded LF devices based on noncovalent immobilization were developed by affording fast and simple analyses, along with a modular functionalization. From studies by molecular docking, the peptide-AbS binding was found to be driven by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the peptide is not amenable to denaturation, thus addressing the trade-off between scalability, cost, and robustness. The biosensor preserves 95.1% of the initial signal for 20 days when stored dry at 4 °C. With the aid of two simple equations fitted by machine learning (ML), the method was able to make the COVID-19 screening of 39 biological samples into healthy and infected groups with 100.0% accuracy. By taking advantage of peptide-related merits combined with advances in surface chemistry and ML-aided accuracy, this platform is promising to bring COVID-19 biosensors into mainstream use toward straightforward, fast, and accurate analyses at the point of care, with social and economic impacts being achieved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. H. Castro
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Ítalo R. S. Bezerra
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Aline M. Pascon
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Gabriela H. da Silva
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Eric A. Philot
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Vivian L. de Oliveira
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São
Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S. N. Mancini
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R. Schleder
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied
Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138,
United States
| | - Carlos E. Castro
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | | | | | - Eduardo M. Cilli
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo
State University, Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-900,
Brazil
| | - Paulo R. S. Sanches
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo
State University, Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-900,
Brazil
| | - Murilo Santhiago
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Ives Charlie-Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences,
University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São
Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Diego S. T. Martinez
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Ana L. Scott
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Wendel A. Alves
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Renato S. Lima
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory,
Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials,
Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences,
Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
- Institute of Chemistry, University of
Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-970,
Brazil
- São Carlos Institute of Chemistry,
University of São Paulo, São Carlos, São
Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Silva EKVB, Bomfim CG, Barbosa AP, Noda P, Noronha IL, Fernandes BHV, Machado RRG, Durigon EL, Catanozi S, Rodrigues LG, Pieroni F, Lima SG, Teodoro WR, Queiroz ZAJ, Silveira LKR, Charlie-Silva I, Capelozzi VL, Guzzo CR, Fanelli C. Immunization with SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein triggers a pulmonary immune response in rats. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268434. [PMID: 35609032 PMCID: PMC9129034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been affecting millions of people worldwide, since the beginning of 2020. COVID-19 can cause a wide range of clinical symptoms, which varies from asymptomatic presentation to severe respiratory insufficiency, exacerbation of immune response, disseminated microthrombosis and multiple organ failure, which may lead to dead. Due to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the development of vaccines to minimize COVID-19 severity in the world population is imperious. One of the employed techniques to produce vaccines against emerging viruses is the synthesis of recombinant proteins, which can be used as immunizing agents. Based on the exposed, the aim of the present study was to verify the systemic and immunological effects of IM administration of recombinant Nucleocapsid protein (NP), derived from SARS-CoV-2 and produced by this research group, in 2 different strains of rats (Rattus norvegicus); Wistar and Lewis. For this purpose, experimental animals received 4 injections of NP, once a week, and were submitted to biochemical and histological analysis. Our results showed that NP inoculations were safe for the animals, which presented no clinical symptoms of worrying side effects, nor laboratorial alterations in the main biochemical and histological parameters, suggesting the absence of toxicity induced by NP. Moreover, NP injections successfully triggered the production of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies by both Wistar and Lewis rats, showing the sensitization to have been well sufficient for the immunization of these strains of rats. Additionally, we observed the local lung activation of the Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (BALT) of rats in the NP groups, suggesting that NP elicits specific lung immune response. Although pre-clinical and clinical studies are still required, our data support the recombinant NP produced by this research group as a potential immunizing agent for massive vaccination, and may represent advantages upon other recombinant proteins, since it seems to induce specific pulmonary protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Everidiene K. V. B. Silva
- Renal Division, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila G. Bomfim
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana P. Barbosa
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paloma Noda
- Renal Division, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irene L. Noronha
- Renal Division, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca H. V. Fernandes
- Laboratório de Controle Genético e Sanitário, Diretoria Técnica de Apoio ao Ensino e Pesquisa, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael R. G. Machado
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edison L. Durigon
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Catanozi
- Laboratorio de Lipides (LIM-10), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia G. Rodrigues
- Laboratorio de Lipides (LIM-10), Hospital das Clinicas (HCFMUSP) da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sérgio G. Lima
- Labinbraz Comercial Ltda. - Wiener lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Walcy R. Teodoro
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo - SP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zelita A. J. Queiroz
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo - SP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lizandre K. R. Silveira
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo - SP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ives Charlie-Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera L. Capelozzi
- Rheumatology Division of the Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo - SP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiane R. Guzzo
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camilla Fanelli
- Renal Division, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Charlie-Silva I, Araújo APC, Guimarães ATB, Veras FP, Braz HLB, de Pontes LG, Jorge RJB, Belo MAA, Fernandes BHV, Nóbrega RH, Galdino G, Condino-Neto A, Galindo-Villegas J, Machado-Santelli GM, Sanches PRS, Rezende RM, Cilli EM, Malafaia G. Toxicological insights of Spike fragments SARS-CoV-2 by exposure environment: A threat to aquatic health? J Hazard Mater 2021; 419:126463. [PMID: 34216962 PMCID: PMC8226002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The Spike protein (S protein) is a critical component in the infection of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The objective of this work was to evaluate whether peptides from S protein could cause negative impact in the aquatic animals. The aquatic toxicity of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein peptides derivatives has been evaluated in tadpoles (n = 50 tadpoles/5 replicates of 10 animals) from species Physalaemus cuvieri (Leptodactylidae). After synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides (PSDP2001, PSDP2002, PSDP2003) an aquatic contamination has been simulated with these peptides during 24 h of exposure in two concentrations (100 and 500 ng/mL). The control group ("C") was composed of tadpoles kept in polyethylene containers containing de-chlorinated water. Oxidative stress, antioxidant biomarkers and AChE activity were assessed. In both concentrations, PSPD2002 and PSPD2003 increased catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidants enzymes activities, as well as oxidative stress (nitrite levels, hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species). All three peptides also increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the highest concentration. These peptides showed molecular interactions in silico with acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes. Aquatic particle contamination of SARS-CoV-2 has cholinesterasic effect in P. cuvieri tadpoles. These findings indicate that the COVID-19 can constitute environmental impact or biological damage potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ives Charlie-Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda P C Araújo
- Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institution and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil; Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urata Campus, GO, Brazil
| | - Abraão T B Guimarães
- Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institution and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil; Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urata Campus, GO, Brazil
| | - Flávio P Veras
- Center of Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Helyson L B Braz
- Postgraduate Program in Morphological Science, Department of Morphology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Delmiro de Farias St., 60.430-170 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Letícia G de Pontes
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberta J B Jorge
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1127, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Coronel Nunes de Melo St., 1000, 60.430-275 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Marco A A Belo
- Laboratory of Animal Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brazil University, Descalvado, SP, Brazil; Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Bianca H V Fernandes
- Laboratório de Controle Genético e Sanitário, Diretoria Técnica de Apoio ao Ensino e Pesquisa, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael H Nóbrega
- Reproductive and Molecular Biology Group, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovane Galdino
- Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Antônio Condino-Neto
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paulo R S Sanches
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael M Rezende
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, United States
| | - Eduardo M Cilli
- Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Goiano Federal Institution and Federal University of Goiás, GO, Brazil; Biological Research Laboratory, Post-graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute - Urata Campus, GO, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fanelli C, Fernandes BHV, Machado FG, Okabe C, Malheiros DMAC, Fujihara CK, Zatz R. Effects of losartan, in monotherapy or in association with hydrochlorothiazide, in chronic nephropathy resulting from losartan treatment during lactation. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2011; 301:F580-7. [PMID: 21653629 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00042.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently standardized a model (L(Lact)) of severe chronic kidney disease based on impaired nephrogenesis by suppression of angiotensin II activity during lactation (Machado FG, Poppi EP, Fanelli C, Malheiros DM, Zatz R, Fujihara CK. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 294: F1345-F1353, 2008). In this new study of the L(Lact) model, we sought to gain further insight into renal injury mechanisms associated with this model and to verify whether the renoprotection obtained with the association of the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan (L) and hydrochlorothiazide (H), which arrested renal injury in the remnant kidney model, would provide similar renoprotection. Twenty Munich-Wistar dams, each nursing six pups, were divided into control, untreated, and L(Lact) groups, given losartan (L; 250 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) until weaning. The male L(Lact) offspring remained untreated until 7 mo of age, when renal functional and structural parameters were studied in 17 of them, used as pretreatment control (L(Lact)Pre), and followed no further. The remaining rats were then divided among groups L(Lact)+V, untreated; L(Lact)+L, given L (50 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) now as a therapy; L(Lact)+H, given H (6 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)); and L(Lact)+LH, given L and H. All parameters were reassessed 3 mo later in these groups and in age-matched controls. At this time, L(Lact) rats exhibited hypertension, severe albuminuria, glomerular damage, marked interstitial expansion/inflammation, enhanced cell proliferation, myofibroblast infiltration, and creatinine retention. L monotherapy normalized albuminuria and prevented hypertension and the progression of renal injury, inflammation, and myofibroblast infiltration. In contrast to the remnant model, the LH combination promoted only slight additional renoprotection, perhaps because of a limited tendency to retain sodium in L(Lact) rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Fanelli
- Laboratory of Renal Pathophysiology, Renal Division, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|