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1.
PLoS One ; 18(5): e0285722, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2326977

ABSTRACT

An epidemic of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading worldwide. Moreover, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, such as Delta and Omicron, has seriously challenged the application of current therapeutics including vaccination and drugs. Relying on interaction of spike protein with receptor angiotensin-converting enzymes 2 (ACE2), SARS-CoV-2 successfully invades to the host cells, which indicates a strategy that identification of small-molecular compounds to block the entry is of great significance for COVID-19 prevention. Our study evaluated the potential efficacy of natural compound oxalic acid (OA) as an inhibitory agent against SARS-CoV-2 invasion, particular on the interaction of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Delta and Omicron variants to ACE2. By employing a competitive binding assay in vitro, OA significantly blocked the binding of RBDs from Delta B.1.617.2 and Omicron B.1.1.529 to ACE2, but has no effect on the wide-type SARS-CoV-2 strain. Furthermore, OA inhibited the entries of Delta and Omicron pseudovirus into ACE2 high expressing-HEK293T cells. By surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, the direct bindings of OA to RBD and ACE2 were analyzed and OA had both affinities with RBDs of B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.529 and with ACE2. Molecular docking predicted the binding sites on the RBD-ACE2 complex and it showed similar binding abilities to both complex of variant Delta or Omicron RBD and ACE2. In conclusion, we provided a promising novel small-molecule compound OA as an antiviral candidate by blocking the cellular entries of SARS-CoV-2 variants.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Oxalic Acid , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , HEK293 Cells , Molecular Docking Simulation , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics , Angiotensins , Protein Binding
2.
JAMA ; 329(14): 1170-1182, 2023 04 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2303367

ABSTRACT

Importance: Preclinical models suggest dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection may increase the relative activity of angiotensin II compared with angiotensin (1-7) and may be an important contributor to COVID-19 pathophysiology. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RAS modulation using 2 investigational RAS agents, TXA-127 (synthetic angiotensin [1-7]) and TRV-027 (an angiotensin II type 1 receptor-biased ligand), that are hypothesized to potentiate the action of angiotensin (1-7) and mitigate the action of the angiotensin II. Design, Setting, and Participants: Two randomized clinical trials including adults hospitalized with acute COVID-19 and new-onset hypoxemia were conducted at 35 sites in the US between July 22, 2021, and April 20, 2022; last follow-up visit: July 26, 2022. Interventions: A 0.5-mg/kg intravenous infusion of TXA-127 once daily for 5 days or placebo. A 12-mg/h continuous intravenous infusion of TRV-027 for 5 days or placebo. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was oxygen-free days, an ordinal outcome that classifies a patient's status at day 28 based on mortality and duration of supplemental oxygen use; an adjusted odds ratio (OR) greater than 1.0 indicated superiority of the RAS agent vs placebo. A key secondary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality. Safety outcomes included allergic reaction, new kidney replacement therapy, and hypotension. Results: Both trials met prespecified early stopping criteria for a low probability of efficacy. Of 343 patients in the TXA-127 trial (226 [65.9%] aged 31-64 years, 200 [58.3%] men, 225 [65.6%] White, and 274 [79.9%] not Hispanic), 170 received TXA-127 and 173 received placebo. Of 290 patients in the TRV-027 trial (199 [68.6%] aged 31-64 years, 168 [57.9%] men, 195 [67.2%] White, and 225 [77.6%] not Hispanic), 145 received TRV-027 and 145 received placebo. Compared with placebo, both TXA-127 (unadjusted mean difference, -2.3 [95% CrI, -4.8 to 0.2]; adjusted OR, 0.88 [95% CrI, 0.59 to 1.30]) and TRV-027 (unadjusted mean difference, -2.4 [95% CrI, -5.1 to 0.3]; adjusted OR, 0.74 [95% CrI, 0.48 to 1.13]) resulted in no difference in oxygen-free days. In the TXA-127 trial, 28-day all-cause mortality occurred in 22 of 163 patients (13.5%) in the TXA-127 group vs 22 of 166 patients (13.3%) in the placebo group (adjusted OR, 0.83 [95% CrI, 0.41 to 1.66]). In the TRV-027 trial, 28-day all-cause mortality occurred in 29 of 141 patients (20.6%) in the TRV-027 group vs 18 of 140 patients (12.9%) in the placebo group (adjusted OR, 1.52 [95% CrI, 0.75 to 3.08]). The frequency of the safety outcomes was similar with either TXA-127 or TRV-027 vs placebo. Conclusions and Relevance: In adults with severe COVID-19, RAS modulation (TXA-127 or TRV-027) did not improve oxygen-free days vs placebo. These results do not support the hypotheses that pharmacological interventions that selectively block the angiotensin II type 1 receptor or increase angiotensin (1-7) improve outcomes for patients with severe COVID-19. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04924660.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1 , Renin-Angiotensin System , Vasodilator Agents , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Angiotensin II/metabolism , Angiotensins/administration & dosage , Angiotensins/therapeutic use , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/physiopathology , COVID-19/therapy , Hypoxia/drug therapy , Hypoxia/etiology , Hypoxia/mortality , Infusions, Intravenous , Ligands , Oligopeptides/administration & dosage , Oligopeptides/therapeutic use , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/administration & dosage , Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/therapeutic use , Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects , SARS-CoV-2 , Vasodilator Agents/administration & dosage , Vasodilator Agents/therapeutic use
3.
BMC Pharmacol Toxicol ; 24(1): 24, 2023 04 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2294889

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is hypothesized to be in the center of COVID pathophysiology as the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) represents the main entrance of the virus, thus there is a need to address the effect of chronic use of RAAS blockers, as in case of treatment of cardiovascular diseases, on the expression of ACE2. Accordingly, this study aimed to clarify the effect of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) on ACE2 and to assess the correlation between ACE2 and several anthropometric and clinic-pathological factors. METHODS: A total of 40 healthy controls and 60 Egyptian patients suffering from chronic cardiovascular diseases were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into 40 patients treated with ACEIs and 20 patients treated with ARBs. Serum ACE2 levels were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: Assessment of serum ACE2 level in different groups showed a significant difference between ACEIs and healthy groups and ACEIs and ARBs group, while there was no difference between ARBs and healthy. Multivariate analysis using ACE2 level as constant and age, female sex, ACEIs use and myocardial infarction (MI) showed that there was a significant effect of female sex and ACEIs use on ACE2 level with no effect of age, MI and diabetes. CONCLUSION: ACE2 levels varied between ACEIs and ARBs. It tends to be lower in ACEIs group and there is a strong positive association between ACE2 level and the female sex. This needs to be considered in Future studies to further understand the relationship between gender, sex hormones and ACE2 level. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05418361 (June 2022).


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myocardial Infarction , Humans , Female , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Renin , Angiotensins , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/pharmacology , Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology , Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use , Renin-Angiotensin System , Myocardial Infarction/chemically induced
4.
J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst ; 2023: 9668008, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2291607

ABSTRACT

Background: Although it is common knowledge that the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and other viral infections have an uneven impact globally, the reasons for this are still indistinct. The absence of equivalent capacities worldwide in screening, testing, and reporting of cases is one of the ideas put forward to explain this discrepancy. The molecular developments are noteworthy, particularly the role played by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACEs (ACE1 and ACE2). The virus can enter the host cell thanks to the transmembrane protein ACE2, which is a homolog of ACE1. Objectives: With a focus on the I/D genotype of ACE1 and the rs2285666 SNV of ACE2, we elucidated the prevalence of SNPs in ACE1 and ACE2 in various geographic locations. We examined the relationship between these SNPs and the global patterns of COVID-19 prevalence. Methods: 66 of the 127 articles obtained using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Google directly conformed to the search terms; geographical distribution of viral infections, the prevalence of COVID-19, ACE1, ACE2, SNPs, and prevalence of the DD genotype, and rs2285666. Results: The DD genotype of ACE1 and the rs2285666 SNV of ACE2 are vital in their gene expression and contribute greatly to viral disease susceptibility, development, and severity. There was generally a high prevalence of the DD genotype in Europe and America, where COVID-19 had a more devastating effect than in Asia and Africa. The prevalence of the SNV rs2285666 varied in the following order: East Asia> South Asia >America>Europe >Africa. However, there were conflicting agreements in the association of rs2285666 with COVID-19 susceptibility and prevalence. Conclusion: The ACE1 DD genotype and COVID-19 prevalence have been positively linked in a number of studies. The ACE2 rs2285666 SNV, however, has yielded no definitive results. To determine the relationship between these SNVs and COVID-19 incidence, more research is required.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/genetics , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Prevalence , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics , Angiotensins/genetics , Nucleotides
5.
Nat Chem ; 15(4): 578-586, 2023 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2264706

ABSTRACT

The discovery of crosstalk effects on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is limited by the lack of approaches to quantitatively monitor, in real time, multiple components with subtle differences and short half-lives. Here we report a nanopore framework to quantitatively determine the effect of the hidden crosstalk between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on RAS. By developing an engineered aerolysin nanopore capable of single-amino-acid resolution, we show that the ACE can be selectively inhibited by ACE2 to prevent cleavage of angiotensin I, even when the concentration of ACE is more than 30-fold higher than that of ACE2. We also show that the activity of ACE2 for cleaving angiotensin peptides is clearly suppressed by the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This leads to the relaxation of ACE and the increased probability of accumulation of the principal effector angiotensin II. The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is demonstrated to have a much greater impact on the crosstalk than the wild type.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Nanopores , Humans , Renin-Angiotensin System , SARS-CoV-2 , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/pharmacology , Amino Acids , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/pharmacology , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Angiotensins/pharmacology
7.
Mol Biol Rep ; 50(3): 2713-2721, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2252680

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused millions of infections and deaths worldwide since its discovery in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, a critical component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that initiates the viral transmission. Most of the critical mutations found in SARS-CoV-2 are associated with the RBD of the spike protein. These mutations have the potential to reduce the efficacy of vaccines and neutralizing antibodies. METHODS: In this review, the structural details of ACE2, RBD and their interactions are discussed. In addition, some critical mutations of RBD and their impact on ACE2-RBD interactions are also discussed. CONCLUSION: Preventing the interaction between Spike RBD and ACE2 is considered a viable therapeutic strategy since ACE2 binding by RBD is the first step in virus infection. Because the interactions between the two entities are critical for both viral transmission and therapeutic development, it is essential to understand their interactions in detail.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism , Angiotensins/metabolism , Binding Sites , Protein Binding/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
8.
Eur J Intern Med ; 109: 12-21, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2249633

ABSTRACT

Among the various comorbidities potentially worsening the clinical outcome in patients hospitalized for the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), hypertension is one of the most prevalent. However, the basic mechanisms underlying the development of severe forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among hypertensive patients remain undefined and the direct association of hypertension with outcome in COVID-19 is still a field of debate. Experimental and clinical data suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes a rise in blood pressure (BP) during the acute phase of infection. Acute increase in BP and high in-hospital BP variability may be tied with acute organ damage and a worse outcome in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. In this context, the failure of the counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) axis is a potentially relevant mechanism involved in the raise in BP. It is well recognized that the efficient binding of the Spike (S) protein to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors mediates the virus entry into cells. Internalization of ACE2, downregulation and malfunction predominantly due to viral occupation, dysregulates the protective RAS axis with increased generation and activity of angiotensin (Ang) II and reduced formation of Ang1,7. Thus, the imbalance between Ang II and Ang1-7 can directly contribute to excessively rise BP in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A similar mechanism has been postulated to explain the raise in BP following COVID-19 vaccination ("Spike Effect" similar to that observed during the infection of SARS-CoV-2). S proteins produced upon vaccination have the native-like mimicry of SARS-CoV-2 S protein's receptor binding functionality and prefusion structure and free-floating S proteins released by the destroyed cells previously targeted by vaccines may interact with ACE2 of other cells, thereby promoting ACE2 internalization and degradation, and loss of ACE2 activities.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hypertension , Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines , SARS-CoV-2 , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Blood Pressure , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors , Renin-Angiotensin System , Angiotensins/metabolism
9.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(18)2022 Sep 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2269008

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed the lives of millions of people around the world. Severe vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of death in people with COVID-19. There is growing evidence that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The kidney effects of SARS-CoV-2 are directly mediated by angiotensin 2-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors. AKI is also caused by indirect causes such as the hypercoagulable state and microvascular thrombosis. The increased release of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) from immature myeloid cells reduces plasminogen activation by the competitive inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, which results in low plasmin levels and a fibrinolytic state in COVID-19. Frequent hypercoagulability in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may exacerbate the severity of thrombosis. Versican expression in proximal tubular cells leads to the proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts through the C3a and suPAR pathways. Vitamin D attenuates the local expression of podocyte uPAR and decreases elevated circulating suPAR levels caused by systemic inflammation. This decrease preserves the function and structure of the glomerular barrier, thereby maintaining renal function. The attenuated hyperinflammatory state reduces complement activation, resulting in lower serum C3a levels. Vitamin D can also protect against COVID-19 by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, increasing ACE2 expression, and inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. We hypothesized that by reducing suPAR levels, appropriate vitamin D supplementation could prevent the progression and reduce the severity of AKI in COVID-19 patients, although the data available require further elucidation.


Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury , COVID-19 Drug Treatment , COVID-19 , Thrombosis , Acute Kidney Injury/drug therapy , Acute Kidney Injury/etiology , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Angiotensins , COVID-19/complications , Fibrinolysin , Humans , Plasminogen , Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator , SARS-CoV-2 , Thrombosis/complications , Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator , Versicans , Vitamin D , Vitamins
10.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 29(41): 62235-62247, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2278614

ABSTRACT

Pathogens in our environment can act as agents capable of inflicting severe human diseases. Among them, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has recently plagued the globe and paralyzed the functioning of ordinary human life. The virus enters the cell through the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor, an integral part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS). Reports on hypertension and its relation to the modulation of the RAAS are generating interest in the scientific community. This short review focuses on the SARS-CoV-2 infection's direct and indirect effects on our body through modulation of the RAAS axis. A patient having severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which causes COVID-19 relates to hypertension as a pre-existing disease or develops it in a post-COVID scenario. Several studies on how SARS-CoV-2 modulates the RAAS axis indicate that it alters our body's physiological balance. This review seeks to establish a hypothesis on the mechanical dependency of SARS-CoV-2 and RAAS modulation in the human body. This study intends to impart ideas on drug development and designing by targeting the modulation of the RAAS axis to inactivate the pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A systematic hypothesis can severely attenuate the pathogenicity of the dreadful viruses of the future.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hypertension , Aldosterone/pharmacology , Angiotensins/pharmacology , Humans , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/pharmacology , Renin/pharmacology , Renin-Angiotensin System/physiology , SARS-CoV-2
11.
Pharmacol Rev ; 74(4): 1051-1135, 2022 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2243608

ABSTRACT

Discovered more than 30 years ago, the angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) has evolved from a binding site with unknown function to a firmly established major effector within the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and a target for new drugs in development. The AT2R represents an endogenous protective mechanism that can be manipulated in the majority of preclinical models to alleviate lung, renal, cardiovascular, metabolic, cutaneous, and neural diseases as well as cancer. This article is a comprehensive review summarizing our current knowledge of the AT2R, from its discovery to its position within the RAS and its overall functions. This is followed by an in-depth look at the characteristics of the AT2R, including its structure, intracellular signaling, homo- and heterodimerization, and expression. AT2R-selective ligands, from endogenous peptides to synthetic peptides and nonpeptide molecules that are used as research tools, are discussed. Finally, we summarize the known physiological roles of the AT2R and its abundant protective effects in multiple experimental disease models and expound on AT2R ligands that are undergoing development for clinical use. The present review highlights the controversial aspects and gaps in our knowledge of this receptor and illuminates future perspectives for AT2R research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) is now regarded as a fully functional and important component of the renin-angiotensin system, with the potential of exerting protective actions in a variety of diseases. This review provides an in-depth view of the AT2R, which has progressed from being an enigma to becoming a therapeutic target.


Subject(s)
Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2 , Renin-Angiotensin System , Angiotensins/metabolism , Angiotensins/pharmacology , Binding Sites , Humans , Ligands , Peptides/chemistry , Peptides/metabolism , Peptides/pharmacology , Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism , Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
12.
Med Clin (Barc) ; 160(11): 489-494, 2023 06 09.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2181515

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in China in late 2019 and spread rapidly around the world. There is evidence that COVID-19 infection can be influenced by genetic variations in the host. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ACE InDel polymorphism and COVID-19 in Northern Cyprus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 250 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and 371 healthy controls. Genotyping for the ACE InDel gene polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The frequency of ACE DD homozygotes was significantly increased in COVID-19 patients compared to the control group (p=0.022). The difference in the presence of the D allele between the patient and control groups was statistically significant (57.2% and 50.67%, respectively, p<0.05). Individuals with the genotype II were found to have a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 (p=0.011). In addition, chest radiographic findings were observed more frequently in individuals with the genotype DD compared to individuals with the genotypes ID and II (p=0.005). A statistically significant difference was found when the time of onset of symptoms for COVID-19 and duration of treatment were compared with participants' genotypes (p=0.016 and p=0.014, respectively). The time of onset of COVID-19 was shorter in individuals with the genotype DD than in individuals with the genotype II, while the duration of treatment was longer. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the ACE I/D polymorphism has the potential to predict the severity of COVID-19.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics , COVID-19/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Genotype , Angiotensins , Gene Frequency
13.
Mol Biol Rep ; 50(2): 1809-1816, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2148893

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The renin-angiotensin system is known to maintain blood pressure and body fluids. However, it has been found to consist of at least two major constituents, the classic and the alternative pathway, balancing and supporting each other's signalling in a very intricate way. Current research has shown that the renin-angiotensin system is involved in a broad range of biological processes and diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a literature review on the interaction of the renin-angiotensin system and prostate cancer and explored the research on the possible impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in this context. This review provides an update on contemporary knowledge into the alternative renin-angiotensin system, its role in cancer, specifically prostate cancer, and the implications of the current COVID-19 pandemic on cancer and cancer care. CONCLUSION: In this work, we aim to demonstrate how shifting the RAS signalling pathway from the classic to the alternative axis seems to be a viable option in supporting treatment of specific cancers and at the same time demonstrating beneficial properties in supportive care. It however seems to be the case that the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent impairment of the renin-angiotensin-system could exhibit serious deleterious long-term effects even in oncology.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Prostatic Neoplasms , Humans , Male , Renin-Angiotensin System , Renin/metabolism , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Pandemics , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors , Angiotensins/metabolism , Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism
15.
J Microbiol Biotechnol ; 32(9): 1098-1102, 2022 Sep 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2144003

ABSTRACT

The placenta is a captivating multifunctional organ of fetal origin and plays an essential role during pregnancy by intimately connecting mother and baby. This study explicates placental pathology and information about 25 placentas collected from the mothers infected with novel coronavirus (SARS-COV-2). So far, congenital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 seems to be remarkably uncommon in spite of many cases of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Out of the 25 placental tissue samples collected, none has shown gene expression of SARS-CoV-2 when confirmed by RT-PCR. At the same time, nasal and throat swab samples collected from newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers correspondingly tested negative by RT-PCR. The shielding properties of placental barriers against viral infections from mothers to newborns remains a mystery. Major histopathological findings have been recorded as choriodecidual tissue with necrosis, intramural fibrin deposition, chorionic villi with fibrosis, and calcification. Moreover, although recent findings are insufficient to prove direct placental transmission of COVID-19, the abundance of angiotensin-converting enzymes-2 (ACE-2) on the placental surface could potentially contribute to unpleasant outcomes during pregnancy as SARSCoV-2 gains access to human cells via ACE-2. Finally, the significance of these findings is vague and needs further study.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Angiotensins , Female , Fibrin , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Mothers , Placenta/pathology , Pregnancy , SARS-CoV-2
16.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 58(12)2022 Nov 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2123754

ABSTRACT

One of the essential regulators of arterial blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) seems to be one of the most complex mechanisms in the human body. Since the discovery of its key components and their actions, new substances and functions are still being unraveled. The main pathway begins with the secretion of renin in the kidney and culminates with the synthesis of angiotensin II (Ang II)-a strong vasoconstrictor-thanks to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Research conducted in 2000 identified another enzyme, named ACE2, that converts Ang II into Ang-(1-7), a heptapeptide with opposing effects to those of Ang II: vasodilation and anti-inflammatory properties. This particular enzyme became of paramount importance during the last two decades, as a result of the confrontation of the human race with life-threatening epidemics. Multiple studies have been performed in order to uncover the link between ACE2 and human coronaviruses, the results of which we systemized in order to create an overview of the pathogenic mechanism. Human coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, attach to ACE2 via their spike proteins (S), causing the destruction of the enzyme. Because ACE2 limits the production of Ang II (by converting it into Ang-(1-7)), its destruction leads to a dysregulated inflammatory response. The purpose of this review is to decipher the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the multiorgan complications (oral, cardiac, pulmonary, systemic) that appear as a result of the interaction of the SARS CoV-2 virus with the angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus , Humans , Renin-Angiotensin System/physiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Angiotensins
19.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 12: 963239, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2121359

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. The clinical manifestation of COVID-19 ranges from asymptomatic or mild infection to severe or critical illness, such as respiratory failure, multi-organ dysfunction or even death. Large-scale genetic association studies have indicated that genetic variations affecting SARS-CoV-2 receptors (angiotensin-converting enzymes, transmembrane serine protease-2) and immune components (Interferons, Interleukins, Toll-like receptors and Human leukocyte antigen) are critical host determinants related to the severity of COVID-19. Genetic background, such as 3p21.31 and 9q34.2 loci were also identified to influence outcomes of COVID-19. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current literature focusing on human genetic factors that may contribute to the observed diversified severity of COVID-19. Enhanced understanding of host genetic factors and viral interactions of SARS-CoV-2 could provide scientific bases for personalized preventive measures and precision medicine strategies.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics , Angiotensins , COVID-19/genetics , Critical Illness , HLA Antigens , Human Genetics , Humans , Interferons , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Serine Proteases , Toll-Like Receptors
20.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 112: 109280, 2022 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2105144

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has become a global pandemic disease that has social and economic chaos. An alternative mitigation strategy may involve the use of specific immunoglobulin (Ig)-Y derived from chicken eggs. Our study aimed to evaluate the neutralizing potential of specific IgY targeting S1, receptor-binding-domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein and nucleocapsid (N) of SARS-CoV-2 to inhibit RBD and angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE2) binding interaction. Hy-Line Brown laying hens were immunized with recombinant S1, RBD spike glycoprotein, and nucleocapsid (N) of SARS-CoV-2. The presence of specific S1,RBD,N-IgY in serum and egg yolk was verified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Specific S1,RBD,N-IgY was purified and characterized from egg yolk using sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and was subsequently evaluated for inhibition of the RBD-ACE2 binding interaction in vitro. Specific IgY was present in serum at 1 week post-initial immunization (p.i.i), whereas its present in egg yolk was confirmed at 4 weeks p.i.i. Specific S1,RBD,N-IgY in serum was able to inhibit RBD-ACE2 binding interaction between 4 and 15 weeks p.i.i. The results of the SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of bands with molecular weights of 180 kDa, indicating the presence of whole IgY. Our results demonstrated that S1,RBD,N-IgY was able to inhibit RBD-ACE2 binding interaction in vitro, suggesting its potential use in blocking virus entry. Our study also demonstrated proof-of-concept that laying hens were able to produce this specific IgY, which could block the viral binding and large production of this specific IgY is feasible.


Subject(s)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , COVID-19 , Animals , Female , SARS-CoV-2 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Chickens , Protein Binding , Immunoglobulins/metabolism , Nucleocapsid/metabolism , Glycoproteins/metabolism , Angiotensins/metabolism , Sulfates , Sodium
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