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PloS One 2023Drug repurposing has emerged as an important strategy and it has a great potential in identifying therapeutic applications for COVID-19. An extensive virtual screening...
Drug repurposing has emerged as an important strategy and it has a great potential in identifying therapeutic applications for COVID-19. An extensive virtual screening of 4193 FDA approved drugs has been carried out against 24 proteins of SARS-CoV2 (NSP1-10 and NSP12-16, envelope, membrane, nucleoprotein, spike, ORF3a, ORF6, ORF7a, ORF8, and ORF9b). The drugs were classified into top 10 and bottom 10 drugs based on the docking scores followed by the distribution of their therapeutic indications. As a result, the top 10 drugs were found to have therapeutic indications for cancer, pain, neurological disorders, and viral and bacterial diseases. As drug resistance is one of the major challenges in antiviral drug discovery, polypharmacology and network pharmacology approaches were employed in the study to identify drugs interacting with multiple targets and drugs such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, bisdequalinium chloride, midostaurin, temoporfin, tirilazad, and venetoclax were identified among the multi-targeting drugs. Further, a pathway analysis of the genes related to the multi-targeting drugs was carried which provides insight into the mechanism of drugs and identifying targetable genes and biological pathways involved in SARS-CoV2.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Drug Repositioning; RNA, Viral; Protease Inhibitors; SARS-CoV-2; Polypharmacology; Molecular Docking Simulation; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37556478
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289890 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Serpin family A member 1 (SERPINA1) encodes a protease inhibitor participating in many human diseases, but its value in immunoregulation and prognosis of human cancers...
Serpin family A member 1 (SERPINA1) encodes a protease inhibitor participating in many human diseases, but its value in immunoregulation and prognosis of human cancers remains unclear. In this study, through comprehensive analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, we found that SERPINA1 was dysregulated in many cancers compared with normal tissues. SERPINA1 expression was significantly associated with prognosis, immune subtype, molecular subtype, immune checkpoint (ICP) genes, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and the estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumor tissues using expression data (ESTIMATE) score. There was a strong connection between SERPINA1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and SERPINA1 showed significant relation to gene markers of immune cells in digestive tumors. Fluorescence-based multiplex immunohistochemistry confirmed that SERPINA1 protein expression was related to clinicopathologic features and immune infiltrates in hepatic cancer. This study suggests that SERPINA can potentially serve as a novel biomarker for cancer prognosis and immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Antiviral Agents; Enzyme Therapy; Liver Neoplasms; Prognosis; Protease Inhibitors
PubMed: 37511325
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411566 -
Oncoimmunology 2023Radiotherapy could regulate systemic antitumor immunity, while the immune state in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also affects the efficacy of radiotherapy. We have...
Radiotherapy could regulate systemic antitumor immunity, while the immune state in the tumor microenvironment (TME) also affects the efficacy of radiotherapy. We have found that higher CD8 T cell infiltration is associated with longer overall survival of lung adenocarcinoma and melanoma patients receiving radiotherapy. 8-Gray radiation increased the transcriptional levels of chemokines in tumor cells . However, it was not sufficient to induce significant lymphocyte infiltration . Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) has been reported to inactivate chemokines via post-translational truncation. Single-cell sequencing revealed that dendritic cells (DCs) had a higher DPP4 expression among other cells in the TME and upregulated DPP4 expression after radiation. Combining a DPP4 inhibitor with radiotherapy could promote chemokines expression and T cell infiltration in the TME, enhancing the antitumor effect of radiotherapy. Moreover, this therapy further enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1. In this study, we demonstrated the underlying mechanism of why radiotherapy failed to induce sufficient T cell infiltration and proposed an effective strategy to promote T cell infiltration and sensitize radiotherapy. These findings demonstrate the translational value of DPP4 inhibition as a complementary approach to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and the combination of radiotherapy with immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4; Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; Chemokines; Neoplasms; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37849962
DOI: 10.1080/2162402X.2023.2268257 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Mar 2024Inflammation has emerged as a prominent risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, the specific association between various inflammatory biomarkers...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Inflammation has emerged as a prominent risk factor for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). However, the specific association between various inflammatory biomarkers and the development of CSVD remains unclear. Serine proteinase inhibitor A3 (SERPINA3), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) are several inflammatory biomarkers that are potentially involved in the development of CSVD. In this present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between candidate molecules and CSVD features.
METHOD
The concentration of each biomarker was measured in 79 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted within 72 h after symptom onset. The associations between blood levels of inflammatory markers and CSVD score were investigated, as well as each CSVD feature, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes, and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS).
RESULTS
The mean age was 69.0 ± 11.8 years, and 65.8% of participants were male. Higher SERPINA3 level (>78.90 ng/mL) was significantly associated with larger WMH volume and higher scores on Fazekas's scale in all three models. Multiple regression analyses revealed the linear association between absolute WMH burden and SERPINA3 level, especially in model 3 (β = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.24 p ). Restricted cubic spline regression demonstrated a dose-response relationship between SERPINA3 level and larger WMH volume (p nonlineariy = 0.0366 and 0.0378 in model 2 and mode 3, respectively). Using a receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve, plasma SERPINA3 level of 64.15 ng/mL distinguished WMH >7.8 mL with the highest sensitivity and specificity (75.92% and 60%, respectively, area under curve [AUC] = 0.668, p = 0.0102). No statistically significant relationship has been found between other candidate biomarkers and CSVD features.
CONCLUSION
In summary, among four inflammatory biomarkers that we investigated, SERPINA3 level at baseline was associated with WMH severity, which revealed a novel biomarker for CSVD and validated its relationship with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Ischemic Stroke; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Serine Proteinase Inhibitors; Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases; Biomarkers; Inflammation; Serpins
PubMed: 37721405
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14472 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... Nov 2023Arterial hypertension is the main preventable cause of premature mortality worldwide. Across Latin America, hypertension has an estimated prevalence of 25.5-52.5%,... (Review)
Review
The Pivotal Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Hypertension Management and Cardiovascular and Renal Protection: A Critical Appraisal and Comparison of International Guidelines.
Arterial hypertension is the main preventable cause of premature mortality worldwide. Across Latin America, hypertension has an estimated prevalence of 25.5-52.5%, although many hypertensive patients remain untreated. Appropriate treatment, started early and continued for the remaining lifespan, significantly reduces the risk of complications and mortality. All international and most regional guidelines emphasize a central role for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis) in antihypertensive treatment. The two main RAASi options are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Although equivalent in terms of blood pressure reduction, ACEis are preferably recommended by some guidelines to manage other cardiovascular comorbidities, with ARBs considered as an alternative when ACEis are not tolerated. This review summarizes the differences between ACEis and ARBs and their place in the international guidelines. It provides a critical appraisal of the guidelines based on available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, especially considering that hypertensive patients in daily practice often have other comorbidities. The observed differences in cardiovascular and renal outcomes in RCTs may be attributed to the different mechanisms of action of ACEis and ARBs, including increased bradykinin levels, potentiated bradykinin response, and stimulated nitric oxide production with ACEis. It may therefore be appropriate to consider ACEis and ARBs as different antihypertensive drugs classes within the same RAASi group. Although guideline recommendations only differentiate between ACEis and ARBs in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, clinical evidence suggests that ACEis provide benefits in many hypertensive patients, as well as those with other cardiovascular conditions.
Topics: Humans; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Bradykinin; Hypertension; Antihypertensive Agents; Renin-Angiotensin System
PubMed: 37668854
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00605-5 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024Predicting the potency of inhibitors is key to in silico screening of promising synthetic or natural compounds. Here we describe a predictive workflow that provides...
Predicting the potency of inhibitors is key to in silico screening of promising synthetic or natural compounds. Here we describe a predictive workflow that provides calculated inhibitory values, which concord well with empirical data. Calculations of the free interaction energy ΔG with the YASARA plugin FoldX were used to derive inhibition constants K from PDB coordinates of protease-inhibitor complexes. At the same time, corresponding K values were obtained from the PRODIGY server. These results correlated well with the experimental values, particularly for serine proteases. In addition, analyses were performed for inhibitory complexes of cysteine and aspartic proteases, as well as of metalloproteases, whereby the PRODIGY data appeared to be more consistent. Based on our analyses, we calculated theoretical K values for trypsin with sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI-1) variants, which yielded the more rigid Pro14 variant, with probably higher potency than the wild-type inhibitor. Moreover, a hirudin variant with an Arg1 and Trp3 is a promising basis for novel thrombin inhibitors with high potency. Further examples from antibody interaction and a cancer-related effector-receptor system demonstrate that our approach is applicable to protein interaction studies beyond the protease field.
Topics: Serine Endopeptidases; Trypsin Inhibitors; Trypsin; Helianthus; Peptide Hydrolases; Protease Inhibitors
PubMed: 38397107
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042429 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a multifunctional protein involved in the chronic inflammatory process, implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic...
BACKGROUND
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a multifunctional protein involved in the chronic inflammatory process, implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of DKD has yet to be evaluated. This study explored the clinical utility of SLPI in the diagnosis and prognosis of renal endpoint events in patients with DKD.
METHODS
A multi-center cross-sectional study comprised of 266 patients with DKD and a predictive cohort study comprised of 120 patients with stage IV DKD conducted between December 2016 and January 2022. The clinical parameters were collected for statistical analysis, a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the independent risk factors for renal endpoints.
RESULTS
Serum SLPI levels gradually increased with DKD progression (p<0.01). A significant correlation was observed between serum SLPI levels and renal function in patients with DKD. The mean follow-up duration in this cohort study was 2.32 ± 1.30 years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed SLPI levels≥51.61ng/mL (HR=2.95, 95% CI[1.55, 5.60], p<0.01), 24h urinary protein levels≥3500 mg/24h (HR=3.02, 95% CI[1.66, 5.52], p<0.01), Alb levels<30g/l (HR=2.19, 95% CI[1.12, 4.28], p<0.05), HGB levels<13g/dl (HR=3.18, 95% CI[1.49, 6.80], p<0.01), and urea levels≥7.1 mmol/L (HR=8.27, 95% CI[1.96, 34.93], p<0.01) were the independent risk factors for renal endpoint events in DKD patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Serum SLPI levels increased with DKD progression and were associated with clinical parameters of DKD. Moreover, elevated SLPI levels showed potential prognostic value for renal endpoint events in individuals with DKD. These findings validate the results of previous studies on SLPI in patients with DKD and provide new insights into the role of SLPI as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of DKD that require validation.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Nephropathies; Secretory Leukocyte Peptidase Inhibitor; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Biomarkers; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38501106
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1334418 -
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets 2024Mitochondrial LonP1 is an ATP-powered protease that also functions as an ATP-dependent chaperone. LonP1 plays a pivotal role in regulating mitochondrial proteostasis,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Mitochondrial LonP1 is an ATP-powered protease that also functions as an ATP-dependent chaperone. LonP1 plays a pivotal role in regulating mitochondrial proteostasis, metabolism and cell stress responses. Cancer cells exploit the functions of LonP1 to combat oncogenic stressors such as hypoxia, proteotoxicity, and oxidative stress, and to reprogram energy metabolism enabling cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, and metastasis.
AREAS COVERED
LonP1 has emerged as a potential target for anti-cancer therapeutics. We review how cytoprotective functions of LonP1 can be leveraged by cancer cells to support oncogenic growth, proliferation, and survival. We also offer insights into small molecule inhibitors that target LonP1 by two distinct mechanisms: competitive inhibition of its protease activity and allosteric inhibition of its ATPase activity, both of which are crucial for its protease and chaperone functions.
EXPERT OPINION
We highlight advantages of identifying specific, high-affinity allosteric inhibitors blocking the ATPase activity of LonP1. The future discovery of such inhibitors has potential application either alone or in conjunction with other anticancer agents, presenting an innovative approach and target for cancer therapeutics.
Topics: Humans; Peptide Hydrolases; Cell Proliferation; Energy Metabolism; Adenosine Triphosphatases; Adenosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 38156441
DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2298358 -
Biomolecules Oct 2023Ischemic heart disease (IHD), especially myocardial infarction (MI), is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although coronary reperfusion is the most straightforward... (Review)
Review
Ischemic heart disease (IHD), especially myocardial infarction (MI), is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although coronary reperfusion is the most straightforward treatment for limiting the MI size, it has nevertheless been shown to exacerbate ischemic myocardial injury. Therefore, identifying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat IHD is a major medical challenge. Snake venoms contain biologically active proteins and peptides that are of major interest for pharmacological applications in the cardiovascular system (CVS). This has led to their use for the development and design of new drugs, such as the first-in-class angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, developed from a peptide present in snake venom. This review discusses the potential usefulness of snake venom toxins for developing effective treatments against IHD and related diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. It describes their biological effects at the molecular scale, their mechanisms of action according to their different pharmacological properties, as well as their subsequent molecular pathways and therapeutic targets. The molecules reported here have either been approved for human medical use and are currently available on the drug market or are still in the clinical or preclinical developmental stages. The information summarized here may be useful in providing insights into the development of future snake venom-derived drugs.
Topics: Humans; Snake Venoms; Peptides; Proteins; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Crotalid Venoms; Myocardial Ischemia
PubMed: 37892221
DOI: 10.3390/biom13101539 -
Thrombosis Research Aug 2023Idarucizumab has been approved to reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. However, there is little knowledge of the effectiveness and safety of idarucizumab in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Idarucizumab has been approved to reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. However, there is little knowledge of the effectiveness and safety of idarucizumab in daily practice.
AIMS
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the use, effectiveness and outcomes of idarucizumab.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed up to September 8th 2022. Original studies including patients prescribed idarucizumab, evaluating prescription indications, prescription appropriateness, haemostatic efficacy and/or the occurrence of adverse events were eligible. Case-reports and studies performed in patients ≤18 years or in healthy volunteers were excluded. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effects model, after Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation.
RESULTS
Thirty studies comprising 3602 patients were included. Idarucizumab was prescribed for bleeding (63.1 %, 95%CI 57.0 %-69.0 %), invasive procedures (30.5 %, 95%CI: 24.1 %-37.2 %), to enable thrombolysis (range: 2.0 %-27.3 %), dabigatran intoxication without bleeding (range: 3.6 %-7.0 %) or unspecified reasons (range: 0.4 %-18.8 %). Overall, 2.8 % (95%CI 0.5 %-6.2 %) of prescription indications were reported to be inappropriate upon post-hoc evaluation. Hemostatic effectiveness was achieved in 77.7 % (95%CI 66.7 %-87.2 %) and peri-procedural haemostasis was normal in 98.5 % (95%CI 86.6 %-100 %) of patients. The pooled incidences of all-cause mortality and thromboembolic events at any follow-up duration were 13.6 % (95%CI 9.6 %-17.9 %) and 2.0 % (95%CI 0.8 %-3.4 %), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Idarucizumab was mainly prescribed in the setting of bleeding. The reported hemostatic effectiveness was good, especially perioperatively, and the incidence of thromboembolic events was low. Patients with dabigatran-associated bleeding or requiring an urgent procedure nonetheless face a high mortality risk.
Topics: Humans; Dabigatran; Antithrombins; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Hemorrhage; Thromboembolism; Hemostatics
PubMed: 37267671
DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.05.020