Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Steven D. Brooks, Rachel L. Smith, Aline S. Moreira, Hans C. Ackerman
Summary: Lisinopril increases ACE2 expression in tissues relevant to COVID-19, while adding losartan prevents the lisinopril-induced increase. A sex difference was observed with higher ACE2 levels in the kidneys of male mice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Dettlaff-Pokora, Julian Swierczynski
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 impairs the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by binding the ACE2 enzyme, leading to an increase in angiotensin 2 and a decrease in angiotensin (1-7), potentially worsening damage to the lungs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Sarah Alabsi, Atharva Dhole, Sameh Hozayen, Scott A. Chapman
Summary: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a crucial role as a counterregulatory enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), exerting protective actions against vasoconstriction, inflammation, and fibrosis. ACE2 serves as the binding site for the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, facilitating its entry into ACE2-expressing tissue cells. Various factors, including viral variants, patient characteristics, and ACE2 expression levels, contribute to the severity and complications of COVID-19 infection. The impact of medications that alter ACE2 receptor expression on disease progression and outcomes remains uncertain. This review aims to discuss the interrelation between SARS-CoV-2, ACE2, and factors influencing the variability of ACE2 expression and the severity of COVID-19 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu Wang, Hikari Takeshita, Koichi Yamamoto, Yibin Huang, Cheng Wang, Tsuneo Nakajima, Yoichi Nozato, Taku Fujimoto, Serina Yokoyama, Kazuhiro Hongyo, Futoshi Nakagami, Hiroshi Akasaka, Yoichi Takami, Yasushi Takeya, Ken Sugimoto, Hiromi Rakugi
Summary: This study found that Ang II did not affect ACE2 and other molecules associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, supporting recent observational studies suggesting that the use of RASi is not a risk factor for COVID-19.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Somasundaram Raghavan, M. Dennis Leo
Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, is a significant global health crisis. The range of symptoms among COVID-19 patients varies from life-threatening to mild or asymptomatic, posing challenges for identification, quarantine, and treatment. The emergence of Long COVID, characterized by unusual symptoms among survivors, is concerning due to limited understanding and treatment options. Recent evidence suggests that histamine and vascular inflammation might contribute to some Long COVID symptoms. Famotidine, a commonly used H2 receptor blocker, has been shown to prevent adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Lunardi, Francesco Fortarezza, Luca Vedovelli, Federica Pezzuto, Annalisa Boscolo, Marco Rossato, Roberto Vettor, Anna Maria Cattelan, Claudia Del Vecchio, Andrea Crisanti, Paolo Navalesi, Dario Gregori, Fiorella Calabrese
Summary: This study found that ACE-2 levels were decreased in lung tissue of smokers, and smoking was the most probable risk factor associated with low ACE-2 expression. Additionally, there was a direct relationship between viral quantity and ACE-2 expression, with high ACE-2 expressors more likely to show vascular injury.
Article
Biology
Tuemay Capraz, Nikolaus F. Kienzl, Elisabeth Laurent, Jan W. Perthold, Esther Foederl-Hoebenreich, Clemens Gruenwald-Gruber, Daniel Maresch, Vanessa Monteil, Janine Niederhofer, Gerald Wirnsberger, Ali Mirazimi, Kurt Zatloukal, Lukas Mach, Josef M. Penninger, Chris Oostenbrink, Johannes Stadlmann
Summary: The interaction between the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 on host cells is crucial for viral entry, with glycosylation playing a critical role. Engineering ACE2 glycosylation can enhance virus neutralization without affecting protein stability or activity. Removing all N-glycans from recombinant soluble human ACE2 can create a superior decoy receptor for effective COVID-19 treatment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nguyen Thanh Tung, Po-Ching Cheng, Kai-Hsien Chi, Ta-Chi Hsiao, Timothy Jones, Kelly BeruBe, Kin-Fai Ho, Hsiao-Chi Chuang
Summary: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Particulate matter (PM) may act as a carrier for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, with PM increasing the expression of ACE2 in the lungs, facilitating viral adhesion. This suggests that PM could be a direct and indirect transmission model for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shiho Tanaka, Gard Nelson, C. Anders Olson, Oleksandr Buzko, Wendy Higashide, Annie Shin, Marcos Gonzalez, Justin Taft, Roosheel Patel, Sofija Buta, Ashley Richardson, Dusan Bogunovic, Patricia Spilman, Kayvan Niazi, Shahrooz Rabizadeh, Patrick Soon-Shiong
Summary: The study identified an ACE2 decoy that can effectively combat SARS-CoV-2 variants, offering a treatment option. The use of MD simulation to predict ACE2 sequence substitutions and screen candidate ACE2 decoys enhances efficacy against variants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Nappi, Sanjeet Singh Avtaar Singh
Summary: The inflammatory process triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis, leading to severe systemic symptoms through various pathways. The role of endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis in this process has not been fully explored. This review aims to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of these inflammatory triggers and their association with thrombotic complications, while also examining a case of carotid artery thrombosis following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yue Hu, Lihuan Liu, Xifeng Lu
Summary: ACE2, a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. It is implicated in tissue injury, chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and may be a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Leder Leal Xavier, Paula Fernanda Ribas Neves, Lisie Valeria Paz, Laura Tartari Neves, Pamela Brambilla Bagatini, Luis Fernando Saraiva Macedo Timmers, Alberto Antonio Rasia-Filho, Regis Gemerasca Mestriner, Andrea Wieck
Summary: This viewpoint explores the pathophysiological hypotheses of COVID-19, focusing on the role of molecules like ACE2 and ANG II in the RAAS system, as well as the biological changes in RAAS activation following SARS-CoV-2 infection and potential outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hassan Sarker, Rashmi Panigrahi, Eugenio Hardy, J. N. Mark Glover, Shokrollah Elahi, Carlos Fernandez-Patron
Summary: This study suggests that dexamethasone and cortisol can bind to the spike 1 protein (S1) of SARS-CoV-2, disrupting its interaction with ACE2 and potentially inhibiting viral entry. The study also found that certain S1 mutations may affect the binding of cortisol. Further investigation is needed to determine if the direct interaction between glucocorticoids and S1 is a natural defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yusen Xiang, Mengge Wang, Hongzhuan Chen, Lili Chen
Summary: The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for rapid drug development in the absence of precise treatment. The virus S protein plays a crucial role in vaccine and drug development, with a focus on inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 S protein, ACE2, and viral infection-associated enzymes. The review provides valuable information for potential antiviral agent discovery and development in combating SARS-CoV-2, with future exploration of more targeted prevention and treatment drugs expected with advanced technology.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Sandeep Singh, Christine Widrich, Martijn Nap, Emile Schokker, Aeilko H. Zwinderman, Sara-Joan Pinto-Sietsma
Summary: A global analysis was conducted to explore the association between antihypertensive medications and SARS-CoV-2 severity. The results suggest that ARBs and CCBs may have a protective effect against death from SARS-CoV-2 infection, while ACEis may be associated with a higher mortality rate.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Criminology & Penology
Benedetta Barchielli, Giulia Lausi, Alessandra Pizzo, Manuel Messineo, Antonio Del Casale, Anna Maria Giannini, Stefano Ferracuti
Summary: Acid attacks are a specific form of interpersonal violence, often stemming from marital disputes and sexual assault cases. They are more prevalent in countries with high social and economic tensions, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Risk factors for acid attacks include young age, low socioeconomic status, low education level, ethnicity, unemployment of the victim, and the perpetrators' alcohol and drug use. The psychosocial consequences of acid attacks include isolation and social exclusion.
TRAUMA VIOLENCE & ABUSE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathleen Gallo, Emanuel Kemmler, Andrean Goede, Finnja Becker, Mathias Dunkel, Robert Preissner, Priyanka Banerjee
Summary: Natural products have been used for thousands of years as healing agents and continue to be a major source of potential therapeutic preparations. They have played a key role in modern drug discovery and efforts have been made to discover natural low-calorie sweeteners. The SuperNatural 3.0 database provides a valuable resource for natural compounds and derivatives, including information on their structures, physicochemical properties, pathways, and toxicities.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Maxime N. N. Gottschalk, Max Heiland, Susanne Nahles, Robert Preissner, William A. A. Petri, Stephanie Wendy, Saskia Preissner
Summary: Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare auto-inflammatory disease. Recent studies have shown an association between AOSD and SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 vaccination.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Donato Summa, Gemine Vivone, Noemi Franco, Giuseppe D'Amico, Benedetto De Rosa, Paolo Di Girolamo
Summary: This study aims to improve the capability of measuring the atmospheric boundary layer height (ABLH) under variable or unstable weather conditions. A new approach using rotational and roto-vibrational Raman lidar signals is tested, along with the traditional gradient approach. Lidar data from the University of Basilicata Raman lidar (BASIL) during a specific observation period were used and compared with other innovative methods such as the Morphological Image Processing Approach (MIPA) and temperature gradient technique. The results show good agreement among the different methodologies, with some deviations observed under unstable weather conditions.
Article
Oncology
Saskia Preissner, Max Heiland, Robert Preissner, Markus Wirth, Barbara Wollenberg
Summary: Antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, affecting drug metabolism and leading to ineffective immunotherapy in cancer patients. A study on oral cancer patients found that those who received antibiotics had a significantly lower survival rate compared to those who did not, possibly due to antibiotic-related changes in the gut microbiome.
Article
Oncology
Jonas Wuester, Max Heiland, Susanne Nahles, Robert Preissner, Saskia Preissner
Summary: Statins are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and have been found to have beneficial effects on cancer prevention and treatment. In this study, the effect of statin medication on head and neck cancer patients was investigated. The results showed that patients who received statins had significantly higher five-year survival rates and a lower risk of death compared to those who did not receive statins. However, further clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Matteo Scopetti, Donato Morena, Martina Padovano, Federico Manetti, Nicola Di Fazio, Giuseppe Delogu, Stefano Ferracuti, Paola Frati, Vittorio Fineschi
Summary: The admission of psychiatric and neurocognitive disorder patients to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide has sparked controversies. The lack of legislative framework, ineffective evaluation and control systems, and negative indicators on global health and socioeconomic levels may contribute to the expansion of these requests. This paper aims to provide ethical support for the debate on this matter and establish foundations for clinical practice in the complex field of psychiatry.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Claudio Imperatori, Benedetta Barchielli, Ornella Corazza, Giuseppe Alessio Carbone, Elisabeth Prevete, Simone Montaldo, Elena De Rossi, Chiara Massullo, Lorenzo Tarsitani, Stefano Ferracuti, Massimo Pasquini, Massimo Biondi, Benedetto Farina, Francesco Saverio Bersani
Summary: Interactions between childhood trauma and dissociation contribute to psychiatric disturbances, particularly behavioral addictions. This study examined the relationship between childhood trauma, dissociation, and different types of behavioral addictions in young adults. The findings suggest that there is a significant association between childhood trauma, dissociation, and behavioral addictions. The study also found that pathological dissociation mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and behavioral addictions.
JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Paolo Di Girolamo, Noemi Franco, Marco Di Paolantonio, Donato Summa, Davide Dionisi
Summary: It was previously believed that lidar systems based on high-repetition micro-pulse lasers could only be used in elastic backscatter lidar systems. Recent technological advances have made it feasible to develop micro-pulse laser-based Raman lidar systems capable of measuring the vertical profiles of atmospheric thermodynamic parameters.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Priyanka Banerjee, Saskia Preissner, Robert Preissner
Summary: Real-world evidence data has revealed a significant link between biologics usage and hepatotoxicity in patients, emphasizing the need to assess the safety and effectiveness of these drugs. This study provides the first large-scale analysis of the hepatotoxic profiles of biologics, which are commonly prescribed for chronic inflammatory diseases. Understanding the potential adverse effects of biologics is crucial for patient care.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Silvia Mezi, Andrea Botticelli, Simone Scagnoli, Giulia Pomati, Giulia Fiscon, Federica De Galitiis, Francesca Romana Di Pietro, Sofia Verkhovskaia, Sasan Amirhassankhani, Simona Pisegna, Giovanna Gentile, Maurizio Simmaco, Bjoern Gohlke, Robert Preissner, Paolo Marchetti
Summary: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are significantly associated with treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity. Our findings support the utility of DDI assessment in melanoma patients treated with BRAF/MEK inhibitors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Del Casale, Maurizio Simmaco, Martina Nicole Modesti, Clarissa Zocchi, Jan Francesco Arena, Irene Bilotta, Alessandro Alcibiade, Giuseppe Sarli, Lorenzo Cutillo, Giulia Antonelli, Enrico La Spina, Ottavia De Luca, Robert Preissner, Marina Borro, Giovanna Gentile, Paolo Girardi, Maurizio Pompili
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between DRD2, DRD3, and HTR2A genes and resistance to antipsychotic medication, and finds that a diagnosis of schizophrenia and specific genotypes are significantly associated with high treatment resistance.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Antonio Del Casale, Jessica Pileri, Giorgio Veneziani, Antonio Napolitano, Martina Nicole Modesti, Barbara Adriani, Benedetta Barchielli, Giovanna Parmigiani, Francesco Grassi, Christian Napoli, Stefano Ferracuti, Carlo Lai
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between calls to the National Anti-violence Number (NAN) and socio-sanitary pandemic factors in 2021, with the goal of addressing gender-based violence against women in the aftermath of COVID-19 or other potential crisis situations. The results showed that the number of calls correlated with various pandemic factors, and significant changes in the number of calls occurred throughout the year.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Claudio Babiloni, Claudio Del Percio, Claudia Piervincenzi, Filippo Carducci, Raffaele Ferri, Paolo Onorati, Ginevra Toma, Stefano Ferracuti, Paolo Roma, Valentina Correr, Francesco Di Campli, Antonio Aceti, Marco Salvatore, Andrea Soricelli, Elisabetta Teti, Alfredo Pennica, Loredana Sarmati, Vincenzo Vullo, Gabriella D'Ettorre, Claudio Mastroianni, Nikolaos Petsas, Patrizia Pantano, Roberto Floris, Fabrizio Stocchi, Massimo Andreoni, Giovanni Di Perri, Andrea Calcagno, Giuseppe Noce
Summary: The abnormal connectivity of parietal resting-state electroencephalographic (rsEEG) alpha waves is associated with subcortical white matter vascular lesions in HIV-positive individuals, even without neurocognitive disorders. These rsEEG markers can be used to screen HIV-positive individuals at risk of neurocognitive disorders.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Antonio Del Casale, Giuseppe Sarli, Paride Bargagna, Lorenzo Polidori, Alessandro Alcibiade, Teodolinda Zoppi, Marina Borro, Giovanna Gentile, Clarissa Zocchi, Stefano Ferracuti, Robert Preissner, Maurizio Simmaco, Maurizio Pompili
Summary: This systematic review summarizes the latest advancements of machine learning (ML) applied to pharmacogenomics in psychiatry. The results show that ML techniques have great potential in personalized therapy and drug response prediction, especially when genetic and biodemographic information are integrated with clinical profiles.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
