Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Minela Aida Maranduca, Daniela Maria Tanase, Cristian Tudor Cozma, Nicoleta Dima, Andreea Clim, Alin Constantin Pinzariu, Dragomir Nicolae Serban, Ionela Lacramioara Serban
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant stress on the medical community. ACE2, a cellular receptor for the virus, has been identified as a crucial component in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and is responsible for various processes in different organs. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to downregulation of ACE2 and disrupts the balance between ACE and ACE2 in organs, resulting in observed effects of COVID-19 infection.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Samuel N. Heyman, Thomas Walther, Zaid Abassi
Summary: Membrane-bound angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 acts as a receptor for the Sars-CoV-2 spike protein, allowing viral attachment to host cells. COVID-19 has shed light on the importance of ACE2 and Ang-(1-7), which may offer renoprotective effects in acute kidney injury (AKI) but could also have detrimental effects in certain conditions. Activation of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis may provide renal protection in AKI patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Andrzej K. Ciechanowicz, Wen Xin Lay, Jefte Prado Paulino, Erika Suchocki, Susanne Leszczak, Christian Leszczak, Magdalena Kucia
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection causes severe lung damage, and the expression of genes in lung alveolar stem cells and organoids may play an important role in the development of the disease. It was found that these cells express genes related to virus entry, the RAA pathway, and the Nlrp3 inflammasome pathway. In addition, these cells express a high level of ACE2 and produce Ang 1-7, which has a protective role in lung damage. Further studies showed that Ang 1-7 promotes cell proliferation in lung alveolar stem cells and AT2 cells. Therefore, Ang 1-7 could be used to alleviate damage to lung alveolar stem/progenitor cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Dejan Marcetic, Miroslav Samarzija, Andrea Vukic Dugac, Jelena Knezevic
Summary: Chronic inflammatory lung diseases are characterized by uncontrolled immune response in the airways, and the lack of specific diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers poses a major challenge for pulmonologists. Approved therapeutic approaches focus on achieving disease remission, while the protective role of ACE2 in the lungs and its exact pathophysiological mechanism of action remain unclear.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Michal Herman-Edelstein, Tali Guetta, Amir Barnea, Maayan Waldman, Naomi Ben-Dor, Yaron Barak, Ran Kornowski, Michael Arad, Edith Hochhauser, Dan Aravot
Summary: This study found that ACE2 expression is increased in diabetic hearts and positively correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin, body mass index, and activation of the renin angiotensin system, indicating that patients with uncontrolled diabetes or obesity with RAS activation have higher ACE2 expression and are at higher risk for severe infection. Additionally, there was no correlation between plasma free ACE2 and cardiac tissue ACE2 expression. Transmembrane serine protease 2, metalloprotease ADAM10, and ADAM17, which facilitate viral-ACE2 complex entry and degradation, were increased in diabetic hearts.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Raghad Buqaileh, Hannah Saternos, Sidney Ley, Arianna Aranda, Kathleen Forero, Wissam A. AbouAlaiwi
Summary: The global coronavirus pandemic poses risks not only to the respiratory system but also to other organ systems, particularly the kidneys. While evidence suggests kidney damage in COVID-19 patients, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Understanding the impact of the virus on the kidneys is important as it may contribute to higher mortality rates in affected individuals.
PHYSIOLOGICAL GENOMICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ravit Cohen-Segev, Omri Nativ, Safa Kinaneh, Doron Aronson, Aviva Kabala, Shadi Hamoud, Tony Karram, Zaid Abassi
Summary: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with impaired kidney function. This study examined the effects of Ang 1-7 on kidney function in rats with CHF and found that Ang 1-7 has beneficial effects on renal and cardiac function in CHF rats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ikram Omar Osman, Clea Melenotte, Philippe Brouqui, Matthieu Million, Jean-Christophe Lagier, Philippe Parola, Andreas Stein, Bernard La Scola, Line Meddeb, Jean-Louis Mege, Didier Raoult, Christian A. Devaux
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to variations in ACE2 expression and Ang II plasma concentration, potentially affecting blood pressure regulation and COVID-19 outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mehmet Hakan Ozdener, Sunila Mahavadi, Shobha Mummalaneni, Vijay Lyall
Summary: This study found that the delta-subunit of ENaC in human salt-sensing taste receptor cells interacts with GPER1, TRPV1, and components of the RAAS, suggesting their involvement in modulating salt sensing and intake. Additionally, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was found to interact with ACE2, a component of the RAAS, potentially leading to changes in ENaC expression and responses in salt-sensing taste cells.
Article
Microbiology
Raymond Rowland, Alberto Brandariz-Nunez
Summary: The study highlights the importance of N-glycosylation for proper cell surface expression of ACE2, with no effect on its carboxiprotease activity. The binding of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 was not affected by deglycosylation. N-glycosylation was found to reduce cell-to-cell fusion mediated by SARS-CoV but not SARS-CoV-2.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Markus Hoffmann, Lu Zhang, Nadine Krueger, Luise Graichen, Hannah Kleine-Weber, Heike Hofmann-Winkler, Amy Kempf, Stefan Nessler, Joachim Riggert, Martin Sebastian Winkler, Sebastian Schulz, Hans-Martin Jaeck, Stefan Poehlmann
Summary: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to farmed mink and back raises concerns of genetic variants with potential increased threat to human health. Mutations in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 from mink allow efficient entry into human cells and inhibition by ACE2, while mutation Y453F reduces neutralization by certain antibodies authorized for COVID-19 therapy. Antibody responses induced by infection or specific treatments might not offer adequate protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants from mink.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andrea Estefania Portales, Emilio Roman Mustafa, Clara Ines McCarthy, Maria Paula Cornejo, Paula Monserrat Couto, Mariela Mercedes Gironacci, Julio Javier Caramelo, Mario Perello, Jesica Raingo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of RAS modulators on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19. The results showed that the AT1R and B2R receptors modulated the internalization of SARS-CoV-2, and the coexpression of ACE2 affected the inhibitory action of these receptors on calcium channels.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yihienew M. Bezabih, Alemayehu Bezabih, Endalkachew Alamneh, Gregory M. Peterson, Woldesellassie Bezabhe
Summary: RAAS inhibitors do not increase the risk of mortality or severity in COVID-19 patients, but specific RAAS inhibitors may have different effects on clinical outcomes compared to other classes of antihypertensive drugs.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Miklos Fagyas, Viktor Banhegyi, Katalin uri, Attila Enyedi, Erzsebet Lizanecz, Ivetta Siket Manyine, Lilla Martha, Gabor aron Fulop, Tamas Radovits, Miklos Polos, Bela Merkely, Arpad Kovacs, Zoltan Szilvassy, Zoltan Ungvari, Istvan edes, Zoltan Csanadi, Judit Boczan, Istvan Takacs, Gabor Szabo, Jozsef Balla, Gyorgy Balla, Petar Seferovic, Zoltan Papp, Attila Toth
Summary: ACE2 levels in patients with severe COVID-19 comorbidities, such as hypertension, heart failure, and lung cancer, are influenced by factors including sex, weight, and age. The levels of ACE2 show a correlation with the severity of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential role in the pathomechanisms and higher mortality of COVID-19. Abandoning RAS inhibitory medication may worsen cardiovascular status without affecting ACE2 levels.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruchao Peng, Lian-Ao Wu, Qingling Wang, Jianxun Qi, George Fu Gao
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells by interacting with the ACE2 receptor, leading to fusion between viral and cellular membranes, with involvement of auxiliary receptors and cofactors. Understanding the molecular events during viral entry is crucial for developing vaccines and therapeutics.
TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Mohammed Saber, Naoual El Menyiy, Saoulajan Charfi, Hanae Naceiri Mrabti, Omar Belmehdi, Hamza El Moudden, Douae Taha, Nasreddine El Omari, Abdelaali Balahbib, Gokhan Zengin, Mohamed Bakha, Mohamed Tabyaoui, Hicham Harhar, Monica Gallo, Domenico Montesano, Abdelhakim Bouyahya
Summary: This article reports previous investigations on Tetraclinis articulata, including its taxonomy, distribution, traditional use, phytochemistry, biological effects, toxicology, nutritional value, and economic interest. The plant exhibits various biological activities and shows no toxicity. However, further research is needed to validate its pharmacological use and toxicity.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Maksim Rebezov, Muhammad Usman Khan, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Muhammad Imran, Tabussam Tufail, Olga Loretts, Olga Neverova, Svetlana Artyukhova, Elena Kuznetsova, Vladimir Ermolaev, Abdelaali Balahbib, Muthu Thiruvengadam, Gokhan Zengin, Mohammad Ali Shariati
Summary: Tiger nuts are a nutritional plant with tubers rich in vegetable oils and other beneficial compounds. Tiger nut oil is underutilized in the food industry, but its dietary fibers can be used to prepare fiber-rich meat products. Tiger nuts and their by-products have potential applications in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, agricultural development, and biofuel production.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nabeelah Bibi Sadeer, Gokhan Zengin, Mohamad Fawzi Mahomoodally
Summary: Mangrove plants are ecologically important and produce unique compounds in extreme conditions. Mangrove microbes have the potential for vaccine development and the synthesis of nanoparticles. Mangrove plants also contain bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical applications.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sabira Sultana, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Maksim Rebezov, Mohammad Ali Shariati, Abdelaali Balahbib, Aya Khouchlaa, Ouadie Mohamed El Yaagoubi, Adnan Khaliq, Nasreddine El Omari, Saad Bakrim, Gokhan Zengin, Muhammad Akram, Mars Khayrullin, Irina Bogonosova, Shafi Mahmud, Jesus Simal-Gandara
Summary: For individuals living with progressive cancer, nutritional therapy and exercise are important factors in improving health and quality of life. Cancer survivors and patients are encouraged to seek knowledge on diet, exercise, and supplements to maintain treatment outcomes, living quality, and survival. A healthy diet plays a significant role in cancer treatment.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Maria Joao Rodrigues, Catarina Guerreiro Pereira, Marta Oliveira, Gokhan Zengin, Luisa Custodio
Summary: Parasitic diseases caused by protozoans and helminths are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in tropical regions. Salt-tolerant plants (halophytes) have attracted attention for their medicinal properties, including antiparasitic effects.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Safir Ullah Khan, Muhammad Imran Khan, Munir Ullah Khan, Noor Muhammad Khan, Simona Bungau, Syed Shams ul Hassan
Summary: Diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord are classified as central nervous system diseases. Most medications used for these diseases are unable to cross the blood-brain barrier, limiting their effectiveness. However, exosomes, due to their small size, high delivery efficiency, and compatibility, can cross the blood-brain barrier and serve as transporters for targeted drug administration. Further research and bioengineering modifications can enhance the properties and targeting abilities of exosomes, making them promising vectors for central nervous system diseases.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mehreen Ghufran, Mehran Ullah, Haider Ali Khan, Sabreen Ghufran, Muhammad Ayaz, Muhammad Siddiq, Syed Qamar Abbas, Syed Shams ul Hassan, Simona Bungau
Summary: During the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, researchers extensively studied pharmacological strategies to decrease the viral load in severe patients. The M-pro protease, which is essential for viral replication, has been identified as a potential therapeutic target. To prevent further spread of the pandemic, scientists are actively searching for more efficient inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Andrei-Flavius Radu, Simona Gabriela Bungau
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by bone and cartilage damage in the synovium, resulting in joint impairment and increased mortality rate. Despite recent improvements in RA treatment, only a small fraction of patients achieve clinical remission without ongoing immunosuppressive drugs. Research on RA nano therapies has increased due to their potential advantages over traditional systemic treatments. Nanotherapeutic techniques, specifically drug delivery nano systems, offer new approaches to overcome the limitations of existing treatments by precisely delivering therapeutic drugs to affected sites.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ruxandra-Cristina Marin, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Delia Mirela Tit, Paul Andrei Negru, Andrei-Flavius Radu, Radu Dumitru Moleriu
Summary: Approximately two-thirds of Romanian HIV patients were parenterally infected with the F subtype of HIV in early childhood. They are now facing immunological aging, with immunosuppression posing an additional challenge in developing effective and well-tolerated regimens. A retrospective study compared the immune recovery of 462 HIV-infected patients who received different treatment regimens, showing normal immune response but a significant difference between groups. The study also assessed the relationship between immune and virological responses to therapy, finding an association at the final visit.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Safir Ullah Khan, Munir Ullah Khan, Muhammad Azhar Ud Din, Ibrar Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Imran Khan, Simona Bungau, Syed Shams ul Hassan
Summary: Over the past decade, it has been increasingly recognized that tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), play a crucial role in promoting tumor development, invasion, and metastasis. TAMs are the most common type of immune cells in many malignancies and contribute to the establishment of an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The presence of pro-tumoral TAMs hinders the effectiveness of conventional therapies and even innovative immunotherapies based on immune-checkpoint suppression. Understanding the metabolic changes and functional plasticity of TAMs in the complex TME is important for developing targeted tumor immunotherapy and more effective treatment strategies.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Rashita Makkar, Aayush Sehgal, Sukhbir Singh, Neelam Sharma, Ravi Rawat, Summya Rashid, Celia Vargas-De-La-Cruz, Shivam Yadav, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Tapan Behl
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the joints and joint membrane, resulting in immune cell infiltration, synovium lining hyperplasia, pannus formation, and bone and cartilage destruction. It affects approximately 1% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women. The aggressive phenotype of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis individuals leads to the upregulation of proto-oncogenes, adhesive compounds, inflammatory cytokines, and matrix-deteriorating enzymes. Current treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and biologics targeting specific molecules. Understanding the pathogenesis and associated parameters would facilitate the development of advanced therapeutic approaches for managing this debilitating disease.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Muhammad Tahir Aqeel, Nisar-ur Rahman, Arif-ullah Khan, Muhammad Tariq Khan, Zaman Ashraf, Syed Shams ul Hassan, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Muhammad Majid
Summary: This study assessed the therapeutic potential of five 2-methoxy phenol derivatives as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and vasorelaxants. The results showed that T2 exhibited significant antioxidant and vasorelaxant effects, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties, making it a promising lead compound for further investigation in cardiovascular disorders.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Manuel Alexandru Gitea, Daniela Gitea, Delia Mirela Tit, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Mihaela Alexandra Bogdan, Andrei-Flavius Radu, Francisc Vasile Dulf, Manuela Bianca Pasca
Summary: This study evaluated the physico-chemical and bioactive properties of grape seed oil (GSO) obtained from two grape varieties. The results showed that GSO has high antioxidant activity and is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and total polyphenols.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aroosa Zafar, Yusra Wasti, Muhammad Majid, Durdana Muntaqua, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Ihsan ul Haq
Summary: This study found that the combination of A. brevifolia and cefixime has the potential to inhibit antimicrobial resistance, effectively inhibiting the growth of resistant strains.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Flaviu Bodea, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Andrei Paul Negru, Ada Radu, Alexandra Georgiana Tarce, Delia Mirela Tit, Alexa Florina Bungau, Cristian Bustea, Tapan Behl, Andrei-Flavius Radu
Summary: Ophthalmic disorders cover a wide range of diseases that affect the eye's structures and functions. The management of these disorders is crucial, but there are several unmet needs, including outcome measures in clinical trials, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, and comprehensive bibliometric assessments. This study utilized molecular docking analysis, ligand virtual screening, and bibliometric analysis to address these needs and identify potential compounds for glaucoma management and evaluate the current knowledge in therapeutic approaches to ocular diseases.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yuwen Zhu, Yan Guo, Yujia Xue, Anqi Zhou, Ying Chen, Yifei Chen, Xiulian Miao, Fangqiao Lv
Summary: BRG1 plays an important role in HSC-myofibroblast transition and targeting it could be a reasonable strategy for liver fibrosis intervention.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Liu Ye, Beibei Liu, Jingling Huang, Xiaolin Zhao, Yuan Wang, Yungen Xu, Shuping Wang
Summary: Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a significant prooncogenic factor that is strongly associated with the malignant progression and clinical prognosis of various cancers. DCLK1 plays important roles in stem cell marker regulation, tumor cell reprogramming, and immune evasion. However, the exact biological functions of DCLK1, especially the disparities between its alpha- and beta-form transcripts in cancer progression, remain ambiguous.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiahui Yang, Xiaoyu Chen, Tianjing Liu, Yongyan Shi
Summary: This article reviews the role of bile acids in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and their potential therapeutic value. The dysregulation of bile acids is associated with intestinal injury, and inflammatory factors in the liver also play a crucial role in regulating bile acid transport. The bile acid metabolic pathway is important for regulating intestinal microbiota, cell proliferation, and barrier protection.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhenzheng Zhu, Yuemiao Xu, Yuwei Xia, Xinru Jia, Yixin Chen, Yuyue Liu, Leyin Zhang, Hui Chai, Leitao Sun
Summary: Bile acid, as the final product of cholesterol breakdown, plays a complex regulatory and signaling role in human metabolism. Research suggests that it has the potential to enhance metabolism and regulate chronic metabolic diseases through various pathways. The interaction between bile acid and gut microbiota is also of great significance.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Xin He, Hong-Xu Zhou, Xian Fu, Kai-Di Ni, Ai-Zhi Lin, Ling-Tong Zhang, Hou-Hua Yin, Qing Jiang, Xue Zhou, Yi-Wen Meng, Jun-Yan Liu
Summary: DON exposure causes an increase in deoxycholic acid (DCA), which contributes to intestinal injury. DCA may be a potential therapeutic target for DON enterotoxicity.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhitao Wang, Heng Ma, Abdul Nasir, Sufang Liu, Zhisong Li, Feng Tao, Qian Bai
Summary: This study reveals the involvement of TET1-mediated epigenetic regulation in chronic TMJ pain through trigeminal TNF alpha signaling.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lu Yu, Hao Ran, Yaru Lu, Qian Ma, Huan Huang, Weibin Liu
Summary: This study found that the HIF-1 alpha inhibitor BAY 87-2243 can alleviate the symptoms of the Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis (EAMG) inflammation model. BAY 87-2243 can restore the balance of CD4(+)T cell subsets, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and act as both an immune imbalance regulator and anti-inflammatory.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alex Peralvarez-Marin, Montse Sole, Judith Serrano, Alice Taddeucci, Belen Perez, Clara Penas, Gemma Manich, Marcel Jimenez, Pilar D'Ocon, Francesc Jimenez-Altayo
Summary: This study provides the first evidence that TRPV2 channels may modulate vascular tone by balancing opposing inputs from the endothelium and smooth muscle, leading to net vasodilation. The amplification of TRPV2 channel-induced activity by NO emphasizes the pathophysiological relevance of these findings.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Amin Ullah, Jing Zhao, Jiakun Li, Rajeev K. Singla, Bairong Shen
Summary: Gastric cancer is the fifth-most prevalent and second-most deadly cancer worldwide. Late onset of symptoms makes early detection important. CXC chemokines play an important role in the pathological process of gastric cancer, but their exact role in diagnosis and prognosis is not fully understood. Inhibiting CXC chemokines shows promise as a targeted therapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Menna S. Zeyada, Salma M. Eraky, Mamdouh M. El-Shishtawy
Summary: The current study demonstrates the prophylactic and antifibrotic effects of Trig against BLM-induced PF by targeting multiple signaling pathways. The combination of Trig and Pirf may be a promising approach to enhance Pirf's anti-fibrotic effect.
