Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ORF3a induces the expression of ACE2 in oral and pulmonary epithelial cells and the food supplement Vita Deyun^® diminishes this effect

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a serious global health problem and numerous studies are currently being conducted to improve understanding of the components of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, as well as to identify solutions that mitigate the effects of COVID-19 symptoms. The nutritional supplement Vita Deyun ® is composed of silymarin, glutathione, vitamin C and selenium. Studies of its individual components have demonstrated their benefits as anti-inflammatory agents, antioxidants and enhancers of the immune response. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effects of Vita Deyun on the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2 ) in diverse cell lines, as well as in the presence or absence of the SARS-CoV-2 open reading frame (ORF)3a protein. Through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, the use of viral particles containing SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a and bioinformatics analysis via the National Center for Biotechnology Information databases, ACE2 was determined to be highly expressed in oral and skin epithelial cells, with a lower expression observed in lung cells. Notably, the expression of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a increased the level of ACE2 expression and Vita Deyun treatment diminished this effect. In addition, Vita Deyun treatment markedly decreased interleukin-18 mRNA levels. The combination of phytonutrients in Vita Deyun may help to boost the immune system and could reduce the effects of COVID-19. Ongoing clinical studies are required to provide evidence of the efficacy of Vita Deyun.

Silymarin/curcumin loaded albumin nanoparticles coated by chitosan as muco-inhalable delivery system observing anti-inflammatory and anti COVID-19 characterizations in oleic acid triggered lung injury and in vitro COVID-19 experiment

“…It can be summarized that silymarin extracted from milk thistle, has a protective effect during lung injury because of its ability to decrease the production of nitric oxide, decrease the infiltration of inflammatory cells, suppress the activity of myeloperoxidase and its ability to reduce the protein levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, superoxide dismutase, catalase and GSH peroxidase [50] . Additionally, silymarin has been considered recently as a potent inhibitor for angiotensin converting enzyme-2 preventing its host-cell entry [51] .…”

The favorable impacts of silibinin polyphenols as adjunctive therapy in reducing the complications of COVID-19: A review of research evidence and underlying mechanisms

“…The HE acts as a receptor-destroying enzyme in the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE receptors. Besides, studies indicated that silymarin might inhibit the host-cell entrance of SARS-Cov-2 by inhibiting ACE-2 receptors [30] . Zhang et al [111] suggested that a timely anti-inflammation therapy, including glucocorticoids, JAK inhibitors, and IL-6 antagonists, in COVID-19 patients may have the most beneficial effects.…”

“…Silibinin can affect viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase action, preventing hepatitis C virus replication [29] . Silibinin has been reported for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity and protective effects against endothelial dysfunction in both in vitro [30] and in vivo [22] studies. Nieuwenhuizen et al concluded that silymarin has a protective effect against lung injury due to its ability to decrease the production of nitric oxide, the infiltration of inflammatory cells, the activity of myeloperoxidase, and its ability to decrease the protein levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and GSH peroxidase [31] .…”

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in ARDS and COVID‐19

“…61 Additionally, silymarin has recently been considered a potent inhibitor for ACE2, preventing its host-cell entry. 62 Nemany et al recently found silymarin/curcumin-loaded albumin nanoparticles coated with chitosan and used in a muco-inhalable delivery system had anti-inflammatory and anti-COVID-19 effects. 63,64 Studies on viral infections have shown overactive inflammasome and therefore, destructive and systemic inflammation in patients.…”

“…Silymarin, extracted from milk thistle, has a protective effect during lung injury because of its ability to decrease the production of nitric oxide and the infiltration of inflammatory cells 61 . Additionally, silymarin has recently been considered a potent inhibitor for ACE2, preventing its host‐cell entry 62 . Nemany et al recently found silymarin/curcumin‐loaded albumin nanoparticles coated with chitosan and used in a muco‐inhalable delivery system had anti‐inflammatory and anti‐COVID‐19 effects 63,64 …”