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Beneficial Effects of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Pathway Blockade against Endothelial Inflammation Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vascular endothelial cells activation and dysfunction mediate inflammation and abnormal coagulation in COVID-19 patients. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling and its downstream target Galectin-3 (Gal-3) are known to mediate cardiovascular inflammation and might be involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 complications. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effects of MR antagonism and Gal-3 inhibition on the inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs).

Methods

HAECs were treated with recombinant SARS-COV2 Spike (S) protein. MR antagonists (namely spironolactone and eplerenone) or the Gal-3 inhibitor G3P-01 were supplemented before and after S protein challenge. HAECs supernatants were assessed by ELISA or Western blotting.

Results

HAECs treated with recombinant S protein resulted in enhanced secretion of inflammatory molecules (interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interleukin-18, interleukin-27, and interferon-γ) as well as in the thrombosis marker plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1. This was prevented and reversed by both MR antagonists and G3P-01.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that MR/Gal-3 pathway blockade could be a promising option to reduce endothelial inflammation in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SUBMITTER: Jover E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8228852 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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