Research has shown that ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a drug used to treat liver disease, could be used to prevent COVID-19 infection. Because the drug targets host cells rather than the virus, it could protect against future new variants of the virus and possibly other coronaviruses that may emerge.
coronavirus, usually infect humans through the respiratory tract and cause damage to the respiratory system and various organs in the human body. Since the first outbreak in late 2019, the new coronavirus is still raging around the world, causing a large negative impact on the global economy and society.
With the large-scale epidemic of the novel coronavirus, new mutant strains of the virus continue to emerge, such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron, etc., some of which have higher infection capacity or higher immune escape capacity , and they are currently the most concerned in the world of course Omicron mutant strain.
Previous studies have shown that the novel coronavirus mainly infects through the binding of its surface spike protein to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on human cells. The main target of the attack, ACE2 is the major receptor entry of the new coronavirus.
If you turn off the ACE2 receptor, can you prevent all variants?
On December 5, 2022, researchers from the University of Cambridge published a research paper titled “FXR inhibition may protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection by reducing ACE2” in the journal “Nature”.
The study proved itA drug for liver disease, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), can close the ACE2 receptor and close the door for the virus to enter the cell. The drug can be used to prevent new crown infection, because the drug takes targeting the host cell rather than the virus So it could protect against future new variants of the virus and possibly other coronaviruses that may emerge.
Vaccines are known to protect us by boosting the immune system so that it can recognize and attack viruses. But the vaccine is not suitable for everyone, such as patients with weakened immune systems. Additionally, the virus can evade vaccine-produced antibodies by mutating. Therefore, it becomes even more important to find alternative ways to protect ourselves from the new corona infection.
Start with Type Organs and Animals
Previously, the study authors had used organoids to study bile duct disease. In the organoid study, the researchers came across a molecule called FXR that was abundant in these bile duct organoids, and most importantly,FXR can directly regulate the on and off states of ACE2 receptors.
The researchers also found that,A generic drug used to treat the liver disease of primary biliary cholangitis, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), lowers FXR and closes the ACE2 channel.
In the study, the researchers used the same method to close the ACE2 channel in lung and intestinal organoids, the two main targets of the novel coronavirus, which can prevent viral infection.
Furthermore, the researchers verified that the drug could prevent the infection of not only cells grown in the laboratory, but also living organisms.
In a hamster model infected with the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus,Hamsters treated with the drug UDCA were protected from the Delta variant, according to the study.
While randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings, the data provide compelling evidence that UDCA can be used to prevent COVID-19, the researchers said.
Analysis of human organs
Next, the researchers analyzed human lungs to further test whether the findings in hamsters would apply to human lungs exposed to COVID-19.
Analysis of the human lung
The researchers used a ventilator to keep 2 donated lungs breathing out of the body and a pump to circulate a blood-like fluid through the lungs to keep the organs functioning. Both lungs were exposed to the virus and one was given the drug UDCA.The results showed that the lung that received the drug was not infected, while the other lung was.
From organ to human being
Finally, the researchers recruited eight volunteers to test the drug UDCA and found lower levels of ACE2 by swabbing their noses, indicating that the virus had a lower chance of invading and infecting their nasal cells.
Although a large-scale clinical trial was not possible, the researchers analyzed COVID-19 data from two separate patient cohorts, comparing those already taking UDCA for liver disease with those not taking the drug.It was found that patients who received UDCA were less likely to develop severe COVID-19 and be hospitalised.
Recap
It’s a no-brainer, the researchers say, to find an existing drug that closes the door for the new coronavirus to enter cells and protect us from it. Importantly, since the drug acts on our cells, it is not affected by mutations in the virus and should be effective even if new mutations occur.
Additionally, UDCA has been used clinically for many years, so we know it is safe and well tolerated, and the pills are inexpensive, can be made quickly in large quantities, and are easy to store or transport.
The researchers point out that we are optimistic that this drug could become an important weapon in our fight against COVID-19.
Author: Medical Nuowei, source:Newthe original headline: “Nature: Heavy! Drug Found to End New Corona, Turn Off ACE2 Receptor, and Prevent All Variants.”
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