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Protective Effects of Liposomal Vitamin C on SARS-CoV-2 Target Viral Entry Genes in Renal Cells
Abtin Behmardi1, Leila Zolghadr1,2, Farzad Rajaei1
1Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Background:
The kidneys are a potential target for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been shown to play an important role in reducing the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. Recently liposomal drug delivery platforms have demonstrated promising results in enhancing the effectiveness of various therapeutics including infectious diseases. In this study, we designed a liposomal delivery system containing vitamin C to evaluate its antiviral efficacy in COVID-19, focusing on its effects on viral entry gene expression in Vero cells.
Methods:
Vitamin C was loaded into a liposome made up of hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-2000], and their physicochemical properties were assessed. Next, the cytotoxicity of free and liposomal vitamin C on the survival of the Vero cell line was evaluated using the MTT assay. In addition, the expression of viral entry genes, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), key mediators of SARS-CoV-2 entry into kidney cells, was investigated using RTq-PCR.
Results:
Liposomes were successfully loaded with vitamin C, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 88.03%. The liposomal vitamin C formulation exhibited a brilliant surface morphology as observed by SEM. Both free and liposomal forms of vitamin C showed cytotoxic effects at higher concentrations. Moreover, both forms downregulated the expression of viral entry genes, although the liposomal form showed superior inhibitory performance compared to the free form.
Conclusions:
The study suggests liposomal vitamin C as a safe, effective treatment for COVID-19 by targeting viral entry genes in kidney cells, protecting them from viral damage and inflammation.
Insights
Liposomal vitamin C effectively inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry genes in kidney cells. This novel delivery system shows promise as a safe and effective COVID-19 treatment, reducing viral damage and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
Background:
- Kidneys are a potential target for SARS-CoV-2.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may reduce SARS-CoV-2 symptoms.
- Liposomal platforms enhance therapeutic effectiveness for infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a liposomal vitamin C delivery system.
- To evaluate its antiviral efficacy against COVID-19.
- To assess effects on viral entry gene expression in Vero cells.
Main Methods:
- Vitamin C loaded into liposomes; physicochemical properties assessed.
- Cytotoxicity of free and liposomal vitamin C evaluated using MTT assay.
- Expression of viral entry genes (ACE2, TMPRSS2) investigated via RTq-PCR.
Main Results:
- High encapsulation efficiency (88.03%) achieved for liposomal vitamin C.
- Liposomal vitamin C demonstrated superior inhibition of viral entry genes compared to free vitamin C.
- Both forms showed cytotoxic effects at higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Liposomal vitamin C is a safe and effective COVID-19 treatment candidate.
- Targets viral entry genes in kidney cells, mitigating damage and inflammation.
- Highlights potential of liposomal drug delivery for viral infections.
