Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) Seed a Candidate Protein Source with Potential for Combating SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Obesity

• Main Authors: Ana H. de A. Morais (Author), Amanda F. de Medeiros (Author), Isaiane Medeiros (Author), Vanessa C.O. de Lima (Author), Anna B.S. Luz (Author), Bruna L.L. Maciel (Author), Thais S. Passos (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: AboutScience Srl, 2021-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.33393/dti.2021.2192; 1177-3928
• Keywords: COVID-19; ACE-2; FURIN; HNE; inflammation; TMPRSS; 3CL pro .; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Drug Target Insights, Vol 15, Iss 1 (2021)

Introduction: Obesity and coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 are overlapping pandemics, and one might worsen the other. Methods: This narrative review discusses one of the primary mechanisms to initiate acute respiratory distress syndrome, uncontrolled systemic inflammation in COVID-19, and presents a potential candidate for adjuvant treatment. Blocking the S protein binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) and the 3C-like protease (3CL pro) is an effective strategy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Results: Host proteases such as FURIN, trypsin, and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS) act in S protein activation. Tamarind trypsin inhibitor (TTI) shows several beneficial effects on the reduction of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], leptin) and biochemical parameters (fasting glycemia, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL]), in addition to improving pancreatic function and mucosal integrity in an obesity model. TTI may inhibit the action of proteases that collaborate with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the neutrophil activity characteristic of lung injury promoted by the virus. Conclusion: Thus, TTI may contribute to combating two severe overlapping problems with high cost and social complex implications, obesity and COVID-19.