Protective Effects of Liposomal Vitamin C on SARS-CoV-۲ Target Viral Entry Genes in Renal Cells

Background: The kidneys are a potential target for SARS-CoV-۲ infection. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has been shown to play an important role in reducing the symptoms of SARS-CoV-۲. 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-۱۹, 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 ۱,۲‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐۳ phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)‐۲۰۰۰], 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 ۲ (ACE۲) and transmembrane protease serine ۲ (TMPRSS۲), key mediators of SARS-CoV-۲ entry into kidney cells, was investigated using RTq-PCR. Results: Liposomes were successfully loaded with vitamin C, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of ۸۸.۰۳%. 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. Conclusion: The study suggests liposomal vitamin C as a safe, effective treatment for COVID-۱۹ by targeting viral entry genes in kidney cells, protecting them from viral damage and inflammation.

Keywords:

Ascorbic Acid , COVID-۱۹ , Liposomes , Renal Cells , Viral Entry.