1
|
Boerenkamp LS, Gijsbers BLMG, Ververs EJ, Pijpers EMS, Spaetgens B, de Coninck A, Germeraad WTV, Wodzig WKWH, Wieten L, van Gorkom GNY, van Elssen CHMJ. Low Levels of Serum and Intracellular Vitamin C in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. Nutrients 2023; 15:3653. [PMID: 37630843 PMCID: PMC10458240 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is a crucial micronutrient for human immune cell function and has potent antioxidant properties. It is hypothesized that vitamin C serum levels decline during infection. However, the precise mechanisms remain unknown. To gain deeper insights into the true role of vitamin C during infections, we aimed to evaluate the body's vitamin C storage during a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this single-center study, we examined serum and intracellular vitamin C levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 70 hospitalized COVID-19 patients on the first and fifth days of hospitalization. Also, clinical COVID-19 severity was evaluated at these timepoints. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis C and vitamin C deficiency in hospitalized COVID-19 patients (36% and 15%). Moreover, patients with severe or critical disease exhibited a higher prevalence of low serum vitamin C levels than those with moderate illness. Serum vitamin C levels had a weak negative correlation with clinical COVID-19 severity classification on the day of hospitalization; however, there was no correlation with intracellular vitamin C. Intracellular vitamin C levels were decreased in this cohort as compared to a healthy cohort and showed further decline during hospitalization, while serum levels showed no relevant change. Based on this observation, it can be suggested that the reduction of intracellular vitamin C may be attributed to its antioxidative function, the need for replenishing serum levels, or enhanced turnover by immune cells. These data give an incentive to further investigate the role of intracellular vitamin C in a larger and more heterogeneous cohort as well as the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara S. Boerenkamp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit L. M. G. Gijsbers
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik-Jan Ververs
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva M. S. Pijpers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Spaetgens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aniek de Coninck
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T. V. Germeraad
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Will K. W. H. Wodzig
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gwendolyn N. Y. van Gorkom
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina H. M. J. van Elssen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Romani A, Sergi D, Zauli E, Voltan R, Lodi G, Vaccarezza M, Caruso L, Previati M, Zauli G. Nutrients, herbal bioactive derivatives and commensal microbiota as tools to lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1152254. [PMID: 37324739 PMCID: PMC10267353 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1152254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has infected a vast population across the world, causing more than 664 million cases and 6.7 million deaths by January 2023. Vaccination has been effective in reducing the most critical aftermath of this infection, but some issues are still present regarding re-infection prevention, effectiveness against variants, vaccine hesitancy and worldwide accessibility. Moreover, although several old and new antiviral drugs have been tested, we still lack robust and specific treatment modalities. It appears of utmost importance, facing this continuously growing pandemic, to focus on alternative practices grounded on firm scientific bases. In this article, we aim to outline a rigorous scientific background and propose complementary nutritional tools useful toward containment, and ultimately control, of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, we review the mechanisms of viral entry and discuss the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from α-linolenic acid and other nutrients in preventing the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with its entry gateways. In a similar way, we analyze in detail the role of herbal-derived pharmacological compounds and specific microbial strains or microbial-derived polypeptides in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 entry. In addition, we highlight the role of probiotics, nutrients and herbal-derived compounds in stimulating the immunity response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Romani
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Domenico Sergi
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Zauli
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giada Lodi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Caruso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maurizio Previati
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Research Department, King Khaled Eye Specialistic Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kang W, Lee A, Tae Y, Lee B, Choi JS. Enhancing catalytic efficiency of carbon dots by modulating their Mn doping and chemical structure with metal salts. RSC Adv 2023; 13:8996-9002. [PMID: 36936848 PMCID: PMC10022490 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01001e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanozymes are emerging materials in various fields owing to their advantages over natural enzymes, such as controllable and facile synthesis, tunability in catalytic activities, cost-effectiveness, and high stability under stringent conditions. In this study, the effect of metal salts on the formation and catalytic activity of carbon dots (CDs), a promising nanozyme, is demonstrated. By introducing Mn sources that possess different counter anions, the chemical structure and composition of the CDs produced are affected, thereby influencing their enzymatic activities. The synergistic catalytic effect of the Mn and N-doped CDs (Mn&N-CDs) is induced by effective metal doping in the carbogenic domain and a high proportion of graphitic and pyridinic N. This highly enhanced catalytic effect of Mn&N-CDs allows them to respond sensitively to the interference factors of enzymatic reactions. Consequently, ascorbic acid, which is an essential nutrient for maintaining our health and is a reactive oxygen scavenger, can be successfully monitored using color change by forming oxidized 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine with H2O2 and Mn&N-CDs. This study provides a basic understanding of the formation of CDs and how their catalytic properties can be controlled by the addition of different metal sources, thereby providing guidelines for the development of CDs for industrial applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wooseok Kang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University Daejeon 34158 Korea
| | - Ahyun Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University Daejeon 34158 Korea
| | - Yoonjin Tae
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University Daejeon 34158 Korea
| | - Byeongseung Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University Daejeon 34158 Korea
| | - Jin-Sil Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hanbat National University Daejeon 34158 Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Labbani-Motlagh Z, Amini S, Aliannejad R, Sadeghi A, Shafiee G, Heshmat R, Jafary M, Talaschian M, Akhtari M, Jamshidi A, Mahmoudi M, Sadeghi K. High-dose Intravenous Vitamin C in Early Stages of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial. J Res Pharm Pract 2022; 11:64-72. [PMID: 36798102 PMCID: PMC9926917 DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.jrpp_30_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Based on previous studies in the sepsis population, Vitamin C could prevent injuries when administered in high doses and before the damage is established. This study aimed to evaluate the protective potentials of high-dose Vitamin C in the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Patients with moderate-to-severe disease severity based on the World Health Organization definition were enrolled and received 12 g/d Vitamin C (high-dose intravenous Vitamin C [HDIVC]) or placebo for 4 days. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score as a primary outcome, National Early Warning Score, Ordinal Scale of Clinical Improvement, and cytokine storm biomarkers were recorded on days 0, 3, and 5. Survival was also assessed on day 28 after enrollment. Findings Seventy-four patients (37 patients in each group) were enrolled from April 5, 2020, to November 19, 2020, and all patients completed follow-up. A lower increase in SOFA score during the first 3 days of treatment (+0.026 vs. +0.204) and a higher decrease in this parameter in the last 2 days (-0.462 vs. -0.036) were observed in the treatment group. However, these differences did not reach a significance level (P = 0.57 and 0.12, respectively). Other indices of clinical and biological improvement, length of hospitalization, and intensive care unit admission days were the same between the two groups. Treatment did not affect the 28-day mortality. Conclusion Among patients with moderate-to-severe disease of COVID-19, the use of HDIVC plus standard care resulted in no significant difference in SOFA score or 28-day mortality compared to the standard care alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohre Labbani-Motlagh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahideh Amini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Aliannejad
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran,Advanced Thoracic Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Sadeghi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gita Shafiee
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Heshmat
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Jafary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Talaschian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhtari
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Jamshidi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Sadeghi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Kourosh Sadeghi, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Clemente-Suárez VJ, Bustamante-Sanchez Á, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Ruisoto P, Mielgo-Ayuso J. Inflammation in COVID-19 and the Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions during the Pandemic: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415584. [PMID: 36555231 PMCID: PMC9779440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that hit the health systems worldwide hard, causing a collapse of healthcare systems. One of the main problems of this new virus is the high inflammatory response it provokes, which is the cause of much of the symptoms. Different pharmacological approaches tried to stop the advance of the pandemic, but it seems that only vaccines are the solution. In this line, different nonpharmacological approaches have been made in order to improve symptomatology, contagion, and spread of COVID-19, the principal factors being the physical activity, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, and life patterns. The SARS-CoV-2 virus produces a disproportionate inflammatory response in the organism of the guest and causes complications in this that can end the life of the patient. It has been possible to see how different nonpharmacological interventions based on physical activity, nutritional, psychological, and physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can be functional tools to treat this inflammation. Thus, in the present review, we aim to provide an overview of the role of inflammation in COVID-19 and the nonpharmacological interventions related to it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- Research Center in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | | | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain
- Research Center in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain
| | - Pablo Ruisoto
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hazan S, Dave S, Papoutsis AJ, Deshpande N, Howell MC, Martin LM. Vitamin C improves gut Bifidobacteria in humans. Future Microbiol 2022. [PMID: 36475828 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Numerous beneficial effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplementation have been reported in the literature. However, data on its effects toward the gut microbiome are limited. We assessed the effect of vitamin C supplementation on the abundance of beneficial bacterial species in the gut microbiome. Materials and methods: Stool samples were analyzed for relative abundance of gut microbiome bacteria using next-generation sequencing-based profiling and metagenomic shotgun analysis. Results: Supplementation with vitamin C increased the abundance of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium (p = 0.0001) and affected various species. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of vitamin C supplementation may be attributed to modulation of the gut microbiome and the consequent health benefits thereof.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Hazan
- ProgenaBIome, LLC, Ventura, CA 93003, USA
- Mcrobiome Research Foundation, Ventura, CA 93003, USA
| | - Sonya Dave
- Mcrobiome Research Foundation, Ventura, CA 93003, USA
| | | | | | | | - Leisha Ma Martin
- Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Department of Life Sciences, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Komal, Kumar J, Sen A. The Role of Vitamin C: From Prevention of Pneumonia to Treatment of Covid-19. MATERIALS TODAY. PROCEEDINGS 2022:S2214-7853(22)07064-X. [PMID: 36415746 PMCID: PMC9671798 DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.11.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vitamins are the main components of our diet. In our nutrition 14 vitamins are present namely A, B1 (Thiamine), B6(Pyridoxine), B12(Cyanocobalamin), C, D, E, K, niacin, folacin, choline, pantothenic acid and biotin. The main role of it is in treating common diseases like cold. Vitamin C's role in treating pneumonia or Sepsis /Septicemia has been underway for many decades. A great benefit in decreasing the duration of cold is by injecting heavy dose of ascorbic acid. So, at high dose/ risk of injection like it may be obese, diabetes, and the elderly. Vitamin C always acts as an antioxidant that can help to prevent our cells from getting any harm. Recently injection of vitamin C was used in treatment of Covid-19 patients. In this review we have primarily discussed its effects on the immune system and the treatment of pneumonia disorders using vitamin C. At the beginning we have discussed the bio-avalibility of vitamin-C followed by the synthesis of it by plants and animals and then the dietary allowance to be followed for vitamin C regularly. The level of vitamin C is very low in people having pneumonia and those with low immunity are being effected by COVID-19 virus. Kiwi is the main source of vitamin C. Preliminary observational studies show that critically sick individuals use vitamin C for the prevention of the pneumonia to the treatment of the virus COVID-19 by increasing the vitamin C levels in the body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Komal
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences (UIS), Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Jagdeep Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences (UIS), Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Adrish Sen
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences (UIS), Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Mohali, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kumar J, Sen A. The Role of Vitamin C: From Prevention of Pneumonia to Treatment of Covid-19. MATERIALS TODAY. PROCEEDINGS 2022; 78:849-857. [PMID: 36415746 DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.11.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Vitamins are the main components of our diet. In our nutrition 14 vitamins are present namely A, B1 (Thiamine), B6(Pyridoxine), B12(Cyanocobalamin), C, D, E, K, niacin, folacin, choline, pantothenic acid and biotin. The main role of it is in treating common diseases like cold. Vitamin C's role in treating pneumonia or Sepsis /Septicemia has been underway for many decades. A great benefit in decreasing the duration of cold is by injecting heavy dose of ascorbic acid. So, at high dose/ risk of injection like it may be obese, diabetes, and the elderly. Vitamin C always acts as an antioxidant that can help to prevent our cells from getting any harm. Recently injection of vitamin C was used in treatment of Covid-19 patients. In this review we have primarily discussed its effects on the immune system and the treatment of pneumonia disorders using vitamin C. At the beginning we have discussed the bio-avalibility of vitamin-C followed by the synthesis of it by plants and animals and then the dietary allowance to be followed for vitamin C regularly. The level of vitamin C is very low in people having pneumonia and those with low immunity are being effected by COVID-19 virus. Kiwi is the main source of vitamin C. Preliminary observational studies show that critically sick individuals use vitamin C for the prevention of the pneumonia to the treatment of the virus COVID-19 by increasing the vitamin C levels in the body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jagdeep Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences (UIS), Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Adrish Sen
- Department of Chemistry, University Institute of Sciences (UIS), Chandigarh University, Gharuan-140413, Mohali, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grudlewska-Buda K, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke N, Budzyńska A, Kwiecińska-Piróg J, Przekwas J, Kijewska A, Sabiniarz D, Gospodarek-Komkowska E, Skowron K. The Variable Nature of Vitamin C—Does It Help When Dealing with Coronavirus? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071247. [PMID: 35883738 PMCID: PMC9312329 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still spreading worldwide. For this reason, new treatment methods are constantly being researched. Consequently, new and already-known preparations are being investigated to potentially reduce the severe course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute serum biomarkers in the host organism. In addition to antiviral drugs, there are other substances being used in the treatment of COVID-19, e.g., those with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin C (VC). Exciting aspects of the use of VC in antiviral therapy are its antioxidant and pro-oxidative abilities. In this review, we summarized both the positive effects of using VC in treating infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the light of the available research. We have tried to answer the question as to whether the use of high doses of VC brings the expected benefits in the treatment of COVID-19 and whether such treatment is the correct therapeutic choice. Each case requires individual assessment to determine whether the positives outweigh the negatives, especially in the light of populational studies concerning the genetic differentiation of genes encoding the solute carriers responsible forVC adsorption. Few data are available on the influence of VC on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deducing from already-published data, high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) does not significantly lower the mortality or length of hospitalization. However, some data prove, among other things, its impact on the serum levels of inflammatory markers. Finally, the non-positive effect of VC administration is mainly neutral, but the negative effect is that it can result in urinary stones or nephropathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Grudlewska-Buda
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Natalia Wiktorczyk-Kapischke
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Anna Budzyńska
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Joanna Kwiecińska-Piróg
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Jana Przekwas
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Agnieszka Kijewska
- Department of Immunobiology and Environmental Biology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | | | - Eugenia Gospodarek-Komkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
| | - Krzysztof Skowron
- Department of Microbiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.G.-B.); (N.W.-K.); (A.B.); (J.K.-P.); (J.P.); (E.G.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-(52)-585-38-38
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Beran A, Mhanna M, Srour O, Ayesh H, Stewart JM, Hjouj M, Khokher W, Mhanna AS, Ghazaleh D, Khader Y, Sayeh W, Assaly R. Clinical significance of micronutrient supplements in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 48:167-177. [PMID: 35331487 PMCID: PMC8755558 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Micronutrient supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc have been used in managing viral illnesses. However, the clinical significance of these individual micronutrients in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. We conducted this meta-analysis to provide a quantitative assessment of the clinical significance of these individual micronutrients in COVID-19. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases through December 5th, 2021. All individual micronutrients reported by ≥ 3 studies and compared with standard-of-care (SOC) were included. The primary outcome was mortality. The secondary outcomes were intubation rate and length of hospital stay (LOS). Pooled risk ratios (RR) and mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS We identified 26 studies (10 randomized controlled trials and 16 observational studies) involving 5633 COVID-19 patients that compared three individual micronutrient supplements (vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc) with SOC. Nine studies evaluated vitamin C in 1488 patients (605 in vitamin C and 883 in SOC). Vitamin C supplementation had no significant effect on mortality (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.62-1.62, P = 1.00), intubation rate (RR 1.77, 95% CI 0.56-5.56, P = 0.33), or LOS (MD 0.64; 95% CI -1.70, 2.99; P = 0.59). Fourteen studies assessed the impact of vitamin D on mortality among 3497 patients (927 in vitamin D and 2570 in SOC). Vitamin D did not reduce mortality (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49-1.17, P = 0.21) but reduced intubation rate (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.97, P = 0.04) and LOS (MD -1.26; 95% CI -2.27, -0.25; P = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D supplementation was not associated with a mortality benefit in patients receiving vitamin D pre or post COVID-19 diagnosis. Five studies, including 738 patients, compared zinc intake with SOC (447 in zinc and 291 in SOC). Zinc supplementation was not associated with a significant reduction of mortality (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.60-1.03, P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Individual micronutrient supplementations, including vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc, were not associated with a mortality benefit in COVID-19. Vitamin D may be associated with lower intubation rate and shorter LOS, but vitamin C did not reduce intubation rate or LOS. Further research is needed to validate our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azizullah Beran
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, 2100 W. Central Ave, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
| | - Mohammed Mhanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Omar Srour
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Hazem Ayesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Jamie M. Stewart
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Majdal Hjouj
- Al-Quds University, Abu-Dis, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Waleed Khokher
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Dana Ghazaleh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Yasmin Khader
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Wasef Sayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ragheb Assaly
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chakrabarti SS, Kaur U, Aggarwal SK, Kanakan A, Saini A, Agrawal BK, Jin K, Chakrabarti S. The Pathogenetic Dilemma of Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis in India. Aging Dis 2022; 13:24-28. [PMID: 35111359 PMCID: PMC8782544 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a surge of mucormycosis cases in India in the wake of the second wave of COVID-19 with more than 40000 cases reported. Mucormycosis in patients of COVID-19 in India is at variance to other countries where Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Candida have been reported to be the major secondary fungal pathogens. We discuss the probable causes of the mucormycosis epidemic in India. Whereas dysglycaemia and inappropriate steroid use have been widely suggested as tentative reasons, we explore other biological, iatrogenic, and environmental factors. The likelihood of a two-hit pathogenesis remains strong. We propose that COVID-19 itself provides the predisposition to invasive mucormycosis (first hit), through upregulation of GRP78 and downregulation of spleen tyrosine kinase involved in anti-fungal defense, as also through inhibition of CD8+ T-cell mediated immunity. The other iatrogenic and environmental factors may provide the second hit which may have resulted in the surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti
- 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Upinder Kaur
- 2Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Aggarwal
- 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Ahalya Kanakan
- 4Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Adesh Saini
- 5Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (deemed to be) University, Mullana, Haryana, India
| | - Bimal Kumar Agrawal
- 6Department of Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar (deemed to be) University, Mullana, Haryana, India
| | - Kunlin Jin
- 7Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Sasanka Chakrabarti
- 8Department of Biochemistry and Central Research Cell, Maharishi Markandeshwar (deemed to be) University, Mullana, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Majidi N, Rabbani F, Gholami S, Gholamalizadeh M, BourBour F, Rastgoo S, Hajipour A, Shadnoosh M, Akbari ME, Bahar B, Ashoori N, Alizadeh A, Samipoor F, Moslem A, Doaei S, Suzuki K. The Effect of Vitamin C on Pathological Parameters and Survival Duration of Critically Ill Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Immunol 2022; 12:717816. [PMID: 34975830 PMCID: PMC8714637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vitamin C has been reported to have beneficial effects on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on pathological parameters and survival duration of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods This clinical trial was conducted on 120 hospitalized critically ill patients infected with COVID-19. The intervention group (n = 31) received one capsule of 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 14 days. The control group (n = 69) received the same nutrition except for vitamin C supplements. Measurement of pathological and biochemical parameters was performed at baseline and after 2 weeks of the intervention. Results Following 2 weeks of vitamin C supplementation, the level of serum K was significantly lower in the patients compared with the control group (3.93 vs. 4.21 mEq/L, p < 0.01). Vitamin C supplementation resulted in a higher mean survival duration compared with that of the control group (8 vs. 4 days, p < 0.01). There was a linear association between the number of days of vitamin C intake and survival duration (B = 1.66, p < 0.001). The vitamin C supplementation had no effect on blood glucose, mean arterial pressure, arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), kidney function, cell blood count (CBC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (Plt), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), albumin, hematocrit (Hct), and other serum electrolytes including sodium (Na), calcium, and phosphorus (P). Conclusion The present study demonstrated the potential of vitamin C supplementation in enhancing the survival duration of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Clinical Trial Registration https://www.irct.ir/trial/55074, identifier IRCT20151226025699N5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Majidi
- Department of Nutrition, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Rabbani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Somayeh Gholami
- Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Maryam Gholamalizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh BourBour
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Rastgoo
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Hajipour
- School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shadnoosh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Bojlul Bahar
- Nutrition Sciences and Applied Food Safety Studies, Research Centre for Global Development, School of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Narjes Ashoori
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Alizadeh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Samipoor
- Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Alireza Moslem
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Saeid Doaei
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Al-Zahra Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
A review of natural foods consumed during the COVID-19 pandemic life. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2022-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has brought life to a standstill around the world. Until a vaccine was found to combat COVID-19, the world conducted research and made recommendations for nutritional natural foods. Considering the risks incurred by contracting the disease, even though the production of various vaccines and vaccination of healthy people has started in some countries, individuals need useful foods to be ready for the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, nutrient contents such as antioxidant compounds, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that contribute to the immune system have been investigated. This paper attempts to determine the role of these dietary supplements in reducing the risk of COVID-19 and/or changing the course of the disease in COVID-19 patients and their effects on mortality. Supplements used and recommended for the COVID-19 pandemic life were investigated. In conclusion, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants used during the COVID-19 pandemic to inhibit the effect of SARS-CoV-2. In order to overcome the new global crisis, nutritional cures and treatments should be upgraded. However, additional research on the subject is needed.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ruiz-Valdepeñas Montiel V, Sempionatto JR, Vargas E, Bailey E, May J, Bulbarello A, Düsterloh A, Matusheski N, Wang J. Decentralized vitamin C & D dual biosensor chip: Toward personalized immune system support. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 194:113590. [PMID: 34474278 PMCID: PMC8437685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Combating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put the spotlight on nutritional support of the immune system through consumption of vitamins C and D. Accordingly, there are urgent demands for an effective on-the-spot multi-vitamin self-testing platform that monitors the levels of these immune-supporting micronutrients for guiding precision nutrition recommendations. Herein, we present a compact bioelectronic dual sensor chip aimed at frequent on-the-spot simultaneous monitoring of the salivary vitamin C and D dynamics. The new bioelectronic chip combines a new electrocatalytic vitamin C amperometric assay along with competitive vitamin D immunoassay on neighboring electrodes, to perform selective and cross-talk free detection of both vitamins in a 10-μL saliva sample within 25 min. The distinct vitamin C or D temporal profiles obtained for different individuals after vitamin supplementation indicate the potential of the new bioelectronic chip strategy for enhancing personalized nutrition towards guiding dietary interventions to meet individual nutrition needs and promote immune system health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eva Vargas
- Dept. Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Eileen Bailey
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer May
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | | | - André Düsterloh
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Kaiseraugst, 4303, Switzerland
| | | | - Joseph Wang
- Dept. Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Impact of the Fear of COVID-19 on Purchase Behavior of Dietary Supplements: Integration of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Protection Motivation Theory. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132212900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing the impacts of the fear of COVID-19 on consumer buying behavior toward dietary supplements. This investigation was a cross-sectional study in which literate adults regardless of gender over the age of 20 were recruited from three pharmacies in three different districts of Wuhan City, China. A total of 598 questionnaires were analyzed after excluding 10 with incomplete information. The current study demonstrated that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control had a positive impact on the intention of purchasing dietary supplements. Fear of COVID-19 was related to an enhanced purchase intention toward dietary supplements. Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were significant factors that mediated the association between the fear of COVID-19 and the purchase intention of dietary supplements. This study helps provide practical advice for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries to tailor appropriate strategies for improving product promotion or healthcare-related interventions.
Collapse
|
16
|
Compliance Indicators of COVID-19 Prevention and Vaccines Hesitancy in Kenya: A Random-Effects Endogenous Probit Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111359. [PMID: 34835290 PMCID: PMC8618705 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health concern in the effort towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed the effects of indicators of compliance with preventive practices on the willingness to take COVID-19 vaccines in Kenya. The data were from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Phone Surveys conducted between January and June 2021 during the fourth and fifth waves. The data were analyzed with the random-effects endogenous Probit regression model, with estimated parameters tested for robustness and stability. The results showed that willingness to take vaccines increased between the fourth and fifth waves. Compliance with many of the preventive practices also improved, although the utilizations of immune system-promoting practices were very low. The panel Probit regression results showed that compliance indicators were truly endogenous and there was existence of random effects. Immune system-boosting and contact-prevention indicators significantly increased and decreased the willingness to take vaccines, respectively (p < 0.01). The experience of mental health disorders in the form of nervousness and hopelessness also significantly influenced vaccine hesitancy (p < 0.10). Willingness to take vaccines also significantly increased among older people and those with a formal education (p < 0.01). Different forms of association exist between vaccine hesitancy and the prevention compliance indicators. There is a need to properly sensitize the people to the need to complement compliance with COVID-19 contact-prevention indicators with vaccination. Addressing mental health disorders in the form of loneliness, nervousness, depression, hopelessness and anxiety should also become the focus of public health, while efforts to reduce vaccine hesitancy should focus on individuals without formal education, males and youths.
Collapse
|
17
|
Dunlap B, Patterson GT, Kumar S, Vyavahare S, Mishra S, Isales C, Fulzele S. Vitamin C supplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis: perspectives on the past, present, and future. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2021; 12:20406223211047026. [PMID: 34729150 PMCID: PMC8543556 DOI: 10.1177/20406223211047026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 14% of adults in the United States have either been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) or have symptoms suggestive of the disease. The CDC also points out that the incidence of OA has been gradually increasing over the past 30 years. What is more worrisome is that this trend is going to accelerate due to the aging demographics of the United States and the increasing prevalence of obesity seen in the country. The need for better preventive treatments and efficacious therapeutics are direly needed to combat this public health crisis. Among the possible treatments being hypothesized, antioxidant supplementation has become one of the most widely studied over the past decade due to its ability to attenuate reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation within chondrocytes, a critical step in the pathogenesis of this disease. Vitamin C has emerged as among the most promising of the antioxidant group, with many animal and human studies having been conducted in recent years. Although many of the studies have shown encouraging results in terms of preventing OA, others have reached opposite conclusions, thus making the data controversial. However, after reviewing several of these studies, we hypothesize that certain parameters may not have been properly considered during data collection. In the end, more randomized placebo-controlled trials in humans are desperately needed in order to fully understand whether vitamin C therapy is efficacious in treating and/or preventing OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burton Dunlap
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | | | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sagar Vyavahare
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Samarth Mishra
- Department of the College of Science and Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Carlos Isales
- Department of Orthopaedics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sadanand Fulzele
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Weinstock LB, Brook JB, Walters AS, Goris A, Afrin LB, Molderings GJ. Mast cell activation symptoms are prevalent in Long-COVID. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 112:217-226. [PMID: 34563706 PMCID: PMC8459548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Hyper-inflammation caused by COVID-19 may be mediated by mast cell activation (MCA) which has also been hypothesized to cause Long-COVID (LC) symptoms. We determined prevalence/severity of MCA symptoms in LC. Methods Adults in LC-focused Facebook support groups were recruited for online assessment of symptoms before and after COVID-19. Questions included presence and severity of known MCA and LC symptoms and validated assessments of fatigue and quality of life. General population controls and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) patients were recruited for comparison if they were ≥18 years of age and never had overt COVID-19 symptoms. Results There were 136 LC subjects (89.7% females, age 46.9 ±12.9 years), 136 controls (65.4% females, age 49.2 ±15.5), and 80 MCAS patients (85.0% females, age 47.7 ±16.4). Pre-COVID-19 LC subjects and controls had virtually identical MCA symptom and severity analysis. Post-COVID-19 LC subjects and MCAS patients prior to treatment had virtually identical MCA symptom and severity analysis. Conclusions MCA symptoms were increased in LC and mimicked the symptoms and severity reported by patients who have MCAS. Increased activation of aberrant mast cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection by various mechanisms may underlie part of the pathophysiology of LC, possibly suggesting routes to effective therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard B Weinstock
- Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Departments of Medicine, Missouri Baptist Medical Center and Washington University School of Medicine, President, Specialists in Gastroenterology, 11525 Olde Cabin Road, St. Louis, MO, USA 63141, TEL 314-997-4627, FAX 314-997-5086.
| | - Jill B Brook
- Biostatistics, Private Practice, 13285 Roundhill, Truckee, CA, USA 96161, TEL 626-375-6725.
| | - Arthur S Walters
- Professor of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Medical Center North A-0118, 1161 21(st) Ave South, Nashville, TN, USA 37232-2551, TEL 615-322-0283, FAX 615- 936-5663.
| | - Ashleigh Goris
- Manager, Infection Prevention & Control and Clinical Quality, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Mailstop: 95, 3015 N. Ballas Road, St. Louis, MO, USA 63131, TEL 314-996-5421, FAX 314-996-5909.
| | - Lawrence B Afrin
- Department of Mast Cell Studies, Hematology/Oncology, AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, Purchase, NY, USA 10577, TEL 914-730-7390, FAX 914-730-7391.
| | - Gerhard J Molderings
- Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Molecular Geneticist, Immunologist, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Bonn, D53127 Bonn, Germany, TEL ++49 1623322001, FAX ++49 2225 9984911.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Teafatiller T, Agrawal S, De Robles G, Rahmatpanah F, Subramanian VS, Agrawal A. Vitamin C Enhances Antiviral Functions of Lung Epithelial Cells. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1148. [PMID: 34439814 PMCID: PMC8394979 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C is well documented to have antiviral functions; however, there is limited information about its effect on airway epithelial cells-the first cells to encounter infections. Here, we examined the effect of vitamin C on human bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B (BEAS-2B) cells, and observed that sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) was the primary vitamin C transporter. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that treating BEAS-2B cells with vitamin C led to a significant upregulation of several metabolic pathways and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) along with a downregulation of pathways involved in lung injury and inflammation. Remarkably, vitamin C also enhanced the expression of the viral-sensing receptors retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-1) and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA-5), which was confirmed at the protein and functional levels. In addition, the lungs of l-gulono-γ-lactone oxidase knockout (GULO-KO) mice also displayed a marked decrease in these genes compared to wild-type controls. Collectively, our findings indicate that vitamin C acts at multiple levels to exert its antiviral and protective functions in the lungs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Teafatiller
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Sudhanshu Agrawal
- Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Gabriela De Robles
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.D.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Farah Rahmatpanah
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (G.D.R.); (F.R.)
| | - Veedamali S. Subramanian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| | - Anshu Agrawal
- Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Clemente-Suárez VJ, Ramos-Campo DJ, Mielgo-Ayuso J, Dalamitros AA, Nikolaidis PA, Hormeño-Holgado A, Tornero-Aguilera JF. Nutrition in the Actual COVID-19 Pandemic. A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2021; 13:1924. [PMID: 34205138 PMCID: PMC8228835 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has shocked world health authorities generating a global health crisis. The present study discusses the main finding in nutrition sciences associated with COVID-19 in the literature. We conducted a consensus critical review using primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages. The method was a narrative literature review of the available literature regarding nutrition interventions and nutrition-related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main search engines used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. We found how the COVID-19 lockdown promoted unhealthy dietary changes and increases in body weight of the population, showing obesity and low physical activity levels as increased risk factors of COVID-19 affection and physiopathology. In addition, hospitalized COVID-19 patients presented malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamin C, D, B12 selenium, iron, omega-3, and medium and long-chain fatty acids highlighting the potential health effect of vitamin C and D interventions. Further investigations are needed to show the complete role and implications of nutrition both in the prevention and in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, 080002 Barranquilla, Colombia
- Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain;
| | | | - Juan Mielgo-Ayuso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Athanasios A. Dalamitros
- Laboratory of Evaluation of Human Biological Performance, School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | | | - Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Studies Centre in Applied Combat (CESCA), 45007 Toledo, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cámara M, Sánchez-Mata MC, Fernández-Ruiz V, Cámara RM, Cebadera E, Domínguez L. A Review of the Role of Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds on Immune System Supporting to Fight against the COVID-19 Disease. Foods 2021; 10:foods10051088. [PMID: 34068930 PMCID: PMC8155867 DOI: 10.3390/foods10051088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Micronutrients are critical for an adequate function of the immune system and play a vital role in promoting health and nutritional well-being. The present work is aimed at reviewing (1) the role of micronutrients in helping the immune system to fight against the COVID-19 disease through the diet with food or food supplements and (2) the potential use of food health claims regarding immune function according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) requirements. Till date, there are some health claims authorized by the European Commission that refer to the role of certain essential nutrients (vitamins B6, B9, B12, A, D, C, and Cu, Fe, Se) to contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamins D, C, Zn, and Se, have been thoroughly studied as a strategy to improve the immune system to fight against COVID-19 disease. From all the micronutrients, Vitamin D is the one with more scientific evidence suggesting positive effects against COVID-19 disease as it is linked to a reduction of infection rates, as well as an improved outcomes in patients. To validate scientific evidence, different clinical trials are ongoing currently, with promising preliminary results although inconclusive yet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Montaña Cámara
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-394-1802; Fax: +34-91-394-1799
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Spolidoro GCI, Azzolino D, Shamir R, Cesari M, Agostoni C. Joint Effort towards Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies at the Extremes of Life during COVID-19. Nutrients 2021; 13:1616. [PMID: 34065864 PMCID: PMC8150599 DOI: 10.3390/nu13051616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic is posing a threat to communities and healthcare systems worldwide. Malnutrition, in all its forms, may negatively impact the susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection in both children and older adults. Both undernutrition and obesity have been evoked as conditions associated with a higher susceptibility to the infection and poor prognosis. In turn, the COVID-19 infection may worsen the nutritional status through highly catabolic conditions, exposing individuals to the risk of malnutrition, muscle wasting, and nutritional deficiencies. Accordingly, the relationship between malnutrition and COVID-19 is likely to be bidirectional. Furthermore, the modification of nutritional behaviors and physical activity, required to limit the spread of the virus, are posing a challenge to health at both the extremes of life. Thus far, even the most advanced healthcare systems have failed to address the alarming consequences of malnutrition posed by this pandemic. If not properly addressed, we may run the risk that new and old generations will experience the consequences of COVID-19 related malnutrition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia C. I. Spolidoro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.I.S.); (D.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Domenico Azzolino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.I.S.); (D.A.); (M.C.)
- Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Raanan Shamir
- Nutrition and Liver Diseases, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.I.S.); (D.A.); (M.C.)
- Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Agostoni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (G.C.I.S.); (D.A.); (M.C.)
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vollbracht C, Kraft K. Feasibility of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Post Viral Fatigue with Focus on Long COVID, Based on a Systematic Review of IV Vitamin C on Fatigue. Nutrients 2021; 13:1154. [PMID: 33807280 PMCID: PMC8066596 DOI: 10.3390/nu13041154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is common not only in cancer patients but also after viral and other infections. Effective treatment options are still very rare. Therefore, the present knowledge on the pathophysiology of fatigue and the potential positive impact of treatment with vitamin C is illustrated. Additionally, the effectiveness of high-dose IV vitamin C in fatigue resulting from various diseases was assessed by a systematic literature review in order to assess the feasibility of vitamin C in post-viral, especially in long COVID, fatigue. Nine clinical studies with 720 participants were identified. Three of the four controlled trials observed a significant decrease in fatigue scores in the vitamin C group compared to the control group. Four of the five observational or before-and-after studies observed a significant reduction in pre-post levels of fatigue. Attendant symptoms of fatigue such as sleep disturbances, lack of concentration, depression, and pain were also frequently alleviated. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and circulatory disorders, which are important contributors to fatigue, are also discussed in long COVID fatigue. Thus, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, endothelial-restoring, and immunomodulatory effects of high-dose IV vitamin C might be a suitable treatment option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vollbracht
- Medical Science Department, Pascoe Pharmazeutische Präparate GmbH, 35383 Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Karin Kraft
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|