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Shen J, Xu L, Wu X, Ding Y. Mineral Metabolism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Risk Factors: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2209-2218. [PMID: 38366089 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01476-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Observational investigations recommend that mineral supplements were associated with a higher risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its risk factors (insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and obesity), but the relationship with risk of PCOS, hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance was unclear. This study was to investigate the potential causal impact of genetically predicted levels of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and omega-3 (ω-3) on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its associated risk factors. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted. The genetic variations obtained from GWAS of individuals with European ancestry were found to be associated with the genetically predicted levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Se, Fe, or ω-3. The data obtained from the FinnGen Consortium and MAGIC were utilized for the outcome of GWAS. The study found that there was a correlation between genetically predicted higher levels of Se and a reduced risk of insulin resistance, with a decrease of 2.2% according to random-effect IVW (OR 0.978, 95% CI 0.960-0.996, p = 0.015). The association between genetically determined mineral levels and PCOS was found to be limited, with an odds ratio (OR) ranging from 0.875 (95% CI: 0.637-1.202, p value = 0.411) for Ca. Limited scientific proof was found for the efficacy of other genetically determined mineral levels on hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance. These findings suggested a causal relationship between genetically predicted higher levels of Se and a reduced risk of insulin resistance. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence supporting a causal association between various genetically determined mineral levels and the risk factors associated with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Shen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Yang Ding
- Health Management Center, Department of Dermatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 158, Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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Camelo ALM, Zamora Obando HR, Rocha I, Dias AC, Mesquita ADS, Simionato AVC. COVID-19 and Comorbidities: What Has Been Unveiled by Metabolomics? Metabolites 2024; 14:195. [PMID: 38668323 PMCID: PMC11051775 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about diverse impacts on the global population. Individuals with comorbidities were more susceptible to the severe symptoms caused by the virus. Within the crisis scenario, metabolomics represents a potential area of science capable of providing relevant information for understanding the metabolic pathways associated with the intricate interaction between the viral disease and previous comorbidities. This work aims to provide a comprehensive description of the scientific production pertaining to metabolomics within the specific context of COVID-19 and comorbidities, while highlighting promising areas for exploration by those interested in the subject. In this review, we highlighted the studies of metabolomics that indicated a variety of metabolites associated with comorbidities and COVID-19. Furthermore, we observed that the understanding of the metabolic processes involved between comorbidities and COVID-19 is limited due to the urgent need to report disease outcomes in individuals with comorbidities. The overlap of two or more comorbidities associated with the severity of COVID-19 hinders the comprehension of the significance of each condition. Most identified studies are observational, with a restricted number of patients, due to challenges in sample collection amidst the emergent situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luiz Melo Camelo
- Laboratory of Analysis of Biomolecules Tiselius, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.L.M.C.); (H.R.Z.O.); (I.R.); (A.C.D.); (A.d.S.M.)
| | - Hans Rolando Zamora Obando
- Laboratory of Analysis of Biomolecules Tiselius, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.L.M.C.); (H.R.Z.O.); (I.R.); (A.C.D.); (A.d.S.M.)
| | - Isabela Rocha
- Laboratory of Analysis of Biomolecules Tiselius, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.L.M.C.); (H.R.Z.O.); (I.R.); (A.C.D.); (A.d.S.M.)
| | - Aline Cristina Dias
- Laboratory of Analysis of Biomolecules Tiselius, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.L.M.C.); (H.R.Z.O.); (I.R.); (A.C.D.); (A.d.S.M.)
| | - Alessandra de Sousa Mesquita
- Laboratory of Analysis of Biomolecules Tiselius, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.L.M.C.); (H.R.Z.O.); (I.R.); (A.C.D.); (A.d.S.M.)
| | - Ana Valéria Colnaghi Simionato
- Laboratory of Analysis of Biomolecules Tiselius, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil; (A.L.M.C.); (H.R.Z.O.); (I.R.); (A.C.D.); (A.d.S.M.)
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Bioanalytics—INCTBio, Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de (UNICAMP), Campinas 13083-970, São Paulo, Brazil
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Melikechi N, Adler HG, Safi A, Landis JE, Pourkamali-Anaraki F, Eseller KE, Berlo K, Bonito D, Chiklis GR, Xia W. Blood metal analysis of plasmas from donors with and without SARS-CoV-2 using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and logistic regression. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 15:446-459. [PMID: 38223176 PMCID: PMC10783903 DOI: 10.1364/boe.513558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Research on the correlation between metal levels in blood and Covid-19 infection has been conducted primarily by assessing how each individual blood metal is linked to different aspects of the disease using samples from donors with various levels of severity to Covid-19 infection. Using logistics regression on LIBS spectra of plasma samples collected pre- and post- Covid-19 pandemic from donors known to have developed various levels of antibodies to the SARS-Cov-2 virus, we show that relying on the levels of Na, K, and Mg together is more efficient at differentiating the two types of plasma samples than any single blood alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noureddine Melikechi
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Helmar G. Adler
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Ali Safi
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Joshua E. Landis
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Farhad Pourkamali-Anaraki
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Present address: University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Kemal Efe Eseller
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Department of Electrical - Electronics Engineering, Atilim University, 06836, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kim Berlo
- Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, McGill University, Montreal H3A 0E, Canada
| | - Danielle Bonito
- MRN Diagnostics, 101 Constitution Blvd, Franklin, MA 02038, USA
| | | | - Weiming Xia
- Kennedy College of Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA 01730, USA
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Sharma S, Di Castelnuovo A, Cerletti C, Donati MB, de Gaetano G, Iacoviello L, Bonaccio M. Diet Quality and Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection or COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1596-1616. [PMID: 37748553 PMCID: PMC10721534 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.09.006] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of healthy diets in the management of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19. Evidence suggests the influence of diet and dietary patterns during post-COVID-19, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary habits and quality. However, limited evidence lies on the association between a healthy diet, and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of observational studies to examine the association between diet quality, and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 among adult populations. 6158 research articles from Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were identified for eligibility. Only observational studies were included. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Thirteen studies were included (4 with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 9 with COVID-19 as the outcome); 3 were case-control, 3 were cross-sectional, and 7 were prospective studies. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was examined as exposure in 7 studies, and was associated with decreased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2 studies, with estimates varying from 12% to 22%, while COVID-19 risk or severity was found to be reduced in 3 studies with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 36% to 77%. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet was inversely associated with COVID-19 hospitalization (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.55), whereas a healthy plant-based diet had an inverse association with both COVID-19 infection (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.94) and severity (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.74). Studies examining individual food groups generally found lower risk of infection or COVID-19 in association with larger dietary intakes of fruits, vegetables, and fiber. The overall findings of the observational studies in this review support the concept that nutritious diets might lower the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. This study was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023397371.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukshma Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Chiara Cerletti
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Giovanni de Gaetano
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine - EPIMED, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Marialaura Bonaccio
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
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Briassoulis G, Briassoulis P, Ilia S, Miliaraki M, Briassouli E. The Anti-Oxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Apoptotic, and Anti-Necroptotic Role of Zinc in COVID-19 and Sepsis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1942. [PMID: 38001795 PMCID: PMC10669546 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc is a structural component of proteins, functions as a catalytic co-factor in DNA synthesis and transcription of hundreds of enzymes, and has a regulatory role in protein-DNA interactions of zinc-finger proteins. For many years, zinc has been acknowledged for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions. Furthermore, zinc is a potent inhibitor of caspases-3, -7, and -8, modulating the caspase-controlled apoptosis and necroptosis. In recent years, the immunomodulatory role of zinc in sepsis and COVID-19 has been investigated. Both sepsis and COVID-19 are related to various regulated cell death (RCD) pathways, including apoptosis and necroptosis. Lack of zinc may have a negative effect on many immune functions, such as oxidative burst, cytokine production, chemotaxis, degranulation, phagocytosis, and RCD. While plasma zinc concentrations decline swiftly during both sepsis and COVID-19, this reduction is primarily attributed to a redistribution process associated with the inflammatory response. In this response, hepatic metallothionein production increases in reaction to cytokine release, which is linked to inflammation, and this protein effectively captures and stores zinc in the liver. Multiple regulatory mechanisms come into play, influencing the uptake of zinc, the binding of zinc to blood albumin and red blood cells, as well as the buffering and modulation of cytosolic zinc levels. Decreased zinc levels are associated with increasing severity of organ dysfunction, prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality in septic and COVID-19 patients. Results of recent studies focusing on these topics are summarized and discussed in this narrative review. Existing evidence currently does not support pharmacological zinc supplementation in patients with sepsis or COVID-19. Complementation and repletion should follow current guidelines for micronutrients in critically ill patients. Further research investigating the pharmacological mechanism of zinc in programmed cell death caused by invasive infections and its therapeutic potential in sepsis and COVID-19 could be worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Briassoulis
- Postgraduate Program “Emergency and Intensive Care in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults”, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Briassoulis
- Second Department of Anesthesiology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavroula Ilia
- Postgraduate Program “Emergency and Intensive Care in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults”, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece;
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Marianna Miliaraki
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Efrossini Briassouli
- Infectious Diseases Department “MAKKA”, First Department of Paediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
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Wozniak H, Le Terrier C, Primmaz S, Suh N, Lenglet S, Thomas A, Vuilleumier N, Pagano S, de Watteville A, Stringhini S, Guessous I, Quintard H, Heidegger CP, Pugin J. Association of Trace Element Levels with Outcomes in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients. Nutrients 2023; 15:3308. [PMID: 37571249 PMCID: PMC10421129 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153308] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to compare the plasma levels of copper, selenium, and zinc between critically ill COVID-19 patients and less severe COVID-19 patients. The secondary objective was to investigate the association of these trace element levels with adverse outcomes, including the duration of mechanical ventilation, occurrence of septic shock, and mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. All COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of the Geneva University Hospitals between 9 March 2020 and 19 May 2020 were included in the study. Plasma levels of copper, selenium and zinc were measured on admission to the ICU and compared with levels measured in COVID-19 patients hospitalized on the ward and in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. To analyze the association of trace elements with clinical outcomes, multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed. Patients in the ICU had significantly lower levels of selenium and zinc and higher levels of copper compared to COVID-19 patients hospitalized on the ward and in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In ICU patients, lower zinc levels tended to be associated with more septic shock and increased mortality compared to those with higher zinc levels (p = 0.07 for both). Having lower copper or selenium levels was associated with a longer time under mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). These associations remained significant in multivariate analyses (p = 0.03 for copper and p = 0.04 for selenium). These data support the need for interventional studies to assess the potential benefit of zinc, copper and selenium supplementation in severe COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wozniak
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Christophe Le Terrier
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Steve Primmaz
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Noémie Suh
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Sébastien Lenglet
- Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit, CURML, Lausanne University Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.T.)
| | - Aurélien Thomas
- Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry Unit, CURML, Lausanne University Hospital, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.T.)
- Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Vuilleumier
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostics Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Pagano
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Diagnostics Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aude de Watteville
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Quintard
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Claudia Paula Heidegger
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
| | - Jérôme Pugin
- Division of Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland (A.d.W.); (H.Q.); (C.P.H.)
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Kotur N, Stankovic B, Pavlovic S. Micronutrients, genetics and COVID-19. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2023; 26:309-315. [PMID: 37144461 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Marked inter-individual differences in the clinical manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has initiated studies in the field of genetics. This review evaluates recent genetic evidence (predominantly in the last 18 months) related to micronutrients (vitamins and trace elements) and COVID-19. RECENT FINDINGS In patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), altered circulating levels of micronutrients may serve as prognostic markers of disease severity. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies did not find significant effect of variable genetically predicted levels of micronutrients on COVID-19 phenotypes, however, recent clinical studies on COVID-19 point out to vitamin D and zinc supplementation as a nutritional strategy to reduce disease severity and mortality. Recent evidence also points to variants in vitamin D receptor ( VDR ) gene, most notably rs2228570 (FokI) "f" allele and rs7975232 (ApaI) "aa" genotype as poor prognostic markers. SUMMARY Since several micronutrients were included in the COVID-19 therapy protocols, research in the field of nutrigenetics of micronutrients is in progress. Recent findings from MR studies prioritize genes involved in biological effect, such as the VDR gene, rather than micronutrient status in future research. Emerging evidence on nutrigenetic markers may improve patient stratification and inform nutritional strategies against severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Kotur
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Ambra R, Melloni S, Venneria E. Could Selenium Supplementation Prevent COVID-19? A Comprehensive Review of Available Studies. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104130. [PMID: 37241870 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to systematically examine the scientific evidence investigating selenium's relationship with COVID-19, aiming to support, or refute, the growing hypothesis that supplementation could prevent COVID-19 etiopathogenesis. In fact, immediately after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several speculative reviews suggested that selenium supplementation in the general population could act as a silver bullet to limit or even prevent the disease. Instead, a deep reading of the scientific reports on selenium and COVID-19 that are available to date supports neither the specific role of selenium in COVID-19 severity, nor the role of its supplementation in the prevention disease onset, nor its etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ambra
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA)-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Sahara Melloni
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA)-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Venneria
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria (CREA)-Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Links between Vitamin K, Ferroptosis and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030733. [PMID: 36978981 PMCID: PMC10045478 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death. It is characterized by the accumulation of iron and lipid hydroperoxides in cells. Vitamin K is known to have antioxidant properties and plays a role in reducing oxidative stress, particularly in lipid cell membranes. Vitamin K reduces the level of reactive oxygen species by modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, vitamin K decreases inflammation and potentially prevents ferroptosis. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with oxidant–antioxidant imbalance. Studies have shown that intensified ferroptosis occurs in various tissues and cells affected by COVID-19. Vitamin K supplementation during SARS-CoV-2 infection may have a positive effect on reducing the severity of the disease. Preliminary research suggests that vitamin K may reduce lipid peroxidation and inhibit ferroptosis, potentially contributing to its therapeutic effects in COVID-19 patients. The links between ferroptosis, vitamin K, and SARS-CoV-2 infection require further investigation, particularly in the context of developing potential treatment strategies for COVID-19.
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Larvie DY, Perrin MT, Donati GL, Armah SM. COVID-19 Severity Is Associated with Selenium Intake among Young Adults with Low Selenium and Zinc Intake in North Carolina. Curr Dev Nutr 2023; 7:100044. [PMID: 36785737 PMCID: PMC9907795 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100044] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain a global public health emergency because of the ensuing economic burden and death. With robust research into vaccines, antibody treatments, and antiviral drugs for COVID-19, there is still a dearth of evidence on the role of an individual's nutritional status on the severity of COVID-19. Objective This study aimed to investigate the association between selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) status and COVID-19 severity among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in North Carolina. Methods Subjects (n = 106) were recruited remotely as part of the Nutrition and COVID-19 in North Carolina (NC-NC) study and filled out online screening questionnaires and dietary surveys. Toenail samples from 97 participants were analyzed to determine Se and Zn concentrations. To assess the severity of severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 infection, subjects were asked about the presence and duration of 10 commonly reported symptoms. These responses were used to calculate a COVID-19 severity index (CSI). The relationship between Se and Zn status (intake and toenail concentrations) and CSI was explored using a regression analysis. Results Our results showed that the median (25th, 75th percentiles) dietary Se and Zn intake from selected food sources were 65.2 μg (43.2, 112.9) and 4.3 mg (1.8, 8), respectively. Headache, cough, loss of smell or taste, and fever were reported by at least half of the participants. In stepwise regression analysis, among individuals with low Se and Zn intake (below the median), Se intake was inversely associated with increasing CSI (β = -0.66; 95% CI: -1.21, -0.11; P = 0.02). Conclusions Findings from this study support a potential benefit of increasing the intake of dietary Se to mitigate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Y Larvie
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Maryanne T Perrin
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - George L Donati
- Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Seth M Armah
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Attini R, Laudani ME, Versino E, Massaro A, Pagano A, Petey F, Revelli A, Masturzo B. COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Influence of Body Weight and Nutritional Status on Maternal and Pregnancy Outcomes-A Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15041052. [PMID: 36839410 PMCID: PMC9962478 DOI: 10.3390/nu15041052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two and a half years, COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging public health issues worldwide. Based on the available evidence, pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to infection than the general population but having COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of major complications for both the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study is to identify the correlation between BMI and nutritional status and the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, its severity, and maternal pregnancy outcomes. We carry out a systematic literature search and a meta-analysis using three databases following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration. We include 45 studies about COVID-19-positive pregnant women. Compared with normal-weight pregnant women with COVID-19, obesity is associated with a more severe infection (OR = 2.32 [1.65-3.25]), increased maternal death (OR = 2.84 [2.01-4.02]), and a higher rate of hospital admission (OR = 2.11 [1.37-3.26]). Obesity may be associated with adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes by increasing symptom severity and, consequently, hospital and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and, finally, death rates. For micronutrients, the results are less definite, even if there seems to be a lower level of micronutrients, in particular Vitamin D, in COVID-19-positive pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Attini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Elena Laudani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Versino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10100 Turin, Italy
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health (C-BEPH), 10100 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Massaro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC1U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Arianna Pagano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Petey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology SC2U, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Sant’Anna Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Bianca Masturzo
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
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12
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Filippini T, Fairweather-Tait S, Vinceti M. Selenium and immune function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 117:93-110. [PMID: 36789948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium is an essential trace element with both beneficial and detrimental effects on health depending on dose and chemical form. Currently, there is debate on recommendations for selenium supplementation as a public health measure to improve immune function and reduce infectious disease susceptibility. OBJECTIVES We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies assessing the effect of selenium supplementation on immunity-related outcomes in healthy people. METHODS We undertook a search of published and unpublished studies in literature databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov up to 17 October, 2022, and performed a meta-analysis comparing the effects on immunity-related outcomes between Se-supplemented versus control arms. Whenever possible we assessed the nonlinear relation using a dose-response approach. RESULTS 9 trials were included, 5 in North America, and 4 in Europe, with a duration between 8 and 48 weeks and supplementation of both inorganic and organic selenium forms. Selenium supplementation did not substantially affect immunoglobulin or white blood cell concentrations, and the dose-response meta-analysis indicated that an increase in plasma selenium concentrations above 100 μg/L did not further increase IgA levels nor T cells. An inverted U-shaped relation emerged for NK cell count, with a lower number of these cells both below and above 120 μg/L. The only beneficial effect of selenium supplementation was the increased activity for NK lysis, but the available data did not permit dose-response analysis. Cytokine levels were substantially unaffected by selenium supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Although some of the data suggested beneficial effects of selenium supplementation on immune function, the overall picture appears to be inconsistent and heterogeneous due to differences in trial duration and interventions, plus evidence of null and even detrimental effects. Overall, the evidence that we extracted from the literature in this systematic review does not support the need to supplement selenium beyond the recommended dietary intake to obtain beneficial effects on immune function. This trial was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022312280).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Filippini
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Marco Vinceti
- Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center (CREAGEN), Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Demircan K, Chillon TS, Bracken T, Bulgarelli I, Campi I, Du Laing G, Fafi-Kremer S, Fugazzola L, Garcia A, Heller R, Hughes DJ, Ide L, Klingenberg GJ, Komarnicki P, Krasinski Z, Lescure A, Mallon P, Moghaddam A, Persani L, Petrovic M, Ruchala M, Solis M, Vandekerckhove L, Schomburg L. Association of COVID-19 mortality with serum selenium, zinc and copper: Six observational studies across Europe. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022673. [PMID: 36518764 PMCID: PMC9742896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Certain trace elements are essential for life and affect immune system function, and their intake varies by region and population. Alterations in serum Se, Zn and Cu have been associated with COVID-19 mortality risk. We tested the hypothesis that a disease-specific decline occurs and correlates with mortality risk in different countries in Europe. Methods Serum samples from 551 COVID-19 patients (including 87 non-survivors) who had participated in observational studies in Europe (Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Poland) were analyzed for trace elements by total reflection X-ray fluorescence. A subset (n=2069) of the European EPIC study served as reference. Analyses were performed blinded to clinical data in one analytical laboratory. Results Median levels of Se and Zn were lower than in EPIC, except for Zn in Italy. Non-survivors consistently had lower Se and Zn concentrations than survivors and displayed an elevated Cu/Zn ratio. Restricted cubic spline regression models revealed an inverse nonlinear association between Se or Zn and death, and a positive association between Cu/Zn ratio and death. With respect to patient age and sex, Se showed the highest predictive value for death (AUC=0.816), compared with Zn (0.782) or Cu (0.769). Discussion The data support the potential relevance of a decrease in serum Se and Zn for survival in COVID-19 across Europe. The observational study design cannot account for residual confounding and reverse causation, but supports the need for intervention trials in COVID-19 patients with severe Se and Zn deficiency to test the potential benefit of correcting their deficits for survival and convalescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Demircan
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thilo Samson Chillon
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tommy Bracken
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ilaria Bulgarelli
- Laboratorio Analisi Cliniche, Centro di Ricerche e Tecnologie Biomediche, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Campi
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Gijs Du Laing
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Samira Fafi-Kremer
- CHU de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Virologie, Strasbourg University, INSERM, IRM UMR-S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alejandro Abner Garcia
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Raban Heller
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Clinic of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David J. Hughes
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louis Ide
- Laboratory Medicine, AZ Jan Palfijn AV, Gent, Belgium
| | - Georg Jochen Klingenberg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Komarnicki
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Krasinski
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alain Lescure
- Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrick Mallon
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Luca Persani
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Marek Ruchala
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Morgane Solis
- CHU de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Virologie, Strasbourg University, INSERM, IRM UMR-S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - Linos Vandekerckhove
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Lutz Schomburg
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Lutz Schomburg,
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Krishnamoorthy S, Li GH, Cheung C. Transcriptome-wide summary data-based Mendelian randomization analysis reveals 38 novel genes associated with severe COVID-19. J Med Virol 2022; 95:e28162. [PMID: 36127160 PMCID: PMC9538104 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Severe COVID-19 has a poor prognosis, while the genetic mechanism underlying severe COVID-19 remains largely unknown. We aimed to identify genes that are potentially causally associated with severe COVID-19. We conducted a summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from 49 different tissues as the exposure and three COVID-19-phenotypes (very severe respiratory confirmed COVID-19 [severe COVID-19], hospitalized COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2 infection) as the outcomes. SMR using multiple SNPs was used as a sensitivity analysis to reduce false positive rate. Multiple testing was corrected using the false discovery rate (FDR) q-value. We identified 309 significant gene-trait associations (FDR q value < 0.05) across 46 tissues for severe COVID-19, which mapped to 64 genes, of which 38 are novel. The top five most associated protein-coding genes were Interferon Alpha and Beta Receptor Subunit 2 (IFNAR2), 2'-5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase 3 (OAS3), mucin 1 (MUC1), Interleukin 10 Receptor Subunit Beta (IL10RB), and Napsin A Aspartic Peptidase (NAPSA). The potential causal genes were enriched in biological processes related to type I interferons, interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 production, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 production. In addition, we further identified 23 genes and 5 biological processes which are unique to hospitalized COVID-19, as well as 13 genes that are unique to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified several genes that are potentially causally associated with severe COVID-19. These findings improve our limited understanding of the mechanism of COVID-19 and shed light on the development of therapeutic agents for treating severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhas Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Gloria H.‐Y. Li
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomHong Kong
| | - Ching‐Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong,Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H)Pak Shek KokHong Kong
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15
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Li Y, Luo W, Liang B. Circulating trace elements status in COVID-19 disease: A meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:982032. [PMID: 36034929 PMCID: PMC9411985 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.982032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trace elements are a group of essential metals or metalloids, which are necessary for life, and present in minute amounts. Despite substantial researches highlighting the importance of trace elements in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diseases, a thorough evaluation of the levels of circulating trace elements is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the trace element status (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and Se) in COVID-19 disease. We also assessed the relationship between circulating trace elements and COVID-19 disease severity and survival status during follow-up. We searched comprehensively MEDLINE, Web of Science, CNKI, and WangFang databases without language restriction, between November 1, 2019 and April 1, 2022. The search identified 1,566 preliminary references. A total of 49 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review, and 42 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower circulating Zn (SMD: -0.83, 95% CI: -1.19 to -0.46, P < 0.001), Fe (SMD: -1.56, 95% CI: -2.90 to -0.21, P = 0.023), and Se (SMD: -0.75, 95% CI: -0.94 to -0.56, P < 0.001) levels than healthy controls, and circulating Zn (SMD: -0.47, 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.18, P = 0.002), Fe (SMD: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.12, P = 0.008), and Se (SMD: -0.27, 95% CI: -0.49 to -0.04, P = 0.020) levels were associated with the presence of severity status in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, circulating Fe levels in non-survivors were significantly lower than survivors in COVID-19 (SMD: -0.28, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.12, P = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in Cu and Mg levels between COVID-19 patients and controls, severity and non-severity status, and survivors and non-survivors (all P > 0.05). Taken together, COVID-19 patients displayed lower circulating levels of Zn, Fe, and Se, and their levels were associated with severity status. Moreover, circulating Fe levels may provide part of the explanation for the unfavorable survival status. Therefore, we presumed optimistically that supplements of trace elements might provide an adjutant treatment in the early stages of COVID-19. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42022348599].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Li
- Clinical Laboratory, PLA North Military Command Region General Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Weihe Luo
- Department of Medical Engineering, PLA North Military Command Region General Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Wimalawansa SJ. Rapidly Increasing Serum 25(OH)D Boosts the Immune System, against Infections-Sepsis and COVID-19. Nutrients 2022; 14:2997. [PMID: 35889955 PMCID: PMC9319502 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem, a pandemic that commonly affects the elderly and those with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disorders, recurrent infections, immune deficiency, and malignancies, as well as ethnic minorities living in temperate countries. The same groups were worst affected by COVID-19. Since vitamin D deficiency weakens the immune system, it increases the risk of infections, complications, and deaths, such as from sepsis and COVID-19. Deficiency can be remedied cost-effectively through targeted food fortification, supplementation, and/or daily safe sun exposure. Its endocrine functions are limited to mineral metabolism, musculoskeletal systems, specific cell membrane interactions, and parathyroid gland functions. Except for the rapid, endocrine, and cell membrane-based non-genomic functions, all other biological and physiological activities of vitamin D depend on the adequate intracellular synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol) in peripheral target cells via the genome. Calcitriol mediates autocrine (intracrine) and paracrine signalling in immune cells, which provides broader, protective immune functions crucial to overcoming infections. The synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol) in peripheral target cells is dependent on diffusion and endocytosis of D3 and 25(OH)D from the circulation into them, which requires maintenance of serum 25(OH)D concentration above 50 ng/mL. Therefore, in acute infections such as sepsis and respiratory infections like COVID-19, it is necessary to rapidly provide its precursors, D3 and 25(OH)D, through the circulation to generate adequate intracellular calcitriol. Immune defence is one of the crucial non-hormonal functions of vitamin D. A single oral (bolus) dose or divided upfront loading doses between 100,000 and 500,000 IU, using 50,000 IU vitamin D3 increase the serum 25(OH)D concentrations to a therapeutic level of above 50 ng/mL that lasts between two to three months. This takes three to five days to raise serum 25(OH)D. In contrast, a single oral dose of calcifediol (0.014 mg/kg body weight) can generate the needed 25(OH)D concentration within four hours. Considering both D3 and 25(OH)D enter immune cells for generating calcitriol, using the combination of D3 (medium-term) and calcifediol (immediate) is cost-effective and leads to the best clinical outcome. To maximise protection against infections, particularly to reduce COVID-19-associated complications and deaths, healthcare workers should advise patients on safe sun exposure, adequate vitamin D supplementation and balanced diets containing zinc, magnesium, and other micronutrients to support the immune system. Meanwhile, governments, the World Health Organisation, the Centers for Disease Control, and governments should consider similar recommendations to physicians and the public, change the outdated vitamin D and other micronutrient recommendations directed to their population, and organise targetted food fortification programs for the vulnerable groups. This article discusses a rational approach to maintaining a sustained serum 25(OH)D concentration above 50 ng/mL, necessary to attain a robust immune system for overcoming infections. Such would cost-effectively improve the population’s health and reduce healthcare costs. It also describes three cost-effective, straightforward protocols for achieving and sustaining therapeutic serum 25(OH)D concentrations above 50 ng/mL (>125 nmol/L) to keep the population healthy, reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil J Wimalawansa
- Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Cardiometabolic & Endocrine Institute, North Brunswick, NJ 08873, USA
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17
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Larsson SC. Mendelian Randomization Studies on Nutritional Factors and Health Outcomes. Nutrients 2022; 14:2780. [PMID: 35889737 PMCID: PMC9317534 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor diet is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna C. Larsson
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Medical Epidemiology, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Daniel N, Bouras E, Tsilidis KK, Hughes DJ. Genetically Predicted Circulating Concentrations of Micronutrients and COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:842315. [PMID: 35558754 PMCID: PMC9085481 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.842315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which since 2019 has caused over 5 million deaths to date. The pathogenicity of the virus is highly variable ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. Evidence from experimental and observational studies suggests that circulating micronutrients may affect COVID-19 outcomes. Objectives To complement and inform observational studies, we investigated the associations of genetically predicted concentrations of 12 micronutrients (β-carotene, calcium, copper, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and zinc) with SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and COVID-19 severity using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods Two-sample MR was conducted using 87,870 individuals of European descent with a COVID-19 diagnosis and 2,210,804 controls from the COVID-19 host genetics initiative. Inverse variance-weighted MR analyses were performed with sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of potential violations of MR assumptions. Results Compared to the general population, nominally significant associations were noted for higher genetically predicted vitamin B-6 (Odds ratio per standard deviation [ORSD]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00, 1.13; p-value = 0.036) and lower magnesium concentrations (ORSD: 0.33; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.96; P = 0.042) with COVID-19 infection risk. However, the association for magnesium was not consistent in some sensitivity analyses, and sensitivity analyses could not be performed for vitamin B-6 as only two genetic instruments were available. Genetically predicted levels of calcium, folate, β-carotene, copper, iron, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus, or zinc were not associated with the outcomes from COVID-19 disease. Conclusion These results, though based only on genetically predicated circulating micronutrient concentrations, provide scant evidence for possible associations of micronutrients with COVID-19 outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Daniel
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emmanouil Bouras
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos K Tsilidis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Hughes
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Kandil EE, El-Banna AAA, Tabl DMM, Mackled MI, Ghareeb RY, Al-Huqail AA, Ali HM, Jebril J, Abdelsalam NR. Zinc Nutrition Responses to Agronomic and Yield Traits, Kernel Quality, and Pollen Viability in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:791066. [PMID: 35615130 PMCID: PMC9125238 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.791066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the major cereal crops worldwide with wheat and maize. A total of two field experiments were performed to evaluate the response of some rice cultivars to various foliar zinc (Zn) concentrations based on different measurements, such as agronomic, yield, yield compounds, and grain technological parameters. The experimental layout was a split plot in three replicates; the five rice cultivars (Skaha 101, Giza178, Yasmeen, Fourate, and Amber 33) were distributed in the main plots while the four foliar applications of Zn (1,500, 2,000, 2,500 mg/L besides spray water) were occupied the sub-plots. The findings showed significant differences among the five rice cultivars regarding plant height, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, harvest index, 1,000-grain weight, panicle length, protein percentage, and grain Zn content. There is a significant effect of Zn on all plant attributes. A significant interaction between rice cultivars and foliar application of Zn was observed, whereas fertilizing Giza 178 with foliar application of Zn at the rate of 2,500 mg/L achieved the highest mean values of grain yield and straw yield, biological yield, harvest index, 1,000-grain weight, panicle length, protein %, and Zn content followed by Sakha 101 with Zn application at the rate of 2,000 mg/L, respectively, in both seasons. The rice cultivars significantly differed in hulling (%), broken (%), hardness, grain length, shape, amylose (%), gel consistency, and gelatinization temperature. Unfortunately, the commercial Zn product used was genotoxic to pollen grains with a higher rate of Zn. Aberrations were observed such as stickiness, ultrastructural changes in the exterior and interior walls, partially or fully degenerated grains, and shrunken and unfilled grains. This study concluded that using Zn application at the rate of 2,000 mg/L to protect human and environmental health, the side effects and toxicity of the local commercial Zn product market should be investigated before making recommendations to farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam E. Kandil
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aly A. A. El-Banna
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Dalia M. M. Tabl
- Rice Research Technology Center (RTTC), Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa I. Mackled
- Department of Stored Product Pests, Plant Protection Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rehab Y. Ghareeb
- Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, The City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El Arab, Egypt
| | - Asma A. Al-Huqail
- Chair of Climate Change, Environmental Development and Vegetation Cover, Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayssam M. Ali
- Chair of Climate Change, Environmental Development and Vegetation Cover, Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jebril Jebril
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Nader R. Abdelsalam
- Agricultural Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture (Saba Basha), Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Luo S, Liang Y, Wong THT, Schooling CM, Au Yeung SL. Identifying factors contributing to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 risk: a systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:1088-1105. [PMID: 35445260 PMCID: PMC9047195 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To summarize modifiable factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suggested by Mendelian randomization studies. Methods In this systematic review, we searched PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE, from inception to 15 November 2021, for Mendelian randomization studies in English. We selected studies that assessed associations of genetically predicted exposures with COVID-19-related outcomes (severity, hospitalization and susceptibility). Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated based on the consideration of the three main assumptions for instrumental variable analyses. Results We identified 700 studies through systematic search, of which 50 Mendelian randomization studies were included. Included studies have explored a wide range of socio-demographic factors, lifestyle attributes, anthropometrics and biomarkers, predisposition to diseases and druggable targets in COVID-19 risk. Mendelian randomization studies suggested that increases in smoking, obesity and inflammatory factors were associated with higher risk of COVID-19. Predisposition to ischaemic stroke, combined bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder, chronic kidney disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was potentially associated with higher COVID-19 risk. Druggable targets, such as higher protein expression of histo-blood group ABO system transferase (ABO), interleukin (IL)-6 and lower protein expression of 2′-5′ oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) were associated with higher risk of COVID-19. There was no strong genetic evidence supporting the role of vitamin D, glycaemic traits and predisposition to cardiometabolic diseases in COVID-19 risk. Conclusion This review summarizes modifiable factors for intervention (e.g. smoking, obesity and inflammatory factors) and proteomic signatures (e.g. OAS1 and IL-6) that could help identify drugs for treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Luo
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Liang
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tommy Hon Ting Wong
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Catherine Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Environmental, Occupational, and Geospatial Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Shiu Lun Au Yeung
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Sobczyk MK, Gaunt TR. Reply to Janssen et al. Comment on "Sobczyk, M.K.; Gaunt, T.R. The Effect of Circulating Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Vitamin K 1 on COVID-19 Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 233". Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051113. [PMID: 35268088 PMCID: PMC8912471 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Comment on Sobczyk, M.K.; Gaunt, T.R. The Effect of Circulating Zinc, Selenium, Copper and Vitamin K 1 on COVID-19 Outcomes: A Mendelian Randomization Study. Nutrients 2022, 14, 233. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051112. [PMID: 35268087 PMCID: PMC8912568 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sobczyk and Gaunt genetically predicted circulating zinc, selenium, copper, and vitamin K1 levels-instead of directly measuring nutrients in blood-and hypothesized that these levels would associate with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity [...].
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