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Wimalawansa SJ. Unlocking insights: Navigating COVID-19 challenges and Emulating future pandemic Resilience strategies with strengthening natural immunity. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34691. [PMID: 39166024 PMCID: PMC11334859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34691] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The original COVID-19 vaccines, developed against SARS-CoV-2, initially mitigated hospitalizations. Bivalent vaccine boosters were used widely during 2022-23, but the outbreaks persisted. Despite this, hospitalizations, mortality, and outbreaks involving dominant mutants like Alpha and Delta increased during winters when the population's vitamin D levels were at their lowest. Notably, 75 % of human immune cell/system functions, including post-vaccination adaptive immunity, rely on adequate circulatory vitamin D levels. Consequently, hypovitaminosis compromises innate and adaptive immune responses, heightening susceptibility to infections and complications. COVID-19 vaccines primarily target SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins, thus offering only a limited protection through antibodies. mRNA vaccines, such as those for COVID-19, fail to generate secretory/mucosal immunity-like IgG responses, rendering them ineffective in halting viral spread. Additionally, mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 binding domain reduce immune recognition by vaccine-derived antibodies, leading to immune evasion by mutant viruses like Omicron variants. Meanwhile, the repeated administration of bivalent boosters intended to enhance efficacy resulted in the immunoparesis of recipients. As a result, relying solely on vaccines for outbreak prevention, it became less effective. Dominant variants exhibit increased affinity to angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor-2, enhancing infectivity but reducing virulence. Meanwhile, spike protein-related viral mutations do not impact the potency of widely available, repurposed early therapies, like vitamin D and ivermectin. With the re-emergence of COVID-19 and impending coronaviral pandemics, regulators and health organizations should proactively consider approval and strategic use of cost-effective adjunct therapies mentioned above to counter the loss of vaccine efficacy against emerging variants and novel coronaviruses and eliminate vaccine- and anti-viral agents-related serious adverse effects. Timely implementation of these strategies could reduce morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs and provide a rational approach to address future epidemics and pandemics. This perspective critically reviews relevant literature, providing insights, justifications, and viewpoints into how the scientific community and health authorities can leverage this knowledge cost-effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil J. Wimalawansa
- Medicine, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, B14 G2, De Soyza Flats, Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
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Antonucci R, Vacca N, Biasia B, Locci C, Dore MP, Pes GM, Bitti A. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Associated Restrictions on Vitamin D Status in a Large Cohort of Italian Children and Adolescents. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:65. [PMID: 38256326 PMCID: PMC10819361 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon sunlight exposure, showing variations with season and latitude. We aimed to investigate the influence of age, sex, and season on vitamin D status in a large pediatric cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic period and the corresponding pre-pandemic period. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data concerning subjects aged < 18 years were extracted anonymously from the large database of a reference laboratory hospital (Sassari, Northern Sardinia, Italy). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels measured during the pre-pandemic period (1 March 2018 to 30 September 2019) were compared with those detected during the pandemic period (1 March 2020 to 30 September 2021). Results: A total of 2317 samples from subjects aged < 18 years were included in the analysis, 1303 (47.9% females) of which were collected in the pre-pandemic period and 1014 (51.3% females) in the pandemic period. No significant differences in 25(OH)D levels were found between the two periods, whereas, in children aged < 2 years, levels were higher than those in children aged 11-16 years (p < 0.05). Monthly levels of 25(OH)D between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods did not differ, although significant differences were detected across months (p < 0.0001). Similarly, 25(OH)D values did not differ significantly between males and females in both periods. Marked seasonal variations were observed in males and females across all age groups. Conclusions: Serum vitamin D levels and their season-related variations were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions in a large cohort of Italian children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Antonucci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Nadia Vacca
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Biasia
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Cristian Locci
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Pina Dore
- Internal Medicine Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.M.P.)
| | - Giovanni Mario Pes
- Internal Medicine Section, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy (G.M.P.)
| | - Angela Bitti
- Laboratory of Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Parra-Ortega I, Zurita-Cruz JN, Ortiz-Flores I, Romero-Navarro B, Villasis-Keever MA, Martínez BL, Domínguez-Castillo V, Romo-Vázquez JC. Vitamin D levels in the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1268347. [PMID: 38024354 PMCID: PMC10654788 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1268347] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is common in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) because of multiple factors. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it increased because of medicine shortage and no enough medical service for patients with non-COVID-19 diseases. Objective To analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown on the serum levels and status of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-[OH]D) in children with CKD. Materials and methods This retrospective study included patients (6-18 years old) who were diagnosed with CKD stage 2-5 and routinely measured for serum VD levels between May 2019 and December 2022. Serum 25-(OH)D levels were measured before, during, and after the pandemic (2019, 2020-2021, and 2022, respectively). The daily dose of cholecalciferol supplementation and the readjustment (if required) were recorded. Results This study included 171 patients (median age: 12 years). Before the pandemic, the median serum VD level was 25.0 ng/mL (19.3% VD deficiency). Then, VD supplementation was adjusted to 400-1,200 UI daily in 98.8% (n = 169) of patients. During the pandemic, the median VD level decreased to 22.5 ng/mL (43.3% VD deficiency). Hence, the supplementation was readjusted, and after the pandemic, the level was 28.7 ng/mL (18.7% VD deficiency), indicating a statistically significant increase in serum VD levels from the prepandemic period (p = 0.007). Conclusion Decreased serum VD levels and increased VD deficiency frequency were observed in patients with CKD during the COVID-19 but improved after readjustment of supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Parra-Ortega
- Auxiliary Diagnostic Services, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ministry of Health (SSA), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jessie Nallely Zurita-Cruz
- Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Itzel Ortiz-Flores
- Facultad de Medicina Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamin Romero-Navarro
- Auxiliary Diagnostic Services, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ministry of Health (SSA), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Villasis-Keever
- Analysis and Synthesis of the Evidence Research Unit, National Medical Center XXI Century, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Veronica Domínguez-Castillo
- Auxiliary Diagnostic Services, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ministry of Health (SSA), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Carlos Romo-Vázquez
- Department of Pediatric Nephology, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Ministry of Health (SSA), Mexico City, Mexico
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Mandato C, Colucci A, Lanzillo R, Staiano A, Scarpato E, Schiavo L, Operto FF, Serra MR, Di Monaco C, Napoli JS, Massa G, Vajro P. Multiple Sclerosis-Related Dietary and Nutritional Issues: An Updated Scoping Review with a Focus on Pediatrics. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1022. [PMID: 37371254 DOI: 10.3390/children10061022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lifestyle/dietetic habits play an important role in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. Here, we examine the basic pathomechanisms underlying intestinal and brain barrier modifications in MS and consider diets and dietary supplementations proposed over time to complement pharmacological therapies for improving disease outcome both in adults and in children. METHODS Scoping literature search about evidence-based findings in MS-related gut-brain axis (GBA) pathophysiology and nutritional issues at all ages. FINDINGS Data show that (1) no universal best diet exists, (2) healthy/balanced diets are, however, necessary to safeguard the adequate intake of all essential nutrients, (3) diets with high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins that limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat appear beneficial for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to shape a gut microbiota that respects the gut and brain barriers, (4) obesity may trigger MS onset and/or its less favorable course, especially in pediatric-onset MS. Vitamin D and polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most studied supplements for reducing MS-associated inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Pending results from other and/or newer approaches targeting the GBA (e.g., pre- and probiotics, engineered probiotics, fecal-microbiota transplantation), accurate counseling in choosing adequate diet and maintaining physical activity remains recommended for MS prevention and management both in adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mandato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Angelo Colucci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Lanzillo
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Staiano
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Scarpato
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Schiavo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Nutrition Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatric Psychiatry Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Serra
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Section of Pediatrics, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Monaco
- Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Julia Sara Napoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Massa
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
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Benameur T, Kaliyadan F, Saidi N, Porro C. A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating Changes in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels among Patients Attending the University Healthcare Centre during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102345. [PMID: 37242228 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-pandemic-related home confinement aids in limiting the spread of the virus but restricts exposure to sunlight, thereby possibly affecting 25(OH)D concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lockdown measures on 25(OH)D levels in outpatients visiting the healthcare centre over a period of two years. In this retrospective chart review, outpatients who visited a university healthcare centre for a health check-up over a period of two years were included. The patients' 25(OH)D serum levels and status were compared before, during, and after the lockdown periods. A total of 7234 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 34.66 ± 16.78. The overall prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency, deficiency and sufficiency was 33.8%, 30.7% and 35.4%, respectively. The proportion of individuals with 25-(OH) D deficiency prior to lockdown was 29% and this proportion increased in the lockdown and post-lockdown periods to 31.1% and 32%, respectively. Although gender was less likely to have an impact on the 25 (OH) D level during the lockdown period (p = 0.630), we found an association between gender and 25 (OH) D status in the pre-lockdown and post-lockdown periods (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Another association between nationality and 25 (OH)D levels was found before, during and after the lockdown periods (p < 0.001). In addition, the youngest population, aged between 1 and 14, was strongly affected by the home confinement. Age had a positive and significant (p < 0.05) effect on 25 (OH) D status regardless of the different periods. Moreover, in the pre-lockdown period, male outpatients had 1.56 chance of having a sufficient level of 25 (OH)D. However, during the lockdown period, this chance decreased to 0.85 and then increased to 0.99 after the lockdown period. We found no statistically significant difference in the mean serum concentrations or in the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency when we compared values from before, during and immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, there was a generally increased prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in our study population. Another association between gender, nationality and age groups with 25(OH) D was found. Regular exposure to UVR is recommended for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Further research is needed to determine the best indications for vitamin D supplementation if confinement periods are extended and to consider the potential health consequences of prolonged confinement periods not only on vitamin D status but also on overall public health. The findings of this study may be considered by stakeholders for a targeted supplementation approach for risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Benameur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Feroze Kaliyadan
- Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur 683594, India
| | - Neji Saidi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Sciences, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chiara Porro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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