Alteration in the Lipid Profile and the Desaturases Activity in Patients With Severe Pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

The kidnapping of the lipid metabolism of the host’s cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) allows the virus to transform the cells into optimal machines for its assembly and replication. Here we evaluated changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile and the participation of the activity of the desaturases, in plasma of patients with severe pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2. We found that SARS-CoV-2 alters the FA metabolism in the cells of the host. Changes are characterized by variations in the desaturases that lead to a decrease in total fatty acid (TFA), phospholipids (PL) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). These alterations include a decrease in palmitic and stearic acids (p ≤ 0.009) which could be used for the formation of the viral membranes and for the reparation of the host’s own membrane. There is also an increase in oleic acid (OA; p = 0.001) which could modulate the inflammatory process, the cytokine release, apoptosis, necrosis, oxidative stress (OS). An increase in linoleic acid (LA) in TFA (p = 0.03) and a decreased in PL (p = 0.001) was also present. They result from damage of the internal mitochondrial membrane. The arachidonic acid (AA) percentage was elevated (p = 0.02) in the TFA and this can be participated in the inflammatory process. EPA was decreased (p = 0.001) and this may decrease of pro-resolving mediators with increase in the inflammatory process. The total of NEFAs (p = 0.03), PL (p = 0.001), cholesterol, HDL and LDL were decreased, and triglycerides were increased in plasma of the COVID-19 patients. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 alters the FA metabolism, the changes are characterized by alterations in the desaturases that lead to variations in the TFA, PL, and NEFAs profiles. These changes may favor the replication of the virus but, at the same time, they are part of the defense system provided by the host cell metabolism in its eagerness to repair damage caused by the virus to cell membranes.

Integration of omics data to generate and analyse COVID-19 specific genome-scale metabolic models

“…Interestingly, a study in elderly patients showed a lower metabolic flux in the fatty acid pathway in survivors vs the deceased [ 81 ]. A more detailed analysis at the level of a single fatty acid showed opposite changes in levels of different fatty acids in serum of patients with severe COVID-19 depending on the type of the fatty acid and its desaturation index [ 82 ]. For example, the palmitic and stearic acid, needed for the formation of viral membranes, were decreased.…”

Hyperglycemia and Loss of Redox Homeostasis in COVID-19 Patients

“…However, more investigations are necessary to verify this hypothesis. In addition, the alterations in the glucose-insulin axis and FA metabolism [48] may lead to an increase in OS, increased inflammation, interleukin storm, and decreased mobilization of leukocytes, phagocytic activity, TAC and impairment of endothelial function [52]. In this sense, it has been reported that the TAC levels were considerably lower in serum of mild and severe COVID-19 patients in comparison with control subjects [53].…”

“…Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and IR contribute to increase ROS that attack free fatty acid (FFA) or esterified arachidonic acid in the phospholipids of the membrane and constitute conditions that are frequently found in COVID-19 and in patients with MS. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and IR increase the rate of lipolysis which is accompanied with liberation of FFA to the circulation. An increased fatty acid (FA) metabolism is essential for the formation of the viral membranes including those of SARS-CoV-2 [48]. Furthermore, the increase in FFA and the alteration in FA metabolism increase gluconeogenesis, reduce β-cells mass and provide substrates for the synthesis of triglycerides that are elevated in COVID-19 patients [48].…”

“…An increased fatty acid (FA) metabolism is essential for the formation of the viral membranes including those of SARS-CoV-2 [48]. Furthermore, the increase in FFA and the alteration in FA metabolism increase gluconeogenesis, reduce β-cells mass and provide substrates for the synthesis of triglycerides that are elevated in COVID-19 patients [48]. The attack of the membrane phospholipids and arachidonic acid by ROS result in the formation of isoprostanes that are molecules that are considered as markers of LPO and oxidative injury.…”

Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Is Highly Prevalent in the Postacute COVID Syndrome

“…Specifically, it has been reported that SARS-CoV-2 may alter fatty acids metabolism. These changes are characterized by alterations of the fatty acid desaturase enzyme that leads to variations in the phospholipids and nonesterified fatty acid profiles [ 44 ]. We propose that SARS-CoV-2 may induce or hasten progression of MAFLD towards a more severe disease state, making this condition a true phenotype of PACS.…”