Exploring the Role of Heavy Metals and Their Derivatives on the Pathophysiology of COVID-19

Abstract

Many aspects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its disease, COVID-19, have been studied to determine its properties, transmission mechanisms, and pathology. These efforts are aimed at identifying potential approaches to control or treat the disease. Early treatment of novel SARS-CoV-2 infection to minimize symptom progression has minimal evidence; however, many researchers and firms are working on vaccines, and only a few vaccines exist. COVID-19 is affected by several heavy metals and their nanoparticles. We investigated the effects of heavy metals and heavy metal nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 and their roles in COVID-19 pathogenesis. AgNPs, AuNPs, gold-silver hybrid NPs, copper nanoparticles, zinc oxide, vanadium, gallium, bismuth, titanium, palladium, silver grafted graphene oxide, and some quantum dots were tested to see if they could minimize the severity or duration of symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection when compared to standard therapy.

Comparative Analysis of Serum Zinc, Copper and Magnesium Level and Their Relations in Association with Severity and Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Patients

“…The results indicate that these metal levels are altered in a severity-dependent manner, showing that trace elements place a major role in COVID-19 pathology. Many recent reviews have commented that trace elements, vitamins and heavy metals play a major role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 due to their pivotal role in homeostasis of the immune and other major systems of the body [22][23][24][25]. In vitro studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein interacts with ACE2 receptor, which is a zinc-dependent peptidyl dipeptide hydrolase.…”

Heavy metals assessment of hospital wastewater during COVID-19 pandemic

“…During COVID-19, some heavy metals might affect the effectiveness of the infection. Previous research [53] mentions that the abundant Fe in the human body affects the effect of viral replication that causes severe infection. The parameters of heavy metals might be reduced and never reach the threshold because the hospital uses biological methods that eliminate biodegradable organic matter efficiently [54], [55].…”

Integrated microfluidic platforms for heavy metal sensing: a comprehensive review

“…1). [1][2][3][4] Of these heavy metals, As, Cd, Pb and Hg are recognized as the most toxic. Cd is a silvery white metal with a bluish tinge of atomic number 48 which exists as compounds with organic amines, sulphur groups, and chlorine groups.…”