Potential interventions for SARS‐CoV‐2 infections: Zinc showing promise

Brewer, Joseph H.; Martí, Juan; Brufsky, Adam

doi:10.1002/jmv.26523

Cited by 21 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…142,[188][189][190][191] Raised concentration intracellular Zn 2+ demonstrates antiviral activity, including COVID-19 involving three distinct antiviral mechanisms of action [ Figure 3]. 142,190,192 The exact mode of action of hydroxychloroquine remains elusive to date. 193 Several ongoing studies are utilizing various updated scientific approaches to accomplish a better understanding of antiviral pharmacodynamics.…”

Section: A Brief Overview Regarding Various Zinc Ionophores and Cytokmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Implications of Zinc Therapy in Combating the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Samad¹,

Sodunke²,

Abubakar³

et al. 2021

JIR

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The global pandemic from COVID-19 infection has generated significant public health concerns, both health-wise and economically. There is no specific pharmacological antiviral therapeutic option to date available for COVID-19 management. Also, there is an urgent need to discover effective medicines, prevention, and control methods because of the harsh death toll from this novel coronavirus infection. Acute respiratory tract infections, significantly lower respiratory tract infections, and pneumonia are the primary cause of millions of deaths worldwide. The role of micronutrients, including trace elements, boosted the human immune system and was well established. Several vitamins such as vitamin A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and folate; microelement including zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, and copper; omega-3 fatty acids as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid plays essential physiological roles in promoting the immune system. Furthermore, zinc is an indispensable microelement essential for a thorough enzymatic physiological process. It also helps regulate gene-transcription such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, cell division, and cell activation in the human biological system. Subsequently, zinc, together with natural scavenger cells and neutrophils, are also involved in developing cells responsible for regulating nonspecific immunity. The modern food habit often promotes zinc deficiency; as such, quite a few COVID-19 patients presented to hospitals were frequently diagnosed as zinc deficient. Earlier studies documented that zinc deficiency predisposes patients to a viral infection such as herpes simplex, common cold, hepatitis C, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-1), the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because of reducing antiviral immunity. This manuscript aimed to discuss the various roles played by zinc in the management of COVID-19 infection.

show abstract

Section: A Brief Overview Regarding Various Zinc Ionophores and Cytokmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Implications of Zinc Therapy in Combating the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

Samad¹,

Sodunke²,

Abubakar³

et al. 2021

JIR

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The immunomodulatory and antiviral activities of zinc have made this mineral and its ionophores candidates against COVID-19 ( 31 , 32 ). Zinc is essential for the integrity of the immune system ( 33 ), with an important role in the maintenance, development and activation of cells during innate and adaptive immune responses.…”

Section: Nutrients and Viral Infectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin C: Perspectives for COVID-19 With a Focus on Physical Tissue Barrier Integrity

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Some nutrients play key roles in maintaining the integrity and function of the immune system, presenting synergistic actions in steps determinant for the immune response. Among these elements, zinc and vitamins C and D stand out for having immunomodulatory functions and for playing roles in preserving physical tissue barriers. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrients that can optimize the immune system to prevent or lower the risk of severe progression and prognosis of this viral infection become relevant. Thus, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of zinc and vitamins C and D in the immune response to viral infections, focusing on the synergistic action of these nutrients in the maintenance of physical tissue barriers, such as the skin and mucous membranes. The evidence found in the literature shows that deficiency of one or more of these three elements compromises the immune response, making an individual more vulnerable to viral infections and to a worse disease prognosis. Thus, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the adequate intake of zinc and vitamins C and D may represent a promising pharmacological tool due to the high demand for these nutrients in the case of contact with the virus and onset of the inflammatory process. Ongoing clinical trials will help to clarify the role of these nutrients for COVID-19 management.

show abstract

“…Endosomal uptake can also be blocked by zinc (Zn)-mediated furin inhibition [ 34 ]. In a retrospective observational study, use of zinc sulfate decreased mortality and hospice admission in multivariate analysis [ 35 ].…”

Section: Repressing Virion Internalizationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Co-treatment with an ionophore (i.e. chloroquine, ivermectin) could facilitate Zn’s membrane transport [ 34 , 41 ]. Its use in combination with sofosbuvir with or without an ionophore should be examined in future trials.…”

Section: Repressing Virion Internalizationmentioning

confidence: 99%