ArticlePDF Available

Naturalne metody wspomagania odporności w walce z koronawirusem

Authors:

Abstract

Zagrożenie infekcją koronawirusem SARS-CoV-2 nadal jest realne, coraz trudniejsza jest też ochrona przed zakażeniem, dlatego należy zwrócić uwagę na stan odporności organizmu. Sprawny układ immunologiczny jest podstawą prawidłowej odpowiedzi przeciwzakaźnej. Już w starożytności zauważono, że jedynie osoby, które same przeżyły chorobę, nadają się do pielęgnacji chorych. Co możemy zrobić, aby wspomóc odporność? Najlepiej byłoby przechorować infekcję koronawirusem bezobjawowo lub skąpoobjawowo, wytworzyć przeciwciała przeciwwirusowe i mieć trwałą odporność. Jest to możliwe, ale tylko wtedy, gdy układ odpornościowy działa prawidłowo, a choroby współistniejące nie są zbyt obciążające. Działanie układu immunologicznego warunkuje wiele czynników, które są od nas niezależne, takich jak uwarunkowania genetyczne, wiek czy płeć. Na wiele czynników mamy jednak realny wpływ: aktywność fizyczna, stres, sen, dieta. Dowody naukowe jasno wskazują, że odpowiedni styl życia przekłada się na ogólną kondycję zdrowotną, szczególnie korzystnie wpływając na układ odpornościowy, oddechowy, krwionośny, gospodarkę hormonalną, węglowodanową i lipidową. Dbając o zdrowy styl życia obniżamy ryzyko ciężkiego przebiegu infekcji, w tym także zakażenia SARS-CoV-2. Nie mamy większego wpływu na czynność grasicy czy szpiku, gdzie produkowane są komórki immunologicznie kompetentne, mamy jednak znaczący wpływ na stan jednego z najważniejszych narządów układu odpornościowego, jakim są jelita. Powierzchnia jelit dorosłej osoby wynosi ok. 300 m2, dlatego stanowią one główną drogę wnikania antygenów. W laboratoriach opracowuje się coraz silniej działające leki, coraz silniej działające środki ochrony roślin. Nasz układ immunologiczny musi walczyć z coraz silniejszymi patogenami, z coraz silniejszymi szkodnikami. Obniża się odporność człowieka, warunki życia na Ziemi stają się coraz trudniejsze. Żywność jest coraz mniej naturalna, modyfikowana genetycznie, zawiera coraz więcej smacznych dodatków, a coraz mniej wartościowych substancji odżywczych. Niezbędna staje się suplementacja. Artykuł przedstawia przegląd naturalnych metod wspomagania odporności ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem diety.
WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 46

koronawirus
 
 
 
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19

coronavirus
 

 
 
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19




 

-






-
 



-






-









-
  





Naturalne metody wspomagania odporności
w walce z koronawirusem
Katarzyna Jankowska¹*, Natalia Suszczewicz²
¹ KlinikaEndokrynologii,SzpitalBielański,CentrumMedyczneKształceniaPodyplomowego,Warszawa
 OddziałGinekologiczno-Położniczy,SzpitalPowiatowywPruszkowie
Adres do korespondencji: *Katarzyna Jankowska, Klinika Endokrynologii, Szpital Bielański ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809 Warszawa, Polska,
email: katarzynakamilajankowska@gmail.com.
ISSN 2657-9669/ This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Copyright © 2020 CMKP.
Publikowane i nansowane przez Centrum Medyczne Ksztacenia Podyplomowego; https://doi.org/
WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 47




-

-




-




Wstęp
Jak działa układ immunologiczny?
-

-
  



    




-


 
      
    γδ 
   -


-
   


    -
  

-
   
-

-

-





     





     



Tabela 1. Czynniki ryzyka COVID-19 (4, 5, 6).
Czynnik ryzyka COVID-19 Mechanizm sprzyjający COVID-19
starszy wiek 



płeć męska 
choroby współistniejące:
miażdżyca, otyłość, cukrzyca, astma,
POCHP, choroby zapalne płuc


palenie papierosów 

niewyleczona infekcja: Herpes,
Cytomegalowirus, Chlamydia


WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 48
Czynniki ryzyka COVID-19
-

    
-

-



-

-

-


Jakie badania wykonać,
aby ocenić stan układu immunologicznego?
    

morfologia 
-
   

  


badanie subpopu-
lacji limfocytów


-





-



-


-
     
-

   immunoglobulin
IgG, IgM, IgA
Prawidłowy stosunek limfocytów CD4/CD8 wynosi
ok. 1-2,5. 
-

  
 
-
   
-




-
   
    -

-

-


-





    
Czynnik ryzyka COVID-19 Mechanizm sprzyjający COVID-19
limfopenia 
monocytoza 
obniżony stosunek CD4/CD8 



podwyższone stężenie cytokin
prozapalnych (np. IL-6)

niedobory odporności 
brak snu/przemęczenie 
nieprawidłowa dieta 



wrodzone zaburzenia krzepnięcia (?) 
WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 49
Time course
Severity of illness
Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4
Phase I
(early infection)
Phase IV
(recovery)
Phase III
(hyperinflammation phase)
Phase II
(pulmonary phase)
Mild symptoms,
fever >37.6ºC,
dry cough, diarrhea,
headache
Stage 1
Dyspnea, mild
hypoxemia
(SatO >94%)
MODS (ARDS, shock,
AKI, neurologic
symptoms, DVT/PE,
myocarditis)
Relief of clinical
symptoms
Clinical
signs
Clinical
symptoms
Lymphopenia,
increased d-dimer,
increased LDH
Lung imaging
abnormal,
PCT normal,
ALT/AST elevated
Increased SIRS
markers: CRP, IL-6,
LDH, ferritin,
d-dimer, hs-cTnI
Neutralizing
anti-SARS-CoV-2
IgM and IgG, normal
SIRS parameters
Antiviral therapy: remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine,
covalescent plasma transfusion
Therapies Immunosuppresion: corticosteroids,
IL6 inhibitors, hemofiltration, hemoperfusion
Vitamin C, vitamin D3
Immunomodulation and antithrombotic: aspirin, zinc, LMWH/NOAC
Rys. 1. Fazy i stopnie ciężkości COVID-19 (6).


-

COVID-19
ALT ASTCRPhs-cTnI-
IgILLDHLMWHNOAC
PCTSARS-CoV-2SIRS

Tabela 2. Badania pomocne w ocenie układu immunologicznego.
Badanie Zaburzenie/interpretacja
Morfologia krwi obwodowej 
Rozmaz krwi obwodowej 
Stosunek limfocytów CD4/CD8 
IgG, IgM, IgA całkowite 
Witamina D3 
OB, CRP 
WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 50



  
-

  -
    
  
   



Czynniki wpływające na odporność
Stres




-

-



-

-

-

Sen


  
-

wydzielana
jest melatonina
-

-

-
     



-


Aktywność zyczna
    -

     

  




   
-




-


-

-

 -

     

-


Dieta
-

-





-

-


     -
   
-



-



-






-
      
  
  -
     


WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 51


 
-


   



-

-

-








   -
  



     -


-
 




-
    


-

  
  
-


-

    

-

-


-


-














-




-
      
  





-
   
    
-


     


-



Dieta a mikrobiom jelitowy
     



-


    

-



-



-




-



-

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 52
Naturalne produkty wspomagające odporność
Tran -
Olej rybi 
    
omega-3    



-

-

     

   

-



   -
    

-


-



 



-




-

-



-



Flawonoidy-


-


-




-
      

Czosnek -
  
-

  
-
     
-
   
-




-


     -


Cebula zwyczajna (Allium cepa)




-

  


-


     -





-




-



-


   
-
     
-






-


Propolis (kit pszczeli)

-

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 53
-
 

-




Colostrum,     
 
   
-
 

-


   -


-

-

-


-

-

-


-

-

-

   
  
-


-


-

Zioła i rośliny
Echinacea purpurea    
-

-

-
     

-



Aloes 
-

-

-

      
-

-


-
γ

-


Czystek
  

-







Żeń-szeń    
-

    -


-

-



-


Owoc maliny-

   
     
-


Astragalus membranaceus
    
-

   -

-


    


-

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 54
Kwiat bzu czarnego-




 -


  -


-


-






 

-




-

Herbata   
-

    -


-

-

Ashwagandha    



Tabela 3. Zioła, które wykazują pozytywne działanie w walce z koronawirusem.
Roślina/zioło Działanie
jeżówka (Echinacea) 


aloes γ


czystek 
wiesiołek 

ashwagandha 
żeń-szeń 


maca 
herbata biała, zielona, czerwona (rooibos) 
kwiat bzu czarnego 

owoc maliny 
owoc aronii 


astragalus 

czosnek 



cebula 

propolis 

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 55
-



-


-





    
    




Owoce aronii 
-


-



-


Wiesiołek
  -

   
-

  
    -
  


Maca-


-


-

  
-

-

-


-




-
 


-



Przyprawy

-

Imbir i kurkuma -
  
     





Oregano,


-




-







-


-
   



-

-



    

  








-





WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 56


Kozieradka, 

-



-

-

-




-

  -

Cynamon-
   
    

   -
    



Witaminy, mikroelementy,
suplementy wspierające odporność
Witamina A 

-

-


-

    
 -


    
-


-


-

  
   -


-





-





  
-

Witamina E
-


-
    





    
-



    -

-




Witamina C    
-

-
    

Tabela 4. Przyprawy, które wykazują pozytywne działanie w walce z koronawirusem.
Przyprawa Właściwości
kurkuma 
imbir 
oregano 
kozieradka 
cynamon 
WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 57
-

-



-


-


-


    



    





-






 -


 -



-

-


-

-
   

-

-
 

-



Witamina D3    
-



-
     


  
-

-


     
-

-
γ


-


γ
-

-
  
-




-

-

-
  


-










   
-

-
      
-


-






-
 
 
    



-

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 58




-

Mikroelementy
Selen

-



-


-





-

 µ


-

-

-

Cynk -

-

    
      
-

-
  



  
-





   



Tabela 5. Witaminy i mikroelementy, które wykazują pozytywne działanie w walce z koronawirusem.
Witaminy i mikroelementy Działanie Zalecana dawka lub stężenie we krwi
witamina D3 





witamina C 




żelazo 


witamina E 




cynk 



selen 



N-acetylocysteina 



glutation 


kwas alfa-liponowy 



WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 59
-
  




    


 



-



-


-




   
-










-


Żelazo -

-

-


 

-

-



-


Związki tiolowe
N-acetylocysteina-




-

-




-



Glutation -





    
 -






-

 -






-



-





     

-



-

-


Kwas alfa-liponowy -

 
    
  
-


-


WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 60
Probiotyki i prebiotyki


-




-

-


probiotyki




-





-





   -

  
    



-


-
 
-





probiotyków 
-

-






-


-

Synbiotyk 

-
 

Tradycyjna Medycyna Chińska

-

-

    
-
 

Tabela 6. Suplementy, które wykazują pozytywne działanie w walce z koronawirusem.
Suplement Działanie
colostrum 

tran 
maca 
probiotyki 


prebiotyki 

Tabela 7. Preparaty ziołowe stosowane w tradycyjnej medycynie chińskiej o aktywności anty-SARS-CoV.
TCM Formula Composition Therapeutics eect
Yin Qiao San Fructus Forsythiae, Flos Lonicerae, Radix Platycodonis,
Herba Menthae, Herba Lophatheri, Radix Glycyrrhizae,
Herba Schizonepetae, Fermented soybean,
Fructus arctii, and Rhizoma Phragmitis





WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 61
Tabela 8. Substancje chemiczne zawarte w ziołach TCM odpowiedzialne za efekt anty-SARS-CoV.
TCM Compound (s) Mode of action
Plant-derived phenolic compounds and Root extract
of Isatis indigotica

Water extract of Houttuynia cordata 


Scutellarein and myricetin 
Glycyrrhizin from Glycyrrhizae radix 
Herbacetin, quercetin, isobavaschalcone,
3-β-D-glucoside and helichrysetin

Tetrandrine, fangchinoline, and cepharanthine 

Chinese Rhubarb extracts 
Flavonoids (For example: extracted from litchi seeds,
herbacetin, rhoifolin, pectolinarin, quercetin,
epigallocatechin gallate, and gallocatechin gallate)

Quercetin and TSL-1 from Toona sinensis Roem 
Emodin derived from genus Rheum and Polygonum 

Kaempferol derivatives 
Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis 
Saikosaponins 

Tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose and luteolin, from Galla
chinensis and Veronicalina riifolia respectively



TCM Formula Composition Therapeutics eect
Yu Ping Feng San Astragali radix, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes
macrocephala, and Saposhnikoviae Radix




Sang Ju Yin and Yu
Ping Feng San
Sang Ju Yin [made with chrysanthemum, mulberry leaf,
and 6 other herbs] and Yu Ping Feng San


Lian Hua Qing Wen
Capsule
Forsythia suspensa, Ephedra sinica, Lonicera japonica,
Isatis indigotica, Mentha haplocalyx, Dryopteris
crassirhizoma, Rhodiola rosea, Gypsum Fibrosum,
Pogostemon cablin, Rheum palmatum, Houttuynia
cordata, Glycyrrhizae, uralensis, and Armeniaca sibirica




Shuang Huang Lian Lonicera japonica, Scutellaria baicalensis,
and Forsythia suspensa




Ma Xin Gan Shi Tang Ephedrae herba, Armeniacae semenamarum,
Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizome, Gypsum brosum,
and Da Yuan Yin [Arecae semen, Magnoliae ocinalis
cortex, Tsaoko fructus, Anemarrhenae rhizoma,
Dioscoreae rhizoma, Scutellariae radix,
and Glycyrrhizae raadix et rhizome]
"qi"




WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 62
     



       




Dyskusja


-

-
    





  
    


-


-






-

-
     






-

-




-

  

-
   
-
 



-


     -
    
-
 

-






Podsumowanie
-

-



-


-

-




-




-

-




 
 -

 -


    
     

  
-

        
    
       

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 63
  
-


 


 
     

     


          
-

 
    



 

 -
     

 -


        
    
-

    


    -
    
   

 -

   

   

       

 -


 


 

 


    

   


 

  -
    

       

-

 


     


   

      

 -


 

 -

 -
   
 


 -

     

       
     

 

    -
 
 



 


 

    
-

 -


 
   

       
   

        -
   

 

WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 64
 


 


 

 -
     

 


 -

 -


   

 -
  

    
    


       

       


 -
  


   




 
   

 
-

 -


    
     

 
-

    

 
-

 -

   -
   
    
      -


 
        
-
     

     
 
     
-
 

 

 -

 -

 -


    


 

      

 -


 
        
 

 

 -




 -

 

 
    


 



      

 

    -


      
-
 
WIEDZA MEDYCZNA – NUMER SPECJALNY (2020) 65
-
        

       

 
  


 


 -



 
  
      

       
-

  



 
 

  

   -
   
 -
  




      
     -
 




      


... Niedobór selenu w organizmie może skutkować osłabieniem odpowiedzi komórkowej, obniżeniem aktywności limfocytów T, makrofagów i komórek NK, a także może powodować zaburzenie biosyntezy prostaglandyn i immunoglobulin. Dodatkowo może dojść do pogłębienia się stanu zapalnego organizmu, poprzez osłabienie aktywności enzymów, których składnikiem jest selen [22]. Badania przeprowadzone przez A. Mahmoodpoor i wsp. ...
Article
Full-text available
Introduction and objective Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the largest RNA viruses. It belongs to the group of coronaviruses and exhibits tropism to the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. Due to the large number of deaths from coronavirus infection, there is an urgent need to find effective drugs, methods of prevention and control. The global strategy of combating COVID-19 assumes, inter alia, the hypothesis that a well-balanced diet combined with antiviral drugs and herbs can be an ally in the fight against infection. Objective The aim of the study was to review the current literature on the influence of selected components on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Review methods A systematic review of studies published from 1 January 2015 – 31 July 2021 has been performed. For this purpose, bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Elsevier and Web of Science were searched. The following key words and their combinations were used: Covid-19, dietary ingredients, vitamin D, selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, Omega-3. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge Properly composed and balanced diet, providing the appropriate amount of nutrients and energy, should support the immune system and contribute to the reduction of the risk of disease and support the recovery process. Summary Main activities should be aimed at changing life style. According to experts, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, a healthy life style, including adequate physical activity and changing eating habits should be the highest priority. It can reduce the risk, and in the event of contracting COVID-19, can help reduce the risk of complications.
... Improper nutrition is a major risk factor for the development of many diseases of civilization, including obesity, which impairs the functions of the immune system in many different mechanisms. Obesity, among others, is a source of many inflammatory markers through increased body fat (Jankowska, Suszczewicz, 2020). In addition, proper nutrition affects the function of the gut microbiome. ...
Article
Full-text available
Introduction. Obesity is recognized as one of the increasingly common diseases of civilization. It poses a great threat to the health and life of every person. Overweight and obesity have also been called a worldwide epidemic. Obesity is most often caused by prolonged positive energy balance: bad eating habits, low physical activity and other problems such as emotional. The current pandemic situation also promotes the incidence of overweight and obesity. Aim of the study. The main aim of the study was to investigate the impact of lockdown on the occurrence of overweight and obesity in adult population, while the specific aim was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the level of physical activity among adults. Material and Methods. A total of 244 adults participated in the study on the impact of lockdown on overweight and obesity. The criterion for inclusion in the study was a correctly completed questionnaire. The questionnaire was properly completed by 237 respondents, who were then qualified for further analysis. The study was conducted during the fall and winter seasons using a proprietary survey questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2010, and the results and conclusions of the scientific study were obtained from it. Results and Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the respondents do not have enough knowledge about proper nutrition. In addition, it was found that their physical activity is decreasing and they are working more and more often remotely, which limits their movement during the day.
... Factors that reduce vitamin D synthesis up to 80% include: increased melatonin, use of UV filter creams, body weight, age, and skin pigmentation [25]. In Poland, there is a limited possibility to obtain the recommended serum 25OHD concentration through dermal synthesis due to its geographical location [24]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: Background. SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the largest RNA viruses, included in the coronavirus group, showing tropism to airway epithelial cells. SARS-CoV-2 causes an acute respiratory infectious disease, Covid-19. According to WHO reports, mortality due to Covid-19 is higher in the elderly and in those burdened with comorbidities such as diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, cancer, hypertension, hepatitis B, obesity or chronic kidney disease. Objective: The aim of the study was to review the current literature on the influence and importance of vitamin D levels on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material and method: A systematic review of studies published from January 1, 2009 to June 31, 2021 has been performed. For this purpose, bibliographic databases such as PubMed and Scopus were searched. The following keywords and combinations were used: Covid-19, vitamin D, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation, SARS-CoV-2. Results: It has been shown that vitamin D plays an important role in the mechanisms of the innate immunity in the course of the acute respiratory infections. The overlapping factors of the severity of COVID-19 disease, vitamin D deficiency, and the prevalence of obesity, age scare, ethnicity, has led some researchers to hypothesize that vitamin D supplementation may be promising as a preventive or therapeutic measure for COVID-19. Conclusions: A very important factor that has an immunomodulatory character is vitamin D, the adequate supplementation of which can be a preventive or therapeutic measure in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in elderly people, with obesity and other chronic diseases.
Article
Full-text available
(1) Background: Within the last 30 years, growing rates of child overweight and obesity have been observed as a very concerning phenomenon in most countries worldwide. The research aim was to assess what effect increased physical activity has on reducing body mass and adipose tissue in children between 10 and 11 years of age as well as to answer the question of whether physical activity could be considered as a factor in preventing child overweight and obesity when maintaining their existing diet and lifestyle. (2) Material and methods: There were 419 sports class primary school pupils in the experimental group who, in addition to four obligatory weekly physical education hours, attended six training hours. The control group comprised 485 children from parallel non-sports classes. In all pupils, height and weight measurements as well as physical fitness measurements were taken twice, at the beginning and end of the school year. Cole’s method was used to assess the children’s normal body weight. With the help of this method, children with excessive body weight were selected from the entire study group (N = 904), who additionally had skinfolds and adipose tissue measured using the BIA electrical bioimpedance method. The obtained results were interpreted using the variance analysis for repeated measurements and LSD test. (3) Results: The number of children with excessive body mass after 10 months of increased physical activity decreased (in the case of overweight: p = 0.0014, obesity: p = 0.0022), as did their skinfolds (p ≤ 0.001) and body fat (p ≤ 0.001), while their physical fitness considerably improved compared to the control group. (4) Conclusions: The introduction of increased physical activity in the experimental group children when maintaining their existing diet and lifestyle contributed to reducing their obesity and overweight and, at the same time, proved to be an effective factor in the process of decreasing their excessive body mass.
Book
Full-text available
Sektor turystyczny jest jedną z największych i najszybciej rozwijających się gałęzi światowej gospodarki. Dzięki tworzeniu miejsc pracy, wpływom z eksportu, inwestycjom i rozwojowi infrastruktury, gospodarka turystyczna bezpośrednio i pośrednio wnosi istotny wkład w proces społeczno-gospodarczego rozwoju świata i poszczególnych krajów. Do najważniejszych i podstawowych gałęzi turystyki zalicza się hotelarstwo, transport, gastronomię oraz sektor biur podróży. Niestety w ostatnich dwóch latach rozwój usług turystycznych na wszystkich kontynentach bardzo ucierpiał z powodu pandemii COVID-19 wywołanej za- każeniem wirusem SARS-CoV-2.
Article
Full-text available
Extensive clinical research has provided robust evidence that exercise is a cost‐effective measure to substantially alleviate the burden of a large number of diseases, many of which belong to the cardiovascular (CV) spectrum. In terms of cardiac benefit, the positive effects of exercise are attributed to improvements in standard risk factors for atherosclerosis, as well as to its positive impact on several pathophysiological mechanisms for CV diseases. For secondary prevention, exercise, optimally in the context of a cardiac rehabilitation program, has been shown to improve functional capacity and survival. Clinicians should encourage physical activity and provide exercise recommendations for all patients, taking into consideration any underlying pathology. In the present review, the benefits of exercise for the prevention and treatment of major CV risk factors and heart conditions are analyzed.
Article
Full-text available
The evidence on the pathophysiology of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection is rapidly growing. Understanding why some patients suffering from COVID-19 are getting so sick, while others are not, has become an informal imperative for researchers and clinicians around the globe. The answer to this question would allow rationalizing the fear surrounding this pandemic. Understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 relies on an understanding of interplaying mechanisms, including SARS-CoV-2 virulence, human immune response, and complex inflammatory reactions with coagulation playing a major role. An interplay with bacterial co-infections, as well as the vascular system and microcirculation affected throughout the body should also be examined. More importantly, a compre­hensive understanding of pathological mechanisms of COVID-19 will increase the efficacy of therapy and decrease mortality. Herewith, presented is the current state of knowledge on COVID-19: beginning from the virus, its transmission, and mechanisms of entry into the human body, through the pathological effects on the cellular level, up to immunological reaction, systemic and organ presentation. Last but not least, currently available and possible future therapeutic and diagnostic options are briefly commented on.
Article
Full-text available
The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COV-ID-19), has now been officially declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As of now, there is no known effective pharmaceutical agent against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, several precautionary measures have been prescribed to prevent further spread of the virus, which include avoidance of social gatherings, proper handwashing, frequently disinfecting of used items and surfaces and so on. More recent studies have highlighted the possibility of treating patients infected with the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, of which mechanism of action is not completely understood. We seek to draw the attention of the scientific community to the possibility of drastically reducing the effects of the virus on the affected patients and improving clinical trials outcome through the synergistic action of zinc and chloroquine in patients suffering from the coronavirus disease.
Article
Full-text available
Background and aims Balanced nutrition which can help in maintaining immunity is essential for prevention and management of viral infections. While data regarding nutrition in coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are not available, in this review, we aimed to evaluated evidence from previous clinical trials that evaluated nutrition-based interventions for viral diseases (with special emphasis on respiratory infections), and summaries our observations. Methods A systematic search strategy was employed using keywords to search the literature in 3 key medical databases: PubMed®, Web of Science® and SciVerse Scopus®. Studies were considered eligible if they were controlled trials in humans, measuring immunological parameters, on viral and respiratory infections. Clinical trials on vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals and probiotics were included. Results total of 640 records were identified initially and 22 studies were included from other sources. After excluding duplicates and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 43 studies were obtained (vitamins: 13; minerals: 8; nutraceuticals: 18 and probiotics: 4). Among vitamins, A and D showed a potential benefit, especially in deficient populations. Among trace elements, selenium and zinc have also shown favourable immune-modulatory effects in viral respiratory infections. Several nutraceuticals and probiotics may have some role in enhancing immune functions. Micronutrients may be beneficial in nutritionally depleted elderly population. Conclusions We summaries possible benefits of some vitamins, trace elements, nutraceuticals and and probiotics. Nutrition principles based on these data could be useful in possible prevention and management of COVID-19
Article
Full-text available
In view of the emerging COVID‑19 pandemic caused by SARS‑CoV‑2 virus, the search for potential protective and therapeutic antiviral strategies is of particular and urgent interest. Zinc is known to modulate antiviral and antibacterial immunity and regulate inflammatory response. Despite the lack of clinical data, certain indications suggest that modulation of zinc status may be beneficial in COVID‑19. In vitro experiments demonstrate that Zn2+ possesses antiviral activity through inhibition of SARS‑CoV RNA polymerase. This effect may underlie therapeutic efficiency of chloroquine known to act as zinc ionophore. Indirect evidence also indicates that Zn2+ may decrease the activity of angiotensin‑converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), known to be the receptor for SARS‑CoV‑2. Improved antiviral immunity by zinc may also occur through up‑regulation of interferon α production and increasing its antiviral activity. Zinc possesses anti‑inflammatory activity by inhibiting NF‑κB signaling and modulation of regulatory T‑cell functions that may limit the cytokine storm in COVID‑19. Improved Zn status may also reduce the risk of bacterial co‑infection by improving mucociliary clearance and barrier function of the respiratory epithelium, as well as direct antibacterial effects against S. pneumoniae. Zinc status is also tightly associated with risk factors for severe COVID‑19 including ageing, immune deficiency, obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis, since these are known risk groups for zinc deficiency. Therefore, Zn may possess protective effect as preventive and adjuvant therapy of COVID‑19 through reducing inflammation, improvement of mucociliary clearance, prevention of ventilator‑induced lung injury, modulation of antiviral and antibacterial immunity. However, further clinical and experimental studies are required.
Article
Full-text available
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), an infectious outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has now progressed to global pandemic. Besides the compelling need to understand the novel biological pathways underlying the virulence and pathogenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2 in humans to enable the development of appropriate interventions and therapies, the noticeable difference in mortality rates between Asian and European populations is one of the most significant issues demanding the attention of biologists, epidemiologists and clinicians around the world. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Article
A hyperinflammatory syndrome (HIS) may cause a life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. A prospective series of 100 consecutive patients admitted to the Spedali Civili University Hospital in Brescia (Italy) between March 9th and March 20th with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia and ARDS requiring ventilatory support was analyzed to determine whether intravenous administration of tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin 6 receptor, was associated with improved outcome. Tocilizumab was administered at a dosage of 8 mg/kg by two consecutive intravenous infusions 12 h apart. A third infusion was optional based on clinical response. The outcome measure was an improvement in ARDS assessed by means of the Brescia COVID Respiratory Severity Score (BCRSS 0 to 8, with higher scores indicating higher severity) at 24–72 h and 10 days after tocilizumab administration. Out of 100 treated patients (88 M, 12 F; median age: 62 years), 43 received TCZ in the intensive care unit (ICU), while 57 in the general ward as no ICU beds were available. Of these 57 patients, 37 (65%) improved and suspended noninvasive ventilation (NIV) (median BCRSS: 1 [IQR 0–2]), 7 (12%) patients remained stable in NIV, and 13 (23%) patients worsened (10 died, 3 were admitted to ICU). Of the 43 patients treated in ICU, 32 (74%) improved (17 of them were taken off the ventilator and were discharged to the ward), 1 (2%) remained stable (BCRSS: 5) and 10 (24%) died (all of them had BCRSS≥7 before TCZ). Overall at 10 days, the respiratory condition was improved or stabilized in 77 (77%) patients, of whom 61 showed a significant clearing of diffuse bilateral opacities on chest x-ray and 15 were discharged from the hospital. Respiratory condition worsened in 23 (23%) patients, of whom 20 (20%) died. All the patients presented with lymphopenia and high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) indicating a HIS. During the 10-day follow-up, three cases of severe adverse events were recorded: two patients developed septic shock and died, one had gastrointestinal perforation requiring urgent surgery and was alive at day 10. In conclusion, our series showed that COVID-19 pneumonia with ARDS was characterized by HIS. The response to TCZ was rapid, sustained, and associated with significant clinical improvement.
Article
Celem tej pracy jest przedstawienie obecnego stanu wiedzy na temat witaminy C, jej wła-ściwości i działania fizjologicznego. Witamina C, czyli grupa związków o biologicznej aktywności analogicznej do kwasu L(+)-askorbinowego, jest niezbędna do prawidłowego przebiegu wielu różnych procesów w ludzkim organizmie. Przyczynia się do prawidłowego działania układu krążenia, immunologicznego i nerwowego, jak również utrzymania prawidłowego stanu skóry i układu ruchu, jednak mechanizmy jej działania nie są dokładnie poznane ze względu na trudności ze znalezieniem odpowiednich układów modelowych. Jej głównym źródłem są pokarmy pochodzenia roślinnego. Zapotrzebowanie na witaminę C zależy od trybu życia, wieku i stanu zdrowia, a optymalna wysokość dziennej dawki wciąż nie została jednoznacznie ustalona. Istnieją przesłanki wskazujące na pozytywny wpływ suplementacji witaminą C w przypadku chorób związanych z zaburzeniami układu immunologicznego czy chorób układu krążenia, a także możliwości stosowania witaminy C w terapii wspomagającej leczenie nowotworów czy sepsy przy podawaniu drogą dożylną.
Article
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Since December 2019, the world has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 have been reported but the factors affecting the immune system against COVID-19 have not been well described. In this article, we provide a novel hypothesis to describe how an increase in cellular adenosine triphosphate (c-ATP) can potentially improve the efficiency of innate and adaptive immune systems to either prevent and fight off COVID-19.