COVID-19 and nutritional deficiency: a review of existing knowledge

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-85
Author(s):  
Meghana Muthuvattur Pallath ◽  
Ashok Kumar Ahirwar ◽  
Satyendra Chandra Tripathi ◽  
Priyanka Asia ◽  
Apurva Sakarde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Antibody Affinity ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Underlying Diseases ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract COVID-19 has resulted in an ongoing global pandemic, which spread largely among people who have had close contact with the infected person. The immunopathology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus includes the production of an excess amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines “a cytokine-storm”. The respiratory system (main), cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract are the most affected body systems during viral infection. It has been found that most of the patients who require admission to hospital are elderly or have chronic underlying diseases. Higher cases of malnutrition and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases are reported in elderly patients due to which, the immune system weakens and hence, the response to the virus is diminished in magnitude. A deficiency of micronutrients results in impaired immune responses leading to improper secretion of cytokines, alterations in secretory antibody response and antibody affinity which increases susceptibility to viral infection. The deficiency of various micronutrients in COVID-19 patient can be treated by appropriate nutritional supplements, prescribed after evaluating the patients’ nutritional status. Here we aim to highlight the role of a few particular nutrients namely Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc and Magnesium along with the synergistic roles they play in enhancing immunity and thus, maintaining homeostasis.

scholarly journals Inflammasomes and viruses: cellular defence versus viral offence

2012 ◽  
Vol 93 (10) ◽  
pp. 2063-2075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Gram ◽  
Joost Frenkel ◽  
Maaike E. Ressing
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Multimeric Complex ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Cellular Defence ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important mediators in immune responses against invading pathogens, including viruses. Precursors of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 are processed by caspase-1. Caspase-1 is activated through autocleavage, but how this is regulated remained elusive for a long time. In 2002, an intracellular multimeric complex was discovered that facilitated caspase-1 cleavage and was termed ‘inflammasome’. To date, different inflammasomes have been described, which recognize a variety of ligands and pathogens. In this review, we discuss the role of inflammasomes in sensing viral infection as well as the evasion strategies that viruses developed to circumvent inflammasome-dependent effects.

scholarly journals Role of Alternative Splicing in Regulating Host Response to Viral Infection

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1720
Author(s):  
Kuo-Chieh Liao ◽  
Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Innate Immunity ◽  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Rna Splicing ◽  
Type I ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory Mechanisms ◽  
Host Virus Interactions

The importance of transcriptional regulation of host genes in innate immunity against viral infection has been widely recognized. More recently, post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have gained appreciation as an additional and important layer of regulation to fine-tune host immune responses. Here, we review the functional significance of alternative splicing in innate immune responses to viral infection. We describe how several central components of the Type I and III interferon pathways encode spliced isoforms to regulate IFN activation and function. Additionally, the functional roles of splicing factors and modulators in antiviral immunity are discussed. Lastly, we discuss how cell death pathways are regulated by alternative splicing as well as the potential role of this regulation on host immunity and viral infection. Altogether, these studies highlight the importance of RNA splicing in regulating host–virus interactions and suggest a role in downregulating antiviral innate immunity; this may be critical to prevent pathological inflammation.

Jumping on the Omega-3 Bandwagon: Distinguishing the Role of Long-Chain and Short-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 795-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni M. Turchini ◽  
Peter D. Nichols ◽  
Colin Barrow ◽  
Andrew J. Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Short Chain ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Long Chain

Immunometabolic role of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in obesity-induced inflammation

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 431-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Flock ◽  
Connie J. Rogers ◽  
K. Sandeep Prabhu ◽  
Penny M. Kris-Etherton
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Long Chain

scholarly journals Fish consumption, contaminants and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: many more benefits than risks

2010 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 665-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
FA. Scorza ◽  
RM. Cysneiros ◽  
RM. Arida ◽  
VC. Terra ◽  
HR. Machado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Sudden Unexpected Death ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Unexpected Death ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Fish And Shellfish

People with epilepsy have an increased risk of dying prematurely and the most common epilepsy-related category of death is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is mainly a problem for patients with chronic uncontrolled epilepsy. The ultimate goal of research in SUDEP is to develop new methods to prevent it and actions other than medical and surgical therapies that could be very useful. Nutritional aspects, i.e., omega-3 fatty acids deficiency, could have an interesting role in this scenario. Some animal and clinical studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids could be useful in the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and hence SUDEP. It has been ascertained that the only foods that provide large amounts of omega-3 are seafood (fish and shellfish); however, some fish are contaminated with methylmercury, which may counteract the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Our update review summarises the knowledge of the role of fish consumption on epilepsy research.

scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diets

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (sup1) ◽  
pp. 42-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Gomez-Candela ◽  
M. C. Roldan Puchalt ◽  
S. Palma Milla ◽  
B. Lopez Plaza ◽  
L. Bermejo
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3

Abstract 168: Impact of Continuing Medical Education on the Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Larkin ◽  
Michael LaCouture ◽  
George Boutsalis ◽  
Harold Bays
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Continuing Medical Education ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Introduction: The less prominent role of triglycerides in determining cardiovascular risk keeps these lipids from being top-of-mind for practicing clinicians, yet epidemiologic data affirm that hypertriglyceridemia contributes to atherosclerotic disease development and progression. We sought to determine if online continuing medical education (CME) could improve the clinical knowledge and competence of primary care physicians (PCPs) and cardiologists regarding hypertriglyceridemia and the use of omega-3 fatty acids in its treatment. Methods: The effects of two educational interventions about advances in hypertriglyceridemia treatment (activity 1) and educating patients about omega-3 fatty acid products (activity 2) were analyzed to determine efficacy of online education presented in the form of online video-based roundtable discussions. The activities launched online in May and June, 2015 respectively, and data were collected through July, 2015. The effects of education were assessed using knowledge- and case-based matched pre-assessment/post-assessments. The effect sizes were calculated with Cohen’s d (> 0.8 is large, 0.8-0.4 is medium, and < 0.4 is small). Results: In total, 842 PCPs and 75 cardiologists who completed all pre/post assessment questions in any of the two activities during the study period were included in analyses. Significant overall improvements were seen for PCPs (activity 1: n = 452, P <.05, effect d= 0.68; activity 2: n = 390, P <.05, effect d= 0.96) and cardiologists (activity 1: n = 35, P <.05, effect d= 0.77; activity 2: n = 40, P <.05, effect d= 0.9). Compared with baseline, specific areas of improvements include: • 22% more PCPs and 31% more cardiologists identified weight loss as a nonpharmacological intervention that can effectively lower triglyceride levels for overweight/obese patients with hypertriglyceridemia, (both P < .05) • 35% more PCPs and 32% more cardiologists identified the appropriate dosing of prescription omega-3 fatty acids (both P <.05) • 23% more PCPs ( P < .05) and 20% more cardiologists ( P =.068 ) recognized that reducing the risk for pancreatitis is a primary medical objective in patients with severe elevations in triglyceride levels Areas identified as needing additional education include: • 57% of all physicians remain unaware that omega-3 fatty acids reduce apolipoprotein C3 • 61% of PCPs and 60% of cardiologists did not demonstrate a thorough understanding of the differences between prescription omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 supplements Conclusion: This study demonstrates the success of a targeted educational intervention with two educational components on improving knowledge, competence, and clinical decision-making of PCPs and cardiologists regarding hypertriglyceridemia treatment and the role of omega-3 fatty acid products in its treatment.

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