The effects of some essential and toxic metals/metalloids in COVID-19: A review

Organophosphate pesticide exposure and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Several studies have reported immune modulation by organophosphate (OP) pesticides, but the relationship between OP exposure and SARS-CoV-2 infection is yet to be studied. We used two different measures of OP pesticide exposure (urinary biomarkers (N = 154) and residential proximity to OP applications (N = 292)) to examine the association of early-childhood and lifetime exposure to OPs and risk of infection of SARS-CoV-2 using antibody data. Our study population consisted of young adults (ages 18-21 years) from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) Study, a longitudinal cohort of families from a California agricultural region. Urinary biomarkers reflected exposure from in utero to age 5 years. Residential proximity reflected exposures between in utero and age 16 years. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood samples collected between June 2022 and January 2023 were detected via two enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, each designed to bind to different SARS-CoV-2 antigens. We performed logistic regression for each measure of pesticide exposure, adjusting for covariates from demographic data and self-reported questionnaire data. We found increased odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among participants with higher urinary biomarkers of OPs in utero (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 0.71, 5,58) and from age 0-5 (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.54, 6.95).

Heavy Metal(oid)s Contamination and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment in Agricultural Soils

Soil pollution caused by heavy metal(oid)s has generated great concern worldwide due to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulation properties. To assess the baseline data, the heavy metal(oid)s, including manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), were evaluated in surface soil samples collected from the farmlands of Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Samples were digested via acid mixture and analyzed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) analysis to assess the levels, ecological risks, and possible sources. The heavy metal(oid) median levels exhibited the following decreasing trend: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd > Hg. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) suggested the main lithogenic source for the studied metal(oid)s. Metal(oid) levels in the current investigation, except Mn, are lower than most of the guideline values set by international agencies. The contamination factor (Cf), geo accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) showed considerable contamination, moderate contamination, and significant enrichment, respectively, for As and Cd on median value basis. Ecological risk factor (Er) results exhibited low ecological risk for all studied metal(oid)s except Cd, which showed considerable ecological risk. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) levels indicated low ecological risk to considerable risk. Overall, the results indicate the accumulation of As and Cd in the study area. The high nutrients of the soils potentially affect their accumulation in crops and impact on consumers' health. This drives the impetus for continued environmental monitoring programs.

The close association of micronutrients with COVID-19

Objectives

The present study was conducted to explore the performance of micronutrients in the prediction and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

This is an observational case-control study. 149 normal controls (NCs) and 214 COVID-19 patients were included in this study. Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, and inorganic elements were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. A logistic regression model based on six micronutrients were constructed using DxAI platform.

Results

Many micronutrients were dysregulated in COVID-19 compared to normal control (NC). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxic acid, PA) were significantly independent risk factors for COVID-19. The logistic regression model consisted of 25(OH)D3, Mg, Cu, Ca, vitamin B5 (VB5) and PA was developed, and displayed a strong discriminative capability to differentiate COVID-19 patients from NC individuals [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.901]. In addition, the model had great predictive ability in discriminating mild/normal COVID-19 patients from NC individuals (AUROC = 0.883).

Conclusions

Our study showed that micronutrients were associated with COVID-19, and our logistic regression model based on six micronutrients has potential in clinical management of COVID-19, and will be useful for prediction of COVID-19 and screening of high-risk population.

Metal-coding assisted serological multi-omics profiling deciphers the role of selenium in COVID-19 immunity

Uncovering how host metal(loid)s mediate the immune response against invading pathogens is critical for better understanding the pathogenesis mechanism of infectious disease. Clinical data show that imbalance of host metal(loid)s is closely associated with the severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, it remains elusive how metal(loid)s, which are essential elements for all forms of life and closely associated with multiple diseases if dysregulated, are involved in COVID-19 pathophysiology and immunopathology. Herein, we built up a metal-coding assisted multiplexed serological metallome and immunoproteome profiling system to characterize the links of metallome with COVID-19 pathogenesis and immunity. We found distinct metallome features in COVID-19 patients compared with non-infected control subjects, which may serve as a biomarker for disease diagnosis. Moreover, we generated the first correlation network between the host metallome and immunity mediators, and unbiasedly uncovered a strong association of selenium with interleukin-10 (IL-10). Supplementation of selenium to immune cells resulted in enhanced IL-10 expression in B cells and reduced induction of proinflammatory cytokines in B and CD4+ T cells. The selenium-enhanced IL-10 production in B cells was confirmed to be attributable to the activation of ERK and Akt pathways. We further validated our cellular data in SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice, and found that selenium supplementation alleviated SARS-CoV-2-induced lung damage characterized by decreased alveolar inflammatory infiltrates through restoration of virus-repressed selenoproteins to alleviate oxidative stress. Our approach can be readily extended to other diseases to understand how the host defends against invading pathogens through regulation of metallome.

Iron deficiency and the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 infection: A retrospective, longitudinal analysis of real-world data

BACKGROUND

Iron plays a key role in human immune responses; however, the influence of iron deficiency on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effectiveness is unclear.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine in preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization and death in individuals with or without iron deficiency.

METHODS

This large retrospective, longitudinal cohort study analyzed real-world data from the Maccabi Healthcare Services database (covering 25% of Israeli residents). Eligible adults (aged ≥16 years) received a first BNT162b2 vaccine dose between December 19, 2020, and February 28, 2021, followed by a second dose as per approved vaccine label. Individuals were excluded if they had SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination, had hemoglobinopathy, received a cancer diagnosis since January 2020, had been treated with immunosuppressants, or were pregnant at the time of vaccination. Vaccine effectiveness was assessed in terms of incidence rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, relative risks of COVID-19-related hospitalization, and mortality in individuals with iron deficiency (ferritin <30 ng/mL or transferrin saturation <20%). The two-dose protection period was Days 7 to 28 after the second vaccination.

RESULTS

Data from 184,171 individuals with (mean [standard deviation; SD] age 46.2 [19.6] years; 81.2% female) versus 1,072,019 without (mean [SD] age 46.9 [18.0] years; 46.2% female) known iron deficiency were analyzed. Vaccine effectiveness in the two-dose protection period was 91.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 83.7-96.0%) and 92.1% (95% CI 84.2-96.1%) for those with versus without iron deficiency (P = 0.96). Of patients with versus without iron deficiency, hospitalizations occurred in 28 and 19 per 100,000 during the reference period (Days 1-7 after the first dose), and in 19 and 7 per 100,000 during the two-dose protection period, respectively. Mortality rates were comparable between study groups: 2.2 per 100,000 (4/181,012) in the population with iron deficiency and 1.8 per 100,000 (19/1,055,298) in those without known iron deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine is >90% effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 3 weeks after the second vaccination, irrespective of iron-deficiency status. These findings support the use of the vaccine in populations with iron deficiency.

The concentrations of essential/toxic elements in serum of COVID-19 patients are not directly related to the severity of the disease

BACKGROUND

In recent months, the current COVID-19 pandemic has generated thousands of studies directly or indirectly related with this disease and/or the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the infection. On August 22, 2022, the database PUBMED included 287,639 publications containing the term COVID-19. However, in spite of the importance of trace elements in human health, including the immune system, data on the levels of metals/metalloids in COVID-19 patients is very limited.

METHODS

The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Se, V and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 126 serum samples of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, as well as in 88 samples of non-infected individuals. Participants were divided into four groups: i) individuals COVID-19 positive (COVID-19 +) with an asymptomatic infection course; ii) individuals suffering mild COVID-19; iii) individuals suffering severe COVID-19, and iv) individuals COVID-19 negative (COVID-19-) (control group). The occurrence of the analyzed metals/metalloids was evaluated along with the biochemical profile, including blood cell counts, lipids, proteins and crucial enzymes.

RESULTS

Serum levels of Mg, V, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb were higher in COVID-19 positive patients than those in the control group. Although no significant differences were observed between the different groups of patients, the concentrations of Cd, Pb, V and Zn showed a tendency to be higher in individuals with severe COVID-19 than in those showing mild symptoms or being asymptomatic. Arsenic and Hg were rarely detected, regardless if the subjects were infected by SARS-CoV-2, or not. The current results did not show significant differences in the levels of the rest of analyzed elements according to the severity of the disease (asymptomatic, mild and severe).

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the results here obtained, we highlight the need to reduce the exposure to Cd, Pb and V to minimize the potential adverse health outcomes after COVID-19 infection. On the other hand, although a protective role of essential elements was not found, Mg and Cu concentrations were higher in severe COVID-19 patients than in non-infected individuals.

Relationship between Plasma Levels of Zinc and Magnesium with the Treatment Process and Mortality Risk in COVID-19 Patients

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered a major health problem all over the world which has caused extensive and worldwide mortality and morbidities along with vast economic and political impact. Limitations of our knowledge and controversies in treatment modalities make the control and management of this disease more difficult. The status of electrolytes especially Mg and Zn in plasma and its correlation with the clinical situation and criteria for recovery has been investigated in various studies. Limited data in Iran mandate the design of a trial for evaluating our critically ill patients. We designed this study to investigate the correlation between plasma levels of Mg and Zn and the outcome including patients' need for assisted/controlled ventilation, time required for weaning, length of ICU stay, and probable cause of death.

Materials and Methods

413 patients with severe respiratory signs of COVID-19 disease who were admitted to the ICUs of 3 medical centers of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were evaluated for plasma levels of Mg and Zn. Supplemental therapy was introduced when needed and was followed until discharge from ICU or death. All recorded data were analyzed by statistical methods and results were compared with similar studies.

Results

20.6% and 35.1% of all participants had low serum levels of Mg and Zn, respectively. 11 patients (2.7%) died through the treatment period. 56.9% and 61.0% of participants received Mg and Zn supplements, respectively.

Conclusion

According to our results, serum Mg and Zn levels did not show a significant correlation with the risk of death due to severe COVID-19 disease, prolonged assisted ventilation, or duration of ICU stay. There was no significant association between Mg and Zn supplementation with the risk of death due to severe COVID-19; however, it showed an inverse relationship with the time required for assisted ventilation and the duration of ICU stay. It seems that Mg and Zn supplementation can be useful in preventing or managing some of the morbidities among COVID-19 patients.

Relationship between selenium status, selenoproteins and COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases: A critical review

The antioxidant effects of selenium as a component of selenoproteins has been thought to modulate host immunity and viral pathogenesis. Accordingly, the association of low dietary selenium status with inflammatory and immunodeficiency has been reported in the literature; however, the causal role of selenium deficiency in chronic inflammatory diseases and viral infection is still undefined. The COVID-19, characterized by acute respiratory syndrome and caused by the novel coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, has infected millions of individuals worldwide since late 2019. The severity and mortality from COVID-19 have been associated with several factor, including age, sex and selenium deficiency. However, available data on selenium status and COVID-19 are limited, and a possible causative role for selenium deficiency in COVID-19 severity has yet to be fully addressed. In this context, we review the relationship between selenium, selenoproteins, COVID-19, immune and inflammatory responses, viral infection, and aging. Regardless of the role of selenium in immune and inflammatory responses, we emphasize that selenium supplementation should be indicated after a selenium deficiency be detected, particularly, in view of the critical role played by selenoproteins in human health. In addition, the levels of selenium should be monitored after the start of supplementation and discontinued as soon as normal levels are reached. Periodic assessment of selenium levels after supplementation is a critical issue to avoid over production of toxic metabolites of selenide because under normal conditions, selenoproteins attain saturated expression levels that limits their potential deleterious metabolic effects.

Selenium and immune function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental human studies

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an essential trace element with both beneficial and detrimental effects on health depending on dose and chemical form. Currently, there is debate on recommendations for selenium supplementation as a public health measure to improve immune function and reduce infectious disease susceptibility.

OBJECTIVES

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies assessing the effect of selenium supplementation on immunity-related outcomes in healthy people.

METHODS

We undertook a search of published and unpublished studies in literature databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov up to 17 October, 2022, and performed a meta-analysis comparing the effects on immunity-related outcomes between Se-supplemented versus control arms. Whenever possible we assessed the nonlinear relation using a dose-response approach.

RESULTS

9 trials were included, 5 in North America, and 4 in Europe, with a duration between 8 and 48 weeks and supplementation of both inorganic and organic selenium forms. Selenium supplementation did not substantially affect immunoglobulin or white blood cell concentrations, and the dose-response meta-analysis indicated that an increase in plasma selenium concentrations above 100 μg/L did not further increase IgA levels nor T cells. An inverted U-shaped relation emerged for NK cell count, with a lower number of these cells both below and above 120 μg/L. The only beneficial effect of selenium supplementation was the increased activity for NK lysis, but the available data did not permit dose-response analysis. Cytokine levels were substantially unaffected by selenium supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although some of the data suggested beneficial effects of selenium supplementation on immune function, the overall picture appears to be inconsistent and heterogeneous due to differences in trial duration and interventions, plus evidence of null and even detrimental effects. Overall, the evidence that we extracted from the literature in this systematic review does not support the need to supplement selenium beyond the recommended dietary intake to obtain beneficial effects on immune function. This trial was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022312280).

Association of trace element status in COVID-19 patients with disease severity

Caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) evolves with clinical symptoms that vary widely in severity, from mild symptoms to critical conditions, which can even result in the patient's death. A critical aspect related to an individual response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is the competence of the immune system, and it is well known that several trace elements are essential for an adequate immune response and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are of particular importance in fighting infection. Thus, it is widely accepted that adequate trace element status can reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity. In this study, we evaluated the serum levels of Cu, Zn, Se, Fe, I and Mg in patients (n = 210) with clinical conditions of different severity ("mild", "moderate", "severe" and "exitus letalis", i.e., patients who eventually died). The results showed significant differences between the four groups for Cu, Zn, Se and Fe, in particular a significant trend of Zn and Se serum levels to be decreased and Cu to be increased with the severity of symptoms. For Mg and I, no differences were observed, but I levels were shown to be increased in all groups.

COVID-19 and Selenium Deficiency: a Systematic Review

Several studies have indicated that selenium deficiency may be detrimental in the context of various viral disorders, and in the case of COVID-19, several studies have reported heterogeneous results concerning the association of selenium deficiency with the severity of disease. To summarize the available data surrounding the association of body selenium levels with the outcomes of COVID-19, a systematic search was performed in the Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science using keywords including "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," and "selenium," Studies evaluating the association of COVID-19 with body selenium levels were included. Among 1,862 articles viewed in the database search, 10 articles were included after title, abstract, and full-text review. One study was further included after searching the literature again for any newly published articles. Out of 11 included studies, 10 studies measured serum selenium level, and one study investigated urinary selenium level. Three of 10 studies measured serum SELENOP level as well as selenium level. Glutathione peroxidase-3 level in serum was also assessed in one study. The reported outcomes were severity, mortality, and risk of COVID-19. Nine studies indicated that a lower serum selenium level is associated with worse outcomes. Two studies reported no significant association between serum selenium level and COVID-19. In one study, urinary selenium level was reported to be higher in severe and fatal cases compared to non-severe and recovered patients, respectively. In most cases, selenium deficiency was associated with worse outcomes, and selenium levels in COVID-19 patients were lower than in healthy individuals. Thus, it could be concluded that cautious selenium supplementation in COVID-19 patients may be helpful to prevent disease progression. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this.

Association between trace metals exposure and hearing loss

Background

Trace metals have side-effect on human health. The association between trace metals exposure and hearing loss remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 8,128 participants were exacted for analysis of association between trace metals and hearing loss from the database of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2013-2018). Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were used to examine the association between trace metals and hearing loss.

Results

Participants with hearing loss had a higher level of lead, cadmium, molybdenum, tin, thallium, and tungsten (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, compared with the reference of the lowest quartile, the ORs with 95%CIs for hearing loss across quartiles were 1.14 (0.86, 1.51), 1.49 (1.12, 1.98), 1.32 (0.97, 1.80) for cobalt, and 1.35 (0.98, 1.87), 1.58 (1.15, 2.16), 1.75 (1.28, 2.40) for tin. Individuals with the level of cobalt at third quartile had 49% higher risks of hearing loss than those at lowest quartile. And participants with highest quartile of tin had 1.75-folds risks of hearing loss than those with lowest quartile of tin. There were increasing trends in risks of hearing loss with a raised level of thallium (p for trend <0.05). Restricted cubic spline regression analysis indicated that there was a nonlinear association between hearing loss and the levels of tin (p for nonlinearity = 0.021). Subgroup analysis showed that individuals of female, without hypertension and diabetes, and with a higher level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol had modified effects on the associations between hearing loss and exposure to tin.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that exposure to cobalt and tin were significantly associated with hearing loss.

Cuproptosis scoring system to predict the clinical outcome and immune response in bladder cancer

Cuproptosis is a novel copper ion-dependent cell death type being regulated in cells, and this is quite different from the common cell death patterns such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Interestingly, like with death patterns, cuproptosis-related genes have recently been reported to regulate the occurrence and progression of various tumors. However, in bladder cancer, the link between cuproptosis and clinical outcome, tumor microenvironment (TME) modification, and immunotherapy is unknown. To determine the role of cuprotosis in the tumor microenvironment, we systematically examined the characteristic patterns of 10 cuproptosis-related genes in bladder cancer (BLCA). By analyzing principal component data, we established a cuproptosis score to determine the degree of cuproptosis among patients. Finally, we evaluated the potential of these values in predicting BLCA prognosis and treatment responses. A comprehensive study of the mutations of cuproptosis-related genes in BLCA specimens was conducted at the genetic level, and their expression and survival patterns were evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Two cuproptosis patterns were constructed based on the transcription level of 10 cuproptosis-related genes, featuring differences in the prognosis and the infiltrating landscape of immune cells (especially T and dendritic cells) with interactions between cuproptosis and the TME. Our study further demonstrated that cuproptosis score may predict prognosis, immunophenotype sensitivity to chemotherapy, and immunotherapy response among bladder cancer patients. The development and progression of bladder cancer are likely to be influenced by cuproptosis, which may involve a diverse and complex TME. The cuproptosis pattern evaluated in our study may enhance understanding of immune infiltrations and guide more potent immunotherapy interventions.

Metallomic and Untargeted Metabolomic Signatures of Human Milk from SARS-CoV-2 Positive Mothers

Scope

Lack of information about the impact of maternal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection on the elemental and metabolomic profile of human milk (HM).

Methods and results

An observational study on HM from mothers with COVID‐19 is conducted including a prepandemic control group. Maternal–infant clinical records and symptomatology are recorded. The absolute quantification of elements and untargeted relative metabolomic profiles are determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, respectively. Associations of HM SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies with elemental and metabolomic profiles are studied. COVID‐19 has a significant impact on HM composition. COVID‐19 reduces the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Se, Ni, V, and Aluminium (Al) and increases Zn compared to prepandemic control samples. A total of 18 individual metabolites including amino acids, peptides, fatty acids and conjugates, purines and derivatives, alcohols, and polyols are significantly different in HM from SARS‐CoV‐2 positive mothers. Aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine, and linoleic acid pathways are significantly altered. Differences are obtained depending on COVID‐19 symptomatic and asymptomatic status.

Conclusions

This study provides unique insights about the impact of maternal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the elemental and metabolomic profiles of HM that warrants further research due the potential implications for infant health.

Trace element homeostasis in the neurological system after SARS-CoV-2 infection: Insight into potential biochemical mechanisms

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested that COVID-19 is a systemic disease that can affect several organs, including the brain. In the brain, specifically, viral infection can cause dyshomeostasis of some trace elements that promote complex biochemical reactions in specialized neurological functions.

OBJECTIVE

Understand the neurovirulence of SARS-CoV-2 and the relationship between trace elements and neurological disorders after infection, and provide new insights on the drug development for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

METHODS

The main databases were used to search studies published up September 2021, focusing on the role of trace elements during viral infection and on the correct functioning of the brain.

RESULTS

The imbalance of important trace elements can accelerate SARS-CoV-2 neurovirulence and increase the neurotoxicity since many neurological processes can be associated with the homeostasis of metal and metalloproteins. Some studies involving animals and humans have suggested the synapse as a vulnerable region of the brain to neurological disorders after viral infection. Considering the combined evidence, some mechanisms have been suggested to understand the relationship between neurological disorders and imbalance of trace elements in the brain after viral infection.

CONCLUSION

Trace elements play important roles in viral infections, such as helping to activate immune cells, produce antibodies, and inhibit virus replication. However, the relationship between trace elements and virus infections is complex since the specific functions of several elements remain largely undefined. Therefore, there is still a lot to be explored to understand the biochemical mechanisms involved between trace elements and viral infections, especially in the brain.

The prognostic role of micronutrient status and supplements in COVID-19 outcomes: A systematic review

Micronutrients constitute an adjuvant treatment for respiratory viral infections. Since there is no effective antiviral therapy for COVID-19 yet, adjuvant intervention for the survival of critically ill patients may be significant. Search of the PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane databases was carried out to find human studies investigating the prognostic role of micronutrient status and the effects of micronutrient supplementation intervention in COVID-19 outcomes of adult patients. Patients with certain comorbidities (diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, renal failure, liver dysfunction etc.) or pregnant women were excluded. 31 studies (27 observational studies and 4 clinical trials) spanning the years 2020-2021, pertaining to 8624 COVID-19 patients (mean age±SD, 61 ± 9 years) were included in this systematic review. Few studies provided direct evidence on the association of serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium to patients' survival or death. Vitamin D and calcium were the most studied micronutrients and those with a probable promising favorable impact on patients. This review highlights the importance of a balanced nutritional status for a favorable outcome in COVID-19. Micronutrients' deficiency on admission to hospital seems to be related to a high risk for ICU admission, intubation and even death. Nevertheless, evidence for intervention remains unclear.

How hydrolytic exoribonucleases impact human disease: Two sides of the same story

RNAs are extremely important molecules inside the cell which perform many different functions. For example, messenger RNAs, transfer RNAs, and ribosomal RNAs are involved in protein synthesis, whereas non-coding RNAs have numerous regulatory roles. Ribonucleases are the enzymes responsible for the processing and degradation of all types of RNAs, having multiple roles in every aspect of RNA metabolism. However, the involvement of RNases in disease is still not well understood. This review focuses on the involvement of the RNase II/RNB family of 3'-5' exoribonucleases in human disease. This can be attributed to direct effects, whereby mutations in the eukaryotic enzymes of this family (Dis3 (or Rrp44), Dis3L1 (or Dis3L), and Dis3L2) are associated with a disease, or indirect effects, whereby mutations in the prokaryotic counterparts of RNase II/RNB family (RNase II and/or RNase R) affect the physiology and virulence of several human pathogens. In this review, we will compare the structural and biochemical characteristics of the members of the RNase II/RNB family of enzymes. The outcomes of mutations impacting enzymatic function will be revisited, in terms of both the direct and indirect effects on disease. Furthermore, we also describe the SARS-CoV-2 viral exoribonuclease and its importance to combat COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, RNases may be a good therapeutic target to reduce bacterial and viral pathogenicity. These are the two perspectives on RNase II/RNB family enzymes that will be presented in this review.

Major trace elements and their binding proteins in the early phase of Covid-19 infection

Metal ions seem to play important roles in the pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19) and are under investigation as potential prognostic markers and supplements in therapeutic procedures. The present study was aimed at assessing the relationship between the most abundant essential microelements (iron, zinc and copper) and their major binding proteins in the circulation in the early stage of infection. The concentration of zinc ions was measured to be higher in infected than in healthy persons, as well as ratios zinc/albumin and zinc/alpha-2-macroglobulin. Increased zinc levels could be attributed to cellular redistribution of zinc ions or to a use of zinc supplementation (zinc concentration was above the upper reference limit in one-third of infected individuals). Immunoblot analysis of protein molecular forms revealed that infected persons had greater amounts of proteinase-bound alpha-2-macroglobulin tetramer and albumin monomer than healthy individuals. The quantities of these forms were correlated with the concentration of zinc ions (r = 0.42 and 0.55, respectively) in healthy persons, but correlations were lost in infected individuals, most likely due to very high zinc concentrations in some participants which were not proportionally followed by changes in the distribution of protein species. Although we still have to wait for a firm confirmation of the involvement of zinc in beneficial defense mechanisms in patients with Covid-19, it seems that this ion may contribute to the existence of circulating protein forms which are the most optimal.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 immune response in plasma

As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic persists, methods that can quickly and reliably confirm infection and immune status is extremely urgently and critically needed. In this contribution we show that combining laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with machine learning can distinguish plasma of donors who previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR from those who did not, with up to 95% accuracy. The samples were also analyzed by LIBS-ICP-MS in tandem mode, implicating a depletion of Zn and Ba in samples of SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects that inversely correlate with CN lines in the LIBS spectra.

Essential metals, vitamins and antioxidant enzyme activities in COVID-19 patients and their potential associations with the disease severity

The role of micronutrient deficiency in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 has been reviewed in the literature; however, the data are limited and conflicting. This study investigated the association between the status of essential metals, vitamins, and antioxidant enzyme activities in COVID-19 patients and disease severity. We recruited 155 patients, who were grouped into four classes based on the Adults guideline for the Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 at King Faisal Specialist & Research Centre (KFSH&RC): asymptomatic (N = 16), mild (N = 49), moderate (N = 68), and severe (N = 22). We measured serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), vitamin D₃, vitamin A, vitamin E, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Among the patients, 30%, 25%, 37%, and 68% were deficient in Se (< 70.08 µg/L), Zn (< 0.693 µg/mL), vitamin A (< 0.343 µg/mL), and vitamin D₃ (< 20.05 µg/L), respectively, and SOD activity was low. Among the patients, 28% had elevated Cu levels (> 1.401 µg/mL, KFSH&RC upper reference limit). Multiple regression analysis revealed an 18% decrease in Se levels in patients with severe symptoms, which increased to 30% after adjusting the model for inflammatory markers. Regardless of inflammation, Se was independently associated with COVID-19 severity. In contrast, a 50% increase in Cu levels was associated with disease severity only after adjusting for C-reactive protein, reflecting its possible inflammatory and pro-oxidant role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. We noted an imbalance in the ratio between Cu and Zn, with ~ 83% of patients having a Cu/Zn ratio > 1, which is an indicator of inflammation. Cu-to-Zn ratio increased to 45% in patients with mild symptoms and 34%–36% in patients with moderate symptoms compared to asymptomatic patients. These relationships were only obtained when one of the laboratory parameters (lymphocyte or monocyte) or inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) was included in the regression model. These findings suggest that Cu/Zn might further exacerbate inflammation in COVID-19 patients and might be synergistically associated with disease severity. A 23% decrease in vitamin A was seen in patients with severe symptoms, which disappeared after adjusting for inflammatory markers. This finding may highlight the potential role of inflammation in mediating the relationship between COVID-19 severity and vitamin A levels. Despite our patients’ low status of Zn, vitamin D₃, and antioxidant enzyme (SOD), there is no evidence of their role in COVID-19 progression. Our findings reinforce that deficiency or excess of certain micronutrients plays a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. More studies are required to support our results.

Assessment of the Ecotoxicity of Pollution by Potentially Toxic Elements by Biological Indicators of Haplic Chernozem of Southern Russia (Rostov region)

The content of various chemical elements such as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals in the environment is associated with natural and anthropogenic sources. It is necessary to normalize the content of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals as potentially toxic elements (PTE) in the Haplic Chernozem. The soils of the Southern Russia are of high quality and fertility. However, this type of soil, like Haplic Chernozem, is subject to contamination with a wide range of PTE. The aim of the work was to rank metals, metalloids, and nonmetals by ecotoxicity in Haplic Chernozem. To assess the ecotoxicity of chernozem, data for 15 years (2005-2020) were used. Biological indicators used to assess the ecotoxicity of Haplic Chernozem: catalase activity, cellulolytic activity, number of bacteria, Azotobacter spp. abundance, to change of length of radish's roots. Based on these biological indicators, an integral indicator of the state of Haplic Chernozem was calculated. The ecotoxicity of 23 metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Mo, Mn, Ba, Sr, Sn, V, W, Ag, Bi, Ga, Nb, Sc, Tl, Y, Yb), 5 metalloids (B, As, Ge, Sb, Te) and 2 nonmetals (F, Se) as priority pollutants. It is proposed to distinguish three hazard classes of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals to Haplic Chernozem: I class - Te, Ag, Se, Cr, Bi, Ge, Sn, Tl, Hg, Yb, W, Cd; II class - As, Co, Sc, Sb, Cu, Ni, B, Nb, Pb, Ga; III class - Sr, Y, Mo, Zn, V, Ba, Mn, F. It is advisable to use the results of the study for predictive assessment of the impact of metals, metalloids, and nonmetals on the ecological state of the soil during pollution.

A Short Review on the N,N-Dimethylacrylamide-Based Hydrogels

Scientists have been encouraged to find different methods for removing harmful heavy metal ions and dyes from bodies of water. The adsorption technique offers promising outcomes for heavy metal ion removal and is simple to run on a large scale, making it appropriate for practical applications. Many adsorbent hydrogels have been developed and reported, comprising N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA)-based hydrogels, which have attracted a lot of interest due to their reusability, simplicity of synthesis, and processing. DMAA hydrogels are also a suitable choice for self-healing materials and materials with good mechanical properties. This review work discusses the recent studies of DMAA-based hydrogels such as hydrogels for dye removal and the removal of hazardous heavy metal ions from water. Furthermore, there are also references about their conduct for self-healing materials and for enhancing mechanical properties.

Inspirations of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticle Based Anticancer Therapeutics

Cobalt is essential to the metabolism of all animals due to its key role in cobalamin, also known as vitamin B12, the primary biological reservoir of cobalt as an ultra-trace element. Current cancer treatment strategies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have been seriously restricted by their side effects and low efficiency for a long time, which urges us to develop new technologies for more effective and much safer anticancer therapies. Novel nanotechnologies, based on different kinds of functional nanomaterials, have been proved to act as effective and promising strategies for anticancer treatment. Based on the important biological roles of cobalt, cobalt oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely developed for their attractive biomedical applications, especially their potential for anticancer treatments due to their selective inhibition of cancer cells. Thus, more and more attention has been attracted to the preparation, characterization and anticancer investigation of cobalt oxide nanoparticles in recent years, which is expected to introduce novel anticancer treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize the synthesis methods of cobalt oxide nanoparticles to discuss the advantages and restrictions for their preparation. Moreover, we emphatically discuss the anticancer functions of cobalt oxide nanoparticles as well as their underlying mechanisms to promote the development of cobalt oxide nanoparticles for anticancer treatments, which might finally benefit the current anticancer therapeutics based on functional cobalt oxide nanoparticles.

Modifiable Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2

As the COVID-19 pandemic has raged on, considerable research has been performed around the world evaluating the environmental, genetic, lifestyle, and nutritional factors that significantly impact the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies have now shown that key risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity, and even death are modifiable. Patients, whether partially vaccinated, fully vaccinated, or not vaccinated, are expecting their clinicians to provide them with evidence-based guidance and to help them prioritize the factors most important for them. In this editorial we review the current state of the research on modifiable risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection, disease severity, and death.