Bioactive lipid-based therapeutic approach to COVID-19 and other similar infections

Antiviral activity of eicosapentaenoic acid against zika virus and other enveloped viruses

Background

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus that may cause innate microcephaly or neurological disturbances. Yet no antiviral has been approved by FDA against ZIKV infection. It was shown that some unsaturated fatty acids could inactivate enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2. However, studies investigating the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on ZIKV infection are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the antiviral effect of EPA against ZIKV and other enveloped viruses.

Methods

We first explored the toxicities of EPA in vitro and in vivo. Then we examined the antiviral effect of EPA against ZIKV via cell-based immunodetection, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and so on. To uncover its antiviral mechanism, we performed assays for virus binding, adsorption and entry, and time-of-addition. RNase digestion and ZIKV NS2B-NS3 protease inhibition assays were also adopted. Finally, we detected its effects on dengue virus (DENV)-2, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and influenza A virus via MTT, Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays.

Results

EPA was found to inhibit ZIKV infection in vitro without causing cytotoxicities. EPA exhibited antiviral activity in the early stages of the ZIKV life cycle quickly. Mechanistic experiments showed that EPA disrupted the membrane integrity of viral particles, leading to the release of viral RNA, together with the interruption of ZIKV from binding, adsorption and entry, and ultimately the inhibition of viral proliferation. Furthermore, EPA exerted antiviral effects against DENV-2, HSV-1, and influenza virus, in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that EPA is a promising broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidate.

Can essential fatty acids (EFAs) prevent and ameliorate post-COVID-19 long haul manifestations?

It is hypothesized that COVID-19, post-COVID and post-mRNA COVID-19 (and other related) vaccine manifestations including "long haul syndrome" are due to deficiency of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and dysregulation of their metabolism. This proposal is based on the observation that EFAs and their metabolites can modulate the swift immunostimulatory response of SARS-CoV-2 and similar enveloped viruses, suppress inappropriate cytokine release, possess cytoprotective action, modulate serotonin and bradykinin production and other neurotransmitters, inhibit NF-kB activation, regulate cGAS-STING pathway, modulate gut microbiota, inhibit platelet activation, regulate macrophage and leukocyte function, enhance wound healing and facilitate tissue regeneration and restore homeostasis. This implies that administration of EFAs could be of benefit in the prevention and management of COVID-19 and its associated complications.

Tailored lipopeptide surfactants as potentially effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection

Finding effective drugs to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection as a complementary step to the extensive vaccination is of the great importance to overcome the current pandemic situation. It has been shown that some bio-active unsaturated fatty acids such as Arachidonic Acid (AA) can reduce the infection severity and even destroy the virus by disintegration of the virus lipid envelope. On the other hand, it has been reported that several designed peptides with an activity similar to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), which has a high affinity towards the novel corona virus spike protein, can inhibit the viral infection through concealing the spike proteins from the cell surfaces ACE-2. Binding the mentioned peptides to the bio-active lipids like AA will result in a lipopeptide surfactant molecule with the synergistic effect of both the active moieties in its structure to treat the novel corona infection. In addition, the peptide segment increases the aqueous solubility of the lipid segment and enables the targeted delivery of the surfactant molecule to the virus. The resultant lipopeptide would be a potentially effective drug for SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment with the minimum side effects.

The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the severity and mortality of COVID patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Covid-19 mortality is largely associated with a severe increase in inflammatory cytokines and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play an important role in modulating immune pathways and inflammatory responses; so this study was done to evaluate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the prognosis of Covid-19 disease.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. For systematic identification, the search was performed based on the following keywords COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, COVID, Coronavirus Disease 19, SARS COV- 2 Infection, SARS-CoV-2, COVID19, Coronavirus Disease, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Omega-6, n 3 Fatty and Omega-9 in the mentioned databases, using OR, and AND. All searched articles were included in the study and retrieved, and End-Note X7 software was used to manage the studies.

RESULTS

Findings on the relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the risk of Covid-19 are various, but omega-3 supplements have been found to be 12 to 21% effective in reducing the risk of Covid-19. Most studies emphasized the increasing severity of the disease and the need for mechanical ventilation and hospitalization due to polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency. It is also demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency increased mortality in patients with Covid-19. However, there is also a warning that in critical cases, elevated levels of fatty acids in patients' lungs and a cytokine storm are the main reasons for mortality in Covid-19 patients.

CONCLUSION

Polyunsaturated fatty acids can reduce the risk of covid-19 which could be considered as a preventative, inexpensive and safe method. However, the risk of taking high-dose omega-3 supplements before or during SARS-COV-2 infection needs to be investigated.

The Effects of Increased Glucose Level and the Role of Glycolysis on SARS CoV-2 Infection

Abstract:

Covid-19 has entered our lives for a long time as an infection with high mortality rates. Although the vaccination process has provided benefits, the death toll remains to be frightening worldwide. Therefore, drugs and combined therapies that can be used against Covid-19 infection are still being investigated. Most of these antiviral medications are investigational drug candidates which are still in clinical trials. In this context, holistic and different approaches for the treatment of Covid-19 including prophylactic use of natural medicines are under investigation and may offer potential treatment options due to the fact that this is still an unmet medical need in the world. Thus, inhibiting the increased glycolysis on Covid-19 infection with glycolysis inhibitors may be beneficial for patient survival. This short review highlights the potential benefits of glycolysis inhibition as well as controlling the elevated glucose levels in patients with the treatment of Covid-19.

COVID-19 and lipids. The role of lipid disorders and statin use in the prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus started in March 2020. The conclusions from numerous studies indicate that people with comorbidities, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, underlying cardiovascular disease, are particularly vulnerable to the severe course of COVID-19. The available data also suggest that patients with dyslipidemia, the most common risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, are also at greater risk of severe course of COVID-19. On the other hand, it has been shown that COVID-19 infection has an influence on lipid profile leading to dyslipidemia, which might require appropriate treatment. Owing to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective activity, statin therapy has been considered as valuable tool to improve COVID-19 outcomes. Numerous observational studies have shown potential beneficial effects of lipid-lowering treatment on the course of COVID-19 with significant improved prognosis and reduced mortality.