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Published on: April 17, 2017
Bioactive Lipids in COVID-19-Further Evidence
1UND Life Sciences, Battle Ground, WA, USA; BioScience Research Centre and Department of Medicine, GVP Medical College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam, India.
Abstract:
Previously, I suggested that arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) and similar bioactive lipids (BALs) inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and thus, may be of benefit in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This proposal is supported by the observation that (i) macrophages and T cells (including NK cells, cytotoxic killer cells and other immunocytes) release AA and other BALs especially in the lungs to inactivate various microbes; (ii) pro-inflammatory metabolites prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotrienes (LTs) and anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4 (LXA4) derived from AA (similarly, resolvins, protectins and maresins derived from eicosapentaenoic acid: EPA and docosahexaenoic acid: DHA) facilitate the generation of M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) macrophages respectively; (iii) AA, PGE2, LXA4 and other BALs inhibit interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) synthesis; (iv) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are of benefit in COVID-19 elaborate LXA4 to bring about their beneficial actions and (v) subjects with insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease and the elderly have significantly low plasma concentrations of AA and LXA4 that may render them more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm that is associated with increased mortality seen in COVID-19. Statins, colchicine, and corticosteroids that appear to be of benefit in COVID-19 can influence BALs metabolism. AA, and other BALs influence cell membrane fluidity and thus, regulate ACE-2 (angiotensin converting enzyme-2) receptors (the ligand through which SARS-CoV2 enters the cell) receptors. These observations lend support to the contention that administration of BALs especially, AA could be of significant benefit in prevention and management of COVI-19 and other enveloped viruses.
Insights
Arachidonic acid (AA) and bioactive lipids (BALs) may prevent and treat COVID-19 by inactivating SARS-CoV-2. Low levels of AA and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) are linked to increased COVID-19 severity in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Macrophages and T cells release arachidonic acid (AA) and bioactive lipids (BALs) to combat microbes.
- Pro-inflammatory (PGE2, LTs) and anti-inflammatory (LXA4, resolvins, protectins, maresins) metabolites derived from AA and omega-3 fatty acids modulate macrophage polarization.
- AA, PGE2, LXA4, and other BALs inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of AA and BALs in preventing and treating COVID-19.
- To explore the role of AA and BALs in SARS-CoV-2 inactivation and their impact on immune responses.
- To examine the association between low AA and LXA4 levels and susceptibility to severe COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing observations and literature supporting the role of BALs in microbial inactivation and immune modulation.
- Analysis of the influence of AA and BALs on cytokine synthesis and macrophage polarization.
- Examination of the link between AA, LXA4 levels, and COVID-19 risk factors like metabolic diseases and age.
Main Results:
- AA and BALs inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and various microbes.
- BALs influence the generation of M1 and M2 macrophages and inhibit key pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Low plasma concentrations of AA and LXA4 are observed in individuals with insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and the elderly, potentially increasing their COVID-19 susceptibility.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) utilize LXA4 for therapeutic effects in COVID-19.
- Drugs like statins, colchicine, and corticosteroids may affect BALs metabolism.
- AA and BALs regulate cell membrane fluidity and ACE-2 receptor expression.
Conclusions:
- Administration of BALs, particularly AA, could be beneficial for preventing and managing COVID-19 and other enveloped viral infections.
- Maintaining adequate levels of AA and LXA4 may be crucial for mitigating COVID-19 severity, especially in at-risk populations.
- Further research into BALs as therapeutic agents for viral infections is warranted.
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