Does atmospheric dimethyldiselenide play a role in reducing COVID-19 mortality?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Environmental selenium distribution in the US is uneven.
• US residents show narrow serum selenium concentrations due to food distribution.
• Alfalfa selenium levels serve as a regional exposure proxy.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the relationship between atmospheric selenium levels and COVID-19 mortality rates across US states.
• Explore the potential role of inhaled dimethyldiselenide in modulating COVID-19 severity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of NHANES III data for serum selenium concentrations.
• Correlation of regional selenium exposure (low, medium, high) with COVID-19 death rates.
• Examination of the biochemical pathway involving dimethyldiselenide, Nrf2, and NFκB in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher COVID-19 death rates were observed in low-selenium states compared to medium or high-selenium states.
• No significant difference in COVID-19 case densities was found between states with varying selenium levels.
• Inhaled dimethyldiselenide is a potent inducer of Nrf2, potentially enhancing antioxidant defenses.

Conclusions:

• Atmospheric selenium, specifically inhaled dimethyldiselenide, may influence COVID-19 mortality.
• Increased Nrf2 activation by dimethyldiselenide could mitigate SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation and reduce COVID-19 severity.
• Further research is needed to clarify the extent of atmospheric dimethyldiselenide's role in COVID-19 outcomes.