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Trace element imbalance as a possible factor in long-COVID pathophysiology: Links to disease duration and
Wasim Talib Al Masoodi1, Sami Waheed Radhi2, Hussein Kadhem Al-Hakeim2
1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kufa, Najaf, Iraq; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Al-Ameed. Karbala 56001, Iraq.
Background:
Long-COVID is defined by persistent symptoms following an initial COVID-19 infection. The normal immune function depends on a precise balance of trace elements, which can provide fresh insights into prospective therapeutic strategies while maintaining oxidative balance and limiting excessive inflammation. Zinc, copper, cobalt, and manganese deficits or excesses can alter the immune system's normal functions and oxidative stress. The study aims to study the trace element profile for predicting long-COVID.
Methods:
The levels of serum copper and zinc were measured spectrophotometrically. In contrast, cobalt and manganese were measured using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 60 long-COVID patients and compared with the 30 controls who had previous SARS-CoV-2 infection but were free from long-COVID symptoms.
Results:
Serum levels of copper, cobalt, manganese, and the copper/zinc ratio were considerably elevated in long-COVID patients compared to the control groups. Nonetheless, there was no significant change in zinc levels relative to the control group. The cobalt concentration increases with the duration of the disease and inflammation. Serum manganese level is significantly and negatively correlated with weight. The duration of disease is inversely linked to serum zinc concentrations. There is a substantial correlation between serum copper levels and the period of recovery from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions:
Long-COVID is associated with alterations in serum trace elements (copper, cobalt, and manganese). The imbalances in the trace elements are associated with inflammation, duration of disease, and age. These imbalances may contribute to prolonged symptoms and greater disease severity, suggesting that trace element monitoring could be beneficial in managing long-COVID.
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