Who is at risk of severe COVID-19? Scientists found several factors

Coronavirus. What influences the risk of severe COVID-19? Scientists know more and more. A few months ago, it was discovered that our genes influence how we respond to SARS-COV-2 infection. Among the factors influencing the risk of a severe course of the coronavirus are also, inter alia, blood sugar levels, zinc levels, sodium content as well as vitamin D.

1. The coronavirus pandemic has been going on for over a year. As a result of COVID-19, over 2,7 million people have died and 123 million have fallen ill
2. The course of the disease is very different. From asymptomatic to severe complications
3. It is known that the elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases are at increased risk
4. More and more factors appear in research that can also influence the severe course of COVID-19. This includes high sugar levels, sodium or zinc deficiency
5. Do you want to live longer? Make a simple test and find out how! 
6. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

Coronavirus. Genes and the severe course of COVID-19

As with other characteristics, nature has not split the tide equally when it comes to susceptibility to severe COVID-19 and the risk of death. Scientists find other genes that influence the risk of complications.

A team from the Okinawan Science and Technology Institute has discovered a set of genes that approx. reduce the likelihood of a severe course of the disease. Genes on chromosome 20 help cells fight the genomes of the viruses that attack them, and a proportion of the population inherited them from the Neanderthals.

Polish scientists working within the international consortium “The COVID Human Genetic Effort” have also confirmed that some variants of genes (such as TLR3, IRF7, IRF9) involved in the immune response with the use of type I interferon may have an impact on the more severe course of COVID-19. Interferons are part of the so-called innate immunity. They fight the virus before the body produces specific antibodies against it.

1. Genes responsible for the severe course of COVID-19 have been discovered. Polish woman in an international research team

– In these studies, Poles also selected about six genetic anomalies, i.e. variants of genes that may affect the more severe course of COVID-19. These are genes that perform various functions in the body, said Dr. Zbigniew Król from the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw. This facility, together with MNM Diagnostics in Poznań, is looking for genetic markers that affect the intensity of the course of COVID-19 by collecting and analyzing the genomes of people who have undergone COVID-19. These studies may result in a test that will help identify patients at high risk of hospitalization and complications of the disease.

Coronavirus. Sugar levels and a higher risk of death

Experts from the Spanish University Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez noted that people with hyperglycemia, or elevated blood glucose levels, have a much higher risk of death, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not. They also need intensive care and a respirator more often. The researchers came to such conclusions after analyzing the history of over 11. hospitalized patients.

While the risk of death in patients with normal glucose levels was 15,7%, those with high levels – 41,4%. The authors of the discovery therefore call for the introduction of mandatory tests for hyperglycemia and for its treatment in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 who do not have diabetes.

1. SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and diabetes

“Hyperglycemia present on admission cannot be ignored, but must be detected and treated appropriately to improve the chances of non-diabetic COVID-19 patients,” emphasized Dr. Javier Carrasco, co-author of the study published in the Annals of Medicine. As Spanish experts explain, elevated glucose levels can result not only from diabetes but also from other diseases or even an injury.

Coronavirus. Sodium levels and a higher risk of death

A team from University College London, after analyzing nearly 500 cases of COVID-19 in people aged 68 on average, found that the risk of death clearly increases when the blood sodium concentration is inadequate. First, it was found that people with low sodium levels were twice as likely to require advanced respiratory support. Second, patients with high levels of sodium in their blood had a three times higher risk of death than those with normal levels.

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Sodium measurements can tell doctors which COVID-19 patients are at higher risk for their condition to worsen and die. Information about the sodium level may influence the decision whether the patient needs hospitalization or observation in the intensive care unit, says Prof. Ploutarchos Tzoulis.

Scientists point out that sodium levels are routinely measured after a patient is admitted to the hospital, a test that is inexpensive, and that levels can be restored relatively easily. They also remind you that an increased sodium concentration may be the result of, for example, diarrhea, vomiting, or drinking too little fluid. It is also the main ingredient of table salt.

Coronavirus. Zinc levels and the risk of death from COVID-19

Another element that may be of great importance for the course of COVID-19 is zinc. His role was reported by specialists from the Spanish Pompeu Fabry University. A study involving 249 patients with an average age of 65 showed that low zinc levels were usually associated with more inflammation and on average three times longer in hospital compared to higher levels of the element. As many as 1 in 5 people with low zinc levels died, and only 5 percent. patients with high levels of it. Among the survivors, the zinc concentration on average was significantly higher (62 µg / dl) compared to the patients who died (49 µg / dl).

1. Zinc and the proper functioning of the immune system. The role of zinc in the body

“We have shown the importance of patients’ plasma zinc concentration as a factor in predicting the fate of a COVID-19 patient and as a potential treatment tool,” said Dr. Robert Güerri, author of the discovery. – Therefore, we propose that this variable be used as another parameter to predict the development of patients’ situation, and we suggest starting clinical trials of zinc supplementation in patients with low levels. We are also proposing to introduce supplemental programs to groups at risk of low zinc levels in order to reduce the effects of the pandemic, he adds.

According to researchers, the concentration of zinc works in two ways – it regulates the work of the immune system and limits the multiplication of the virus in infected cells.

Coronavirus. Vitamin D and severe COVID-19 symptoms

There are more substances that can help protect against COVID-19. One of them is vitamin D. In a study involving 235 hospitalized patients, a team from Boston University found that people with adequate vitamin D levels (at least 30 ng of 25-hydroxyvitamin D per ml) suffered from severe COVID-19 symptoms much less frequently. and patients over 40 years of age with adequate vitamin levels died by 51,5%. less often compared to those who were deficient.

Researchers previously found that adequate vitamin D levels also reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus. They also suspect that it helps treat infection with other viruses affecting the respiratory tract, including the flu. At the same time, they draw attention to the commonality of deficiencies of this vitamin, especially in the winter months.

Coronavirus: Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19

Meanwhile, scientists at Fatty Acid Research Institute and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center point to the possible protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids. Their analysis of 100 cases of hospitalized patients showed that people with the highest concentration of omega-3 fatty acids died by 75%. less frequently than patients with the lowest concentration.

Coronavirus. Smoking and severe COVID-19 symptoms

If someone wants to increase their resistance to COVID-19, they should also give up tobacco. Some studies show a link between smoking and the severe form of COVID-19. Better to watch out for e-cigarettes too. For example, a team from the University of Rochester in mice found that chronic exposure to nicotine alone influenced inflammation in the lungs and increased the number of ACE2 receptors through which the virus enters cells.

More information is likely to come from further research. Of course, if you are taking supplements, consult your doctor.

author: Marek Matacz (PAP)

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