Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 18, 2025 3 hours, 16 minutes ago
Medical News: The global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has reshaped healthcare priorities worldwide. A significant complication of the disease is pneumonia, particularly in moderate to severe cases, often leading to hospitalizations. Research has shown that a major contributor to disease severity is oxidative stress - a state where harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses. This imbalance triggers a cascade of inflammation and tissue damage, primarily affecting the lungs. As scientists strive to find therapeutic strategies, antioxidants have emerged as a promising tool to manage COVID-19 pneumonia.
Italian Study Reveals How to Boost Immunity with Antioxidants Against COVID-19
Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support immune responses. A recent review has provided a detailed overview of antioxidants and their role in COVID-19 pneumonia. Researchers from A. Cardarelli Hospital and the University of Naples “Federico II” in Italy have explored various antioxidants, including vitamins, trace elements, and bioactive compounds, for their therapeutic potential. This
Medical News report sheds light on these findings.
Key Insights into Antioxidant Effects
The study identified antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, D, and E, glutathione (GSH), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), L-carnitine, melatonin, and polyphenols like quercetin and curcumin. These compounds showed potential to mitigate COVID-19 symptoms and complications through multiple mechanisms:
-Reducing Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants act as ROS scavengers, stabilizing cellular environments and preventing oxidative damage to the lungs.
-Supporting Immune Function: Certain antioxidants enhance the activity of immune cells like T lymphocytes and macrophages, which are crucial in fighting infections.
-Modulating Inflammatory Responses: By regulating inflammatory pathways, antioxidants reduce cytokine storms, a dangerous immune overreaction linked to severe COVID-19.
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Improving Recovery: Clinical evidence suggests antioxidants may shorten recovery times and improve oxygen levels, reducing the need for ventilatory support.
Highlighting the Therapeutic Potential of Key Antioxidants
-Glutathione
Known as the body’s master antioxidant, GSH is essential for cellular defense against oxidative stress. The study highlighted its role in reducing inflammatory cytokines and supporting immune responses. Patients receiving GSH supplementation experienced significant clinical improvements, including reduced ventilation requirements and shorter hospital stays.
-L-Carnitine
L-carnitine plays a critical role in cellular energy produc
tion and inflammation regulation. Research indicates that it can reduce cytokine levels like IL-6 and TNF-α, common in severe COVID-19 cases. A clinical trial showed that patients supplemented with L-carnitine had improved oxygen saturation and reduced inflammatory markers.
-Melatonin
Primarily known for regulating sleep, melatonin also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The study revealed that melatonin helps reduce lung inflammation and prevents oxidative damage by inhibiting cytokine storms. Patients treated with melatonin showed better respiratory function and shorter hospital stays.
-Vitamin D
Vitamin D’s immune-modulating effects are well-documented. It enhances the production of antimicrobial proteins and supports the activity of T cells. Patients with adequate vitamin D levels were less likely to develop severe COVID-19, while supplementation helped reduce recovery times and inflammation.
-Polyphenols
Natural compounds like quercetin and curcumin exhibit potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin inhibits viral replication, while curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Both compounds have shown promise in clinical trials, improving respiratory function and reducing hospitalization rates.
-Clinical Implications
The study underscored the importance of integrating antioxidant therapy with standard treatments for COVID-19. While corticosteroids and antivirals remain central to managing the disease, antioxidants offer complementary benefits by addressing oxidative stress and inflammation - key drivers of disease severity. The researchers called for further clinical trials to establish standardized antioxidant protocols and dosages.
Conclusion
Antioxidants represent a powerful therapeutic avenue in the fight against COVID-19 pneumonia. By reducing oxidative stress, supporting the immune system, and modulating inflammation, these compounds can significantly improve patient outcomes. However, their use should complement existing treatments, and more research is needed to determine their efficacy across diverse populations and disease severities.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Life.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/113
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