Antiviral and immunological activity of zinc and possible role in COVID-19.

Zn deficiency compromises its biological functions, its effect on the immune system and its antiviral activity, increasing vulnerability to infectious diseases. This narrative review aims at presenting and discussing functional aspects and possible mechanisms involved in the potential role of Zn in the immune response and antiviral activity for coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) prevention and control. The searches were conducted in PubMed and Science Direct databases, using clinical trials, experimental studies in animals and humans, case-control studies, case series, letters to the editor, and review articles published in English, without restrictions on year of publication. Search approach was based on using the terms: 'zinc', 'COVID-19', 'antiviral agents', 'immunologic factors' and 'respiratory tract infections'. Literature shows the importance of Zn as an essential mineral immunomodulator with relevant antiviral activity in the body. Thus, although there is still a scarcity of studies evaluating Zn supplementation in patients with COVID-19, the results on the topic show the necessity of controlling Zn mineral deficiency, as well as maintaining its homoeostasis in the body in order to strengthen the immune system and improve the prevention of highly complex viral infections, such as that of the COVID-19.

Relationship between selenium status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Crohn disease (CD) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation and various factors involved in its pathogenesis including oxidative stress. The oxidative stress in CD may compromise antioxidant nutrients, such as selenium. The aim of this study was to assess the status of selenium and its relationship with markers of oxidative stress in patients with CD in comparison to controls. METHODS: The study included 47 patients with CD (20 with active disease and 27 in remission) and 25 healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Selenoprotein P (SepP) was evaluated by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) activity was assessed by using an automatic biochemistry analyzer, and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was measured. Comparative analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test. For correlations, Pearson's coefficient test was used. The determinants for CD and lipid peroxidation were indicated by odds ratio. RESULTS: Plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels and SepP concentrations were lower in the CD patient groups than in the healthy group. GPx1 activity and the concentration of TBARS were significantly higher in the CD groups. In the univariate analysis, plasma and erythrocyte selenium and TBARS were associated with CD. CONCLUSION: Patients with CD have impaired selenium status, which is related to the increased oxidative stress observed in these patients.

Ângulo de fase e sua relação com albumina e risco nutricional em pacientes hospitalizados / Phase angle and its relationship with albumine and nutritional risk in hospitalized patients

Introdução: Diante da importância do diagnóstico correto e precoce do estado nutricional de pacientes hospitalizados, visto que a avaliação do estado nutricional pode ser imprescindível para manutenção da saúde e recuperação da doença e/ou trauma, o objetivo do estudo foi identificar valores de ângulo de fase em pacientes hospitalizados e sua respectiva relação com albumina e avaliação de risco nutricional. Método: Estudo transversal, descritivo e observacional, realizado com pacientes internados no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Piauí (HU-UFPI). O estado nutricional foi avaliado por meio da avaliação antropométrica (índice de massa corporal - IMC), avaliação de risco nutricional (rastreamento de risco nutricional e Mini Avaliação Nutricional), medida do ângulo de fase e albumina. Resultados: Verificou-se prevalência (52%) de adequado estado nutricional, com variação do IMC de 22,4 a 35,20 kg/m² (22,83±4,63 kg/m²), oscilação da albumina de 2,00 a 4,60 g/dL (3,68±0,73 g/dL) e o ângulo de fase padronizado variando entre -5,22 a 6,73 Xc/R (-1,23±2,83 Xc/R). Observou-se correlação positiva significativa entre o ângulo de fase padronizado (AFP) e a concentração de albumina na população investigada. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o AFP pode ser um preditor do comprometimento do estado nutricional dos pacientes deste estudo. Contudo, não foi encontrada correlação desse parâmetro com os demais métodos de avaliação do estado nutricional utilizados, à exceção da albumina, com a qual o AFP apresentou correlação positiva. Assim, novos estudos são sugeridos a fim de respaldar a utilização do AFP na detecção do risco nutricional, considerando as diferentes alterações fisiológicas e celulares associadas ao mesmo, em combinação com outras ferramentas, e nas distintas populações e no ambiente hospitalar ao longo de toda a internação.