Can Zn Be a Critical Element in COVID-19 Treatment?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2021
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has prompted investigators worldwide to search for an effective anti-viral treatment. A number of anti-viral drugs such as ribavirin, remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline, and anti-parasite such as ivermectin have been recommended for COVID-19 treatment. In addition, sufficient pre-clinical rationale and evidence have been presented to use chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. Furthermore, Zn has the ability to enhance innate and adaptive immunity in the course of a viral infection. Besides, Zn supplement can favour COVID-19 treatment using those suggested and/or recommended drugs. Again, the effectiveness of Zn can be enhanced by using chloroquine as an ionophore while Zn inside the infected cell can stop SARS-CoV-2 replication. Given those benefits, this perspective paper describes how and why Zn could be given due consideration as a complement to the prescribed treatment of COVID-19.
Keywords
Anti-viral drugs, Chloroquine, SARS-CoV-2, RNA dependent RNA polymerase, Zinc transporter, Pneumocytes
Divisions
Dentistry
Publication Title
Biological Trace Element Research
Volume
199
Issue
2
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Publisher Location
CAMPUS, 4 CRINAN ST, LONDON, N1 9XW, ENGLAND