Selenium, selenoprotein P, and oxidative stress levels in SARS-CoV-2 patients during illness and recovery

Inflammopharmacology. 2022 Apr;30(2):499-503. doi: 10.1007/s10787-022-00925-z. Epub 2022 Feb 14.

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess tendency of oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients depending on severity.

Methods: The study was conducted with 80 post-COVID-19 disease patients and 40 acutely ill patients. Content of selenium in blood plasma was detected by a fluorimetric method with di-amino-naphthalene using acidic hydrolysis. Selenoprotein P, malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal and their metabolite adducts were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods using commercial assay kits.

Results: Obtained results showed that selenium content in blood for post-COVID-19 disease patients was of a similar lower norm for Latvian inhabitants. Selenium and seleno-protein P contents for acute patients were significantly decreased compared with post-COVID-19 disease patients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, COVID-19 involves induction of antioxidant systems-in case of severe disease, patients have significantly low concentration of selenium, seleno-protein P and higher level of oxidative stress, which, in turn, confirms the more intense formation of free radicals in the body.

Keywords: COVID-19; Free radicals; Oxidative stress; Selenium; Selenoprotein P.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress*
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Selenium* / metabolism
  • Selenoprotein P* / metabolism

Substances

  • SELENOP protein, human
  • Selenoprotein P
  • Selenium