Protective and therapeutic potentials of HDL and ApoA1 in COVID-19 elderly and chronic illness patients

Bull Natl Res Cent. 2022;46(1):222. doi: 10.1186/s42269-022-00886-x. Epub 2022 Jul 28.

Abstract

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Elderly subjects, obese, and patients with chronic illnesses, are the most affected group. HDL has pleiotropic physiological functions that are affected with alteration(s) in its structure.

Main text: Inflammation whether septic, immune, or other affects HDL structure and function. COVID-19 is associated with systemic immune-inflammation due to cytokine surge. Viral interaction with erythrocytes and hemoglobin-related compounds (may cause anemia and hypoxia) and other factors may affect HDL function. Trials have been conducted to resume HDL functions using peptide preparation, nutritional, and herbal elements.

Conclusions: In this review article, I'll discuss the use of reconstituted HDL (rHDL), Apo-A1 mimetic peptide D-4F, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the powdered roots and/or extract of Saussurea lappa (costus) to avoid comorbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in patients with chronic illness or elderly-age mortality.

Keywords: Apo-A1 mimetic peptide D-4F; ApoM-sphingosine-1-phosphate; COVID-19; Chronic illness; Elderly subjects; HDL-Apo-lipoprotein A1; Hemoglobin-haptoglobin-hemopexin; Saussurea lappa (costus); ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Publication types

  • Review