Abstract
The kidnapping of the lipid metabolism of the host’s cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) allows the virus to transform the cells into optimal machines for its assembly and replication. Here we evaluated changes in the fatty acid (FA) profile and the participation of the activity of the desaturases, in plasma of patients with severe pneumonia by SARS-CoV-2. We found that SARS-CoV-2 alters the FA metabolism in the cells of the host. Changes are characterized by variations in the desaturases that lead to a decrease in total fatty acid (TFA), phospholipids (PL) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). These alterations include a decrease in palmitic and stearic acids (p ≤ 0.009) which could be used for the formation of the viral membranes and for the reparation of the host’s own membrane. There is also an increase in oleic acid (OA; p = 0.001) which could modulate the inflammatory process, the cytokine release, apoptosis, necrosis, oxidative stress (OS). An increase in linoleic acid (LA) in TFA (p = 0.03) and a decreased in PL (p = 0.001) was also present. They result from damage of the internal mitochondrial membrane. The arachidonic acid (AA) percentage was elevated (p = 0.02) in the TFA and this can be participated in the inflammatory process. EPA was decreased (p = 0.001) and this may decrease of pro-resolving mediators with increase in the inflammatory process. The total of NEFAs (p = 0.03), PL (p = 0.001), cholesterol, HDL and LDL were decreased, and triglycerides were increased in plasma of the COVID-19 patients. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 alters the FA metabolism, the changes are characterized by alterations in the desaturases that lead to variations in the TFA, PL, and NEFAs profiles. These changes may favor the replication of the virus but, at the same time, they are part of the defense system provided by the host cell metabolism in its eagerness to repair damage caused by the virus to cell membranes.
Highlights
MATERIALS AND METHODSOut of the 36 coronaviruses that belong to the Coronaviridae family, the β-coronavirus type 2 it is one that causes the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS−CoV−2) infection in humans
fatty acid (FA) are the main components of the PL, and their metabolisms is very import for the survival of the cell
FA metabolism is as important for viruses as it is for eukaryotic cells
Summary
Out of the 36 coronaviruses that belong to the Coronaviridae family, the β-coronavirus type 2 it is one that causes the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS−CoV−2) infection in humans. This infection is associated with acute lung injury (ALI), that may rapidly progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to COVID−19. Fatty acids (FAs) constitute the main components of the cellular plasma membrane, the organelles, and the vesicles that store energy and they are the building blocks of lipid metabolism. They are the first line of defense when encountering pathogens. The Dengue virus kidnaps the host FA synthase sites to use them for its own replication and to further synthesize FA for survival (Shaath and Alajez, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
