Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020, the majority of which are elderly. Selenium (Se), a natural trace element, has a key and complex role in the immune system. It is well-documented that Se deficiency is associated with higher susceptibility to RNA viral infections and more severe disease outcome. In this article, we firstly present evidence on how Se deficiency promotes mutations, replication and virulence of RNA viruses. Next, we review how Se might be beneficial via restoration of host antioxidant capacity, reduction of apoptosis and endothelial cell damages as well as platelet aggregation. It also appears that low Se status is a common finding in conditions considered at risk of severe COVID-19, especially in the elderly. Finally, we present a rationale for Se use at different stages of COVID-19. Se has been overlooked but may have a significant place in COVID-19 spectrum management, particularly in vulnerable elderly, and might represent a game changer in the global response to COVID-19.
Highlights
severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that started in Wuhan, Hubei province, China and which already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020 [1]
A brief review of how Se deficiency promotes mutations, replication and virulence of different Ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses and secondly, the mechanisms by which Se could act in COVID-19 disease spectrum
Pending the development of an effective vaccine, while faced with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic and especially the unprecedented pressure it exerts on the health care system, the potential use and effectiveness of sodium selenite must be urgently tested and documented in outpatient as well as inpatient settings
Summary
SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic that started in Wuhan, Hubei province, China and which already claimed more than 340,000 lives worldwide as of May 23, 2020 [1]. Cardiac alterations and the prothrombotic propensity in obesity could increase the observed cardiovascular events in intensive care unit COVID-19 patients [58, 91, 92] The fact that these pathologies exhibit oxidative stress and inflammation along with endothelium dysfunction and low Se level [93,94,95,96,97], and the relationships described above between Se and RNA viruses suggest a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and Se. In addition, compared with healthy adults, older subjects are consistently proven to be more vulnerable to COVID19 with atypical clinical presentations [98, 99]. 4 year Se supplementation in Swedish elderly people reduced cardiovascular mortality risk by more than 40%, even 12 years after intervention [112]
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.
