The Role of Bioactive Lipids and Statins in COVID-19 Disease and Their Use in the Therapeutic Approach. Are These Effective?

Abstract

COVID-19 disease constitutes a significant threat to human existence worldwide due to the increased transmissibility, morbidity and mortality caused by the still unknown SARS-COV2 virus. A critical issue is the lack of effectiveness of drug options. In our research, a literature review, we explore the role of bioactive lipids and statins can play, as a main or adjunctive treatment in the COVID-19. We reviewed 150 articles in the Databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Embassy and Cochrane) relatives of the use of bioactive lipids and statins in severe COVID-19 disease and we selected 117 articles that fit with our research question. So, our research constitutes a bibliography review of 117 articles, finally. The administration of exogenous bioactive lipids (BALs), Omega 3 EPA, DHA supplements induces the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the prevention of cytokine storm and enhancing the therapeutic benefit by accelerating recovery. Therefore, they potentially reduce the need for ICU hospitalization and the number of intensive care unit days of stay, accelerating recovery thus also numerically reducing critical cases. The possible harms of lipids should be considered. There are positive and negative effects regarding the use of statins. According to the literature, Statins offer beneficial effects on COVID-19 disease. For de novo statin use in COVID-19 patients, the Benefit/Risk ratio should be taken into account. In conclusion, although lipids and statins seem to benefit patients with severe COVID-19 disease, nevertheless, more double blind randomized studies are needed to determine their safety and efficacy profile.