Publication: Deficiency of antioxidants and increased oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional comparative study in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria
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2021-01
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SAGE Open Medicine
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Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 which has infected over 74 million people, killing
more than 1,600,000 million people around the world as of 17th December 2020. Accumulation of free radicals coupled by
weakened antioxidant system leads to oxidative stress, which will further worsen respiratory diseases, COVID-19 inclusive.
This study aimed to examine the levels of some antioxidants and oxidative stress markers in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study in which 50 COVID-19 symptomatic patients who were on admission
at the COVID-19 isolation center in Jigawa, Northwestern Nigeria, were recruited. Twenty one (21) apparently healthy
individuals were included as controls. Levels of antioxidant trace elements (Se, Zn, Mg, Cu and Cr), 8-isoprostaglandin
F2 alpha and malondialdehyde in the plasma and erythrocytes activity of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide
dismutase and catalase were determined.
Results: The plasma concentrations of vitamins A, C and E were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients
than controls. Activities of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were lower in COVID-19
subjects than controls (p < 0.001). The concentrations of Se, Zn, Mg and Cu were significantly lower (p < 0.001; p = 0.039;
p < 0.001; and p < 0.001), respectively, in COVID-19 patients than controls, while chromium showed no significant difference
(p = 0.605). Oxidative stress marker, 8-isoprostaglandin F2 alpha, was significantly higher (p = 0.049), while malondialdehyde
was lower (p < 0.001) in COVID-19 patients than controls.
Conclusion: In conclusion, COVID-19 patients are prone to depleted levels of antioxidant substances due to their increase
utilization in counterbalancing the negative effect of free radicals. Furthermore, COVID-19 infection with other comorbidities,
such as malaria, hypertension and diabetes, are at higher risk of developing oxidative stress.