Artículo

Vitamin D: A key player in COVID-19 immunity and lessons from the pandemic to combat immune-evasive variants

Resumen

As of the 7th of July 2024, 775,754,322 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 7,053,902 deaths worldwide, had been reported to the WHO (World Health Organization). Nevertheless, untill the 15th of July 2024, a total of 13,578,710,228 vaccine doses had been administered, with almost no country spared from COVID-19 attacks. The pathophysiology of this virus is complicated, and several symptoms require a deep understanding of the actual mechanisms. It is unclear why some patients develop severe symptoms while others do not, although literature suggests a role for vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the infection or in ameliorating the severity of symptoms. The mechanism of action of vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is well understood. VDD is associated with increased hospitalization of severely ill patients and increased levels of COVID-19-caused mortality. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D levels and genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene significantly impact the severity and outcomes of COVID-19, especially in the infections caused by Delta and Omicron variants. Furthermore, VDD causes immune system dysregulation upon infection with SARS-CoV-2, indicating that vitamin D sufficiency is crucial in fighting against COVID-19 infection. The therapeutic effect of vitamin D raises interest in its potential role as a prophylactic and treatment adjunct. We evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D and its ability to enhance the efficacy of new antiviral drugs like molnupiravir and paxlovid against SARS-CoV-2. This review discusses the role of vitamin D sufficiency and VDD in COVID-19 initiation and progression, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts its actions as a proactive step for the next pandemic. However, there is still no clear evidence of vitamin D’s impact on prevention and treatment, leading to contradictory findings. Therefore, large-scale randomized trials are required to reach a definitive conclusion. A bibliometric analysis of publications related to vitamin D, immunity, and COVID-19 revealed a significant increase in research activity in this area, particularly in 2020–2024, underscoring the growing recognition of vitamin D’s potential role in the context of the pandemic.
Bulto, Tadesse Weyuma (57218921685); Chebo, Abdella Kosa (57211658384); Regassa, Hailu Fufa (59527811700); Werku, Birhanu Chalchisa (57793656500); Kloos, Helmut (26643043000)
Scientific mapping of the nexus between entrepreneurial orientation and environmental sustainability: bibliometric analysis
2024
10.3389/fsoc.2024.1461840
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85216004215&doi=10.3389%2ffsoc.2024.1461840&partnerID=40&md5=eb475c40557b00c5f84aa42ba2e3e68d
Department of Management, Kotebe University of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Department of Business Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Sociology, Ambo University, Oromia, Ethiopia; Faculty of Resource Management and Economics, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia; Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
All Open Access; Gold Open Access
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