ZincasaNeuroprotectiveNutrientfor COVID-19–RelatedNeuropsychiatric Manifestations:ALiteratureReview

Abstract

TheoutbreakofthepandemicassociatedwithSevereAcuteRespiratorySyndromecoronavirus2(SARS-CoV-2)ledresearcherstofindnewpotential treatments,includingnonpharmacologicalmoleculessuchaszinc(Zn2+).Specifically,theuseofZn2+asatherapyforSARS-CoV-2infectionisbased on several findings:1) the possible roleof the anti-inflammatoryactivity of Zn2+ on the aberrant inflammatoryresponse triggeredby COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19), 2) properties of Zn2+ in modulating the competitive balance between the host and the invading pathogens, and 3) the antiviralactivityofZn2+ onanumberofpathogens,includingcoronaviruses.Furthermore,Zn2+ hasbeenfoundtoplayacentralroleinregulating brainfunctioningandmanydisordershavebeenassociatedwithZn2+ deficiency,includingneurodegenerativediseases,psychiatricdisorders,and brain injuries. Within this context, we carried out a narrative review to provide an overview of the evidence relating to the effects of Zn2+ on the immune and nervous systems, and the therapeutic use of such micronutrients in both neurological and infective disorders, with the final goal of elucidatingthepossibleuseofZn2+asapreventiveortherapeuticinterventioninCOVID-19.Overall,theresultsfromtheavailableevidenceshowed that,owingtoitsneuroprotectiveproperties,Zn2+ supplementationcouldbeeffectivenotonlyonCOVID-19–relatedsymptomsbutalsoonvirus replication,aswellasonCOVID-19–relatedinflammationandneurologicaldamage.However,furtherclinicaltrialsevaluatingtheefficacyofZn2+ as anonpharmacologicaltreatmentofCOVID-19arerequiredtoachieveanoverallimprovementinoutcomeandprognosis