The Role of Zinc and Copper in Platelet Activation and Pathophysiological Thrombus Formation in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism in the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Abstract

To date, many studies have proved that COVID-19 increases the incidence of thrombus formation and coagulopathies but the exact mechanism behind such a disease outcome is not well known. In this review we collect the information and discuss the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in patients with pulmonary embolism in the course of COVID-19 disease and the role of zinc and copper in the process. Supplementation of zinc and copper may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. On the other hand, excess of those microelements in the organism may be harmful, that is why marking the level of those micronutrients should be done at first. We also propose further investigation of diagnostic and therapeutic options of zinc and copper in course of COVID-19 thrombus formation to their potential in patient care, with particular emphasis on the dosage and the duration of their misbalance.

Copper homeostasis dysregulation in respiratory diseases: a review of current knowledge

“…Cu is an essential micronutrient for both pathogens and infected animal hosts. In addition to being essential for the function of the immune system in humans, copper neutralizes infectious DNA and RNA viruses and activates autophagy (Zischka and Kroemer, 2020;Szewc et al, 2022). During infection, invading bacterial pathogens must obtain essential metals such as Zn, manganese, Fe, and Cu from their hosts to colonize and replicate.…”

Metals and Metal Complexes in Diseases with a Focus on COVID-19: Facts and Opinions

“…In turn, a review conducted by Szewc et al collected information about the role of certain minerals, i.e., zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), in platelet activation and pathophysiological thrombus formation in patients with pulmonary embolism in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection [ 10 ]. The authors graphically portrayed (a) the process of platelet activation caused by Zn, (b) the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and possible options for the pathway of the disease process, and (c) the risk factors predisposing populations to pulmonary embolism.…”

“…As highlighted in the paper, it is important to understand the exact pathophysiological mechanism of thrombus formation in patients with pulmonary embolism, as it is one of the most common complications in the course of SARS-CoV-2 disease. The authors also indicated the need for exploring the therapeutic options of Zn and Cu in the course of COVID-19 thrombus formation with an emphasis on the dosage and duration of their misbalance [ 10 ].…”

Biochemical Approach to Poly(Lactide)–Copper Composite—Impact on Blood Coagulation Processes

“…As the continuation of our research program directed at antibacterial composites [41][42][43][44], we present here the paper on PLA-Cu composites consisting of a hemostatic matrix [39,[45][46][47][48][49] and hemostatic metal [50][51][52][53][54][55][56].…”