Metabolic Pathways and COVID-19: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the entire world with a health and economic crisis unprecedented in modern society. So far, more than 500 million people have been affected and more than 6 million deaths from this disease have been reported, although the WHO estimates that the real numbers could triple the officially registered figures. Interestingly, there are many direct links between COVID-19 and the metabolic system. Increased oxidative stress related to the infection itself and the defensive response of macrophages influence endogenous antioxidant systems and compromise mitochondrial function. The consequence is a profound disturbance in glycolysis and lipid and amino acid metabolism. This metabolic manipulation triggers an enhanced inflammatory response that contributes to the severity of symptoms. Unsurprisingly, patients with chronic diseases with a metabolic component are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. This is evident in patients with atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, or fatty liver disease. Likewise, patients with COVID-19 have a high risk of developing long-term metabolic diseases. This Special Issue aims to publish original research papers and reviews on the interrelationships between metabolic pathways and COVID-19. Mechanistic studies concerning patients, experimental animals or cells in culture are welcome, as well as the investigation of potential biomarkers of metabolic origin for the diagnosis, prognosis, or monitoring of the disease. We also welcome the search for new treatments, whether pharmacological or through bioactive compounds, and new therapeutic targets.

Dr. Simona Iftimie
Dr. Jordi Camps
Guest Editors

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