Linking COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease: Targeting the role of Vitamin-D.

PMID 34715496 | PMCID PMC8524705 | DOI 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.10.042 · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2021 · View on PubMed ↗

COVID-19 pandemic has a major effect on world health, particularly on individuals suffering from severe diseases or old aged persons. Various case studies revealed that COVID-19 might increase the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Coxsackievirus, dengue virus Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C virus, Japanese encephalitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis virus, West Nile virus, and human immunodeficiency virus have all been linked to the development of transient or permanent parkinsonism, owing to the induction of neuroinflammation/hypoxic brain injury with structural/functional damage within the basal ganglia. Coronavirus mainly infects the alveolar cells and may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 invades cells via the ACE2 receptor, which is widely expressed in the central nervous system, where the virus may precipitate or accelerate dementia. SARS-CoV-2 could enter the central nervous system directly by the olfactory/vagus nerves or through the bloodstream. Here, we talked about the importance of this viral infection in terms of the CNS as well as its implications for people with Parkinson's disease; anosmia & olfaction-related impairments in COVID-19 & PD patients. And, also discussed the role of vitamin D to sustain the progression of Parkinson's disease and the COVID-19; regular vitamin D3 consumption of 2000-5000 IU/day may reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19 in parkinsonian patients.