Unmasking the complex roles of hypocalcemia in cancer, COVID-19, and sepsis: Engineered nanodelivery and diagnosis.

Elham Ghafouri, Mandana Bigdeli, Anis Khalafiyan, Zohre Amirkhani, Roham Ghanbari, Anwarul Hasan, Hossein Khanahmad, Maryam Boshtam, Pooyan Makvandi

Journal: Environmental research 2023;238(Pt 1):116979

PMID: 37660871

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Abstract

Calcium (Ca) homeostasis is essential for maintaining physiological processes in the body. Disruptions in Ca signaling can lead to various pathological conditions including inflammation, fibrosis, impaired immune function, and accelerated senescence. Hypocalcemia, a common symptom in diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), cancer, septic shock, and COVID-19, can have both potential protective and detrimental effects. This article explores the multifaceted role of Ca dysregulation in inflammation, fibrosis, impaired immune function, and accelerated senescence, contributing to disease severity. Targeting Ca signaling pathways may provide opportunities to develop novel therapeutics for age-related diseases and combat viral infections. However, the role of Ca in viral infections is complex, and evidence suggests that hypocalcemia may have a protective effect against certain viruses, while changes in Ca homeostasis can influence susceptibility to viral infections. The effectiveness and safety of Ca supplements in COVID-19 patients remain a subject of ongoing research and debate. Further investigations are needed to understand the intricate interplay between Ca signaling and disease pathogenesis.

Address: Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.; Department of Biology, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.; School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.; Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Electronic address: [email protected].; Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Electronic address: [email protected].; The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China; School of Engineering, Institute for Bioengineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116979

Link outs

Free resources

Full Text Sources:

https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0013...

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/covid19coronavirusdisease2...

Miscellaneous:

https://assays.cancer.gov/CPTAC-177

MeSH Terms: Humans, COVID-19, Hypocalcemia, Sepsis, Inflammation, Neoplasms, Fibrosis, COVID-19 Testing