Title:Chronic Diseases and COVID-19: A Review
Volume: 21
Issue: 10
Author(s): Mohammed Ajebli, Ayoub Amssayef, Mourad Akdad, Youness Algharrass, Abdelaadim Babakhouya, Dris Ghanimi and Mohamed Eddouks*
Affiliation:
- Department of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, BP 509, Boutalamine, Errachidia, 52000,Morocco
Keywords:
COVID-19, infection, chronic diseases, immune, vulnerability, mortality, comorbidity, dietetic, antioxidant.
Abstract: The existence of a causal relationship between the rise of the death rate in COVID-19 infected
patients and their sufferance from non-communicable pathophysiological conditions, particularly
chronic diseases, was recently evidenced. In fact, in addition to the immunodeficiency generated
by chronic disease conditions, COVID-19 also led to affect the immune system. Furthermore, the novel
coronavirus attacks the lungs and other vital organs such as heart, kidneys, and brain. All these outcomes
are accused of being involved in the increasing vulnerability and comorbidity in COVID-19-
infected people with chronic diseases. Pharmacological, dietetic and natural approaches were suggested
after deep bibliographic research for presenting preventive recommendations for this category
of patients in order to avoid the fatal complications of this infection, and consequently limiting the risk
of comorbidity. In this regard, some medications could enter into interaction with COVID-19 infection
in patients with diabetes or hypertension and thereafter lead to fatal complications. Furthermore, regarding
their nutritional values, some foods are more useful than others during this pandemic period
because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and perhaps some bioactive phytochemicals,
which are known to be effective in improving immune response, managing chronic diseases and/or
having antiviral activities. In addition, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics and probiotics could
be helpful in these conditions. Interestingly, in order to understand the mechanism of this causality and
suggesting efficacious solutions, this review deserves considerable epidemiologic, clinical and experimental
investigations.
