Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) are involved in providing structure to the membranes of phospholipids, as well as membrane fluidity. They also play a role in the expression of genes and serve as substrates for lipids (eicosanoids). Eicosanoids that come from EPA don’t cause as much inflammation as those that come from ARA. However, T-cells contain greater amounts of ARA.

Polyunsaturated fats and its effect on COVID-19 

- High amounts of fat in the blood is a side effect of COVID-19
- When tocilizumab was used over a long period of time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it showed an increase in lipid count
- Drugs that aid in lowering cholesterol levels (statins) serve as a form of treatment for COVID-19
- Statins are known to ease inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as regulate cytokine production

Michigan State University

- Pituitary gland: improper functioning of the hypothalamus in association with pituitary gland; changes the metabolism of ADH (regulates the amount of water in the kidneys); abnormal sodium levels
- Thyroid: sick euthyroid syndrome → decrease in size of thyroid gland; changes in TSH levels
- Adrenal gland: increased chance of COVID-19 infection if presented with Cushing’s syndrome (too much cortisol) or Addison’s disease (inadequate aldosterone and cortisol)
- Pancreas: those with diabetes are at higher risk of getting COVID-19
- Bone: low vitamin D and hypocalcemia

Dysfunctions/ diseases in endocrine glands/organs that could lead to greater susceptibility to COVID-19

Marazuela, M., Giustina, A., & Puig-Domingo, M. (2020). Endocrine and metabolic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 1-13.

Endocrine and metabolic aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic


- COVID-19 → malnutrition
- COVID-19 patients are hyporexic → imbalance in nutrition
- Lack of vitamin D is associated with a malfunctioning immune system
- Vitamin D supplements can protect against a respiratory infection in COVID-19 patients

Vitamin D and COVID-19

Lipids (Fats) and COVID-19

- A study done in 2003 on SARS patients showed that follicular thyroid cells were destroyed
- The study also indicated that low triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels in SARS patients
- It is possible that COVID-19 could cause the relapse of Graves’ disease (associated with hyperthyroidism)

Thyroid gland and COVID-19

- Adrenal insufficiency → defective T-cells →  impaired immune response → possible increased risk of COVID-19
- Cushing’s disease → excess cortisol (a steroid) → suppressed immune system → increased likelihood of COVID-19
- Androgens and COVID-19: Study found that more men were susceptible to COVID-19 than women; Androgens suppress the immune system


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