Metallomic analysis of urine from individuals with and without Covid-19 infection reveals extensive alterations in metal homeostasis

Author(s)

Leal, Ketolly Natanne da Silva ; da Silva, Ana Beatriz Santos ; Fonseca, Elisania Kelly Barbosa ; Moreira, Olivia Brito de Oliveira ; de Lemos, Lucio Marco ; de Oliveira, Marcone Augusto Leal ; Stewart, Alan J. ; Arruda, Marco Aurelio Zezzi

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY; v. 86, p. 11-pg., 2024-12-01.

Abstract

Background: Metal ions perform important functions in the body and their concentrations in cells and tissues are tightly controlled. Alterations in metal homeostasis can occur in certain disease states including infection. In this study urinary excretion of several metals including calcium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, nickel, selenium, and zinc in Covid-19 patients (n=35) and control (n=60) individuals, spanning ages and sexes. Methods: Urinary samples were analysed using ICP-MS and the differences in metal concentrations between the Covid-19-infected and control groups were assessed using multivariate data analysis and univariate data analysis employing Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The urinary concentrations of all metals analysed were significantly higher in the Covid-infected group (compared to controls), with the exception of copper, which was markedly reduced. The increase in calcium excretion was lower and magnesium excretion greater in Covid-19-positive individuals aged 41 or over compared to those aged 40 or lower. Whilst the increase in iron excretion was lower, and cobalt excretion greater in Covid19-positive males compared to females. Conclusions: The study highlights significant alterations in the handling of a range of metals in the body during Covid-19 infection. It also highlights both age and sex-specific differences in metal homeostasis. The results suggest an important role for copper in the body during Covid-19 infection and suggests that urinary concentrations of copper and other metals may serve as markers to predict progression of the disease. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/24445-8 - EMU granted in process 2018/25207-0: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 18/25207-0 - Nanometallomics applied to soybean cultivation for studying the effects of metal-related nanoparticles
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50867-3 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalysis
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/08543-7 - A speciomic toolkit to investigate fatty acid-mediated changes in plasma zinc speciation and their physiological effects
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/06934-9 - Characterization and quantification of silver and silica nanoparticles applied in soybean cultivation by a single part/cell ICP-MS/MS: translocation and cell interaction studies
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Santos da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral