Implication of iron overload in COVID-19 pathogenesis and long COVID: a mechanistic review.

COVID-19 causes cytokine storm which results in altered iron homeostasis within the system. The negative consequences of this include poor iron metabolism, ROS-induced oxidative damage, ferroptosis, and increased severity of COVID-19 along with illnesses like anemia, thalassemia, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and long COVID. Therefore, managing iron overload with natural or synthetic iron chelators and alternative therapeutics can help to reduce the severity of COVID-19. This review analyzes the intricate molecular mechanism of iron dynamics during SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression in COVID-19 patients along with related clinical consequences. Also, the review explores a comprehensive understanding of the reciprocal mechanism between iron overload and COVID-19 and their adverse effects, thereby facilitating the development of potential therapeutic interventions. Plain Language Summary Iron is one of the most important elements of our body. Any disturbance in iron metabolism can lead to disease and can also exacerbate infections, such as COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus also affects the red blood cells and iron-related metabolic dysfunction is observed even after patients recover from infection. The free iron content in the body rises as a result, this is known as iron overload. High levels of iron cause tissue and cell damage and can lead to many problems. Many natural and artificial compounds that bind free iron are given to patients for treatment to remove excess iron from the body. They may also help to treat COVID-19 and prevent worsening of the disease. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]