Recent advances in nutritional metabolism studies on SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), metabolic research has become crucial for in-depth exploration of viral infection mechanisms and in searching for therapeutic strategies. This paper summarizes the interrelationships between carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism and COVID-19 infection, discussing their roles in infection progression. SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to insulin resistance and increased glycolysis, reducing glucose utilization and shifting metabolism to use fat as an energy source. Fat is crucial for viral replication, and imbalances in amino acid metabolism may interfere with immune regulation. Consequently, metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia, hypolipidemia, and deficiency of certain amino acids following SARS-CoV-2 infection can contribute to progression toward severe conditions. These metabolic pathways not only have potential value in prediction and diagnosis but also provide new perspectives for the development of therapeutic strategies. By monitoring metabolic changes, infection severity can be predicted early, and modulating these metabolic pathways may help reduce inflammatory responses, improve immune responses, and reduce the risk of thrombosis. Research on the relationship between metabolism and SARS-CoV-2 infection provides an important scientific basis for addressing the global challenge posed by COVID-19, however, further studies are needed to validate these findings and provide more effective strategies for disease control.