Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) Activity, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Post-COVID-19 Patients

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms and improving antioxidant levels in individuals diagnosed with post-COVID-19 condition, a state known as long-COVID. These individuals are primarily adults who have recovered from severe COVID-19 and exhibit persistent symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplementation decrease levels of anxiety and depression in patients with post-COVID-19 condition? Does vitamin D (cholecalciferol) supplementation increase glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in these patients? Researchers will compare the effects of daily versus bolus doses of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) to see if one method is more effective than the other in achieving sufficient vitamin D levels and improving clinical outcomes. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to receive either a daily dose or a bolus dose of vitamin D over an 8-week period. Undergo blood tests to measure biochemical markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and GPx before and two months after starting supplementation. Have their lung function tested using spirometry and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to assess changes in anxiety and depression levels.

This clinical trial investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of vitamin D supplementation in individuals experiencing persistent health issues following recovery from severe COVID-19, commonly referred to as post-COVID-19 condition or long-COVID. The study primarily focuses on the neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression and the antioxidant enzyme activity, specifically glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which plays a critical role in mitigating oxidative stress within the body. The trial is designed as a pilot, randomized controlled trial, where participants are divided into two groups to receive vitamin D in different dosing regimens: a daily dose and a bolus dose, administered weekly. This method allows for an examination of the efficacy of dosage frequency on achieving optimal serum vitamin D levels, which are hypothesized to influence the biochemical pathways involved in inflammatory and oxidative processes. During the study, participants\' serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a marker for vitamin D status, are assessed to ensure they reach and maintain a target level that previous studies have associated with optimal immune function and reduced inflammation. The participants\' initial vitamin D status is carefully evaluated to tailor the supplementation dose according to individual needs, following a formula that considers their weight and the desired increase in 25(OH)D levels. The antioxidant capacity of participants is measured through the activity of GPx in the blood. This enzyme is crucial for reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases and has been suggested to play a significant role in the severity and progression of post-COVID-19 symptoms. By measuring GPx activity before and after vitamin D supplementation, the study aims to provide insights into the effectiveness of vitamin D in enhancing antioxidant defenses in post-COVID patients. Furthermore, the trial includes an evaluation of lung function using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and standard pulmonary function tests, including spirometry and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). These assessments help to determine any improvements in respiratory health, which is often compromised in patients with long-term COVID-19 effects. The impact of vitamin D on neuropsychiatric symptoms is assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a validated tool that rates the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. This aspect of the study highlights the potential of vitamin D not just as a physical health supplement but also as a modulator of mental health, particularly in the context of the ongoing recovery from a severe infectious disease. By conducting this trial, the researchers aim to shed light on the broader implications of vitamin D supplementation, not only as a means of improving vitamin D status but also as a potentially significant intervention for improving the quality of life and health outcomes in individuals suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19.