Exploring the Complex Interactions Between COVID-19, Oxidative Stress, and Cancer Susceptibility

Nurhani Jamali¹, Rabiatul Basria S. M. N. Mydin^1,2*, Nur Hakimah Abu Mansor²

Oxidative stress in COVID-19 causes disease severity, induces inflammation, and may increase post-infection cancer risks through DNA damage.

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic has posed significant challenges, impacting millions worldwide and spurring urgent research into its pathogenesis and associated complications. This review examines the complex relationship between COVID-19, oxidative stress, and cancer susceptibility. COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affects multiple organ systems and presents a wide range of symptoms with serious consequences. Oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, potentially worsening disease severity and influencing patient outcomes. The interaction between oxidative stress, inflammation, and COVID-19 progression is intricate, with oxidative stress biomarkers emerging as key contributors to disease severity. Furthermore, post-COVID-19 complications, including increased cancer risks, highlight the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Understanding the complex dynamics of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer susceptibility in the context of COVID-19 is essential for developing comprehensive healthcare strategies and reducing the global disease burden.

Keywords: COVID-19, Oxidative stress, SARS-CoV-2, Cancer, Disease, Virus Infection, Human Health

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