Novel coronavirus vulnerability: Metabolic derangements and altered dehydrogenase enzyme activities are central to the virus pathogenesis in human, bat and other animals

Abstract

The ongoing pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has killed millions across the globe. This paper hypothesizes anaerobic glycolysis and dehydrogenase enzymes as the focal points of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis that ensure virus survival and replication in humans and the reservoir host bat. Metabolic alterations in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and higher reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy generation make males and aged people more vulnerable to the disease. The bat has a low level of vitamin D, greater metabolic dependence on anaerobic glycolysis, and low dehydrogenase activities which might predispose this mammal to persistent infection. Similarities of the bat metabolism with the metabolic changes brought by SARS-CoV-2 in humans suggest possible evolution of the coronavirus targeting the host metabolic processes for its replication and survival. Further research on host-pathogen interactions at the metabolism levels would unravel the pathogenesis of coronavirus and several other viruses.