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.