Stimulating Mitochondrial Biogenesis through Exercise - a Viable Way to Prevent Severe Forms of COVID-19?

Abstract

Prophylaxis of severe forms of COVID-19 infection can be achieved by exercising, especially endurance, which stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and improves their functionality, these organelles having a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Some drugs and supplements that stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis through exercise (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox), ?3 fatty acids, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B12, folic acid, magnesium, MitoQ) and others that inhibit it (acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, acetaminophen). The implementation of the medical hypothesis that stimulating muscle biogenesis through moderate-intensity exercise would reduce the risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19 could result in a decrease in the number of deaths by more than a third.