Scientists from the University of Edinburgh studied the relationship between solar ultraviolet radiation and deaths from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 on the example of three countries – the UK, Italy and the United States. The results are published on the website of preprints medRxiv.
For the study were taken as indicators of UV radiation in the winter period from January to 30 April 2020. Scientists came to the conclusion that the mortality rate from coronavirus is inversely proportional to the level of ultraviolet solar radiation. So, in the USA the risk of dying from COVID-19 reduced by 27 percent in the amplification of the radiation by 100 kilojoules per square meter. In the UK and Italy, the figure was 49 and 19 percent, respectively. As can be seen from these figures, the lower the average level of ultraviolet radiation – the more salutary is his influence. This effect is not dependent on vitamin D, since the amount of solar radiation, which was studied, does not lead to sufficient synthesis.
the Researchers suggest that the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can interfere with the coronavirus in several ways. First, it contributed to the loss of viruses in the air.
second, leads to an increase of nitric oxide on the skin, then penetrates the oxide, dilating blood vessels and reducing the pressure, which is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Also nitric oxide in the body suffering from the effects of the coronavirus that causes extensive damage to organs in severe disease. Ultraviolet light, stimulating the production of nitric oxide, reduces this negative effect.
in addition, there is an assumption that UV radiation reduces the ability of the coronaviruses SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 to replicate, damaging the protein spike of the virus, by which it penetrates into the cells of the body.
the researchers warn that this study is at the stage of paper, i.e., has not been audited by independent specialists and needs further development.
