1
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Wolszczak-Biedrzycka B, Dorf J, Matowicka-Karna J, Dymicka-Piekarska V, Wojewódzka-Żeleźniakowicz M, Żukowski P, Zalewska A, Dąbrowski Ł, Maciejczyk M. Redox Biomarkers - An Effective Tool for Diagnosing COVID-19 Patients and Convalescents. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2589-2607. [PMID: 38699594 PMCID: PMC11063110 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s456849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim COVID-19 triggers the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which, in combination with a weakened antioxidant barrier, can lead to protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, the overall redox potential, and protein and lipid peroxidation products in COVID-19 patients, convalescents, and healthy subjects, and to the determine the diagnostic applicability of these parameters in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods The study involved 218 patients with COVID-19, 69 convalescents, and 48 healthy subjects who were selected for the research based on age and sex. The study was conducted between 20 February 2021 and 20 November 2021 in Białystok, Poland. The antioxidant barrier, redox status, and oxidative damage products were assessed in serum/plasma samples with the use of colorimetric and spectrophotometric assays. Results Glutathione reductase (GR) activity was higher, whereas total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was lower in COVID-19 patients than in convalescents (p<0.0001) and the control group (p<0.0001). The concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were higher in COVID-19 patients (p<0.0001) and convalescents (p<0.0001) than in the control group. AGEs were the most effective diagnostic biomarker for differentiating COVID-19 patients from the control group (AUC=0.9971) and convalescents from the control group (AUC=1.000). Conclusion An infection with the SARS-CoV-2 disrupts the redox balance and increases protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. AGEs fulfill the criteria for a potential diagnostic biomarker in COVID-19 patients and convalescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Wolszczak-Biedrzycka
- Department of Psychology and Sociology of Health and Public Health, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Justyna Dorf
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Joanna Matowicka-Karna
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | | | - Piotr Żukowski
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anna Zalewska
- Independent Laboratory of Experimental Dentistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Mateusz Maciejczyk
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Ergonomics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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2
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Yıldırım Demirdöğen E, Tanrıverdi Ç, Kara İ, Donbaloğlu MA, Özgeriş FB. Oxidative Imbalance in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: A Preliminary Comparative Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e54796. [PMID: 38529433 PMCID: PMC10961602 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It is important to determine the possible related factors of anxiety disorder, one of the common psychiatric disorders of childhood. Our aims in this study were to compare oxidative stress markers between anxiety disorders in pediatric patients and healthy controls and to examine the relationship between anxiety symptom severity and oxidative stress indicators. Methods The study included 25 patients and 25 healthy controls. We measured the total oxidant capacity (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAS) from the collected serum samples and calculated the oxidative stress index (OSI). We evaluated the clinical severity of the anxiety symptoms by the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version (RCADS-CV). Results The groups did not exhibit a noteworthy distinction in terms of TOS (p=0.128) and TAS (p=0.329). However, OSI was markedly elevated in the group with anxiety disorder (p=0.044). In the correlation analysis between anxiety symptom severity and oxidative stress indicators in the group with anxiety disorder, we found a positive correlation between TOS and RCADS total anxiety score (p=0.08). Conclusion These results may point to an oxidative dysfunction in anxiety disorders and the potential role of oxidative stress in their aetiology. Prospective, large-scale, randomized studies are needed to investigate if oxidative stress indicators can be used in the diagnosis of anxiety disorders and as new treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esen Yıldırım Demirdöğen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, TUR
| | - Çiğdem Tanrıverdi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, TUR
| | - İhsan Kara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital, Erzurum, TUR
| | - Mehmet Ali Donbaloğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, TUR
| | - Fatma Betül Özgeriş
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, TUR
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3
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Neves FF, Pott-Junior H, Yamashita KMC, de Sousa Santos S, Cominetti MR, de Melo Freire CC, Cunha AFD, Jordão Júnior AA. Do the oxidative stress biomarkers predict COVID-19 outcome? An in-hospital cohort study. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 207:194-199. [PMID: 37454917 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In SARSCoV-2 infections, excessive activation of the immune system dramatically elevates reactive oxygen species levels, harms cell structures, and directly increases disease severity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate whether plasma oxidative stress biomarker levels could predict mortality in adults admitted with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), considering potential confounders. We conducted a cohort study of 115 adults (62.1 ± 17.6 years, 65 males) admitted to a Brazilian public hospital for severely symptomatic COVID-19. Serum levels of α-tocopherol, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein products were quantified at COVID-19 diagnosis using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum levels of α-tocopherol, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and advanced oxidation protein products differed significantly between survivors and non-survivors. Serum glutathione levels below 327.2 μmol/mL were associated with a significant risk of death in COVID-19 patients, even after accounting for other factors (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.12 [95% CI: 1.83-5.33]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Fernandes Neves
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, 13565-905, São, Carlos, Brazil.
| | - Henrique Pott-Junior
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, 13565-905, São, Carlos, Brazil
| | | | - Sigrid de Sousa Santos
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, 13565-905, São, Carlos, Brazil
| | - Marcia Regina Cominetti
- Department of Gerontology, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, 13565-905, São, Carlos, Brazil
| | - Caio Cesar de Melo Freire
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, 13565-905, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Anderson Ferreira da Cunha
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, 13565-905, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Alceu Afonso Jordão Júnior
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo - USP, 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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4
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Mihajlović A, Ivanov D, Tapavički B, Marković M, Vukas D, Miljković A, Bajić D, Semnic I, Bogdan M, Karaba Jakovljević D, Nikolić S, Slavić D, Lendak D. Prognostic Value of Routine Biomarkers in the Early Stage of COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2137. [PMID: 37570378 PMCID: PMC10418955 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11152137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Various biomarkers like certain complete blood cell count parameters and the derived ratios including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio are commonly used to evaluate disease severity. Our study aimed to establish if baseline levels of complete blood cell count-derived biomarkers and CRP, measured before any treatment which can interfere with their values, could serve as a predictor of development of pneumonia and the need for hospitalization requiring oxygen therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the laboratory data of 200 consecutive patients without comorbidities, who denied usage of medications prior to blood analysis and visited a COVID-19 ambulance between October and December 2021. Multivariate regression analysis extracted older age, elevated CRP and lower eosinophil count as significant independent predictors of pneumonia (p = 0.003, p = 0.000, p = 0.046, respectively). Independent predictors of hospitalization were higher CRP (p = 0.000) and lower platelet count (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios between examined groups. Individual biomarkers such as platelet and eosinophil count might be better in predicting the severity of COVID-19 than the neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mihajlović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - David Ivanov
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Borislav Tapavički
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milica Marković
- Health Centre Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 75, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dragana Vukas
- Health Centre Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 75, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ana Miljković
- Health Centre Novi Sad, Bulevar Cara Lazara 75, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dejana Bajić
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Isidora Semnic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 1, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Maja Bogdan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Put Dr Goldmana Street 4, 21204 Sremska Kamenica, Serbia
| | - Dea Karaba Jakovljević
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Stanislava Nikolić
- Department of Pathophysiology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 1, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Danijel Slavić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dajana Lendak
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 1, 21137 Novi Sad, Serbia
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5
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Alam MS, Hasan MN, Maowa Z, Khatun F, Nazir KHMNH, Alam MZ. N-acetylcysteine reduces severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10:157-168. [PMID: 37534078 PMCID: PMC10390689 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2023.j665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Recent clinical studies suggest that oxidative stress is one of the key players in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature published on the therapeutic intervention of NAC on COVID-19 infection. Methods We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. We identified and screened eight studies with 20,503 participants, including 2,852 in the NAC-treated group and 17,651 in the placebo group, which reported the effect of NAC on COVID-19 infection. A meta-analysis was performed using forest plots under fixed effect estimates based on the standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). Results Pooled analysis showed that NAC was associated with lower mortality in patients with COVID-19 compared with the placebo group [RR, 0.65; (95% CI: 0.56 to 0.75); p < 0.0001]. Similarly, C-reactive protein (CRP) [SMD, -0.32; (95% CI: -56 to -0.09); p = 0.0070] and D-dimer [SMD, -0.35, (95% CI: -0.59 to -0.10; p = 0.0062] levels were significantly decreased, and the oxygenation marker, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, was increased in the NAC-treated group compared with the placebo group [SMD, 0.76; (95% CI: 0.48 to 1.03); p < 0.0001]. Conclusion Although the number of included studies was minimal, this meta-analysis suggests that NAC may have a positive effect on COVID-19 outcomes, specifically, a significant decrease in CRP and D-dimer levels and a significant increase in oxygen saturation, which decreased mortality. We have also presented a comprehensive review of the role and mechanisms of NAC in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shah Alam
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Nazmol Hasan
- Department of Statistics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Zannatul Maowa
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Fahima Khatun
- Department of Pathobiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Zahangeer Alam
- Department of Environmental Science, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
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6
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Basaran MM, Hazar M, Aydın M, Uzuğ G, Özdoğan İ, Pala E, Aydın Dilsiz S, Basaran N. Effects of COVID-19 Disease on DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses. TOXICS 2023; 11:386. [PMID: 37112613 PMCID: PMC10145820 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a great threat to public health and has caused concern due to its fatal consequences over the last few years. Most people with COVID-19 show mild-to-moderate symptoms and recover without the need for special treatment, while others become seriously ill and need medical attention. Additionally, some serious outcomes, such as heart attacks and even stroke, have been later reported in patients who had recovered. There are limited studies on how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects some molecular pathways, including oxidative stress and DNA damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate DNA damage, using the alkaline comet assay, and its relationship with oxidative stress and immune response parameters in COVID-19-positive patients. Our results show that DNA damage, oxidative stress parameters and cytokine levels significantly increased in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients when compared with healthy controls. The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on DNA damage, oxidative stress and immune responses may be crucial in the pathophysiology of the disease. It is suggested that the illumination of these pathways will contribute to the development of clinical treatments and to reduce adverse effects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Mert Basaran
- Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafkas University, 36000 Kars, Türkiye
| | - Merve Hazar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, İbrahim Cecen University, 04100 Ağrı, Türkiye;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Türkiye;
| | - Mehtap Aydın
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, 34764 İstanbul, Türkiye; (M.A.); (G.U.); (İ.Ö.)
| | - Gülsüm Uzuğ
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, 34764 İstanbul, Türkiye; (M.A.); (G.U.); (İ.Ö.)
| | - İlkima Özdoğan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, 34764 İstanbul, Türkiye; (M.A.); (G.U.); (İ.Ö.)
| | - Emin Pala
- Department of Family Medicine, Health Sciences University, Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital, 34764 İstanbul, Türkiye;
| | - Sevtap Aydın Dilsiz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Türkiye;
| | - Nursen Basaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Başkent University, 06490 Ankara, Türkiye
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7
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Botto L, Lonati E, Russo S, Cazzaniga E, Bulbarelli A, Palestini P. Effects of PM2.5 Exposure on the ACE/ACE2 Pathway: Possible Implication in COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4393. [PMID: 36901403 PMCID: PMC10002082 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a harmful component of urban air pollution and PM2.5, in particular, can settle in the deep airways. The RAS system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pollution-induced inflammatory diseases: the ACE/AngII/AT1 axis activates a pro-inflammatory pathway counteracted by the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/MAS axis, which in turn triggers an anti-inflammatory and protective pathway. However, ACE2 acts also as a receptor through which SARS-CoV-2 penetrates host cells to replicate. COX-2, HO-1, and iNOS are other crucial proteins involved in ultrafine particles (UFP)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, but closely related to the course of the COVID-19 disease. BALB/c male mice were subjected to PM2.5 sub-acute exposure to study its effects on ACE2 and ACE, COX-2, HO-1 and iNOS proteins levels, in the main organs concerned with the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The results obtained show that sub-acute exposure to PM2.5 induces organ-specific modifications which might predispose to greater susceptibility to severe symptomatology in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The novelty of this work consists in using a molecular study, carried out in the lung but also in the main organs involved in the disease, to analyze the close relationship between exposure to pollution and the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Botto
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Elena Lonati
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Stefania Russo
- FIMP-Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Cazzaniga
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- POLARIS Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bulbarelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- POLARIS Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Palestini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- POLARIS Centre, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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8
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Çakırca TD, Çakırca G, Torun A, Bindal A, Üstünel M, Kaya A. Comparing the predictive values of procalcitonin/albumin ratio and other inflammatory markers in determining COVID-19 severity. Pak J Med Sci 2023; 39:450-455. [PMID: 36950410 PMCID: PMC10025747 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.2.6856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the relationship between COVID-19 severity and procalcitonin/albumin ratio (PAR) and compare the PAR with oft-reported inflammatory markers, including procalcitonin, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods In this retrospective research study conducted at Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital during May to September 2020; total, 577 adult subjects diagnosed with COVID-19 were included and categorized into two groups based on place of hospitalization: the intensive care unit (ICU) group (n=151) and the general ward (GW) group (n=426). Laboratory test results and demographic characteristics of the subjects were recorded. Results PAR, NLR, CRP, WBC, neutrophil and procalcitonin values were markedly higher in the ICU group than in the GW group. On the contrary, lymphocyte count and albumin level were markedly lower. PAR showed positive correlations with WBC, NLR, and CRP. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age, presence of hypertension, elevated PAR, WBC, NLR, urea and lactate dehydrogenase levels were independent risk factors associated with the need for intensive care in COVID-19 subjects. Among them, the PAR showed the highest odds ratio (5.564) for ICU admission. Additionally, the area under the ROC curve of the PAR (0.888) was markedly greater than that of WBC (0.777), NLR (0.822), CRP (0.842) and procalcitonin (0.870). Conclusions This study revealed that PAR was superior to procalcitonin, WBC, NLR and CRP in determining COVID-19 severity. PAR was an important predictor of ICU requirement in COVID-19 cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Damar Çakırca
- Tuba Damar Çakırca, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Çakırca
- Gökhan Çakırca, Department of Biochemistry, Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan, Sanliurfa Mehmet Akif Inan Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Torun
- Ayşe Torun, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Bindal
- Ahmet Bindal, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Murat Üstünel
- Murat Üstünel, Department of Biochemistry, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Kaya
- Ahmet Kaya, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey
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9
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Tepebaşı MY, İlhan İ, Temel EN, Sancer O, Öztürk Ö. Investigation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in COVID-19 patients. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:191-199. [PMID: 36797451 PMCID: PMC9936118 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 disease, which spreads worldwide, is a disease characterized by widespread inflammation and affects many organs, especially the lungs. The resulting inflammation can lead to reactive oxygen radicals, leading to oxidative DNA damage. The pneumonia severity of 95 hospitalized patients with positive RT-PCR test was determined and divided into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe/critical. Inflammation markers (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, serum reactive protein, procalcitonin, etc.) were determined, and IL-10 and IFN-γ measurements were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In evaluating oxidative damage, total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels were determined by measuring spectrophotometrically. The comet assay method's percentage of tail DNA obtained was used to determine oxidative DNA damage. As a result, when the mild and severe/critical groups were compared, we found that total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide levels decreased significantly in the severe/critical group due to the increase in inflammation markers and cytokine levels (p < 0.05). We could not detect any significance in IMA levels between the groups (p > 0.05). At the same time, we determined an increase in the tail DNA percent level, that is, DNA damage, due to the increased oxidative effect. As a result, we determined that inflammation and oxidative stress increased in patients with severe pneumonia, and there was DNA damage in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - İlter İlhan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Süleyman Demirel, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Esra Nurlu Temel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Süleyman Demirel, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Okan Sancer
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Süleyman Demirel, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Önder Öztürk
- Department of Chest Diseases, University of Süleyman Demirel, Isparta, Turkey
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10
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DAMAR ÇAKIRCA T, BAL T. Relationship between COVID-19 infection and ABO and Rh blood group systems. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.1134928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between COVID-19 infection and ABO and Rh blood groups.
Materials and Methods: 1360 patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA test between April 2020 and March 2022 and 80219 healthy controls whose blood groups were determined before March 2020 were included in this study. Patients were classified according to disease severity as mild, moderate, severe and critical.
Results: Patient and control groups were matched in terms of age and gender using case-control matched method. 1360 patients and 1161 controls were included in the analysis. Of the patients, 42.1% (n=572) had mild, 41.5% (n=564) moderate, 13.8% (n=187) severe and 2.7% (n=37) critical course of infection. It was observed that patients with blood group A were 1.33 times more at risk (OR: 1.33, 95%Cl: 1.12-1.56) for the development of COVID-19 infection compared to patients with other blood groups. No relationship was found between ABO and Rh blood groups and severe-critical COVID-19 disease, need for intensive care and mortality. However, when patients are divided into two groups as mild and non-mild (moderate, severe, critical); the frequency of having O and B blood groups was found to be significantly higher in non-mild cases than in mild cases ( (53.3% and 46.7%), (64.5% and 35.5%, respectively).
Conclusion: In our study, while A blood group was found to be at risk for the development of COVID-19 infection, no relationship was found between Rh blood groups and susceptibility to the disease. In addition, the rate of O and B blood groups was found to be higher in patients who did not have mild disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tayibe BAL
- MUSTAFA KEMAL ÜNİVERSİTESİ, TAYFUR ATA SÖKMEN TIP FAKÜLTESİ, DAHİLİ TIP BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ, ENFEKSİYON HASTALIKLARI ANABİLİM DALI
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11
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DUYURAN R, GÜRBÜZ H, BAYRAKÇI S, ÇİÇEK H. Serum oxidant, antioxidant, and paraoxonase levels in COVID-19 patients. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.1167711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of his study was to determine serum oxidant status (TOS), antioxidant status (TAS), and paraoxonase (PON1) levels and to determine their diagnostic values in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: The research was carried out on patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Within the scope of the study, a total of 87 patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19, 48 (55.1%) male and 39 (44.9%) were evaluated. Total antioxidant determination was performed using a microplate reader according to the Erel method. To calculate the Oxidative stress index (OSI), TOS and TAS levels were determined.
Results: Male gender was associated with high PON1, smoking with high TOS, the presence of hypertension and Diabetes mellitus (DM) diseases with low OSI, and the presence of asthma with low PON1. High PON1 was found to be associated with shorter hospitalization duration and high TOS was associated with longer hospitalization duration. TAS and TOS levels increased significantly due to the increase in CRP, TOS levels due to the increase in neutrophil level, OSI levels due to the increase in leukocyte level, PON1 levels increased due to the increase in LDH level TAS, TOS, OSI, and PON1 cut-off values were 1.41 (AUC: 0.647), 4.56 (AUC: 0.493), 0.421 (AUC: 0.505) and 340 (AUC: 0.536), sensitivity values were 65.5, 55.2, 48.3 and 51.7; specificity values were calculated respectively as 62.1, 46.6, 34.5 and 53.4.
Conclusion: Although it is seen that oxidative stress types have diagnostic value, there is a need for more comprehensive studies with larger samples on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hüseyin GÜRBÜZ
- 2. Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine
| | - Sinem BAYRAKÇI
- 3. Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital, Department of Intensive Care
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12
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Inhibition of the Cell Uptake of Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Pseudoviruses by N-Acetylcysteine Irrespective of the Oxidoreductive Environment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203313. [PMID: 36291178 PMCID: PMC9599975 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The binding of SARS-CoV-2 spikes to the cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a crucial target both in the prevention and in the therapy of COVID-19. We explored the involvement of oxidoreductive mechanisms by investigating the effects of oxidants and antioxidants on virus uptake by ACE2-expressing cells of human origin (ACE2-HEK293). The cell uptake of pseudoviruses carrying the envelope of either Delta or Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated by means of a cytofluorimetric approach. The thiol N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) inhibited the uptake of both variants in a reproducible and dose-dependent fashion. Ascorbic acid showed modest effects. In contrast, neither hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) nor a system-generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which play an important role in the intracellular alterations produced by SARS-CoV-2, were able to affect the ability of either Delta or Omicron SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses to be internalized into ACE2-expressing cells. In addition, neither H2O2 nor the ROS generating system interfered with the ability of NAC to inhibit that mechanism. Moreover, based on previous studies, a preventive pharmacological approach with NAC would have the advantage of decreasing the risk of developing COVID-19, irrespective of its variants, and at the same time other respiratory viral infections and associated comorbidities.
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13
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Žarković N, Jastrząb A, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Orehovec B, Baršić B, Tarle M, Kmet M, Lukšić I, Łuczaj W, Skrzydlewska E. The Impact of Severe COVID-19 on Plasma Antioxidants. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165323. [PMID: 36014561 PMCID: PMC9416063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several studies suggested the association of COVID-19 with systemic oxidative stress, in particular with lipid peroxidation and vascular stress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant signaling in the plasma of eighty-eight patients upon admission to the Clinical Hospital Dubrava in Zagreb, of which twenty-two died within a week, while the other recovered. The differences between the deceased and the survivors were found, especially in the reduction of superoxide dismutases (SOD-1 and SOD-2) activity, which was accompanied by the alteration in glutathione-dependent system and the intensification of the thioredoxin-dependent system. Reduced levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, especially tocopherol, were also observed, which correlated with enhanced lipid peroxidation (determined by 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and neuroprostane levels) and oxidative modifications of proteins assessed as 4-HNE-protein adducts and carbonyl groups. These findings confirm the onset of systemic oxidative stress in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2, especially those who died from COVID-19, as manifested by strongly reduced tocopherol level and SOD activity associated with lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we propose that preventive and/or supplementary use of antioxidants, especially of lipophilic nature, could be beneficial for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neven Žarković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress (LabOS), Ruđer Bošković Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Jastrząb
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Iwona Jarocka-Karpowicz
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Biserka Orehovec
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bruno Baršić
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Tarle
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Kmet
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Lukšić
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Wojciech Łuczaj
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Skrzydlewska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
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14
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Tsermpini EE, Glamočlija U, Ulucan-Karnak F, Redenšek Trampuž S, Dolžan V. Molecular Mechanisms Related to Responses to Oxidative Stress and Antioxidative Therapies in COVID-19: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081609. [PMID: 36009328 PMCID: PMC9405444 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a leading global health and economic challenge. What defines the disease’s progression is not entirely understood, but there are strong indications that oxidative stress and the defense against reactive oxygen species are crucial players. A big influx of immune cells to the site of infection is marked by the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Our article aims to highlight the critical role of oxidative stress in the emergence and severity of COVID-19 and, more importantly, to shed light on the underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms. We have reviewed the available literature and clinical trials to extract the relevant genetic variants within the oxidative stress pathway associated with COVID-19 and the anti-oxidative therapies currently evaluated in the clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment, in particular clinical trials on glutathione and N-acetylcysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Eirini Tsermpini
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Una Glamočlija
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Fulden Ulucan-Karnak
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100 İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sara Redenšek Trampuž
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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15
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Green Tea Polyphenol (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG): A Time for a New Player in the Treatment of Respiratory Diseases? Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081566. [PMID: 36009285 PMCID: PMC9405266 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenol of green tea that possesses a wide variety of actions. EGCG acts as a strong antioxidant which effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibits pro-oxidant enzymes including NADPH oxidase, activates antioxidant systems including superoxide dismutase, catalase, or glutathione, and reduces abundant production of nitric oxide metabolites by inducible nitric oxide synthase. ECGC also exerts potent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, pro-apoptotic, anti-tumorous, and metabolic effects via modulation of a variety of intracellular signaling cascades. Based on this knowledge, the use of EGCG could be of benefit in respiratory diseases with acute or chronic inflammatory, oxidative, and fibrotizing processes in their pathogenesis. This article reviews current information on the biological effects of EGCG in those respiratory diseases or animal models in which EGCG has been administered, i.e., acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory infections, COVID-19, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis, silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, and lung embolism, and critically discusses effectiveness of EGCG administration in these respiratory disorders. For this review, articles in English language from the PubMed database were used.
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Duran E, Taşkın A, Pehlivan B, Çelik H, Pehlivan VF, Taşkın S. Dynamic Thiol Disulphide Homeostasis in the Follow-Up of the Prognosis of Patients Treated for COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit. Cureus 2022; 14:e27542. [PMID: 36060378 PMCID: PMC9428424 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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Balta S, Balta I. COVID-19 and Inflammatory Markers. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2022; 20:326-332. [PMID: 35379133 DOI: 10.2174/1570161120666220404200205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes mild illness to serious infection with lung involvement, thrombosis, and other complications potentially resulting in fatal outcomes. Recognised inflammatory biomarkers play important roles in managing patients with COVID-19; for example, diagnosis, follow-up, assessment of treatment response, and risk stratification. Inflammatory markers in COVID-19 disease were analysed in two categories. Well-known inflammatory markers include complete blood count, C-reactive protein, albumin, cytokines, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Asymmetric dimethylarginine, endocan, pentraxin 3, serum amyloid A, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, total oxidant status and total antioxidant status, and galectin-3 are considered among the emerging inflammatory markers. This brief narrative review assesses the relationship between these inflammatory markers and COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevket Balta
- Department of Cardiology, Hayat Hospital, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Balta
- Department of Dermatology, Malatya Training and Research Hospital, Malatya, Turkey
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18
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Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Status in COVID-19 Outpatients: A Health Center-Based Analytical Cross-Sectional Study. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040606. [PMID: 35453291 PMCID: PMC9024445 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The antioxidant system can be critical in reducing exacerbated inflammation in COVID-19. This study compared the antioxidant and inflammatory responses between COVID-19 outpatients and seemingly healthy individuals. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 COVID-19 outpatients and 53 healthy individuals as controls. The serum concentrations of amyloid A (SAA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured and compared between COVID-19 patients and controls using the independent sample t-test before and after controlling for dietary supplement use. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression model, limited to COVID-19 patients, was used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of disease symptoms on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the disease onset. Serum concentrations of SOD (p ≤ 0.001) and GPx (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in controls before adjustment for dietary supplement use. GPx remained significantly higher among COVID-19 patients than in controls after adjustment for all dietary supplements (p = 0.005). Moreover, serum concentrations of GPx (p = 0.003), SOD (p = 0.022), and TAC (p = 0.028) remained significantly higher among COVID-19 patients than in controls after adjustment for vitamin D supplementation. This study showed higher GPx in COVID-19 outpatients than in controls after adjustment for dietary supplement use. Moreover, elevated SOD, GPx, and TAC concentrations were shown in COVID-19 outpatients compared to controls after adjusting for vitamin D supplementation. These results may provide a useful therapeutic target for treating oxidative stress in COVID-19 disease, which may help ameliorate the pandemic.
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19
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Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19: Potential role of RAGE, HMGB1, GFAP and COX-2 in disease severity. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 104:108502. [PMID: 35063743 PMCID: PMC8730710 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to the abnormal induction of cytokines and a dysregulated hyperinflammatory state that is implicated in disease severity and risk of death. There are several molecules present in blood associated with immune cellular response, inflammation, and oxidative stress that could be used as severity markers in respiratory viral infections such as COVID-19. However, there is a lack of clinical studies evaluating the role of oxidative stress-related molecules including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Aim To evaluate the role of oxidative stress-related molecules in COVID-19. Method An observational study with 93 Brazilian participants from September 2020 to April 2021, comprising 23 patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), 19 outpatients with COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms, 17 individuals reporting a COVID-19 history, and 34 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken from all participants and western blot assay was used to determine the RAGE, HMGB1, GFAP, and COX-2 immunocontent. Results We found that GFAP levels were higher in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 compared to outpatients (p = 0.030) and controls (p < 0.001). A significant increase in immunocontents of RAGE (p < 0.001) and HMGB1 (p < 0.001) were also found among patients admitted to the ICU compared to healthy controls, as well as an overexpression of the inducible COX-2 (p < 0.001). In addition, we found a moderate to strong correlation between RAGE, GFAP and HMGB1 proteins. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 infection induces the upregulation of GFAP, RAGE, HMGB1, and COX-2 in patients with the most severe forms of COVID-19.
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