Changes of serum cell adhesion molecules as potential markers of inflammation severity, metabolic status and mortality in patients infected with COVID-19.
Acute-phase viral infections, such as COVID-19, trigger a complex interplay of proinflammatory and regulatory responses, influencing both tissue repair and damage. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) play crucial roles in immune activation, regulation, and homeostasis during infection. This study included adult patients hospitalized at the University Hospital in Cracow, Poland, with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between January and June 2021. Blood samples were collected at three time points and categorized based on the time since symptom onset: first, second, or third week of infection. The objective was to assess serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sPECAM-1 in relation to in-hospital mortality and key biochemical and clinical parameters. Among 276 patients (63% males) with a median age of 62 years, pneumonia was confirmed in 89% of cases, with an in-hospital mortality rate of 12.7%. Mortality was associated with advanced age (71(9) vs. 61(18) years p<0.001) and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Non-survivors exhibited significantly lower adhesion molecule levels. Median (IQR) concentrations in non-survivors vs. survivors, respectively, were at first week: sICAM-1: 279(114) vs. 399(328) ng/mL (p<0.001); sVCAM-1: 2944(2760) vs. 4670(3331) ng/mL (p<0.001); sPECAM-1: 15(6) vs. 17(7) ng/mL (p<0.05). Results for third week were: sICAM-1: 271(109) vs. 461(296) ng/mL (p<0.01); sVCAM-1: 1875(2034) vs. 1426(1194) ng/mL (p=0.054); sPECAM-1: 18(7) vs. 25(13) ng/mL (p<0.01). Proportionally, sVCAM-1 was highest at symptoms onset, while sICAM-1 and sPECAM-1 rose later. sICAM-1 positively correlated with interleukin-1α, sVCAM-1 was linked to pneumonia and inflammation, and sPECAM-1 negatively correlated with inflammatory markers and D-dimers. These findings highlight the dynamic role of adhesion molecules in COVID-19 and suggest their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for optimizing treatment strategies.
Authors
Popiolek Popiolek, Stygar Stygar, Wizner Wizner, Sanak Sanak, Sydor Sydor, Winiarski Winiarski, Dembinski Dembinski, Hebzda Hebzda, Strzalka Strzalka, Hydzik Hydzik, Rembiasz Rembiasz, Kukla Kukla
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