Role of cytokines and other prophetic variables in the development and progression of disease in patients suffering from COVID-19

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Outbreak of the novel COVID-19 infection identifies both causative agents that threaten global pandemic in 2003 and 2011. It is an enveloped virus with spike (S) protein attached that facilitates its receptor binding on the surface. Although it has brought about the global interest for the researchers and medical practitioner in the identification of potential targets that may be addressed in order to cope up with the situation. In the current study potential role of cytokines and related inflammatory markers have been identified that interplays in the progression of disease in COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Current study substitutes hundred and fifty (n=150) patients with novel-COVID-19 and hundred (n=100) healthy controls. After getting informed consent serum samples of the participants were collected and analyzed for their significance in the disease progression. Levels of Interleukins i.e., (IL- 1,6,8,10,11) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were determined with help of their specific spectrophotometric and ELISA methods. RESULTS Findings: of study show significant increase in the levels of interleukins and TNF-α that signifies the presence of “cytokine storm” in worsening the condition in respect to the exposure of COVID-19. Levels of IL-1 and 6 were significantly higher in patients (98.69±39.35pg/ml and 71.95±28.41 pg/ml) as compared to controls (30.06±14.19pg/ml and 9.46±3.43pg/ml) where, (p=0.001 and 0.007). It also suggests that IL-6 is most sensitive test with about (98%) sensitivity in comparison with 96%,95%, 95%,93% and 92% in case of IL-10,1,8,11 and TNF-α respectively. CONCLUSION Current study elucidate the effects of cytokines and respective inflammatory markers in the progression of the COVID-19. Findings show that activation of macrophages and neutrophils have significant role in the worsening of the symptoms and progression of the viral infection. Thus, use of certain blockers in initial stages could serve with potent benefits in coping up the infectious condition.