The clinical significance of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor in COVID-19 cases.

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in increasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, endothelial cell proliferation, and regulating vascular permeability in COVID-19 cases. p53 regulates cellular stress responses. However, the precise interplay and prognostic significance of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor in the context of COVID-19 pathogenesis and disease progression, particularly concerning mortality outcomes, remain to be fully elucidated. We investigated vascular endothelial growth factor and p53 levels in COVID-19 patients and examined the relationship of these markers with the clinical course and prognosis of the disease. A total of 30 patients with COVID-19 and 30 individuals in the control group were examined. The clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters, and survival status of COVID-19 patients participating in the study were recorded. Vascular endothelial growth factor and p53 levels were analyzed using the ELISA method. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in statistical analyses. p53 levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients (859.19 ± 385.43 ng/L) compared to the control group (727.29 ± 440.49 ng/L) (P = .04). There was no significant difference in vascular endothelial growth factor levels between the patient (126.52 ± 75.7 ng/L) and control groups (169.2 ± 112.3 ng/L) (P = .22). In deceased patients, both p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were significantly higher than in the control group (P < .001, P = .03, respectively). This study supports the prognostic roles of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in COVID-19 disease.