Gut microbiome dysbiosis and inflammatory markers in severe COVID-19: links to atherosclerosis and potential therapeutic insights.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is implicated in the exacerbation of atherosclerosis, potentially leading to its clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum biomarkers, including albumin (ALB), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin (FERR), CD16, CD18, NLRP3, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in patients with COVID-19. In addition, assessment of microbiome profiles may provide insights into disease severity and gastrointestinal health.

Method: In this case-control study, serum samples were collected from 90 individuals: 30 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit, 30 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and 30 healthy individuals. Concentrations of ALB, CRP, FERR, NLRP3, CD16, CD18, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to assess microbial diversity in stool samples.

Result: No significant age difference was noted between the patient (55.40 ± 10.34 years) and the control groups (58.34 ± 11.71 years). Substantial increases in CRP, CD-18, CD-16, IL-6, Alb, and TNF-α (P < 0.001) were observed in severe cases compared to non-severe cases. Microbiome analysis indicated a 40% decrease in Roseburia and a 35% reduction in Faecalibacterium in ICU patients.

Conclusion: Evaluating these biomarkers provides critical insights into atherosclerosis susceptibility in COVID-19 patients and reveals meaningful relationships among COVID-19, atherosclerosis, and gastrointestinal health.