DYSREGULATED LEUKOTRIENE METABOLISM IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to examine leukotriene metabolism in COVID-19. A total of 180 people were included in the study. Of these, 60 were healthy controls, 60 were patients who needed intensive care unit (ICU), and 60 were patients who did not need intensive care (non-ICU). Serum levels of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), 5-LO activating protein (ALOX5AP) and cysteinyl leukotriene (CYSLT) were measured and mRNA expressions of 5-LO, ALOX5AP and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CYSLTR1) were investigated. As compared to the control group, both non-ICU and ICU groups had lower levels of 5-LO and mRNA expression. ICU patients had lower levels of 5-LO and mRNA expression compared with non-ICU patients. The expression of CYSLTR1 mRNA was higher in patients compared to healthy controls. CYSLTR1 mRNA expression was found to be higher in ICU group than in non-ICU group. CYSLT levels were higher in the control group compared to both non-ICU and ICU patients. Due to the higher expressions of CYSLTR1 in patients than control group, selective leukotriene receptor blockers can be used as a treatment option. CYSLTR1 expressions were also higher in ICU group than non-ICU group. Thus, CYSLTR1 mRNA expression could be a promising biomarker of COVID-19 severity.