Post-COVID syndrome: status of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with hypertension and stable ischemic heart disease

Background. Post-COVID syndrome is associated with a wide range of chronic symptoms or conditions. Coronavirus di­sease 2019 (COVID-19) causes metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is associated with an impaired glucose tolerance and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Currently, the study of molecules regulating carbohydrate metabolism as potential biomarkers of post-COVID syndrome and targets for therapeutic influence is relevant. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of IGF-1 and its relationship with regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the dynamics of the evaluated indicators under the influence of drug treatment in patients with hypertension and stable coronary heart disease who suffered from COVID-19. Materials and methods. Fifty-five patients who had a mild and moderate COVID-19 were included in the study; their average age was 55.87 [40; 75] years. The results of routine laboratory tests were registered and analyzed. The content of insulin and IGF-1 was assessed by enzyme immunoassay. The HOMA-IR was calculated. Results. In patients with a mode­rate COVID-19 compared to those with a mild one, a significant decrease in the level of IGF-1 (р = 0.008) was found against the background of increased reference values of glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (р < 0.01). The influence of the degree of hypertension on the IGF-1 level was revealed (р = 0.004). An inverse relationship between IGF-1 and glucose level was noted (r = –0.28, p = 0.034). The use of meldonium contributed to a significant decrease in glucose and insulin content (p < 0.001), and an increase in IGF-1. Against the background of taking meldonium, the dynamics of the shift towards a decrease in the HOMA-IR was more significant. Conclusions. An inverse relationship was found between IGF-1 and blood glucose, regardless of the level of insulin and HOMA-IR, in patients with hypertension and stable ischemic heart disease in the post-COVID period. Meldonium has been shown to improve carbohydrate metabolism by normalizing insulin levels and redu­cing the phenomena of insulin resistance as a potential drug target. Meldonium improved the clinical course of ischemic heart disease and demonstrated good tolerability and safety.