Kynurenine pathway in Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Potential role in prognosis
Murat Cihan1, Özlem Doğan2, Ceyhan Ceran Serdar3
1Clinical Laboratory, Ordu University Training and Research Hospital, Ordu, Turkey.
Background:
It is known that inflammatory responses play an important role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
Aims:
In this study, we aimed to examine the role of kynurenine (KYN) metabolism on the severity of COVID-19 disease AQ5.
Materials & Methods:
Seventy COVID-19 patients of varying severity and 30 controls were included in the study. In addition to the classical laboratory parameters, KYN, tryptophan (TRP), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3 hydroxykynurenine (3OHKYN), quinolinic acid (QA), and picolinic acid (PA) were measured with mass spectrometry.
Results:
TRP, KYN, KYN:TRP ratio, KYNA, 3OHKYN, PA, and QA results were found to be significantly different in COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001 for all). The KYN:TRP ratio and PA of severe COVID-19 patients was statistically higher than that of mild-moderate COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001 for all). When results were examined, statistically significant correlations with KYN:TRP ratio, IL-6, ferritin, and procalcitonin were only found in COVID-19 patients. ROC analysis indicated that highest AUC values were obtained by KYN:TRP ratio and PA (0.751 vs 0.742). In determining the severity of COVID-19 disease, the odd ratios (and confidence intervals) of KYN:TRP ratio and PA levels that were adjusted according to age, gender, and comorbidity were determined to be 1.44 (1.1-1.87, p = 0.008) and 1.06 (1.02-1.11, p = 0.006), respectively.
Discussion & Conclusion:
According to the results of this study, KYN metabolites play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, especially KYN:TRP ratio and PA could be markers for identification of severe COVID-19 cases.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...


