Effects of COVID-19 Disease on DNA Damage, Oxidative Stress and Immune Responses
M Mert Basaran1, Merve Hazar2,3, Mehtap Aydın4
1Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Kafkas University, 36000 Kars, Türkiye.
Insights
COVID-19 infection significantly increases DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cytokine levels in patients. Understanding these molecular changes is vital for developing future clinical treatments for severe coronavirus disease 2019.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a significant global health challenge.
- While many recover, some experience severe illness and long-term complications like stroke.
- Limited research exists on SARS-CoV-2's impact on oxidative stress and DNA damage pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA damage in COVID-19 patients using the alkaline comet assay.
- To assess the relationship between DNA damage, oxidative stress, and immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the alkaline comet assay to measure DNA damage.
- Analyzed oxidative stress markers and cytokine levels.
- Compared findings in COVID-19 positive patients against healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated levels of DNA damage were observed in COVID-19 patients.
- Increased oxidative stress parameters were detected in infected individuals.
- Elevated cytokine levels indicated a heightened immune response in SARS-CoV-2 positive cases.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased DNA damage, oxidative stress, and immune activation.
- These molecular alterations may play a critical role in COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- Further research into these pathways could lead to improved clinical treatments and reduced adverse outcomes.
Abstract:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a great threat to public health and has caused concern due to its fatal consequences over the last few years. Most people with COVID-19 show mild-to-moderate symptoms and recover without the need for special treatment, while others become seriously ill and need medical attention. Additionally, some serious outcomes, such as heart attacks and even stroke, have been later reported in patients who had recovered. There are limited studies on how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects some molecular pathways, including oxidative stress and DNA damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate DNA damage, using the alkaline comet assay, and its relationship with oxidative stress and immune response parameters in COVID-19-positive patients. Our results show that DNA damage, oxidative stress parameters and cytokine levels significantly increased in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients when compared with healthy controls. The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on DNA damage, oxidative stress and immune responses may be crucial in the pathophysiology of the disease. It is suggested that the illumination of these pathways will contribute to the development of clinical treatments and to reduce adverse effects in the future.
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