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The association between high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) serum concentrations in COVID-19
Sri Wulandari1,2, Titik Nuryastuti3, Farida Nur Oktoviani3
1Doctorate Program of Medicine and Health Science, Faculty of Medicine Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels were elevated in COVID-19 patients. Their association suggests a potential cytokine storm mechanism in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) are implicated in various non-coronavirus disease processes.
- These proteins are recognized as potential biomarkers for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
- The specific role of HMGB1 and IL-18 in COVID-19 pathogenesis remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum concentrations of HMGB1 and IL-18 in patients with COVID-19 compared to those without.
- To explore the relationship between these biomarkers and COVID-19 severity.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 30 COVID-19 patients and 30 non-COVID-19 patients were analyzed.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify HMGB1 and IL-18 levels.
- Patient data, including demographics and comorbidities, were collected from medical records.
Main Results:
- HMGB1 concentrations were significantly higher in COVID-19 inpatients compared to non-COVID-19 outpatients.
- IL-18 concentrations were also elevated in COVID-19 inpatients relative to non-COVID-19 outpatients.
- A positive correlation was observed between HMGB1 and IL-18 levels in COVID-19 inpatients.
Conclusions:
- The elevated levels and association of HMGB1 and IL-18 in COVID-19 patients suggest a potential role in disease progression.
- This interplay may contribute to a cytokine storm, a dangerous hyperinflammatory response in COVID-19.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
Background:
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) are involved in various non-coronavirus disease pathogenesis and are reported as potential biomarkers for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, their association with COVID-19 pathogenesis has not yet been explored.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the association between HMGB1 and IL-18 concentrations in the sera of COVID-19 patients versus non-COVID-19 patients.
Material And Methods:
We used stored serum samples obtained from 30 COVID-19 patients and 30 non-COVID-19 patients. We collected data on age, gender, treatment status, principal diagnosis, and comorbidity from patient medical records. HMGB1 and IL-18 concentrations were analyzed in the serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The swab samples' RT-PCR cycle threshold (CT) values were obtained from the laboratory database.
Results:
HMGB1 concentrations were increased in the COVID-19 inpatients and non-COVID-19 inpatients compared to non-COVID-19 outpatients (COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 151.33 (90.27-192.38) vs. 80.75 (54.16-128.72) ng/ml; p = 0.0316; non-COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 152.66 (104.04-288.51) vs. 80.75 (54.16-128.72) ng/ml; p = 0.0199). IL-18 concentrations were also higher in the COVID-19 inpatients and non-COVID-19 inpatients compared to non-COVID-19 outpatients (COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 620.00 (461.50-849.6) vs. 403.10 (372.70-556.90) pg/ml; p = 0.0376; non-COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 835.70 (558.30-1602.00) vs. 403.10 (372.70-556.90) pg/ml; p = 0.0026). Moreover, HMGB1 was associated with IL-18 concentrations in the sera of COVID-19 inpatients (p = 0.0337; r = 0.5500).
Conclusion:
The association of HMGB1 and IL-18 in COVID-19 might indicate the potential for a dangerous cycle leading to a cytokine storm to occur.
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