The relationship between Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and Inhibitor-Kappa B parameters with clinical course in COVID-19...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Investigating inflammatory markers in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.
• Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways are implicated in inflammatory responses.
• Specific NF-κB pathway components like p105, p65, and Inhibitor Kappa B Alpha (IκBα) warrant examination in COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine serum levels of NF-κB p105, NF-κB p65, and IκBα in patients with mild/moderate COVID-19.
• To assess the association of these markers with the clinical course and severity of COVID-19.
• To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NF-κB p105 in early-stage COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 35 mild/moderate COVID-19 patients and 35 healthy controls at diagnosis.
• Disease severity was assessed using National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) and CT findings.
• Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to measure NF-κB p105, NF-κB p65, and IκBα levels; Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher serum NF-κB p105 levels were observed in COVID-19 patients compared to controls.
• COVID-19 patients exhibited elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and ferritin, with lower lymphocyte counts.
• NF-κB p105 levels were significantly higher in patients requiring supplemental oxygen, indicating a link to disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum NF-κB p105 in early infection stages demonstrates diagnostic utility for COVID-19.
• NF-κB p105 may serve as a prognostic marker to predict the need for supplemental oxygen during hospitalization.
• Further research into NF-κB pathway modulation could offer therapeutic targets for COVID-19.