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Elevated Levels of IL-1Ra, IL-1β, and Oxidative Stress in COVID-19: Implications for Inflammatory Pathogenesis

Alicja Marczewska1, Celina Wojciechowska2, Kamil Marczewski3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 12, 2025
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 patients exhibit elevated levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA). These biomarkers are linked to a more severe disease course and poorer prognosis in coronavirus disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, but cardiovascular complications and immune dysregulation are increasingly recognized.
  • The SARS-CoV-2 virus can trigger a "cytokine storm," characterized by excessive inflammatory cytokine production and immune system dysfunction.
  • Scientific studies indicate a correlation between COVID-19 infection and an increased incidence of cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in COVID-19 patients.
  • To determine if specific biomarkers are associated with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19.
  • To enhance understanding of the immune system's dysregulation during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 57 participants, divided into non-COVID (24) and COVID-19 (33) groups.
  • Data collection included self-administered questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and venous blood collection.
  • Analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (using Bio-Plex 200), oxidative stress markers, and basic hematological parameters.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 patients showed significantly higher levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) compared to the non-COVID group.
  • Malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, was also significantly elevated in the COVID-19 group.
  • No significant differences were observed in other measured cytokines or oxidative stress markers between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated levels of IL-1Ra, IL-1β, and MDA are associated with the COVID-19 group, supporting their role in disease pathophysiology.
  • These elevated biomarkers correlate with a worse clinical course and prognosis in patients with COVID-19.
  • Further research into the cytokine storm and immune dysregulation is crucial for identifying at-risk patients and developing targeted therapies and vaccines.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2 viruscytokinesoxidative stress

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