Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Inflammatory and Angiogenic Mediators Are Differentially Ex-Pressed in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome with
Laura Ileana Minjarez-Robles1,2, Jesús Gilberto Arámburo-Gálvez3, Oscar Gerardo Figueroa-Salcido3,4
1Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Department of Chemical, Biological, and Agricultural Sciences (DC-QB), Faculty of Biological and Health Sciences, University of Sonora, Navojoa 85880, Sonora, Mexico.
Background:
Inflammatory and angiogenic mediators play a key role in post-COVID-19 syndrome pathophysiology. These mediators might be of prognostic value for pulmonary function in this syndrome.
Objectives:
To determine interleukin-6, -12, and -17, macrophage inflammatory protein-1A (MIP-1A), the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene expression levels, the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plasma levels, and the association of clinical data with pulmonary function in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome with normal and abnormal spirometry results.
Methods:
Demographic/clinical data and blood samples were collected (45 patients). Pulmonary function was evaluated (spirometry), and the gene expression levels of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators (IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, MIP-1A, and VEGF-A) were determined in PBMCs (qPCR). MMP-9 plasma levels were determined (ELISA).
Results:
Seventeen out of forty-five patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome had abnormal spirometry values, which were associated with arterial hypertension, pneumonia, previous hospitalization, and disease severity (p < 0.05). IL-6, IL-12, and VEGF-A gene expression was upregulated in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome compared with healthy controls. In patients with normal spirometry values, IL-17 and VEGF-A gene expression was upregulated (p < 0.05), but MIP-1A was downregulated (p < 0.05) (vs. the abnormal spirometry group). MMP-9 serum levels were increased in the normal spirometry group compared with the abnormal one (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Post-COVID-19 syndrome has a complex immune pathophysiology, but potential inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers, such as IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, MIP-1A, and VEGF-A, are differentially expressed in this syndrome and might be prognostic predictors of post-COVID-19 syndrome associated with pulmonary function alterations.
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: 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...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.