We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Serum Biomarkers Differentiates COVID-19 From Classic Cytokine Storm Syndromes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 Jun 2021
A cytokine storm, also called hypercytokinemia, is a physiological reaction in humans and other animals in which the innate immune system causes an uncontrolled and excessive release of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called cytokines.

Infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 triggers severe illness with high mortality in a subgroup of patients. More...
Such critical course of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is thought to associate with cytokine storm as in macrophage activation syndrome or secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

An international team of Pediatric Rheumatologist and Immunologists led by the University Children’s Hospital Muenster team (Muenster, Germany) examined whether immune activation in COVID-19 mimics conditions seen in secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), both classic cytokine storm syndromes, and analyzed 83 serum samples from 30 patients with COVID-19. The team also included 20 sHLH serum samples, as well as 17 samples of MAS linked to adult-onset Still’s disease. These serum samples were collected from adults in previous studies. Meanwhile, four samples of juvenile sHLH and nine of juvenile MAS, as well as nine from health controls, were collected.

The scientists used bead array assay, as well as single‐marker ELISA, to quantify levels of 22 biomarkers in the included serum samples. These included IL-1, IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra), IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, TNF, interferon (IFN), IFN, IFN-, MCP2 (CCL8), MCP3 (CCL7), CXCL9, CXCL10, MCSF, LRG1, soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), VCAM-1 and Galectin-3 (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Data acquisition and analysis was performed on a MAGPIX instrument (Merck Millipore, Darmstadt, Germany).

The scientists observed dramatic activation in sHLH/MAS of the interleukin(IL)-18-interferon (IFN)-γ axis, while increased serum levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and IL-8, as well as strongly reduced levels of soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in course of SARS-CoV-2 infection discriminating immune dysregulation in critical COVID-19 from the investigated well-recognized cytokine storm conditions.

Christoph Kessel, PhD, the lead author of the study, said, “Our analyses may further raise doubt regarding the efficacy of clinical trials targeting key molecules and pathways associated with sHLH and/or MAS in the treatment of COVID-19. Therapeutic blockade of IFN-, which appears as promising therapeutic option in treating HLH and potentially also MAS, may be less effective in COVID-19, as the overall activation of the IL-18-IFN- axis seems far less pronounced in context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast to IL-18 and IFN-, IL-1Ra levels in COVID-19 are substantially elevated.”

The authors concluded that serum biomarker profiles clearly separate COVID-19 from MAS or sHLH, which questions the significance of systemic hyperinflammation following SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the efficacy of drugs targeting key molecules and pathways specifically associated with systemic cytokine storm conditions in the treatment of COVID-19. The study was published originally April 20, 2021 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Related Links:
University Children’s Hospital Muenster
R&D Systems
Merck Millipore



Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Integrated Biochemical & Immunological System
Biolumi CX8
New
Chlamydia Trachomatis Test
Aptima Chlamydia Trachomatis Assay
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Pancreatic cancer diagnosis (Photo courtesy of World Journal of Gastroenterology)

AI-Driven Preliminary Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Enhances Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer poses a major global health threat due to its high mortality rate, with 467,409 deaths and 510,992 new cases reported worldwide in 2022. Often referred to as the "king" of all cancers,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.