Project description:The pathophysiologic significance of redox imbalance is unquestionable as numerous reports and topic reviews indicate alterations in redox parameters during corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, a more comprehensive understanding of redox-related parameters in the context of COVID-19-mediated inflammation and pathophysiology is required. COVID-19 subjects (n=64) and control subjects (n=19) were enrolled, and blood was drawn within 72 hours of diagnosis. Serum multiplex assay and buffy coat cell mRNA sequencing was performed. Oxidant/free radical (electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, nitrite-nitrate assay) and antioxidant (ferrous reducing ability of serum assay and high-performance liquid chromatography) were performed. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate potential of indicated parameters to predict clinical outcome. Significantly greater levels of multiple inflammatory and vascular markers were quantified in the subjects admitted to the ICU compared to non-ICU subjects. Gene set enrichment analyses indicated significant enhancement of oxidant related pathways and biochemical assays confirmed a significant increase in free radical production and uric acid reduction in COVID-19 subjects. Multivariate analyses confirmed a positive association between serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and a negative association between the abundance of one electron oxidants (detected by ascorbate radical formation) and mortality in COVID subjects while IL-17c and TSLP levels predicted need for intensive care in COVID-19 subjects.
Project description:ObjectiveRecent cohort studies have identified obesity as a risk factor for poor outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To further explore the relationship between obesity and critical illness in COVID-19, the association of BMI with baseline demographic and intensive care unit (ICU) parameters, laboratory values, and outcomes in a critically ill patient cohort was examined.MethodsIn this retrospective study, the first 277 consecutive patients admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital ICUs with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were examined. BMI class, initial ICU laboratory values, physiologic characteristics including gas exchange and ventilatory mechanics, and ICU interventions as clinically available were measured. Mortality, length of ICU admission, and duration of mechanical ventilation were also measured.ResultsThere was no difference found in respiratory system compliance or oxygenation between patients with and without obesity. Patients without obesity had higher initial ferritin and D-dimer levels than patients with obesity. Standard acute respiratory distress syndrome management, including prone ventilation, was equally distributed between BMI groups. There was no difference found in outcomes between BMI groups, including 30- and 60-day mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation.ConclusionsIn this cohort of critically ill patients with COVID-19, obesity was not associated with meaningful differences in respiratory physiology, inflammatory profile, or clinical outcomes.
Project description:BackgroundThe pathophysiologic significance of redox imbalance is unquestionable as numerous reports and topic reviews indicate alterations in redox parameters during corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, a more comprehensive understanding of redox-related parameters in the context of COVID-19-mediated inflammation and pathophysiology is required.MethodsCOVID-19 subjects (n = 64) and control subjects (n = 19) were enrolled, and blood was drawn within 72 h of diagnosis. Serum multiplex assays and peripheral blood mRNA sequencing was performed. Oxidant/free radical (electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, nitrite-nitrate assay) and antioxidant (ferrous reducing ability of serum assay and high-performance liquid chromatography) were performed. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate potential of indicated parameters to predict clinical outcome.ResultsSignificantly greater levels of multiple inflammatory and vascular markers were quantified in the subjects admitted to the ICU compared to non-ICU subjects. Gene set enrichment analyses indicated significant enhancement of oxidant related pathways and biochemical assays confirmed a significant increase in free radical production and uric acid reduction in COVID-19 subjects. Multivariate analyses confirmed a positive association between serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and a negative association between the abundance of one electron oxidants (detected by ascorbate radical formation) and mortality in COVID subjects while IL-17c and TSLP levels predicted need for intensive care in COVID-19 subjects.ConclusionHerein we demonstrate a significant redox imbalance during COVID-19 infection affirming the potential for manipulation of oxidative stress pathways as a new therapeutic strategy COVID-19. However, further work is requisite for detailed identification of oxidants (O2•-, H2O2 and/or circulating transition metals such as Fe or Cu) contributing to this imbalance to avoid the repetition of failures using non-specific antioxidant supplementation.
Project description:BackgroundResponding to the COVID-19 pandemic requires safe and efficient testing on a large scale over a prolonged period. Outpatient testing facilities can clinically assess and test symptomatic individuals and test asymptomatic contacts. This study identified the resources required to establish and maintain an Australian general practitioner (GP) led testing facility that combined a respiratory clinic for clinical assessment and testing with a drive-through testing facility.MethodsData were taken from clinic administrative records to identify the number of patients tested over the period April-June 2020. An independent auditor's report identified the resources used in establishing, running, and staffing both clinics for the same period. Analyses were performed using the minimum and maximum daily throughput to understand the effect of demand on price per sample collected.ResultsThe respiratory clinic tested an average of 19 patients per day, at an estimated cost of $340.04 AUD. This varied to $687.99 AUD during the lowest demand scenario, and $281.04 AUD during the high demand scenario. The drive-through clinic tested an average of 47 patients per day, at an estimated cost of $153.57 AUD. This varied to $279.51 AUD during the lowest demand scenario, and $99.92 AUD during the high demand scenario.ConclusionThis study provides insight into the cost of testing at a drive through and respiratory clinic in Australia. The evidence highlights importance of considering variation in demand and the impact on efficiency, particularly where resource use is fixed in the short term.
Project description:SARS-CoV-2 induces severe organ damage not only in the lung but also in the liver, heart, kidney, and intestine. It is known that COVID-19 severity correlates with liver dysfunction, but few studies have investigated the liver pathophysiology in COVID-19 patients. Here, we elucidated liver pathophysiology in COVID-19 patients using organs-on-a-chip technology and clinical analyses. First, we developed liver-on-a-chip (LoC) which recapitulating hepatic functions around the intrahepatic bile duct and blood vessel. We found that hepatic dysfunctions, but not hepatobiliary diseases, were strongly induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Next, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of COVID-19 drugs to inhibit viral replication and recover hepatic dysfunctions, and found that the combination of anti-viral and immunosuppressive drugs (Remdesivir and Baricitinib) is effective to treat hepatic dysfunctions caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we analyzed the sera obtained from COVID-19 patients, and revealed that COVID-19 patients, who were positive for serum viral RNA, are likely to become severe and develop hepatic dysfunctions, as compared with COVID-19 patients who were negative for serum viral RNA. We succeeded in modeling the liver pathophysiology of COVID-19 patients using LoC technology and clinical samples.
Project description:Patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), exhibit a wide spectrum of disease behavior. Since DNA methylation has been implicated in the regulation of viral infections and the immune system, we performed an epigenome- wide association study (EWAS) to identify candidate loci regulated by this epigenetic mark that could be involved in the onset of COVID-19 in patients without comorbidities.