Effect of galectin-3, IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha on disease prognosis and mortality in COVID-19 patients


Demir M. S., KUŞCU F., KURTARAN B., CANDEVİR A., İNAL A. S., KÖMÜR S., ...More

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, vol.18, no.9, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.3855/jidc.19706
  • Journal Name: Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: biomarker, COVID-19, galectin-3, IL-6, TNF-alpha
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. It is crucial to identify biomarkers that can aid in predicting patients' prognosis and mortality. This study evaluated the relationship between galectin-3 (Gal-3), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels and the prognosis and mortality of COVID-19 patients. Methodology: The study included 69 COVID-19 patients (32 outpatients, 37 inpatients) and 19 healthy controls. Gal-3, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in serum samples were measured using an ELISA test. Results: In a comparison between the patient and healthy control groups, it was observed that the patient group had significantly higher levels of Gal-3, IL-6, and TNF-α. Comparison between the outpatient and inpatient groups revealed that the hospitalized patient group had significantly higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, while the Gal-3 levels were lower in this group. In the analysis of subgroups to assess disease severity, critical COVID-19 patients exhibited elevated levels of Gal-3 and IL-6 compared to those with severe COVID-19. Moreover, Gal-3 and IL-6 were identified as having predictive value for mortality in hospitalized patients, while both IL-6 and TNF-α demonstrated diagnostic accuracy across all patient groups. Conclusions: The study results indicate that the levels of IL-6 TNF-α play a crucial role in determining the hospitalization and mortality of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, it was observed that Gal-3 and IL-6 levels can be utilized to assess the severity of the disease and predict mortality in patients who require hospitalization.