Dynamic changes of cytokines in COVID-19 and in the post-COVID period


DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/therapy.2024.7.8-18

Mussabay K.N., Vinogradova E.A., Dusmagambetov M.U., Bekbosynova M.S., Tauekelova A.T., Kozhakhmetov S.S., Kushugulova A.R.

1) Astana Medical University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan; 2) Nazarbayev University, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan; 3) Heart Center, Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan
Abstract. Cytokines play a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and its complications. The course of this infection is characterized by a hyperactive immune response known as a “cytokine storm”, which can lead to significant tissue and organ damage.
The aim: to study the dynamics of interleukins (IL) levels in patients with COVID-19, with a primary focus on immune responses during acute infection and their association with severity of the disease and post-COVID consequences.
Material and methods. Using multiplex analysis, IL levels were studied in 294 patients with varying degrees of COVID-19 severity.
Results. It was found that in the acute phase of COVID-19, the levels of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-2 were increased, and the level of IL-1β in severe cases was noticeably reduced. Concentration of IL-7 was increased in patients with severe cases of the disease, while IL-8 remained reduced during the acute phase. Changes in IL-10 concentrations were different in groups of patients with different degrees of COVID-19 severity. IL-2 levels positively correlated with arterial hypertension, and IL-7 levels had a negative correlation with this disease. IL-10 and IL-8 levels correlated negatively with the presence of Omicron strain, but positively with Delta strain. Also, the concentrations of these cytokines positively correlated with severe cases of COVID-19 and negatively with mild ones.
Conclusion. Increased levels of anti-inflammatory ILs in the acute phase of COVID-19 may indicate an enhanced inflammatory response, while changes in anti-inflammatory ILs may indicate regulatory mechanisms aimed at mitigating inflammation. In the post-COVID period, patients may develop complications such as arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, each of which is associated with unique cytokine profiles. Understanding the ILs’ dynamics expands our understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis and may improve the development of precision medical interventions to improve patients’ outcomes.
Keywords: “cytokine storm”, post-COVID, COVID-19, interleukins
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About the Autors

Karakoz N. Mussabay, MD, Master of Biological Sciences, senior lecturer at the Department of microbiology and virology named after Sh.I. Sarbasov, Astana Medical University. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 33 Saryarka St.
E-mail: mussabay.k@amu.kz
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7440-4014
Elizaveta A. Vinogradova, MD, Master, senior researcher at the Department of microbiome of Center for Life Sciences of National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 53 Kabanbay batyra Avenue.
E-mail: st.paulmississippi@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1845-2726
Marat U. Dusmagambetov, MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), professor, head of the Department of microbiology and virology named after Sh.I. Sarbasov, Astana Medical University. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 33 Saryarka St.
E-mail: dusmagambetov.m@amu.kz
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2395-6032
Makhabbat S. Bekbosynova, MD, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), cardiologist of the highest category, deputy chairman of the board of the University Medical Center, Heart center. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 38 Turan Avenue.
E-mail: cardiacsurgeryres@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2834-617X
Ainur T. Tauekelova, MD, head of the outpatient service, cardiologist, Heart center. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 38 Turan Avenue.
E-mail: tauekelovaajnura@gmail.com
Samat S. Kozhakhmetov, MD, PhD (Biology), associate professor, senior researcher at the Department of microbiome of Life Sciences Center of National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 53 Kabanbay batyra Avenue.
E-mail: skozhakhmetov@nu.edu.kz
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9668-0327
Almagul R. Kushugulova, MD., Dr. Sci. (Medicine), professor, head of the Department of microbiome of Life Sciences Center of National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University. Address: 010000, Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, 53 Kabanbay batyra Avenue.
E-mail: akushugulova@nu.edu.kz
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9479-0899


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