Background
COVID-19 is characterized by an uncontrolled inflammatory response with high pro-inflammatory cytokine production through the activation of intracellular pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Viruses are able to exploit the MAPK pathway to their advantage; this pathway relevance to severe COVID-19 is poorly described. The
Conclusions
This is the first study that showed a possible contribution of MAPK-related biomarkers in affecting COVID-19 clinical features, and this may be relevant for identifying COVID-19 positive participants at risk of serious complications.
Methods
H-RAS, C-RAF, MAPK1, MAPK2, and ERK were quantified through ELISA, and genetic polymorphisms were evaluated through real-time PCR.
Results
We prospectively recruited 201 individuals (158 positive and 43 negative for SARS-CoV-2): 35 were male, and their median age was 65 years. MAPK-related biomarker levels were increased in SARS-CoV-2-positive participants (n = 89) compared to negative ones (n = 29). Dyspnea was reported by 48%; this symptom was associated with PBMC C-RAF levels in positive participants (p = 0.022) and type of ventilation (p = 0.031). The highest degree of ventilation was used by 8% for invasive ventilation and 41% for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Conclusions: This is the first study that showed a possible contribution of MAPK-related biomarkers in affecting COVID-19 clinical features, and this may be relevant for identifying COVID-19 positive participants at risk of serious complications.