Analysis of serum cytokine and protective vitamin D levels in severe cases of COVID-19.

Bayraktar, Nihayet; Turan, Hamdiye; Bayraktar, Mehmet; Ozturk, Ali; ErdoÄŸdu, Hamze

BACKGROUND In this study, we are investigating the role and relationship of cytokines profile and protective vitamin D by measuring their serum levels in COVID-19 intensive care unit patients with a severe illness. A total of 74 patients were included in our study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients with the COVID-19 group (n = 31), and individuals without a history of serious illness or infection used as the control group (n = 43). The serum concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-10, IL-21, and TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Levels of serum vitamin D were detected with Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodologies. TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-21, and vitamin D levels were measured in all patients. The serum cytokine levels in COVID-19 pateint group were significantly higher (151.59± 56.50, 140.37 ± 64.32, 249.02± 62.84, 129.04 ± 31.64, and 123.58 ± 24.49, respectively) from control groups. Serum vitamin D was also significantly low (6.82 ± 3.29) in patients with the COVID-19 group than the controls (21.96 ± 5.39). Regarding the correlation of vitamin D with cytokine levels, it was significantly variable. Our study shows that COVID-19 patients are associated with lower serum vitamin D and higher pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with increased virus presence. Our data provide more evidence of the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D on COVID-19 patients and the protective effects of vitamin D on risk have been demonstrated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.