scholarly journals An inflammatory cytokine signature helps predict COVID-19 severity and death

Author(s):  
Diane Marie Del Valle ◽  
Seunghee Kim-schulze ◽  
Huang Hsin-hui ◽  
Noam D Beckmann ◽  
Sharon Nirenberg ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to more than 100,000 deaths in the United States. Several studies have revealed that the hyper-inflammatory response induced by SARS-CoV-2 is a major cause of disease severity and death in infected patients. However, predictive biomarkers of pathogenic inflammation to help guide targetable immune pathways are critically lacking. We implemented a rapid multiplex cytokine assay to measure serum IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-1β in hospitalized COVID-19 patients upon admission to the Mount Sinai Health System in New York. Patients (n=1484) were followed up to 41 days (median 8 days) and clinical information, laboratory test results and patient outcomes were collected. In 244 patients, cytokine measurements were repeated over time, and effect of drugs could be assessed. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to compare survival by cytokine strata, followed by Cox regression models to evaluate the independent predictive value of baseline cytokines. We found that high serum IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels at the time of hospitalization were strong and independent predictors of patient survival. Importantly, when adjusting for disease severity score, common laboratory inflammation markers, hypoxia and other vitals, demographics, and a range of comorbidities, IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels remained independent and significant predictors of disease severity and death. We propose that serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels should be considered in the management and treatment of COVID-19 patients to stratify prospective clinical trials, guide resource allocation and inform therapeutic options. We also propose that patients with high IL-6 and TNF-α levels should be assessed for combinatorial blockade of pathogenic inflammation in this disease.

2000 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Kos ◽  
B. Werle ◽  
T. Lah ◽  
N. Brunner

Cathepsins B, H and L have been shown to participate in processes of tumor growth, vascularization, invasion and metastasis. Their levels in tumor tissue extracts can provide useful clinical information to predict disease-free and overall survival in breast, lung, colorectal, brain and head and neck cancer patients. Recently we have found that both cysteine cathepsins and their endogenous protein inhibitors stefins and cystatin C can also predict prognosis when measured extracellularly. In melanoma and colorectal cancer patients high serum levels of cathepsins B and H correlated with shorter survival. Similarly, increased extracellular levels of stefins A and B and cystatin C correlated significantly with high risk of adverse outcome in cancer patients. However, the cathepsin B/cystatin C complex was found to be less abundant in sera of patients with malignant tumors than in those with benign diseases or in healthy controls, suggesting an imbalance between the enzyme and its inhibitor in cancer patients.


Author(s):  
Ken Lund ◽  
Michael Due Larsen ◽  
Torben Knudsen ◽  
Jens Kjeldsen ◽  
Rasmus Gaardskær Nielsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims In paediatric patients with Crohn’s disease, the role of combination therapy, infliximab plus immunomodulators [thiopurine or methotrexate], is debated and data are sparse. We examined whether infliximab plus immunomodulators, compared to infliximab therapy alone, reduces the risk of treatment failure measured by intestinal surgery or switching type of anti-tumour necrosis factor [TNF] α agent within 24 months. Design Using Danish registries, we identified patients with Crohn’s disease, aged ≤ 20 years at the time of the first infliximab treatment, and retrieved data on their co-medications. We used Cox regression models to examine surgery or switching type of anti-TNFα agent from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2015. Results We included 581 patients. The 2-year cumulative percentage of surgery was 8.5% among patients receiving combination therapy and 14.5% in those receiving infliximab alone. The adjusted 2-year hazard ratio [HR] of surgeries was 0.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32–0.88) in patients receiving combination therapy, compared to patients receiving infliximab alone. When examining a switch of anti-TNFα we included 536 patients. Within 2 years, 18.3% experienced a switch among patients receiving combination therapy and 24.8% in patients treated with infliximab alone, corresponding to an adjusted HR of 0.66 [95% CI 0.45–0.97] in patients receiving combination therapy. Conclusions The HR of intestinal surgeries and the risk of a switch to another anti-TNFα was reduced in paediatric and adolescent patients receiving combination therapy, compared to patients receiving only infliximab. These results suggest a benefit for infliximab therapy combined with immunomodulators, but these need to be confirmed in data with additional clinical information.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14595-e14595
Author(s):  
Manuel Valladares-Ayerbes ◽  
Nuria Tarrío ◽  
Moisés Blanco-Calvo ◽  
Mar Haz-Conde ◽  
Isabel Santamarina Cainzos ◽  
...  

e14595 Background: MIC1 and MMP7 are secreted cytokines involved respectively in the modulation of immunological processes and in extracellular matrix remodeling. Their expression were found deregulated in different tumors, including GC. However, few data are available about their serum levels, their diagnostic potential, and their prognostic significance in GC pts. Here, we analyze the diagnostic performance of these markers and we present data linking them with short survival in GC pts. Methods: Serum samples were assayed in duplicate for MIC1 and MMP7 levels by ELISA. The diagnostic performance of markers was assessed by ROC curve analysis and the cut-offs were set using the Youden index approach. The cut-offs for prognostic purposes were determined using X-tile software. Differences in progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and logrank test. Cox regression was used to determine the prognostic independence of biomarkers. Results: From November 2006 to July 2010, 52 GC pts and 28 healthy donors were consecutively recruited. The follow-up of pts was performed until their death or the end of study (September 2011). The AUCs for MIC1 and MMP7 were respectively 0.897 and 0.865 (p < 0.001). Using the optimal cut-off to diagnose GC pts, we obtained a 73.08% of sensitivity (Ss) and a 92.86% of specificity (Sp) for MIC1, and a 78.85% of Ss and an 85.71% of Sp for MMP7. In the survival analysis, high serum levels of MIC1 and MMP7 were significantly associated with shorter PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). In univariate analysis, pts with high serum levels of MIC1 and MMP7 had an increased risk of progression (HR = 3.608, p<0.001 for MIC1; HR = 4.172, p<0.001 for MMP7) and death (HR = 3.843, p=0.001 for MIC1; HR = 2.602, p=0.006 for MMP7). However, MIC1 and MMP7 failed to reach prognostic independence in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: We obtained cut-off values of MIC1 and MMP7 in serum for diagnostic purposes in GC. In addition, we established a correlation between increased levels of MIC1 and MMP7 in serum and shorter PFS and OS in GC. These findings justify studies with a larger number of pts.


2016 ◽  
Vol 242 (8) ◽  
pp. 859-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Ometto ◽  
Lara Friso ◽  
Davide Astorri ◽  
Costantino Botsios ◽  
Bernd Raffeiner ◽  
...  

Calprotectin is a heterodimer formed by two proteins, S100A8 and S100A9, which are mainly produced by activated monocytes and neutrophils in the circulation and in inflamed tissues. The implication of calprotectin in the inflammatory process has already been demonstrated, but its role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and monitoring of rheumatic diseases has gained great attention in recent years. Calprotectin, being stable at room temperature, is a candidate biomarker for the follow-up of disease activity in many autoimmune disorders, where it can predict response to treatment or disease relapse. There is evidence that a number of immunomodulators, including TNF-α inhibitors, may reduce calprotectin expression. S100A8 and S100A9 have a potential role as a target of treatment in murine models of autoimmune disorders, since the direct or indirect blockade of these proteins results in amelioration of the disease process. In this review, we will go over the biologic functions of calprotectin which might be involved in the etiology of rheumatic disorders. We will also report evidence of its potential use as a disease biomarker. Impact statement Calprotectin is an acute-phase protein produced by monocytes and neutrophils in the circulation and inflamed tissues. Calprotectin seems to be more sensitive than CRP, being able to detect minimal residual inflammation and is a candidate biomarker in inflammatory diseases. High serum levels are associated with some severe manifestations of rheumatic diseases, such as glomerulonephritis and lung fibrosis. Calprotectin levels in other fluids, such as saliva and synovial fluid, might be helpful in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. Of interest is also the potential role of calprotectin as a target of treatment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8048-8048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jair Bar ◽  
Keyue Ding ◽  
Huijun Zhao ◽  
Scott Andrew Laurie ◽  
Lei Han ◽  
...  

8048 Background: Benefit from angiogenesis inhibitors (AI) has been linked to high blood pressure. One of the main determinants of blood pressure is the renin-angiotensin axis. We undertook an exploratory, retrospective analysis of ACE and Ald serum levels on specimens banked during the conduct of the BR24 study. The aim was to evaluate these markers for their prognostic significance and their predictive value regarding Cediranib (Ced) treatment. Methods: The NCIC CTG BR24 study randomized advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients (pts) to carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) +/- Ced. ACE and Ald serum levels were retrospectively tested on baseline samples using commercial ELISA kits. A graphic method, differentiating treatment effect by the range of marker, was used to determine cutoff points (JCO 2010, 28: 5247). Exploratory analyses were performed to correlate biomarkers levels with pts characteristics and overall survival (OS). Association between categorical variables was assessed by Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test; time to event correlation with biomarkers was tested using a Cox regression model. Potential confounding factors including medications were integrated into the statistical model. Results: Biomarker data was available in 226 of 296 randomized pts. The tested pts vs. all the randomized pts were more likely to have a lower performance status (PS, p=0.03), a normal LDH (p=0.05) and to be ever-smokers (p=0.015). The determined cutoffs were ACE: 115ng/ml and Ald: 250 pg/ml. High ACE was associated with a better PS (p=0.03). High ACE levels were prognostic for longer OS (adjusted HR 0.52 [95%C.I. 0.29-0.92], p=0.025). High ACE pts had no OS benefit (HR 1.27 [95% C.I. 0.78–2.08], p=0.34), while low ACE predicted OS benefit from the addition of Ced to CP (HR 0.64 [95%CI 0.42-0.97], p=0.03). Interaction p value=0.03; this remained significant after adjustment in multivariate analyses. Ald levels were neither prognostic nor predictive. Conclusions: This exploratory analysis suggests high ACE serum levels maybe prognostic for better OS, while low ACE may predict benefit from Ced when added to CP.


2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 286-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Yang ◽  
Guo-Dong Chen ◽  
Feng Fang ◽  
Zhen Liu ◽  
Stephanie Hiu Yan Lau ◽  
...  

Background and aims The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) as a marker for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as for prognostic prediction of early HCC after hepatic resection. Methods One-hundred and four cases of matched fresh tissue specimens of early HCC and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissue (ANLT) were obtained for RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays. Sera were collected from patients with early HCC (n=184), benign liver tumors (n=29), cirrhosis (n=174), non-cirrhotic hepatitis B (n=193), and from healthy individuals (n=202). The levels of Dkk-1 and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) were measured. Results The Dkk-1 mRNA and protein levels were both upregulated in early HCC. Serum levels of Dkk-1 in patients with early HCC were significantly higher than in the other 4 groups (p<0.001). Dkk-1 had a better sensitivity and accuracy than AFP (p<0.05). More importantly, 73.1% of the patients negative for AFP could be diagnosed with early HCC using Dkk-1. A combination of Dkk-1 and AFP further improved the diagnostic efficacy. Patients with a high serum Dkk-1 level had poorer overall and relapse-free survivals than those with a low Dkk-1 level (p=0.028 and p=0.045, respectively). These results were shown in a testing cohort and confirmed in a validation cohort of patients. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses showed serum Dkk-1 level to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. Conclusions Our data show that Dkk-1 is a diagnostic and prognostic serologic marker for early HCC.


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 1947-1952 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALESSANDRO ANTONELLI ◽  
CLODOVEO FERRI ◽  
SILVIA MARTINA FERRARI ◽  
ILARIA RUFFILLI ◽  
MICHELE COLACI ◽  
...  

Objective.No study has evaluated circulating chemokine C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)11 in patients with “mixed cryoglobulinemia and chronic hepatitis C infection” (MC+HCV). We measured CXCL11, and correlated this measurement to the clinical phenotype.Methods.Serum CXCL11, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assayed in 97 MC+HCV patients and in 97 sex- and age-matched controls.Results.MC+HCV patients showed significantly higher mean CXCL11 serum levels than controls (254 ± 295, 68 ± 16 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.0002; ANOVA). CXCL11 was significantly increased in 36 cryoglobulinemic patients with compared to those without active vasculitis (303 ± 208 vs 179 ± 62 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001; ANOVA). IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in MC+HCV than in controls [6.1 (range 0.8–114.5), 1.4 (range 0.7–2.4) pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test]. Serum TNF-α mean levels were significantly higher in MC+HCV than in controls [13.4 (range 1.8–369), 1.1 (range 0.7–3.2) pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.0001; Mann-Whitney U test]. A multiple regression analysis considering CXCL11 as a dependent variable, and age, alanine aminotransferase, IFN-γ, and TNF-α as independent variables, showed in MC+HCV patients a significant association only with IFN-γ (p < 0.0001).Conclusion.Our study demonstrates markedly high serum levels of CXCL11 in patients with MC+HCV compared to healthy controls overall in the presence of active vasculitis. A strong relationship between circulating IFN-γ and CXCL11 was shown, strongly supporting the role of a T helper 1 immune response in the pathogenesis of MC+HCV.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuya Ishihara ◽  
Hiroya Yamada ◽  
Eiji Munetuna ◽  
Chiharu Hagiwara ◽  
Ryosuke Fujii ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although dementia is a huge problem in public health, no fundamental biomarker has been established to detect cognitive decline at the early stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression, and are associated with the development of various diseases. Methods The subjects of this prospective study were 162 (75 men, 87 women) residents who attended a health examination in Yakumo town in Hokkaido, in 2012 and re-attended at least once while 2013 to 2015. Serum samples were collected in 2012 and serum miRNA were measured by qRT-PCR. We used a short version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) to screen cognitive function, and calculated the change in SMMSE score per year. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of serum miRNA levels for cognitive decline (decrease of greater than 0.5 points per year) using the lowest tertile group of miRNAs as the reference by logistic regression analysis. Results The mean age and change in SMMSE score of the subjects was 63.9±9.6 years and -0.03±1.19 points. Odds ratios (ORs) for cognitive decline were significantly higher in the highest tertile of serum miR-221 (OR = 3.24, 95%CI=1.20-8.72) and miR-222 (OR = 4.01, 95%CI=1.36-11.80) even if confounding factors were adjusted. Conclusions High serum levels of miR-221 and -222 were significantly associated with cognitive decline. Key messages High serum levels of miR-221 and -222 may be potential candidate biomarkers for prediction of cognitive decline.


2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 089-098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Kummer ◽  
Michael Lerario ◽  
Babak Navi ◽  
Adam Ganzman ◽  
Daniel Ribaudo ◽  
...  

Background Mobile stroke units (MSUs) reduce time to thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke. These units are widely used, but the clinical information systems underlying MSU operations are understudied. Objective The first MSU on the East Coast of the United States was established at New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYP) in October 2016. We describe our program's 7-month pilot, focusing on the integration of our hospital's clinical information systems into our MSU to support patient care and research efforts. Methods NYP's MSU was staffed by two paramedics, one radiology technologist, and a vascular neurologist. The unit was equipped with four laptop computers and networking infrastructure enabling all staff to access the hospital intranet and clinical applications during operating hours. A telephone-based registration procedure registered patients from the field into our admit/discharge/transfer system, which interfaced with the institutional electronic health record (EHR). We developed and implemented a computerized physician order entry set in our EHR with prefilled values to permit quick ordering of medications, imaging, and laboratory testing. We also developed and implemented a structured clinician note to facilitate care documentation and clinical data extraction. Results Our MSU began operating on October 3, 2016. As of April 27, 2017, the MSU transported 49 patients, of whom 16 received tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Zero technical problems impacting patient care were reported around registration, order entry, or intranet access. Two onboard network failures occurred, resulting in computed tomography scanner malfunctions, although no patients became ineligible for time-sensitive treatment as a result. Thirteen (26.5%) clinical notes contained at least one incomplete time field. Conclusion The main technical challenges encountered during the integration of our hospital's clinical information systems into our MSU were onboard network failures and incomplete clinical documentation. Future studies are necessary to determine whether such integrative efforts improve MSU care quality, and which enhancements to information systems will optimize clinical care and research efforts.


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