Evaluation of Glutathione Redox Status and Inflammatory Markers in ICU Patients with Acute Respiratory Syndrome due to COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The use of biomarkers may significantly predict the need for special care and mortality risk in patients with COVID-19. Objectives: This study examines the glutathione redox status, inflammatory markers, and vitamin D levels in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A cohort of COVID-19 patients (n = 16) was compared to a healthy control group. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cysteine, cystine, and vitamin D were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Independent t-tests and Cohen's d were employed to analyze differences. Results: COVID-19 patients exhibited significant differences from healthy controls in all measured indicators, including GSH, GSSG, CRP, IL-10, IL-6, cysteine, cystine, and the GSH/GSSG ratio (P ≤ 0.001). Additionally, all patients demonstrated vitamin D deficiency, with levels ranging from 10 to 20 ng/dL. Ratios of GSH to GSSG, IL-6 to IL-10, and CRP to cysteine also indicated significant differences between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Measurement of glutathione redox indicators, IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and their respective ratios, along with vitamin D and cysteine/cystine levels, could serve as effective predictors for timely interventions in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU.