SARS-CoV-2 targets endothelial cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. The specific impact of the resulting endothelial injury is currently unknown but may contribute to the pro-coagulant state classically described during Covid-19 disease and commonly associated with an exacerbated activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
We prospectively compared clinical and biological parameters in ICU- and non-ICU-admitted Covid-19 patients, ICU-admitted patients with septic shock unrelated to Covid-19 and matched control subjects. Primary hemostasis and coagulation parameters and endothelial biomarkers are measured. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is monitored through measurements of plasma renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, and serum soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Vascular oxidative status is assessed by measuring plasma lipids peroxides. Neutrophilic polymorphonuclear activation is assessed by measuring plasma levels of Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1. Vascular nitric oxide bioavailability is measured by quantification of the concentration of heme-nitrosylated hemoglobin (HbNO) in venous erythrocytes using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy. Structural abnormalities of vascular endothelial cells were analyzed by Transmission Electron- and Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
85
Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc
Brussels, Belgique, Belgium
RECRUITINGVascular oxidative stress in Covid-19 versus septic shock and control patients
HbNO (nmol/L) and NOX levels (μM/L), oxidative stress with plasma lipids peroxides (mmol/L) levels and soluble TREM-1 measurements. Blood HbNO levels directly correlate with endothelial function and inversely with major cardiovascular risk factors. The nitrite/nitrate levels (NOx) are the the stable end products of NO metabolism that also suggest NO production. Plasma lipids peroxides reflets the surrounding endovascular oxidative stress. sTREM-1 participates in the sepsis-induced ROS production through activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX)-2 during the respiratory burst of activated polymorphonuclear.
Time frame: ICU or general ward hospital admission
Vascular Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system measurements in Covid-19 versus septic shock and control patients
Renin (pg/mL), Agiotensin II (fmol/mL), Aldosterone (pg/mL) measurements. The RAAS system is a classical activator of vascular NOX2 and ROS production.
Time frame: ICU or general ward hospital admission
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