Changes in markers of inflammation and their correlation with death in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit.

This study aimed to characterize the changes in serum inflammatory mediators in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 correlating with death. The study includes 58 participants: i) inpatients (n = 37): patients suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19, who were admitted at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) recovered and who died and ii) control group (n = 21): community volunteers. Inflammatory mediators evaluated interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interferon-gamma protein levels (IFN-γ), as well as, Urea, LDH, D-dimer, TAP/INR, AST, ALT and lymphocytes. Our results suggest that high levels of inflammatory markers, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, and laboratory parameters, such as low levels of lymphocytes and high levels of IL-6, are associated with disease severity, especially in individuals who died. Constant measurement and monitoring of these inflammatory parameters is an effective tool in clinical practice, and it can help choosing appropriate therapies during the course of the disease.

Delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzyme activity and the oxidative profile of pregnant women being treated for acute toxoplasmosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and oxidative profile, including the activity of the enzyme delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D), in women who acquired toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and used the triple regimen (sulfadiazine + pyrimethamine + folinic acid [SPFA]) as treatment. These parameters have not been evaluated in pregnant women with toxoplasmosis who used the triple regimen. A total of 53 pregnant women were recruited and divided into two groups: control (C; n = 27) and acute toxoplasmosis (AT; n = 26). Clinical data and blood samples were obtained from all patients. The clinical profile was analyzed by checking parameters such as body mass index, blood pressure, and complete blood count. Oxidative stress was evaluated by quantifying protein (P-SH) and non-protein (NP-SH) thiol groups, vitamin C, plasma iron reduction capacity (FRAP), δ-ALA-D enzyme activity, reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), and nitric oxide (NO). Changes in hematological parameters (increased red cell distribution width and decreased hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration), increased antioxidant system (P-SH, NP-SH, FRAP, δ-ALA-D enzyme activity), as well as damage markers (TBARS and NO), were significantly elevated in pregnant women with toxoplasmosis, compared to those in the control group. Pregnant women treated for this acute infection showed increased damage markers, as well as a significant increase in the antioxidant system, including the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme. Given this evidence, it is suggested that these changes occur as a form of compensation, with a possible contribution from drug therapy.

Variation of the Oxidative Profile in Pregnant Women With and Without Gestational Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is closely related to the pathophysiology of gestation, where the placenta is susceptible to oxidative damage, contributing to the onset of gestational complications. Currently, few studies evaluate the use of oxidative markers for prediction of risk of gestational complications. However, there are some reports that suggest these biomarkers as potential prognostic biomarkers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the biomarkers of oxidative stress from gestations with and without complications, and also evaluate the delta of variation in these markers from the first gestational trimester. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 45 pregnant women were evaluated during the three gestational trimesters, of whom 15 developed gestational complications by the end of gestation. The evaluated oxidative damage markers were thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitric oxide dosage. Evaluation of the antioxidant system was performed by the quantification of vitamin C, sulfhydryl groups, total antioxidant capacity, plasmatic iron reduction ability, the evaluation of catalase and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase enzymatic activity. RESULTS: According to the results, the markers of oxidative damage are increased, and the antioxidant profile decreased, in the third trimester of complicated pregnancies as compared to uncomplicated pregnancies. Moreover, the delta of variation in both oxidative damage markers and antioxidants was higher in complicated gestations as compared to uncomplicated gestations, thus suggesting a higher oxidative stress in pregnancies with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress parameters appear altered in pregnant women with gestational complications. The markers to oxidative stress can be possible biomarkers, helping in understanding mechanisms underlying the associations between complications during pregnancy and various health outcomes.