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Objectives: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) represents the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 to enter endothelial cells, causing coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we investigate the association between circulating ACE2 levels with the severity of COVID-19. Methods: Serum ACE2 levels were measured in 144 COVID-19-positive subjects at hospital admission, and 123 COVID-19-negative control subjects. The association between ACE2 and clinical outcomes was analyzed. Results: About 144 COVID-19 patients and 123 healthy controls data were analyzed, the mean age of patients was 62 years and 50% of them were males. The mean age of the control group was 55 years and 63% were males. ACE-II level was measured and compared between COVID-19 patients and controls and revealed no significant differences (P > .05). ACE-II level was measured in COVID-19 patients and compared between different patient's subgroups, ACE II level was not dependent on gender, smoking, ACE intake, or comorbidities (P > .05), and was significantly correlated with cardiovascular diseases (CVS) (P-value = .046) ICU admission (P-value = .0007) and Death (P-value = .0082). Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the COVID-19 and Control group, however, ACE2 serum level was significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 who were critically ill or non-survivors, its increased level is also associated with length of stay. Elevated ACE2 level is associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease, and it has the potential to be a predictor of the severity of the disease.
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Background/aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities that impair behavior and communication. Although it is relatively prevalent, the pathophysiology is still subject to speculation and debate. The aim of this study is to identify a possible association between interleukin-6, -8, -9, and -10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in autism among Jordanian children by comparing the plasma levels of these cytokines in autistic children with those of their unaffected siblings and unrelated healthy controls. Materials and methods: In this study, 80 Jordanian children under the age of 12 with diagnosed autism were selected. For comparison, 51 unaffected siblings and 86 unrelated healthy controls were also recruited. Venous blood was collected and interleukin levels in all three groups were investigated. Results: Interleukin-6 was found to be significantly higher in the plasma of both autistic children and their siblings compared with the unrelated healthy control group (P < 0.05). As for interleukin-8 and TNF-α, plasma levels were significantly higher exclusively in autistic children compared to their siblings and unaffected control subjects (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between plasma levels of the previously mentioned cytokines in the siblings and the unrelated control group. As for interleukin-9 and interleukin-10, no significant differences were found between all three groups (P = 0.15, P = 0.35). Conclusion: We found that interleukin-8 and TNF-α were exclusively elevated in autistic Jordanian children, while interleukin-6 was elevated in both autistic children and their siblings, potentially dismissing its significance. These results may lead to a better understanding of the disorder's pathophysiology, early testing, and diagnosis.