High expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2), transmembrane protease serine (TMPRSS), and P-selectin in platelets lead to thrombosis formation in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to see if the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS), and P-selectin in platelets increases the risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the COVID-19 isolation center between January and September 2021 and comprised 61 COVID-19-infected patients, 21 of whom were in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 40 of whom were non-ICU patients (non-ICUP) in the isolation center. The coagulation profile, as well as the ACE-2, TMPRES, and P-selectin receptors, were all assessed in addition to the complete blood count (CBC). A questionnaire was also utilized to collect social and demographic data. RESULTS: All platelet indices and coagulation profiles were significantly altered in COVID-19 ICUP and non-ICUP in this research; additionally, there is a significant association between the presence of ACE-2, P-selectin, and TMPRRS2 in COVID-19 patients with coagulation profile and platelet indices leading to hypercoagulable state. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the interaction of ACE-2, TMPRSS, and P-selectin in platelets appears to be a key element contributing to COVID-19 severity via their impact on thrombus development. Further investigation into these pathways may provide possible treatment targets for reducing the severe consequences of the COVID-19 infection.

Molecular aspects of the common types of ß-thalassemia mutations among Sudanese patients: a cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to identify the most common types of mutations in beta-thalassemia Sudanese patients in Khartoum State, as well as their relationship to anemia severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From July 2017 to July 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 samples from known beta-thalassemia patients attending public health hospitals in Khartoum State, and fifty samples were taken from apparently healthy controls. Using a PCR test, blood samples were analyzed to detect the most common types of mutations. RESULTS: For the five mutations included in the study (IVS-I-110(G-A), IVS-I-1(G-A), IVS-I-6(T-C), IVS-I-5(G-C), and ß_87(C-G)), 25% of the patients were positive and 75% were negative, while the entire control group was negative for all five mutations. Positive results were found in only three of the five mutations tested; the most common was IVS-I-110, which was found in 14 (56%) of the subjects, followed by IVS-I-6 (T) in 7 (28%), and IVS-I-1 in only 4 (16%) of the subjects. IVS-I-5 and ß_87 mutations were not found in the study subjects. The Hb electrophoresis pattern revealed an increase in HbA2 (6.455±0.1318%), a decrease in HbF (1.865±0.1668%), and a decrease in HbA (78.50±0.2858%). The mean serum iron level was 82.99±3.063 ug/dL, which was considered normal. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, the IVS-1-110 mutation is the most common among Sudanese beta-thalassemia patients. Each type of positive mutation caused mild to moderate anemia.