An inter-correlated cytokine network identified at the center of cytokine storm predicted COVID-19 prognosis. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Yili; Chen, Daihong; Hou, Junjie; Li, Haicong; Cao, Dan; Guo, Mingquan; Ling, Yun; Gao, Menglu; Zhou, Yi; Wan, Yanmin; Zhu, Zhaoqin
• Is Part Of: Cytokine. Volume 138(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Cytokine -- Inflammation -- Disease prognosis -- Correlation network; Cytokines -- Periodicals; 571.844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155365
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-4666

Abstract

Highlights: The early and late plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-5 elevated significantly in deceased patients. IL-6, IL-8 and IL-5 located at the center of an inter-correlated cytokine network. The early plasma levels of IFN-a and IL-2 positively correlated with the length of disease course. Abstract: The hyper-inflammatory response is thought to be a major cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with COVID-19. Although multiple cytokines are reportedly associated with disease severity, the key mediators of SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm and their predictive values have not been fully elucidated. The present study analyzed maximal and early (within 10 days after disease onset) concentrations of 12-plex cytokines in plasma. We found consistently elevated plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-5 in patients who were deceased compared with those who had mild/moderate or severe disease. The early plasma concentrations of IFN-a and IL-2 positively correlated with the length of the disease course. Moreover, correlation network analysis showed that IL-6, IL-8, and IL-5 located at the center of an inter-correlated cytokine network. These findings suggested that IL-8, IL-6, IL-5 might play central roles in cytokine storms associated with COVID-19 and that the early detection of multiple plasma cytokines might help to predict the prognosis of this disease.