A possible pathogenic role of Syndecan-1 in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

A cell-surface heparan proteoglycan called Syndecan-1 (SDC-1) has multiple roles in healthy and pathogenic conditions, including respiratory viral infection. In this study, we explore the dynamic alternation in the levels of SDC-1 in cases with COVID-19. A total of 120 cases definitely diagnosed with COVID-19 were admitted to the Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from December 1, 2020, to January 29, 2021, and included in our study. Also, 58 healthy subjects (HS) were chosen as the control group. Patients were classified into two groups: 1) ICU patients and (63 cases) 2) non-ICU patients (57 cases). The dynamic changes of serum SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and Vit D levels a well as the disease activity were investigated in three-time points (T1-T3). Our results indicated that the COVID-19 patients had significantly increased SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 levels than in HS, while the Vit D levels in COVID-19 patients were significantly lower than HS. Further analysis demonstrated that the SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 levels in ICU patients were significantly higher than in non-ICU patients. Tracking dynamic changes in the above markers indicated that on the day of admission, the SCD-1, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 levels were gradually increased on day 5 (T2) and then gradually decreased on day 10 (T3). ROC curve analysis suggests that markers mentioned above, SDC-1, IL-6, and IL-18 are valuable indicators in evaluating the activity of COVID-19. All in all, it seems that the serum SDC-1 levels alone or combined with other markers might be a good candidate for disease activity monitoring.

Temporal change in Syndecan-1 as a therapeutic target and a biomarker for the severity classification of COVID-19

“…Therefore, our analysis indicated that SDC-1 may be a biomarker for the severity of severe COVID-19. Similar to our results, recently published article reported SDC-1 levels alone or combined with other markers like cytokines might be a good candidate for disease activity monitoring [ 41 ]. In addition, if some treatment to remove glycocalyx from the endothelium can be established, it may contribute to a reduced oxygen administration period, and shortened mechanical ventilation and ECMO administration periods, thereby improving the prognosis, and reducing unexplained sequelae after COVID-19, including respiratory symptoms.…”

A possible pathogenic correlation between neutrophil elastase (NE) enzyme and inflammation in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

“…However, the CRP levels were gently reduced from day 0 to day 6 in both groups of patients. Our finding confirms previous investigations demonstrating that the IL-6 [43] , [44] , [45] , [46] , [47] , [48] , [49] , [50] , IL-8 [51] , [52] , [53] , [54] , and CRP [55] , [56] were significantly elevated in patients with COVID-19. Besides, our results revealed that the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly elevated in cases with COVID-19 than in HS.…”

Indications of Persistent Glycocalyx Damage in Convalescent COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study and Hypothesis

“…The overrepresentation of women in the healthy cohort must be considered as a limitation of our study. Compared with the collective of healthy controls of Karampoor et al, the control collective used in this study showed comparable mean syndecan-1 levels (Karampoor et al 24 (23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32) ng/mL versus 31.6 (17.1-54.7) ng/mL in our study) [20]. Endothelial damage correlated significantly with the severity of lung dysfunction (arterial oxygen tension, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide).…”

“…Critically ill patients showed significantly increased syndecan-1 levels during the acute phase of the disease compared to moderately ill patients. It was shown that the determination of syndecan-1 on the day of admission is suitable for monitoring disease activity in addition to the determination of IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and CRP [20] The glycocalyx consists of proteoglycans (e.g., SDC-1), glycosaminoglycans, and plasma proteins [21]. The glycocalyx represents an important regulator of endothelial cell homeostasis and immune response in the context of infection [9].…”