IL-6 and IL-17 as potential links between pre-existing hypertension and long-COVID sequelae in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective. We hypothesized that an increase in the production of interleukins (IL)-6 and IL-17 could serve as a potential mechanism linking pre-existing uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) to the occurrence of long-COVID sequelae in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we examined serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels in 80 patients undergoing HD, taking into account preinfection BP, the presence of long-COVID sequelae, and the time interval after acute COVID-19 infection, which was either 5 or 10 months. The cytokines were measured by ELISA assay. Controlled BP was defined as a 3-month average pre-dialysis BP <140/90 mmHg and post-dialysis <130/80 mmHg. Results. The prevalence of long-COVID sequelae was significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled BP than in the BP-controlled group. Both IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations were also significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled BP compared with the BP-controlled group. The patients with long-COVID sequelae had higher IL-6 and IL-17 values than the fully recovered patients at both time points, but their concentrations decreased significantly over time. Conclusions. Elevated levels of serum IL-6 and IL-17 in patients undergoing HD with pre-existing uncontrolled BP may be associated with developing long-COVID sequelae.

Hemodialysis dose and long-term COVID-19 outcomes – a retrospective cohort study

“…Additionally, we previously demonstrated a high cytokine concentration in patients with both preexisting hypertension and long-COVID sequelae, indirectly suggesting a negative impact of chronic inflammation on long-term COVID-19 outcomes in this patient population. 37 Nonetheless, this complex interaction between chronic inflammation, dialysis adequacy, and long-term COVID-19 outcomes requires further investigation for a comprehensive understanding.…”

“…The results of the first laboratory investigation conducted following COVID-19 recovery were utilized for all the data. This investigation took place at a median of 32 (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37) days after the onset of COVID-19.…”

The link between moderate COVID-19 and delayed manifestation of glomerulonephritis: Insights from cluster analysis of TGF-β1 and VEGF levels

“…Discussion. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced global health, highlighting the virus's impact on multiple organs [2,4,10]. Recent evidence indicates a variety of renal complications linked to the infection.…”

“…Following such a renal catastrophe, the progression of pathological changes in the kidneys can be anticipated. Notably, heightened COVID activity plays a detrimental role in kidney damage, both through direct viral impact and indirectly via compromised immune mechanisms and cytokine storms [3,4].…”