Study Finds That COVID-19 Patients With Disease Severity Exhibit Extreme Levels Of Gamma Prime Fibrinogen
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Apr 27, 2024 1 week, 4 days, 2 hours ago
COVID-19 News: As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are delving deeper into understanding the disease's various facets, including its impact on inflammatory biomarkers. One such biomarker, gamma prime fibrinogen (GPF), has recently come into focus due to its potential significance in tracking disease progression and outcomes in COVID-19 patients. This
COVID-19 News report explores a groundbreaking study conducted at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, USA, which sheds light on the extreme levels of GPF observed in COVID-19 patients and the implications of these findings.
COVID-19 Patients With Disease Severity Exhibit Extreme Levels
Of Gamma Prime Fibrinogen
The Significance of Inflammatory Biomarkers in COVID-19
COVID-19 is known for its diverse clinical presentations, ranging from mild respiratory symptoms to severe complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and thrombosis. Central to these complications is the phenomenon known as the "cytokine storm," an overwhelming immune response that can lead to tissue damage and organ failure. Traditional inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been linked to COVID-19 progression. However, their high variability within individuals limits their utility as reliable markers for disease monitoring.
Enter Gamma Prime Fibrinogen (GPF)
In contrast to the fluctuating nature of other inflammatory markers, GPF stands out for its stability and potential as a surrogate marker for disease severity. Research conducted at OHSU revealed that GPF exhibits a six-fold lower coefficient of variability compared to hs-CRP, making it a promising candidate for tracking disease progression in COVID-19 patients. The genetic regulation of GPF, particularly its upregulation by IL-6, further strengthens its role as a stable inflammatory biomarker.
Understanding Gamma Prime Fibrinogen (GPF)
GPF is a variant of fibrinogen, a crucial protein involved in blood clot formation. It is generated through alternative mRNA processing, resulting in a distinct amino acid sequence that differentiates it from the conventional γA fibrinogen. While γA/γA fibrinogen is predominant in plasma, comprising approximately 90% of fibrinogen, GPF accounts for a smaller fraction, typically 7-10%. This unique composition gives GPF distinct biochemical and biophysical properties, including enhanced resistance to fibrinolysis and altered clot architecture.
Unraveling the Study: Extreme Levels of GPF in COVID-19 Patients
The study conducted at OHSU enrolled hospitalized COVID-19 patients and retrospectively analyzed their GPF levels in comparison to historical controls.
Astonishingly, the results revealed that COVID-19 patients exhibited extraordinarily high levels of GPF, with some reaching as high as 260 mg/dL,
surpassing any previous measurements. This finding not only underscores the unique inflammatory response triggered by COVID-19 but also raises questions about the potential role of GPF as an indicator of disease severity.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The association between elevated GPF levels and critical outcomes such as the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and mortality highlights the clinical relevance of this biomarker. These findings prompt considerations for incorporating GPF measurement into clinical protocols for COVID-19 management, particularly in identifying patients at higher risk of severe complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study from OHSU unveils a novel perspective on the role of GPF in COVID-19 pathology. The extreme levels of GPF observed in patients underscore its potential as a robust inflammatory biomarker and a predictor of disease progression. Further research and clinical validation are warranted to fully harness the diagnostic and prognostic value of GPF in managing COVID-19 and improving patient outcomes.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Blood Cells, Molecules and Diseases.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1079979624000342
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