Cytokine profile as biomarker of COVID-19 and its correlation with liver function enzymes and other markers of inflammation

Introduction and Aim: Various hematological and biochemical parameters are assessed as biomarkers of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2. In this study, efforts were made to identify the correlation of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-1?) with the liver function enzyme markers, LDH, CRP, Ferritin, and D-dimer. We also assessed the correlation of cytokines with severity of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 53 serum samples of RT-PCR-positive patients admitted to the hospital. Cytokines (IL-6, TNF-?, IL-1?, and IL-1?) were analyzed with sandwich ELISA. The levels of cytokines were compared between mild, moderate, and severe cases of COVID-19, and the correlation among cytokines, liver function marker enzymes, LDH, CRP, D-dimer, and ferritin were analyzed. Results: Along with CRP, LDH and ferritin, IL-6 showed significant difference between mild, moderate, and severe COVID groups. significant correlation between IL-6 & LDH (p -.002), IL-6 & D-Dimer (p- .010), IL-6 & IL-1? (p- .027), IL-1? & D-Dimer (p- .010), IL-1? & LDH (p-.027), and IL-1? & TNF-? & (p-.000). Conclusion: Cytokines especially IL-6 correlated with disease severity. Assaying the profile of cytokines could be of immense value in diagnosis, prognosis, and management of COVID-19.