DNA damage and changes in oxidized biomolecules in COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units: a single center experience

E. Duran, S. Taşkın, B. Pehlivan, H. Çelik

Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Medicine Faculty, University of Harran, Sanliurfa, Turkey. dreduran@harran.edu.tr

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• Anesthesiology
• Infectious Diseases

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is a deadly disease. Investigations are being conducted on the underlying mechanisms to predict prognosis and reduce mortality rates. In this study, the extent of DNA damage and serum levels of oxidized biomolecules were investigated. We hypothesize that malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) serum levels and DNA damage levels may be biomarkers that can be used in prognostic decision making and prediction of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients included in the study were divided into two groups according to their survival. These groups were compared in terms of serum MDA, PC levels, DNA damage degrees and mortality on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days of ICU admission.

RESULTS: In patients who died, MDA levels increased over time (p=0.023), PC levels peaked on the third day of admission to the intensive care units (ICU), and then decreased, while DNA damage increased gradually (p=0.013). In surviving patients, MDA levels decreased over time (p=0.018); PC levels were at their peak on the first day of admission to the ICU and then decreased (p=0.018); DNA damage decreased initially, and then increased minimally compared to Day 1.

CONCLUSIONS: For COVID-19 ICU patients, serum levels of MDA and PC and degrees of DNA damage can strengthen prognostic decision-making and contribute to reducing mortality.

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