High Mobility Group Box 1 Gene Polymorphism and Serum High Mobility Group Box 1, Interleukin 1 Beta, and Alpha-Klotho Crosstalk in Severe COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate the serum levels of HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho in COVID-19 patients with different disease severity, investigate their association with clinicopathological parameters, and to assess HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism and its relation with clinical severity. Methods 120 COVID-19 patients (89 critically ill, 15 severe, and 16 moderately severe) along with 80 healthy control were enrolled.The serum levels of HMGB1,IL1β, and α-klotho were determined by ELISA. The HMGB1 rs1045411 polymorphism was detected by RT- PCR. Results The serum levels of HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho were significantly higher in critically ill COVID-19 patients compared to other groups. The HMGB1rs1045411 polymorphism revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of T/T genotypes in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. The (ROC) analysis showed moderate diagnostic potential for serum HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho. Conclusion The serum HMGB1, IL1β, and α-klotho may be severity markers and promising therapeutic targets for COVID-19 patients.