J Med Virol. 2022 Feb 6. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27640. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the change in Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), which plays a critical role in cytoprotection against oxidative stress, in paediatric patients with COVID-19 infection positivity, and to evaluate the relationship between Nrf2 and oxidative balance.
METHODS: The study included 40 children with confirmed COVID-19 infection and 35 healthy children. The groups were compared in respect of Nrf2, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI), in addition to clinical findings of fever, cough shortness of breath, and contact history, and demographic data of age and gender.
RESULTS: The mean Nrf2 values and TAS levels were determined to be statistically significantly low (p<0.001) and the TOS level and OSI were statistically significantly high in the children with COVID-19 compared to the control group. A significant positive correlation was determined between Nrf2 and TAS (p<0.01); as the Nrf2 value increased, so the TAS value increased. A significant negative correlation was determined between Nrf2 and TOS and OSI (p<0.01); as the Nrf2 value increased, there was determined to be a significant decrease in the TOS and OSI values.
CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection in paediatric patients causes a decrease in Nrf2 level. By causing a decrease in TAS level and an increase in TOS and OSI levels, the decrease in Nrf2 may explain the tissue damage which can be caused by COVID-19. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:35128704 | DOI:10.1002/jmv.27640
