The Role of Selected Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines, Including IL-6, IL-13 and TNF-α, in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak began in December 2019 in China and quickly spread to other countries. Although most infected individuals experienced mild or moderate symptoms, 17% of patients were reported to have severe cases. Analysis of the available literature confirms the link between severe forms of COVID-19 and cyto-kine storm syndrome. Methods: A total of 57 patients participated in the study, divid-ed into a non-COVID group (24 people) and a COVID group (33 people). Each patient completed a questionnaire designed by the authors, followed by anthropometric measurements and venous blood sampling to determine cytokines, and pro- and an-ti-inflammatory chemokines using the Bio-Plex 200 system. Results: Showed statisti-cally significant higher values of IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α and the chemokines IP-10, MCP-1 (MCAF), MIP-1α, MIP-1β in the COVID-19 group. Conclusions: The results of our study support for the occurrence of elevated levels of IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α and selected chemokines in COVID-19 patients, which are associated with a worse course and prognosis of COVID-19. An in-depth understanding of the pathophysiology and im-mune dysfunction accompanying cyto-kine storm is crucial for identifying patients at increased risk, as well as for developing effective therapies and vaccines.