Several studies have indicated lipid metabolism alterations during COVID-19 infection, specifically a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations and an increase in triglyceride (TG) levels during the infection. However, a decline in triglycerides can also be observed in critical cases. A direct correlation can be observed between a decrease in serum cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and TGs, and the severity of the disease; these laboratory findings can serve as potential markers for patient outcomes. The transmission of coronavirus increases proportionally with rising levels of cholesterol in the cell membrane. This is due to the fact that cholesterol increases the number of viral entry spots and the concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, crucial for viral penetration. Studies have found that lower HDL-C levels correspond with a higher susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and infections in general, while higher HDL-C levels were related to a lower risk of developing them. However, extremely high HDL-C levels in serum increase the risk of infectious diseases and is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Low HDL-C levels are already accepted as a marker for risk stratification in critical illnesses, and higher HDL-C levels prior to the infection is associated with a lower risk of death in older patients. The correlation between LDL-C levels and disease severity is still unclear. However, TG levels were significantly higher in non-surviving severe patients compared to those that survived; therefore, elevated TG-C levels in COVID-19 patients may be considered an indicator of uncontrolled inflammation and an increased risk of death.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.