Serum S100B protein as a marker of severity in Covid-19 patients

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection shows a wide-ranging clinical severity, requiring prognostic markers. We focused on S100B, a calcium-binding protein present in biological fluids, being a reliable biomarker in disorders having inflammatory processes as common basis and RAGE as main receptor. Since Covid-19 is characterized by a potent inflammatory response also involving RAGE, we tested if S100B serum levels were related to disease severity. Serum samples (n = 74) were collected from hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive patients admitted to Covid center. Illness severity was established by admission clinical criteria and Covid risk score. Treatment protocols followed WHO guidelines available at the time. Circulating S100B was determined by ELISA assay. Statistical analysis used Pearson’s χ2 test, t-Test, and ANOVA, ANCOVA, Linear Regression. S100B was detected in serum from Covid-19 patients, significantly correlating with disease severity as shown both by the level of intensity of care (p < 0.006) as well by the value of Covid score (Multiple R-squared: 0.3751); the correlation between Covid-Score and S100B was 0.61 (p < 0.01). S100B concentration was associated with inflammation markers (Ferritin, C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin), and organ damage markers (Alanine Aminotransferase, Creatinine). Serum S100B plays a role in Covid-19 and can represent a marker of clinical severity in Sars-CoV-2 infected patients.

Relationship between leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet counts, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and polymerase chain reaction positivity

“…Another study found that 63% of patients had high ferritin levels [12] . Another study reported that the S100B protein could be used as a biomarker in severe COVID-19 patients and correlated with ferritin [10] . In this study, a significant increase was observed in ferritin levels in PCR-positive patients.…”

“…A study has reported that neutralizing antibodies play a crucial role in identifying COVID-19 infection [9] . Another study claimed that serum S100B protein could be a crucial marker in the diagnosis of severe COVID-19 [10] . However, Zeng et al reported that serum interleukin (IL)-2 receptor, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), ferritin, procalcitonin lactate dehydrogenase, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were higher in critically ill patients than moderate and severe patients [11] .…”

Journey to a Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Connection in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection

“… 41 Third, serum S100B levels were associated with increased disease severity and COVID-19 score in affected patients. 42 Fourth, in extracellular vesicles, significantly higher levels of S100A12 were observed in patients with severe versus moderate COVID-19. 43 Fifth, higher levels of S100A8/A9 and a distinct DAMP RAGE ligand, HMGB1, were found to associate with higher risk of intensive care unit admission and death in patients with COVID-19.…”

Neuropathobiology of COVID-19: The Role for Glia

“…Furthermore, astrocytes regulate the permeability of BBB through influencing expression of tight junctions in endothelial cells layer (Kriauciunaite et al, 2020 ). Serum levels of the astrocytic calcium binding protein S100b, associated with an increased BBB permeability, significantly correlate with COVID-19 disease severity, inflammation markers (ferritin, C-Reactive Protein, procalcitonin), and organ damage markers (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine) (Aceti et al, 2020 ). S100b is a calcium binding protein, strongly expressed in astrocytic endfeet lining the BBB; genetic deletion of S100b is associated with age-dependent increase in BBB leakage (Wu et al, 2016 ).…”