Increased inflammatory markers reflecting fibrogenesis are independently associated with cardiac involvement in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Dear Editor, a high proportion of COVID-19 infected patients have cardiac involvement [1], and elevated surrogate markers of myocardial injury and stress, such as troponins [2] and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) , are found in patients with poor outcome. Beyond direct angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) related mechanisms, overwhelming inflammatory responses could activate regulatory fibrotic pathways, induce tissue damage and be harmful for the host, and such “hyperinflammatory” mechanisms may be involved in COVID-19 associated cardiac involvement [3].

Source: Journal of Infection - January 27, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Ueland T, Dyrhol-Riise AM, Woll BM, Holten AR, Petteresen F, Lind A, Dudman SG, Heggelund L, Holter JC, Aukrust P Source Type: research