Evaluation of D-Dimer, P-Selectin, and miR-17-5p Expression in ICU and Non-ICU COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, frequently induces thrombotic complications in affected individuals. P-selectin, a pivotal platelet marker, plays a central role in platelet-leukocyte aggregation, contributing to hemostasis and thrombosis. Additionally, D-dimer serves as an indicator of coagulation system activity, while miR-17-5p exhibits antiviral properties in respiratory infections. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the expression levels of D-dimer, P-selectin, and miR-17-5p in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) and those in non-ICU wards. This cross-sectional study included 50 COVID-19 patients, divided into ICU and non-ICU groups. P-selectin expression was assessed using Flow cytometry, D-dimer levels were measured via chemiluminescence, and miR-17-5p expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our analysis revealed no significant difference in P-selectin expression levels between ICU and non-ICU patients (p = 0.1068). However, the expression levels of D-dimer and miR-17-5p were significantly elevated in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients, with corresponding p-values of 0.032 and 0.0176, respectively. The heightened expression of D-dimer and miR-17-5p in ICU patients suggests their potential utility as predictive biomarkers for assessing the hemostatic status of COVID-19 patients.