Analysis of cytokine levels in SARS-CoV-2 patients and efficacy of cytokine inhibitors
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Abstract
The “cytokine storm” is not an appropriate term in the setting of COVID-19. The objective of this study is to investigate the role, if any, that cytokines and the generally proposed “cytokine storm” paradigm play in SARS-CoV-2 and how it affects the overall course of disease and severity in patients suffering from the novel coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. The study will describe the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its mechanism of action upon infecting a new host, the mechanism behind activation of the “cytokine storm”, and how the “cytokine storm” leads to an increased risk of mortality, which especially affects patients with pre-existing conditions. The literature review on the “cytokine storm” will be compared with a meta-analysis performed by the author of this thesis in which the weighted averages of cytokine levels in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients were calculated and recorded. Furthermore, the study intends to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of what impact, if any, cytokine inhibitors have on preventing the “cytokine storm” and reducing severity of cases and mortality due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, the thesis will also address and expand on the social determinants of health, its relationship to susceptibility of becoming infected with a severe case of SARS-CoV-2, and the impact that these external factors have on pro-inflammatory pathways, which contribute to the socioeconomic and racial health disparities seen as the pandemic continues on in the U.S. Overall, the study aims to deepen and elucidate our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on a scientific and mechanistic level, and evaluate the efficacy of potential treatments (cytokine inhibitors) in successfully combating the grim prognosis of a severe infection.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International