Differential Functions of High-density Lipoproteins in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

pp. 124-129

Abstract

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), characterized by symptoms that persist for more than 4 weeks after initial infection, could increase cardiovascular risk. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have antiatherogenic functions, such as the ability to promote reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and antioxidant activity. In this regard, paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) plays a key role.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate HDL functions in patients with PCS and compare them with asymptomatic patients (AP) and controls.

Methods: The study included 9 patients with PCS, 18 AP and 10 controls. Complete blood count, basic lipoprotein profile, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and inflammatory markers were measured using automated methods. PON 1 activity was evaluated by a spectrophotometric assay and the 3 steps of RCT, cellular cholesterol (efflux CCE), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity were evaluated by radiometric assays.

Results: There were no differences in sex, age or general parameters. The AP group had higher PON activity than the control group (94±76 vs. 183±111 vs. 148±58 nmol/mL.min, in controls, AP and PCS, respectively; p=0.049). There were no differences in RCT. Cellular cholesterol efflux (r=-0.45; p=0.049) and CETP (r=-0.38; p=0.028) had a negative correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. LCAT had an inverse correlation with ferritin (r=-0.34; p=0.046).

Conclusions: Increased antioxidant activity of PON 1 would represent a defensive mechanism against oxidative stress after infection. All the RCT steps had a negative correlation with inflammatory markers. Our findings may explain, at least in part, the link between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis.

How to cite this article:

Davico B, Martín M, Lozano Chiappe E, Esparza Iraola R, Marchesini M, y cols. Differential Functions of High-density Lipoproteins in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection . Rev Argent Cardiol 2024;92;124-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.v92.i2.20754