Spotting and characterization of biomarkers in serum samples of COVID-19 patients: study protocol of case-control study.

Microbiology, Biotechnology, Medical Science, Bio-chemistry.

Background: The COVID-19 disease is a viral infection that is now turning into a health threat all over the globe, caused by newly discovered Coronavirus 2, which is several acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses 2 (SARS-Cov 2). Identification of potential markers in COVID-19 infection will be the key to understanding the complicated pathogenesis of the infection by using advanced proteomics techniques. As this study is based on hospitalized patients the role of the relationship between the anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines can also play a major role in the disease prognostic. Thus, by targeting IL-6 and IL-10 levels throughout the infection and focusing on the molecular approach, we might find a way to balance the level of anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines and further, the in-silicon molecular docking for potential drug development with IL-6 and IL-10 will also help in to prevent the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Objective: To identify potential biomarkers in serum samples of COVID-19 patients admitted to COVID-19 dedicated hospital and to check the expression and negative association of inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-10 in COVID-19 infection. Methodology: The study type is a case-control study. This study aims to identify and characterize potential biomarkers in serum samples of COVID-19 patients for use in the prognosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of the infection by highly advanced proteomics techniques like mass spectrometric analysis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To detect the negative association of IL-6 and IL-10 in different stages of the infection by serology technique ELISA and to further validate the potential drug target for COVID-19 disease by in silico molecular docking. Expected results: This study expects to detect the unique biological changes in severe patients of SARS-Cov-2 infection in the form of biomarkers. These molecular changes can provide information on COVID-19 disease prognosis. Even targeting the anti and pro-inflammatory factors can prevent the progression of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Discussion: The overall conclusion of this study is to identify biomarkers for COVID-19 infection. New knowledge generated through proteomics techniques with references to novel biomarkers for COVID-19 infection can be useful for the four arms prognosis, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment. IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, has the potential to be used as a drug molecule in the treatment of COVID-19 infection.

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