Adiponectin, Leptin, and Resistin Are Dysregulated in Patients Infected by SARS-CoV-2

Obesity, through adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and dysregulation, represents a critical factor for COVID-19; here, we investigated whether serum levels of adiponectin, HMW oligomers, leptin, and resistin are modulated and/or correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters of severe COVID-19 patients. This study included 62 severe COVID-19 patients; 62 age and sex-matched healthy subjects were recruited as a control group. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were obtained and compared. Adiponectin, HMW oligomers, leptin, and resistin were analyzed by ELISA. The adiponectin oligomerization state was visualized by Western blotting. When compared to healthy subjects, total adiponectin levels were statistically lower in severe COVID-19 while, in contrast, the levels of leptin and resistin were statistically higher. Interestingly, HMW adiponectin oligomers negatively correlated with leptin and were positively associated with LUS scores. Resistin showed a positive association with IL-6, IL-2R, and KL-6. Our data strongly support that adipose tissue might play a functional role in COVID-19. Although it needs to be confirmed in larger cohorts, adiponectin HMW oligomers might represent a laboratory resource to predict patient seriousness. Whether adipokines can be integrated as a potential additional tool in the evolving landscape of biomarkers for the COVID-19 disease is still a matter of debate. Other studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind adipokine's involvement in COVID-19.

Automated summary

This study investigated the relationship between obesity and COVID-19, specifically analyzing the levels of adiponectin, HMW oligomers, leptin, and resistin in severe COVID-19 patients. The results showed that total adiponectin levels were lower, while leptin and resistin levels were higher in severe COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. HMW adiponectin oligomers were negatively correlated with leptin and positively associated with lung injury scores. Resistin showed a positive association with IL-6, IL-2R, and KL-6. These findings suggest that adipose tissue plays a functional role in COVID-19, and HMW adiponectin oligomers may serve as a laboratory resource for predicting disease severity.