London: A team of researchers is combining new technologies to discover unique patterns of blood plasma proteins in critically ill patients who can help develop a more personalized approach to treating COVID-19, has shown a new study. According to the study published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, the proteins under study, called “plasma proteome“, are released by cells that often play a key role in the functioning of the body. immune response to viruses To carry out the study, blood samples were taken from 30 subjects in three groups of patients in London Health Science Center (LHSC).
One group had patients with covid-19, another group had patients with severe infection but tested negative for covid-19, and the third was a healthy control group. “We collected plasma from these patients and measured more than a thousand proteins with great precision using a new technology that combines immunology Y genomicsLawson Scientist Dr. Douglas Fraser, an Intensive Care Physician at Children’s Hospital at LHSC, said. “Using this advanced technology, we were able to better analyze protein patterns and better understand what is happening with Covid-19. 19, especially in critically ill patients,” he added.
The researchers found that the Covid-19 patients had changes in immunosuppression pathways, which normally keep the immune system in balance, the study revealed. The changes were intensified in critically ill patients. Analysis of the plasma proteome helped the researchers determine which cells in the body are active during the disease state and which signaling pathways were activated.
“In-depth analysis of the human plasma proteome helps us capture tissue proteins that can tell us about organ integrity during infection,” said Cristiana Iosef, a Lawson research associate. “This is important because it will allow us to search for new blood biomarkers that are specific to patients with covid-19,” she added.
Additionally, Dr. Fraser commented that the team can now examine potential new drug therapies in hopes of improving outcomes for these patients.
