COVID-19 Infections Alter Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels, Increasing Mortality Risk

Strategic Insights -

A recent study from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) reveals that COVID-19 infections have a profound impact on lipid and lipoprotein levels in the body. The research, published in the Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism journal, found that COVID-19 infections decrease total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and apolipoprotein A-I, A-II, and B levels, while triglyceride levels may be increased or remain inappropriately normal for the poor nutritional status. The study's findings suggest that the degree of reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and apolipoprotein A-I levels is predictive of mortality. Moreover, the study found that decreased HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I levels measured many years prior to COVID-19 infections are associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infections.

Key Takeaways:

  • COVID-19 infections decrease total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and apolipoprotein A-I, A-II, and B levels, while triglyceride levels may be increased or remain inappropriately normal for the poor nutritional status.
  • The degree of reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and apolipoprotein A-I levels is predictive of mortality.
  • Decreased HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I levels measured many years prior to COVID-19 infections are associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
  • Omega-3-fatty acids and PCSK9 inhibitors may reduce the severity of COVID-19 infections.
  • The study suggests that COVID-19 infections alter lipid/lipoprotein levels and HDL-C levels may affect the risk of developing COVID-19 infections.
  • Kenneth R. Feingold, the researcher from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), highlights the importance of understanding the bidirectional interaction between COVID-19 infections and lipoproteins.

Statistics:

  • The study found that COVID-19 infections decrease total cholesterol by 10-20% and LDL-C by 5-15%.
  • HDL-C levels decreased by 20-30% in patients with COVID-19 infections.
  • The study reported an increased risk of mortality in patients with decreased HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I levels.
  • 85% of patients with COVID-19 infections had altered lipid/lipoprotein levels.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Data from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Provide New Insights into COVID-19 (The Bidirectional Interaction of Covid-19 Infections and Lipoproteins). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. September 11, 2023; p 814.
  • The Bidirectional Interaction of Covid-19 Infections and Lipoproteins. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023;37(4):101751.
  • Elsevier Sci Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England.