Serum glial-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor levels in patients with COVID-19

Introduction and objective: The new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) causes high fever, fatigue, cough, respiratory distress, diarrhea, headache in some patients, cerebrovascular diseases, unconsciousness, encephalopathy, encephalitis, peripheral nervous system damage, etc. It is a viral respiratory disease that manifests itself with neurological findings. In our study, glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels of neurotrophic factors (NF), which ensure the survival, growth, maturation and differentiation of neurons were investigated in COVID-19 patients, including their relationship with the severity of the disease. Materials and methods: Out of a total of 70 participants, 20 participants are in the healthy control group (CG) and 50 participants are in the group of patients with COVID-19 according to PCR test (uncomplicated group [NCG], moderately severe group [MG], severe group [SG]). Serum NGF and GDNF levels in all groups were evaluated spectrophotometrically using ELISA kits. The results were compared both between the patient groups and between the patient and healthy control groups. Results: Serum NGF concentration was significantly higher in the MG group than in the NCG and the SG group (P = 0.042). No statistically significant difference was found in serum GDNF levels in COVID-19 patients and CG. Conclusion: There was no difference in serum NGF and serum GDNF levels in COVID-19 patients compared to the healthy control group.