Association of interleukin polymorphisms and inflammatory markers with hospitalization, survival, and COVID-19 severity in type 1 diabetes patients: A multivariate and Cox regression analysis

Abdullah M. Y., Alhaddad F. A. K., Pambuk C. I. A., Marghali S.

Cellular and Molecular Biology, vol.71, no.1, pp.125-134, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 71 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.14715/cmb/2025.70.1.14
  • Journal Name: Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.125-134
  • Keywords: COVID-19 severity, Cytokines, Genetic markers, Hospitalization, Inflammatory response, Survival analysis
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigates the association between interleukin polymorphisms (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12A, and IL-18), inflammatory markers, and COVID-19 severity in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. A prospective observational study enrolled 80 female T1D patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and a control group of 30 females without COVID-19. Significantly higher cytokine levels were observed in COVID-19 patients (IL-6: 64.1 ± 30.1 pg/ mL, IL-10: 11.7 ± 5.8 pg/mL, IL-12A: 6.7 ± 2.9 pg/mL, IL-18: 195.4 ± 60.7 pg/mL) compared to controls (all p < 0.001). Genotype analysis revealed that the IL-6 GG and IL-18 TG genotypes were associated with elevated cytokine levels, prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality risk (hazard ratios [HR]: IL-6 GG: 1.25, IL-18 TG: 1.30). ROC analysis indicated IL-18 (AUC: 0.88) and IL-6 (AUC: 0.84) as strong predictors of hospitalization. Cox regression showed that IL-6 and IL-18 levels significantly affected hospitalization duration and survival, while IL-12A displayed a protective effect (HR: 0.92). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed shorter survival for the IL-6 GG and IL-18 TG genotypes, supporting the prognostic role of cytokine levels and genotypes in COVID-19 management. This study highlights the potential of interleukin polymorphisms as biomarkers for COVID-19 severity in T1D patients.