Urine proteomic characterization of active and recovered COVID-19 patients

Abstract

BackgroundThe molecular changes in COVID-19 patients have been reported in many studies. However, there were limited attention has been given to the disease sequelae in the recovered COVID-19 patients. MethodsHere, we profiled the urine proteome of a cohort of 29 COVID-19 patients in their disease onset and recovery period, including mild, severe, and fatal patients and survivors who recovered from mild or severe symptoms. ResultsThe molecular changes in the COVID-19 onset period suggest that viral infections, immune response changes, multiple organ damage, cell injury, coagulation system changes and metabolic changes are associated with COVID-19 progression. The patients who recovered from COVID-19 still exhibited an innate immune response, coagulation system changes and central nervous system changes. We also proposed four potential biomarkers to monitor the whole progression period of COVID-19. ConclusionsOur findings provide valuable knowledge about the potential molecular pathological changes and biomarkers that can be used to monitor the whole period of COVID-19.