Molecular Mechanism Research

Abstract Since the COVID-19 outbreak started in 2019 in China, several types of research have been done on this disease But the outcome was not always satisfactory. As frequent changes occur in one’s genome, signs and symptoms of this disease vary in different variants. Many investigations have been employed for the detection of COVID-19 infection. Of these, D-dimer and CRP are used to evaluate the presence of systemic response against coronavirus insult. To evaluate whether CRP and D-d-imer levels are significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with respiratory manifestations compared to those with non-respiratory symptoms. 80 male patients were selected randomly, and divided into 2 groups; 40 patients presented with severe respiratory distress symptoms, and 40 presented with symptoms other than respiratory features (mostly gastric symptoms with high fever). CRP and D-dimer tests were done and data were used for subsequent statistical analysis. There was a significant difference in the level of both CRP and D-dimer between patients with dyspnea and those with no respiratory manifestation of COVID-19. In conclusion, a high level of both CRP and D-dimer is a highly suggestive respiratory insult and future complication of COVID-19.

Abstract Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, leading to long-term complications. Alterations in iron metabolism, electrolyte balance, and lipid profile may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and cardiovascular risk; however, integrated evaluation of these parameters remains limited in South Asian populations. Objective: To evaluate serum ferritin, iron status, electrolyte balance, and lipid profile among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and to assess their association with glycemic control and related metabolic parameters. Methods: This study included 220 adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Data were collected from hospital laboratory and medical record databases. Glycemic parameters (fasting blood glucose and HbA1c), iron status indices (serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation), electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, and chloride), and lipid profile parameters were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and associations were assessed using correlation and regression analyses. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.       Results: Most participants were middle-aged adults, with 58.2% belonging to the 40–59-year age group. Glycemic control was comparable between males and females, with mean HbA1c levels of 8.5 ± 1.8% and 8.2 ± 1.6%, respectively. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher among male patients compared to females (318.6 ± 138.2 ng/mL vs. 246.4 ± 112.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) exhibited markedly elevated serum ferritin levels compared to those with better glycemic control in both males (352.6 ± 142.8 ng/mL vs. 238.2 ± 106.5 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and females (284.3 ± 128.6 ng/mL vs. 196.4 ± 92.1 ng/mL, p = 0.031). Serum ferritin showed significant positive correlations with HbA1c (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), and LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.31, p = 0.001), while a weak but significant negative correlation was observed with serum sodium levels (r = −0.21, p = 0.009). In multivariable regression analysis, HbA1c (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), triglycerides (β = 0.27, p = 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (β = 0.21, p = 0.007), male gender (β = 0.18, p = 0.015), and age (β = 0.13, p = 0.038) emerged as independent predictors of elevated serum ferritin levels. Conclusion: Serum ferritin is closely associated with poor glycemic control and dyslipidemia in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Assessment of ferritin and iron status, alongside routine metabolic parameters, may provide additional insight into disease severity and cardiometabolic risk.