The association between high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) serum concentrations in COVID-19 inpatients

Background: High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) are involved in various non-coronavirus disease pathogenesis and are reported as potential biomarkers for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, their association with COVID-19 pathogenesis has not yet been explored. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between HMGB1 and IL-18 concentrations in the sera of COVID-19 patients versus non-COVID-19 patients. Material and methods: We used stored serum samples obtained from 30 COVID-19 patients and 30 non-COVID-19 patients. We collected data on age, gender, treatment status, principal diagnosis, and comorbidity from patient medical records. HMGB1 and IL-18 concentrations were analyzed in the serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The swab samples’ RT-PCR cycle threshold (CT) values were obtained from the laboratory database. Results: HMGB1 concentrations were increased in the COVID-19 inpatients and non-COVID-19 inpatients compared to non-COVID-19 outpatients (COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 151.33 (90.27–192.38) vs. 80.75 (54.16–128.72) ng/ml; p = 0.0316; non-COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 152.66 (104.04–288.51) vs. 80.75 (54.16–128.72) ng/ml; p = 0.0199). IL-18 concentrations were also higher in the COVID-19 inpatients and non-COVID-19 inpatients compared to non-COVID-19 outpatients (COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 620.00 (461.50–849.6) vs. 403.10 (372.70–556.90) pg/ml; p = 0.0376; non-COVID-19 inpatients vs. non-COVID-19 outpatients: 835.70 (558.30–1602.00) vs. 403.10 (372.70–556.90) pg/ml; p = 0.0026). Moreover, HMGB1 was associated with IL-18 concentrations in the sera of COVID-19 inpatients (p = 0.0337; r = 0.5500). Conclusion: The association of HMGB1 and IL-18 in COVID-19 might indicate the potential for a dangerous cycle leading to a cytokine storm to occur.