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Patterns of Inflammatory Cell Infiltration and Expression of STAT6 in the Lungs of Patients With COVID-19: An Autopsy Study.
Cao, Weibiao; Birkenbach, Mark; Chen, Sonja.
  • Cao W; Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
  • Birkenbach M; Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and The Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
  • Chen S; Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol ; 30(5): 350-357, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1774457
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), lymphocyte infiltration in the lungs and a cytokine storm. In this study we examined inflammatory cell infiltrates and the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 in the lungs of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS:

Eighteen COVID-19 autopsy cases, 9 non-COVID cases with DAD, and 11 controls without lung diseases were included. Immunostainings for STAT6, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD68, and broad-spectrum keratins were performed.

RESULTS:

The average age of COVID-19 patients was 64.4±2.1 years. The disease duration was 7 to 53 days. The number of pneumocytes, macrophages or CD3+ T cells was significantly increased in the lungs of patients with COVID-19. Patients' age above 67 years, blood troponin levels >0.2 ng/mL, platelet count >100×109/L, lung macrophages >130/high-power field (HPF), CD3+ T cells >145/HPF, CD8+ T cells <30/HPF, and CD8/CD4 ratio <1 were associated with shorter survival duration after onset of symptoms. In addition, STAT6 staining was much stronger in pneumocytes and lymphocytes in the lungs of patients with COVID-19 than non-COVID DAD patients or controls.

CONCLUSION:

Older age, high blood troponin level and platelet count, more macrophages and fewer CD8+ T cells in the lungs of COVID-19 were associated with poorer outcome. STAT6 expression was increased in pneumocytes and lymphocytes in the lungs of patients with COVID-19, implying a role of STAT6 in cytokine storms.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Aged / Humans / Middle aged Language: English Journal: Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol Journal subject: Molecular Biology / Histocytochemistry Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Aged / Humans / Middle aged Language: English Journal: Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol Journal subject: Molecular Biology / Histocytochemistry Year: 2022 Document Type: Article