Coronavirus disease 2019 in diabetes: A pathophysiological linkage

Shreshtha Gaur, Surabhi Bajpai, Sonal Gaur, Sonu Singhal, Rakesh Mishra

doi:10.18231/j.ijcbr.2022.019

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DOI 10.18231/j.ijcbr.2022.019
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Coronavirus disease 2019 in diabetes: A pathophysiological linkage

Author Details:

Shreshtha Gaur

Surabhi Bajpai ^*

Sonal Gaur

Sonu Singhal

Rakesh Mishra

International Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Research. 9(2):92-97, 2022. | 10.18231/j.ijcbr.2022.019

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Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) specifically in diabetic patients has attracted attention worldwide due to the poor prognosis of infection, compromised immunity and delayed response to medicines leading to increased death rate. Several pathophysiological explanations can be linked in support of connection between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) alias COVID-19 and diabetes severity. In patients with diabetes, the innate immune system is compromised and the disease can be triggered by SARS-CoV-2. The exaggerated and inappropriate cytokine response can be evidenced in both diabetic and COVID-19 patients. This is evidenced by the elevated levels of IL-6 in their blood. It has been known that people with diabetes are more prone to having an inflammatory cytokine storm, which can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Anti-viral drugs and agents can help lower blood sugar levels, but their use should be carefully monitored to see if they can also interact with COVID-19 treatment.

Introduction

The outbreak of COVID-19 affected various countries and different parts of the world. It was brought by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which results in increased number of deaths each day. COVID-19 started spreading globally in December 2019. Initially the cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan, China. Quickly it reached to other countries and affects their population. Large number of front-line medical personnel in Wuhan were affected by this lethal virus. Around 3019 medical staff members in Wuhan were infected with COVID-19, which led to 5 deaths.^[1] Diabetes is another global long-standing non-infectious metabolic syndrome which is evidenced to affect 463 million adults in 2019 and reports for 9.2% of the population globally aged 29-79 years.^[2] Several reports have evidenced that diabetic individuals are at increased risk of COVID-19. According to a study, it has been revealed that among the patients with COVID-19, 32% had diabetes, 16% had vascular disease, and 15% had hypertension. In 2019, it was estimated that the cost of treating type 2 diabetes globally reached approximately 760 billion dollars. It led to the deaths of about 4.2 million individuals. ^[3] People with diabetes who were diagnosed with COVID-19 have a higher mortality rate than those deprived of the condition. This conclusion was made after a study revealed that the viral infection caused by COVID-19 led to higher mortality rates. The pandemic has been managed to control its spread while protecting the general population. While it is true that individuals with diabetes are considered vulnerable, it is worthy to note that they should not be ignored.^[4] According to a survey done in England (UK) it was found that out of the 23804 patients who died due to COVID-19, 32% had diabetes and 15% had type 1 diabetes. The study revealed that these patients had a higher chance of dying than those without diabetes.^[5] It is important to maintain the safety of the diabetes population and minimize the risk of developing diabetes-related complications. Moreover, linking the two diseases by their signaling pathways may unveil key molecular players that maybe helpful in future therapeutics. The present study aims around providing an overview of the link between COVID-19 and diabetes by possible pathways involving them. Most of the information discussed in this review pertains to patients with type 2 diabetes and focuses on patients with type 2 diabetes until unless specified.

Etiology

In China, on 29 December 2019, the first case of an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was reported among people living locally in Wuhan City, who were associated to a nearby seafood marketplace. It has been observed that maximum previous cases were also connected to the original seafood market.^[6] In no time, it was found that the outbreak was caused by a secondary source of infection that originated from close contact with infected individuals. The number of cases in the city increased between people infected with the disease who had no prior connection to wildlife. Multiple positive cases for this contagious disease were detected among hospital staff personals and medical professionals. It was later identified that the infection spreads via exposure to the virus which later found to be SARS-CoV-2. By the time the virus was detected, it had already come into the human chain and esclated at an alarming rate affecting many countries worldwide. It was suggested that the most at-risk individuals were those with weak immune systems, such as those with chronic kidney and liver dysfunction. Infected patients aged among 25 and 89 years old usually fall under this age distribution according to some reports. The cases among infants and children were initially less severe.^[7]

Diabetics and Cytokine Storm

The innate and humoral immunity are compromised in the diabetic patients who have uncontrolled glycaemic levels. Diabetes can cause a proinflammatory state which leads the upregulated cytokine response with increased level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), also reported in COVID-19.^[8] Entry of SARS-CoV2 into a host cell activates an inflammatory response that produces an army of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) which results into a cytokine storm.^[9] One of the key factors that trigger the process of pathogenesis is cytokine storm which ultimately results in plasma leakage, disseminated vascular coagulation and permeability of vascular membrane detected in COVID-19 patients.^[10] The initiation of cytokine storm is an uncontrolled immunologic response resulting in constant expansion and activation of macrophages, immune cells and lymphocytes. The response generates massive amounts of cytokines, consequently forming a cytokine storm. Increase in the level of the proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, IFN-γ, and TNF-α is the hall mark of cytokine storm.^[11]

Diabetics have shown a downregulation in the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The enzyme is known to found in multiple organs including lungs, kidneys, pancreas, vascular system and intestinal endothelium. Interestingly, ACE2 is known to play a key role in the anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation activities of the body. It is also responsible for the degradation of various angiotensin-II components, namely angiotensin (1–7) and angiotensin (1–9) respectively as well as to a lesser extent to angiotensin I. Angiotensin 1–7 is known to responsible for the anti-inﬂammatory and antioxidant effect. This process is eventually compromised in pathophysiology of diabetes. If the diabetic patients are infected by COVID-19, they are at increased risk of suffering from severe lung injury as well as ARDS. ^[12] The above discussion signifies that the imbalance in ACE 2 activation pathways results in upregulation of levels of angiotensin II and a downregulation in the level of angiotensin 1–7. ^[13] Albeit, expression of ACE2 also occurs in pancreas, therefore during the virus entry into the pancreatic islets, it may cause beta-cell dysfunction resulting hyperglycemia as fate.^[14] In the end, the cellular mechanisms/pathways generated by COVID-19 and the pathophysiology of diabetes, diabetics are more prone to cytokine storm with high potentiality of organ damage if infected by COVID-19.

COVID-19 Triggered Pathways and their Possible Links with Diabetes

The binding of the viral spike protein of infective SARS-COV-2 to the host cells occurs with the help of entry receptor ACE2. The single stranded viral RNAs, are detected via pattern recognition receptors as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The pattern recognition receptors belong to the family of Toll like receptors (TLRs).^[15] Constantly, these TLRs have been found to be involved in activation of different signaling pathways, resulting in virus recognition, downstream transduction pathways, such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) which are crucial for antiviral response as shown in [Figure 1] .^[16]

**Figure 1** : The pathogenic connection between pathways triggered by COVID-19 and diabetics

The NF-κB signaling pathway

In the classical NF-κB signaling pathway, the transcription factor NF-κB is one of the critical regulator of both adaptive and innate immunity.^[17] Meanwhile, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is diagnosed by an uncontrolled inflammatory response. NF-κB is reported to be the major transcription factor triggered in ARDS.^[18] NF-кB is a key player in mediating responses of inflammation and other cellular activities.^[19] After NF-кB is triggered, it induces the release of cytokines, which later results in producing a positive autoregulatory loop and resulting in impairment of inflammatory response. In contrast, work done by Ma et al., 2020^[20] evidenced that the NF-кB signaling pathway is activated through SARS-CoV-2 that could results in increase in the expression of the IκBα (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B) induced by SARS-CoV-2.

Many adhesion molecules, cytokines, chemokines, enzymes etc. which releases inhibitors of apoptosis, major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and secondary inflammatory mediators are triggered when NF-κB signaling pathway is triggered.^[21] All the factors viz. IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO-synthase (iNOS) help protection against pathogens as first line defense.^[22] Moreover, any variations or errors in regulation of NF-κB, mainly up-regulation, can cause diabetic wound healing to be impaired. This is because NF-κB also controls genes accountable for cell proliferation.^[23], ^[24] Taking above facts altogether, the above connecting data suggest that NF-κB inhibition could be an effective approach in prevention of this pathogenic disease.

The p38 MAPK signaling pathway

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, and SARS-CoV-2 virus is responsible for it. Because of its inﬂammatory action, it affects the lungs, heart and results in becoming a major source of mortality and morbidity. p38 MAPK pathway upregulation triggers the release of pro-inﬂammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6. In contrast, IL-6 is known to cause acute lung injury and myocardial dysfunction.^[25] Upon endocytosis binding of SARS-CoV-2 to host cell downregulates ACE2. After that, conversion of Angiotensin II into Angiotensin 1–7 take place with aid of ACE2. Binding of Angiotensin 1–7 to the Mas receptor after conversion takes place to counterbalance the vasoconstrictive and pro-inflammatory effects caused by Ang II.^[26], ^[27] Therefore, decreased levels of ACE 2 lead to increased proinflammatory cytokines. Activation of additional pro-inflammatory cytokines such as iNOS and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) is also done by the p38 MAPK pathway.^[28], ^[29], ^[30] Different reports have also suggested that p38 MAPK is also found to be triggered in diabetic individuals in other tissues, including heart, nerve, kidney and vasculature^[31], ^[32], ^[33], ^[34], ^[35], ^[36] Therefore, in diabetic patients inactivation of p38 MAPK regenerates cardiac function^[37], ^[38] which is also the chief organ affected by SARS-CoV-2. This enables better survival chances of patients of cardiac myopathy or cardiac dysfunction.^[25]

Dispersion of SARS-CoV2

Management of diabetes associated comorbidities during COVID-19 outbreak

Individuals having diabetes are susceptible to to psychological distress, anxiety and depression. Co-morbidities like these can lead in the direction of diabetes related complications which could affect the survival. Poor diet quality and inadequate social support are some of the main reasons behind these complications. Immunocompromised conditions worsen the situation with diabetics. The implementation of lockdown has a negative effect on the quality of life of people with diabetes. It has also decreased their physical activities and affected their glucose self-management. Subsequently, psychological aid and additional support are of utmost importance during the time of pandemic.^[39] It is evaluated that 463 million individuals are affected by diabetes globally. It is noteworthy that if we enlist the nations with largest number of diabetic patients then we find again China to be leading countries. The rapid spread of COVID-19 thrived to become a global pandemic, affecting massively the health care sector.^[40]

The International Diabetes Federation encourages individuals with diabetes to have the necessary supplies and equipment at their home to prevent them from wandering off when they become sick. The immunocompromised diabetic patients are always at a higher risk than the general non diabetic population. If diabetes patients suddenly feel sick, they might start to notice that their glycaemic level starts to deteriorate. This could be a warning sign that their condition is getting worse. In such cases, the patient should contact their family physician or other healthcare helpline to avoid visiting a hospital or clinic.^[41]

Name of Vaccine	Manufacturer	Type	Status	Ref
Covishield	Serum Institute of India	Recombinant, ChAdOx1 chimpanzee adenoviral vector, encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.	Finalized	^[42]
COVAXIN	Bharat Biotech, India	Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell	Finalized	^[43]
COMIRNATY	Pfizer bioNTech	Modified nucleoside mNRA	Finalized	^[44]
Vaxzevria	AstraZeneca	Recombinant, ChAdOx1 chimpanzee adenoviral vector, encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.	Finalized	^[45]
mRNA-1273	Moderna Biotech	Lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulated mNRA-based vaccine	Finalized	^[46]
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell)	Sinopharm/ Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd. (BIBP)	Inactivated, produced in Vero cells	Finalized	^[47]
Coronavac^TM	Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.	Inactivated, produced in Vero cells	Finalized	^[48]
Sputnik V	The Gamaleya National Center	based on Human Adenovirus Vector	Ongoing	^[49]

Table 1 List of currently available vaccines with their status of assessment within WHO EUL evaluation process

Current vaccine treatment and its link to diabetics

Several vaccines are now presently being used for the treatment of COVID-19 lethal and many of them are under WHO EUL (Emergency Use Listing Procedure) evaluation for their potential use. The mass vaccination programme was first started in early December 2020. The number of vaccination doses administered is updated on WHO’s dashboard regularly.^[50] In India, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) have approved COVAXIN™ and COVISHIELD™. The COVID-19 have a tendency to have a poor prognosis with diabetes patients. With several clinical data from different countries, vaccination in patients with diabetes is justified and highly encouraged.^[51] The list of currently available COVID-19 vaccines and vaccines under assessment is given in [Table 1] .

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic is biggest health challenge with 4,636,153 deaths reported so far globally on World Health Organization COVID-19 dashboard till 14 September 2021.^[50] Persistence of this disease affecting humanity is difficult until development of targeted vaccine takes place. Therefore, this is the need of the hour to understand the necessity of saving humanity from an exposure to the virus, specifically when they are immunocompromised. Henceforth, precise care should be given to the diabetic patients during this pandemic to avoid addition of more difficulties and burden to the healthcare systems. Due to the nature of the co-morbidities involved in diabetes, it is important that the public is informed about the various vaccine options available to manage this condition.

Conflicts of Interest

Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgement

The author SB acknowledges DST Inspire (IFA-12, LSBM-32) for the financial support and Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. The author SG acknowledges Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan.

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