Diksha1, Shikha Mudgal2, Prakamya Gupta3, Pratima Gupta4, Manisha Naithani5, Yogendra Pratap Mathuria6, Priyanka Naithani7, Biswajeet Sahoo8, Mankirat Kaur Sachdeva9, Jitender Gairolla10
1PhD Scholar, 6Additional Professor, 8Assistant Professor, 9Trainee, 10Senior Resident, Department of Microbiology, 2PhD Scholar, Division of Molecular Biology, 5Additionl Professor, Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249203, India, 3Scientist-C, Division of Innovation & Translational Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India, 4Professor & Head, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Me
|
AbstractThe global prevalence of obesity is increasing and recognized as a potential risk factor for viral infections including Coronavirus Disease-19. Morbidity and mortality due to COVID-19 are higher in obesity which is considered a constant state of low-grade inflammatory milieu. Emerging data revealed a fatal connection of obesity with COVID-19 however the underlying mechanism is unclear. Leptin, a non-glycosylated peptide hormone derived from white adipose tissue that assists in metabolism, homeostasis, neuroendocrine, and other physiological functions. Additionally, leptin, as an adipocytokine has pro-inflammatory properties and acts as a connecting link between obesity and host immune responses thus, proliferates the secretion of C-reactive protein (CRP), IFN-γ, TNF-α IL-6, IL-4 and IL-2. This paper aims to address the paramount role of leptin as a potential mediator of inflammation that could exaggerate and worsen the prognosis of COVID-19 in obese individuals. Furthermore, the disproportionate efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in obese individuals is also highlighted.
|