Assessment of Interleukin-10, 20, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Iraqi Patients Infected with COVID-19

Background Objective: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to a wide range of clinical severities in infected individuals. Among the observed manifestations, pulmonary fibrosis stands out, characterized by chronic inflammation and collagen buildup in the interalveolar space. Numerous studies have indicated that proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to this condition. The cytokine storm, a critical phase in the deterioration of COVID-19 patients, plays a significant role in this process. The main objective of this study was to determine the levels of IL-10, IL-20, and MMP7 in COVID-19-infected people. Materials Methods: During the period between November-2022 to March-2023, a case-control study with 200 participants was carried out at Al-Ramadi Hospitals in Anbar province, Iraq. A total of 100 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and 100 healthy controls (HCs) took part in the study. Serum concentrations of interleukins, including IL-10, IL-20, and MMP7, were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results: The current study revealed significant differences in IL-10 and IL-20 concentrations among the groups being compared with a P-value of 0.01. Notably, the COVID-19 group had significantly more MMP7 than the control group or the group of individuals who had recovered from the disease. This outcome raises the possibility that MMP7 could act as an independent indicator of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 disease had IL-10, IL-20, and MMP-7 levels that were noticeably higher than those found in healthy controls.