Increased NE-A1AT complexes were found in the plasma
samples of COVID-19 patients:
Given the accumulation of neutrophils in COVID-19 patient lungs and the
abundant evidence of NE expression and activity in the tissues, it was
of interest to determine whether plasma from COVID-19 patients showed
indications of increased NE. Because NE activity quickly dissipates, due
to the high levels of the A1AT protease inhibitor that binds to NE and
blocks its activity,47 an appealing alternative is to
measure concentrations of NE-A1AT complexes that have an extended
half-life. A sandwich ELISA was developed to determine levels of NE-A1AT
complexes in the plasma samples of COVID-19 patients as well as healthy
individuals. As shown in Figure 6, a significant increase in
NE-A1AT complexes was observed in COVID-19 patients.