The predicting roles of carcinoembryonic antigen and its underlying mechanism in the progression of coronavirus disease 2019

Crit Care, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-021-03661-y · Published: June 29, 2021

Simple Explanation

This study investigates potential predictors of COVID-19 progression and their mechanisms, focusing on laboratory indicators and single-cell transcriptomics data. The research identifies carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) as a significant prognostic marker in COVID-19 patients, suggesting its role in cell-cell communication. The study implies that CEACAM8-CEACAM6, involved in cell communication between developing neutrophils and type II pneumocytes, plays a role in COVID-19 progression.

Study Duration

January 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020

Participants

304 hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
CEA was identified as the only laboratory indicator with a significant difference in both univariate and multivariate analyses.
2
Lower CEA levels were associated with better overall survival (OS) in COVID-19 patients (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.354 to 0.920; P = 0.020).
3
CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 were significantly localized in the type II pneumocytes of COVID-19 patients.

Research Summary

This study identifies CEA as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 patients, exploring its underlying mechanism through single-cell transcriptomics. The research reveals that developing neutrophils/neutrophil progenitors can communicate with type II pneumocytes via CEACAM8-CEACAM6 in COVID-19. Abnormal expressions of CRGs in COVID-19 patients were found to be COVID-19-specific and not related to CEA involvement in ALI and IPF.

Practical Implications

Clinical Decision-Making

Identifying CEA as a predicting biomarker may assist clinicians in making informed decisions regarding the treatment and management of COVID-19 patients.

Therapeutic Targets

The study suggests potential therapeutic targets, such as CEACAM8-CEACAM6, for the treatment of COVID-19 by regulating cellular communication.

Risk Stratification

The prognostic nomogram including CEA can be used to predict the overall survival probability of COVID-19 patients, aiding in risk stratification.

The predicting roles of carcinoembryonic antigen and its underlying mechanism in the progression of coronavirus disease 2019

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Decision-Making

Therapeutic Targets

Risk Stratification

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

The predicting roles of carcinoembryonic antigen and its underlying mechanism in the progression of coronavirus disease 2019

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Decision-Making

Therapeutic Targets

Risk Stratification

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?