Analysis of plasma BMP9/BMP10/sEng and markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with COVID-19

Summary

We are interested in measuring the levels of factors circulating in blood, known as BMP9, BMP10 and sEng.

BMP9 and BMP10 are thought to protect the blood vessels from becoming leaky and damaged, especially those in the lung. sEng is produced by these same cells as a sign of damage or disease.

Our research has shown that BMP9 and BMP10 levels are very low and sEng levels are raised in the blood of patients suffering with a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

ARDS can be caused by damage to the lung from a number of causes, including COVID-19, where it is a major cause of death. COVID-19 causes widespread inflammation in the lung and the blood vessels become leaky, immune cells become more active and blood clotting becomes abnormal.

Using tests established in our laboratory, we will measure the levels of BMP9, BMP10 and sEng in plasma from patient blood samples to understand whether altered levels predict those people who might progress to severe ARDS. In addition, we will measure a panel of other factors that are known to be altered by damage to the cells lining blood vessels.