Beta Endorphins, Interleukin 1 and Interleukin 38 in Covid Patients Associated with Neuropsychological Manifestations

Background: Coronavirus was identified as a cause of a worldwide epidemic 
which led to millions of deaths globally. Although most COVID-19 patients 
have initially complained of respiratory insufficiency, the presence of 
neuropsychiatric manifestations is also reported frequently. These 
neuropsychiatric complications have emerged as a potential indicator of 
worsened clinical outcomes and poor prognosis [1]. This study aimed to detect 
the levels of βeta endorphins, interleukin 1, and interleukin 38 in the serum of 
COVID-19 patients and their relation to the development of neuropsychiatric 
symptoms.
Methods: a case-control study conducted on 50 COVID-19 patients and 40 
healthy controls in the clinical pathology department, South Egypt Cancer 
Institute, Assiut University. Patients with Other respiratory diseases and 
previous neuropsychiatric disorders were excluded. All patients and control are 
assessed by using psychometric tests for anxiety and depression (Hamilton 
depression and anxiety). Serum interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 38 and Beta-
endorphin were measured by ELISA.
Results: Our study showed that IL1 and β endorphins were higher in the serum 
of COVID patients as compared to controls. As for IL38 and β endorphins, 
COVID cases without neuropsychiatric manifestations had significantly higher 
IL38 levels and β endorphins than those with neuropsychiatric manifestations.
Conclusion: Neuropsychological assessment suggests a higher incidence of 
anxiety/depression among COVID‐19 patients. This study indicates that serum 
IL-1, IL‐38 & β-Endorphins levels were affected by COVID‐19 infection, and 
may be involved in developing neuropsychiatric complications and could help 
in targeting a therapy toward this complication.