Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 Era and Long COVID-19 Complications

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 1067

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Guest Editor
Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
Interests: COVID-19; oxidative stress; multisystem dysfunction; non-invasive diagnostic tools; antioxidant therapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), known as oxidative stress, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including COVID-19. In the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, ROS production helps to activate the immune response and inhibit viral replication. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, cytokine storm, which is an excessive immune response, leads to the overproduction of ROS and RNS, followed by a decrease in the antioxidant capacity of the body and the activation of redox-sensitive effector pathways. This disease progression includes a vicious circle of hyperinflammation, an overwhelming production of ROS, and oxidative stress, which leads to cell and tissue damage, followed by organ dysfunction, or COVID-19. The increased RONS levels cause the irreversible oxidation of important macromolecules such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA, and disrupt cellular homeostasis, which leads to apoptosis or necrosis.

The endothelium lines blood vessels and regulates vascular tone, blood flow, inflammation, and thrombosis. Oxidative stress-related endothelial damage with subsequent endothelial dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, particularly in cases of severe COVID-19 and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Abnormal levels of ROS lead to persistent endothelial cell proliferation and potentiate the development of long-term complications. Endothelial activation and an increased risk of thrombotic events are among the potentially life-threatening complications of COVID-19, and may lead to unpredictable outcomes. This Special Issue, entitled “Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19 Era and Long COVID-19 Complications”, aims to collect manuscripts that present innovative molecular research associated with the role of ROS/RNS, ferroptosis, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial damage, and macro- and microvascular thrombotic events in COVID-19 and long-COVID-19. We also welcome the submission of original articles, reviews, and clinical trials on the application of novel antioxidant strategies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Dr. Ekaterina Georgieva
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • oxidative stress
  • redox-disbalance
  • COVID-19
  • post-COVID-19
  • cytokines
  • mitochondrial dysfunction
  • endothelial damages
  • ROS and RNS
  • thrombosis
  • antioxidant therapy
  • oxidative shock

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 319 KB  
Article
Genetic, Sociodemographic and Clinical Determinants of COVID-19 Severity in the Republic of Srpska: Exploring Potential Links with Neanderthal-Derived Variants
by Milena Dubravac Tanasković, Biljana Mijović, Jovan Kulić, Bojan Joksimović, Kristina Drašković-Mališ, Srđan Mašić, Jelena Vladičić-Mašić, Ljiljana Krsmanović, Danijela Radulović and Nikolina Elez-Burnjaković
Biomedicines 2026, 14(2), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14020478 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Background/Objectives: COVID-19 severity is influenced by a complex interplay between host, viral, and environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that Neanderthal-derived genetic variants may influence the progression and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to evaluate the association between selected Neanderthal-derived variants and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: COVID-19 severity is influenced by a complex interplay between host, viral, and environmental factors. Emerging evidence suggests that Neanderthal-derived genetic variants may influence the progression and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to evaluate the association between selected Neanderthal-derived variants and COVID-19 severity in the population of the Republic of Srpska, considering relevant clinical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. Methods: This multicentric cross-sectional study included 402 participants, classified as healthy or SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals. A total of 378 COVID-19-positive participants were further stratified according to disease severity and hospitalization status. All individuals were genotyped for the Neanderthal-derived OAS3 rs1156361 (C/T) and LZTFL1 rs35044562 (A/G) variants. Detailed sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were also collected. Results: A higher frequency of the LZTFL1 rs35044562 AG genotype was observed among hospitalized patients compared with non-hospitalized individuals (36.8% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.005), while the AA genotype was more prevalent among non-hospitalized patients (77.3% vs. 63.2%, p = 0.015). Multivariable logistic analysis showed that carriers of the LZTFL1 AG genotype had a higher chance of hospitalization compared to AA carriers (adjusted OR = 1.372, 95% CI = 0.763–6.383, and p = 0.021). Hospitalized patients more frequently carried the combined CT (OAS3) and AG (LZTFL1) genotypes, supporting a potential synergistic effect. Several sociodemographic factors, including age, sex, education, employment, and urban residence, were also associated with COVID-19 severity, while no significant associations were observed in allele-based analyses. Conclusions: LZTFL1 gene polymorphisms may influence COVID-19 severity, with heterozygote-specific and combined risk effects observed. These preliminary findings are exploratory and require validation in larger cohorts, but may guide future studies and targeted interventions in high-risk groups. Full article
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