The multifaceted investigation of DHEAS level in COVID-19 disease: Insights into disease severity, gender, age, comorbidities, and implications for tailored management

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has affected millions of people worldwide. DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, has been found to play a crucial role in the immune system, and its levels have been linked to various health outcomes. The study aims to unravel the multifaceted role of DHEAS in COVID-19, focusing on disease status, temporal patterns, gender-specific trends, and the influence of age and comorbidities (hypertension (HT), heart disease (HD), and diabetes mellitus (DM)). DHEAS was quantified using ELISA in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a longitudinal analysis, tracking DHEAS concentration over different days. Gender-specific comparisons were performed. Furthermore, we analyzed DHEAS levels in both inpatients and outpatients, considering comorbidities. COVID-19 patients, especially inpatients, have lower levels of DHEAS compared to controls. However, DHEAS was not strongly associated with mortality or the need for intensive care. Findings unveiled a dynamic pattern of DHEAS levels during COVID-19 disease, marked by an initial decline followed by recovery. Notably, the scatter plot analysis suggested that COVID-19 could increase the conventional age-related decline in DHEAS levels among males, hinting at a potential gender-specific effect. Comorbidities including HP, HD, and DM, were prevalent among COVID-19 patients and correlated with disease severity. Hypertension appeared to moderate the relationship between hospitalization and DHEAS levels, particularly in females. DHEAS emerges as a biomarker for measuring COVID-19 severity, with distinct temporal dynamics. COVID-19's potential to increase the age-related decline in DHEAS levels, especially in male patients, underscores its intricate relationship with age. The influence of comorbidities adds another layer of complexity to COVID-19 outcomes. The influence of hypertension on DHEAS levels suggests a gender-specific effect, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in managing COVID-19 patients. These findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of COVID-19 and its interaction with hormonal and demographic factors.