Decreased plasma HO levels are associated with the pathogenesis leading to COVID-19 worsening and mortality.

Oxidative Stress (OS) is involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and in the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 causes injuries to tissues, leading to cytopathic hypoxia and ultimately multiple organ failure. The measurement of blood glutathione (GSH), HO, and catalase activity may help clarify the pathophysiology pathways of this disease. We developed and standardized a sensitive and specific chemiluminescence technique for HO and GSH measurement in plasma and red blood cells of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).