MiR-21 and Tocilizumab interactions improve COVID-19 myocarditis outcomes

Abstract

Background: Myocarditis is now one of the most fatal and morbid complications of COVID-19. Many scientists have recently concentrated on this problem. Objectives: This study assessed the effects of Remdesivir (RMS) and Tocilizumab (TCZ) in COVID-19 myocarditis. Design: Observational, cohort study. Methods: Patients with COVID-19 myocarditis were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups, TCZ-treated, RMS-treated, and Dexamethasone-treated patients. After 7 days of treatment, patients were reassessed for improvement. Results: TCZ significantly improved patients’ ejection fraction in 7 days, but it had limited efficacy. RMS improved inflammatory characteristics of the disease, but RMS-treated patients showed exacerbated cardiac function over 7 days, and the mortality rate with RMS was higher than TCZ. TCZ protects the heart by decreasing the miR-21 expression rate. Conclusion: Using Tocilizumab in early diagnosed COVID-19 myocarditis patients can save their cardiac function after hospitalization and decrease the mortality rate. miR-21 level determines the outcome and responsiveness of COVID-19 myocarditis to treatment.