Figure 3.

HO-1 is upregulated in critical COVID-19 patients with concomitant increase in ferritin and bilirubin. Whole blood samples were obtained on admission from patients with either severe or critical disease and processed directly. (a) HO-1 mRNA upregulation determined in critical patients versus severe and healthy controls from whole blood samples. Increase of ferritin (b), bilirubin (c) and iron levels (d) in critical versus severe COVID-19 patients. Data are expressed as means ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA in three group comparisons and Mann–Whitney U test in two group comparisons. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01. Analysis of variance and post hoc analysis was performed by Uncorrected Fisher’s least significant difference test.