AFRICA Cardiovascular Journal of Africa • SAHS Biennial Congress 2024 30 Submission ID: 1639 Introduction Despite the reduction in COVID-19 cases and mortality rates, the continuing impact thereof with remaining health concerns, especially premature development for cardiovascular disease, are still being investigated. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is up-regulated in pathological conditions that involve inflammation, including COVID-19, and is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease development. Since GDF-15 is associated with various cardiovascular disease risk factors, we aimed to explore whether GDF-15 levels will differ between previously SARS-CoV-2 exposed adults compared to controls. Methods We included n=135 apparently healthy (no chronic illnesses) black and white men and women between the ages of 20-30-years-old from the African-PREDICT study. MILLIPLEX® multiplex kits utilizing the Luminex® xMAP® technology (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) were used to determine a cut-off index for SARS-CoV-2 antibody response. A cut-off index were determined by using stored samples collected before 2018 to ensure the absence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The cut-off index were subsequently used to group participants in two groups namely previously SARS-CoV-2 infected (IgG and IgA antibody levels above the cut-point) (n=70) and uninfected controls (IgG and IgA antibody levels below the cut-point). None of the previous SARS-CoV-2 infected participants (n=70) were hospitalised or vaccinated for COVID-19. Results We found significant higher levels of GDF-15 in the previous SARS-CoV-2 exposed group compared to controls (p=0.045) after adjustments for sex and race. Our results may suggest that these young adults with possible previous infected SARS-CoV-2 may have an increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease development. Conclusion Our results may suggest that these young adults with previous infected SARS-CoV-2 may have an increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease development. Name: Presenting Author Information Article Category Abstract Title HYPERTENSION IN AFRICA RESEARCH TEAM debeer.nwu@gmail.com English Abstract Students - Currently enrolled postgraduate students GDF-15 and Covid-19 antibody levels in young South African adults: PRECEED-Africa Study Author Affiliation: Email: DR DALENE DE BEER Science Theme Basic Author Name & Surname Title Expertise Affiliation Email Country Dalene de Beer DR metabolomics, proteomics, cardiovascular physiology HYPERTENSION IN AFRICA RESEARCH TEAM debeer.nwu@gmail.com South Africa POSTER PRESENTATION
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