Impact of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination on Coagulation and Gene Expression: A Molecular and Clinical Study
Erens Spiff Ekprikpo *
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Stella Urekweru Ken-Ezihuo
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Beauty Eruchi Echonwere-Uwikor
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Zaccheaus Awortu Jeremiah
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This case-control study investigated the effects of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on coagulation parameters in a cohort of 102 individuals, revealing a significant increase in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) among vaccinated individuals (34.233±0.653 seconds vs 28.196±0.657 seconds, p<0.0001), which correlated with increased TMPRSS2 expression (r=-0.325, p=0.0202). The findings have important clinical implications, suggesting that vaccinated individuals, particularly those with underlying coagulopathies, may require closer monitoring for thrombotic events. The observed changes in aPTT and TMPRSS2 expression may have significant implications for patients with pre-existing coagulation disorders or those at risk of thrombotic events, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and personalized care in vaccinated individuals, and highlighting the importance of further research to inform evidence-based guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Keywords: AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, coagulation parameters, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), ACE2 gene expression, TMPRSS2 gene expression, COVID-19 pathogenesis, vaccination strategies, thrombotic events, coagulopathies, patient care