The Role of Biomarkers, Metabolomics, and COVID-19 in Venous Thromboembolism—A Review of Literature

Abstract

In recent years, the field of venous thromboembolism has undergone numerous innovations, starting from the recent discoveries on the role of biomarkers, passing through the role of metabolomics in expanding our knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms, which have opened up new therapeutic targets. A variety of studies have contributed to characterizing the metabolic phenotype that occurs in venous thromboembolism, identifying numerous pathways that are altered in this setting. Among these pathways are the metabolism of carnitine, tryptophan, purine, and fatty acids. Furthermore, new evidence has emerged with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Hypercoagulability phenomena induced by this viral infection appear to be related to altered von Willebrand factor activity, alteration of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. This is the first literature review that brings together the most recent evidence regarding biomarkers, metabolomics, and COVID-19 in the field of venous thromboembolism, while also mentioning current therapeutic protocols.