Association between angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 gene polymorphism (rs2106809) with severity and outcome of COVID-19 infection.

Mohammadi-Berenjestanaki, Hamideh; Mohammadali, Elaheh; Khasayesi, Mina; Rafiei, Alireza; Kashi, Zahra; Mirzaei-Ilali, Narges; Hosseini-khah, Zahra

Purpose: Genetic factors play important role in the severity of the COVID-19 infection since SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor on the surface of host cells. ACE2 polymorphisms that may influence the expression of ACE2 can alter patients' susceptibility to COVID-19 infection or increase the severity of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between ACE2 rs2106809 polymorphism and the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, ACE2 rs2106809 polymorphism was assessed in 142 COVID-19 patients. The disease was confirmed according to clinical symptoms, imaging, and laboratory findings. The severity of the disease was graded as severe versus non-severe based on the CDC. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood and PCR- RFLP was performed to genotype the ACE2-rs2106809 with specific primers and Taq1 restriction enzyme. Results: G/G genotype was significantly associated with COVID-19 severity (44.4% in severe vs. 17.5% in non-severe, OR: 4.1; 95%CI: 1.8–9.5, p = 0.0007). Patients with the G/G genotype need more mechanical ventilation (p = 0.021). ACE2 expression in patients carrying the A/G genotype was higher in the severe compared to the non-severe form of the disease (2.99 ± 0.99 vs. 2.21 ± 1.1), but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.9). Conclusion: The G allele and G/G genotype of ACE2 rs2106809 is associated with more severe COVID-19 and adverse disease outcomes.

CENTERS for Disease Control & Prevention (U.S.); COVID-19; GENETIC polymorphisms; CELL receptors; COVID-19 pandemic; ANGIOTENSIN converting enzyme; RENIN-angiotensin system; ANGIOTENSIN II

Molecular Biology Reports, 2023, Vol 50, Issue 8, p6669

0301-4851

Academic Journal

10.1007/s11033-023-08493-3