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Martinez-Fierro ML, Perez-Favila A, Zorrilla-Alfaro SM, Oropeza-de Lara SA, Garza-Veloz I, Hernandez-Marquez LDS, Gutierrez-Vela EF, Delgado-Enciso I, Rodriguez-Sanchez IP. Gene variants rs5182, rs2074192, and rs4343 in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are associated with symptom severity, higher odds of hospitalization, and death in COVID-19. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 144:107067. [PMID: 38697603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the gene variants of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and determine their association with the severity and outcome of COVID-19. METHODS A total of 104 patients were included in the study: 34 asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 as controls and 70 symptomatic patients as cases. The genetic variants ACE rs4343, ACE2 rs2074192, AGTR1 rs5182, and AGT rs4762 were identified using TaqMan genotyping tests. RESULTS Patients with the T/T genotype of AGTR1 rs5182 have a higher probability of developing symptomatic COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 12.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-111.9, P ≤0.001) and a higher risk of hospitalization because of disease (OR 14.00, 95% CI 1.53-128.49, P = 0.012). The haplotype CTG (AGTR1 rs5182, ACE2 rs2074192, ACE rs4343) decreased the odds of death related to COVID-19 in the study population (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.0-0.06, P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS The T/T genotype of the AGTR1 rs5182 variant increased the probability of symptomatic COVID-19 and hospitalization, whereas the haplotype CTG (consisting of AGTR1 rs5182, ACE2 rs2074192, and ACE rs4343) decreased the odds of death related to COVID-19 by 97% in the hospitalized patients with COVID-19. These results support the participation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system gene variants as modifiers of the severity of symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and the outcome of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita L Martinez-Fierro
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico.
| | - Aurelio Perez-Favila
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Sidere M Zorrilla-Alfaro
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Sergio A Oropeza-de Lara
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Idalia Garza-Veloz
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Lucia Del S Hernandez-Marquez
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Edgar F Gutierrez-Vela
- Hospital General Zacatecas "Luz González Cosío", Servicios de Salud de Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Ivan Delgado-Enciso
- Cancerology State Institute, Colima State Health Services, Colima, Mexico; School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Iram P Rodriguez-Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular y Estructural, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, Mexico
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Hatch CJ, Piombo SD, Fang JS, Gach JS, Ewald ML, Van Trigt WK, Coon BG, Tong JM, Forthal DN, Hughes CCW. SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells, dependent on flow-induced ACE2 expression, drives hypercytokinemia in a vascularized microphysiological system. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1360364. [PMID: 38576426 PMCID: PMC10991679 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1360364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for COVID-19, has caused nearly 7 million deaths worldwide. Severe cases are marked by an aggressive inflammatory response known as hypercytokinemia, contributing to endothelial damage. Although vaccination has reduced hospitalizations, hypercytokinemia persists in breakthrough infections, emphasizing the need for disease models mimicking this response. Using a 3D microphysiological system (MPS), we explored the vascular role in SARS-CoV-2-induced hypercytokinemia. Methods The vascularized micro-organ (VMO) MPS, consisting of human-derived primary endothelial cells (ECs) and stromal cells within an extracellular matrix, was used to model SARS-CoV-2 infection. A non-replicative pseudotyped virus fused to GFP was employed, allowing visualization of viral entry into human ECs under physiologic flow conditions. Expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, and AGTR1 was analyzed, and the impact of viral infection on ACE2 expression, vascular inflammation, and vascular morphology was assessed. Results The VMO platform facilitated the study of COVID-19 vasculature infection, revealing that ACE2 expression increased significantly in direct response to shear stress, thereby enhancing susceptibility to infection by pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2. Infected ECs secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 along with coagulation factors. Cytokines released by infected cells were able to activate downstream, non-infected EC, providing an amplification mechanism for inflammation and coagulopathy. Discussion Our findings highlight the crucial role of vasculature in COVID-19 pathogenesis, emphasizing the significance of flow-induced ACE2 expression and subsequent inflammatory responses. The VMO provides a valuable tool for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics and evaluating potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Hatch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sebastian D. Piombo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer S. Fang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Johannes S. Gach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Makena L. Ewald
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - William K. Van Trigt
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Brian G. Coon
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Jay M. Tong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. W. Hughes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
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3
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Malar DS, Verma K, Prasanth MI, Tencomnao T, Brimson JM. Network analysis-guided drug repurposing strategies targeting LPAR receptor in the interplay of COVID, Alzheimer's, and diabetes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4328. [PMID: 38383841 PMCID: PMC10882047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has greatly affected global health. Emerging evidence suggests a complex interplay between Alzheimer's disease (AD), diabetes (DM), and COVID-19. Given COVID-19's involvement in the increased risk of other diseases, there is an urgent need to identify novel targets and drugs to combat these interconnected health challenges. Lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs), belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor family, have been implicated in various pathological conditions, including inflammation. In this regard, the study aimed to investigate the involvement of LPARs (specifically LPAR1, 3, 6) in the tri-directional relationship between AD, DM, and COVID-19 through network analysis, as well as explore the therapeutic potential of selected anti-AD, anti-DM drugs as LPAR, SPIKE antagonists. We used the Coremine Medical database to identify genes related to DM, AD, and COVID-19. Furthermore, STRING analysis was used to identify the interacting partners of LPAR1, LPAR3, and LPAR6. Additionally, a literature search revealed 78 drugs on the market or in clinical studies that were used for treating either AD or DM. We carried out docking analysis of these drugs against the LPAR1, LPAR3, and LPAR6. Furthermore, we modeled the LPAR1, LPAR3, and LPAR6 in a complex with the COVID-19 spike protein and performed a docking study of selected drugs with the LPAR-Spike complex. The analysis revealed 177 common genes implicated in AD, DM, and COVID-19. Protein-protein docking analysis demonstrated that LPAR (1,3 & 6) efficiently binds with the viral SPIKE protein, suggesting them as targets for viral infection. Furthermore, docking analysis of the anti-AD and anti-DM drugs against LPARs, SPIKE protein, and the LPARs-SPIKE complex revealed promising candidates, including lupron, neflamapimod, and nilotinib, stating the importance of drug repurposing in the drug discovery process. These drugs exhibited the ability to bind and inhibit the LPAR receptor activity and the SPIKE protein and interfere with LPAR-SPIKE protein interaction. Through a combined network and targeted-based therapeutic intervention approach, this study has identified several drugs that could be repurposed for treating COVID-19 due to their expected interference with LPAR(1, 3, and 6) and spike protein complexes. In addition, it can also be hypothesized that the co-administration of these identified drugs during COVID-19 infection may not only help mitigate the impact of the virus but also potentially contribute to the prevention or management of post-COVID complications related to AD and DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicson Sheeja Malar
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanika Verma
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, ICMR- National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India.
| | - Mani Iyer Prasanth
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James Michael Brimson
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-Ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research Unit for Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Abbaszadeh H, Kabiri-Rad H, Mohammadi F, Zangoie S, Rajabi-Moghaddam M, Ghafari S, Ziaee M, Javanmard D, Miri-Moghaddam E. The Association Between Genetic Variants in ACE1and ACE2 Genes with Susceptibility to COVID-19 Infection. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10722-8. [PMID: 38349438 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10722-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors facilitate the entry of the causative virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) into target cells. Some ACE gene variants have been suggested to be involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis. So, the aim was to assess the association between ACE1 rs4646994 and ACE2 rs2285666 genes polymorphisms and the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. This case-control study was conducted on 197 patients with COVID-19 and 197 healthy controls. ACE-1 insertion/deletion (I/D) (rs4646994) and ACE2 rs2285666 genes polymorphisms were determined by the amplification refractory mutation system- polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. The DD genotype of ACE1 I/D polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection (p = 0.012), whereas the ID genotype of this polymorphism was associated with decreased susceptibility (p = 0.003) (significance level = 0.017). There was no significant association in allele and genotype distribution of ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism between cases and controls. The ACE1 I/D polymorphism may be considered as a risk factor for COVID-19 susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Abbaszadeh
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hamid Kabiri-Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Fariba Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Soheila Zangoie
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Rajabi-Moghaddam
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Shokouh Ghafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Masood Ziaee
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Davod Javanmard
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Miri-Moghaddam
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran, 9717853577.
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Luoyi H, Yan P, Qihong F. Relationship between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism and the Risk of COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2023; 2023:3431612. [PMID: 38058963 PMCID: PMC10697777 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3431612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research shows the correlation between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) deletion and insertion (D/I) polymorphism and COVID-19 risk; yet, conclusive evidence is still lacking. Thus, a meta-analysis of relevant articles was performed to more accurately estimate the relationship of ACE I/D polymorphism with the risk of COVID-19. Material and Methods. Relevant literature from the PubMed database was systematically reviewed, and odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured. Additionally, the metapackage from Stata version 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results The meta-analysis eventually contained 8 studies, including 1362 COVID-19 cases and 4312 controls. Based on the data, the ACE I/D polymorphism did not show an association with COVID-19 risk (D vs. I: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.96-1.64; DD vs. II: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.95-3.74; DI vs. II: OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 0.92-3.31; dominant model: OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 0.99-3.53; and recessive model: OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.81-1.90). Further, subgroup analyses stratified based on case proved that the ACE D allele demonstrated an association with increasing risk of COVID-19 severity (D vs. I: OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.01-2.66; DD vs. II: OR = 4.62, 95% CI = 2.57-8.30; DI vs. II: OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.75-5.38; dominant model: OR = 3.74, 95% CI = 2.15-6.50; and recessive model: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.46-3.51). Conclusions The ACE D allele was clearly related to an enhanced risk of COVID-19 severity. Hence, it is imperative to take into account the influence of genetic factors during the development of future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Luoyi
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Pan Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fan Qihong
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
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6
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Young ON, Bourke JE, Widdop RE. Catch your breath: The protective role of the angiotensin AT 2 receptor for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115839. [PMID: 37778444 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease whereby excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) ultimately leads to respiratory failure. While there have been advances in pharmacotherapies for pulmonary fibrosis, IPF remains an incurable and irreversible disease. There remains an unmet clinical need for treatments that reverse fibrosis, or at the very least have a more tolerable side effect profile than currently available treatments. Transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1) is considered the main driver of fibrosis in IPF. However, as our understanding of the role of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system (PRAS) in the pathogenesis of IPF increases, it is becoming clear that targeting angiotensin receptors represents a potential novel treatment strategy for IPF - in particular, via activation of the anti-fibrotic angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R). This review describes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of IPF and the mediators implicated in its pathogenesis; focusing on TGFβ1, angiotensin II and related peptides in the PRAS and their contribution to fibrotic processes in the lung. Preclinical and clinical assessment of currently available AT2R agonists and the development of novel, highly selective ligands for this receptor will also be described, with a focus on compound 21, currently in clinical trials for IPF. Collectively, this review provides evidence of the potential of AT2R as a novel therapeutic target for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia N Young
- Department of Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jane E Bourke
- Department of Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Department of Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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Pecoraro V, Cuccorese M, Trenti T. Genetic polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, IFTM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes associated with susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3251-3264. [PMID: 37055652 PMCID: PMC10101542 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01038-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some human polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, IFITM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes may have an effect on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase the risk to develop severe COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review of current evidence to investigate the association of genetic variants of these genes with the susceptibility to virus infection and patient prognosis. METHODS We systematically searched Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library for articles published until May 2022, and included observational studies covering genetic association of ACE1, ACE2, IFITM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes with COVID-19 susceptibility or prognosis. We evaluated the methodological quality of included studies, and pooled data as convenient in meta-analysis (MA). Odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS We included 35 studies (20 on ACE, 5 each on IFITM3, TMPRSS2, TNFα), enrolling 21,452 participants, of them 9401 were COVID-19 confirmed cases. ACE1 rs4646994 and rs1799752, ACE2 rs2285666, TMPRSS2 rs12329760, IFITM3 rs12252 and TNFα rs1800629 were identifies as common polymorphisms. Our MA showed an association between genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection for IFITM3 rs12252 CC (OR 5.67) and CT (OR 1.64) genotypes. Furthermore, MA uncovered that both ACE DD (OR 1.27) and IFITM3 CC (OR 2.26) genotypes carriers had a significantly increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. DISCUSSION These results provide a critical evaluation of genetic polymorphisms as predictors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACE1 DD and IFITM3 CC polymorphisms would lead to a genetic predisposition for severe lung injury in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pecoraro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Michela Cuccorese
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
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8
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Sahranavard-Pirbazari P, Khoshghiafeh A, Kamali MJ, Esfandiar H, Bakhtiari M, Ahmadifard M. A comprehensive review of ACE2, ACE1, TMPRSS2 and IFITM3 gene polymorphisms and their effect on the severity of COVID-19. Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:450-463. [PMID: 37926001 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent events have raised concerns about the outbreak of a pandemic by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). An infection caused by a virus can provoke an inflammatory reaction, which can result in severe lung damage, failure of several organs, and death. The unique genetic makeup of each individual may be a component in the development of each of these responses. In this context, genetic variants of the genes linked to the invasion of the virus into the host's body can be analyzed. Various elements have a function in viral entry. ACE2 is used by SARS-CoV-2 as a receptor to enter the cell. TMPRSS2 is then responsible for cutting the virus into its components. In addition, lung damage occurs when there is an imbalance between ACE1 and ACE2. Another component that plays a significant role in virus penetration is called IFITM3, which is created as a reaction to interferon. This protein prevents viruses in the Coronaviridae family from entering cells. This study aimed to analyze DNA polymorphisms in the ACE2, ACE1, TMPRSS2, and IFITM3 genes. Findings showed certain polymorphisms appear to be associated with the severity of the disease, including respiratory, coronary, and neurological disorders. The results also indicated that certain polymorphisms were protective against this virus. Varying populations have a different frequency of high-risk polymorphisms, so different treatment and preventative techniques must be implemented. Additional population studies should be conducted in this region to reduce the incidence of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azin Khoshghiafeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Kamali
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hanieh Esfandiar
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Marzieh Bakhtiari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Ahmadifard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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9
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Lipman D, Safo SE, Chekouo T. Integrative multi-omics approach for identifying molecular signatures and pathways and deriving and validating molecular scores for COVID-19 severity and status. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:319. [PMID: 37308820 PMCID: PMC10259816 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is still more to learn about the pathobiology of COVID-19. A multi-omic approach offers a holistic view to better understand the mechanisms of COVID-19. We used state-of-the-art statistical learning methods to integrate genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics data obtained from 123 patients experiencing COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms for the purpose of identifying molecular signatures and corresponding pathways associated with the disease. RESULTS We constructed and validated molecular scores and evaluated their utility beyond clinical factors known to impact disease status and severity. We identified inflammation- and immune response-related pathways, and other pathways, providing insights into possible consequences of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The molecular scores we derived were strongly associated with disease status and severity and can be used to identify individuals at a higher risk for developing severe disease. These findings have the potential to provide further, and needed, insights into why certain individuals develop worse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danika Lipman
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sandra E Safo
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA.
| | - Thierry Chekouo
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA.
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10
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Hussain M, Khan HN, Abbas S, Ali A, Aslam MN, Awan FR. Tetra-ARMS-PCR assay development for genotyping of AGT rs699 T/C polymorphism, its comparison with PCR-RFLP and application in a case-control association study of cardiovascular disease patients. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023:1-16. [PMID: 36815563 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2023.2181972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variations in the AGT gene play a significant role in controlling the plasma concentration of angiotensinogen (precursor protein of bioactive octapeptide angiotensin II) and the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs. In the current study, Tetra-Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) was developed for genotyping of AGT rs699 T/C polymorphism and validated through Sanger DNA sequencing. Its efficiency was also tested using 474 human DNA samples [control, n = 181; cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients, n = 293]. Results showed that T-ARMS-PCR is superior to the commonly used PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Statistical analysis revealed that the AGT rs699 CC genotype is more prevalent in the CVD patient group (37% vs. 28%) and AGT rs699 C allele and CC genotype increased the risk of CVD by 1.4 and 1.9 fold, respectively. In summary, T-ARMS-PCR is the most suitable approach for quick and efficient genotyping of AGT rs699 T/C polymorphism in a large population in resource-limited countries, Furthermore, AGT rs699 T/C polymorphism is associated with the risk of CVD in the Punjabi Pakistani population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misbah Hussain
- Diabetes and Cardio-Metabolic Disorders Lab, Human Molecular Genetics and Metabolic Disorders Group, Health Biotechnology, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.,NIBGE College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Haq Nawaz Khan
- Diabetes and Cardio-Metabolic Disorders Lab, Human Molecular Genetics and Metabolic Disorders Group, Health Biotechnology, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan.,NIBGE College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Abbas
- Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ansar Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | | | - Fazli Rabbi Awan
- Diabetes and Cardio-Metabolic Disorders Lab, Human Molecular Genetics and Metabolic Disorders Group, Health Biotechnology, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Pakistan.,NIBGE College, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (NIBGE-C, PIEAS), Islamabad, Pakistan
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11
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Sadeghdoust M, Aligolighasemabadi F, Dehesh T, Taefehshokr N, Sadeghdoust A, Kotfis K, Hashemiattar A, Ravandi A, Aligolighasemabadi N, Vakili O, Grabarek B, Staszkiewicz R, Łos MJ, Mokarram P, Ghavami S. The Effects of Statins on Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Fibrosis in COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Longitudinal Multicenter Study. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:8. [PMID: 36853269 PMCID: PMC9972324 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective cohort study was to explore the effect of statins on long-term respiratory symptoms and pulmonary fibrosis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients were recruited from three tertiary hospitals, categorized into Statin or Non-statin groups, and assessed on days 0, 28, and 90 after symptoms onset to record the duration of symptoms. Pulmonary fibrosis was scored at baseline and follow-up time points by high-resolution computed tomography scans. Each group comprised 176 patients after propensity score matching. Data analysis revealed that the odds of having cough and dyspnea were significantly higher in the Non-statin group compared to the Statin group during the follow-up period. Overall, there was no significant difference in the change in pulmonary fibrosis score between groups. However, Non-statin patients with > 5 years of DM were more likely to exhibit a significantly higher fibrosis score during the follow-up period as compared to their peers in the Statin group. Our results suggest that the use of statins is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic cough and dyspnea in diabetic patients with COVID-19, and may reduce pulmonary fibrosis associated with COVID-19 in patients with long-term (> 5 years) DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadamin Sadeghdoust
- grid.411768.d0000 0004 1756 1744Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farnaz Aligolighasemabadi
- grid.411768.d0000 0004 1756 1744Department of Internal Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tania Dehesh
- grid.412105.30000 0001 2092 9755Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON Canada
| | - Adel Sadeghdoust
- grid.412237.10000 0004 0385 452XDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Katarzyna Kotfis
- grid.107950.a0000 0001 1411 4349Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Amirhossein Hashemiattar
- grid.411768.d0000 0004 1756 1744Department of Radiology, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Ravandi
- grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Sr. Boniface Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Neda Aligolighasemabadi
- grid.411874.f0000 0004 0571 1549Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Omid Vakili
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Beniamin Grabarek
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland ,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland ,Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Virology, GynCentrum, Katowice, Poland
| | - Rafał Staszkiewicz
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland ,Department of Neurosurgery, 5Th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marek J. Łos
- grid.6979.10000 0001 2335 3149Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland ,grid.412571.40000 0000 8819 4698Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. .,Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Academia of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland. .,Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care, Manitoba University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. .,Biology of Breathing Theme, Children Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
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12
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Sookaromdee P, Wiwanitkit V. Polymorphisms and Severity of COVID-19. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 207:112. [PMID: 36041212 PMCID: PMC9952854 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202208-1494le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pathum Sookaromdee
- Private Academic ConsultantBangkok, Thailand,Corresponding author (e-mail: )
| | - Viroj Wiwanitkit
- Joseph Ayobabalola UniversityIkeji-Arakeji, Nigeria,Dr. DY Patil Vidhyapeeth UniversityPune, India,Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou, China,University of NisNis, Serbia,Government College University FaisalabadFaisalabad, Pakistan
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13
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Mungmunpuntipantip R, Wiwanitkit V. Asthma 17q21 polymorphism and risk of COVID-19 in children: Correspondence. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:3177. [PMID: 36052672 PMCID: PMC9539228 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This correspondence discusses on published article on asthma 17q21 polymorphism and risk of COVID-19 in children. The effect of other possible confounding factors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viroj Wiwanitkit
- Department of Biological Science, Joseph Ayobabalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, Dr DY Patil University, Pune, India.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia.,Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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14
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Gupta K, Kaur G, Pathak T, Banerjee I. Systematic review and meta-analysis of human genetic variants contributing to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Gene 2022; 844:146790. [PMID: 35987511 PMCID: PMC9384365 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned global health crisis of unprecedented magnitude, claiming millions of lives and pushing healthcare systems in many countries to the brink. Among several factors that contribute to an increased risk of COVID-19 and progression to exacerbated manifestations, host genetic landscape is increasingly being recognized as a critical determinant of susceptibility/resistance to infection and a prognosticator of clinical outcomes in infected individuals. Recently, several case-control association studies investigated the influence of human gene variants on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity to identify the culpable mutations. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the recent advances in COVID-19 host genetics research was lacking, and the inconsistent findings of the association studies required reliable evaluation of the strength of association with greater statistical power. In this study, we embarked on a systematic search of all possible reports of genetic association with COVID-19 till April 07, 2022, and performed meta-analyses of all the genetic polymorphisms that were examined in at least three studies. After identifying a total of 84 studies that investigated the association of 130 polymorphisms in 61 genes, we performed meta-analyses of all the eligible studies. Seven genetic polymorphisms involving 15,550 cases and 444,007 controls were explored for association with COVID-19 susceptibility, of which, ACE1 I/D rs4646994/rs1799752, APOE rs429358, CCR5 rs333, and IFITM3 rs12252 showed increased risk of infection. Meta-analyses of 11 gene variants involving 6702 patients with severe COVID-19 and 8640 infected individuals with non-severe manifestations revealed statistically significant association of ACE2 rs2285666, ACE2 rs2106809, ACE2 rs2074192, AGTR1 rs5186, and TNFA rs1800629 with COVID-19 severity. Overall, our study presents a synthesis of evidence on all the genetic determinants implicated in COVID-19 to date, and provides evidence of correlation between the above polymorphisms with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Indranil Banerjee
- Cellular Virology Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali (IISER Mohali), Sector 81, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali 140306, India.
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15
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Genetic variants determine intrafamilial variability of SARS-CoV-2 clinical outcomes in 19 Italian families. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275988. [PMID: 36228008 PMCID: PMC9560599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection results in a wide range of outcomes characterized by a high heterogeneity in both symptomatology and susceptibility to the disease. In such a perspective, COVID-19 may be considered as a multifactorial disease featured by the interaction between the environment, which is the virus itself, and the genetic profile of the host. Our analysis aimed at investigating the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 within families whose members responded in different ways to the infection, although the exposure was common to the entire group and occurred before the availability of any vaccine. The goal was to understand how the genetic background of each subject can influence the viral infection outcome and hence the above-mentioned clinical variability. We performed a segregation analysis in 19 Italian families with a designed custom panel of 42 genes involved in immunity and virus entry and which have also been shown to be related to SARS-CoV-2 host response. We carried out both a familial segregation analysis and a global statistical analysis. In the former we identified eighteen risk variants co-segregating with a COVID-positive status and six variants with a possible protective effect. In addition, sixteen variants showed a trend of association to a severe phenotype. Together with common SNPs, we detected private rare variants that may also provide insight into the observed clinical COVID-19 heterogeneity. The global statistical analysis confirmed statistically significant positive associations between SARS-CoV-2 individual response and some specific gene variants identified in familial analysis. In conclusion our data confirm that the clinical expression of COVID-19 is markedly influenced by the host genetic profile both with a mendelian transmission pattern and a polygenic architecture.
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16
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Keikha M, Karbalaei M. Global distribution of ACE1 (rs4646994) and ACE2 (rs2285666) polymorphisms associated with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2022; 172:105781. [PMID: 36116608 PMCID: PMC9476369 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies emphasize the significant impact of the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) as a risk factor associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, according to the literature, the effect of rs4646994 and rs2285666 polymorphisms on susceptibility and progression to severe clinical outcomes is still controversial. Our aim was to investigate the effect of polymorphisms such as rs4646994 and rs2285666 on susceptibility to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search using databases such as ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to retrieve studies on the effect of two polymorphisms (rs4646994 and rs2285666) of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene on COVID-19. Finally, the effect of each polymorphism on SARS-CoV-2 infection was measured based on the odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Analysis of the rs4646994 polymorphism showed that the frequency of the D allele in patients infected with COVID-19 was higher than that the I allele. Moreover, the authors found that the DD genotype increased the risk of severe disease by 1.7-fold in Asian population, whereas, this was not the case in the Western population. However, the rs4646994 II genotype plays a protective role against COVID-19 in Western countries. In the case of the rs2285666 polymorphism based on patient ethnicity, the C allele had the highest frequency. Interestingly, in people harboring the GG and TT genotypes, the risk of progression to severe disease significantly increased, while people with genotypes such as GA, AA and CC seem to be more resistant to severe Covid-19. CONCLUSIONS Based on geographical region, the rs4646994 DD genotype may be considered as a predictive biomarker to identify the susceptibility of human to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 outcomes. We also concluded that individuals with GG and TT genotypes are significantly more susceptible to severe outcomes of disease, while conversely, individuals with GA, AA, and CC genotypes are less susceptible to severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Keikha
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Karbalaei
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran.
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17
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Faridzadeh A, Mahmoudi M, Ghaffarpour S, Zamani MS, Hoseinzadeh A, Naghizadeh MM, Ghazanfari T. The role of ACE1 I/D and ACE2 polymorphism in the outcome of Iranian COVID-19 patients: A case-control study. Front Genet 2022; 13:955965. [PMID: 36134024 PMCID: PMC9483011 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.955965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the beginning of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have experienced a considerable number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. The etiology of a broad spectrum of symptoms is still debated. Host genetic variants might also significantly influence the outcome of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE1) gene Insertion/Deletion (I/D) polymorphism (rs1799752) and ACE2 gene rs1978124 single nucleotide polymorphism with the COVID-19 severity. Methods: This study was conducted on 470 COVID-19 patients and a control group of 56 healthy individuals across several major cities in Iran. The blood sample and clinical data were collected from the participants, and their ACE1 I/D and ACE2 rs1978124 polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction and PCR-RFLP, respectively. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and ACE1 were measured in the blood samples. Results: We found that the ACE1 DD genotype frequency was inversely correlated with the risk of intubation (p = 0.017) and mortality in COVID-19 patients (p = 0.049). Even after adjustment, logistic regression demonstrated that this significant inverse association remained constant for the above variables at odds ratios of (OR) = 0.35 and Odds Ratio = 0.49, respectively. Also, in the expired (p = 0.042) and intubated (p = 0.048) groups with II + ID genotypes, the mean level of CRP was significantly higher than in the DD genotype group. Furthermore, in both intubated and expired groups, the mean serum level of ACE1 was higher compared with non-intubated and survived groups with II or II + ID genotypes. The results also indicated that ACE2 rs1978124 TT + CT genotypes in females have a significant positive role in susceptibility to COVID-19; however, in females, the TT + CT genotypes had a protective effect (OR = 0.098) against the severity of COVID-19. Conclusion: These findings suggest that ACE1 I/D and ACE2 rs1978124 polymorphism could potentially influence the outcome of COVID-19 in the Iranian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Faridzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mahmoud Mahmoudi, ; Tooba Ghazanfari,
| | - Sara Ghaffarpour
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Akram Hoseinzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Tooba Ghazanfari
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mahmoud Mahmoudi, ; Tooba Ghazanfari,
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18
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Gene Networks of Hyperglycemia, Diabetic Complications, and Human Proteins Targeted by SARS-CoV-2: What Is the Molecular Basis for Comorbidity? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137247. [PMID: 35806251 PMCID: PMC9266766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
People with diabetes are more likely to have severe COVID-19 compared to the general population. Moreover, diabetes and COVID-19 demonstrate a certain parallelism in the mechanisms and organ damage. In this work, we applied bioinformatics analysis of associative molecular networks to identify key molecules and pathophysiological processes that determine SARS-CoV-2-induced disorders in patients with diabetes. Using text-mining-based approaches and ANDSystem as a bioinformatics tool, we reconstructed and matched networks related to hyperglycemia, diabetic complications, insulin resistance, and beta cell dysfunction with networks of SARS-CoV-2-targeted proteins. The latter included SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors (ACE2 and DPP4), SARS-CoV-2 entry associated proteases (TMPRSS2, CTSB, and CTSL), and 332 human intracellular proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2. A number of genes/proteins targeted by SARS-CoV-2 (ACE2, BRD2, COMT, CTSB, CTSL, DNMT1, DPP4, ERP44, F2RL1, GDF15, GPX1, HDAC2, HMOX1, HYOU1, IDE, LOX, NUTF2, PCNT, PLAT, RAB10, RHOA, SCARB1, and SELENOS) were found in the networks of vascular diabetic complications and insulin resistance. According to the Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, the defined molecules are involved in the response to hypoxia, reactive oxygen species metabolism, immune and inflammatory response, regulation of angiogenesis, platelet degranulation, and other processes. The results expand the understanding of the molecular basis of diabetes and COVID-19 comorbidity.
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19
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Dobrijevic Z, Robajac D, Gligorijevic N, Šunderic M, Penezic A, Miljuš G, Nedic O. The association of ACE1, ACE2, TMPRSS2, IFITM3 and VDR polymorphisms with COVID-19 severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:818-839. [PMID: 35949487 PMCID: PMC9360474 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-4976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Genes involved in the regulation of viral recognition and its entry into a host cell have been identified as candidates for genetic association studies on COVID-19 severity. Published findings on the effects of polymorphisms within ACE1, ACE2, TMPRSS2, IFITM3 and VDR genes remained inconclusive, so we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to elucidate their potential involvement in the genetic basis underlying the severity of COVID-19 and/or an outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Identification of potentially eligible studies was based on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science database search. Relevant studies (n=29) with a total number of 8247 SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were included in qualitative synthesis, while results of 21 studies involving 5939 were pooled in meta-analysis. Minor allele I of rs1799752 located within ACE1 was identified as a protective variant against severe COVID-19, while its effect on mortality rate was opposite. Similarly, minor allele A of ACE2 polymorphism, rs2285666, was found to associate with a decreased risk of severe COVID-19 (P = 0.003, OR = 0.512, 95 % CI = 0.331-0.793). Statistical significance was also seen for the association between COVID-19 severity and rs12329760 located within TMPRSS2. Our results did not support the supposed association of rs12252 in IFITM3 and polymorphisms within VDR with disease severity. We conclude that genetic variants within ACE1, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 may be potential biomarkers of COVID-19 severity, which needs to be further confirmed in a larger set of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zorana Dobrijevic
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Zorana Dobrijevic, Department for Metabolism, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia; Tel: +381 11 2618 666, E-mail:
| | - Dragana Robajac
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Gligorijevic
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Šunderic
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Penezic
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Goran Miljuš
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olgica Nedic
- University of Belgrade - Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP), Belgrade, Serbia
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20
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Budhraja A, Basu A, Gheware A, Abhilash D, Rajagopala S, Pakala S, Sumit M, Ray A, Subramaniam A, Mathur P, Nambirajan A, Kumar S, Gupta R, Wig N, Trikha A, Guleria R, Sarkar C, Gupta I, Jain D. Molecular signature of postmortem lung tissue from COVID-19 patients suggests distinct trajectories driving mortality. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049572. [PMID: 35438176 PMCID: PMC9194484 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms that manifest lung abnormalities during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing of lung autopsies from 31 patients with severe COVID-19 and ten uninfected controls. Using metatranscriptomics, we identified the existence of two distinct molecular signatures of lethal COVID-19. The dominant 'classical' signature (n=23) showed upregulation of the unfolded protein response, steroid biosynthesis and complement activation, supported by massive metabolic reprogramming leading to characteristic lung damage. The rarer signature (n=8) that potentially represents 'cytokine release syndrome' (CRS) showed upregulation of cytokines such as IL1 and CCL19, but absence of complement activation. We found that a majority of patients cleared SARS-CoV-2 infection, but they suffered from acute dysbiosis with characteristic enrichment of opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus cohnii in 'classical' patients and Pasteurella multocida in CRS patients. Our results suggest two distinct models of lung pathology in severe COVID-19 patients, which can be identified through complement activation, presence of specific cytokines and characteristic microbiome. These findings can be used to design personalized therapy using in silico identified drug molecules or in mitigating specific secondary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Budhraja
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anubhav Basu
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Atish Gheware
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Dasari Abhilash
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Seesandra Rajagopala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Suman Pakala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Madhuresh Sumit
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Animesh Ray
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Arulselvi Subramaniam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, JPNATC, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Purva Mathur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, JPNATC, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Aruna Nambirajan
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ritu Gupta
- Laboratory Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (IRCH), All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Naveet Wig
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Anjan Trikha
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Randeep Guleria
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Chitra Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Ishaan Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Deepali Jain
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
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21
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de Araújo JLF, Menezes D, de Aguiar RS, de Souza RP. IFITM3, FURIN, ACE1, and TNF-α Genetic Association With COVID-19 Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Genet 2022; 13:775246. [PMID: 35432458 PMCID: PMC9010674 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.775246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human polymorphisms may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and COVID-19 outcomes (asymptomatic presentation, severe COVID-19, death). We aimed to evaluate the association of IFITM3, FURIN, ACE1, and TNF-α genetic variants with both phenotypes using meta-analysis. The bibliographic search was conducted on the PubMed and Scielo databases covering reports published until February 8, 2022. Two independent researchers examined the study quality using the Q-Genie tool. Using the Mantel–Haenszel weighted means method, odds ratios were combined under both fixed- and random-effect models. Twenty-seven studies were included in the systematic review (five with IFITM3, two with Furin, three with TNF-α, and 17 with ACE1) and 22 in the meta-analysis (IFITM3 n = 3, TNF-α, and ACE1 n = 16). Meta-analysis indicated no association of 1) ACE1 rs4646994 and susceptibility, 2) ACE1 rs4646994 and asymptomatic COVID-19, 3) IFITM3 rs12252 and ICU hospitalization, and 4) TNF-α rs1800629 and death. On the other hand, significant results were found for ACE1 rs4646994 association with COVID-19 severity (11 studies, 692 severe cases, and 1,433 nonsevere controls). The ACE1 rs4646994 deletion allele showed increased odds for severe manifestation (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.26–1.66). The homozygous deletion was a risk factor (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.22–1.83), while homozygous insertion presented a protective effect (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45–0.74). Further reports are needed to verify this effect on populations with different ethnic backgrounds.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prosperodisplay_record.php?ID=CRD42021268578, identifier CRD42021268578
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Polymorphisms in ACE, ACE2, AGTR1 genes and severity of COVID-19 disease. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263140. [PMID: 35120165 PMCID: PMC8815985 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection by the SARS-Cov-2 virus produces in humans a disease of highly variable and unpredictable severity. The presence of frequent genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the population might lead to a greater susceptibility to infection or an exaggerated inflammatory response. SARS-CoV-2 requires the presence of the ACE2 protein to enter in the cell and ACE2 is a regulator of the renin-angiotensin system. Accordingly, we studied the associations between 8 SNPs from AGTR1, ACE2 and ACE genes and the severity of the disease produced by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Methods 318 (aged 59.6±17.3 years, males 62.6%) COVID-19 patients were grouped based on the severity of symptoms: Outpatients (n = 104, 32.7%), hospitalized on the wards (n = 73, 23.0%), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (n = 84, 26.4%) and deceased (n = 57, 17.9%). Comorbidity data (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, lung disease and cancer) were collected for adjustment. Genotype distribution of 8 selected SNPs among the severity groups was analyzed. Results Four SNPs in ACE2 were associated with the severity of disease. While rs2074192 andrs1978124showed a protector effectassuming an overdominant model of inheritance (G/A vs. GG-AA, OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.12–0.82; p = 0.016 and A/G vs. AA-GG, OR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.14–0.96; p = 0.038, respectively); the SNPs rs2106809 and rs2285666were associated with an increased risk of being hospitalized and a severity course of the disease with recessive models of inheritance (C/C vs. T/C-T/T, OR = 11.41, 95% CI: 1.12–115.91; p = 0.012) and (A/A vs. GG-G/A, OR = 12.61, 95% CI: 1.26–125.87; p = 0.0081). As expected, an older age (OR = 1.47), male gender (OR = 1.98) and comorbidities (OR = 2.52) increased the risk of being admitted to ICU or death vs more benign outpatient course. Multivariable analysis demonstrated the role of the certain genotypes (ACE2) with the severity of COVID-19 (OR: 0.31, OR 0.37 for rs2074192 and rs1978124, and OR = 2.67, OR = 2.70 for rs2106809 and rs2285666, respectively). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in hospitalized group for I/D SNP in ACE was not showed (p<0.05), which might be due to the association with the disease. No association between COVID-19 disease and the different AGTR1 SNPs was evidenced on multivariable, nevertheless the A/A genotype for rs5183 showed an higher hospitalization risk in patients with comorbidities. Conclusions Different genetic variants in ACE2 were associated with a severe clinical course and death groups of patients with COVID-19. ACE2 common SNPs in the population might modulate severity of COVID-19 infection independently of other known markers like gender, age and comorbidities.
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Feng S, Song F, Guo W, Tan J, Zhang X, Qiao F, Guo J, Zhang L, Jia X. Potential Genes Associated with COVID-19 and Comorbidity. Int J Med Sci 2022; 19:402-415. [PMID: 35165525 PMCID: PMC8795808 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.67815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease are common comorbidities and dangerous factors for infection and serious COVID-19. Polymorphisms in genes associated with comorbidities may help observe susceptibility and disease severity variation. However, specific genetic factors and the extent to which they can explain variation in susceptibility of severity are unclear. Therefore, we evaluated candidate genes associated with COVID-19 and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. In particular, we performed searches against OMIM, NCBI, and other databases, protein-protein interaction network construction, and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Results showed that the associated overlapping genes were TLR4, NLRP3, MBL2, IL6, IL1RN, IL1B, CX3CR1, CCR5, AGT, ACE, and F2. GO and KEGG analyses yielded 302 GO terms (q < 0.05) and 29 signaling pathways (q < 0.05), respectively, mainly including coronavirus disease-COVID-19 and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. IL6 and AGT were central in the PPI, with 8 and 5 connections, respectively. In this study, we identified 11 genes associated with both COVID-19 and three comorbidities that may contribute to infection and disease severity. The key genes IL6 and AGT are involved in regulating immune response, cytokine activity, and viral infection. Therefore, RAAS inhibitors, AGT antisense nucleotides, cytokine inhibitors, vitamin D, fenofibrate, and vaccines regulating non-immune and immune factors could be potential strategies to prevent and cure COVID-19. The study provides a basis for further investigation of genes and pathways with predictive value for the risk of infection and prognosis and could help guide drug and vaccine development to improve treatment efficacy and the development of personalised treatments, especially for COVID-19 individuals with common comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Feng
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuqiang Song
- Department of medical Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Jishan Tan
- Department of medical Laboratory, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengling Qiao
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xu Jia
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Viral and Host Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers Related to SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry, Infection Rate, and Disease Severity. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020178. [PMID: 35205046 PMCID: PMC8869311 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The rapid spread of COVID-19 outbreak lead to a global pandemic declared in March 2020. The common features of corona virus family helped to resolve structural characteristics and entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. However, rapid mutagenesis leads to the emergence of new strains that may have different reproduction rates or infectivity and may impact the course and severity of the disease. Host related factors may also play a role in the susceptibility for infection as well as the severity and outcomes of the COVID-19. We have performed a literature and database search to summarize potential viral and host-related genomic and epigenomic biomarkers, such as genetic variability, miRNA, and DNA methylation in the molecular pathway of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell, that may be related to COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Bioinformatics tools may help to predict the effect of mutations in the spike protein on the binding to the ACE2 receptor and the infectivity of the strain. SARS-CoV-2 may also target several transcription factors and tumour suppressor genes, thus influencing the expression of different host genes and affecting cell signalling. In addition, the virus may interfere with RNA expression in host cells by exploiting endogenous miRNA and its viral RNA. Our analysis showed that numerous human miRNA may form duplexes with different coding and non-coding regions of viral RNA. Polymorphisms in human genes responsible for viral entry and replication, as well as in molecular damage response and inflammatory pathways may also contribute to disease prognosis and outcome. Gene ontology analysis shows that proteins encoded by such polymorphic genes are highly interconnected in regulation of defense response. Thus, virus and host related genetic and epigenetic biomarkers may help to predict the course of the disease and the response to treatment.
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