Exploring the Influence of VDR Genetic Variants TaqI, ApaI, and FokI on COVID-19 Severity and Long-COVID-19 Symptoms

Effect of VDR and TLR2 gene variants on the clinical course of patients with COVID-19 disease

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has caused a major global health crisis, primarily targets the upper and lower respiratory tract. But infected individuals may experience different clinical symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic to critical. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) polymorphisms play a role in the immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of VDR Bsml (rs1544410) and TLR2 23bp indel variants on the clinical status of Turkish patients with COVID-19 disease. A total of 312 people, including 106 intensive care unit (ICU) patients, 103 symptomatic hospitalized patients, and 103 healthy controls, were included in the study. The VDR BsmI and TLR2 23bp indel were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and/or restriction fragment length fraction methods. The VDR BsmI b/b genotype and b allele were higher in symptomatic patients compared to the healthy control group (p = 0.035). The VDR BsmI B/B and B/b genotype distribution did not differ between ICU patients and both symptomatic patients and controls (p > 0.05). We found that B/B:B/b+b/b and B/B+B/b:b/b were significantly different in symptomatic patients compared to controls (p = 0.033 and p = 0.041, respectively). The VDR BsmI b/b genotype distribution was found to be lower in deceased patients than in living patients (p = 0.023). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of TLR2 23bp indel genotype and allele distribution (p > 0.05). Our study results suggest that the VDR BsmI b allele may have a role in COVID-19 patients with symptomatic findings. These data need to be repeated in different ethnic and larger sample groups.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Vitamin D and Zinc on Viral Infection

Several nutrients are crucial in enhancing the immune system and preserving the structural integrity of bodily tissue barriers. Vitamin D (VD) and zinc (Zn) have received considerable interest due to their immunomodulatory properties and ability to enhance the body's immune defenses. Due to their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory properties, the two nutritional powerhouses VD and Zn are crucial for innate and adaptive immunity. As observed with COVID-19, deficiencies in these micronutrients impair immune responses, increasing susceptibility to viral infections and severe disease. Ensuring an adequate intake of VD and Zn emerges as a promising strategy for fortifying the immune system. Ongoing clinical trials are actively investigating their potential therapeutic advantages. Beyond the immediate context of the pandemic, these micronutrients offer valuable tools for enhancing immunity and overall well-being, especially in the face of future viral threats. This analysis emphasizes the enduring significance of VD and Zn as both treatment and preventive measures against potential viral challenges beyond the current health crisis. The overview delves into the immunomodulatory potential of VD and Zn in combating viral infections, with particular attention to their effects on animals. It provides a comprehensive summary of current research findings regarding their individual and synergistic impacts on immune function, underlining their potential in treating and preventing viral infections. Overall, this overview underscores the need for further research to understand how VD and Zn can modulate the immune response in combatting viral diseases in animals.