ACE I/D AND ACE2 RECEPTOR GENE (RS2106809, RS2285666) POLYMORPHISMS IS
NOT RELATED TO THE CLINICAL COURSE OF COVID-19; A CASE STUDY
Abstract
Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious
disease, that’s the reason for the currently ongoing pandemic, caused by
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) has been recognized as the specific
receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Although the possible effect of ACE2
gene polymorphism remains unknown, human ACE2 receptor expression
influences SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 disease outcome. In
this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ACE gene
I/D polymorphism, ACE2 receptor gene polymorphism, and Covid-19
severity. Methods: ACE gene I/D polymorphism and ACE2 receptor gene
rs2106809 and rs2285666 polymorphisms were determined using PCR and
PCR-RFLP methods, respectively in 155 Covid19 patients who were divided
into 3 groups (mild, moderate, and severe) according to clinical
symptoms. Results: However, the distribution of genotype and allele
frequencies of ACE gene I/D, ACE2 receptor gene rs2106809, and rs2285666
polymorphisms was not statistically significant in all groups.
Conclusions: In conclusion, in the study population, ACE gene I/D, ACE2
receptor gene rs2106809, and rs2285666 polymorphisms were not associated
with the severity of Covid-19 infection. Although, ACE2 receptor gene
expression may affect the susceptibility to Covid-19, there is no
existing evidence that the ACE or ACE2 gene polymorphisms are directly
associated with Covid-19 severity. Interindividual differences in
covid-19 severity might be related to epigenetic mechanisms of ACE2
receptor gene expression or variations in other genes suggested to have
critical role in COVID-19 pathogenesis such as proinflammatory
cytokines, coagulation indicators. Keywords: COVID-19 , ACE , ACE2,
rs2106809, rs2285666