ACE2 polymorphism and susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The RNA virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Cell entry is mediated by the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). ACE2 and its close homolog angiotensin-converting enzyme I (ACE) are currently discussed candidate genes, in which single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could alter binding or entry of SARS-CoV-2 and enhance tissue damage in the lung or other organs. This could increase the susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed genotyping of SNPs in the genes ACE2 and ACE in 297 SARS-CoV-2-positive and 253 SARS-CoV-2-negative tested patients. We analyzed the association of the SNPs with susceptibility for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative patients did not differ regarding demographics and clinical characteristics. For ACE2 rs2285666, the GG genotype or G-allele was significantly associated with an almost two-fold increased SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and a three-fold increased risk to develop serious disease or COVID-19 fatality. In contrast, the ACE polymorphism was not related to infection risk or severity of disease. In a multivariable analysis, the ACE2 rs2285666 G-allele remained as an independent risk factor for serious disease besides the known risk factors male gender and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our report appears to be the first showing that a common ACE2 polymorphism impacts the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and the course of COVID-19 independently from previously described risk factors.
Source: Pharmacogenetics and Genomics
Authors: Birte Möhlendick, Kristina Schönfelder, Katharina Breuckmann, Carina Elsner, Nina Babel, Paul Balfanz, Edgar Dahl, Michael Dreher, David Fistera, Frank Herbstreit, Bodo Hölzer, Michael Koch, Matthias Kohnle, Nikolaus Marx, Joachim Risse, Karsten Schmidt, Sarah Skrzypczyk, Sivagurunathan Sutharsan, Christian Taube, Timm H. Westhoff, Karl-Heinz Jöckel, Ulf Dittmer, Winfried Siffert, Andreas Kribben
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,852
OpenAlex ID: W3162393497