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