ACE I/D AND ACE2 RECEPTOR GENE (RS2106809, RS2285666) POLYMORPHISMS IS NOT RELATED TO THE CLINICAL COURSE OF COVID-19; A CASE STUDY

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