Clinical Effect of Q192R Paraoxonase 1 Polymorphism and its Related Variables on the COVID-19 Intensity Considering Gender and Post-COVID Complications

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of rs662 polymorphism of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), PON1 arylesterase (ARE) activity, and the serum lipid profile in patients with COVID-19 in different stages of the disease considering post-COVID outcomes.Methods: 470 COVID-19 patients (235 females and 235 males) were recruited into the study, and based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, the patients were divided into three groups: moderate, severe, and critical. rs662 PON1 polymorphism was determined by the Alw 1 enzyme followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Moreover, serum levels of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (Chol), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), as well as the level of the ARE activity of PON1 in the serum of patients, were measured at the time of infection and one and three months after hospitalization.Results: There was a significant relationship between the G allele and the severity of the disease. In addition, the probability of death in homozygous individuals (GG) was higher than in heterozygous patients (GA) and it was higher in heterozygous patients than in wild-type individuals (AA). There was also a significant relationship between the decrease in serum lipids and the intensity of COVID-19. On the other hand, at the onset of the disease, the HDL-c level, and serum ARE activity were reduced compared to one and three months after COVID-19 infection.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated the significant impact of rs662 polymorphism on ARE activity, lipid profiles, disease severity, and mortality in COVID-19 patients.