Polymorphic loci ACE1 I/D and ACE2 G8790A in COVID-19 Russian patients of the Chelyabinsk region

• Svetlana V. Belyaeva
• Mikhail N. Vavilov
• Alexander V. Evdokimov
• Tatiana A. Suslova
• Ilya A. Kofiadi

Abstract

Introduction. The outbreak of coronavirus infection, which has the nature of a pandemic, has not been completed to this day, therefore, research aimed at finding new ways and methods for predicting and treating COVID-19 is becoming relevant.

The purpose of the work is to determine allelic variants of the ACE1 and ACE2 genes, as well as their combinations, in Russian residents of the Chelyabinsk region who having been suffered with bilateral COVID-19 pneumonia.

Material and methods. ACE1 I/D and ACE2 G8790A were determined by Real-Time PCR based on the melting temperature of allele-specific probes bearing a fluorescent label. Analysis of the distribution of markers was carried out taking into account gender, because ACE2 genes are located on the X chromosome.

Results. The ACE2(8790)*GA genotype was significantly less common in sick women compared to the group of comparison. In female patients, the ACE2(8790)*GG genotype and the ACE1*DD/ACE2*G combination were statistically significantly more common than in the control group, associated with decreased ACE2 expression and increased ACE1 expression. In hemizygous men, on the contrary, the ACE2(8790)*A allele and the ACE1*ID/ACE2*A combination associated with higher ACE2 production were more common.

Conclusion. Predisposition factors for COVID-19 of the ACE1–2 system differ in men and women.

Keywords: gene polymorphism; ACE1; ACE2; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19

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