Polymorphic Variations of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Genes in Egyptian COVID-19 Patients: Correlation with Disease Severity and Sex-Related Gene Variations

Abstract

This research pointed to accessing the polymorphic variations of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genes in Egyptian COVID-19 patients and their potential correlation with disease severity. The study involved a total of ninety-six participants, with forty-eight experiencing severe symptoms and an equal number exhibiting mild symptoms. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was performed using PCR-RFLP analysis. The median age of individuals with mild cases was 35 years (range: 30-41 years), while for severe cases, it was 65 years (range: 58 to 72 years). The male-to-female ratio in the entire group was 47.9% to 52.1%. All participants tested positive for COVID-19 based on nasal swab qPCR tests. Regarding genotypic distribution, the TT genotype of TMPRSS2 rs12329760 was found to be statistically more prevalent in the severe group compared to the mild group. However, no significant differences were observed in the distribution of ACE2 rs2285666 genotypes or alleles between the two groups. Concerning gene variations associated with sex in severe cases, males displayed a higher occurrence of the AA genotype, while females exhibited a higher prevalence of the GA genotype.