Role of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Genes Polymorphisms in COVID-19 Progression

Abstract

Background: IL6 and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ (TNF-ɑ) are important cytokines that determine the host defense mechanism, that play a pivotal role in COVID-19 progression. Objectives: To conclude the relation of IL6 174G/C and TNF-ɑ G/A different genotypes with COVID-19 progression, and investigate the relation between IL6 174G/C gene polymorphism and IL6 serum level in COVID-19 patients. Methodology: A total of 100 patients, divided into three groups, participated in the present study. IL6 rs1800795 (174G/C gene) genotypes were investigated by Mutagenically Separated PCR (MS-PCR) technique, and TNF α rs1800629 (308 G/A gene) genotypes were investigated by RFLP- PCR. Results: As regards IL6 genotypes, GC genotype is thought to be related to COVID-19 severity as it was only present among the moderate and severe groups, and GG genotype was predominant among the mild group more than the moderate and severe groups (P-value <0.05). TNF-ɑ genotypes; AA genotype may be a risky as it wasn’t represented in the mild group, and was more predominant in the moderate and severe groups, also GG genotype may be protective as it was detected only in the mild group (P-value <0.05). IL6 C/G genotype was related to high IL6 serum level more than G/G genotype (P value< 0.001). Conclusion: IL6 and TNF-ɑ genotypes are related to COVID-19 progression. High IL6 serum level was related to IL6 C/G genotype, and this may play a role in COVID-19 progression.