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The Perfect Storm: COVID-19 Health Disparities in US Blacks

Nicole Phillips1,2,3, In-Woo Park1,3, Janie R Robinson2

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|September 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Genetic factors may explain higher COVID-19 mortality in Black communities, alongside social determinants. Research explores how ACE2, AChE, and IL-6 gene variations influence severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and related health disparities.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disproportionately affected non-Hispanic Black communities in the USA, with higher mortality rates.
  • While social determinants of health are recognized factors, the role of genetic predisposition in COVID-19 disparities requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on how genetic polymorphisms in key genes influence severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity and pathogenesis.
  • To explore the potential contribution of genetic factors to the elevated COVID-19 mortality observed in Black populations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on genetic polymorphisms and their association with COVID-19 outcomes.
  • Analysis of the role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene variants.

Main Results:

  • Polymorphisms in ACE2 affect SARS-CoV-2 entry and pathogenesis.
  • Genetic variations in AChE and IL-6 are linked to comorbidities like hypertension and type 2 diabetes, which increase COVID-19 mortality risk.
  • The specific impact of these genetic polymorphisms on disparate COVID-19 mortality rates in Black communities is under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic predisposition, particularly variations in ACE2, AChE, and IL-6, may contribute to COVID-19 health disparities.
  • Understanding these biological factors is crucial for a comprehensive approach to addressing COVID-19 mortality differences across racial and ethnic groups.

Keywords:
ACE2AChEAfrican AmericansBlacksCOVID-19ComorbidityGeneticsHealth disparitiesIL-6PolymorphismsStress

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