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Liver and Kidney Function Biomarkers, Blood Cell Traits and Risk of Severe COVID-19: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Kai Wang1, Minghan Qu1, Lin Ding1

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.

Frontiers in Genetics
|June 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study used genetic data to find causal links between specific blood and liver markers and severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Albumin, bilirubin, and several blood cell counts are identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a significant global health challenge.
  • Observational studies suggest associations between abnormal liver function, kidney function, and hematological traits with severe COVID-19 outcomes.
  • However, the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms for these associations remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential causal roles of liver function biomarkers, kidney function biomarkers, and hematological traits in the risk of severe COVID-19.
  • To elucidate the genetic basis for the association between these biomarkers and COVID-19 severity.

Main Methods:

  • Mendelian randomization analyses were employed to assess causality.
  • Genetic association summary statistics from European ancestry populations were utilized.
  • Eight liver function biomarkers, one kidney function biomarker, and 14 hematological traits were examined.

Main Results:

  • Albumin, direct bilirubin, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were found to be causally associated with severe COVID-19 risk.
  • Lymphocyte count and mean corpuscular hemoglobin demonstrated independent effects on severe COVID-19 risk.
  • These findings provide genetic evidence supporting the link between specific biomarkers and disease severity.

Conclusions:

  • Specific liver function and hematological traits are causally linked to the risk of severe COVID-19.
  • These causal insights can inform risk stratification strategies for individuals with abnormal biomarker levels.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the pathogenic roles of these identified biomarkers in COVID-19.

Keywords:
COVID-19Mendelian randomizationmean corpuscular hemoglobinrisk factorswhite blood cells

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