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COVID-19 Severity and Androgen Receptor Polymorphism.
Alessandra Buonacquisto1, Anna Chiara Conflitti1, Francesco Pallotti1
1Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Biology
|September 14, 2022
Summary
Male COVID-19 patients with more CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene and lower testosterone levels experienced more severe disease. This suggests androgen signaling impacts COVID-19 severity and outcomes in men.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Severe COVID-19 disproportionately affected male patients during the pandemic.
- Understanding male-specific predispositions is crucial for early intervention and predicting disease outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CAG polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene and serum hormone levels in predicting COVID-19 severity in men.
- To identify potential biomarkers for male predisposition to severe COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Studied 142 male COVID-19 survivors classified by disease severity (WHO scale).
- Analyzed CAG repeat numbers in the androgen receptor gene.
- Measured serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation was found between increased CAG repeat numbers and greater COVID-19 disease severity (Grade I to IV).
- Patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited significantly lower serum testosterone levels.
- A higher percentage of patients with over 23 CAG repeats were observed in more severe disease grades.
Conclusions:
- Reduced androgenic signaling, indicated by low testosterone and higher CAG repeats (>23) in the androgen receptor gene, may predispose men to severe COVID-19.
- This compromised signaling could lead to an excessive inflammatory response and multi-organ damage.
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