SARS-CoV-2 neurovascular invasion supported by Mendelian randomization

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Genetics

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacts retinal vessels and nerves, but its effect on retinal morphology is debated.
• This study investigates the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and inner retinal thickness using Mendelian randomization.

Approach:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis utilized large-scale genome-wide association study data for COVID-19 infection and hospitalization.
• Inner retinal thickness data (macular retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer) were obtained from UK Biobank participants via optical coherence tomography.
• Inverse variance weighted meta-analysis was the primary method, with complementary MR approaches ensuring robust causal estimates.

Key Points:

• Genetically predicted COVID-19 infection showed a significant association with increased macular retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness.
• No significant association was found between genetically predicted COVID-19 hospitalization and inner retinal thickness.
• Consistent results were observed across various Mendelian randomization methods.

Conclusions:

• This research presents the first genetically predicted causal evidence linking COVID-19 infection to alterations in inner retinal thickness within a European population.
• Findings enhance understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis and may inform future treatment strategies for ocular manifestations.