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MEFV gene variations in COVID-19 pneumonia patients (Pilot study)
Noha A Radwan1, Heba El Gohary1, Dalia Hamed1
1Departement of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Kasr Alainy Medical School, Cairo University, Egypt.
Journal, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology
|March 12, 2025
Summary
Variants in the MEFV gene were found in 26% of COVID-19 patients. These MEFV gene variants were associated with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, suggesting a role in disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has significantly impacted daily life.
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients exhibit symptoms and laboratory findings similar to COVID-19 patients.
- Investigating genetic factors in COVID-19 severity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the presence of variants in exon 10 of the MEFV gene.
- To determine the relationship between MEFV gene variants and the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-nine COVID-19 patients were categorized into moderate and severe groups.
- Sanger sequencing was performed on exon 10 of the MEFV gene in all subjects.
Main Results:
- MEFV gene variants were identified in 10 out of 39 patients (26%).
- The most common variants included silent p.(P706=) (12.9%), missense p.(A744S) (7.7%), and p.(V726A) (5.1%).
- Notably, 90% of patients with MEFV variants presented with moderate symptoms and did not progress to severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- The presence of MEFV gene variants, regardless of their classification (benign or uncertain significance), may influence the severity of COVID-19.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the protective mechanisms conferred by these variants.
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