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The Impact of Surfactant Protein-D Gene Polymorphism on COVID-19 Clinical Outcomes
Nadia Nasirzadeh Kolsari1, Azarakhsh Azaran2, Roya Pirmoradi2
1Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
Background:
COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), presents a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe, life-threatening respiratory complications. Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein D (SP-D) is a critical component of pulmonary immune defense. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between a specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the SP-D gene, designated as rs721917 (C/T Met31Thr), and its potential impact on susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19.
Methods:
This retrospective case-control study enrolled 135 participants, including 111 confirmed COVID-19 patients and 24 asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals, who were classified into five subgroups. Addressing a significant research gap, we identified the C/T polymorphism (rs721917, T > C) of the SP-D gene within the Iranian population using the tetra-amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS PCR) method.
Results:
Statistical analysis showed a significant association between the SP-D rs721917 TT genotype and T allele with increased COVID-19 severity and hospitalization risk. The TT genotype was more frequent in ICU and CCU-admitted patients compared to the CC genotype (p < 0.05) and was linked to higher hospitalization rates overall. However, no significant correlation was found with mortality rates or patients' age.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that variations at the rs721917 locus within the SFTPD gene may provide valuable insights into the heterogeneity of COVID-19 outcomes across different populations, thereby offering potential for enhanced diagnostic and prognostic strategies.
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