Translational Analysis of Cytokine SNPs Reveals an Interplay Between Immune Response and Glucose Metabolism Following...

This study explores the relationship between genetic factors, immune response, and clinical characteristics in patients with post-COVID-19. A total of 190 participants with mild to moderate symptoms were recruited from Siriraj Hospital. Cytokine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (IL1β: rs1143643; IL4: rs2243250, rs2243290; IFNγ: rs2069727, rs2430561; IL17A: rs2275913, rs3819025; TGFβ1: rs1800469) were genotyped using rhAmp™ SNP Genotyping. Participants were stratified by neutralizing antibody (Nab) and anti-receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G (anti-RBD IgG) levels. Patients with high Nab levels had significantly higher HbA1c compared with those with low Nab levels (5.98 ± 1.21% vs. 5.66 ± 0.79%, P = 0.03). The TC genotype of TGFβ1 rs1800469 was associated with a lower frequency of patients in both the high Nab group (TT vs. TC: odds ratio [OR] = 0.445, P = 0.019) and in the high anti-RBD IgG group (TT vs. TC: OR = 0.472, P = 0.032). Similarly, the TA genotype of IFNγ rs2430561 was associated with a reduced frequency of patients in the high anti-RBD IgG group (TT vs. TA: OR = 0.245, P = 0.025). One month postinfection, Nab and low-density lipoprotein levels were reduced in patients with TC of rs1800469 (P = 0.028 and P = 0.018, respectively). A moderate positive correlation was observed between baseline Nab levels and HbA1c at 3 months in patients with the AA genotype of rs2430561 (r = 0.213, P = 0.035). These findings may suggest a possible link between genetic variants, glucose levels, and antibody responses in patients with post-COVID-19, providing insights into long-term management strategies.