The Interleukin-6 gene variants may protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19: a case-control study in a Moroccan population

• DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01911-w
• Publication Date: 2024-05-23T08:02:35Z
• Authors: Rachid Noureddine; Hanâ Baba; Safaa Aqillouch; Karima Abounouh; Oumaima Laazaazia; Mohcine Elmessaou...; Fatima Zohra Bahmani; Ikram Allah Tanouti; Ahd Ouladlahsen; M’hammed Sarih; Hind Dehbi; Sayeh Ezzikouri
• Keywords: Male; Adult; 0301 basic medicine; Il-6; Genotype; QH426-470; Promoter polymorphisms; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Severity of Illness Index; 03 medical and health sciences; Gene Frequency; Genetics; Humans; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Internal medicine; Aged; Interleukin-6; SARS-CoV-2; Research; COVID-19; Proinflammatory cytokine; Middle Aged; RC31-1245; Morocco; Haplotypes; Susceptibility; Case-Control Studies; Female

Abstract The symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe forms marked by acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ damage, and fatalities. Studies indicate a correlation between specific genes susceptibility disease severity, particularly involving variants in linked inflammation immune responses. objective this study is investigate the association rs1800795 (− 174 G > C) rs1800797 597 A G) interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter region infection. Additionally, we aim explore their with COVID-19 severity Moroccan population. In case-control study, enrolled 270 unvaccinated patients, consisting 132 138 asymptomatic-moderate COVID-19. included 339 SARS-CoV-2-negative group. Genotyping polymorphisms IL-6 gene was performed using predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping. median age controls 50 years, while exhibited 61 years. individuals moderate had 36 We observed significant difference mild patients ( p < 0.0001), an noted gender = 0.011). allele genotype frequencies − 597G 174G C did not show associations 0.05). However, further analysis revealed that linkage disequilibrium indicated GC* haplotype (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.30, 0.001) AG* 0.11, 0.03–0.46, 0.002) were significantly associated protection against Moreover, overdominant model, G/C found be protective development compared those G/G-C/C genotypes 0.03; OR 0.41, 0.18–0.96). correlations complete blood count markers, hematological D-dimer, C-reactive protein, ferritin levels according showed no differences (all Our findings provide valuable insights into pathogenesis COVID-19, suggesting genetic variations at may contribute within