Translational Analysis of Cytokine SNPs Reveals an Interplay Between Immune Response and Glucose Metabolism Following Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19.

Abstract

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.