Understanding the impact of cytokine gene polymorphisms (IL10 rs1800872 and TNF rs1800629) on COVID-19 severity: A comprehensive meta-analysis

Aim

The anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine genes are linked to the severity and prognosis of individuals with respiratory and non-respiratory viral infections. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the association between the cytokine (IL10 rs1800872 & TNF rs1800629) gene polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19 severity.

Methods

The PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct, and EMBASE databases were utilized for a comprehensive literature review to find suitable case-control studies that investigate the relationship between the IL10 rs1800872 and TNF rs1800629 gene polymorphisms and COVID-19 severity. The articles included in the investigation provided the genotypic data for analysis and meet the inclusion criteria. Each model was assessed with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and odds ratio (OR), with significance set at p < 0.05 for IL10 rs1800872 and TNF rs1800629 gene polymorphisms. MetaGenyo software was used to conduct a meta-analysis for assessing the statistical significance. The study quality was assessed using the Rob2 tool.

Results

Totally 3994 COVID-19 cases and 3504 controls in eleven studies were examined to identify the relationship between IL10 rs1800872 & TNF rs1800629 gene polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19 in Asian and Caucasian populations. The findings revealed that there was a notable association between the TNF rs1800629 gene polymorphism and the COVID-19 severity, with a p-value <0.05 indicating statistical significance. However, no association was found between the IL10 rs1800872 gene polymorphism and the severity of COVID-19 with a p-value >0.05 suggesting insignificance. Furthermore, the findings were confirmed with the funnel plot analysis, which demonstrated the statistical validity of the results.

Conclusion

The TNF rs1800629 gene polymorphism is a risk factor for the severity of COVID-19 and the IL10 rs1800872 gene polymorphism does not have any association with the severity of COVID-19. Therefore, the TNF gene plays a role in the development of severe COVID-19 and it can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of COVID-19.