Exploring the association between the rs2285666 variant of the ACE2 gene and COVID-19 severity in a population from Quito, Ecuador

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is well known for its wide spectrum of clinical features. The host's genetic makeup may influence the severe form of COVID-19. To evaluate the association between the ACE2 rs2285666 gene variant and the severe form of COVID-19 in subjects who attended the Hospital IESS Quito Sur, Ecuador. Subjects and methods: for this study, 100 Ecuadorian subjects with COVID-19 infection verified by RT-PCR were included. The individuals were divided into two groups: 43 patients with the severe clinical picture (case group) and 57 subjects with the asymptomatic-mild form (control group). Of these individuals, 73 were males, 33 of whom belonged to the case group. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes, and PCR-RFLP was performed for genotyping analysis. Results: the general sample of individuals was in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Homozygous AA females in the case group were not detected. No allele or genotype was statistically significantly associated with severe COVID-19, and no appropriate genetic model was found. Conclusion: the Ecuadorian population substructure may have had an impact on this analysis. In addition, males need to be included in the analysis to address HWE at X-chromosome chromosome-linked loci.