The role of MEFV gene in COVID 19 disease, as a protective factor

Abstract

Background In early 2020, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus became pandemic. This study evaluates the potential immune-genetically role of MEFV gene mutations in COVID 19 patients. Methods 50 COVID 19 PCR positive patients who were hospitalized in COVID 19 referral centers between 1st of March to 30th of April in 2020 were evaluated for MEFV gene mutations using ARMS PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results MEFV gene mutations were found in 6 (12%) of the patients. No homozygote or compound heterozygote forms were detected. The total mutant allele frequency was 6%. The carrier rate was 12% which is significantly lower than previously studied rate of 25%. The most common MEFV variant was E148Q in 3 (6%). There was no mutant variant of MEFV gene among the expired patients. None of the MEFV gene mutant patients had FMF symptoms or positive family history of FMF disease. Conclusion Considering the high carrier rate of MEFV gene mutations in the eastern Mediterranean region and a significantly lower prevalence of these mutations in COVID 19 patients, it seems that MEFV gene mutations may have a protective role in incidence of the disease.

Effects of Human Genetic Factors (Ethnicity and Race) on Clinical Severity of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

“…[49] According to previous studies, the prevalence of MEFV mutations in this region was 25 percent. [49] In the light of the information given, it can be observed that MEFV mutation carriers are at a significantly lower incidence in COVID-19 patients compared to the normal population distribution in the region. [49] In addition, populations of the eastern Mediterranean regions with a high carrier rate of MEFV mutations have a slightly lower prevalence of COVID-19.…”

“…[51] In addition, the role of MEFV mutations in COVID-19 disease was investigated in 50 COVID-19 patients diagnosed with PCR test. [49] As a result of the analysis of MEFV gene mutations using Sanger sequencing in these patients, it was found that 6 patients (12%) had heterozygous MEFV mutations. [49] According to previous studies, the prevalence of MEFV mutations in this region was 25 percent.…”

“…[49] As a result of the analysis of MEFV gene mutations using Sanger sequencing in these patients, it was found that 6 patients (12%) had heterozygous MEFV mutations. [49] According to previous studies, the prevalence of MEFV mutations in this region was 25 percent. [49] In the light of the information given, it can be observed that MEFV mutation carriers are at a significantly lower incidence in COVID-19 patients compared to the normal population distribution in the region.…”

“…The Mediterranean Fever (MEFV) gene, located on the 16 th chromosome, is mainly expressed by monocytes and granulocytes. [49] These cells are involved in inflammatory pathophysiology and cytokine storm. [49] MEFV gene, which has more than 300 sequence variants, was previously thought to be associated with protective roles in some diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox, cholera, plague, typhus, and malaria.…”

“…[49] These cells are involved in inflammatory pathophysiology and cytokine storm. [49] MEFV gene, which has more than 300 sequence variants, was previously thought to be associated with protective roles in some diseases such as tuberculosis, smallpox, cholera, plague, typhus, and malaria. [50] It can be stated that mutation carriers of the MEFV gene are more protected in some diseases than those that do not carry the mutation.…”