While the studies on the causes and treatment of the Covid-19 epidemic that affect the whole world continue; scientists are also exploring the reasons for the mild course of the disease in some, and the mild course in others.
Molecular Biology and Genetics Specialist Assoc. Who stated that most of the studies that started in the first days of the epidemic will yield results in the summer months. Dr. "A recent study found that the reason why some people experience the disease more severely is related to genes," said Korkut Ulucan. Assoc. Dr. Korkut Ulucan, in a study on patients in Spain and Italy, noted that patients with blood type A experienced 1,5 times more respiratory problems than patients with other blood groups.
From Üsküdar University Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Assoc. Dr. Korkut Ulucan shared some striking information about the relationship between Covid-19 and genes that emerged as a result of researches.
Genes are effective in the severity of the disease
He pointed out that Covid-19 continues to spread although it seems to be slowing down in our country and in the world. Dr. Korkut Ulucan said, “Some countries seem to have taken the disease under control as a result of successful moves, while in some countries there may be an increase in numbers after normalization. We keep getting new information every day. A recent study revealed that our genes are the reason some people have had the disease severe. Of course, this information brought with it discussions. ”
The outbreak will cause new controversy
Stating that they learn and continue to learn new information about Covid-19 every day, Ulucan said, “The studies continue rapidly and the results begin to mature. Most of the studies that start with the emergence of the disease will give its first results in the summer months. Coronavirus seems to be discussed over treatment, vaccination and genetics, especially in the summer. Most of the studies so far were either on the genetic material of the virus or on some specific genes from human genes. However, we did not yet have study data covering the larger data and the total genome. In order for these studies to be meaningful, individuals with and without a certain number of patients had to be well classified and then genetic screening with appropriate genetic methodology such as GWAS.
Data is clearer now
Stating that many genetic variants are analyzed at once with GWAS studies, Ulucan said, “Our genome is analyzed in total, not in sections. These studies, which started at the end of April and at the beginning of May, started to give results, but the results of genetic studies can take time. Since the first day of the disease, we have been able to predict the limits of the contribution of human genes to this disease, but we did not have clear evidence. We can take a much clearer approach with the current data. These studies can affect the direction of treatment. ”
Patients with A blood groups found more risky
Stating that a study published on June 2, 2020 investigated the relationship between the severity of the disease and blood groups, Ulucan continued as follows:
“One of the first studies with blood groups was based in Wuhan. This study was about individuals with blood type A more often infected. The same study showed that the blood group A had a higher rate of at least inpatients and 0 blood group was less than the other blood groups. However, the data obtained at that time were not sufficient for the relationship between disease and blood group. In the last published study, 610 patients who received inpatient ventilation or oxygen support in hospitals in Spain and Italy and 2 thousand 205 healthy individuals from the same regions were analyzed genetically. The genetic variations obtained were compared between the two groups. One of the biggest differences between the two groups was found in genes encoding blood groups, and patients with blood type A were found to have 1,5 times more breathing problems than patients with other blood groups. It was shown that 0 blood group had a protective effect on the severity of the disease. This is very valuable information, but I still think it is not enough for the existence of a clear relationship between blood groups and disease severity.
The severity of Covid-19 determines the difference in a gene
In the same study, it is stated that the severity of the disease is associated with a special region of the 3rd chromosome in humans. Dr. Korkut Ulucan said, “Now we all know that SARS - COV2 enters the cells via the ACE2 receptor. Of course, there are some different receptors that help these receptors. One of them is the gene encoding the SLC3A6 receptor, located in the region of the 20rd chromosome associated with the disease and involved in carrying some amino acids. Some differences in this gene were found to be related to the more severe disease. This receptor is a molecule that is dependent on calcium and chlorine minerals, and may also explain why the disease is more severe in patients with hypertension. Genes associated with the disease in the same region are genes that cause T cells, which are important members of our immune system, to differentiate when they encounter viruses. "The variations on these genes were associated with severe illness of the disease."
Studies will guide
Assoc. Dr. Korkut Ulucan stated that there will be many news and study results on this subject and said, “The data we have started to accumulate now. The more this data comes from different populations, the more valuable it is. The results of these studies will provide valuable information about treatment, vaccination studies and disease prevention. ”
Hibya News Agency
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