This article is original to the Translational Medicine Network. Please indicate the source for reprinting.
Author: Jevin
Introduction: Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. It mainly attacks the respiratory system and spreads rapidly. This unprecedented global public health crisis requires expanded understanding of COVID-19 to prevent and mitigate its severity and risk of death for those infected.
Recently, researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong published a paper. Research shows that obesity and smoking will increase the severity of COVID-19, with a 65%-81% increase in the risk of severe illness. Obesity’s increased risk of severe illness is related to ACE2 receptors.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.28205
Research background
01
Obesity, smoking, etc. increase the risk of contracting new coronavirus , while the correlation between vitamin D, blood pressure and blood sugar characteristics is less obvious. Whether ACE 2, as a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2, mediates these associations has not been studied. The scientists conducted a Mendelian randomization study to assess the role of these exposures in COVID-19 and ACE 2 mediation.
Research process
02
Researchers extracted genetic variants that were closely associated with various exposures (vitamin D, blood pressure, glycemic traits, smoking, obesity, and education) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS), as well as ACE2 cis-variants. n was applied to the GWAS summary statistics of ACE2 (n=28204) and the COVID-19 epidemic, and their relationship with COVID-19 risk was assessed. Analysis of
data found that smoking, obesity, and lower SEP may increase the risk of COVID-19. For obesity, a one standard deviation increase in BMI was associated with an 81% increased risk of severe illness, a 55% increased risk of hospitalization, and an 18% increased infection rate. The researchers also found that ACE2 partially mediated the impact of obesity on severe disease, and smoking had nothing to do with ACE2.
In addition, targeting ACE2 may be a way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in obese people, using ACE2-modulating drugs to effectively control the entry of virus . This provides a certain direction for future research on new coronavirus drugs.
Significance of the study
03
Researchers say these high-risk groups are strongly encouraged to receive a vaccine booster to mitigate any serious COVID-19 outcomes. In summary, research shows that obesity and smoking increase the severity of COVID-19, and that ACE2 mediates the impact of obesity on severe disease. This study highlights the importance of genomics and big data analysis in understanding the causes of the disease.
Reference:
https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.28205
Note: This article is intended to introduce the progress of medical research and cannot be used as a reference for treatment plans. If you need health guidance, please go to a regular hospital.
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