Blackmores Institute

<p>In a ground-breaking study, the team at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have successfully identified both genetic factors and blood analytes associated with metabolic health that have been identified as contributing to severe COVID-19 susceptibility.<sup>1</sup></p><h3><strong> </strong></h3><h3><strong>Genetic testing</strong></h3><p>Utilising genome-wide association studies, the team at QUT identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with blood metabolites, and their levels, that indicated an increased risk of long COVID.<sup>1</sup> Genetic analysis identified 71 unique analytes that have a genetic link with severe COVID-19, with six of these demonstrating a shared biological mechanism and causal influence.<sup>1</sup> </p><h3><strong> </strong></h3><h3><strong>Blood analytes</strong></h3><p>Increased blood levels of the following six analytes were shown to increase the risk of severe COVID-19:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Alanine aminotransferase (AST)</li><li>Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)</li><li>Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)</li><li>C-reactive protein (CRP)</li><li>Triglycerides</li><li>Urate.<sup>1</sup></li></ul><p></p><p> </p><p>Of these six, triglycerides showed high causality with 82% of genetic material of triglycerides found to be directly causal for severe COVID-19.<sup>1</sup> In other studies, statin use for the reduction of blood lipids have demonstrated a reduction in COVID-19 mortality compared to control.<sup>1</sup> While statin therapy may not be the solution, potential therapeutic options for practitioners centred around diet and lifestyle for the reduction of triglycerides may help.<sup>1</sup></p><p>Interestingly, a genetic reduction in testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels has also been associated with increased COVID-19 severity.<sup>1</sup> Individuals with blood types other than O were identified as having a greater risk of COVID-19 severity, with connections between the ABO blood group and increased angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and their inhibitors used as treatment for hypertension and COVID-19.<sup>1</sup></p><p>From a healthcare perspective, this research is highly relevant, offering practitioners with the ability to both identify patients at increased risk of metabolic dysfunction and subsequent severe COVID-19 while identifying potential treatment options.<sup>1</sup></p><h3><strong> </strong></h3><h3><strong>References</strong></h3><ol><li>Tanha, H. M., Sathyanarayanan, A., Mehta, D., &amp; Nyholt, D. R. (2022). Shared genetic influences between blood analyte levels and risk of severe COVID-19. Cell Reports, 111708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111708</li></ol>

<p>While it is now commonly recognised that pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease increase the risk for the development of severe COVID-19, research has been underway to identify further commonalities between severe COVID-19 patients.<sup>1</sup> We take a close look at the developments in this area, focussing on the potential causal role of triglycerides in severe COVID-19.<sup>1</sup></p>

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