The rs17713054 and rs1800629 polymorphisms of genes LZTFL1 and TNF are associated with COVID-19 severity

Both genetic and non-genetic factors are responsible for high interindividual variability in response to SARS-CoV-2. Despite the fact that multiple genetic polymorphisms have been identified as risk factors of severe COVID-19, such polymorphisms are still insufficiently studied in the Russian population. The study was aimed to identify genetic determinants associated with severe COVID-19 in the sample of patients from the Russian Federation. The correlation of the rs17713054 polymorphism in gene LZTFL1 and rs1800629 polymorphism in gene TNF (tumor necrosis factor) with the COVID-19 severity was assessed. DNA samples obtained from 713 patients (324 males and 389 females) aged 18‒95 with COVID-19 of varying severity were analyzed. The rs1800629 polymorphism of gene TNF (OR = 1.5; p = 0.02) and rs17713054 polymorphism of gene LZTFL1 (OR = 1.60; p = 0.0043) were identified as risk factors of severe disease. The TNF polymorphism rs1800629 and LZTFL1 polymorphism rs17713054 could be considered as potential predictive biomarkers. The rs17713054 G > A polymorphism was strongly associated with severe disease. In the future the findings may provide the basis for the development of test-systems for prediction of the risk of severe viral respiratory diseases.