COVID-19 Severity and Androgen Receptor Polymorphism

    June 2022 in “ Biology ”
    Alessandra Buonacquisto, Anna Chiara Conflitti, Francesco Pallotti, Antonella Anzuini, Serena Bianchini, Luisa Caponecchia, Anna Carraro, Maria Rosa Ciardi, Fabiana Faja, Cristina Fiori, Daniele Gianfrilli, Andrea Lenzi, Miriam Lichtner, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Patrizia Pasculli, Flavio Rizzo, Paola Salacone, A. Sebastianelli, Francesco Lombardo, Donatella Paoli
    TLDR Men with more CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene and lower testosterone levels may experience more severe COVID-19.
    The study examined the link between androgen receptor polymorphism and COVID-19 severity in 142 male patients. It found that men with more than 23 CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene experienced more severe COVID-19, due to reduced androgen receptor activity and lower testosterone levels, leading to excessive inflammation and organ damage. Conversely, fewer than 22 repeats were associated with less severe outcomes, as more active androgen receptors provided immunosuppressive effects. The study suggested that genetic factors like CAG repeat length could predict disease severity and guide interventions. It also noted that men had higher COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality rates, potentially due to hormonal and immune response differences.
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