The results of the study contribute to finding therapeutic methodologies to confront the virus

Researchers from the UAE reveal 8 genes that affect the severity of infection with "Corona"

  • The study is the first of its kind in the UAE and focused on the genomes' associations with the disease.

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  • Dr. Habiba Al-Saffar: “The study aimed to reveal the inter-ethnic variables represented in the genes affecting the risk of infection with (Corona).”

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A research team in the UAE has concluded that the genetic makeup of the individual contributes to the vulnerability to infection with the Corona virus and the nature of the response to it, as the host genes play a prominent role in the degree of severity of the disease, and the study showed the presence of eight genes in the lungs that are expected to be associated with serious infection cases.

In detail, during the study, the team focused on a total of 646 patients infected with the “Covid-19” virus, 482 of whom were transferred to the hospital because they needed artificial respirators and oxygen as a result of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia and other severe complications, as the results of their genetic examination showed The presence of eight genes in the lungs is expected to be associated with serious infections requiring admission to hospital.

He pointed out that the ambiguity in the “Covid-19” pandemic lies in the difference in the severity of infections between individuals, between moderate and severe, and cases of infection with the virus vary from no symptoms to injuries that may endanger the lives of individuals, represented by viral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, despite Although some factors related to disease severity have been uncovered, they do not explain all of the discrepancies we see.

During the study, the research team monitored some risk factors, disease management, and health systems that contribute to a variety of symptoms of infection with “Covid-19” that can be seen, noting that many studies centered on the relationship between genes and infection with the virus demonstrated a link between the patient’s genetic makeup and the extent of its susceptibility. For severe infection, eight genes that are closely related to severe cases of infection with the “Covid-19” virus were also revealed, thanks to the first study of its kind in the UAE that focused on genome associations with the disease.The study found that infection with “Covid-19” affects gene expression, which in turn is linked to the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative processes in the body, as the level of gene expression of genes responsible for the production of reactive oxygen species was raised, which are unstable parts that contain oxygen and interact easily with Other molecules inside the cell, while reducing the gene expression that affects the production of antioxidants, which are molecules responsible for fighting free radicals.The research team based on the study included Associate Professor and Director of the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology, Dr. Habiba Al-Saffar, Dr. Mira Moussa, and the researchers Participants Hema Fourifi and Hussein Knoot, all from the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology, along with researchers from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Dubai Health Authority and University of Western Australia, the results of the study were published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet.The research team based on the study included Associate Professor and Director of the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology, Dr. Habiba Al-Saffar, Dr. Mira Mousa, and co-researchers Hema Fourifi and Hussein Kanout, all from the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology, as well as researchers from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and the Dubai Health Authority. and the University of Western Australia, and the results of the study were published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet.The research team based on the study included Associate Professor and Director of the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology, Dr. Habiba Al-Saffar, Dr. Mira Mousa, and co-researchers Hema Fourifi and Hussein Kanout, all from the Khalifa University Center for Biotechnology, as well as researchers from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and the Dubai Health Authority. and the University of Western Australia, and the results of the study were published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet.

Al-Saffar said: "Identification of genetic variants associated with the severity of infection with the (Covid-19) virus contributes to revealing new biological information about the causes of the disease and identifying mechanistic targets for developing treatments and vaccines, as we are able to identify individuals who are particularly susceptible to serious infection."

She indicated that the methodology designed by the research team aims to reveal the common variables between ethnic groups represented in the eight genes affecting the severity of infection with the virus among different populations, as these genes were found in the lungs and are associated with the development of tumors, lung diseases and airway obstruction in them, and in patients « “Covid-19” under treatment in hospitals, these genes are linked to lung infections and respiratory failure that requires the need for artificial respirators.

She added, "We have to conduct more studies on the genes of populations around the world so that we can identify these genes in other population groups outside the country, and then we will develop population-specific treatments to reduce the risk of this disease globally," noting that "the results of The study confirmed the importance of the role that genetic diversity plays in determining the degree of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the nature of the body's response to it.

• The study focused on 646 patients infected with "Covid-19", 482 of whom were transferred to the hospital due to their need for respirators and oxygen.

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