The association of glutathione transferase omega polymorphisms with laboratory inflammatory parameters in COVID-19

In a view of important functions of glutathione transferase omega (GSTO) class in redox homeostasis and innate immunity, it was proposed that interindividual differences in COVID-19 clinical manifestations might be affected by GSTO1 (rs4925) and GSTO2 (rs156697) polymorphisms. To assess the potential association of these polymorphisms with biochemical, coagulation and inflammatory laboratory parameters in the group of mild and severe COVID-19 patients. GSTO1 and GSTO2 single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined by qPCR in 251 samples of COVID-19 patients. Biochemical, coagulation and inflammatory laboratory parameters of COVID-19 participants were procured from routine laboratory practice on the day of admission. Polymorphisms of GSTO1 and GSTO2 affect laboratory biochemical profile of COVID-19 patients. GSTO1*C allele was associated with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (p=0.035), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p=0.047), D-dimer (p=0.014) and lactate dehydrogenase LDH (p=0.002), whereas GSTO2*G allele was associated with CRP (p=0.033). COVID-19 patients homozygous for variant GSTO1*A allele and GSTO2*G had the highest levels of serum Fe (p=0.019, p=0.052, respectively). Our findings regarding the influence of GSTO1 and GSTO2 polymorphisms on inflammation and coagulation parameters might be of clinical importance. In future, these findings could aid in a more personalized approach for better recognition of patients prone to thrombosis and excessive immune response.