Title : The methylation status of vitamin d genes in correlation with Interleukin-6 levels in cytokine storm in severe covid-19 patients
Abstract:
Background
Cytokine storm in vitamin D deficient covid-19 is characterized by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, where Vitamin D deficiency increases- the risk of Covid -19 severity. However, the epigenetic contribution of methylation of Vitamin D genes associated with vitamin D metabolism to the inflammatory status is poorly understood.
Method
In our study, we hypothesized that Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for Covid -19, through epigenetic modifications in inflammatory markers. Therefore, we aimed to study the level of proinflammatory cytokines IL6 gene and methylation status of genes related to vitamin D metabolism in severe Covid-19 patients. and evaluate their association with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). We included 48 participants with severe Covid19 patients (RTPCR positive).
Result
We found that the majority of the studied vitamin D genes are hypo-methylated in Covid-19 patients. In addition, serum 25(OH)D was associated with methylation of key vitamin D genes and interleukin (IL)6 levels in severe Covid-19 patients. Our study suggests a potential correlation between epigenetic regulation of vitamin D affecting further levels of the inflammatory marker, IL6 – in Covid-19 patients, in which 25(OH)D may mediate this risk.
Conclusion
Therefore, vitamin D could affect the epigenetic status of IL6, which can be considered for additional preventive strategies in Covid -19 patients.
