COVID-19 as a worldwide selective event and bitter taste receptor polymorphisms: An ecological correlational study

Abstract

\n Background\n Given the observed olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in patients with COVID-19 and recent findings on taste receptors possible important activities in the immune system, we elected to estimate the correlation between COVID-19 mortality and polymorphism of a particular type of bitter taste receptor gene called TAS2R38, in a worldwide epidemiological point of view.\n \n Methods\n Pooled rate of each of the rs713598, rs1726866, rs10246939, and PAV/AVI polymorphisms of the TAS2R38 gene was obtained in different countries using a systematic review methodology and its relationship with the mortality of COVID-19. Data were analyzed by the comprehensive meta-analysis software and SPSS.\n \n Results\n There was only a significant reverse Pearson correlation in death counts and PAV/AVI ratio, p\xa0=\xa00.047, r\xa0=\xa0−0.503. Also, a significant reverse correlation of PAV/AVI ratio and death rate was seen, r\xa0=\xa0−0.572 p\xa0=\xa00.021. rs10246939 ratio had a significant positive correlation with death rate, r\xa0=\xa00.851 p\xa0=\xa00.031. Further analysis was not significant. Our results showed that the higher presence of PAV allele than AVI, and a higher rate of G allele than A in rs10246939 polymorphism in a country, could be associated with lower COVID-19 mortality. While assessing all three polymorphisms showed a huge diversity worldwide.\n \n Conclusion\n Due to extraoral activities of bitter taste receptor genes, especially in mucosal immunity, this gene seems to be a good candidate for future studies on COVID-19 pathophysiology. Also, the high worldwide diversity of TAS2R38 genes polymorphism and its possible assassination with mortality raises concerns about the efficiency of vaccine projects in different ethnicities.\n