Researchers Discover Gene That Protects Men from Severe COVID-19: A Lifesaving Variant 😷🧬
A new study has discovered a gene variant that shields men from severe illness and death when they are hospitalized with COVID, but its effects only seem to last until age 74.
Gene discovered that could protect men from severe COVID-19.
📸 Image Source: HealthDay Reporter
Did you know that there’s a gene variant that can shield men from severe illness and death when hospitalized with COVID-19? It sounds like something out of a superhero movie, but it’s true! Researchers have identified a gene called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (1L1RN) variant, which appears to help reduce inflammation and protect against the devastating effects of the virus.
The Role of Inflammation in COVID-19 Complications
When we become infected with a virus like COVID-19, our immune system kicks into gear and activates inflammation as a defense mechanism. However, if this inflammation goes unchecked, it can actually harm our tissues and contribute to the severity of the disease. That’s where the protective IL1RN gene variant comes in, acting as a superhero cape to keep inflammation in check.
🔬 Digging Deeper: In a recent study conducted at NYU Langone Health, researchers found that men under the age of 74 who possess the IL1RN gene variant are 80% less likely to die from COVID-19 and are less likely to develop severe illness after being hospitalized with the virus. However, the gene does not offer the same protection to men over the age of 74, as age-related chronic illnesses begin to take hold.
Unmasking the Study: What the Research Revealed
To uncover these fascinating findings, the NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers collected blood samples from nearly 2,600 men and women who were hospitalized for COVID-19 at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital between March 2020 and March 2021. Among this group, 124 men aged 19-74 possessed the IL1RN gene variant, and they were significantly less likely to die from the virus.
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📝 Key Insight: The study also found that average blood levels of an inflammation-fighting protein coded by 1L1RN were 14 times higher in hospitalized men than in healthy male controls. While the levels were 10 times higher in hospitalized women, they did not result in a statistically significant reduction in death risk for women.
Future Directions: Could IL-1-Inhibiting Therapies Be the Answer?
Dr. Steven Abrahamson, senior study author and chairman of the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone, sees this discovery as a potential pathway for preventing severe inflammation, not only in COVID-19 but also in other diseases. He plans to investigate whether IL-1-inhibiting therapies, such as anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept, can be effective against COVID-19. Additionally, further research is needed to determine if the IL-1 pathway contributes to the development of Long COVID, the long-lasting symptoms that persist after the initial infection.
💡 Food for Thought: The prevalence of the IL1RN gene variant raises a fascinating question: What other genetic factors could be influencing the severity of COVID-19? The quest to uncover the answers has only just begun, as scientists continue to unravel the complexities of this enigmatic virus.
Q&A: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can women also possess the IL1RN gene variant, and does it offer any protective benefits for them?
A: Yes, women can possess the IL1RN gene variant. However, the study found that it did not result in a statistically significant reduction in death risk for hospitalized women. Gender differences in COVID-19 outcomes still remain an area of ongoing research and investigation.
Q: What are some other factors that contribute to the severity of COVID-19 besides genetics?
A: While genetics play a role in shaping our response to the virus, other factors such as age, pre-existing health conditions, and socioeconomic factors also influence the severity of COVID-19. It’s important to focus on overall health and well-being, including maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and following public health guidelines.
Q: Where can I find more information about gender-related differences in COVID-19 care and survival?
A: The journal Social Science & Medicine offers more insights into gender-related differences in COVID-19 care and survival. You can find more information here.
References:
- Researchers Find Gene That May Shield Men From Severe COVID-19
- Organs Aging Differently: New Test to Pinpoint Risk
- Obese Kids at Risk of Kidney Trouble Later
- Social Science & Medicine – Gender-related Differences in COVID Care and Survival
- NYU Langone, news release, March 13, 2024
✨ Share this article with others and help spread valuable knowledge about the IL1RN gene variant’s superhero-like abilities in protecting men from severe COVID-19! Together, we can inspire health and well-being in the face of adversity.
