Role of the alpha-1 antitrypsin towards progression and severity of COVID- 19 infection among Saudi patients

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-4725061/v1

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Role of the alpha-1 antitrypsin towards progression and severity of COVID- 19 infection among Saudi patients

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4725061/v1

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Background Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is involved in pathophysiology of severe COVID-19, including thrombosis expansion. A1AT has anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective, and anticoagulant capabilities. We aimed to screen frequencies of A1AT gene polymorphism among COVID-19 Saudi patients and its relation to severity.

Methods Through cross-sectional study, we examined 100 COVID-19 Saudi patients to explore possible correlation between A1AT/interleukin 6 (IL-6) ratio and COVID-19 severity. The COVID-19 patients grouped as severe (31 patients) and non-severe (69 patients) cases. A1AT gene polymorphism was conducted using the PCR technique (ARMS) and ELISA.

Results A1AT, IL-6, and vitamin D (VIT-D) showed extreme statistical significance among COVID-19 patients (severe, mild, and asymptomatic). The prevalence of A1AT gene mutation was higher among COVID-19 cases compared with non-mutated patients (56% vs. 44%). Moreover, serum A1AT levels were lower while serum IL-6 levels were higher than reference range and highly significant among mutated cases compared with non-mutated cases. Also, IL-6/A1AT ratio in severe COVID-19 patients (mean 1.4) was significantly higher compared with asymptomatic or moderate patients (0.16, 0.21; respectively). Strictly, all COVID-19 patients have severed deficiency of VIT-D level significant among mutated and non-mutated cases (p<0.04 and p<0.03; respectively). The frequency of MM (wild type) was substantially high among asymptomatic cases compared with severe cases (67.2% vs.16.1%). Heterozygous MS+MZ genotypes showed lower frequency among asymptomatic cases compared with severe and mild cases (27.6% vs.48.4% and 72.7%; respectively). On the other hand, the more severe forms of SS+ZZ+SZ genotypes were all relatively rare with lower frequency among asymptomatic compared with mild and severe COVID-19 cases (5.2%, 27.3% and 35.5%; respectively). Interestingly, homozygous SS genotype elicited higher frequency among severe cases compared with mild or asymptomatic cases (22.6% vs.0% and 5.2%). The more severe forms homozygous ZZ genotype vanished among asymptomatic and mild cases. This extensively illuminated that, severe COVID-19 patients have diminished A1AT response towards inflammation.

Conclusion Two haplotypes (S) and (Z) alleles of A1AT have higher frequency and were clearly recognized among severe COVID-19 cases suggesting that SS and ZZ genotypes may be associated with an increased risk, while MM genotype may be protective against severe COVID-19 infection.

α1-Antitrypsin (A1AT)

Polymorphism

COVID-19

Interleukin 6

Vitamin D (VIT-D)

Severe COVID-19 exerts excessive inflammatory response, which results in extensive alveolar and endothelial injuries and eventually leads to hypoxemia and respiratory failure [1]. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), is a serpin protease inhibitor. It is most widely distributed serpin and third most abundant protein in plasma [2]. A1AT is an acute phase protein, and systemic infection or inflammation causes its levels to rise 3–5 times [2] and can be generated by macrophages, hepatocytes, intestinal epithelial cells, and bronchial epithelium. A1AT has a knack to scavenge free radicals and govern development and release of cytokines and chemokines [3].

The majority of A1AT haplotype distribution in human population is composed of genotype combinations consisting of M, S, and Z. Additionally, PI*MM genotype may yield 100% normal A1AT and is present in 85–95% globally. The PI*MS, PI*MZ, PI*SS, PI*SZ, and PI*ZZ constitute 5–15% [4]. Most A1AT gene mutations lead to production of mutant proteins, which is dysfunctional and causes cell injuries [5]. The PI*ZZ genotype is linked to increased risk of illnesses concurrent with A1AT unworthy, whereas PI*SZ, PI*SS, and PI*MZ genotypes are only correlated with a possible increased risk [5]. The reason for A1AT's inability to prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry could be unprocessed ACE2-mediated cell entry in lack of TMPRSS2 or presence of other proteases that could cleave S protein. It has been demonstrated that A1AT inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in cell lines, including human airway epithelial preparations [6]. The alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) has been identified as one of the biochemical and clinical predictors of COVID-19 in Italy [7].

The goal of this research was to ascertain whether Saudi Arabia's gene frequency of A1AT alleles and the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic are correlated. Furthermore, we aimed to ascertain if the ratio of A1AT to IL-6 levels is related to COVID-19 severity.

Study subjects

The study recruited 100 COVID-19 Saudi individuals (32–87 years-old) chosen randomly from King Fahd hospital in Madinah, Saudi Arabia (69 males and 31 females), divided into 3 categories (asymptomatic, mild, and severe) according to their clinical characteristics, symptoms, and chest radiography [10]. A signed informed consent was obtained from participants.

Sampling

Peripheral blood samples were obtained from each participant and divided into 2 tubes: one for EDTA tubes used for DNA extraction using Gentra® kits, and the other for plain tube used for enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

The A1AT and IL-6 concentrations were determined using ELISA development kits (CUSABIO®, USA). The microplate reader with wavelength 450nm was used to validate optical density. The experiment was repeated twice, each time with identical materials contained within the individual experiments themselves.

Genotyping of A1AT polymorphism

The amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) technique was used to analyze A1AT subsequent mutation. The PI gene locus that encodes A1AT (14q32.1). PCR was done for either S or Z allele in reaction volume 50µl, including 15µl (2X) PCR master mix (Promega®, Germany), 26µl distilled water, 2µl of each primer (Metabion®, Germany) (Table 1A), mixed with 3µl DNA. Each DNA was separately amplified for S allele using primers 1, 2 and 3 (wild tube) and primers 1, 2 and 3a (mutant tube). Similarly for Z allele using primer 5,6 and 7 (wild tube) and primers 5, 6 and 7a (mutant tube). PCR conditions are shown in Table 1B. Using 1.5% agarose gel, PCR products were electrophoresed and visualized under a UV illuminator.

Data analysis

The statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze data obtained. To determine statistical significance of non-parametric variable's difference between more than 2 study groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test was employed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is used for assessing specificity and sensitivity of quantitative diagnostic measures. Significant P values are defined as < 0.05 or 0.001 at 95% confidence Interval.

ARMS interpretation of the A1AT S locus

The 220 bp as internal control (primer 1 & 2) was generated; and the 152 bp product was observed in both tube or only one tube according to homozygous or heterozygous (S) DNA (Fig. 1).

ARMS interpretation of the A1AT Z locus

The 360 bp as internal control (primers 5 & 6) was generated; and the 150 bp product was observed either in both tube or only one tube according to homozygous or heterozygous Z DNA (Fig. 2).

Biochemical data of the COVID-19 patients

Table 2A shows the biochemical data of participants. A total of 100 COVID-19 patients. Out of them (2%) with asthma; 15% have Diabetes mellitus; 4% with cardiovascular disease; 3% with chronic kidney disease and no cases with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or liver diseases. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is determined. In individuals with severe COVID-19, NLR was found to be higher compared to those with asymptomatic or mild cases, with mean NLRs of (10, 2.5 and 7.11; respectively). Table 2B shows association between A1AT, IL-6, and VIT-D and different status (asymptomatic, mild, and severe) COVID-19 patients. The three-biomarkers showed extreme statistical significance through comparing the 3 groups of patients. All cases have deficient VIT-D, which was statistically significant through comparing asymptomatic with severe patients. A1AT showed low levels below reference range and statistically significant through comparing each pair of groups. This elucidate that deficiency of both A1AT, and VIT-D are associated with inflammation and autoimmunity. As a result, severe patients exhibited elevation in IL-6 levels than asymptomatic or moderate patients, despite the latter group experiencing reduction in A1AT levels.

Potential risk factors and frequency analysis of the A1AT genotypes

Table 2C shows that prevalence of A1AT gene mutation was higher among COVID-19 cases compared with non-mutated patients (56% vs. 44%). Serum A1AT levels were lower than reference range and highly significant among mutated cases (p=0.01) compared with non-mutated augmenting the severity of illness among 3 groups of COVID-19 patients. In addition, serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher than reference range among third COVID-19 group but extreme higher among mutated compared with non-mutated boosting role of A1AT. Also, VIT-D levels were more interesting all COVID-19 cases were significantly lower than reference range among mutated and non-mutated cases (p=0.04 and p=0.03; respectively).

Analysis of the binary logistic regression analysis of A1AT genotypes

Table 3A shows the logistic regression analysis, with the status of various cases serving as dependent variable and presence or absence of S/Z allele as primary independent variable. It reveals higher frequency with extremely significant difference of MM genotype among asymptomatic patients compared with severe cases (67.2% vs. 16.1%), p=0.001, [OR=0.09, 95% CI (0.03-0.28)], while the severe form MZ genotype appeared only among mild and severe states and have higher frequency of mild compared with severe (72.7% vs. 9.7%), p=0.001, [OR= 0.04, 95% CI (0.01 to 0.24)]. The disappear of Z allele from asymptomatic cases and appearance of high frequency of Z allele among mild cases compared with severe cases (50% vs. 12.9%) p =0.001, [OR= 0.15, 95% CI (0.05 - 0.45)] may be attributed to lack of proper follow up for the cases due to their hospital discharge without precise follow up after they exhibited severe complications later. In addition, patients own the more severe forms SS+ ZZ+SZ genotypes have higher frequency statistically significant among sever compared with asymptomatic patients (35.5% vs. 5.2%), p=0.001, [OR=10.08, 95%CI (2.55-39.9)]. The S allele was associated with greater incidence about 3 times among severe compared with asymptomatic patients (46.8% vs. 19%) p =0.001, [OR= 3.75, 95% CI (1.9-7.42)]. This means that people with either Z or S allele boost severity of COVID-19 infection than those with the other alleles and increased risk many times.

Analysis of the association between A1AT genotypes and A1AT, IL-6 and VIT-D

Table 3B shows that the A1AT, IL-6 levels showed statistically significant with A1AT genotypes, where patients carrying MM genotype had highest level of A1AT and lowest IL-6 level. On the other hand, low A1AT and high IL-6 levels noticed among the heterozygous group carrying MS, MZ, SS, ZZ, or SZ genotypes. Interestingly, only asymptomatic COVID-19 patients showed statistically significant association between VIT-D levels and A1AT genotypes this may be attributed to large number of cases while other groups have small number and nearly equal in levels. Extrapolated increased probability for infection with COVID-19 is associated primary with VIT-D deficiency.

Table 4A shows that 15 individuals have diabetes, exhibited varying degrees of severity in their COVID-19 infection. 6 out of 31 patients were severe COVID-19 and 9 out of 58 were asymptomatic. Despite 6 out of 15 (46.6%) carrying MM genotype of A1AT, but they were positively associated with low levels of circulated A1AT. In addition, severe group have significantly low A1AT level (P=0.02) compared with asymptomatic. Furthermore, the frequency of mutant A1AT genotypes (PI*MZ and PI*SS) was high in severe cases (n=3 and n=1; respectively) and (n=1 and n=2; respectively) among asymptomatic individuals with diabetes. Table 4B revealed linear regression analysis for A1AT, IL-6, and VIT-D to predict potential risk factors for COVID-19 patients having different A1AT genotypes. In terms of A1AT and IL-6 levels, MM genotype was associated with high A1AT levels and low IL-6, while homozygous or hetero genotype was associated with low A1AT levels. On the other hand, all forms of genotypes weren’t statistically significant predictor of VIT-D levels. Table 4C reveals that receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of A1AT, IL-6, and VIT-D data was executed for discrimination between healthy subjects and COVID-19 patients. A1AT and VIT-D showed highest accuracy AUC (1.0) as a diagnostic ability for COVID-19. We could explain that IL-6 has variable levels influenced by the severity of case and treatment. Table 4D showed the ROC curve of A1AT, IL-6, and VIT-D data was conducted for discrimination between severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients. A1AT and IL-6 showed high accuracy AUC 0.955 and 0.953; respectively. The VIT-D showed low accuracy AUC (0.665) as diagnostic ability for severe COVID-19.

The COVID-19 is a multifactorial illness as genetic and environmental factors may contribute to incidence rates observed in various nations and ethnic groups. Age and comorbid disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and liver and kidney ailments are examples of non-genetic variables [8].Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the most severe COVID-19 symptoms [9].The global percentage of the population infected with COVID-19 grew because of combined impact of these variables. One of strength of this study is that it is considered the first publication included A1AT gene polymorphism among infected Saudi COVID-19 patients.

This cross-sectional study showed that 24% of cases were associated with other diseases. About half of them were classified severe cases. A1AT gene polymorphism was examined in this study. This is only one example of a hereditary disorder that could make individuals more prone to COVID-19. A hereditary illness referred to as A1ATD causes liver and/or lung damage. The symptoms of A1ATD are often misinterpreted due to their overlapping with pulmonary and hepatic disorders. This has led to a significant underdiagnosis of A1ATD globally. The symptoms of A1ATD-related lung ailments are like those of other obstructive lung conditions, and patients are often misdiagnosed for years [10]. Comorbid conditions linked to A1ATD, such as diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and chronic renal disease, are also independently linked to a higher incidence of COVID-19 [8].

Several studies hypothesized that severe impact of COVID-19 is influenced by areas of high prevalence of A1ATD [3].A1AT has been revealed to block this protease, which might hinder SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and thus minimize viral replication[6].Additionally, the study demonstrated that sera from participants with an A1AT-deficient genotype have a decreased capacity to prevent the entry of Wuhan-Hu-1 (WT) and B.1.617.2 (Delta), but not B.1.1.529 (Omicron). The results illustrated potential involvement of these serum parameters in controlling viral entry in vivo[11].

Table 2C suggested that SS and ZZ genotypes may be tied with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection, while the MM genotype may be protective against severe COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, number of A1ATD individuals among Saudi population is probably not clear or not accurate because some patients with A1ATD -such as children- have not yet been diagnosed with COPD or liver illness linked to A1ATD. These preliminary findings inspired us to move forward with additional plans to ascertain the frequency of A1AT in sizable portion of Saudi population and additionally seek out other genotypes, including VIT-D. Another study that investigated healthy Saudi population, registered frequency of mutant S and Z A1AT alleles (9.49% and 3.19%; respectively) [12].

The PI*ZZ A1AT genotype's global prevalence in patients with COPD was evaluated in a recent study that comprised 48 nations. According to the study, which covered 11 Asian nations, rate of COPD in persons over 40 years is 9%. The greatest PI*ZZ weighted average prevalence among COPD individuals. Saudi Arabia was found among high values [13]. Similarly, another study revealed high prevalence of Z allele has been observed among Saudi Arabia (15:1000) [10]. Further confirmatory investigations conducted among Italians from different locations revealed that the region most impacted by COVID-19, northern Italy, had higher prevalence of the deficient linked phenotypes SZ, MZ, and ZZ than Southern region, with 47% of all cases only documented [14]. It was also reported that, a robust correlation was noticed between the PI*Z variant and the number of COVID-19 cases (r = 0.8584) and deaths (r = 0.8713) in 68 countries [15]. The PI*ZZ, PI*SZ, and PI*MZ rates are projected to be approximately 12% higher for Europeans and Latinos, who also make up the majority ethnic group in the nations with the largest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths [16].

On the other hand, a recent retrospective analysis bizarre in small cohort of hospitalized subjects revealed that only 2 were found to be PI*MZ and none for PI*MS, PI*SZ, PI*SS, or PI*ZZ individuals who are heterozygotes for A1AT alleles are not at high risk of acquiring severe COVID-19 [11]. Furthermore, it can be challenging to distinguish out baffling effect of patients' awareness of their A1ATD status. According to a survey performed in Germany, individuals suffering from A1ATD were 65% less likely to have been infected than the general population, and they were more likely to restrict their social groupings as a result to their greater concern about infection [12]. It was revealed that, there was no increment in either SARS-CoV-2 infection or death rates in presence of S- or Z-A1AT alleles among British patients [16]. Patients with PI*MM and PI*SS alleles, and non-smoking patients with the PI*MZ allele, do not have an abundant risk of lung ailments [10].

People with PI*MM genotype, concomitant with defective S and Z alleles have serum A1AT levels that are reduced by around 40% and 85%; respectively [17]. Because COVID-19 is linked to increased oxidative stress status [18], higher levels of A1AT may become useless. This fact was emphasized in (Table 4) that revealed 6 out of 15 (46.6%) diabetics were carrying MM A1ATgenotype, but they were positively associated with low levels of circulated A1AT, and this can be due to uncontrolled glucose levels. VIT-D deficiency level may link with type 2 diabetics to A1ATD which may cause a higher frequency COVID-19. We could explain the non-significance of certain genotypes due to small numbers and nearly similar levels of the parameters. Interestingly that all our COVID-19 patients have VIT-D deficiency.

In addition, A1AT homeostasis in diabetic nephropathy leads to reduced levels of A1AT [19]. The non-enzymatic glycosylation of A1AT or oxidation of methionine in A1AT active site, may be the trigger for the decline in serum trypsin inhibitory capacity [20]. It was revealed that, VIT-D active form drives CD4⁺ T cells to emit A1AT, via direct contact with complement C3a, strengthens IL-10 secretion; implying that A1AT is crucial for active VIT-D to induce IL-10. linked with inflammation status and autoimmunity [21]. It was evident that there is a probable link between VIT-D levels and COVID-19 severity and lethality [22]. Our study revealed strong association with VIT-D, as there was high significant between asymptomatic and severe patients (Tables 2B,2C,3B). VIT-D has robust safeguard against acute lung injury and ARDS via regulating RAS and limiting bradykinin buildup. On other hand, COVID-19 patients utilize cytokine storm and bradykinin storm to counterfeit the virus. In agreement with our results, is well-known that COVID-19 patients have substantial declines in VIT-D levels [23].

In our study, severe patients exhibited a greater elevation in circulating IL-6 levels than asymptomatic or moderate patients, despite the latter group experiencing a reduction in A1AT levels. Hyper-inflammation and coagulopathy are hallmarks of COVID-19, and in more severe instances, an intensifying "cytokine storm" may trigger respiratory failure, sepsis, and even death [23]. Extrapolated the severity of COVID-19 patients is linked to a rise in the IL-6/A1AT ratio, which suggests an inadequate response of A1AT to IL-6 production. The IL-6/A1AT ratio in severe COVID-19 patients (mean 1.4) was significantly higher compared to asymptomatic or moderate patients (0.16, 0.21, respectively, P=0.001). This extensively elucidated that severe patients have a decreased A1AT response to inflammation (Table 2B,2C).

It was postulated that, innate immune defense relies heavily on A1AT, whose plasma concentration may spike 2-4 times during the acute phase protein response. Protease-antiprotease disparities may emerge during the COVID-19 clinical course of the virus [24]. It was clearly reported that, patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) demonstrated a higher IL-6/A1AT ratio. Furthermore, clinical improvement was observed in ICU patients whose IL-6/A1AT ratio declined during treatment; no improvement was noted in patients whose ratio remained larger [25]. Another study emphasized that primary cytokine storm tracked in COVID-19 individuals exhibiting mild to severe symptoms is serum IL-6 [26]. A1AT can alter actions resulting in descending IL-6 inhibition, which has a crucial role in COVID-19 pathogenicity [27]. Within a multi-center investigation involving more than two thousand COVID-19 patients, the Pi*Z allele and/or a plasma A1AT level less than 116 mg/dl were significantly linked to severe COVID-19 as opposed to non-severe cases [26]. We could have concluded from table (8 A, B) that IL-6 and ATT can be used as predictor for severity of COVID-19; While VIT-D was a fuzzy (ambiguous) risk factor for COVID-19 especially overall patients have VIT-D deficiency.

Results from another study showed that, in comparison to Italian population, patients with A1ATD had a considerably increased relative risk (8.8; P=0.0001) of symptomatic severe SARS-COV-2. 209 persons with significantly lower serum A1AT levels and A1AT-deficient genotypes participated in the survey [28]. Furthermore, in our severe COVID-19 patients, the NLR was found to be higher compared to those with asymptomatic or mild cases, with mean NLRs of 10, 2.5, and 7.11; respectively (Table 2 and 3). Severe COVID-19 progression is predicted by incremented absolute neutrophil count, elevated neutrophil percentage, and high blood neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio [29]. One of the postulates of the mechanisms by which A1AT can alleviate COVID-19 is the creation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a complex extracellular structure made of neutrophil-derived DNA, histones, and proteases that is linked to the immune-thrombosis of COVID-19, can be resisted by A1AT suppression of elastase [8]. Notably, dysregulated neutrophil elastase activity has been linked to diminished plasma concentrations or A1AT function, which might occur in pulmonary emphysema [30]. It was declared that significant higher severity and mortality were linked to NLR ratios of ≥4.5 and ≥6.5; respectively [2]. In addition, under hypoxic conditions, ZZ-A1ATD neutrophils produce more ROS than MM control subjects [30].

A1AT may be viewed as a protective host factor against COVID-19. A1AT deficient allele was shown to be highly prevalent in Saudi Arabian population. It is likely justified to implement a screening program for those who are at risk, enabling them to take appropriate preventive action.

A1AT	Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
A1ATD	Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
ARDS	Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ARMS	Amplification-Refractory Mutation System
COPD	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COVID-19	Coronavirus Disease 19
ELISA	Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay
ICU	Intensive Care Unit
IL-6	Interleukin 6
PCR	Polymerase Chain Reaction
Saudi Arabia	SA
VIT-D	Vitamin D

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health's (MOH) General Administration for Research & Studies (IRB) and faculty of Applied Medical Sciences at Taibah University provided ethical approval (approved IRB-452) for the study to be conducted.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Availability of data and material

Data related to this manuscript is available on the hand of corresponding author and will be obtained under a reasonable request.

Declaration of competing interests

The authors affirm that no conflict of interest exists that might be seen as compromising objectivity of the study they have published.

Funding

This work was fully financially supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR)- Taibah University- Saudi Arabia under the project number RC-442/11.

Author contributions

RA: lead, study design, data analysis, writing introduction, methodology, results, and discussion parts. WM: data analysis and manuscript revision. HF: samples gathering. YA: data analysis, interpretations, and help in writing discussion part. HN: help in the practical work. All authors read and authorized the final manuscript.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their appreciations to the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR)-Taibah University, Saudi Arabia for their sincere continuous enormous help. Also, we thank the staff of the hospital for their help and support throughout the study.

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Tables 1 to 8 is available in the Supplementary Files section.

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Role of the alpha-1 antitrypsin towards progression and severity of COVID- 19 infection among Saudi patients

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Abstract

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Background

Methods and materials

Study subjects

Sampling

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Genotyping of A1AT polymorphism

Data analysis

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Abbreviations

Declarations

References

Tables

Additional Declarations

Supplementary Files

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Version 1