HIF-1A Gene Polymorphisms are Associated With Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in COVID-19 Patients in Serbian Population

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) is a major regulator of adaptive response to hypoxia, common in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition, HIF-1 alpha regulates the expression of the most important proteins necessary for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection of cells. The study included 129 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Genotypes of HIF-1A gene polymorphisms rs11549465 and rs2057482 were determined by the RT-PCR method. We have observed lower mean platelet counts in carriers of HIF-1A rs11549465CC genotype (p = .050) and a significant association of thrombocytopenia with rs11549465CC/rs2057482CT HIF-1A genotypes combination (p = .037) in the group of patients under the age of 40. HIF-1A rs11549465CC genotype and rs11549465CC/rs2057482CT genotype combination could be predictive markers for thrombocytopenia in COVID-19 patients. Identification of such predictive markers for severe disease may contribute to a more efficient response of health systems to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.