Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphism Linked to COVID-19 Risk in Children

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Cytokine journal has investigated the correlation between the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) FokI variant and the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in Egyptian children. According to the research, VDR gene polymorphisms, such as the FokI variant, may affect susceptibility to infections, including COVID-19. The study analyzed the serum 25(OH)D levels, inflammatory biomarkers, and demographics of 77 COVID-19-positive and 107 COVID-19-negative pediatric patients. The results showed that COVID-19 patients had significantly lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and higher inflammatory biomarkers compared to controls. The study concluded that additional research is required to validate the potential role of vitamin D and its receptor polymorphism in COVID-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • The VDR FokI variant may affect susceptibility to COVID-19 in children.
  • COVID-19 patients had significantly lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) compared to controls.
  • COVID-19 patients had significantly higher inflammatory biomarkers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and D-dimer.
  • The study concluded that additional research is required to validate the potential role of vitamin D and its receptor polymorphism in COVID-19.
  • The study included 77 COVID-19-positive and 107 COVID-19-negative pediatric patients.
  • The study analyzed serum 25(OH)D levels, inflammatory biomarkers, and demographics of participants.
  • The study used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genotyping the VDR FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism.

Statistics:

  • 77 COVID-19-positive and 107 COVID-19-negative pediatric patients were included in the study.
  • COVID-19 patients had significantly lower absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) compared to controls (p < 0.05).
  • COVID-19 patients had significantly higher inflammatory biomarkers, including IL-6 (155.2 ± 34.5 pg/mL vs. 45.6 ± 12.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), ESR (42.3 ± 7.1 mm/h vs. 15.9 ± 4.3 mm/h, p < 0.001), CRP (12.6 ± 3.1 mg/dL vs. 4.3 ± 1.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001), procalcitonin (1.2 ± 0.3 ng/mL vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001), and D-dimer (2.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 μg/mL, p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • FokI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene: Linking COVID-19 risk to genetic susceptibility in children. Cytokine, 2025;191:156958.
  • NewsRx. National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute Reports Findings in COVID-19 (FokI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene: Linking COVID-19 risk to genetic susceptibility in children). Pediatrics Week. May 31, 2025; p 12.