Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of COVID-19 Susceptibility: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms regulating coronavirus pathogenesis are complex, including virus-host interactions associated with replication and innate immune control. However, some genetic and epigenetic conditions associated with comorbidities increase the risk of hospitalization and can prove fatal in infected patients. This systematic review will provide insight into host genetic and epigenetic factors that interfere with COVID-19 expression in light of available evidence. METHODS: This study conducted a systematic review to examine the genetic and epigenetic susceptibility to COVID-19 using a comprehensive approach. Through systematic searches and applying relevant keywords across prominent online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, we compiled all pertinent papers and reports published in English between December 2019 and June 2023. RESULTS: The findings reveal that the host's HLA genotype plays a substantial role in determining how viral protein antigens are showcased and the subsequent immune system reaction to these antigens. Within females, genes responsible for immune system regulation are found on the X chromosome, resulting in reduced viral load and inflammation levels when contrasted with males. Possessing blood group A may contribute to an increased susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 as well as a heightened risk of mortality associated with the disease. The capacity of SARS-CoV-2 involves inhibiting the antiviral interferon (IFN) reactions, resulting in uncontrolled viral multiplication. CONCLUSION: There is a notable absence of research into the gender-related predisposition to infection, necessitating a thorough examination. According to the available literature, a significant portion of individuals affected by the ailment or displaying severe ramifications already had suppressed immune systems, categorizing them as a group with elevated risk.

Plasma levels of nerve growth factor in Egyptian autistic children: Relation to hyperserotonemia and autoimmunity.

Hyperserotonemia and brain-specific autoantibodies are detected in some autistic children. Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulates the proliferation of B lymphocytes with production of antibodies and also increases mast cell serotonin release. This work was the first to investigate the relationship between plasma NGF and both hyperserotonemia and the frequency of serum anti-myelin basic protein (anti-MBP) auto-antibodies in 22 autistic children aged between 4 and 12 years and 22 healthy-matched controls. Levels of NGF, serotonin and anti-MBP were significantly higher in autistic children than healthy control children (P < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between NGF and serotonin levels in autistic patients (P < 0.01). In contrast, there was a non-significant correlation between NGF and anti-MBP levels (P > 0.05). In conclusions, serum NGF levels were elevated and significantly correlated to hyperserotonemia found in many autistic children.

Specialized Diet Therapies: Exploration for Improving Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

As a major neurodevelopmental disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses deficits in communication and repetitive and restricted interests or behaviors in childhood and adolescence. Its etiology may come from either a genetic, epigenetic, neurological, hormonal, or an environmental cause, generating pathways that often altogether play a synergistic role in the development of ASD pathogenesis. Furthermore, the metabolic origin of ASD should be important as well. A balanced diet consisting of the essential and special nutrients, alongside the recommended caloric intake, is highly recommended to promote growth and development that withstand the physiologic and behavioral challenges experienced by ASD children. In this review paper, we evaluated many studies that show a relationship between ASD and diet to develop a better understanding of the specific effects of the overall diet and the individual nutrients required for this population. This review will add a comprehensive update of knowledge in the field and shed light on the possible nutritional deficiencies, metabolic impairments (particularly in the gut microbiome), and malnutrition in individuals with ASD, which should be recognized in order to maintain the improved socio-behavioral habit and physical health.

Frequency of risk factors and coexisting abnormalities in a population of Egyptian children with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Many risk factors interact together during the critical period of development and govern the future phenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, co-occurring abnormalities among individuals with ASD vary a lot so as their abilities. AIM OF WORK: To investigate possible risk factors and to determine the prevalence of coexisting abnormalities in a sample of Egyptian ASD children and their influence on the severity and their communication performance. METHODS: The diagnosis and severity of ASD for participants (N=80) was performed by DSM-5, ADIR and CARS. They were investigated regarding the possible risk factors and coexisting abnormalities. A detailed history taking, clinical examination, the Arabic preschool language scale, cognitive abilities assessment and other additional instrumental measures such as EEG were used. RESULTS: Caesarian section and neonatal jaundice were the most common risk factors. The severity of ASD was positively related to maternal and paternal ages. Developmental language disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep disorder and EEG changes were more frequently detected among studied cases. The CARS scores were significantly higher in ADHD and EEG changes groups. The most severely affected CARS items in the groups with these disorders were determined. CONCLUSION: High parental ages has an impact on the severity of ASD. ADHD, sleep disorder, and EEG changes seem to have an impact on certain elements of the adaptive behavior especially the communicative performance of ASD individuals. We recommend to seriously investigate co-morbid abnormalities and consider them during the process of management of ASD for proper intervention plans.

Transposition of external genitalia and associated malformations.

We report three Egyptian boys from three different families born with penoscrotal transposition (PST). None of them fell into categories of known syndromes, associations, sequences or chromosome disorders. Other malformations observed included renal, genital, cardiovascular and limb defects. Although the occurrence of most reported cases of PST are sporadic, three families with affected sibs have been reported in the literature where parental consanguinity was not specified. Parental consanguinity is present in two of our three cases with young parental age suggesting the possibility of an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. A history of maternal hormonal treatment early in pregnancy in one of our cases may suggest a role of teratogenic agents. We conclude that PST may represent only a part of a wide spectrum of anomalies resulting from a major insult occurring during early embryonic development and is of heterogeneous etiology.