Shared genetic influences between blood analyte levels and risk of severe COVID-19.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) show that genetic factors contribute to the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and blood analyte levels. Here, we utilize GWAS summary statistics to study the shared genetic influences (pleiotropy) between severe COVID-19 and 344 blood analytes at the genome, gene, and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) levels. Our pleiotropy analyses genetically link blood levels of 71 analytes to severe COVID-19 in at least one of the three levels of investigation—suggesting shared biological mechanisms or causal relationships. Six analytes (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, apolipoprotein B, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, and urate) display evidence of pleiotropy with severe COVID-19 at all three levels. Causality analyses indicate that higher triglycerides levels causally increase the risk of severe COVID-19, thereby providing important support for the use of lipid-lowering drugs such as statins and fibrates to prevent severe COVID-19. [Display omitted] • Genetic analyses identify pleiotropy between blood analytes and severe COVID-19 • The identified pleiotropies suggest biological or causal relationships • Blood triglycerides have widespread shared genetic influences with severe COVID-19 • Higher levels of blood triglycerides might increase risk of severe COVID-19 Genetic factors contribute to severe COVID-19 and blood analyte levels. Tanha et al. identify blood analytes associated with the risk of severe COVID-19. The results suggest a strong genetic relationship between higher levels of blood triglycerides and risk of severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]