ArticleDiagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)2024
An Epigenetic Locus Associated with Loss of Smell in COVID-19.
Article in Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Global research trends and hotspot evolution of olfactory dysfunction from 2014 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis.Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/
aimLoss of smell, also known as anosmia, is a prevalent and often prolonged symptom following infection with SARS-CoV-2. While many patients regain olfactory function within weeks, a significant portion experience persistent anosmia lasting over a year post-infection. The underlying mechanisms responsible for this sensory deficit remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have identified genetic variants near the UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 genes that are linked to anosmia in COVID-19 patients. However, the role of epigenetic changes in the development and persistence of smell loss has not been well explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate epigenetic alterations in the form of DNA methylation in the UGT1A1 gene, which is a locus associated with olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
methodsWe analysed DNA methylation patterns in blood samples from two carefully matched cohorts of 20 COVID-19 patients each, which are differentiated by their olfactory function-those with normal smell (normosmia) and those suffering from smell loss (anosmia). The cohorts were matched for age and sex to minimize potential confounding factors.
resultsUsing quantitative analysis, we found significantly lower levels of DNA methylation in the UGT1A1 locus in the anosmia group compared to the normosmia group, with a 14% decrease in median methylation values in patients with smell loss (
conclusionThis study is among the first to describe epigenetic changes associated with smell loss in COVID-19, providing a foundation for future research into targeted interventions and potential therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing persistent anosmia. Further investigations involving larger cohorts and additional loci may help elucidate the complex interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors influencing long-term sensory impairment post-COVID-19.
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