Association of the Dedicator of Cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) Gene Polymorphisms with COVID-19 and Plasma LDH, AST, ALT, and Ferritin Levels

This case-control study investigated the association between polymorphisms in the dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) gene and susceptibility to COVID-19 in a Mexican population. Methods: Genotyping of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DOCK2 gene (rs9307 A/G, rs1045176 G/T, rs1045168 C/T, rs2112703 A/C, and rs2287727 A/C) was performed using TaqMan assays in 248 COVID-19 patients and 288 healthy controls. Results: No significant differences were observed in the allelic or genotypic distributions of rs1045176 G/T and rs2287727 A/C between cases and controls. However, under multiple genetic inheritance models (co-dominant, dominant, recessive, heterozygous, and additive), the rs9307 A, rs1045168 C, and rs2112703 A alleles were significantly associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, sub-analyses stratified by genotype in COVID-19 patients revealed that the rs9307 AA, rs1045168 CC, and rs2112703 AA genotypes correlated with altered plasma concentrations of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and ferritin. Conclusions: The DOCK2 SNPs rs9307 A/G, rs1045168 C/T, and rs2112703 A/C are associated with decreased susceptibility to COVID-19 in this population and influence plasma levels of LDH, ALT, AST, and ferritin, suggesting a potential role in disease pathogenesis and severity.