Association between Glutathione S-Transferases Gene Variants and COVID-19 Severity in Previously Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Polish Patients with Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

As the outcome of COVID-19 is associated with oxidative stress, it is highly probable that polymorphisms of genes related to oxidative stress were associated with susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the association of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) gene polymorphisms with COVID-19 severity in previously vaccinated and unvaccinated Polish patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 92 not vaccinated and 84 vaccinated patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 were included. The WHO COVID-19 Clinical Progression Scale was used to assess COVID-19 severity. GSTs genetic polymorphisms were assessed by appropriate PCR methods. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed, including logistic regression analysis. GSTP1 Ile/Val genotype was found to be associated with a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease in the population of vaccinated patients with COVID-19 (OR: 2.75; p = 0.0398). No significant association was observed for any of the assessed GST genotypes with COVID-19 disease severity in unvaccinated patients with COVID-19. In this group of patients, BMI > 25 and serum glucose level > 99 mg% statistically significantly increased the odds towards more severe COVID-19. Our results may contribute to further understanding of risk factors of severe COVID-19 and selecting patients in need of strategies focusing on oxidative stress.

Obligation Is Not a Compulsion-The Quality of the Law and the Effectiveness and Safety of Vaccination against COVID-19.

In December 2021, the Minister of Health in Poland announced via Twitter that vaccination was not compulsory. Such a message from a public authority, who was to a significant extent responsible for organising the process of preventing and combating the infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, appeared to have a negative impact on the public perception of the role of vaccination in combating this disease. The impossibility of directly enforcing vaccination, in the sense that there is no legal basis for its compulsory administration, should not weaken the sense of obligation towards a socially necessary attitude of vaccination as a means of protecting the population against the disease; this should be promoted by public authorities. An auxiliary role in shaping this type of message should be played by the law of appropriate quality, regulating the rules related to vaccination in a way that encourages citizens' trust in the state and the law.