Immunogenic Potential of the Mediterranean Fever Gene in Patients with Coronavirus Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In December 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a pandemic and caused a global health crisis. This study evaluates the immunogenic potential of the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2020 in various COVID-19 referral centers in Ardabil, Iran. Blood samples of 50 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 were evaluated for MEFV gene mutation using the amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 22.0. Results: Mutations of the MEFV gene were found in 6 (12%) of the patients. All mutations were heterozygous, and no homozygous or compound heterozygous forms were detected. The total mutant allele frequency was 6% and the carrier rate was 12%. The most common allele of the MEFV variant was E148Q, detected in 3 (6%) patients. No mutant variant of the MEFV gene was detected in deceased patients. None of the mutation carriers had familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) symptoms or a family history of FMF. Conclusion: MEFV gene mutations may have immunogenic potential in patients with COVID-19. A preprint version of this article has already been published at https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-69373/latest.pdf.

The Impact of Colchicine on COVID-19 patients: A Clinical Trial Study.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 infection has evolved into a global pandemic. This study has been designed to evaluate colchicine as an anti-inflammatory agent among COVID-19 patients regarding the disease course, duration of hospitalisation, and its morbidity and mortality rate. Methods: This prospective randomised and double-blind clinical trial study included 100 COVID-19 hospitalized patients with moderate symptoms from May 21 to June 20, 2020. They were randomised in a 1:1 allocation to placebo and colchicine groups plus recommended standard guideline and protocol of health system. Colchicine 1 mg has been taken daily for 6 days. All data including associated symptoms, co-existed disease and duration of hospitalisation evaluated initially, and then 2 weeks after discharge; moreover, their mortality and morbidity, re-admission, and deteriorations of symptoms were assessed during this period. Results: 59% were female with median age 56 years old. There was no significant difference between them in terms of age and sex. Two groups did not show significant difference about underlying diseases and various clinical and para clinical findings evaluation. However, there were significant difference in colchicine group regarding for shorter duration of fever (P<0.05) and hospitalisation (P<0.05). Although in colchicine group dyspnoea improved more rapidly than the placebo group, it was not meaningful. Conclusion: Colchicine can be effective in amelioration of systemic symptoms and duration of hospitalisation probably by inhibition of inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients.