Summary
This systematic review synthesises evidence from 50 Mendelian randomization studies to identify modifiable and genetic factors influencing COVID-19 susceptibility. The authors found that smoking, obesity and elevated inflammatory factors were associated with higher COVID-19 risk, whilst vitamin D and glycaemic traits showed no strong genetic evidence. The review also identifies proteomic signatures (notably OAS1 and IL-6) that could inform drug development and risk stratification.
Regional applicability
The review is international in scope and synthesises global evidence; findings on modifiable risk factors (smoking, obesity, inflammation) and proteomic targets would be applicable to United Kingdom clinical practice and public health policy. However, the underlying studies reviewed may reflect varying population structures and allele frequencies, so UK-specific validation of genetic associations would strengthen applicability to British populations.
Key measures
Associations between genetically predicted exposures and COVID-19 outcomes (severity, hospitalisation, susceptibility); risk of bias assessment based on instrumental variable analysis assumptions
Outcomes reported
The study identified modifiable factors (smoking, obesity, inflammatory markers) and genetic predispositions associated with COVID-19 risk through systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies. It also evaluated druggable targets and biomarkers that could inform intervention and treatment strategies.
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