SharecloseShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesUniversity of Oxford scientists have uncovered a gene that doubles the risk of lung failure and death from Covid.They say around 60% of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15% of people of European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene.Vaccines are key and help significantly reduce these risks, researchers say.The Nature Genetics study sheds light on why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid – but does not fully explain it.Building on previous genetic work, researchers used a combination of artificial intelligence and new molecular technology to pinpoint the exact gene – called LZTFL1 – responsible for the increased risks.They estimate the risky version of the gene is present in about 2% of people from African-Caribbean backgrounds and 1.8% of people of East Asian descent. Lead researcher Prof James Davies said the discovery that the risky gene does not affect all populations equally was very important.But he said a complex mix of factors – including age in particular – contributed to each person’s individual risk. South Asian Covid death rates ‘alarming’Black people ‘twice as likely to catch Covid’He added “Socio-economic factors were also likely to be important in explaining why some communities have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic.”Although we cannot change our genetics, our results show that the people with the higher risk gene are likely to particularly benefit from vaccination.”‘Derailing defences’Researchers believe the risky version of the gene makes people’s lungs more susceptible to coronavirus.They hypothesise that the high-risk gene derails a key protective mechanism that cells lining the lungs normally employ to defend themselves from Covid. When cells lining the lung interact with coronavirus, one of their defence strategies is to turn into less specialised cells and become less welcoming to the virus. This despecialisation process reduces the amount on the surface of cells of a key protein called ACE-2, which is key to coronavirus attaching itself to cells.But for people with the risky version of the LZTFL1 gene this process does not work as well, and lung cells are left vulnerable to invasion of the virus.Scientists say it is significant that the gene involved affects the lungs, but does not have an impact on the immune system. This means people at high risk can still get immune protection from the vaccine, they say.And scientists hope the discovery helps lead to new customised drugs that focus on the lungs – current ones focus mostly on the immune system.Nature.websiteCoronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines – NHS.websiteThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

SharecloseShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingimage copyrightGetty ImagesA large UK study suggests having coronavirus around the time of birth may increase the chance of stillbirths and premature births – although the overall risks remain low.Scientists say while most pregnancies are not affected, their findings should encourage pregnant women to have jabs as soon as they are eligible.The majority are offered vaccines when they are rolled out to their age group. The study appears in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The research, led by the National Maternity and Perinatal Audit, looked at data involving more than 340,000 women who gave birth in England between the end of May 2020 and January 2021. All women were tested for the virus when they were admitted for births – whether they had symptoms or not.The study found:3,527 had positive testsOf those, 30 had stillbirths (deaths occurring after 24 weeks of pregnancy)Scientists calculate 8.5 per 1,000 women who had a positive test went on to experience a stillbirthThis compares to 3.4 per 1,000 women who had a negative test12% of women who had a positive coronavirus test gave birth prematurely (before 37 weeks)This compares to 5.8% of women who had negative testsIt was more common for women who had Covid-19 at the time of birth to be younger and from a black, Asian or other minority ethnic backgroundResearchers say a higher risk of stillbirth and prematurity, as well as a greater chance of having a Caesarean section, remained even once factors such as the mother’s age, ethnicity, socio-economic background and common health conditions were taken into account. Babies born to women who tested positive were more likely to need special neonatal intensive care because they were born early and needed more support – rather than being infected with coronavirus itself. Pregnant women should be offered Covid vaccineWho can book their Covid vaccine now?’Miracle’ baby born to Covid coma mumProfessor Asma Khalil, co-author of the paper, said it was important for women and healthcare workers to be aware of the potential risks.She added: “This study is the largest yet in England to describe the pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women who had tested positive for Covid-19 around the time of birth. “While it is reassuring that the overall increases in the rate of stillbirth and pre-term birth remain low, this study does show that the risk of stillbirth or premature birth may be increased in women who have the infection around the time of birth. “This highlights the importance of Covid-19 vaccination for pregnant women; it reduces the risk not just to themselves, but also to their babies.”Dr Mary Ross-Davie, from the Royal College of Midwives, agreed that vaccination was key in protecting people from the virus. She added: “While the increased risk of a stillbirth or pre-term birth remains low when women have Covid-19 in pregnancy, the important message here is that pregnant women, like all of us, should continue to take precautions to reduce their chances of exposure to the virus. “This includes continuing social distancing, hand-washing and mask-wearing,” she said. Related Internet LinksCoronavirus infection and pregnancy.websitePregnancy and coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS.websiteThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.