Open AccessThe regulation of ACE-2 in the heart and lungs
Author(s) -
Jonathan Kopel,
Thomas E. Tenner,
Gregory L. Brower
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the southwest respiratory and critical care chronicles
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2325-9205
DOI - 10.12746/swrccc.v9i40.895
Subject(s) - pathogenesis , renin–angiotensin system , angiotensin converting enzyme 2 , medicine , disease , heart failure , pathophysiology , hypoxia (environmental) , angiotensin ii , hormone , hypertensive heart disease , bioinformatics , covid-19 , receptor , biology , blood pressure , infectious disease (medical specialty) , oxygen , chemistry , organic chemistry
The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 disease remains an active and rapidly evolving area of investigation. Currently, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein (ACE-2) is the primary receptor implicated in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. In normal physiological responses, the ACE-2 has important roles in regulating the renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) in several organs, including the heart, kidney, and lungs. Dysregulation of ACE-2 has been linked to heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetic cardiovascular complications. Two main risk factors for COVID-19 include hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, the precise mechanism causing these risk factors for COVID-19 infectivity remains unknown. In this paper, we provide possible molecular mechanisms that underlie the cardiovascular risk factors for COVID-19.
Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), hormones, cardiovascular, hypoxia, metabolism, regulation, and pathophysiology