Open AccessRAS and SARS-CoV-2 interaction: short review of the latest evidence
Author(s) -
Francesco Ferrara,
Antonio Vitiello
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
infekciâ i immunitet
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.137
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 2313-7398
pISSN - 2220-7619
DOI - 10.15789/2220-7619-tcb-1613
Subject(s) - pandemic , covid-19 , coronavirus , discontinuation , angiotensin converting enzyme 2 , disease , medicine , virology , intensive care medicine , infectious disease (medical specialty) , outbreak
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cause of the recent global pandemic, which is causing thousands of deaths worldwide and represents a health challenge with few precedents in human history. The angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE-2) has been identified as the receptor that facilitates access to SARS-CoV-2 in cells; evidence shows that its concentration varies during the various stages of viral infection. Therapeutic agents modifying the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be able to modulate the concentration of ACE-2 and the various components of the system. In this article we examine the latest evidence on the association between the use of RAS modifying agents and coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Our investigation and critical literature research does not suggest discontinuation of ACEIs/ARBs treatment in clinical practice as there is a lack of robust evidence. However, we recommend further well-structured epidemiological studies investigating this sensitive issue that may provide important new suggestions for implementing guidelines. Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cause of the recent global pandemic, which is causing thousands of deaths worldwide and represents a health challenge with few precedents in human history. The angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE-2) has been identified as the receptor that facilitates access to SARS-CoV-2 in cells; evidence shows that its concentration varies during the various stages of viral infection. Therapeutic agents modifying the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be able to modulate the concentration of ACE-2 and the various components of the system. In this article we examine the latest evidence on the association between the use of RAS modifying agents and coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Our investigation and critical literature research does not suggest discontinuation of ACEIs/ARBs treatment in clinical practice as there is a lack of robust evidence. However, we recommend further well-structured epidemiological studies investigating this sensitive issue that may provide important new suggestions for implementing guidelines.