Publication at First Faculty of Medicine |
2022
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the cellular receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Increased expression of ACE2 may facilitate SARS-CoV-2 virus entry into the cell.
The subsequent decrease in membrane expression of ACE2 may contribute to organ damage due to an increased angiotensin II/angiotensin 1-7 ratio. Randomized controlled trials have shown that patients with covid-19 infection treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) should not have their treatment discontinued.
Recombinant soluble ACE2 or angiotensin 1-7 could favorably influence the course of covid-19 infection.