ACE2 as Drug Target of COVID-19 Virus Treatment, Simplified Updated Review

Background

Since its first appearance in December of 2019, regular updates around the world demonstrates that the number of new Corona Virus 2019 (COVID-19) cases are increasing rapidly, indicating that not only does COVID-19 exhibit a rapid spread pattern, but human intervention is necessary for its resolution. Up until today (27-5-2020) and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 4.5 million with more than 307, 500 deaths. Almost all countries have been affected by COVID-19, and resultingly, various drug trials have been conducted, however, a targeted treatment remains to be made accessible to the public. Recently, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) has gained some attention for its discovery as a potential attachment target of COVID-19.

Methods

We reviewed the most recent evidence regarding ACE2 distribution and action, the binding mechanism of COVID-19 and its correlation to cellular injury, ACE2 polymorphisms and its association to fatal COVID-19 and susceptibility and, finally, current ACE2-based pharmacotherapies against COVID-19.

Results

Blocking the ACE2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) using a specific ligand can prevent COVID-19 from binding, and consequently cellular entry and injury. Comparatively, soluble ACE2, which has a higher affinity to COVID-19, can neutralize COVID-19 without affecting the homeostatic function of naturally occurring ACE2. Lastly, ACE2 mutations and their possible effect on the binding activity of COVID-19 may enable researchers to identify high-risk groups before they become exposed to COVID-19.

Conclusion

ACE2 represents a promising target to attenuate or prevent COVID-19 associated cellular injury.

Ameliorating Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Cyclosporine-induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

INTRODUCTION

Olive leaves are traditionally used in the Mediterranean basin in many medical conditions for its potent antioxidant activity. Cyclosporine A, a well-known immunosuppressant, can induce nephrotoxicity through oxidative stress. This study investigated the effect of olive leaf extract (OLE) on cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar rats (180 g to 200 g) were classified into 5 groups, each containing 6 rats. The first group received normal saline and served as control. The second group was treated with cyclosporine, 25 mg/kg for 21 days for nephrotoxicity induction. Groups 3 to 5 were treated with cyclosporine, 25 mg/kg in addition to different doses of OLE (40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, and 120 mg/kg), respectively, for 21 days. After 21 days, the rats' body weights were recorded and the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected and the animals were necropsied. Both kidneys were removed, one for histopathological and one for antioxidant activity evaluations.

RESULTS

Cyclosporine significantly reduced body weight and kidney weight; serum total protein, albumin, and sodium levels; and renal glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. It also increased serum urea, creatinine, and calcium levels as compared to the control group. Groups 4 and 5 showed a significantly greater body weight and kidney weight; higher serum sodium, total protein, and albumin levels; greater glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase; and lower serum urea, creatinine, and calcium levels as compared to group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with OLE can alleviate cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity when used in a proper dose.