Neves RL, Branquinho J, Arata JG, Bittencourt CA, Gomes CP, Riguetti M, da Mata GF, Fernandes DE, Icimoto MY, Kirsztajn GM, Pesquero JB. ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L enzymatic activities in COVID-19: imbalance of ACE2/ACE ratio and potential RAAS dysregulation in severe cases.
Inflamm Res 2023;
72:1719-1731. [PMID:
37537367 DOI:
10.1007/s00011-023-01775-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN
Circulating enzymatic activity and RAAS regulation in severe cases of COVID-19 remains unclear, therefore we measured the serum activity of several proteases as potential targets to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS
152 patients with COVID-19-like symptoms were grouped according to the severity of symptoms (COVID-19 negative, mild, moderate and severe).
METHODS
Serum samples of COVID-19 patients and controls were subjected to biochemical analysis and enzymatic assays of ACE2, ACE, DPPIV, PREP and CAT L. One-way ANOVA and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
We detected a positive correlation among comorbidities, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer levels with disease severity. Enzymatic assays revealed an increase in serum ACE2 and CAT L activities in severe COVID-19 patients, while ACE, DPPIV and PREP activities were significantly reduced. Notably, analysis of ACE2/ACE activity ratio suggests a possible imbalance of ANG II/ANG(1-7) ratio, in a positive association with the disease severity.
CONCLUSION
Our findings reveal a correlation between proteases activity and the severity of COVID-19. These enzymes together contribute to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways, trigger a systemic activation of inflammatory mediators, leading to a RAAS dysregulation and generating a significant damage in several organs, contributing to poor outcomes of severe cases.
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