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Mizutani S, Mizutani H, Mizutani E, Arita H, Kajiyama H. The Fate of Angiotensin II in Placental Tissue and Blood. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:477-481. [PMID: 37913823 DOI: 10.1055/a-2202-3894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The existence of a non-canonical pathway of renin-angiotensin system in the blood pressure control system has been highlighted over the past three decades. The enzymes involved in this pathway include a series of angiotensinases such as neprilysin (NEP), aminopeptidase A (APA), carboxypeptidase, and angiotensin converting enzyme 2. The physiological roles of these peptidases have been reconsidered in this study, based on the publications of other research groups and the results from our previous study, regarding the liberation of constituent amino acids from angiotensin II by placenta tissue and blood serum, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidesuke Mizutani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Harumasa Arita
- IP & License Strategy Division, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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2
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Duah-Quashie NO, Opoku-Agyeman P, Lanza M, Rubio JM. Polymorphisms in the human angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) linked to susceptibility of COVID-19 and malaria infections in the Ghanaian population. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 119:105568. [PMID: 38367677 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Genetic variations in the human angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE) influence ACE enzyme expression levels in humans and subsequently influence both communicable and non-communicable disease outcomes. More recently, polymorphisms in this gene have been linked to susceptibility and outcomes of infectious diseases such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and malaria infections. This study is the first to investigate the genetic diversity of ACE and ACE2 polymorphisms in the Ghanaian population. Archived filter blood blot samples from malaria patients aged ≤9 years were used. Molecular analysis for the detection of ACE rs4646994 (I/D), ACE2 rs2106809 (C/T) and rs2285666 (G/A) alleles as well as ACE2 exons 1-4 polymorphisms was conducted on 300 samples. The D allele (54%,162/300) was the most dominant polymorphism observed in the ACE rs4646994 gene whilst the G (68%, 204/300) and T alleles (59.3%,178/300) were the most frequent ACE2 rs2285666 and rs2106809 polymorphisms observed. For the 300 samples sequenced for ACE2 exons 1-4, analyses were done on 268, 282 and 137 quality sequences for exons 1, 2 and 3-4 respectively. For exon 1, the mutation D38N (2.2%; 6/268) was the most prevalent. The S19P and E37K mutations previously reported to influence COVID-19 infections were observed at low frequencies (0.4%, 1/268 each). No mutations were observed in exon 2. The N121K/T variants were the most seen in exons 3-4 at frequencies of 5.1% (K121, 7/137) and 2.9% (T121, 4/137) respectively. Most of the variants observed in the exons were novel compared to those reported in other populations in the world. This is the first study to investigate the genetic diversity of ACE and ACE2 genes in Ghanaians. The observation of novel mutations in the ACE2 gene is suggesting selection pressure. The importance of the mutations for communicable and non-communicable diseases (malaria and COVID-19) are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy O Duah-Quashie
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Philip Opoku-Agyeman
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Marta Lanza
- Malaria & Parasitic Emerging Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Miguel Rubio
- Malaria & Parasitic Emerging Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Lebedin M, Ratswohl C, Garg A, Schips M, García CV, Spatt L, Thibeault C, Obermayer B, Weiner J, Velásquez IM, Gerhard C, Stubbemann P, Hanitsch LG, Pischon T, Witzenrath M, Sander LE, Kurth F, Meyer-Hermann M, de la Rosa K. Soluble ACE2 correlates with severe COVID-19 and can impair antibody responses. iScience 2024; 27:109330. [PMID: 38496296 PMCID: PMC10940809 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying immune modulators that impact neutralizing antibody responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is of great relevance. We postulated that high serum concentrations of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (sACE2) might mask the spike and interfere with antibody maturation toward the SARS-CoV-2-receptor-binding motif (RBM). We tested 717 longitudinal samples from 295 COVID-19 patients and showed a 2- to 10-fold increase of enzymatically active sACE2 (a-sACE2), with up to 1 μg/mL total sACE2 in moderate and severe patients. Fifty percent of COVID-19 sera inhibited ACE2 activity, in contrast to 1.3% of healthy donors and 4% of non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients. A mild inverse correlation of a-sACE2 with RBM-directed serum antibodies was observed. In silico, we show that sACE2 concentrations measured in COVID-19 sera can disrupt germinal center formation and inhibit timely production of high-affinity antibodies. We suggest that sACE2 is a biomarker for COVID-19 and that soluble receptors may contribute to immune suppression informing vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Lebedin
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Ratswohl
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Free University of Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, 14195 Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Amar Garg
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Schips
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Clara Vázquez García
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Spatt
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Thibeault
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - January Weiner
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilais Moreno Velásquez
- Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cathrin Gerhard
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paula Stubbemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif-Gunnar Hanitsch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Pischon
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Biobank Technology Platform, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Leif Erik Sander
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Kurth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Respiratory Medicine and Critical Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Michael Meyer-Hermann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kathrin de la Rosa
- Max-Delbück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Straße 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Hasan MM, Saha CK, Hamidullah Mehedi HM, Chakma K, Salauddin A, Hossain MS, Sharmen F, Rafiqul Islam SM, Tanni AA, Yasmin F, Akash A, Hossain ME, Miah M, Biswas SK, Sultana N, Mannan A. Genetic determinants of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical outcome of COVID-19 in Southern Bangladesh. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1171. [PMID: 38415978 PMCID: PMC10845815 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1171] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a severe impact on population health. The genetic determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in southern Bangladesh are not well understood. METHODS This study aimed to determine the genomic variation in SARS-CoV-2 genomes that have evolved over 2 years of the pandemic in southern Bangladesh and their association with disease outcomes and virulence of this virus. We investigated demographic variables, disease outcomes of COVID-19 patients and genomic features of SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS We observed that the disease severity was significantly higher in adults (85.3%) than in children (14.7%), because the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) diminishes with ageing that causes differences in innate and adaptive immunity. The clade GK (n = 66) was remarkable between June 2021 and January 2022. Because of the mutation burden, another clade, GRA started a newly separated clustering in December 2021. The burden was significantly higher in GRA (1.5-fold) highlighted in mild symptoms of COVID-19 patients than in other clades (GH, GK, and GR). Mutations were accumulated mainly in S (22.15 mutations per segment) and ORF1ab segments. Missense (67.5%) and synonymous (18.31%) mutations were highly noticed in adult patients with mild cases rather than severe cases, especially in ORF1ab segments. Moreover, we observed many unique mutations in S protein in mild cases compared to severe, and homology modeling revealed that those might cause more folding in the protein's alpha helix and beta sheets. CONCLUSION Our study identifies some risk factors such as age comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease) that are associated with severe COVID-19, providing valuable insight regarding prioritizing vaccination for high-risk individuals and allocating health care and resources. The findings of this work outlined the knowledge and mutational basis of SARS-CoV-2 for the next treatment steps. Further studies are needed to confirm the effects of structural and functional proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in detail for monitoring the emergence of new variants in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahbub Hasan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | | | | | - Kallyan Chakma
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | - Asma Salauddin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh (icddr,b)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Md. Shakhawat Hossain
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | - Farjana Sharmen
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | - S. M. Rafiqul Islam
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | - Afroza Akter Tanni
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | - Farhana Yasmin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | - Al‐Shahriar Akash
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
| | | | - Mojnu Miah
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease ResearchBangladesh (icddr,b)DhakaBangladesh
| | - Sanjoy Kanti Biswas
- Department of MicrobiologyChattogram Maa‐O‐Shishu HospitalChattogramBangladesh
| | - Nahid Sultana
- Department of MicrobiologyChattogram Maa‐O‐Shishu HospitalChattogramBangladesh
| | - Adnan Mannan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological SciencesUniversity of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
- Next Generation Sequencing, Research and Innovation Laboratory Chittagong (NRICh), Biotechnology Research and Innovation Center (BRIC)University of ChittagongChattogramBangladesh
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Зураева ЗТ, Викулова ОК, Малышева НМ, Никанкина ЛВ, Зайцева НВ, Сухарева ОЮ, Шамхалова МШ, Шестакова МВ, Мокрышева НГ. [Effect of components of the renin-angiotensin system, rs2106809 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene, and therapy with RAS blockers on the severity of COVID-19]. PROBLEMY ENDOKRINOLOGII 2023; 69:21-31. [PMID: 37694864 PMCID: PMC10520900 DOI: 10.14341/probl13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), providing counter-regulation of its effects and, simultaneously, a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 entering. It is suggested that factors regulating the balance of the major components of RAS, including ACE2 gene polymorphism, therapy with RAS blockers (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers) - may affect the severity of COVID-19. AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of RAS components, the relationship of ACE2 gene polymorphism rs2106809 and ACEi/ARBs therapy with the COVID-19 severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Endocrinology research centre (n = 173), who were divided into groups of moderate and severe course. Determination of RAS components was performed by ELISA, identification of polymorphism by PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric statistical methods; differences in the distribution of genotype frequencies were assessed using Fisher's exact test χ2. RESULTS The groups differed significantly in age, blood glucose levels, and inflammatory markers: leukocytes, neutrophils, IL-6, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, ferritin and liver enzymes, which correlated with the severity of the disease. When comparing patients in terms of ACE, ACE2, angiotensin II, ADAM17 there were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p=0.544, p=0.054, p=0.836, p=1.0, respectively), including the distribution by gender (in men: p=0.695, p=0.726, p=0.824, p=0.512; in women: p=0.873, p=0.196, p=0.150, p=0.937). Analysis of the distribution of AA, AG, and GG genotypes of the rs2106809 polymorphism of the ACE2 gene also revealed no differences between patients: χ2 1.35, p=0.071 in men, χ2 5.28, p=0.244 in women. There were no significant differences in the use of RAS blockers between groups with different course severity: χ2 0.208, p=0.648 for ACEi, χ2 1.15, p=0.283 for ARBs. CONCLUSION In our study, the influence of activation of RAS components (ACE, ACE2, AT II, ADAM17) and ACE2 gene polymorphism on the severity of COVID-19 course was not confirmed. The severity of COVID-19 course correlated with the level of standard inflammatory markers, indicating the general principles of the infection as a systemic inflammation, regardless of the genetic and functional status of the RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- З. Т. Зураева
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - О. К. Викулова
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - Н. М. Малышева
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - Л. В. Никанкина
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - Н. В. Зайцева
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - О. Ю. Сухарева
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - М. Ш. Шамхалова
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - М. В. Шестакова
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
| | - Н. Г. Мокрышева
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии
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6
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Benedetti S, Sisti D, Vandini D, Barocci S, Sudano M, Carlotti E, Teng JLL, Zamai L. Circulating ACE2 level and zinc/albumin ratio as potential biomarkers for a precision medicine approach to COVID-19. Adv Biol Regul 2023; 89:100973. [PMID: 37257289 PMCID: PMC10202900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly mutable influenza is successfully countered based on individual susceptibility and similar precision-like medicine approach should be effective against SARS-COV-2. Among predictive markers to bring precision medicine to COVID-19, circulating ACE2 has potential features being upregulated in both severe COVID-19 and predisposing comorbidities. Spike SARS-CoVs were shown to induce ADAM17-mediated shedding of enzymatic active ACE2, thus accounting for its increased activity that has also been suggested to induce positive feedback loops leading to COVID-19-like manifestations. For this reason, pre-existing ACE2 activity and inhibition of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases through zinc chelating agents have been proposed to predict COVID-19 outcome before infection and to protect from COVID-19, respectively. Since most diagnostic laboratories are not equipped for enzymatic activity determination, other potential predictive markers of disease progression exploitable by diagnostic laboratories were explored. Concentrations of circulating albumin, zinc, ACE2 protein and its activity were investigated in healthy, diabetic (COVID-19-susceptible) and SARS-CoV-2-negative COVID-19 individuals. ACE2 both protein levels and activity significantly increased in COVID-19 and diabetic patients. Abnormal high levels of ACE2 characterised a subgroup (16-19%) of diabetics, while COVID-19 patients were characterised by significantly higher zinc/albumin ratios, pointing to a relative increase of albumin-unbound zinc species, such as free zinc ones. Data on circulating ACE2 levels are in line with the hypothesis that they can drive susceptibility to COVID-19 and elevated zinc/albumin ratios support the therapeutic use of zinc chelating inhibitors of ACE2/ADAM17 zinc-metalloproteases in a targeted therapy for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Benedetti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Davide Sisti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy
| | - Daniela Vandini
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Simone Barocci
- Department of Clinical Pathology, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sudano
- Diabetology and Endocrinology Unit, ASUR Marche AV1, Urbino, PU, Italy
| | | | - Jade Lee Lee Teng
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Loris Zamai
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, Italy; INFN-Gran Sasso National Laboratory, Assergi, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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7
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Zhang H, Lv P, Jiang J, Liu Y, Yan R, Shu S, Hu B, Xiao H, Cai K, Yuan S, Li Y. Advances in developing ACE2 derivatives against SARS-CoV-2. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e369-e378. [PMID: 36934742 PMCID: PMC10019897 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Extensive immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 rendered therapeutic antibodies ineffective in the COVID-19 pandemic. Propagating SARS-CoV-2 variants are characterised by immune evasion capacity through key amino acid mutations, but can still bind human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through the spike protein and are, thus, sensitive to ACE2-mimicking decoys as inhibitors. In this Review, we examine advances in the development of ACE2 derivatives from the past 3 years, including the recombinant ACE2 proteins, ACE2-loaded extracellular vesicles, ACE2-mimicking antibodies, and peptide or mini-protein mimetics of ACE2. Several ACE2 derivatives are granted potent neutralisation efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants that rival or surpass endogenous antibodies by various auxiliary techniques such as chemical modification and practical recombinant design. The derivatives also represent enhanced production efficiency and improved bioavailability. In addition to these derivatives of ACE2, new effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 variants are expected to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Panjing Lv
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingrui Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruixi Yan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Shu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Cai
- Institute of Health Inspection and Testing, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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8
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COVID-19-Induced Myocarditis: Pathophysiological Roles of ACE2 and Toll-like Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065374. [PMID: 36982447 PMCID: PMC10049267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commonly include dyspnoea and fatigue, and they primarily involve the lungs. However, extra-pulmonary organ dysfunctions, particularly affecting the cardiovascular system, have also been observed following COVID-19 infection. In this context, several cardiac complications have been reported, including hypertension, thromboembolism, arrythmia and heart failure, with myocardial injury and myocarditis being the most frequent. These secondary myocardial inflammatory responses appear to be associated with a poorer disease course and increased mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. In addition, numerous episodes of myocarditis have been reported as a complication of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations, especially in young adult males. Changes in the cell surface expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and direct injury to cardiomyocytes resulting from exaggerated immune responses to COVID-19 are just some of the mechanisms that may explain the pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced myocarditis. Here, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying myocarditis associated with COVID-19 infection, with a particular focus on the involvement of ACE2 and Toll-like receptors (TLRs).
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Sjúrðarson T, Bejder J, Breenfeldt Andersen A, Bonne TC, Kyhl K, Thomassen M, Prats J, Oddmarsdóttir Gregersen N, Skoradal MB, Weihe P, Nordsborg NB, Mohr M. Robust arm and leg muscle adaptation to training despite ACE inhibition: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:325-337. [PMID: 36271942 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05072-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor treatment is widely applied, but the fact that plasma ACE activity is a potential determinant of training-induced local muscular adaptability is often neglected. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis that ACE inhibition modulates the response to systematic aerobic exercise training on leg and arm muscular adaptations. METHODS Healthy, untrained, middle-aged participants (40 ± 7 yrs) completed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomized to placebo (PLA: CaCO3) or ACE inhibitor (ACEi: enalapril) for 8 weeks and completed a supervised, high-intensity exercise training program. Muscular characteristics in the leg and arm were extensively evaluated pre and post-intervention. RESULTS Forty-eight participants (nACEi = 23, nPLA = 25) completed the trial. Exercise training compliance was above 99%. After training, citrate synthase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase maximal activity were increased in m. vastus lateralis in both groups (all P < 0.05) without statistical differences between them (all time × treatment P > 0.05). In m. deltoideus, citrate synthase maximal activity was upregulated to a greater extent (time × treatment P < 0.05) in PLA (51 [33;69] %) than in ACEi (28 [13;43] %), but the change in 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and phosphofructokinase maximal activity was similar between groups. Finally, the training-induced changes in the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 protein abundance, a marker of capillary density, were similar in both groups in m. vastus lateralis and m. deltoideus. CONCLUSION Eight weeks of high-intensity whole-body exercise training improves markers of skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity, glycolytic capacity and angiogenesis, with no overall effect of pharmacological ACE inhibition in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tórur Sjúrðarson
- Center of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Bejder
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas C Bonne
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Kyhl
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Thomassen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Júlia Prats
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - May-Britt Skoradal
- Center of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Pál Weihe
- Center of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.,Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Nikolai B Nordsborg
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (NEXS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Magni Mohr
- Center of Health Science, Faculty of Health, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. .,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Health Sciences, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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10
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Chen H, Peng J, Wang T, Wen J, Chen S, Huang Y, Zhang Y. Counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin system in hypertension: Review and update in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115370. [PMID: 36481346 PMCID: PMC9721294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality and disability, with hypertension being the most prevalent risk factor. Excessive activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) under pathological conditions, leading to vascular remodeling and inflammation, is closely related to cardiovascular dysfunction. The counter-regulatory axis of the RAS consists of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (1-7), angiotensin (1-9), alamandine, proto-oncogene Mas receptor, angiotensin II type-2 receptor and Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member D. Each of these components has been shown to counteract the effects of the overactivated RAS. In this review, we summarize the latest insights into the complexity and interplay of the counter-regulatory RAS axis in hypertension, highlight the pathophysiological functions of ACE2, a multifunctional molecule linking hypertension and COVID-19, and discuss the function and therapeutic potential of targeting this counter-regulatory RAS axis to prevent and treat hypertension in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyin Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangyun Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Tengyao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Jielu Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Sifan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan 528200, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Corresponding authors
| | - Yang Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China,Corresponding authors
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11
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Naderi N, Rahimzadeh M. The Role of Soluble ACE2 as a Prognostic Marker in Severe COVID-19: A Brief Meta-Analysis. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:70-76. [PMID: 35747972 DOI: 10.2174/1871530322666220623121922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently emerged novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed a serious threat to public health, and there is an urgent need to establish tools that can aid the clinician in the evaluation and management of highrisk patients. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the potential of sACE2 (soluble angiotensinconverting enzyme 2) as a prognostic biomarker in COVID-19. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, was performed until May 26, 2021. Data extraction and quality assessment of the study were independently conducted by the authors. Finally, 6 studies were included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS ACE-2 serum or plasma levels were compared between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. ACE-2 level was not significantly different between severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls (SMD = 1.2; 95% CI: -1.3-1.5; P = 0.86), severe and non-severe COVID-19 patients (SMD = 0.3; 95% CI: -0.06-0.7; P = 0.1), and severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls (SMD = 0.6; 95% CI: -1.1-2.3; P = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS We cautiously propose that circulating levels of ACE2 cannot be used as a biomarker to assess disease severity in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadereh Naderi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rahimzadeh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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12
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Circulating angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:12470-12483. [PMID: 36579082 PMCID: PMC9791519 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i34.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a widespread outbreak since December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 infection-related illness has been dubbed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. Asymptomatic and subclinical infections, a severe hyper-inflammatory state, and mortality are all examples of clinical signs. After attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter cells through membrane fusion and endocytosis. In addition to enabling viruses to cling to target cells, the connection between the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 may potentially impair the functionality of ACE2. Blood pressure is controlled by ACE2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the active vasoconstrictor octapeptide angiotensin (Ang) II to the heptapeptide Ang-(1-7) and free L-Phe. Additionally, Ang I can be broken down by ACE2 into Ang-(1-9) and metabolized into Ang-(1-7). Numerous studies have demonstrated that circulating ACE2 (cACE2) and Ang-(1-7) have the ability to restore myocardial damage in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cardiomyocyte fibrosis actions. There have been some suggestions for raising ACE2 expression in COVID-19 patients, which might be used as a target for the creation of novel treatment therapies. With regard to this, SARS-CoV-2 is neutralized by soluble recombinant human ACE2 (hrsACE2), which binds the viral S-protein and reduces damage to a variety of organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs, by lowering Ang II concentrations and enhancing conversion to Ang-(1-7). This review aims to investigate how the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and cACE2 are related. Additionally, there will be discussion of a number of potential therapeutic approaches to tip the ACE/ACE-2 balance in favor of the ACE-2/Ang-(1-7) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pathomthep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Devaux CA, Camoin-Jau L. An update on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 structure/functions, polymorphism, and duplicitous nature in the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019: Implications for vascular and coagulation disease associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1042200. [PMID: 36519165 PMCID: PMC9742611 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1042200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been known for many years that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a cell surface enzyme involved in the regulation of blood pressure. More recently, it was proven that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) interacts with ACE2 to enter susceptible human cells. This functional duality of ACE2 tends to explain why this molecule plays such an important role in the clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). At the very start of the pandemic, a publication from our Institute (entitled "ACE2 receptor polymorphism: susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, hypertension, multi-organ failure, and COVID-19 disease outcome"), was one of the first reviews linking COVID-19 to the duplicitous nature of ACE2. However, even given that COVID-19 pathophysiology may be driven by an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), we were still far from understanding the complexity of the mechanisms which are controlled by ACE2 in different cell types. To gain insight into the physiopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is essential to consider the polymorphism and expression levels of the ACE2 gene (including its alternative isoforms). Over the past 2 years, an impressive amount of new results have come to shed light on the role of ACE2 in the pathophysiology of COVID-19, requiring us to update our analysis. Genetic linkage studies have been reported that highlight a relationship between ACE2 genetic variants and the risk of developing hypertension. Currently, many research efforts are being undertaken to understand the links between ACE2 polymorphism and the severity of COVID-19. In this review, we update the state of knowledge on the polymorphism of ACE2 and its consequences on the susceptibility of individuals to SARS-CoV-2. We also discuss the link between the increase of angiotensin II levels among SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and the development of a cytokine storm associated microvascular injury and obstructive thrombo-inflammatory syndrome, which represent the primary causes of severe forms of COVID-19 and lethality. Finally, we summarize the therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the severe forms of COVID-19 that target ACE2. Changing paradigms may help improve patients' therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Devaux
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU–Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
| | - Laurence Camoin-Jau
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU–Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire d’Hématologie, Hôpital de La Timone, APHM, Boulevard Jean-Moulin, Marseille, France
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14
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Wissing SI, Obeid R, Rädle-Hurst T, Rohrer T, Herr C, Schöpe J, Geisel J, Bals R, Abdul-Khaliq H. Concentrations of Soluble Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (sACE2) in Children and Adults with and without COVID-19. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226799. [PMID: 36431276 PMCID: PMC9698605 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, leads to illness and death. Various risk factors for a severe course, such as higher age, male gender and pre-existing illnesses are known. However, pathophysiological risk factors are largely unclear. Notably, the mild course of disease in children is conspicuous. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) serves as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and is a key enzyme in infection. Differences in the distribution of ACE2 can provide insights into different courses of COVID-19. Our aim was to elucidate the role of ACE2 as a pathophysiological risk factor by measuring soluble ACE2 (sACE2) via ELISA in blood samples (lithium-heparin-plasma or serum) of 367 individuals including children and adults with and without COVID-19. sACE2-levels were compared between the groups according to age and sex. In adults and children with COVID-19, sACE2-concentrations are significantly higher compared to healthy individuals. sACE2-levels increase with age and are lower in children compared to adults with COVID-19. Sex doesn't significantly influence sACE2-concentration. It remains unclear whether sACE2 concentrations increase because of the infection and what factors could influence this response. In conclusion, the increase of sACE2-concentration with age could indicate that ACE2 concentrations mirror increased COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Isabella Wissing
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Rädle-Hurst
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Rohrer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Christian Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine V–Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Schöpe
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Geisel
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Robert Bals
- Department of Internal Medicine V–Pulmonology, Allergology and Critical Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Saarland University Campus, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hashim Abdul-Khaliq
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Saarland University Hospital, 66421 Homburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6841-1628306
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15
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Harte JV, Wakerlin SL, Lindsay AJ, McCarthy JV, Coleman-Vaughan C. Metalloprotease-Dependent S2′-Activation Promotes Cell–Cell Fusion and Syncytiation of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102094. [PMID: 36298651 PMCID: PMC9608990 DOI: 10.3390/v14102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 cell–cell fusion and syncytiation is an emerging pathomechanism in COVID-19, but the precise factors contributing to the process remain ill-defined. In this study, we show that metalloproteases promote SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced syncytiation in the absence of established serine proteases using in vitro cell–cell fusion assays. We also show that metalloproteases promote S2′-activation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and that metalloprotease inhibition significantly reduces the syncytiation of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. In the presence of serine proteases, however, metalloprotease inhibition does not reduce spike protein-induced syncytiation and a combination of metalloprotease and serine protease inhibition is necessitated. Moreover, we show that the spike protein induces metalloprotease-dependent ectodomain shedding of the ACE2 receptor and that ACE2 shedding contributes to spike protein-induced syncytiation. These observations suggest a benefit to the incorporation of pharmacological inhibitors of metalloproteases into treatment strategies for patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V. Harte
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology and the Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Samantha L. Wakerlin
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology and the Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Andrew J. Lindsay
- Membrane Trafficking & Disease Laboratory, Biosciences Institute, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Justin V. McCarthy
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology and the Analytical and Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: (J.V.M.); (C.C.-V.)
| | - Caroline Coleman-Vaughan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, T12 P928 Cork, Ireland
- Correspondence: (J.V.M.); (C.C.-V.)
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16
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Plasma Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Activity in Healthy Controls and Patients with Cardiovascular Risk Factors and/or Disease. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091495. [PMID: 36143280 PMCID: PMC9501250 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an endogenous negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). ACE2 is also used by SARS-CoV-2 for host cell entry. Given that COVID-19 is associated with hypercoagulability, it is timely to explore the potential relationship between plasma ACE2 activity and the coagulation profile. In this cross-sectional study, ACE2 activity and global coagulation assays (GCA) including thromboelastography, thrombin, and fibrin generation were measured in adult healthy controls (n = 123; mean age 41 ± 17 years; 35% male) and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease (n = 258; mean age 65 ± 14 years; 55% male). ACE2 activity was significantly lower in controls compared to patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease (median 0.10 (0.02, 3.33) vs. 5.99 (1.95, 10.37) pmol/mL/min, p < 0.001). Of the healthy controls, 48% had undetectable ACE2 activity. Controls with detectable ACE2 had lower maximum amplitude (p < 0.001). In patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease, those in the 3rd tertile were older and male (p = 0.002), with a higher Framingham grade and increased number of cardiovascular risk factors (p < 0.001). In conclusion, plasma ACE2 activity is undetectable to very low in young healthy controls with minimal clinically relevant associations to GCA. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors and/or disease have increased plasma ACE2 activity, suggesting that it may be an important biomarker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
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Yang Z, Macdonald-Dunlop E, Chen J, Zhai R, Li T, Richmond A, Klarić L, Pirastu N, Ning Z, Zheng C, Wang Y, Huang T, He Y, Guo H, Ying K, Gustafsson S, Prins B, Ramisch A, Dermitzakis ET, Png G, Eriksson N, Haessler J, Hu X, Zanetti D, Boutin T, Hwang SJ, Wheeler E, Pietzner M, Raffield LM, Kalnapenkis A, Peters JE, Viñuela A, Gilly A, Elmståhl S, Dedoussis G, Petrie JR, Polašek O, Folkersen L, Chen Y, Yao C, Võsa U, Pairo-Castineira E, Clohisey S, Bretherick AD, Rawlik K, Esko T, Enroth S, Johansson Å, Gyllensten U, Langenberg C, Levy D, Hayward C, Assimes TL, Kooperberg C, Manichaikul AW, Siegbahn A, Wallentin L, Lind L, Zeggini E, Schwenk JM, Butterworth AS, Michaëlsson K, Pawitan Y, Joshi PK, Baillie JK, Mälarstig A, Reiner AP, Wilson JF, Shen X. Genetic Landscape of the ACE2 Coronavirus Receptor. Circulation 2022; 145:1398-1411. [PMID: 35387486 PMCID: PMC9047645 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19, enters human cells using the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) protein as a receptor. ACE2 is thus key to the infection and treatment of the coronavirus. ACE2 is highly expressed in the heart and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, playing important regulatory roles in the cardiovascular and other biological systems. However, the genetic basis of the ACE2 protein levels is not well understood. METHODS We have conducted the largest genome-wide association meta-analysis of plasma ACE2 levels in >28 000 individuals of the SCALLOP Consortium (Systematic and Combined Analysis of Olink Proteins). We summarize the cross-sectional epidemiological correlates of circulating ACE2. Using the summary statistics-based high-definition likelihood method, we estimate relevant genetic correlations with cardiometabolic phenotypes, COVID-19, and other human complex traits and diseases. We perform causal inference of soluble ACE2 on vascular disease outcomes and COVID-19 severity using mendelian randomization. We also perform in silico functional analysis by integrating with other types of omics data. RESULTS We identified 10 loci, including 8 novel, capturing 30% of the heritability of the protein. We detected that plasma ACE2 was genetically correlated with vascular diseases, severe COVID-19, and a wide range of human complex diseases and medications. An X-chromosome cis-protein quantitative trait loci-based mendelian randomization analysis suggested a causal effect of elevated ACE2 levels on COVID-19 severity (odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.10-2.42]; P=0.01), hospitalization (odds ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.05-2.21]; P=0.03), and infection (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.08-2.37]; P=0.02). Tissue- and cell type-specific transcriptomic and epigenomic analysis revealed that the ACE2 regulatory variants were enriched for DNA methylation sites in blood immune cells. CONCLUSIONS Human plasma ACE2 shares a genetic basis with cardiovascular disease, COVID-19, and other related diseases. The genetic architecture of the ACE2 protein is mapped, providing a useful resource for further biological and clinical studies on this coronavirus receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Yang
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., X.S.)
| | - Erin Macdonald-Dunlop
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK (E.M.-D., N.P., Y.H., P.K.J., J.F.W., X.S.)
| | - Jiantao Chen
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., X.S.)
| | - Ranran Zhai
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., X.S.)
| | - Ting Li
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., X.S.)
| | - Anne Richmond
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
| | - Lucija Klarić
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
| | - Nicola Pirastu
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK (E.M.-D., N.P., Y.H., P.K.J., J.F.W., X.S.)
- Human Technopole Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini, Milan, Italy (N.P.)
| | - Zheng Ning
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.N., T.H., Y.C., Y.P., A.M., X.S.)
| | - Chenqing Zheng
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.N., T.H., Y.C., Y.P., A.M., X.S.)
| | - Yazhou He
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK (E.M.-D., N.P., Y.H., P.K.J., J.F.W., X.S.)
- West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu (Y.H.)
| | - Huiming Guo
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China (H.G.)
| | - Kejun Ying
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (K.Y.)
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA (K.Y.)
| | - Stefan Gustafsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (A.S., S.G., L.W., L.L.)
| | - Bram Prins
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK (B.P., J.E.P., A.S.B.)
- Health Data Research UK Cambridge, Wellcome Genome Campus and University of Cambridge (B.P., J.E.P., A.S.B.)
| | - Anna Ramisch
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland (A. Ramisch, E.T.D., A.V.)
| | - Emmanouil T. Dermitzakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland (A. Ramisch, E.T.D., A.V.)
| | - Grace Png
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (G.P., A.G., E.Z.)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), School of Medicine, Germany (G.P.)
| | | | - Jeffrey Haessler
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (J.H., C.K., A.P.R.)
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (X.H., A.W.M.)
| | - Daniela Zanetti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA (D.Z., T.L.A.)
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, CA (D.Z., T.L.A.)
| | - Thibaud Boutin
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
| | - Shih-Jen Hwang
- Framingham Heart Study, MA (S.-J.H., C.Y., D.L.)
- Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (S.-J.H., C.Y., D.L.)
| | - Eleanor Wheeler
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK (E.W., M.P., C.L.)
| | - Maik Pietzner
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK (E.W., M.P., C.L.)
- Computational Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin, Germany (M.P., C.L.)
| | - Laura M. Raffield
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (L.M.R.)
| | - Anette Kalnapenkis
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Estonia (A.K., U.V., T.E.)
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Estonia (A.K.)
| | - James E. Peters
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, UK (J.E.P.)
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK (B.P., J.E.P., A.S.B.)
- Health Data Research UK Cambridge, Wellcome Genome Campus and University of Cambridge (B.P., J.E.P., A.S.B.)
| | - Ana Viñuela
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland (A. Ramisch, E.T.D., A.V.)
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK (A.V.)
| | - Arthur Gilly
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (G.P., A.G., E.Z.)
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (A.G., E.Z.)
| | - Sölve Elmståhl
- Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden (S. Elmståhl)
| | - George Dedoussis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University of Athens, Greece (G.D.)
| | - John R. Petrie
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK (J. Petrie)
| | - Ozren Polašek
- University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia (O.P.)
- Algebra University College, Ilica, Zagreb, Croatia (O.P.)
| | | | - Yan Chen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.N., T.H., Y.C., Y.P., A.M., X.S.)
| | - Chen Yao
- Framingham Heart Study, MA (S.-J.H., C.Y., D.L.)
- Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (S.-J.H., C.Y., D.L.)
| | - Urmo Võsa
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Estonia (A.K., U.V., T.E.)
| | - Erola Pairo-Castineira
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, UK (E.P.-C., S.C., K.R., J.K.B.)
| | - Sara Clohisey
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, UK (E.P.-C., S.C., K.R., J.K.B.)
| | - Andrew D. Bretherick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
| | - Konrad Rawlik
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, UK (E.P.-C., S.C., K.R., J.K.B.)
| | | | | | - Tõnu Esko
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Estonia (A.K., U.V., T.E.)
| | - Stefan Enroth
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala Universitet, Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden (S. Enroth, A.J., U.G.)
| | - Åsa Johansson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala Universitet, Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden (S. Enroth, A.J., U.G.)
| | - Ulf Gyllensten
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala Universitet, Science for Life Laboratory, Sweden (S. Enroth, A.J., U.G.)
| | - Claudia Langenberg
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, UK (E.W., M.P., C.L.)
- Computational Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin, Germany (M.P., C.L.)
| | - Daniel Levy
- Framingham Heart Study, MA (S.-J.H., C.Y., D.L.)
- Population Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (S.-J.H., C.Y., D.L.)
| | - Caroline Hayward
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
| | - Themistocles L. Assimes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA (D.Z., T.L.A.)
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, CA (D.Z., T.L.A.)
| | - Charles Kooperberg
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (J.H., C.K., A.P.R.)
| | - Ani W. Manichaikul
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (X.H., A.W.M.)
| | - Agneta Siegbahn
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (A.S., S.G., L.W., L.L.)
| | - Lars Wallentin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (A.S., S.G., L.W., L.L.)
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (A.S., S.G., L.W., L.L.)
| | - Eleftheria Zeggini
- Institute of Translational Genomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany (G.P., A.G., E.Z.)
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK (A.G., E.Z.)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Klinikum Rechts der Isar, TUM School of Medicine, Germany (E.Z.)
| | - Jochen M. Schwenk
- Affinity Proteomics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden (J.M.S.)
| | - Adam S. Butterworth
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK (B.P., J.E.P., A.S.B.)
- Health Data Research UK Cambridge, Wellcome Genome Campus and University of Cambridge (B.P., J.E.P., A.S.B.)
- British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Cambridge, UK (A.S.B.)
- National Institute for Health Research Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Donor Health and Genomics, University of Cambridge, UK (A.S.B.)
| | - Karl Michaëlsson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Sweden (K.M.)
| | - Yudi Pawitan
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.N., T.H., Y.C., Y.P., A.M., X.S.)
| | - Peter K. Joshi
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK (E.M.-D., N.P., Y.H., P.K.J., J.F.W., X.S.)
| | - J. Kenneth Baillie
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, UK (E.P.-C., S.C., K.R., J.K.B.)
- Intensive Care Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK (J.K.B.)
| | - Anders Mälarstig
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.N., T.H., Y.C., Y.P., A.M., X.S.)
- Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Stockholm, Sweden (A.M.)
| | - Alexander P. Reiner
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA (J.H., C.K., A.P.R.)
| | - James F. Wilson
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK (E.M.-D., N.P., Y.H., P.K.J., J.F.W., X.S.)
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, UK (A. Richmond, L.K., T.B., E.P.-C., A.D.B., C.H., J.F.W.)
| | - Xia Shen
- Biostatistics Group, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., Z.N., C.Z., Y.W., X.S.)
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (X.S.)
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), Fudan University, China (Z.Y., J.C., R.Z., T.L., X.S.)
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK (E.M.-D., N.P., Y.H., P.K.J., J.F.W., X.S.)
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (Z.N., T.H., Y.C., Y.P., A.M., X.S.)
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18
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Turner AJ, Nalivaeva NN. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2): Two decades of revelations and re-evaluation. Peptides 2022; 151:170766. [PMID: 35151768 PMCID: PMC8830188 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, or ACE2, is primarily a zinc-dependent peptidase and ectoenzyme expressed in numerous cell types and functioning as a counterbalance to ACE in the renin-angiotensin system. It was discovered 21 years ago more than 40 years after the discovery of ACE itself. Its primary physiological activity is believed to be in the conversion of angiotensin II to the vasodilatory angiotensin-(1-7) acting through the Mas receptor. As such it has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions, largely in a protective mode which has led to the search for ACE2 activatory mechanisms. ACE2 has a diverse substrate specificity allowing its participation in multiple peptide pathways. It also regulates aspects of amino acid transport through its homology with a membrane protein, collectrin. It also serves as a viral receptor for the SARS virus, and subsequently SARS-CoV2, driving the current COVID-19 pandemic. ACE2 therefore provides a therapeutic target for the treatment of COVID and understanding the biological events following viral binding can provide insight into the multiple pathologies caused by the virus, particularly inflammatory and vascular. In part this may relate to the ability of ACE2, like ACE, to be shed from the cell membrane. The shed form of ACE2 (sACE2) may be a factor in determining susceptibility to certain COVID pathologies. Hence, for just over 20 years, ACE2 has provided numerous surprises in the field of vasoactive peptides with, no doubt, more to come but it is its central role in COVID pathology that is producing the current intense interest in its biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Turner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
| | - Natalia N Nalivaeva
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia; Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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19
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CANDER S, ÖZ GÜL Ö. Investigation of serum neprilysin levels in overweight and normal weight young women. TURKISH JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.46310/tjim.1070422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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20
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Esser N, Mongovin SM, Parilla J, Barrow BM, Mundinger TO, Fountaine BS, Larmore MJ, Castillo JJ, Akter R, Hull RL, Zraika S. Neprilysin inhibition improves intravenous but not oral glucose-mediated insulin secretion via GLP-1R signaling in mice with β-cell dysfunction. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 322:E307-E318. [PMID: 35128957 PMCID: PMC8917916 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00234.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is associated with the upregulation of neprilysin, a peptidase capable of cleaving glucoregulatory peptides such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In humans, use of the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril in combination with an angiotensin II receptor blocker was associated with increased plasma GLP-1 levels and improved glycemic control. Whether neprilysin inhibition per se is mediating these effects remains unknown. We sought to determine whether pharmacological neprilysin inhibition on its own confers beneficial effects on glycemic status and β-cell function in a mouse model of reduced insulin secretion, and whether any such effects are dependent on GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling. High-fat-fed male wild-type (Glp1r+/+) and GLP-1R knockout (Glp1r-/-) mice were treated with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) to recapitulate type 2 diabetes-associated β-cell dysfunction, or vehicle as control. Mice were continued on high-fat diet alone or supplemented with the neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril for 8 wk. At the end of the study period, β-cell function was assessed by oral or intravenous glucose-tolerance test. Fasting and fed glucose were significantly lower in wild-type mice treated with sacubitril, although active GLP-1 levels and insulin secretion during oral glucose challenge were unchanged. In contrast, insulin secretion in response to intravenous glucose was significantly enhanced in sacubitril-treated wild-type mice, and this effect was blunted in Glp1r-/- mice. Similarly, sacubitril enhanced insulin secretion in vitro in islets from STZ-treated Glp1r+/+ but not Glp1r-/- mice. Together, our data suggest the insulinotropic effects of pharmacological neprilysin inhibition in a mouse model of β-cell dysfunction are mediated via intra-islet GLP-1R signaling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The neprilysin inhibitor, sacubitril, improves glycemic status in a mouse model of reduced insulin secretion. Sacubitril enhances intravenous but not oral glucose-mediated insulin secretion. The increased glucose-mediated insulin secretion is GLP-1 receptor-dependent. Neprilysin inhibition does not raise postprandial circulating active GLP-1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Esser
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism and Nutrition, GIGA-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Jacqueline Parilla
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Breanne M Barrow
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thomas O Mundinger
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Megan J Larmore
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joseph J Castillo
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rehana Akter
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rebecca L Hull
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sakeneh Zraika
- Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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21
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Wang J, Zhao H, An Y. ACE2 Shedding and the Role in COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:789180. [PMID: 35096642 PMCID: PMC8795668 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.789180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a transmembrane glycoprotein, is an important part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In the COVID-19 epidemic, it was found to be the receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). ACE2 maintains homeostasis by inhibiting the Ang II-AT1R axis and activating the Ang I (1-7)-MasR axis, protecting against lung, heart and kidney injury. In addition, ACE2 helps transport amino acids across the membrane. ACE2 sheds from the membrane, producing soluble ACE2 (sACE2). Previous studies have pointed out that sACE2 plays a role in the pathology of the disease, but the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. Recent studies have confirmed that sACE2 can also act as the receptor of SARS-COV-2, mediating viral entry into the cell and then spreading to the infective area. Elevated concentrations of sACE2 are more related to disease. Recombinant human ACE2, an exogenous soluble ACE2, can be used to supplement endogenous ACE2. It may represent a potent COVID-19 treatment in the future. However, the specific administration concentration needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Youzhong An
- *Correspondence: Huiying Zhao, ; Youzhong An,
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22
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Arthurs AL, Jankovic-Karasoulos T, Roberts CT. COVID-19 in pregnancy: What we know from the first year of the pandemic. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166248. [PMID: 34461257 PMCID: PMC8397492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has infected nearly 178 million people and claimed the lives of over 3.8 million in less than 15 months. This has prompted a flurry of research studies into the mechanisms and effects of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection in humans. However, studies examining the effects of COVID-19 in pregnant women, their placentae and their babies remain limited. Furthermore, reports of safety and efficacy of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy are limited. This review concisely summarises the case studies and research on COVID-19 in pregnancy, to date. It also reviews the mechanism of infection with SARS-CoV-2, and its reliance and effects upon the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Overall, the data suggest that infection during pregnancy can be dangerous at any time, but this risk to both the mother and fetus, as well as placental damage, increases during the third trimester. The possibility of vertical transmission, which is explored in this review, remains contentious. However, maternal infection with SARS-CoV-2 can increase risk of miscarriage, preterm birth and stillbirth, which is likely due to damage to the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Lara Arthurs
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | | | - Claire Trelford Roberts
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
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23
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Wang K, Gheblawi M, Nikhanj A, Munan M, MacIntyre E, O'Neil C, Poglitsch M, Colombo D, Del Nonno F, Kassiri Z, Sligl W, Oudit GY. Dysregulation of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme)-2 and Renin-Angiotensin Peptides in SARS-CoV-2 Mediated Mortality and End-Organ Injuries. Hypertension 2021; 79:365-378. [PMID: 34844421 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)-2 as the target for SARS-CoV-2 also negatively regulates the renin-angiotensin system. Pathological activation of ADAM17 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17) may potentiate inflammation and diminish ACE2-mediated tissue protection through proteolytic shedding, contributing to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. We aim to examine plasma soluble ACE2 and angiotensin profiles in relation to outcomes by enrolling consecutive patients admitted for COVID-19 with baseline blood collection at admission and repeated sampling at 7 days. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality, and secondary outcomes were the incidence of end-organ injuries. Overall, 242 patients were included, the median age was 63 (52-74) years, 155 (64.0%) were men, and 57 (23.6%) patients reached the primary end point. Baseline soluble ACE2 was elevated in COVID-19 but was not associated with disease severity or mortality. In contrast, an upward trajectory of soluble ACE2 at repeat sampling was independently associated with an elevated risk of mortality and incidence of acute myocardial injury and circulatory shock. Similarly, an increase in soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor levels was also associated with adverse outcomes. Plasma Ang I, Ang 1-7 (angiotensin 1-7) levels, and the Ang 1-7/Ang II (angiotensin II) ratio were elevated during SARS-CoV-2 infection related to downregulation of ACE activity at baseline. Moreover, patients having an upward trajectory of soluble ACE2 were characterized by an imbalance in the Ang 1-7/Ang II ratio. The observed dysregulation of ACE2 and angiotensin peptides with disease progression suggest a potential role of ADAM17 inhibition and enhancing the beneficial Ang 1-7/Mas axis to improve outcomes against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiming Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.(K.W., A.N., G.Y.O.).,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (K.W., M.G., A.N., G.Y.O.)
| | - Mahmoud Gheblawi
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (K.W., M.G., A.N., G.Y.O.).,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (M.G., Z.K., G.Y.O.)
| | - Anish Nikhanj
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.(K.W., A.N., G.Y.O.).,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (K.W., M.G., A.N., G.Y.O.)
| | - Matt Munan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (M.M., E.M., W.S.)
| | - Erika MacIntyre
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (M.M., E.M., W.S.).,Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (E.M.)
| | - Conar O'Neil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (C.O., W.S.)
| | | | - Daniele Colombo
- Pathology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani," IRCCS, Rome, Italy (D.C., F.D.N.)
| | - Franca Del Nonno
- Pathology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani," IRCCS, Rome, Italy (D.C., F.D.N.)
| | - Zamaneh Kassiri
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (M.G., Z.K., G.Y.O.)
| | - Wendy Sligl
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (M.M., E.M., W.S.).,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (C.O., W.S.)
| | - Gavin Y Oudit
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.(K.W., A.N., G.Y.O.).,Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (K.W., M.G., A.N., G.Y.O.).,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. (M.G., Z.K., G.Y.O.)
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24
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De A, Dash M, Tiwari A, Sinha A. Malaria, COVID-19 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: what does the available population data say? Open Biol 2021; 11:210213. [PMID: 34637655 PMCID: PMC8510699 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of COVID-19 and its differential geographic spread suggest some populations are apparently 'less affected' through many host-related factors that involve angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein, which is also the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The role of ACE2 has been well studied in COVID-19 but not in the context of malaria and COVID-19. We have previously suggested how malaria might intersect with COVID-19 through ACE2 mutation and here we evaluate the currently available data that could provide a link between the two diseases. Based on the existing global and Indian data on malaria, COVID-19 and the suggested ACE2 mutation, the association could not be examined robustly, neither accepting nor refuting the suggested hypothesis. We strongly recommend targeted evaluation of this hypothesis through carefully designed robust molecular epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. De
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - M. Dash
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - A. Tiwari
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - A. Sinha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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25
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Gutiérrez-Chamorro L, Riveira-Muñoz E, Barrios C, Palau V, Nevot M, Pedreño-López S, Senserrich J, Massanella M, Clotet B, Cabrera C, Mitjà O, Crespo M, Pascual J, Riera M, Ballana E. SARS-CoV-2 Infection Modulates ACE2 Function and Subsequent Inflammatory Responses in Swabs and Plasma of COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091715. [PMID: 34578296 PMCID: PMC8471465 DOI: 10.3390/v13091715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a host ectopeptidase and the receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, albeit virus-ACE2 interaction goes far beyond viral entry into target cells. Controversial data exists linking viral infection to changes in ACE2 expression and function, which might influence the subsequent induction of an inflammatory response. Here, we tested the significance of soluble ACE2 enzymatic activity longitudinally in nasopharyngeal swabs and plasma samples of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, along with the induction of inflammatory cytokines. Release of soluble functional ACE2 increases upon SARS-CoV-2 infection in swabs and plasma of infected patients, albeit rapidly decreasing during infection course in parallel with ACE2 gene expression. Similarly, SARS-CoV-2 infection also induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines. These changes positively correlated with the viral load. Overall, our results demonstrate the existence of mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 modulates ACE2 expression and function, intracellular viral sensing and subsequent inflammatory response, offering new insights into ACE2 dynamics in the human upper respiratory tract and pointing towards soluble ACE2 levels as a putative early biomarker of infection severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Gutiérrez-Chamorro
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Eva Riveira-Muñoz
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Clara Barrios
- Hospital del Mar Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (C.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Vanesa Palau
- Hospital del Mar Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (C.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Maria Nevot
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Sònia Pedreño-López
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Jordi Senserrich
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Marta Massanella
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
- Fight AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Central de Catalunya, Universitat de Vic, 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Oriol Mitjà
- Fight AIDS and Infectious Diseases Foundation, 08916 Badalona, Spain;
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Central de Catalunya, Universitat de Vic, 08500 Vic, Spain
- Lihir Medical Centre-International SOS, Londolovit, Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea
| | - Marta Crespo
- Hospital del Mar Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (C.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Julio Pascual
- Hospital del Mar Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (C.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (J.P.)
| | - Marta Riera
- Hospital del Mar Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (C.B.); (V.P.); (M.C.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (E.B.)
| | - Ester Ballana
- IrsiCaixa-AIDS Research Institute, Health Research Institute Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (L.G.-C.); (E.R.-M.); (M.N.); (S.P.-L.); (J.S.); (M.M.); (B.C.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (E.B.)
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26
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Aimo A, Vergaro G, Passino C, Clerico A. Evaluation of pathophysiological relationships between renin-angiotensin and ACE-ACE2 systems in cardiovascular disorders: from theory to routine clinical practice in patients with heart failure. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2021; 58:530-545. [PMID: 34196254 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2021.1942782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the progressive improvements in diagnosis and therapy during the first 20 years of this century, the morbidity and mortality of patients with heart failure (HF) remain high, resulting in an enormous health and economic burden. Only a further improvement in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the development of cardiac injury and dysfunction can allow more innovative and personalized approaches to HF management. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a critical role in cardiovascular physiology by regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The RAS is mainly regulated by both angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and type 2 angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2). However, the balance between the various peptides and peptidases constituting the RAS/ACE pathway remains in great part unraveled in patients with HF. This review summarizes the role of the RAS/ACE axis in cardiac physiology and HF pathophysiology as well as some analytical issues relevant to the clinical and laboratory assessment of inter-relationships between these two systems. There is evidence that RAS peptides represent a dynamic network of peptides, which are altered in different HF states and influenced by medical therapy. However, the mechanisms of signal transduction have not been fully elucidated under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Further investigations are necessary to explore novel molecular mechanisms related to the RAS, which will provide alternative therapeutic agents. Moreover, monitoring the circulating levels of active RAS peptides in HF patients may enable a personalized approach by facilitating assessment of the pathophysiological status of several cardiovascular diseases and thus better selection of therapies for HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aimo
- Fondazione CNR - Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- Fondazione CNR - Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- Fondazione CNR - Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Aldo Clerico
- Fondazione CNR - Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
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Abstract
Obesity has been followed with interest as a risk factor for COVID-19, with triglycerides as one of four common criteria used to define obesity, which have been used to study the mechanism of obesity. In this study, we showed that angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is widely expressed in the mouse body, including the kidney, spleen, brain, heart, lung, liver, and testis, and that ACE2 levels increased after a high-fat diet. The ACE2 levels were recorded at 0 days, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days after a high-fat diet, and they increased at 14 days after high-fat diet initiation. In addition, triglyceride levels were also significantly increased at 14 days after high-fat diet initiation, but body weight was not changed. Furthermore, we examined the ACE2 levels in Calu3 cells (a lung cancer cell line) after triglyceride treatment, and the results indicated that ACE2 levels were increased at 25 μM and reached their peak at 200 μM. Finally, we found that the mRNA level of mthfd1 was significantly increased in the high-fat diet group. Given these findings, we hypothesize that triglycerides can regulate the expression of ACE2 and Mthfd1.
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Behl T, Shah S, Kaur I, Yadav S, Kanwar R, Seth S, Wig N, Sharma KK, Yadav HN. Role of ACE 2 and Vitamin D: The Two Players in Global Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic. ANNALS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES (INDIA) 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the borders, gaining attention from both health care professional and researchers to understand the mode of entry and actions induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), its causative agent in the human body. The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme–2 (ACE2) in facilitating the entry of the virus in the host cell by binding to it is similar to SARS-CoV-1, the causative agent for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which emerged in 2003. Besides the role of ACE2 as a molecular target for the virus, the review displays the potential benefits of ACE2 enzyme and various agents that modify its activity in curbing the effects of the deadly virus, thus unfolding a dual character of ACE2 in the current pandemic. As evident by the differences in the susceptibility toward viral infection in children and geriatric population, it must be noted that the older population has limited ACE2 levels and greater infection risk, whereas the situation is reversed in the case of the pediatric population, demonstrating the defensive character of ACE2 in the latter, despite acting as receptor target for SARS-CoV-2. Also, the upregulation of ACE2 levels by estrogen has indicated greater resistance to infection in females than in the male human population. ACE2 is a carboxypeptidase, which degrades angiotensin II and counteracts its actions to protect against cardiovascular risks associated with the virus. Another contribution of this enzyme is supported by the role of circulating soluble ACE2, which acts as a receptor to bind the virus but does not mediate its actions, therefore blocking its interaction to membrane-bound ACE2 receptors. The review also shares the enhanced risks of developing COVID-19 infection by using ACE inhibitors and ARBs. However, both these agents have been reported to upregulate ACE2 levels; yet, adequate evidence regarding their role is quite inconsistent in human studies. Furthermore, the role of vitamin D has been highlighted in regulating the immune system of the body through renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition, by downregulating host cell receptor expression to prevent virus attachment. Besides, vitamin D also acts through several other mechanisms like upregulating antimicrobial peptides, fighting against the proinflammatory milieu created by the invading virus, and interfering with the viral replication cycle as well as calcitriol-mediated blockage of CREB protein. Hypovitaminosis D is attributed to elevated risks of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung damage, and cardiovascular disorders, further increasing the severity of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sadia Shah
- Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ishnoor Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sushma Yadav
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati Government Medical College, Haryana, India
| | - Raj Kanwar
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep Seth
- Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Naveet Wig
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - K. K. Sharma
- National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), New Delhi, India
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29
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Gonzalez SM, Siddik AB, Su RC. Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis of ACE2: A Potential Mechanism Contributing to COVID-19 Pathogenesis? Front Immunol 2021; 12:612807. [PMID: 34163462 PMCID: PMC8215698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.612807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since being identified as a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2, Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been studied as one of the potential targets for the development of preventative and/or treatment options. Tissue expression of ACE2 and the amino acids interacting with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been mapped. Furthermore, the recombinant soluble extracellular domain of ACE2 is already in phase 2 trials as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most studies have continued to focus on the ACE2 extracellular domain, which is known to play key roles in the renin angiotensin system and in amino acid uptake. However, few also found ACE2 to have an immune-modulatory function and its intracellular tail may be one of the signaling molecules in regulating cellular activation. The implication of its immune-modulatory role in preventing the cytokine-storm, observed in severe COVID-19 disease outcomes requires further investigation. This review focuses on the regulated proteolytic cleavage of ACE2 upon binding to inducer(s), such as the spike protein of SARS-CoV, the potential of cleaved ACE2 intracellular subdomain in regulating cellular function, and the ACE2's immune-modulatory function. This knowledge is critical for targeting ACE2 levels for developing prophylactic treatment or preventative measures in SARS-CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M. Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitobag, Winnipe, MB, Canada
| | - Abu Bakar Siddik
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitobag, Winnipe, MB, Canada
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ruey-Chyi Su
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitobag, Winnipe, MB, Canada
- National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratories, J.C. Wilt Infectious Diseases Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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30
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Lima RS, Rocha LPC, Moreira PR. Genetic and epigenetic control of ACE2 expression and its possible role in COVID-19. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:713-726. [PMID: 34075603 PMCID: PMC8239811 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), is a pandemic that is claiming hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) is a key player in COVID‐19 due to its pivotal role in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This enzyme is expressed throughout the body and the studies conducted so far have shown that its expression varies according to several factors, including cell type, sex, age, disease states and probably SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone post‐translational modifications and microRNAs, impact ACE2 expression and may explain structural variation. The understanding of how genetic variants and epigenetic markers act to control ACE2 expression in health and disease states may contribute to comprehend several aspects of COVID‐19 that are puzzling researchers and clinicians. This review collects and appraises the literature regarding some aspects in the ACE2 biology, the expression patterns of this molecule, SNPs of the ACE2 gene and epigenetic mechanisms that may impact ACE2 expression in the context of COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Silva Lima
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luiz Paulo Carvalho Rocha
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Paula Rocha Moreira
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Buchheit KM, Hacker JJ, Gakpo DH, Mullur J, Sohail A, Laidlaw TM. Influence of daily aspirin therapy on ACE2 expression and function-implications for SARS-CoV-2 and patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 51:968-971. [PMID: 33987897 PMCID: PMC8239915 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Buchheit
- Department of Medicine, The Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan J Hacker
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah H Gakpo
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jyotsna Mullur
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaqib Sohail
- Department of Medicine, The Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanya M Laidlaw
- Department of Medicine, The Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Flinn B, Royce N, Gress T, Chowdhury N, Santanam N. Dual role for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection and cardiac fat. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13225. [PMID: 33660398 PMCID: PMC8013367 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been an increasingly prevalent target for investigation since its discovery 20 years ago. The finding that it serves a counterregulatory function within the traditional renin-angiotensin system, implicating it in cardiometabolic health, has increased its clinical relevance. Focus on ACE2's role in cardiometabolic health has largely centered on its apparent functions in the context of obesity. Interest in ACE2 has become even greater with the discovery that it serves as the cell receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), opening up numerous mechanisms for deleterious effects of infection. The proliferation of ACE2 within the literature coupled with its dual role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and obesity necessitates review of the current understanding of ACE2's physiological, pathophysiological, and potential therapeutic functions. This review highlights the roles of ACE2 in cardiac dysfunction and obesity, with focus on epicardial adipose tissue, to reconcile the data in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendin Flinn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
| | - Nicholas Royce
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
| | - Todd Gress
- Research Service, Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
| | - Nepal Chowdhury
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, St. Mary's Heart Center, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Nalini Santanam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, West Virginia, USA
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Oz M, Lorke DE, Kabbani N. A comprehensive guide to the pharmacologic regulation of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 221:107750. [PMID: 33275999 PMCID: PMC7854082 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic has prompted scientists to address an urgent need for defining mechanisms of disease pathology and treatment. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent for COVID-19, employs angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its primary target for cell surface attachment and likely entry into the host cell. Thus, understanding factors that may regulate the expression and function of ACE2 in the healthy and diseased body is critical for clinical intervention. Over 66% of all adults in the United States are currently using a prescription drug and while earlier findings have focused on possible upregulation of ACE2 expression through the use of renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, mounting evidence suggests that various other widely administered drugs used in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemias, coagulation disorders, and pulmonary disease may also present a varied risk for COVID-19. Specifically, we summarize mechanisms on how heparin, statins, steroids and phytochemicals, besides their established therapeutic effects, may also interfere with SARS-CoV-2 viral entry into cells. We also describe evidence on the effect of several vitamins, phytochemicals, and naturally occurring compounds on ACE2 expression and activity in various tissues and disease models. This comprehensive review aims to provide a timely compendium on the potential impact of commonly prescribed drugs and pharmacologically active compounds on COVID-19 pathology and risk through regulation of ACE2 and RAS signaling.
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Key Words
- adam17, a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17
- ace, angiotensin i converting enzyme
- ace-inh., angiotensin i converting enzyme inhibitor
- ampk, amp-activated protein kinase
- ang-ii, angiotensin ii
- arb, angiotensin ii type 1-receptor blocker
- ards, acute respiratory distress syndrome
- at1-r, angiotensin ii type 1-receptor
- βarb, β-adrenergic receptor blockers
- bk, bradykinin
- ccb, calcium channel blockers
- ch25h, cholesterol-25-hydroxylase
- copd, chronic obstructive lung disease
- cox, cyclooxygenase
- covid-19, coronavirus disease-2019
- dabk, [des-arg9]-bradykinin
- erk, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- 25hc, 25-hydroxycholesterol
- hs, heparan sulfate
- hspg, heparan sulfate proteoglycan
- ibd, inflammatory bowel disease
- map, mitogen-activated protein
- mers, middle east respiratory syndrome
- mrb, mineralocorticoid receptor blocker
- nos, nitric oxide synthase
- nsaid, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug
- ras, renin-angiotensin system
- sars-cov, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- sh, spontaneously hypertensive
- s protein, spike protein
- sirt1, sirtuin 1
- t2dm, type 2 diabetes mellitus
- tcm, traditional chinese medicine
- tmprss2, transmembrane protease, serine 2
- tnf, tumor necrosis factor
- ufh, unfractionated heparin
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Dietrich Ernst Lorke
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadine Kabbani
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Shoily SS, Ahsan T, Fatema K, Sajib AA. Disparities in COVID-19 severities and casualties across ethnic groups around the globe and patterns of ACE2 and PIR variants. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104888. [PMID: 33933634 PMCID: PMC8084605 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mediated Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has affected millions of individuals around all corners of the globe. Symptoms and severities of infection with this highly contagious virus vary among individuals and there is disparity in the number of COVID-19-related casualties across different ethnic groups. The primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cells is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Certain variants of ACE2 are known to be associated with COVID-19 comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiovascular complications, diabetes, chronic lung disease, etc. In this study, we looked into the geographic distribution of disease-associated variants of ACE2 as well as closely located PIR gene to explore any possible correlation with the disparities in COVID-19 severities and casualties across ethnic groups. Frequencies of the ACE2 variants associated with COVID-19 comorbidities are higher in the European and the admixed American populations. These variants are also present with stronger pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the European and the admixed American populations. On the other hand, the variants with protective role are more prevalent in the East and the South Asian populations. Strong pairwise LD exists among the activity modifying (modifier) variants of the PIR and ACE2 genes only in the European super-population. Absence of these PIR variants in the South Asian population may contribute to the overall lower COVID-19 case fatality rates (CFR) despite the dense population in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Samad Shoily
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Tamim Ahsan
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brac University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Kaniz Fatema
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Ashfaqur Sajib
- Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
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35
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Oz M, Lorke DE. Multifunctional angiotensin converting enzyme 2, the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, and critical appraisal of its role in acute lung injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 136:111193. [PMID: 33461019 PMCID: PMC7836742 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic affecting millions of individuals has raised great concern throughout the world, and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the causative agent for COVID-19. The multifunctional protein angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is accepted as its primary target for entry into host cells. In its enzymatic function, ACE2, like its homologue ACE, regulates the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) critical for cardiovascular and renal homeostasis in mammals. Unlike ACE, however, ACE2 drives an alternative RAS pathway by degrading Ang-II and thus operates to balance RAS homeostasis in the context of hypertension, heart failure, and cardiovascular as well as renal complications of diabetes. Outside the RAS, ACE2 hydrolyzes key peptides, such as amyloid-β, apelin, and [des-Arg9]-bradykinin. In addition to its enzymatic functions, ACE2 is found to regulate intestinal amino acid homeostasis and the gut microbiome. Although the non-enzymatic function of ACE2 as the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2 has been well established, the contribution of enzymatic functions of ACE2 to the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related lung injury has been a matter of debate. A complete understanding of this central enzyme may begin to explain the various symptoms and pathologies seen in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals, and may aid in the development of novel treatments for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Dietrich Ernst Lorke
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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36
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McMillan P, Dexhiemer T, Neubig RR, Uhal BD. COVID-19-A Theory of Autoimmunity Against ACE-2 Explained. Front Immunol 2021; 12:582166. [PMID: 33833750 PMCID: PMC8021777 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.582166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-COV-2 has cost many lives worldwide. In dealing with affected patients, the physician is faced with a very unusual pattern of organ damage that is not easily explained on the basis of prior knowledge of viral-induced pathogenesis. It is established that the main receptor for viral entry into tissues is the protein angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 ["ACE-2", (1)]. In a recent publication (2), a theory of autoimmunity against ACE-2, and/or against the ACE-2/SARS-COV-2 spike protein complex or degradation products thereof, was proposed as a possible explanation for the unusual pattern of organ damage seen in COVID-19. In the light of more recent information, this manuscript expands on the earlier proposed theory and offers additional, testable hypotheses that could explain both the pattern and timeline of organ dysfunction most often observed in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip McMillan
- Doncaster and Bassetlaw National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Doncaster, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Dexhiemer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Richard R. Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D., Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Bruce D. Uhal
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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37
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Kriszta G, Kriszta Z, Váncsa S, Hegyi PJ, Frim L, Erőss B, Hegyi P, Pethő G, Pintér E. Effects of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Levels: A Comprehensive Analysis Based on Animal Studies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:619524. [PMID: 33762942 PMCID: PMC7982393 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.619524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused the outbreak escalated to pandemic. Reports suggested that near 1-3% of COVID-19 cases have a fatal outcome. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used in hypertension, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. These drugs have been reported to upregulate angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which produces Ang (1-7), the main counter-regulatory mediator of angiotensin II. This enzyme is also known as the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 promoting the cellular uptake of the virus in the airways, however, ACE2 itself proved to be protective in several experimental models of lung injury. The present study aimed to systematically review the relationship between ACEI/ARB administration and ACE2 expression in experimental models. After a comprehensive search and selection, 27 animal studies investigating ACE2 expression in the context of ACEI and ARB were identified. The majority of these papers reported increased ACE2 levels in response to ACEI/ARB treatment. This result should be interpreted in the light of the dual role of ACE2 being a promoter of viral entry to cells and a protective factor against oxidative damage in the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Kriszta
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Kriszta
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Váncsa
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Jenő Hegyi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Levente Frim
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bálint Erőss
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Pethő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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38
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Pathangey G, Fadadu PP, Hospodar AR, Abbas AE. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and COVID-19: patients, comorbidities, and therapies. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 320:L301-L330. [PMID: 33237815 PMCID: PMC7938645 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00259.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic, and the reality of the situation has finally caught up to the widespread reach of the disease. The presentation of the disease is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic carriers to critical COVID-19. The availability of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors may reportedly increase the susceptibility and/or disease progression of COVID-19. Comorbidities and risk factors have also been noted to increase COVID-19 susceptibility. In this paper, we hereby review the evidence pertaining to ACE2's relationship to common comorbidities, risk factors, and therapies associated with the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. We also highlight gaps of knowledge that require further investigation. The primary comorbidities of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension had strong evidence. The secondary risk factors of age, sex, and race/genetics had limited-to-moderate evidence. The tertiary factors of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers had limited-to-moderate evidence. Ibuprofen and thiazolidinediones had limited evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Pathangey
- William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
| | | | | | - Amr E Abbas
- William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Royal Oak, Michigan
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39
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Choudhary S, Sreenivasulu K, Mitra P, Misra S, Sharma P. Role of Genetic Variants and Gene Expression in the Susceptibility and Severity of COVID-19. Ann Lab Med 2021; 41:129-138. [PMID: 33063674 PMCID: PMC7591285 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2021.41.2.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its first report in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly emerged as a pandemic affecting nearly all countries worldwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, the need to identify genetic risk factors for susceptibility to this serious illness has emerged. Host genetic factors, along with other risk factors may help determine susceptibility to respiratory tract infections. It is hypothesized that the ACE2 gene, encoding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is a genetic risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and is required by the virus to enter cells. Together with ACE2, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) also play an important role in disease severity. Evaluating the role of genetic variants in determining the direction of respiratory infections will help identify potential drug target candidates for further study in COVID-19 patients. We have summarized the latest reports demonstrating that ACE2 variants, their expression, and epigenetic factors may influence an individual's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Choudhary
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Karli Sreenivasulu
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Prasenjit Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Sanjeev Misra
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Praveen Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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40
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de Loyola MB, dos Reis TTA, de Oliveira GXLM, da Fonseca Palmeira J, Argañaraz GA, Argañaraz ER. Alpha-1-antitrypsin: A possible host protective factor against Covid-19. Rev Med Virol 2021; 31:e2157. [PMID: 32844538 PMCID: PMC7461031 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding Covid-19 pathophysiology is crucial for a better understanding of the disease and development of more effective treatments. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is a constitutive tissue protector with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. A1AT inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and two of the most important proteases in the pathophysiology of Covid-19: the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and the disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). It also inhibits the activity of inflammatory molecules, such as IL-8, TNF-α, and neutrophil elastase (NE). TMPRSS2 is essential for SARS-CoV-2-S protein priming and viral infection. ADAM17 mediates ACE2, IL-6R, and TNF-α shedding. ACE2 is the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor and a key component for the balance of the renin-angiotensin system, inflammation, vascular permeability, and pulmonary homeostasis. In addition, clinical findings indicate that A1AT levels might be important in defining Covid-19 outcomes, potentially partially explaining associations with air pollution and with diabetes. In this review, we focused on the interplay between A1AT with TMPRSS2, ADAM17 and immune molecules, and the role of A1AT in the pathophysiology of Covid-19, opening new avenues for investigating effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julys da Fonseca Palmeira
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Faculty of Health ScienceUniversity of BrasíliaBrasiliaBrazil
| | - Gustavo A. Argañaraz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Faculty of Health ScienceUniversity of BrasíliaBrasiliaBrazil
| | - Enrique R. Argañaraz
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Faculty of Health ScienceUniversity of BrasíliaBrasiliaBrazil
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41
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Henke C, Haufe S, Ziehl D, Bornstein SR, Schulz-Menger J, Heni M, Engeli S, Jordan J, Birkenfeld AL. Low-fat hypocaloric diet reduces neprilysin in overweight and obese human subjects. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:938-942. [PMID: 33638612 PMCID: PMC8006681 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neprilysin (NEP), a zinc metallopeptidase, degrades a variety of bioactive peptides including natriuretic peptides terminating their biological action on arterial blood pressure and natriuresis. Pharmacological inhibition of NEP reduces mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Physiological interventions reducing NEP levels are unknown in humans. Because obesity leads to increased NEP levels and increases the risk for heart failure, we hypothesized that weight loss reduces NEP concentrations in plasma and tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS We randomized overweight to obese human subjects to a low-fat or low-carbohydrate hypocaloric 6 month weight loss intervention. Soluble NEP was determined in plasma, and NEP mRNA was analysed from subcutaneous adipose tissue before and after diet. Low-fat diet-induced weight loss reduced soluble NEP levels from 0.83 ± 0.18 to 0.72 ± 0.18 μg/L (P = 0.038), while subcutaneous adipose tissue NEP mRNA expression was reduced by both dietary interventions [21% (P = 0.0057) by low-fat diet and 16% (P = 0.048) by low-carbohydrate diet]. We also analysed the polymorphisms of the gene coding for NEP, rs9827586 and rs701109, known to be associated with plasma NEP levels. For both single-nucleotide polymorphisms, minor allele carriers (A/A) had higher baseline plasma NEP levels (rs9827586: β = 0.53 ± 0.23, P < 0.0001; rs701109: β = 0.43 ± 0.22, P = 0.0016), and minor allele carriers of rs9827586 responded to weight loss with a larger NEP reduction (rs9827586: P = 0.0048). CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies weight loss via a hypocaloric low-fat diet as the first physiological intervention in humans to reduce NEP in plasma and adipose tissue. Specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms further contribute to the decrease. Our findings may help to explain the beneficial effect of weight loss on cardiac function in patients with heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Henke
- Section of Metabolic and Vascular Medicine, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Center Munich at University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sven Haufe
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Doreen Ziehl
- Section of Metabolic and Vascular Medicine, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Section of Metabolic and Vascular Medicine, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Center Munich at University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), a joint collaboration between Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Heni
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany.,Section of Internal Medicine IV, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Ottfriet-Müller-Str. 10, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Engeli
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas L Birkenfeld
- Section of Metabolic and Vascular Medicine, Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Diabetes, School of Life Course Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,Section of Internal Medicine IV, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Ottfriet-Müller-Str. 10, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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42
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Gressens SB, Leftheriotis G, Dussaule JC, Flamant M, Levy BI, Vidal-Petiot E. Controversial Roles of the Renin Angiotensin System and Its Modulators During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Physiol 2021; 12:624052. [PMID: 33692701 PMCID: PMC7937723 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.624052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread and overwhelmed healthcare systems worldwide, urging physicians to understand how to manage this novel infection. Early in the pandemic, more severe forms of COVID-19 have been observed in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, who are often treated with renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS)-blockers, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), but whether these are indeed independent risk factors is unknown. The cellular receptor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the membrane-bound angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as for SARS-CoV(-1). Experimental data suggest that expression of ACE2 may be increased by RAAS-blockers, raising concerns that these drugs may facilitate viral cell entry. On the other hand, ACE2 is a key counter-regulator of the RAAS, by degrading angiotensin II into angiotensin (1-7), and may thereby mediate beneficial effects in COVID-19. These considerations have raised concerns about the management of these drugs, and early comments shed vivid controversy among physicians. This review will describe the homeostatic balance between ACE-angiotensin II and ACE2-angiotensin (1-7) and summarize the pathophysiological rationale underlying the debated role of the RAAS and its modulators in the context of the pandemic. In addition, we will review available evidence investigating the impact of RAAS blockers on the course and prognosis of COVID-19 and discuss why retrospective observational studies should be interpreted with caution. These considerations highlight the importance of solid evidence-based data in order to guide physicians in the management of RAAS-interfering drugs in the general population as well as in patients with more or less severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon B Gressens
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat-Claude Bernard University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Georges Leftheriotis
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Medicine, Université Cote d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dussaule
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité des Maladies Rénales Fréquentes et Rares: des Mécanismes Moléculaires à la Médecine Personnalisée, AP-HP, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France.,Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Martin Flamant
- Department of Physiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat-Claude Bernard University Hospital, Paris, France.,Inserm U1149, Centre for Research on Inflammation, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Vidal-Petiot
- Department of Physiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat-Claude Bernard University Hospital, Paris, France.,Inserm U1149, Centre for Research on Inflammation, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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43
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Katsi V, Pavlidis G, Charalambous G, Tousoulis D, Toutouzas K. COVID-19, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibition: Implications for Practice. Curr Hypertens Rev 2021; 18:3-10. [PMID: 33475077 DOI: 10.2174/1573402117666210121100201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies suggested that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who use renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have an increased risk of respiratory failure and death. The hypothesis was that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) may up-regulate ACE2 expression that is used as receptor for viral entry into cells. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing evidence on the interaction between COVID-19 infection, ACE2 and ACEIs or ARBs and to examine the main implications for clinical practice. In addition, novel therapeutic strategies for blocking ACE2-mediated COVID-19 infection will be displayed. METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to identify data from clinical and experimental studies for the association between COVID-19 infection, ACE2 and RAS inhibition. RESULTS The current clinical and experimental evidence for ACEIs or ARBs to facilitate severe acute respiratory distress syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is insufficient to suggest discontinuing these drugs. Several observational studies arrive at the conclusion that the continued use of RAS inhibitors is unlike to be harmful in COVID-19-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS Further randomized trials are needed to answer definitely the question of whether RAS inhibitors are harmful or beneficial to patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Katsi
- 1 st Department of Cardiology, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens. Greece
| | - George Pavlidis
- Emergency Department, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, Athens. Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- 1 st Department of Cardiology, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens. Greece
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- 1 st Department of Cardiology, 'Hippokration' General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens. Greece
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44
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Gul R, Kim UH, Alfadda AA. Renin-angiotensin system at the interface of COVID-19 infection. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173656. [PMID: 33086029 PMCID: PMC7568848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been recognized as a potential entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 to ACE2 allows engagement with pulmonary epithelial cells and pulmonary infection with the virus. ACE2 is an essential component of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and involved in promoting protective effects to counter-regulate angiotensin (Ang) II-induced pathogenesis. The use of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) was implicitly negated during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic, considering the role of these antihypertensive agents in enhancing ACE2 expression thereby promoting the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. However, no clinical data has supported this assumption, but indeed evidence demonstrates that ACEIs and ARBs, besides their cardioprotective effects in COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular diseases, might also be beneficial in acute lung injuries by preserving the ACE2 function and switching the balance from deleterious ACE/Ang II/AT1 receptor axis towards a protective ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukhsana Gul
- Obesity Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Uh-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry & National Creative Research Laboratory for Ca(2+) Signaling, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, 54907, Republic of Korea
| | - Assim A Alfadda
- Obesity Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia; Strategic Center for Diabetes Research, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Kianmehr A, Faraoni I, Kucuk O, Mahrooz A. Epigenetic alterations and genetic variations of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2: potential clinical implications. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 40:1587-1598. [PMID: 33939044 PMCID: PMC8091148 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-021-04264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Receptor recognition is a crucial step in viral infection and is a critical factor for cell entry and tissue tropism. In several recent studies, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been demonstrated to be the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2 as it was previously well known as the receptor of SARS-CoV. SARS-CoV-2 can bind with high affinity to human ACE2 and engages it as an entry receptor. It seems that the genetic, notably epigenetic variations of ACE2 are less known in different populations, indicating the need for its further investigation. These variations have the potential to affect its contribution to the pathogenicity of COVID-19. The contribution of epigenetics in the interindividual variability of ACE2 merits more attention because epigenetic processes can play important roles in ACE2 alterations in various tissues and different people and populations. Analyzing different DNA methylation patterns and microRNAs, contributing to the ACE2 modulation in the lungs will have a high priority. The epigenetic and genetic variations of ACE2 become even more important when considering that some people have mild clinical symptoms despite having COVID-19. The pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 infection is complex; therefore, a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology, especially binding the virus to its receptors, could help improve therapeutic and preventive approaches. This review aims to highlight the importance of evaluating both the epigenetic and genetic variations of ACE2 as a receptor for the deadly SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvarsadat Kianmehr
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Isabella Faraoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00173 Rom, Italy
| | - Omer Kucuk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Abdolkarim Mahrooz
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran ,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Km 17 Khazarabad Road, Sari, Iran
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The Two-Way Switch Role of ACE2 in the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia and Underlying Comorbidities. Molecules 2020; 26:molecules26010142. [PMID: 33396184 PMCID: PMC7794970 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
December 2019 saw the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has spread across the globe. The high infectivity and ongoing mortality of SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the demand of drug discovery. Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. ACE2 exists as a membrane-bound protein on major viral target pulmonary epithelial cells, and its peptidase domain (PD) interacts SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with higher affinity. Therefore, targeting ACE2 is an important pharmacological intervention for a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we described the two-way switch role of ACE2 in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia and underlying comorbidities, and discussed the potential effect of the ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker on a hypertension patient with the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we analyzed the S-protein-binding site on ACE2 and suggested that blocking hot spot-31 and hot spot-353 on ACE2 could be a therapeutic strategy for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Besides, the recombinant ACE2 protein could be another potential treatment option for SARS-CoV-2 induced acute severe lung failure. This review could provide beneficial information for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents via targeting ACE2 and the clinical usage of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) drugs for novel coronavirus pneumonia treatment.
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Chaudhry F, Lavandero S, Xie X, Sabharwal B, Zheng YY, Correa A, Narula J, Levy P. Manipulation of ACE2 expression in COVID-19. Open Heart 2020; 7:e001424. [PMID: 33443121 PMCID: PMC7757413 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2020-001424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The virus uses ACE2 receptor for viral entry. ACE2 is part of the counter-regulatory renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and is also expressed in the lower respiratory tract along the alveolar epithelium. There is, however, significant controversy regarding the role of ACE2 expression in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Some have argued that decreasing ACE2 expression would result in decreased susceptibility to the virus by decreasing available binding sites for SARS-CoV-2 and restricting viral entry into the cells. Others have argued that, like the pathogenesis of other viral pneumonias, including those stemming from previous severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) viruses, once SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2, it downregulates ACE2 expression. Lack of the favourable effects of ACE2 might exaggerate lung injury by a variety of mechanisms. In order to help address this controversy, we conducted a literature search and review of relevant preclinical and clinical publications pertaining to SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, ACE2, viral pneumonia, SARS, acute respiratory distress syndrome and lung injury. Our review suggests, although controversial, that patients at increased susceptibility to COVID-19 complications may have reduced baseline ACE2, and by modulating ACE2 expression one can possibly improve COVID-19 outcomes. Herein, we elucidate why and how this potential mechanism might work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Chaudhry
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sergio Lavandero
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas y Farmaceuticas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Internal Medicine (Cardiology Division), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xiang Xie
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Basera Sabharwal
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ying-Ying Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ashish Correa
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jagat Narula
- Division of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Phillip Levy
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Nalivaeva NN, Zhuravin IA, Turner AJ. Neprilysin expression and functions in development, ageing and disease. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 192:111363. [PMID: 32987038 PMCID: PMC7519013 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neprilysin (NEP) is an integral membrane-bound metallopeptidase with a wide spectrum of substrates and physiological functions. It plays an important role in proteolytic processes in the kidney, cardiovascular regulation, immune response, cell proliferation, foetal development etc. It is an important neuropeptidase and amyloid-degrading enzyme which makes NEP a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, it plays a preventive role in development of cancer, obesity and type-2 diabetes. Recently a role of NEP in COVID-19 pathogenesis has also been suggested. Despite intensive research into NEP structure and functions in different organisms, changes in its expression and regulation during brain development and ageing, especially in age-related pathologies, is still not fully understood. This prevents development of pharmacological treatments from various diseases in which NEP is implicated although recently a dual-acting drug sacubitril-valsartan (LCZ696) combining a NEP inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker has been approved for treatment of heart failure. Also, various natural compounds capable of upregulating NEP expression, including green tea (EGCG), have been proposed as a preventive medicine in prostate cancer and AD. This review summarizes the existing literature and our own research on the expression and activity of NEP in normal brain development, ageing and under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Nalivaeva
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.
| | - I A Zhuravin
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A J Turner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Ishisaka T, Igarashi Y, Kodera K, Okuno T, Morita T, Himeno T, Hamada K, Yano H, Higashikawa T, Iritani O, Iwai K, Morimoto S, Okuro M. Relationship Between Blood Pressure Levels on Admission and the Onset of Acute Pneumonia in Elderly Patients With Cerebral Hemorrhage. J Clin Med Res 2020; 12:693-698. [PMID: 33224370 PMCID: PMC7665868 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr4330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have reported that hypertension on admission in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction is an independent predictor for the development of acute pneumonia. However, the relationship between blood pressure on admission owing to cerebral hemorrhage and the development of pneumonia has not been fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between blood pressure levels on admission and the development of pneumonia in elderly patients with cerebral hemorrhage who were in the acute phase. Methods Subjects consisted of 117 elderly patients with cerebral hemorrhage who were in the acute phase and were emergently admitted to the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University between 2005 and 2015 (59 males and 58 females, the mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 80 ± 8 years, and the range of 65 - 98 years). Blood pressure levels on admission were classified into the following four groups: normal blood pressure/mild hypertension group (systolic blood pressure of < 160 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of < 100 mm Hg), moderate hypertension group (systolic hypertension of 160 - 179 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 100 - 109 mm Hg), severe hypertension group (systolic hypertension of 180 - 199 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 110 - 119 mmHg), and serious hypertension group (systolic blood pressure of ≥ 200 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 120 mm Hg). Between the two groups (group of patients with acute pneumonia and group of those with absence of pneumonia), age, sex, body mass index (BMI), history of stroke, history of heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, dyslipidemia, prehypertension, blood pressure on admission, Japan Coma Scale (JCS) on admission, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, bleeding sites, bleeding amount, and the presence or absence of centerline shift on brain computed tomography (CT) images were retrospectively evaluated. Furthermore, factors related to cerebral hemorrhage in the development of acute pneumonia in patients with cerebral hemorrhage were verified. Results Of the 117 patients, 30 (25.6%) had acute pneumonia. Age, sex, bleeding amount, midline shift, blood pressure classification on admission, JCS, white blood cell count, CRP, albumin, diabetes were adopted as confounding factors in the development of acute pneumonia. Results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant differences between these two groups in the following four items: CRP, white blood cell count, JCS, and blood pressure classification on admission. After adjustment of these confounding factors, the incidence of acute pneumonia in the blood pressure groups other than serious hypertension group was set as 1, and the odds ratio of pneumonia onset in serious hypertension group was revealed to be 5.54, with the 95% confidence interval of 1.49 - 20.6. Conclusions We found that serious hypertension on admission is a risk factor for the development of acute pneumonia in elderly patients with cerebral hemorrhage who are in the acute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Ishisaka
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yuta Igarashi
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Kumie Kodera
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tazuo Okuno
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Takuro Morita
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Taroh Himeno
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Kazu Hamada
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yano
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Higashikawa
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Osamu Iritani
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Kunimitsu Iwai
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Shigeto Morimoto
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Masashi Okuro
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku-gun, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
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Tabucanon T, Wilcox J, Tang WHW. Does Weight Loss Improve Clinical Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Patients with Heart Failure? Curr Diab Rep 2020; 20:75. [PMID: 33231788 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-020-01367-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Obesity increases the risk of new onset heart failure (HF), and particularly HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Despite the observations of favorable clinical outcomes in HF patients with obesity in general, sometimes referred to as the "obesity paradox," it is important to recognize that severe obesity is associated with worse clinical outcomes. This review summarizes the effects of obesity treatment on cardiovascular health and HF clinical outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Treatment for obesity utilizes a variety of modalities to achieve purposeful weight loss including lifestyle intervention, medications, and bariatric surgery. There are a cluster of benefits of obesity treatment in terms of clinical outcomes in HF. The mechanisms of these benefits include both weight loss-dependent and weight loss-independent mechanisms. Obesity treatment is safe and associated with favorable clinical outcomes across the spectrum of the HF population. The potential benefits are facilitated through multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thida Tabucanon
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Kaufman Center for Heart Failure Treatment and Recovery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J3-4, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Thammasat Heart Center, Thammasat University Hospital, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Jennifer Wilcox
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - W H Wilson Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Kaufman Center for Heart Failure Treatment and Recovery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk J3-4, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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