|
1
|
Aleksova A, Ferro F, Gagno G, Cappelletto C, Santon D, Rossi M, Ippolito G, Zumla A, Beltrami AP, Sinagra G. COVID-19 and renin-angiotensin system inhibition: role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) - Is there any scientific evidence for controversy? J Intern Med 2020; 288:410-421. [PMID: 32459372 PMCID: PMC7283873 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers are extensively used worldwide to treat many cardiovascular disorders, where they are effective in reducing both mortality and morbidity. These drugs are known to induce an increased expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 acts as receptor for the novel SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which raising the important issue of possible detrimental effects that RAS blockers could exert on the natural history and pathogenesis of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and associated excessive inflammation, myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias. We review the current knowledge on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and RAS blockers and suggest a scientific rationale for continuing RAS blockers therapy in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Aleksova
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - F Ferro
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Gagno
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Cappelletto
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - D Santon
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - M Rossi
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - G Sinagra
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
|
2
|
Abstract
Classic and nonclassic renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) are 2 sides of an ubiquitous endocrine/paracrine cascade regulating blood pressure and homeostasis. Angiotensin II and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels are associated with severity of disease in the critically ill, and are central to the physiology and the pathogenesis of circulatory shock. Angiotensin (1-7) and ACE2 act as an endogenous counterregulatory arm to the angiotensin II/ACE axis. The tissue-based RAS has paracrine effects dissociated from those of the circulating RAS. Exogenous angiotensin II or ACE2 may improve the outcome of septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Bitker
- Department of Intensive Care, ICU Research Office, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
| | - Louise M Burrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| |
Collapse
|