scholarly journals The effect of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors on organ-specific ace2 expression in zebrafish and its implications for COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gha-hyun J. Kim ◽  
Adam Melgoza ◽  
Fei Jiang ◽  
Su Guo

AbstractAmong cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections that result in serious conditions or death, many have pre-existing conditions such as hypertension and are on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. The angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE2), a key protein of the RAAS pathway, also mediates cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. RAAS inhibitors might affect the expression levels of ace2, which could impact patient susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. However, multi-organ-specific information is currently lacking and no species other than rodents have been examined. To address this knowledge gap, we treated adult zebrafish with the RAAS inhibitors aliskiren, olmesartan, and captopril for 7 consecutive days and performed qRT-PCR analysis of major RAAS pathway genes in the brain, gill, heart, intestine, kidney, and liver. Both olmesartan and captopril significantly increased ace2 expression in the heart, gill, and kidney. Olmesartan also increased ace2 expression in the intestine. Conversely, aliskiren significantly decreased ace2 expression in the heart. Discontinuation of compound treatments for 7 days did not return ace2 expression to baseline levels. While potential risks or benefits of antihypertensive RAAS inhibitors to SARS-CoV-2 infections in humans remain uncertain, this study provides new insights regarding the impact of RAAS inhibitors on organ-specific ace2 expression in another vertebrate model, thereby providing comparative data and laying scientific groundwork for future clinical decisions of RAAS inhibitor use in the context of COVID-19.

Author(s):  
Davide Ventura ◽  
Amy L Carr ◽  
R Duane Davis ◽  
Scott Silvestry ◽  
Linda Bogar ◽  
...  

Abstract It has been established SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a membrane-bound regulatory peptide, for host cell entry. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have been reported to increase ACE2 in type 2 pneumocytes pulmonary tissue. Controversy exists for the continuation of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in the current pandemic. ACE2 serves as regulatory enzyme in maintaining homeostasis between proinflammatory Angiotensin II and anti-inflammatory Angiotensin 1,7 peptides. Derangements in these peptides are associated with cardiovascular disease and are implicated in the progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Augmentation of the ACE2/Ang1,7 axis represent a critical target in the supportive management of COVID-19 associated lung disease. Observational data describing the use of RAAS inhibitors in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 have not borne signals of harm to date. However, equipoise persists requiring an analysis of novel agents including recombinant human-ACE2 and existing RAAS inhibitors while balancing ongoing controversies associated with increased coronavirus infectivity and virulence.


Hypertension ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 732-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Pan ◽  
Jishou Zhang ◽  
Menglong Wang ◽  
Jing Ye ◽  
Yao Xu ◽  
...  

Hypertension is one of the most common comorbidities in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to clarify the impact of hypertension on COVID-19 and investigate whether the prior use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors affects the prognosis of COVID-19. A total of 996 patients with COVID-19 were enrolled, including 282 patients with hypertension and 714 patients without hypertension. Propensity score-matched analysis (1:1 matching) was used to adjust the imbalanced baseline variables between the 2 groups. Patients with hypertension were further divided into the RAAS inhibitor group (n=41) and non-RAAS inhibitor group (n=241) according to their medication history. The results showed that COVID-19 patients with hypertension had more severe secondary infections, cardiac and renal dysfunction, and depletion of CD8 + cells on admission. Patients with hypertension were more likely to have comorbidities and complications and were more likely to be classified as critically ill than those without hypertension. Cox regression analysis revealed that hypertension (hazard ratio, 95% CI, unmatched cohort [1.80, 1.20–2.70]; matched cohort [2.24, 1.36–3.70]) was independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. In addition, hypertensive patients with a history of RAAS inhibitor treatment had lower levels of C-reactive protein and higher levels of CD4 + cells. The mortality of patients in the RAAS inhibitor group (9.8% versus 26.1%) was significantly lower than that of patients in the non-RAAS inhibitor group. In conclusion, hypertension may be an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. Patients who previously used RAAS inhibitors may have a better prognosis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ARTHUR FIOROTTO DE MATTOS ◽  
NATHALIA SILVEIRA BARSOTTI ◽  
RAFAEL RIBEIRO ALMEIDA

The world faces today a pandemic of unquestionable importance, caused by an infection with a new enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the Coronaviridae family. The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV 2) uses a glycoprotein present on its surface to bind to and infect host cells that express the angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE-2). Although different tissues may be targeted by the virus, respiratory complications remain as the main cause of death. It has been demonstrated that Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) inhibitors increase ACE-2 expression in animal models, raising the concern that patients under treatment with these drugs could become more susceptible to COVID-19 complications. Here, we discuss the impact of RAAS inhibitors on COVID-19 outcomes and show that no evidence so far supports that the use of these drugs could pose a risk to SARS-CoV 2-infected patients. In fact, clinical data suggest that RAAS inhibitors may even act in a protective way against COVID-19 complications and should not be discontinued.,


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena-Mihaela Cordeanu ◽  
Lucas Jambert ◽  
Francois Severac ◽  
Hélène Lambach ◽  
Jonathan Tousch ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) penetrates respiratory epithelium through angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 binding, raising concerns about the potentially harmful effects of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) on Human Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) evolution. This study aimed to provide insight into the impact of RASi on SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of hospitalized adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a university hospital in France. The observation period ended at hospital discharge. (3) Results: During the study period, 943 COVID-19 patients were admitted to our institution, of whom 772 were included in this analysis. Among them, 431 (55.8%) had previously known hypertension. The median age was 68 (56–79) years. Overall, 220 (28.5%) patients were placed under mechanical ventilation and 173 (22.4%) died. According to previous exposure to RASi, we defined two groups, namely, “RASi” (n = 282) and “RASi-free” (n = 490). Severe pneumonia (defined as leading to death and/or requiring intubation, high-flow nasal oxygen, noninvasive ventilation, and/or oxygen flow at a rate of ≥5 L/min) and death occurred more frequently in RASi-treated patients (64% versus 53% and 29% versus 19%, respectively). However, in a propensity score-matched cohort derived from the overall population, neither death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57–1.50), p = 0.76) nor severe pneumonia (HR 1.03 (95%CI 0.73–1.44), p = 0.85) were associated with RASi therapy. (4) Conclusion: Our study showed no correlation between previous RASi treatment and death or severe COVID-19 pneumonia after adjustment for confounders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Special2) ◽  
pp. 389-394
Author(s):  
Angela Madalina Lazar

Currently, there is a persisting dispute regarding the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) inhibitors' safety of use in COVID-19 pandemics. On one side, RAAS inhibitors appear to determine an overexpression of ACE2, the receptor of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, they could increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its degree of severity. On the other side, the discontinuation of RAAS leads to cardiovascular decompensation and has been discouraged by the major medical societies. Also, large-cohort studies report beneficial or at least neutral effects for the RAAS inhibitors in COVID-19 patients. Worldwide, millions of patients receive RAAS inhibitors for the treatment of hypertension and other important comorbidities. In this context, knowledge of the exact effect of these medications becomes of crucial significance. This paper aims to fill in a gap in the current knowledge and presents a putative mechanism by which RAAS inhibitor administration's beneficial results can be explained better. RAAS inhibitors can be beneficial, as they counteract the excessive detrimental activation of the classical angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) axis, decreasing the angiotensin II levels. The angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) increase the angiotensin II levels, while the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) increase the angiotensin I levels; these substrates will compete with the SARS-CoV-2 for the ACE2 binding, decreasing the viral infectivity. In addition, following the RAAS inhibitors treatment, the up-regulated ACE2 will cleave these substrates (angiotensin I and II), particularly to angiotensin 1-7 that possesses vasodilator, protective effects.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyank Patel ◽  
Andrew Frankel

Abstract Background Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors provide significant cardiorenal benefits with improved long-term outcomes for patients. This is most significant for patients receiving maximal RAAS inhibition, but some patients are unable to tolerate this therapy because of hyperkalaemia. Recently published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal guidance recommended using sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) and patiromer for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3b to 5 or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, who are not taking an optimised dosage of RAAS inhibitor because of hyperkalaemia. Objective Determine the impact of a locally produced guideline on effective implementation of NICE recommendation for use of SZC or patiromer to help maximise inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system within the general nephrology clinic. Methods A local guideline to practically support the implementation of recommendations made by NICE in the chronic use of new potassium binders was produced. One hundred sequential patients in a general nephrology clinic with non-immune chronic kidney disease (CKD 3 to 5) had their electronic records reviewed. Those with an indication for RAAS inhibition were identified. Results Of the 100 consecutive patients audited, 46 were female and 54 were male. The mean age of these patients was 64 and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 33. Sixty-eight patients had an indication for being on RAAS inhibition with only 10 on maximal doses. Of the remaining 58 patients, 26 (45%) were limited by hyperkalaemia. Of these 26 patients, 12 of these patients (46%) had hyperkalaemia associated with an episode of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, 14% of patients attending a general nephrology clinic were identified suitable for SZC and patiromer. Conclusions A significant proportion (14%) of unselected patients attending a general nephrology clinic were not on optimum RAAS inhibition due to hyperkalaemia. These patients would meet the criteria established within a working guideline for the implementation of the chronic use of SZC or patiromer and are likely to attain prognostic long-term benefit by using these new potassium binders to maximise RAAS inhibition. This analysis has implications for renal centres across the UK.


Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1367
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Pucci ◽  
Philippe Bogaerts ◽  
Marianne Rooman

SARS-CoV-2 infection is mediated by the binding of its spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which plays a pivotal role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The study of RAS dysregulation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is fundamentally important for a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors associated with COVID-19 coronavirus disease and to design effective therapeutic strategies. In this context, we developed a mathematical model of RAS based on data regarding protein and peptide concentrations; the model was tested on clinical data from healthy normotensive and hypertensive individuals. We used our model to analyze the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on RAS, which we modeled through a downregulation of ACE2 as a function of viral load. We also used it to predict the effect of RAS-targeting drugs, such as RAS-blockers, human recombinant ACE2, and angiotensin 1–7 peptide, on COVID-19 patients; the model predicted an improvement of the clinical outcome for some drugs and a worsening for others. Our model and its predictions constitute a valuable framework for in silico testing of hypotheses about the COVID-19 pathogenic mechanisms and the effect of drugs aiming to restore RAS functionality.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kutz ◽  
Anna Conen ◽  
Claudia Gregoriano ◽  
Sebastian Haubitz ◽  
Daniel Koch ◽  
...  

Objective While evidence on the interface between severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) is accumulating, clinical data on RAAS peptide alteration among coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients is missing. Design and Methods In this exploratory study, we prospectively included adult patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted between February 26 and April 30, 2020 to a tertiary care hospital in Switzerland. We assessed the association of an underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and equilibrium serum levels of RAAS peptides in hospitalized COVID-19 patients 1:1 propensity-score matched with patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2-negative respiratory infections. Subgroup analyses involved stratification for taking RAAS inhibitors. Results COVID-19 patients had about 50% lower equilibrium serum RAAS peptide levels as compared with matched controls (angiotensin I: 31.6 vs. 66.8pmol/l, -52.7% [95%CI -68.5% to -36.9%]; angiotensin II: 37.7 vs. 92.5pmol/l, -59.2% [95%CI -72.1% to -46.3%]; angiotensin (1-5): 3.3 vs. 6.6pmol/l, -49.7% [95%CI -59.2% to -40.2%]; angiotensin (1-7): 4.8 vs. 7.6pmol/l, -64.9% [95%CI -84.5% to -45.3%]). While the plasma renin activity (PRA-S) was lower in COVID-19 patients (88.6 vs. 207.9pmol/l, -58.5% [95%CI -71.4% to -45.6%]), there was no difference of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 plasma activity between the groups. Subgroup analyses revealed a pronounced RAAS peptide profile depression in COVID-19 patients among those not on RAAS inhibitors. Conclusions As compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative patients, we found a downregulated RAAS in presence of a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether the lower levels of the protective angiotensin (1-5) and (1-7) are linked to adverse outcomes in COVID-19 warrants further investigation.


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