scholarly journals ACE2, angiotensin 1-7 and skeletal muscle: review in the era of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (22) ◽  
pp. 3047-3062
Author(s):  
Koichi Yamamoto ◽  
Hikari Takeshita ◽  
Hiromi Rakugi

Abstract Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a multifunctional transmembrane protein recently recognised as the entry receptor of the virus causing COVID-19. In the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), ACE2 cleaves angiotensin II (Ang II) into angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), which is considered to exert cellular responses to counteract the activation of the RAS primarily through a receptor, Mas, in multiple organs including skeletal muscle. Previous studies have provided abundant evidence suggesting that Ang 1-7 modulates multiple signalling pathways leading to protection from pathological muscle remodelling and muscle insulin resistance. In contrast, there is relatively little evidence to support the protective role of ACE2 in skeletal muscle. The potential contribution of endogenous ACE2 to the regulation of Ang 1-7-mediated protection of these muscle pathologies is discussed in this review. Recent studies have suggested that ACE2 protects against ageing-associated muscle wasting (sarcopenia) through its function to modulate molecules outside of the RAS. Thus, the potential association of sarcopenia with ACE2 and the associated molecules outside of RAS is also presented herein. Further, we introduce the transcriptional regulation of muscle ACE2 by drugs or exercise, and briefly discuss the potential role of ACE2 in the development of COVID-19.

Author(s):  
Sarah I Y Ahmed

Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)  is recognized as the main cellular receptor for the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, that facilitates its entry into the host target cell, leading to the fatal viral infection, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Thus, it is considered as a main therapeutic target in the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The dual role of ACE2 as a gate for SARS-CoV-2 virus and as a part of lung and multi-organ protection has built a scientific debate that affects the choice of treatments used against COVID-19 patient. ACE2 inhibitors like anti-ACE2 antibodies were first introduced as therapeutic solutions that, theoretically, would decrease the availability of target molecules for SARS-CoV-2 by downregulating ACE2 expression. However, animal studies showed that ACE2 upregulation acts as a counterbalance to the hypertensive pro-inflammatory angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and results in a protective role against acute lung injury – a fatal consequence of the disease. The current study tests the effect of ACE2-activating treatments against the outcome of genetic variations in the population that have ACE2-upregulatory effects. Conclusion  Despite its role as a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, experimental studies and the genetic polymorphisms in populations that have ACE2 upregulation revealed a protective role against COVID-19 infection.   Key words: ACE2   ACE  COVID-19  treatments  genetic variations


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kunal Mahajan ◽  
Prakash Chand Negi ◽  
Neeraj Ganju ◽  
Sachin Sondhi ◽  
Naresh Gaur ◽  
...  

The functional receptor to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), the same enzyme that physiologically counters the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation. Some researchers have questioned RAS inhibitors’ safety in COVID-19 patients since these drugs have demonstrated an increase in ACE-2 expression in preclinical studies; therefore, they may facilitate viral invasion. On the contrary, others have hypothesized a protective role of RAS inhibitors against COVID-19-associated lung injury. Overall, the data are grossly inadequate to reach any conclusion since no human trials have yet evaluated the effects of RAS inhibitors in COVID-19. We review the current data and pathophysiological mechanisms behind this intriguing interplay between the RAS inhibitors and the COVID-19.


2014 ◽  
Vol 126 (12) ◽  
pp. 815-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare A. McKinney ◽  
Caroline Fattah ◽  
Christopher M. Loughrey ◽  
Graeme Milligan ◽  
Stuart A. Nicklin

The RAS (renin–angiotensin system) is integral to cardiovascular physiology; however, dysregulation of this system largely contributes to the pathophysiology of CVD (cardiovascular disease). It is well established that AngII (angiotensin II), the main effector of the RAS, engages the AT1R (angiotensin type 1 receptor) and promotes cell growth, proliferation, migration and oxidative stress, all processes which contribute to remodelling of the heart and vasculature, ultimately leading to the development and progression of various CVDs, including heart failure and atherosclerosis. The counter-regulatory axis of the RAS, which is centred on the actions of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) and the resultant production of Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)] from AngII, antagonizes the actions of AngII via the receptor Mas, thereby providing a protective role in CVD. More recently, another ACE2 metabolite, Ang-(1–9) [angiotensin-(1–9)], has been reported to be a biologically active peptide within the counter-regulatory axis of the RAS. The present review will discuss the role of the counter-regulatory RAS peptides Ang-(1–7) and Ang-(1–9) in the cardiovascular system, with a focus on their effects in remodelling of the heart and vasculature.


Biochimie ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 156 ◽  
pp. 138-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pooja Chaudhary ◽  
Yogendra Kumar Sharma ◽  
Shivani Sharma ◽  
Som Nath Singh ◽  
Geetha Suryakumar

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta da Silva Filha ◽  
Sérgio Veloso Brant Pinheiro ◽  
Thiago Macedo e Cordeiro ◽  
Victor Feracin ◽  
Érica Leandro Marciano Vieira ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction: Renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Most studies investigated only the classical RAS axis. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to evaluate urinary levels of RAS molecules related to classical and to counter-regulatory axes in pediatric patients with INS, to compare the measurements with levels in healthy controls and to search for associations with inflammatory molecules, proteinuria and disease treatment. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 patients with INS and 19 healthy controls, matched for age and sex. Patients and controls were submitted to urine collection for measurement of RAS molecules [Ang II, Ang-(1-7), ACE and ACE2] by enzyme immunoassay and cytokines by Cytometric Bead Array. Findings in INS patients were compared according to proteinuria: absent (<150 mg/dl, n = 15) and present (≥150 mg/dl, n = 16). Results: In comparison to controls, INS patients had increased Ang II, Ang-(1-7) and ACE, levels while ACE2 was reduced. INS patients with proteinuria had lower levels of ACE2 than those without proteinuria. ACE2 levels were negatively correlated with 24-h-proteinuria. Urinary concentrations of MCP-1/CCL2 were significantly higher in INS patients, positively correlated with Ang II and negatively with Ang-(1-7). ACE2 concentrations were negatively correlated with IP-10/CXCL-10 levels, which, in turn, were positively correlated with 24-h-proteinuria. Conclusion: INS patients exhibited changes in RAS molecules and in chemokines. Proteinuria was associated with low levels of ACE2 and high levels of inflammatory molecules.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e03-e03
Author(s):  
Neda Taghizabet ◽  
Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi ◽  
Hossein Roghani‐Shahraki

Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between gender and COVID-19 outcomes. In addition, this is confirmed that men have more danger of progressing an acute type of the illness than women, specifies the significance of miscellaneous data related to male and female patients with COVID-19. In other words, some factors like hormonal levels and immune function may interact with each other. A perception of the fundamental reasons for gender diversities in COVID-19 patients can beget a chance for disease prevention and faster treatment. The present study evaluates the role of gender in the incidence and progression of the COVID-19 disease. It has been explained that how gender affects angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is a basic factor for the COVID-19 pathogenesis introducing the sex diversities in platelet function, immune reactions and how sex hormones affect immune functions, also the effect of androgens on transmembrane protein serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptor in COVID-19 patients was investigated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annette Offringa ◽  
Roy Montijn ◽  
Sandeep Singh ◽  
Martin Paul ◽  
Yigal M Pinto ◽  
...  

Abstract The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a healthcare crisis caused by insufficient knowledge applicable to effectively combat the virus. Therefore, different scientific discovery strategies need to be connected, to generate a rational treatment which can be made available as rapidly as possible. This relies on a solid theoretical understanding of the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and host responses, which is coupled to the practical experience of clinicians that are treating patients. Because SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), targeting ACE2 to prevent such binding seems an obvious strategy to combat infection. However, ACE2 performs its functions outside the cell and was found to enter the cell only by angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-induced endocytosis, after which ACE2 is destroyed. This means that preventing uptake of ACE2 into the cell by blocking AT1R would be a more logical approach to limit entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the cell. Since ACE2 plays an important protective role in maintaining key biological processes, treatments should not disrupt the functional capacity of ACE2, to counterbalance the negative effects of the infection. Based on known mechanisms and knowledge of the characteristics of SARS-CoV we propose the hypothesis that the immune system facilitates SARS-CoV-2 replication which disrupts immune regulatory mechanisms. The proposed mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 causes disease immediately suggests a possible treatment, since the AT1R is a key player in this whole process. AT1R antagonists appear to be the ideal candidate for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. AT1R antagonists counterbalance the negative consequences of angiotesnin II and, in addition, they might even be involved in preventing the cellular uptake of the virus without interfering with ACE2 function. AT1R antagonists are widely available, cheap, and safe. Therefore, we propose to consider using AT1R antagonists in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2.


Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Lazartigues ◽  
Mirza Muhammad Fahd Qadir ◽  
Franck Mauvais-Jarvis

Abstract The current COVID-19 pandemic is the most disruptive event in the past 50 years, with a global impact on health care and world economies. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a coronavirus that uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an entry point to the cells. ACE2 is a transmembrane carboxypeptidase and member of the renin-angiotensin system. This mini-review summarizes the main findings regarding ACE2 expression and function in endocrine tissues. We discuss rapidly evolving knowledge on the potential role of ACE2 and SARS coronaviruses in endocrinology and the development of diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, and pituitary and thyroid diseases.


2013 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariela M. Gironacci ◽  
Nadia A. Longo Carbajosa ◽  
Jorge Goldstein ◽  
Bruno D. Cerrato

Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)] constitutes an important functional end-product of the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) endogenously formed from AngI (angiotensin I) or AngII (angiotensin II) through the catalytic activity of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), prolyl carboxypeptidase, neutral endopeptidase or other endopeptidases. Ang-(1–7) lacks the pressor, dipsogenic or stimulatory effect on aldosterone release characteristic of AngII. In contrast, it produces vasodilation, natriuresis and diuresis, and inhibits angiogenesis and cell growth. At the central level, Ang-(1–7) acts at sites involved in the control of cardiovascular function, thus contributing to blood pressure regulation. This action may result from its inhibitory neuromodulatory action on NE [noradrenaline (norepinephrine)] levels at the synaptic cleft, i.e. Ang-(1–7) reduces NE release and synthesis, whereas it causes an increase in NE transporter expression, contributing in this way to central NE neuromodulation. Thus, by selective neurotransmitter release, Ang-(1–7) may contribute to the overall central cardiovascular effects. In the present review, we summarize the central effects of Ang-(1–7) and the mechanism by which the peptide modulates NE levels in the synaptic cleft. We also provide new evidences of its cerebroprotective role.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document