scholarly journals Oral epithelial expression of angiotensin converting enzyme-2: Implications for COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mythily Srinivasan ◽  
Susan L Zunt ◽  
Lawrence I Goldblatt
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cell Entry ◽  
Ectodomain Shedding ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Immunofluorescence Analysis ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Oral Epithelial

AbstractThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-2 as the host receptor for target cell entry. The extent and distribution of ACE-2 has been associated with the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. Here we show by immunofluorescence analysis that the ACE2 is abundantly expressed in oral mucosa, particularly in the surface epithelial cells suggesting that these cells could represent sites of entry for SARS-CoV-2. Further, together with the reports on ACE2 ectodomain shedding, we discuss the rationale for the hypothesis that the ACE-2 measurement in saliva could be a marker for COVID-19 infection during early phase following SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

scholarly journals Naturally mutated spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants show differential levels of cell entry

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seiya Ozono ◽  
Yanzhao Zhang ◽  
Hirotaka Ode ◽  
Toong Seng Tan ◽  
Kazuo Imai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Cell Entry ◽  
Viral Infectivity ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Spike Proteins

AbstractThe causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is steadily mutating during continuous transmission among humans. Such mutations can occur in the spike (S) protein that binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor and is cleaved by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). However, whether S mutations affect SARS-CoV-2 infectivity remains unknown. Here, we show that naturally occurring S mutations can reduce or enhance cell entry via ACE2 and TMPRSS2. A SARS-CoV-2 S-pseudotyped lentivirus exhibits substantially lower entry than SARS-CoV S. Among S variants, the D614G mutant shows the highest cell entry, as supported by structural observations. Nevertheless, the D614G mutant remains susceptible to neutralization by antisera against prototypic viruses. Taken together, these data indicate that the D614G mutation enhances viral infectivity while maintaining neutralization susceptibility.

scholarly journals Estrogen regulates the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 in differentiated airway epithelial cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (6) ◽  
pp. L1280-L1281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly E. Stelzig ◽  
Fabrizio Canepa-Escaro ◽  
Marta Schiliro ◽  
Sergejs Berdnikovs ◽  
Y. S. Prakash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Sex Steroids ◽  
Airway Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Entry ◽  
Airway Epithelial ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2

There is marked sexual dimorphism in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Here we report that estrogen can regulate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key component for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cell entry, in differentiated airway epithelial cells. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms by which sex steroids regulate SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

scholarly journals Do sex-specific immunobiological factors and differences in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression explain increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in males?

Diagnosis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Vikse ◽  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Brandon Michael Henry
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
Immunomodulatory Treatment ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Cytopathic Effects ◽  
Severe Lung

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), shares similarities with the former SARS outbreak, which was caused by SARS-CoV-1. SARS was characterized by severe lung injury due to virus-induced cytopathic effects and dysregulated hyperinflammatory state. COVID-19 has a higher mortality rate in men both inside and outside China. In this opinion paper, we describe how sex-specific immunobiological factors and differences in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression may explain the increased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in males. We highlight that immunomodulatory treatment must be tailored to the underlying immunobiology at different stages of disease. Moreover, by investigating sex-based immunobiological differences, we may enhance our understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology and facilitate improved immunomodulatory strategies.

scholarly journals ACE2 the Janus-faced protein – from cardiovascular protection to severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus and COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (7) ◽  
pp. 747-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhian M. Touyz ◽  
Hongliang Li ◽  
Christian Delles
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Basic Science ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Sars Coronavirus ◽  
Multifunctional Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2

Abstract Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the major enzyme responsible for conversion of Ang II into Ang-(1-7). It also acts as the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV)-2, which causes Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19. In recognition of the importance of ACE2 and to celebrate 20 years since its discovery, the journal will publish a focused issue on the basic science and (patho)physiological role of this multifunctional protein.

scholarly journals The Use of Fabric Masks in Prevention of Community Transmission of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-175
Author(s):  
Rudi Saputra
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
New Disease ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Public Discussion ◽  
The Public ◽  
Community Transmission

Introduction: COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is a new disease due to SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2) which can be transmitted through droplets. One effort to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is to use a mask. Medical masks are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19, but their numbers are very limited and are very much needed by medical personnel when treating COVID-19 patients. Therefore, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 more broadly, alternative medical masks are needed, namely by using cloth masks which have not been discussed much about the purpose of their use to the public. Discussion: SARS-CoV-2 is a cause of COVID-19 and infects the respiratory tract, especially in the lungs (pulmo) through the ACE2 receptor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2). SARS-CoV-2 has a diameter of around 120 nm. Cloth masks as an alternative to the scarcity of medical masks are recommended for public use. The recommended cloth masks are made of cotton or a cloth towel. A cloth mask is able to hold large droplets (> 5 μm), but not small droplets. Conclusion: Cloth masks can be used by the community in an effort to minimize transmission of COVID-19 by holding large droplets, but it is not effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 because it can still be passed by SARS-CoV-2. Suggestion: Cloth masks can be optimized using nanoparticles to resist SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Mutations from bat ACE2 orthologs markedly enhance ACE2-Fc neutralization of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huihui Mou ◽  
Brian D. Quinlan ◽  
Haiyong Peng ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Shoujiao Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Viral Receptor ◽  
S Protein ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Protein Receptor ◽  
Horseshoe Bat ◽  
Horseshoe Bats

SUMMARYThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein mediates infection of cells expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is also the viral receptor of SARS-CoV (SARS-CoV-1), a related coronavirus that emerged in 2002-2003. Horseshoe bats (genus Rhinolophus) are presumed to be the original reservoir of both viruses, and a SARS-like coronavirus, RaTG13, closely related SARS-CoV-2, has been isolated from one horseshoe-bat species. Here we characterize the ability of S-protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs) of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and RaTG13 to bind a range of ACE2 orthologs. We observed that the SARS-CoV-2 RBD bound human, pangolin, and horseshoe bat (R. macrotis) ACE2 more efficiently than the SARS-CoV-1 or RaTG13 RBD. Only the RaTG13 RBD bound rodent ACE2 orthologs efficiently. Five mutations drawn from ACE2 orthologs of nine Rhinolophus species enhanced human ACE2 binding to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by an immunoadhesin form of human ACE2 (ACE2-Fc). Two of these mutations impaired neutralization of SARS-CoV-1. An ACE2-Fc variant bearing all five mutations neutralized SARS-CoV-2 five-fold more efficiently than human ACE2-Fc. These data narrow the potential SARS-CoV-2 reservoir, suggest that SARS-CoV-1 and -2 originate from distinct bat species, and identify a more potently neutralizing form of ACE2-Fc.

scholarly journals METFORMIN USE IN DIABETES PRIOR TO HOSPITALIZATION: EFFECTS ON MORTALITY IN COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1166-1172
Author(s):  
Jinghong Li ◽  
Qi Wei ◽  
Willis X. Li ◽  
Karen C. McCowen ◽  
Wei Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Clinical Data ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2

Objective: Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been reported as a risk factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the effect of pharmacologic agents used to treat T2DM, such as metformin, on COVID-19 outcomes remains unclear. Metformin increases the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2, a known receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Data from people with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 were used to test the hypothesis that metformin use is associated with improved survival in this population. Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed on de-identified clinical data from a major hospital in Wuhan, China, that included patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 during the recent epidemic. One hundred and thirty-one patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and T2DM were used in this study. The primary outcome was mortality. Demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory data, diabetes medications, and respiratory therapy data were also included in the analysis. Results: Of these 131 patients, 37 used metformin with or without other antidiabetes medications. Among the 37 metformin-taking patients, 35 (94.6%) survived and 2 (5.4%) did not survive. The mortality rates in the metformin-taking group versus the non-metformin group were 5.4% (2/37) versus 22.3% (21/94). Using multivariate analysis, metformin was found to be an independent predictor of survival in this cohort ( P = .02). Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between metformin use and survival in people with T2DM diagnosed with COVID-19. These clinical data are consistent with potential benefits of the use of metformin for COVID-19 patients with T2DM. Abbreviations: ACE2 = angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; AMPK = AMP-activated protein kinase; BMI = body mass index; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019; SARSCoV-2 = severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document