Key result
A review of the literature highlights the connection between Covid-19 and the renin-angiotensin system, noting ACE2 as the viral entry point and increased risk in elderly patients with hypertension.
Why the study?
The controversial connection between Covid-19 and the renin-angiotensin system prompted a review of the literature to guide clinical judgments and research into therapies.
This review explores the pathophysiological link between COVID-19 and the renin-angiotensin system, emphasizing the role of ACE2 and the potential implications for patients on RAS inhibitors.
No change to RAS inhibitor use warranted; extends mechanistic links but leaves therapeutic implications open.
As the world grapples with a hot pandemic with various and expanding epicenters, a flurry of medical and scientific activity has gained speed and momentum in a race to halt Covid-19. Due to the urgency of the situation, publication peer review has been speeded up to get information published and turn the gears of research in search for a cure. A hot and controversial topic has been the connection between Covid-19 and the Renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Covid-19, like Sars before it, enters by way of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is ubiquitously expressed in many tissues in the body serving as the doorway by which the virus can enter and spread causing inflammatory havoc. Demographic evidence coming out of china and other locations make it clear that the elderly and those suffering cardiovascular complications such as hypertension etc are most at risk. The connection to RAS and the demographic nature of the data coming out has led many to advance hypothesis, recommendations and even therapies based on existing RAS inhibitors and other components of the renin-angiotensin system. It is pertinent to review the literature in the context of our understanding of the renin-angiotesnin system to allow better judgements to be made as well as lines of research initiated advancing a quick resolution to Covid-19.
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Hamdi et al. (2020) conducted a review in Covid-19. RAS inhibitors was evaluated. A review of the literature highlights the connection between Covid-19 and the renin-angiotensin system, noting ACE2 as the viral entry point and increased risk in elderly patients with hypertension.
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