Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) levels in relation to risk factors for COVID-19 in two large cohorts of patients with atrial fibrillation
Key result
Higher sACE2 levels were strongly associated with GDF-15, NT-proBNP, and hs-cTnT; after adjusting for these biomarkers, only male sex remained significantly associated with sACE2.
Why the study?
SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 as a cell surface receptor, and higher soluble ACE2 levels may reflect higher cellular expression, prompting investigation of associations with clinical factors, biomarkers, and genetics.
What clinical factors and biomarkers are associated with sACE2 levels in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation?
Population
Elderly patients with atrial fibrillation across two cohorts (n = 3999 and n = 1088)
Comparison
Associations between sACE2 levels and clinical factors, cardiovascular biomarkers, and genetic variability
Design
Cohort study
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Male sex independently associates with higher sACE2 beyond cardiac biomarkers in elderly AF; hypothesis-generating for risk stratification and requires prospective validation.
Study Design
Type
Cohort (n=5,087)
Multicenter
Yes
Structured PICO
What clinical factors and biomarkers are associated with sACE2 levels in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation?
P
Population
5,087 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation from two international cohorts.
O
Outcome
Associations between sACE2 and clinical factors, cardiovascular biomarkers, and genetic variabilitysurrogate
Male sex and biomarkers of biological aging and cardiovascular disease are associated with higher sACE2 levels, which may help identify patients at risk for severe COVID-19.
Cite This Study
Wallentin et al. (2020) conducted a cohort in Atrial fibrillation (n=5,087). Soluble ACE2 (sACE2) levels was evaluated on Associations between sACE2 and clinical factors, cardiovascular biomarkers, and genetic variability. Higher sACE2 levels were strongly associated with GDF-15, NT-proBNP, and hs-cTnT; after adjusting for these biomarkers, only male sex remained significantly associated with sACE2.