Circulating plasma concentrations of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in men and women with heart failure and effects of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone inhibitors
Iziah E Sama, Alice Ravera, Bernadet T Santema, Harry van Goor, Jozine M ter Maaten, John G F Cleland, Michiel Rienstra, Alex W Friedrich, Nilesh J Samani, Leong L Ng ... Show more
European Heart Journal, ehaa373, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa373
Abstract
Aims
The current pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infects a wide age group but predominantly elderly individuals, especially men and those with cardiovascular disease. Recent reports suggest an association with use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional receptor for coronaviruses. Higher ACE2 concentrations might lead to increased vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 in patients on RAAS inhibitors.
Methods
We measured ACE2 concentrations in 1485 men and 537 women with heart failure (index cohort). Results were validated in 1123 men and 575 women (validation cohort).