A recent study in the Journal of Biomedical Science examines the critical role of ACE2, an enzyme involved in blood volume and electrolyte balance, in chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and COVID-19. The research suggests that ACE2 could serve as both a disease severity biomarker and a therapeutic target.
By Neha MathurAug 28 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. Within the renin-angiotensin system , which regulates blood volume, electrolyte balance, and systemic vascular resistance within the body, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 cleaves angiotensin II to Ang-, which subsequently leads to vasodilation. Under normal physiological conditions, ACE2 expression can be found within the thymus, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and heart.
The role of ACE2 in chronic diseases Within endothelial cells, RAS regulates vasodilation, antifibrosis, and antihypertrophy, all of which prevent the development of pulmonary hypertension, with ACE2 levels inversely correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure levels. Likewise, lungs and artery endothelial cells from pulmonary arterial hypertension patients often exhibit reduced ACE2 levels.
Regulating ACE2 expression in COVID-19 To gain entry into cells for infection, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein attaches to ACE2 receptors present on the surface of host cells. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to upregulate the expression of ACE2, with severe COVID-19 patients often exhibiting high plasma levels of ACE2.
Vitamin C supplementation has also been shown to reduce the effects of COVID-19. This antiviral activity is likely due to the inhibition of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 50 , whose overexpression mediates the stabilizing deubiquitination of ACE2 proteins. Thus, vitamin C ultimately reduces the expression of ACE2 proteins, thereby limiting SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Rumble in the genome: Unlocking the secrets of the tiny RNAs that keep self-serving, harmful genes in checkDevelopmental biologist Eric Lai, Ph.D., and his lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have been studying hotbeds of biological conflict, except instead of battles between outside invaders and internal defenders, they've uncovered an evolutionary battle of the sexes fought using a group of recently emerged genes. This conflict between the X and Y chromosomes plays out in a hidden struggle between 'selfish' genetic actors and the small strands of RNA that keep them in check.
Læs mere »
Red Sox reliever Bernardino placed in COVID-19 related injured listThe Boston Red Sox will be substituting an arm in their bullpen. The team announced that relief pitcher Brennan Bernardino has been added the COVID-19 related injured list. Lefty Chris Murphy has been recalled from Triple-A Worcester to take his place. Bernardino pitched in yesterday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out the only batter he faced. He has…
Læs mere »
COVID-19: North Korea becomes latest country to relax border after pandemicFlights have already begun operating to Beijing in China and Vladivostok in Russia ahead of the borders reopening, but it is unclear who has actually travelled onboard.
Læs mere »
Leading lawyer slams £8million Scottish Covid public inquiryLawyers for a group who lost loved ones during the pandemic have also launched a scathing attack on the management of the probe.
Læs mere »
Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry criticised as ‘shambolic’ before it beginsThe Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry will officially begin on August 28 with its first preliminary hearing at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.
Læs mere »
Scottish Covid Inquiry to hold preliminary hearingChairman Lord Brailsford and co-lead counsel Stuart Gale KC will provide updates on progress to date.
Læs mere »