New challenges to renin-angiotensin-system in COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

In the fight against the global epidemic from the new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2), awareness on the site of the primary viral attack, the so-called "entry port" enables an implies efficient prophylactic/therapeutic approach. The attack is aimed at the important balancing unit of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which regulates the level of angiotensin II (Ang II). While Ang II has vasoconstrictor and inflammatory functions, the ACE2 converted product of Ang-(1-7) possesses vasodilating and anti-inflammatory functions. In patients with pathological cardiovascular symptoms and increased blood pressure, maintenance of optimal Ang II is achieved by inhibiting the synthesizing enzyme ACE1 or blocking the angiotensin receptor response (ATR). In this Dance Round, an attempt is made to address the question: In the unbalanced functions of RAS (manifesting as an outcome of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic), will the therapeutic effect of ACE1 inhibitors change and in what direction?