The correlation between RAS and COVID-19, short review of the latest evidence


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Abstract

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cause of the recent global pandemic, which is causing thousands of deaths worldwide and represents a health challenge with few precedents in human history. The angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE-2) has been identified as the receptor that facilitates access to SARS-CoV-2 in cells; evidence shows that its concentration varies during the various stages of viral infection. Therapeutic agents modifying the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be able to modulate the concentration of ACE-2 and the various components of the system. In this article we examine the latest evidence on the association between the use of RAS modifying agents and coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Our investigation and critical literature research does not suggest discontinuation of ACEIs/ARBs treatment in clinical practice as there is a lack of robust evidence. However, we recommend further well-structured epidemiological studies investigating this sensitive issue that may provide important new suggestions for implementing guidelines.

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cause of the recent global pandemic, which is causing thousands of deaths worldwide and represents a health challenge with few precedents in human history. The angiotensin 2 conversion enzyme (ACE-2) has been identified as the receptor that facilitates access to SARS-CoV-2 in cells; evidence shows that its concentration varies during the various stages of viral infection. Therapeutic agents modifying the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be able to modulate the concentration of ACE-2 and the various components of the system. In this article we examine the latest evidence on the association between the use of RAS modifying agents and coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Our investigation and critical literature research does not suggest discontinuation of ACEIs/ARBs treatment in clinical practice as there is a lack of robust evidence. However, we recommend further well-structured epidemiological studies investigating this sensitive issue that may provide important new suggestions for implementing guidelines.

About the authors

F. Ferrara

Usl Umbria 1, Pharmaceutical Department, Perugia, italy

Author for correspondence.
Email: ferrarafr@libero.it
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9298-6783
Italy

A. Vitiello

Usl Umbria 1, Pharmaceutical Department, Perugia, italy

Email: antonio.vitiello2@uslumbria1.it
Italy

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Copyright (c) 2021 Ferrara F., Vitiello A.

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