Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism may be a risk factor for COVID-19 clinical outcome

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1(ACE1) and ACE2 play a major role in regulation of blood pressure and electrolytic balance. They are known to express in epithelial cells of various tissues. SARS-CoV2 uses ACE2 as one of the receptors to enter into the host cells. Coronavirus infection-associated decrease in the expression of ACE2 is known to associate with vasoconstriction, hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Patients who are on ACE1 inhibitors show increased ACE2 expression, which is known to protect the lung from acute lung injury. ACE1 and ACE2 polymorphisms might be associated with the infectivity, severity and recovery from the COVID-19. Association studies of ACE gene polymorphisms in affected population may suggest the clinical outcome of the COVID-19.