Back in 2003, a family of viruses called coronaviruses spread worldwide causing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). In 2012, a mutated species of these viruses caused the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Coronaviruses have emerged yet again, this time manifesting themselves in the form of a serious global pandemic. The species responsible for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the SARS-CoV-2. As of March 26th 2020, there have been over 500,000 cases of infection and over 23,000 deaths reported worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on the surface of lung cells. After an incubation period of 10-14 days, pneumonia or respiratory failure may occur that has the potential to be fatal.
However, multiple diseases such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart attack and high blood pressure are all treated with drugs that block the ACE2 receptors. They are referred to as ACE2 inhibitors as they inhibit the action of the said receptor, thereby inactivating it. What’s peculiar is that the human body increases the number of ACE2 receptors when said drugs are administered and in circulation, according to Diaz et al. In their recent study, they hypothesize that this increase in the number of receptors may lead to a more severe COVID-19 infection in those patients that routinely take these drugs.
Several case control studies are ongoing using patient samples and further data will either validate or invalidate their hypothesis. Until then, continue taking your prescriptions!
Read more at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taaa041
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