Aging- and gender-related modulation of RAAS: potential implications in COVID-19 disease. (8th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Monteonofrio, Laura; Florio, Maria Cristina; AlGhatrif, Majd; Lakatta, Edward G; Capogrossi, Maurizio C
• Is Part Of: Vascular biology. Volume 3:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: R1
• Page End: R14
• Publication Date: 2021-01-08
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- aging -- gender -- cardiovascular disease -- ACE2; Peripheral vascular diseases -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Periodicals; Blood-vessels -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 573.18
• DOI: 10.1530/VB-20-0014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2516-5658

Abstract

Abstract : Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is frequently characterized by a marked inflammatory response with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure associated with multiorgan involvement. Some risk factors predispose patients to develop a more severe infection and to an increased mortality; among them, advanced age and male gender have been identified as major and independent risk factors for COVID-19 poor outcome. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is strictly involved in COVID-19 because angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the host receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and also converts pro-inflammatory angiotensin (Ang) II into anti-inflammatory Ang(1–7). In this review, we have addressed the effect of aging and gender on RAAS with emphasis on ACE2, pro-inflammatory Ang II/Ang II receptor 1 axis and anti-inflammatory Ang(1–7)/Mas receptor axis.