Serum ACE2, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone Levels Are Unchanged in Patients With COVID-19. (12th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rieder, Marina; Wirth, Luisa; Pollmeier, Luisa; Jeserich, Maren; Goller, Isabella; Baldus, Niklas; Schmid, Bonaventura; Busch, Hans-Joerg; Hofmann, Maike; Kern, Winfried; Bode, Christoph; Duerschmied, Daniel; Lother, Achim
• Is Part Of: American journal of hypertension. Volume 34:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 278
• Page End: 281
• Publication Date: 2020-10-12
• Subjects: ACE2 -- aldosterone -- angiotensin II -- blood pressure -- COVID-19 -- hypertension -- SARS-CoV-2; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpaa169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-7061

Abstract

Graphical Abstract: Abstract: Background: The role of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is controversially discussed. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters host cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and activity of the RAAS may affect susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcome of patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this prospective single-center study, we determined the serum levels of ACE2, angiotensin II, and aldosterone in patients with COVID-19 compared with control patients presenting with similar symptoms in the emergency unit. Results: We analyzed serum samples from 24 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 61 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. SARS-CoV-2 positive and control patients did not differ in baseline patients characteristics, symptoms, and clinical presentation. Mean serum concentrations of ACE2, angiotensin II, and aldosterone did not differ between the SARS-CoV-2 positive and the control group. In line with this, serum potassium as surrogate parameter for RAAS activity and blood pressure were similar in both groups. Conclusions: In summary, we did not find evidence for altered RAAS activity including angiotensin II, aldosterone, or potassium levels, and blood pressure in patients with COVID-19. Clinical trials registration: Trial Number DRKS00021206.