[2019 Novel coronavirus, renin-angiotension system imbalance and coronavirus disease 2019]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) interacts with angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).
• This interaction disrupts the balance of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
• RAS imbalance is implicated in pro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation, contributing to organ injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of RAS imbalance in 2019-nCoV-related multi-organ dysfunction.
• To explore the potential therapeutic implications of targeting the RAS in 2019-nCoV infection.

Main Methods:

• The study speculates on the mechanisms by which 2019-nCoV affects ACE2 and RAS.
• It reviews the known pathways linking RAS imbalance to organ injury.
• The potential benefits of ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) are discussed.

Main Results:

• 2019-nCoV's interaction with ACE2 leads to RAS imbalance.
• RAS imbalance contributes to multi-system organ injury beyond the lungs.
• ACEI/ARB treatments are hypothesized as a potential therapeutic strategy.

Conclusions:

• RAS imbalance is a key factor in 2019-nCoV-induced multi-organ dysfunction.
• Targeting the RAS with ACEI/ARB may offer a novel treatment approach.
• Further research is required to confirm these associations and therapeutic potentials.