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Cardiovascular ACE2 receptor expression in patients undergoing heart transplantation
Johannes Bargehr1,2, Patrick Rericha1,2, Alex Petchey1,2
1Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
ESC Heart Failure
|August 14, 2021
Summary
This study quantifies cardiac angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 expression in heart failure patients. ACE inhibitors did not affect ACE2 levels in the myocardium or vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 is the primary cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2.
- Quantitative data on cardiac ACE2 expression and the impact of ACE inhibition in heart failure patients are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize membrane-bound ACE2 expression in the myocardium and vasculature of heart failure patients.
- To assess the effect of ACE inhibition on cardiac ACE2 expression.
Main Methods:
- Human left ventricular tissue from 36 heart transplant recipients was analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to quantify ACE2 expression in cardiomyocytes and vascular cells.
- ACE2 expression levels were correlated with clinical parameters and ACE inhibitor use.
Main Results:
- ACE2 was consistently expressed in cardiomyocytes (28.3%) and vascular cells (5%) of the left ventricle.
- No significant difference in ACE2 expression was observed between patients on ACE inhibitors and controls.
- ACE2 expression correlated significantly with NT-proBNP and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac ACE2 is expressed in heart failure patients, with no modulation by ACE inhibitors.
- These findings offer insights into the role of cardiac ACE2 in heart failure and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
