Resveratrol supplementation reduces ACE2 expression in human adipose tissue

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Virology

Background:

• Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) facilitates SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells.
• Adipose tissue (AT) highly expresses ACE2, potentially serving as a SARS-CoV-2 reservoir in obese individuals.
• Previous studies suggest resveratrol affects ACE2, but human data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of resveratrol supplementation on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.
• To assess changes in ACE2 expression in response to resveratrol in men with obesity.

Main Methods:

• A 30-day placebo-controlled crossover study.
• Supplementation with resveratrol in men with obesity.
• Analysis of RAS components (ACE2, angiotensinogen, ACE, AT1R) in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.

Main Results:

• Resveratrol significantly decreased ACE2 expression by approximately 40% in adipose tissue.
• Resveratrol also reduced leptin levels by about 30% in adipose tissue.
• No significant alterations were observed in angiotensinogen, ACE, or AT1R expression in AT or RAS components in skeletal muscle.

Conclusions:

• Resveratrol supplementation effectively reduces ACE2 expression in the adipose tissue of men with obesity.
• This reduction in ACE2 may potentially mitigate SARS-CoV-2 spread in obese COVID-19 patients.
• Resveratrol's impact on leptin suggests broader metabolic effects in adipose tissue.