Blood ACE2 Protein Level Correlates with COVID-19 Severity

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) in COVID-19 severity remains debated.
• ACE2 is a key receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.
• Comorbidities are known risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum ACE2 levels and COVID-19 severity.
• To explore the relationship between ACE2 levels, disease progression, and common comorbidities.
• To analyze ACE2 serum levels in post-COVID-19 patients over time.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from post-COVID-19 patients (July 2020-December 2021) were analyzed for human ACE2 protein using ELISA kits.
• Medical records, treatment, and outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed.
• Correlation between ACE2 levels, disease severity, and comorbidities (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease) was assessed.

Main Results:

• Serum ACE2 levels were significantly higher in patients with mild COVID-19 compared to those with severe disease (p < 0.001).
• ACE2 levels decreased over 90 days in mild cases but increased in critical cases.
• Hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus correlated with increased disease severity and altered ACE2 serum levels.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum ACE2 levels may indicate a less severe COVID-19 course, potentially due to increased ACE2 shedding.
• ACE2 shedding might reduce viral entry into cells, mitigating disease severity.
• Certain comorbidities, excluding respiratory diseases, are linked to COVID-19 severity and ACE2 serum levels.