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Losartan and enalapril maleate differently influence SARS-CoV-2-infected vero cells

Julia H Majolo1, João I B Gonçalves2, Renata P Souza1

  • 1Laboratory of Immunology and Microbiology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Avenida Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Scientific Reports
|October 21, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Losartan significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 RNA in infected cells, while enalapril maleate had no significant effect. Both drugs altered cellular responses, but losartan showed a more pronounced impact on viral RNA levels.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted healthcare systems, especially for individuals with hypertension.
  • Antihypertensive medications like losartan and enalapril maleate are commonly used by hypertensive patients.
  • Understanding their interaction with SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of losartan and enalapril maleate on SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.
  • To assess the impact of these antihypertensives on viral RNA replication and host gene expression.

Main Methods:

  • Vero E6 cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with losartan or enalapril maleate.
  • Cell viability was measured using the MTT colorimetric assay.
  • Viral RNA and host gene messenger RNA levels were quantified using reverse transcriptase quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Results:

  • Losartan significantly decreased SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid RNA levels.
  • Enalapril maleate did not show a significant effect on viral RNA.
  • Viral infection upregulated IL-18, p53, p21, and p62; IL-6 was upregulated by infection and treatment, with distinct expression profiles observed between losartan and enalapril maleate treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Losartan and enalapril maleate may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection effects in Vero E6 cells.
  • The influence of these drugs on metabolic and signal transduction pathways varies quantitatively and qualitatively.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical implications.
Abstract

Keywords:
ACEiARBCOVID-19CoronavirusesHypertension

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