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Oxford University Press - PMC COVID-19 Collection logoLink to Oxford University Press - PMC COVID-19 Collection
. 2020 Oct 12:hpaa169. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpaa169

Serum ACE-2, angiotensin II, and aldosterone levels are unchanged in patients with COVID-19

Marina Rieder 1,2, Luisa Wirth 3, Luisa Pollmeier 3, Maren Jeserich 1,2, Isabella Goller 1,2, Niklas Baldus 1,2, Bonaventura Schmid 4, Hans-Joerg Busch 4, Maike Hofmann 5, Winfried Kern 6, Christoph Bode 1,2, Daniel Duerschmied 1,2, Achim Lother 1,2,3,
PMCID: PMC7665331  PMID: 33043967

Abstract

Background

The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in COVID-19 is controversially discussed. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may affect susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcome of patients with COVID-19.

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, we determined the serum levels of ACE-2, angiotensin II and aldosterone in patients with COVID-19 compared to control patients presenting with similar symptoms in the emergency unit.

Results

We analyzed serum samples from 24 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 61 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. SARS-CoV-2 positive and control patients did not differ in baseline patients characteristics, symptoms and clinical presentation. Mean serum concentrations of ACE2, angiotensin II, and aldosterone did not differ between the SARS-CoV-2 positive and the control group. In line with this, serum potassium as surrogate parameter for RAAS activity and blood pressure were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

In summary, we did not find evidence for altered RAAS activity including angiotensin II, aldosterone, or potassium levels, and blood pressure in patients with COVID-19.

Keywords: ACE-2, Angiotensin II, Aldosterone, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2

Graphical Abstract

Graphical Abstract.

Graphical Abstract


Articles from American Journal of Hypertension are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press

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