The advantageous effects of ACE-inhibitors and Angiotensin-receptor blockers on COVID-19 patients

Abstract

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease which is caused by novel Coronavirus-2019 (SARSCoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2-a member of renin-angiotensin system- as receptor in host cells. Recently, use of ACEI and ARB drugs rose question among patients and medical staffs after reports showed that hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases in which usage of these drugs are more common, are the comorbid and risk factors in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 patients show reduced ACE2 and induced Angiotensin-2 levels. While ACE2 which is upregulated by ACEI and ARBs, expresses protective effect in the lung, heart, intestinal and kidney injures. Recently published meta-analysis and cohort retrospective studies show beneficial effects of ACEI/ARB drugs on COVID-19 patients. In this review we briefly discussed the effects of ACEI/ARB on COVID-19 patients with considering comorbid diseases