Active agents on RAS and SARS-CoV-2
As previously reported SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin 2 conversion
enzyme (ACE2) as a receptor binding domain. Based on this, and
considering the crucial role of the RAS system and the enzyme ACE-2 in
the acute respiratory syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the correlation
with the inflammatory status of lung tissues, it could be considered
important to assume that the therapeutic agents acting on RAS, could
modulate the viral infection with SARS-CoV-2, with an effect of
improvement or worsening, and that managing these drugs in the most
timely manner could be of great benefit. The active agents on RAS
available may interfere with various stages of the system, an inhibitory
action of the enzyme ACE (ACE-i), blocking Angiotensin II (ARB)
receptors, inhibitors direct renin. ACE-i and ARB are the drugs of
choice for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure and ischemic
heart disease.(figure-1)