PRAETORIAN

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a high burden of morbidity and mortality due to development of the so-called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The reninangiotensin-system (RAS) plays an important role in the development of ARDS. ACE2 is one of the enzymes involved in the RAS cascade. Virus spike protein binds to ACE2 to form a complex suitable for cellular internalization. The downregulation of ACE2 results in the excessive accumulation of angiotensin II, and it has been demonstrated that the stimulation of the angiotensin II type 1a receptor (AT1R) increases pulmonary vascular permeability, explaining the increased lung pathology when activity of ACE2 is decreased. Currently available AT1R blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan, have the potential to block this pathological process mediated by angiotensin II. There are presently two complementary mechanisms suggested: 1) ARBs block the excessive angiotensin-mediated AT1R activation, and 2) they upregulate ACE2, which reduces angiotensin II concentrations and increases the production of the protective vasodilator angiotensin 1–7. In light of the above, ARBs may prevent the development of ARDS and avert morbidity (admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation) and mortality.

Principal investigators

Prof. Niels van Royen en Dr. Roland van Kimmenade