ACE2 expression in adipose tissue is associated with COVID-19 cardio-metabolic risk factors and cell type composition.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 severity has varied widely, with demographic and cardio-metabolic factors increasing risk of severe reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the underlying mechanisms for this remain uncertain. We investigated phenotypic and genetic factors associated with subcutaneous adipose tissue expression of Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme 2 ( ACE2 ), which has been shown to act as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry. In a meta-analysis of three independent studies including up to 1,471 participants, lower adipose tissue ACE2 expression was associated with adverse cardio-metabolic health indices including type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity status, higher serum fasting insulin and BMI, and lower serum HDL levels (P<5.32x10 ^-4 ). ACE2 expression levels were al

SUBMITTER: El-Sayed Moustafa JS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7430606 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature