High Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme and Low Carboxypeptidase N Serum Activity Correlate with Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients.

ABSTRACT: (1) Background: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional receptor of SARS-CoV-2 and counter-balances ACE in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). An imbalance of the RAS could be associated with severe COVID-19 progression. (2) Methods: Activities of serum proteases angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and carboxypeptidase N (CPN) for 45 hospitalized and 26 convalescent COVID-19 patients were investigated vs. healthy controls using labeled bradykinin (DBK) degradation with and without inhibition by captopril as a read-out. Data were correlated to clinical parameters. (3) Results: DBK degradation and CPN activity were significantly reduced gender-independently in COVID-19 and returned to normal during convalescence. ACE activity was over-active in severe disease progression; prod

SUBMITTER: Tepasse PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8949860 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature