Ace Two Receptor

The ACE2 receptor plays a significant role in the body's response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19. This receptor is one of the primary ways the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters human cells. It binds to ACE2 on the cell surface, which facilitates the virus's entry into the cell. This action leads to a decrease in the number of functioning ACE2 receptors, which worsens the severity of disease caused by the virus.

Rhonda Patrick discusses several aspects of ACE2 in relation to COVID-19:

• Role in respiratory system: ACE2 is crucial for protecting against acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, significant complications associated with severe COVID-19 cases. The loss of ACE2 function can lead to increased lung injury and inflammation.
• Impact of ACE inhibitors and ARBs: There's a consideration that ACE inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), commonly used in treating hypertension, might influence ACE2 levels. These medications are thought potentially to decrease the severity of COVID-19 by increasing ACE2 levels, although more data is needed to confirm this effect fully.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays a role in regulating ACE2 levels. In conditions like acute lung injury where ACE2 levels decrease, vitamin D can help rebalance ACE2 levels, potentially offering protective effects against severe virus-induced lung injury 1 2.

This information underscores the interconnected nature of ACE2 in various health conditions and its importance in the context of COVID-19.