AJPHCP: ACE2 protein protects COVID-19 severe disease response

19, 2020 /---Alberta University-led study shows that women with COVID-19 face fewer complications and a lower risk of death than men because of hormonal and genetic effects.
"Our study focused on how gender differences in COVID-19 are associated with ACE2," said Gavin Oudit, professor of medicine at the Canadian College of Medicine and Dentistry and chairman of heart failure research and director of cardast function.
(Photo: www.pixabay.com) ACE2 is a molecule that allows SARS-CoV-2 to enter the body, but it is also important in preventing cardiovascular, lung and kidney disease.
because of chromosomal differences, women have two copies of the ACE2 gene, while men have only one copy," said Oudit, a woman.
, however, does not seem to make women more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, but it does protect them from virus-related complications.
"Oudit explains that ACE2 is an X chromosome chain gene.
to avoid repetition, an X chromosome tends to be incapaction, but because of the position of ACE2, it escapes indigness, which means that women have twice the capacity to make ACE2.
also because of this mechanism, another gene expression activity in women called TLR7, which is a key part of the innant immune system, is twice as active as in men.
Oudit said: "The higher levels of TLR7 in women explain why women have stronger immune systems than men and are better able to withstand viral infections, including the common cold.
study, researchers report that men around the world face more serious diseases and worse outcomes.
women are at greater risk of exposure because of gender issues, but their outcomes have not worsened," he said.
fact, they are significantly better than men.
"Currently, researchers are studying how to manipulate ACE2 levels to help COVID-19 patients prevent infection by blocking the enzyme or by enhancing it to protect the cardiovascular system, lungs and kidneys."
(Bioon.com) Source: ACE2 proteins protects againstst severe COVID-19: Study Original source: Anissa Viveiros et al, Sex Differences in COVID-19: Candidate Pathways, Genetics of ACE2, Sex Hormones, American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Physicology (2020). DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00755.2020。