Comparison of ACE2 gene expression levels in serum of COVID-19 patients and its relationship to disease severity

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene has shown a unique three-dimensional kinase conformation leading to its strong interaction with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein and has been identified as a potential biomarker for COVID-19 infection. It is reported as a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 by an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-coupled viral spike protein. It is also involved in the SARS-CoV-host interactions in the pathogenesis of the disease. Globally, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has presented an overwhelming challenge to scientific communities to control the pandemic. COVID-19 has widespread effects on metabolism and signifies an intricate association with increased serum ACE2 levels, aggravated pathogen-induced hyperinflammation, and varying glucose metabolism. In India, the country with the highest disease burden, scientists and researchers are increasingly focusing on various mutations and the disease pattern of COVID-19. The necessity of defining the pre- and post-entry mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 interaction upon infecting different age and gender categories of human subjects concomitantly urges a significant amount of scientific study. (Choudhary et al.2021)(Horowitz et al.2022)

Aim of the Study: The present work attempts to study the gene expression of ACE2 in a of patients in Iraq and compares the results with those apparently healthy individuals. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 pandemic has led to exceedingly large transmission throughout the community. The association of ACE2 levels with the inception of SARS-CoV-2 via post/pre-inhibitory mechanisms within differentially segregated demographics of patients can facilitate detailed comparative studies. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses-2 mediate communication regarding the transcriptional and post-translational expression of ACE2 within the cellular microenvironment and regulate functional activity. Disease severity in COVID patients is associated with increased gene transcript expression of ACE2, which aids in different pathogenesis and therapeutics.