Short communication
Apelin-potential therapy for COVID-19?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.06.007Get rights and content

Highlights

  • RAS up-regulation is associated with lung and cardiovascular injuries in COVID-19.

  • Apelin can suppress ACE and AT1R, and activate ACE2 which is down-regulated by SARS-CoV-2.

  • Apelin may improve Ang-II-mediated inflammation, thrombosis, and vasoconstriction in COVID-19.

  • Apelin and its receptor agonists could be trialed in COVID-19 patients.

Abstract

We believe that, in parallel to the attempts for direct blockade of the SARS-CoV-2 penetration into host cell and repurposing drugs, finding new therapeutic strategies for patients with lung injury or cardiovascular complications/coagulopathies associated with COVID-19 should be paid particular attention. Apelin or its receptor agonists are of great potential treatment for COVID-19 through suppressing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II (Ang-II) production, as well as, down-regulating angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1R) and ACE2 up-regulation. These drugs have potential to improve acute lung injury and cardiovascular/coagulopathy complications in COVID-19 which are associated with elevated Ang-II/Ang(1–7) ratio.

Keywords

Apelin
COVID-19
Renin-angiotensin system

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