Role of ACE2 Polymorphism in COVID-19: Impact of Age
May 2021
in “
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
”
TLDR Different ACE2 gene versions may affect COVID-19 impact based on age and suggest some hair loss drugs could be potential treatments.
The document explores the role of ACE2 polymorphism in COVID-19, particularly its impact on age. The ACE2 enzyme both protects the lung against Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and serves as the entry point for the SARS-Cov-2 virus. Younger children have lower expressions of ACE2 compared to older children and adults, potentially explaining lower infection rates in children. Lifestyle factors and certain medications can also affect ACE2 expression. The document suggests that anti-androgenic drugs used for hair loss and benign prostate hyperplasia could be potential treatments for SARS-Cov-2. However, the impact of ACE polymorphism on reactions to COVID-19 infection is still unclear, requiring further research.
