Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has been established to
gain access to the human cell via the ACE2 receptor similar to its
familial coronavirus SARS-CoV which led to the outbreak in 2003. A
concern with the newer 2019 coronavirus is its 10-20-fold higher
affinity to the ACE2 receptor that of SARS-CoV, aiding its effective
human-to-human transmission which has led to this pandemic. ACE2
receptor expression is thought to be upregulated in use with ACE
inhibitors. As ACE inhibitors are known to be a used extensively in the
treatment of hypertension it was a concern regarding the risk of using
these medications alongside a SARS-COV-2 infection. ACE inhibitors are
also used in the treatment regime of other common conditions including
diabetes and Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is worth noting that ACE2
expression has found to be upregulated by the use of thiazolidinediones
and ibuprofen too. Consequently, the increased expression of ACE2 would
facilitate infection with COVID-19. Therefore, it would hypothesise that
diabetes and hypertension treatment with ACE2-stimulating drugs would
increase the risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19.