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COVID-19

COVID-19 Study Reveals Potential Link Between Brain Renin-Angiotensin System and Neurological Complications

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the journal Analytical Cellular Pathology has shed light on the potential link between the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and neurological complications induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Researchers from the Department of Biological Science found that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key enzyme in the RAS, which is expressed in various tissues and organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). The study aimed to present an updated review of the role of brain RAS components in neurological complications induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to alterations in brain RAS components, such as angiotensin II (Ang II) and ACE2, which mediate neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Downregulation of ACE2 due to SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to an increase in Ang II levels, resulting in hyperinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration in the brain.
  • ACE2 downregulation in the hypothalamus induces stress and anxiety responses by increasing corticotropin-releasing hormone.
  • SARS-CoV-2 infection may also dysregulate the CNS neurotransmission, leading to neurological complications observed in severe cases of COVID-19.
  • Researchers suggest that changes in brain RAS components may be partially associated with the neurological manifestations of COVID-19.

Statistics:

  • The study notes that numerous reports suggest a link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurological manifestations, including cerebrovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, anxiety, encephalopathy, and stroke.
  • Common nonspecific neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients include myalgia, headache, anosmia, and dysgeusia.
  • Alterations in brain RAS components, such as ACE2 and Ang II, have been identified as mediators of neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Studies from Department of Biological Science Provide New Data on COVID-19 (Brain Renin-Angiotensin System: From Physiology to Pathology in Neuronal Complications Induced by SARS-CoV-2). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. August 28, 2023; p 617.
  • Analytical Cellular Pathology. Brain Renin-Angiotensin System: From Physiology to Pathology in Neuronal Complications Induced by SARS-CoV-2. 2023, 2023. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/acp/)
  • Hindawi Limited. Analytical Cellular Pathology. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/acp/)

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