Effect of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exposure on ACE2 and interleukin 6 productions in human adipocytes: An in-vitro study.

Since adipocytes play a crucial role in pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to their interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), obesity is associated with an increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality. Discovery of ACE2 as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor raises a controversy about whether to use ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) could be an optional therapy to prevent cytokine storms. Studies assessing the expressions of ACE2 and IL-6 upon exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is therefore important as a basis for therapeutical trials in the future.