Perindopril decreases angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in human adipocytes exposed to SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein.

The expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the adipose tissues of obese patients needs further study, as it may aid infection and serve as a viral reservoir. There has been controversy over whether to use ACE inhibitors to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Perindopril, an ACE2 inhibitor, has been proposed; however, its relationship with COVID-19 has not yet been clear.

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.

Fibronectin enhances attachment of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into polytetrafluoroethylene patch during surgical closure of the atrial and ventricular septal defect.

Background: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch is commonly used during surgical closure for atrial septal defect (ASD) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). However, this patch has several limitations such as its inability to grow or remodel, especially in children and young adults. To tackle these limitations, we have tried to use fibronectin and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) in the PTFE patch.

Perindopril and losartan attenuate pro-coagulation factors in human adipocytes exposed to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

Thrombotic events are highly prevalent in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in patients presenting with risk factors of adverse outcomes such as obesity. Recently, the associations between the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) pathway and thrombosis have been reported. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used cardiovascular pharmacologic agents that upregulate ACE2 levels.