Author: Aldiyarbek Nurlan
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
The heart is known to be the target organ of the coronavirus. It is also not uncommon that estrogen reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. As a consequence, the statistically significant differences in the course and outcome of Covid-19 between men and women were explained by hormonal differences between the sexes.
The authors of this work stated that in the above problem, not only estrogen is important, but also angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is attached to cell membranes in the heart, arteries, kidneys and intestines, and, in addition, is a cellular receptor for COVID -19, therefore, promotes the penetration of the virus into the cells of these organ systems. According to the researchers, the more severe course of coronavirus infection is directly affected by the amount of ACE2 released in target organs, which is higher in men.
The researchers hope that their review of the role of estrogen hormones in the expression and regulation of ACE2 can explain gender differences in COVID-19 infection and its outcomes, as well as guide current treatment and the development of new treatments.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200827154957.htm
