Using genetics to understand the role of antihypertensive drugs modulating angiotensin-converting enzyme in immune function and inflammation.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) is the binding domain for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARSCoV-2. Some antihypertensive drugs affect ACE2 expression or activity (ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers [ARBs]), suggesting use of other hypertensives might be preferable, such as calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Given the limited evidence, the International Society of Hypertension does not support such a policy.

Methods

We used a Mendelian randomization study to obtain unconfounded associations of antihypertensives, instrumented by published genetic variants in genes regulating target proteins of these drugs, with immune (lymphocyte and neutrophil percentage) and inflammatory (tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]) markers

SUBMITTER: Zhao JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7675404 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature