Two important controversial risk factors in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Obesity and smoking |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Toxicology, Hipodrom, Ankara, Turkey;2. Ankara University, Biotechnology Institute, Gumusdere Campus, Kecioren, Ankara, Turkey;3. Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey |
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| Abstract: | The effects of obesity and smoking in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remain controversial. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is the human cell receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19. ACE2 expression increases on lung alveolar epithelial cells and adipose tissue due to obesity, smoking and air pollution. A significant relationship exists between air pollution and SARS-CoV-2 infection, as more severe COVID-19 symptoms occur in smokers; comorbid conditions due to obesity or excess ectopic fat accumulation as underlying risk factors for severe COVID-19 strongly encourage the virus/ACE2 receptor-ligand interaction concept. Indeed, obesity, air pollution and smoking associated risk factors share underlying pathophysiologies that are related to the Renin-Angiotensin-System in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this review is to emphasize the mechanism of receptor-ligand interaction and its impact on the enhanced risk of death due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. |
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| Keywords: | COVID-19 Angiotensin II Smoking Air pollution Obesity Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors |
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