Eje Renina Angiotensina, Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 y Coronavirus / Renin Angiotensin Axis, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 and Coronavirus

Resumen: El sistema renina angiotensina aldosterona (SRAA) es el principal regulador del volumen plasmático, manteniendo la homeostasis cardiovascular e hidrosalina. En la vía clásica, la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (ECA) genera Angiotensina II (AngII), de potente efecto inflamatorio y vasoconstrictor. Esta vía clásica es a su vez regulada por la ECA2, que convierte AngII a Ang 1-7, cuyas acciones vaso dilatadoras y antiinflamatorias dan balance a los efectos de AngII. La ECA2 se ha relacionado con la patogenia de infecciones respiratorias como el virus respiratorio sincicial y el síndrome respiratorio agudo grave por coronavirus (SARS-CoV y SARS-CoV-2). Estudios recientes han demostrado que la ECA2 corresponde al principal receptor del SARS-CoV-2, que en conjunto con otros receptores como la serin proteasa TMPRSS2, permiten la fijación, fusión y entrada del virus a la célula huésped. En animales infectados por SARS-CoV se produce una caída de la concentración tisular de ECA2 y Ang 1-7, con la consiguiente sobreexpresión de AngII, y sus efectos vasoconstrictores e inflamatorios. Experimentos con ECA2 recombinante han mostrado un efecto protector frente a la sobreexpresión del SRAA en animales infectados por SARS-CoV, efecto similar al demostrado con el uso de bloquea- dores del receptor de AngII, AT1. La evidencia sobre el rol protector de ECA2 parece respaldar las recomendaciones respecto a no suspender estos medicamentos en la infección SARS-CoV-2. En este artículo presentamos el conocimiento actual sobre el rol del SRAA en la infección por SARS-CoV, a partir de conceptos fisiopatológicos, bases moleculares, y evidencia experimental y clínica.

Abstract: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the main plasma volume regulator, which maintains cardiovascular and hydrosaline homeostasis. In the classical pathway, the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) generates Angiotensin II (AngII), which is powerfully inflammatory and vasoconstrictive. This classical pathway is also regulated by ACE2, which converts AngI to Ang 1-9, and degrades AngII to Ang 1-7, whose vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory functions balance out the effects of AngII. ACE2 has been associated with the pathogenesis of respiratory infections such as RSV and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies have shown that ACE2 corresponds to the main SARS-CoV-2 receptor, which together with other receptors such as the TMPRSS2, allows the virus to attach, fuse, and enter the host cell. These studies have shown that in animals infected with coronavirus there is a drop in tissue concentration of ACE2 and Ang 1-7, leading to overexpression of AngII and its vasoconstrictive and inflammatory effects. Experiments with recombinant ACE2 have shown a protective effect against overexpression of RAAS in coronavirus-infected animals, which is similar to that demonstrated with the use of AnglI receptor blockers (AT1). Evidence on the protective role of ACE2 seems to support the recommendations re garding not discontinuing these drugs in COVID-19 infection. In this article, we present the current knowledge about the role of RAAS in coronavirus infection, based on physiopathological concepts, molecular bases, and experimental and clinical evidence.

Effect of fixed dose combinations of different ?1-blockers with dutasteride on quality of life in patients of lower urinary tract symptoms with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background: Fixed dose combination (FDC’s) of ?1-blockers and 5?-reductase inhibitors have commonly been used in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study compared the effect of FDC’s of tamsulosin, alfuzosin and silodosin with dutasteride on quality of life (QoL) in patients of LUTS with BPH.Methods: Ninety-six male patients aged ?45 years diagnosed with LUTS and BPH were randomized to receive FDC’s of dutasteride with tamsulosin (group 1), alfuzosin (group 2) and silodosin (group 3) over a period of 16 weeks. Quality of life was assessed using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) 8th question, BPH impact index (BII) and modified Patient Perception of Study Medication (PPSM) questionnaire.Results: IPSS 8th question score improved significantly by 61.68%, 57.63% and 63.4% in group 1, 2 and 3 respectively. BPH Impact Index score also improved significantly by 62.95%, 60.13% and 61.82% in group 1, 2 and 3 respectively. All the three treatments were found to be similar in improving the QoL. Majority of patients were satisfied with their treatment and wanted to receive the medication again while a small number of patients were neutral with the study medication. None of the subjects was dissatisfied with any of the treatment.Conclusions: All the FDC’s improved QoL and were found to be satisfactory as per patient perception of study medications.

A study on management of hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in tertiary care teaching rural hospital

Background: This study was aimed to analyze the drug utilization pattern in the management of hypertension in diabetic patients.Methods: A prospective, observational and non interventional study was conducted in 100 diabetic hypertensive patients admitted in medicine wards at Dhiraj Hospital. Patients who signed informed consent form were only included in the study. All the data were recorded from patients’ case files and analyzed.Results: Of enrolled 100 patients, 69 (69%) were male and 31 (31%) were female and maximum number of the patients (42%) were found in the age group of 51-60 years. Out of 100 admitted patients, 75% patients were treated with single antihypertensive agent, 20% were treated with combination of two antihypertensive agents while only 5% were administered more than two antihypertensive agents. As a single antihypertensive agent, most commonly prescribed was ACE inhibitors (32%), Calcium Channel Blockers (23%), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (12%) and ?1 blockers (8%).Conclusions: There was poor awareness among the patients regarding control of hypertension, regular follow up, medication adherence etc. However, two third of diabetic patients had achieved blood pressure target control and ACE inhibitor remained first choice of drug for hypertension in diabetes in this study.

Clinical study on intraoperative floppy iris syndrome / 眼科新进展

In recent years,there are many studies have reported that a small pupil syndrome appeared during routine phacoemulsification in patients with current or previous use of alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists,with these clinical manifestations:an iris that appears floppy as it billows during normal irrigation and aspiration in the anterior chamber,a tendency for the iris to prolapse and progressive intraoperative miosis during surgery,which called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome This article mainly reviews the mobidity,pathogenesis,clinical features,complications,prophylaxis and treatment of the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

Beneficial Effect of Increasing the Dose of Tamsulosinto 0.4 mg in Japanese Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / Journal of Rural Medicine

<b>Objective:</b> Tamsulosin is often administered at a dose of 0.2 mg in Japan, Korea, and elsewhere in Asia, while a dose of 0.4 mg is more common in the West. In order to determine the higher dose might also be appropriate in the North-East Asian setting, we studied whether the effect of increasing the dose to 0.4 mg in Japanese patients who had dysuria associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.<b>Patients and Methods:</b> Twenty-two cases with a voiding volume ≥ 100 ml assessed by uroflowmetry out of 31 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and an IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) ≥ 8 whose symptoms were controlled with 0.2 mg of tamsulosin were entered into this study. We evaluated IPSS and QOL (quality of life) score, urinary flow parameters and residual urine volume before and 4 weeks after increasing the dose of tamsulosin.<b>Results:</b> Statistical analyses performed using the Wilcoxon test showed no significant alteration in IPSS total score or QOL score with the increased dose, but Qmax (maximum urinary flow rate) improved from 10.1 ± 5.5 ml/s to 12.1 ± 6.5 ml/s (p = 0.013), and residual urine volume improved from 37.6 ± 26.4 ml to 22.2 ± 24.3 ml (p = 0.012). Two of the 31 patients complained of new symptoms; 1 complained of breast pain and the other complained of dizziness.<b>Conclusions:</b> From the lack of side effects of more than moderate grade in the present study, increasing the dose of tamsulosin might be recommended before switching patients to other drugs.

The Effect of Alpha1-blockers according to Histological Compositions in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) describes a hyperplastic process of the stromal and epithelial elements of the prostate. The proliferative rates of each compartment in BPH may vary individually and the prostate is topographically not affected in a uniform way. The proposed mechanism of alphas-blockers in the treatment of BPH is the decrease of prostatic urethral resistance by relaxing the prostatic smooth muscle component present in the stroma. The purpose of this study is to search the effect of alphas-blockers according to histologic compositions in patients with BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1994 to June 1997, 74 patients were treated with alpha1-blockers(> or =1month) before prostatectomy. Of 74 patients, the international prostate symptom score(IPSS) was used in 62 patients to evaluate the severity of voiding difficulties. The clinical response to alpha1-blockers was based upon change in IPSS during medication period. According to histological compositions of prostatectomy specimen, the patients were classified into three groups: predominantly stromal type(20 patients), predominantly glandular type(21 patients) and mixed type(21 patients). RESULTS: There were 17 patients In response group and 45 patients in nonresponse group. The stromal type, glandular type and mixed type were composed of 52.9%, 17.7% and 29.4% respectively in response group and 24.4%, 40.1% and 35.5% respectively in nonresponse group. There was not statistical significant differences between clinical response of the alpha1-blockers and histologic compositions in patients with BPH(p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although stromal type was predominant in response group and glandular type was predominant in nonresponse group, the relationship between the effects of alpha1-blockers and histologic compositions in patients with BPH was not statistically significant. Further evaluation will be necessary to assess the association between effects of alpha1-blockers and histologic difference of prostate in patients with BPH.