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Increased expression of angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2), TMPRSS2 and furin in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) patients' lung tissue: Implications for COVID -19
Respirology ; 26(SUPPL 3):65-66, 2021.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1583446
ABSTRACT
Background and

Aims:

Patients with chronic lung disease are highly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leading to COVID-19. ACE2 is the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2 attachment. Our previous study reported higher ACE2 levels in smokers and COPD patients. Current study investigates if patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) such as IPF and LAM have elevated levels of ACE2, transmembrane peptidase serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and Furin, increasing their risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:

Surgically resected lung tissue from IPF, LAM patients and normal controls (NC) was immunostained for ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Furin. Percentage ACE2 expression was measured in small airway (SA) epithelium and alveolar areas. Analysis was done using computer-assisted Image- ProPlus 7.0 software.

Results:

Compared to NC, the percentage ACE2 expression significantly increased in the SA epithelium of IPF (p<0.01), LAM (p<0.001) and in alveolar areas of IPF (p<0.001), LAM (p<0.001). We also observed elevated TMPRSS2 and Furin expression in the same lung tissue areas of IPF and LAM against NC. There was significant positive correlation between smoking history and ACE2 expression in the IPF for SA epithelium (r=0.81, p<0.05) and alveolar areas (r=0.94, p<0.01).

Conclusions:

This study has investigated the ACE2, TMPRSS2, and Furin in resected lung tissue of IPF and LAM, which suggests that people with ILDs are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. To further understand and provide potential therapeutic targets for ILDs, we need to explore other cell types such as type II pneumocytes, alveolar macrophages and endothelial cells.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Respirology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Respirology Year: 2021 Document Type: Article