Renin–Angiotensin System Implications to COVID-19 Comorbidities

The role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and its pharmacological modulators in the susceptibility and outcomes of SARS CoV-2 pandemic (COVID-19) has been much discussed recently. Angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2) has attracted much attention and debate in relevance to COVID-19. It not only acts as the receptor to which the SARS CoV-2 virus binds to be introduced into cells but also balances the effects of angiotensin II offering anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic protective actions to different organs. This mini-review aims to shed some light on the possible involvement of ACE2 and RAS alternate pathways in the comorbidities and clinical findings observed in COVID-19 patients.