Biologia Futura: is ADAM 17 the reason for COVID-19 susceptibility in hyperglycemic and diabetic patients?

Stepanova, Ganna

COVID-19 is a disease-causing current pandemic. It prevails in patients with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Renin–angiotensin system was identified as a center of COVID-19 pathophysiology. There is a current controversy concerning the usage of ACE inhibitors and AR blockers in patients with COVID-19. Multiple clinical trials are on the way to determine the effect of RAS blockers in patients with COVID-19. ACE2 receptor is thought to be the point of entry utilized by a coronavirus. However, other factors have been identified which potentially facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cell. ADAM17 could facilitate viral entry in hyperglycemic and diabetic patients. Insulin is an ADAM17 inhibitor. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 level is reduced in diabetic patients, contributing to the worst outcome for patients with poor glycemic control. The combined therapy of glycemic control and antioxidant response to oxidative stress could be explored in patients with COVID-19.