Dual role for angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infection and cardiac fat

Flinn, Brendin; Royce, Nicholas; Gress, Todd; Chowdhury, Nepal; Santanam, Nalini

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been an increasingly prevalent target for investigation since its discovery 20 years ago. The finding that it serves a counterregulatory function within the traditional renin–angiotensin system, implicating it in cardiometabolic health, has increased its clinical relevance. Focus on ACE2's role in cardiometabolic health has largely centered on its apparent functions in the context of obesity. Interest in ACE2 has become even greater with the discovery that it serves as the cell receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), opening up numerous mechanisms for deleterious effects of infection. The proliferation of ACE2 within the literature coupled with its dual role in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and obesity necessitates review of the current understanding of ACE2's physiological, pathophysiological, and potential therapeutic functions. This review highlights the roles of ACE2 in cardiac dysfunction and obesity, with focus on epicardial adipose tissue, to reconcile the data in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.