Renin-Angiotensin System overactivation in polycystic ovary syndrome, a risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection?

Abu Saleh Md Moin; Thozhukat Sathyapalan; Stephen L Atkin; Alexandra E Butler

doi:10.1016/j.metop.2020.100052

Renin-Angiotensin System overactivation in polycystic ovary syndrome, a risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection?

Metabol Open. 2020 Sep:7:100052. doi: 10.1016/j.metop.2020.100052. Epub 2020 Aug 18.

Authors

Abu Saleh Md Moin¹, Thozhukat Sathyapalan², Stephen L Atkin³, Alexandra E Butler¹

Affiliations

¹ Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
² Academic Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK.
³ Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain.

Abstract

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus gains entry to target cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor present on cells in blood vessels, lungs, heart, intestines, and kidneys. Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) overactivity has also been described in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity, conditions shared by women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) We hypothesized that RAS overactivity may be present in PCOS.

Methods: We determined plasma levels of RAS-related proteins in a cohort of age matched control women (n = 97) and women with PCOS (n = 146). Plasma levels of RAS-related proteins (ACE2, Renin and Angiotensinogen (AGT)) were determined by Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement.

Results: PCOS women had a higher BMI (p < 0.001), systolic (p < 0.0001) and diastolic (p < 0.05) blood pressure, waist circumference (p < 0.0001), testosterone (p < 0.0001), free androgen index (p < 0.0001) and CRP (p < 0.0001). Renin was elevated in PCOS (p < 0.05) and angiotensinogen was lower in PCOS (p < 0.05), indicating overactivity of the RAS system in PCOS. ACE2 levels were lower in PCOS (p < 0.05), suggesting that PCOS women are at risk for development of hypertension.

Conclusion: RAS proteins levels differed between PCOS and control women, suggesting that the insulin resistance inherent in PCOS may predispose these women to more severe COVID-19 infection.

Keywords: ACE2 protein; Angiotensinogen; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Renin.