Review on the Ang-1-7/ACE2 receptor/ACE2 system

Posted May 22, 2021

The INCT Hormona group, from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), conducted a general review with a survey of the main studies that establish the presence and function of angiotensin-(1-7) in female and male reproductive systems conducted over the last two decades.

The study was developed by the PhD professors Fernando Reis and Adelina Reis, upon invitation of the English scientific journal Clinical Science, which published a special issue to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 (ACE2). The issue was entitled “ACE2, a multifunctional protein – from cardiovascular regulation to Covid-19.”

According to Dr. Adelina Reis, Ang-(1-7) is a peptide produced in several organs and tissues that counterbalances the hypertensive action of angiotensin II, thus contributing to blood pressure regulation. “The studies developed by the group were the first to demonstrate the presence and function of Ang-(1-7), its receptor (Mas), and enzymes involved in its production (especially ACE2) also in reproductive organs (ovaries, testicles, uterus),” she explains.

“An essential enzyme for the production of Ang-(1-7) from angiotensin II is ACE2, which was identified as the receptor that acts as a mediator to entry of the SARS-COV-2 virus into human cells,” the specialist explained. “Therefore, the recent Covid-19 epidemics has draws much attention to the studies developed by the group,” she comments.

The general review emphasized the data obtained by the work group and concluded that preclinical evidence encourages the pursuit of agonist-based treatments for female and male reproductive dysfunctions, but starting with its natural ligand Ang-(1-7).

The article can be accessed at the following link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33196086/