Hi Peter,

Human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein is the cellular receptor for both SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). A team of scientists from China has actually reported that the cryo-EM structure of the full-length human ACE2 protein is the point of entry for the SARS-CoV-2 virus into human cells. This finding is published in Science in a paper titled, “Structural basis for the recognition of the SARS-CoV-2 by full-length human ACE2.”

Last month (Feb 2020), researchers also provided biophysical and structural evidence that the 2019-nCoV S protein binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with higher affinity than does severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV S. Link to the study: Article Cryo-EM structure of the 2019-nCoV spike in the prefusion conformation

I am not quite sure if ACE2 activity is related with high blood pressure as you stated in your discussion. To my knowledge ACE2 actually plays a crucial role in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) because it opposes the actions of Ang II. Therefore, it can have a beneficial role in many diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease where its expression is decreased. In fact, many treatment strategies for ACE2 involve augmenting its expression using ACE2 adenoviruses, recombinant ACE2 or compounds in these diseases thereby affording some organ protection.

Preprint Coronavirus uses as binding site in humans angiotensin-conve...

Fluoride increases expression of ACE2 according to Vickers et al 2002. It also decreases humoral and splenic immunity. So I am interested in Fluoride levels in Wuhan which is heavily polluted by Fluoride in water, air and vegetables. Italy has high groundwater Fluoride in a number of provinces. Switzerland Fluoridates its salt. The Irish and English are famous for high Tea consumption. Will the virus take a high toll as it spreads in places like India and the East African rift valley?

The problem with ACE2 is a gene on the X chromosome So has the mosaic form of females, with the so called inactivated X in the Barr body is not suited to classical GWAS. That is the classical problem with genes on the Xchromosone. Yet with ACE2 the problems are compounded by the fact ACE2 expression in various tissue is very different in males and females. And is subject to close association with sexual maturity, and the AR gene, also on X chromosome, and subject to x inactivation and CAT repeats. Finally in females the stem cells of tissue rejuvenate some tissue with a balance in the X chromosome population, while other tissues can skew in ageing, like the brain. So the more vital x chromosome cell, are healthier and dominate this type of tissue. In summary the genetics of ACE2 are complex in males, and horrible in females.

Peter Griepink,

Rodolfo Vega Candelario

"March 16, 2020, "Now it is a matter of preventing and avoiding death. Then, we will devote ourselves to studying the issue you raise. Kindly excuse me for now. Most respectfully, Rodolfo.

📷Rodolfo Vega Candelario. added a reply on March 16, 2020

"Ahora es prevenir y evitar muertes. Luego se estudiara. Perdón. Respetuosamente. Rodolfo"

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• Best regards and best wishes to all.
• Nancy Ann Watanabe, Ph.D.

Concerning the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) function, if CVD patients are not receptive to other treatment then NO is used. In ICU cases NO is used to ease breathing.

Peter Griepink indeed, Peter, you are right. Also read my paper:

Article A SARS-like Coronavirus was Expected, but nothing was done t...