Low Ang-(1-7) and high des-Arg9 bradykinin serum levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with COVID-19.

It is predictable that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and kinin-kallikrein systems are dysregulated in COVID-19 (COV) patients because SARS-CoV-2 requires ACE2 to cause an infection. This study aimed to assess the serum levels of des-arg(9)-bradykinin (DABK) and angiotensin 1-7 (ang-(1-7)) in patients with COV who had the above-mentioned cardiovascular disease risk factors. In a cross-sectional study, 69 COV patients were selected among patients referred to the main referral center for these patients, in Kerman, Iran, and 73 matched control (non-COV) individuals among individuals who participated in the KERCARD cohort study. Serum levels of DABK and ang-(1-7) were measured by ELISA in the groups of CTL (healthy), HTN, DM, OB, COV, COV + HTN, COV + DM, and COV + OB. Ang-(1-7) levels were lower in the COV + HTN group compared to the HTN group. DABK levels were higher in the COV, HTN, and OB groups and in DM + COV subjects compared to their corresponding control group. The levels of ang-(1-7) and DABK were related to HTN and OB, respectively. According to the findings, we can infer that an increase in DABK production in those with the cardiovascular disease risk factors of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension or a decrease in ang-(1-7) in those with hypertension may contribute to the adverse outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Changes in serum levels of apelin and nitric oxide in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: association with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and severity of disease.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an infectious disease currently spreading worldwide. The COVID-19 virus requires angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, an enzyme that plays a vital role in regulating the apelinergic system for entry into target cells. The underlying diseases of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of apelin and nitric oxide in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 subjects with and without the mentioned risk factors. METHODS: Serum samples were taken from 69 COVID-19 patients and 71-matched non-COVID-19 participants enrolled in the Kerman coronary artery disease risk factors cohort study. Study participants were divided into eight groups of control (healthy), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, COVID-19, COVID-19 + hypertension, COVID-19 + diabetes mellitus, and COVID-19 + obesity (n = 15-20 in each group). Serum apelin and nitrite were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric methods, respectively. RESULTS: Hypertensive and obese patients had lower serum apelin compared to the control group. In addition, apelin content was lower in the COVID-19 and COVID-19 + diabetes mellitus groups compared to the non-COVID-19 counterpart groups. Serum apelin levels were positively associated with arterial O2sat. and negatively with the severity of lung involvement. Nitric oxide metabolites were significantly lower in the COVID-19, COVID-19 + diabetes mellitus, and COVID-19 + obesity groups. CONCLUSIONS: The lower apelin and nitric oxide levels in patients with hypertension and obesity or their reduction due to infection with COVID-19 or concomitant COVID-19 + diabetes mellitus may make them vulnerable to experiencing severe diseases.

Effect of Aerobic Exercises on Serum Levels of Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B, and Their Ratio in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is one of the most common disorders associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are few studies on the effects of physical exercises, especially aerobic exercises, on serum levels of apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in patients with COPD. The current study aimed at determining the effect of aerobic exercises on serum levels of apolipoprotein A1 and B and apo-A1/apo-B ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the current randomized, controlled, clinical trial, with a pretest posttest control group design, 22 males with COPD were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise and control groups. The aerobic exercise program was performed within two months based on three 30-40-minute sessions per week. Serum levels were measured and evaluated before and after aerobic exercises. Data were analyzed using the paired samples t test. RESULTS: In the aerobic exercise group, the mean of Apo A1 and Apo B after the intervention (169.36±5.42 and 93.63±5.24 mg/dL, respectively) was significantly higher than that of before the intervention (146±6.09 and 83.27±4.44 mg/dL, respectively) (P-value=0.001). However, apoA1/Apo B ratio did not significantly change after the intervention compared with that of before the intervention (1.85±0.10 vs. 1.80±0.13) (P >0.05). There was no significant change in the mean Apo A1 and Apo B levels and Apo A1/Apo B ratio after the intervention in the control group. CONCLUSION: Regular aerobic physical exercises are effective in increasing the serum level of Apo A1 in patients with COPD. Due to the proven protective role of Apo A1 in patients with COPD, this biomarker can improve respiratory efficacy in such patients.