Overview | p53 | p63 | ACE-2 | Prokineticin | Kisspeptin | VEGF | Epigenetics | Neuropathy | Studies
When Covid first struck, the ACE-2 (angiotensin converting enzyme) became hot as it was known that coronaviruses gained entry to cells by fusing with this enzyme. There were concerns for people taking ACE-inhibiting antihypertensives, but this does not appear to be a problem.
We also know that thalidomide and related drugs affect cereblon which has knock-on effects on p63 through which they destabilize ACE-2. Work from Professor Luisa Guerrini’s laboratory in Milan suggests that some SSRIs and isotretinoin have similar effects, and all of these drugs cause birth defects. Is there something about this system that can provide the basis for a switch that can lock certain changes in place?
ACE 1 and 2 are part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system which most people know as a system that controls blood volume and blood pressure. But it does much more than this – there are extensive interactions between ACE and serotonin in the brain in the formation of memories for instance.
The ACE system is also known to have an effect on sexual functioning. Covid infections also have effects on sexual function.
