Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2 receptor) is a protein on the surface of various cell types and has acquired great interest in the fight in finding treatments for Covid 19. Sars Covid 2 binds to ACE2 and is thought to be the initial receptor. Because it is found in the epithelium in the nose, mouth and lungs, Sars Covid 2 has easy access to the receptor (highly contagious). Also importantly ACE 2 modulates a protein called angiotensin II (Ang II). If ACE2 is impeded in this task it causes inflammation and death of cells in the lungs (less transfer of oxygen to the bloodstream/body). The more compromised ACE2 is the more damage to the tissue by Ang II.
ACE2 can also be found in the lungs; kidneys; liver, heart, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract.
theconversation.com>what-is-the-a What is the ACE2 receptor, how is it connected to corona virus and why might it be key to treating Covid 19? The experts explain – The Conversation.
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-TMPRSS2.aspx Trans membrane serine protease 2 (TMPR552) is also thought to play a big role in the contraction of Covid 19 as do the ACE2 receptors. That is the entry into epithelial cells. TMPR552 activates; or primes the spike protein domain (helps enter the host cell).
Thoughts:
Somatostatin and its analogues also have powerful anti-inflammatory qualities. There is a wide distribution of somatostatin and its specific five receptors sub types in immune cell lines as well as throughout lymphoid organs and pathological conditions. Somatostatin is found in both mind and body. It has a close relationship with microglia in the brain, which produces a potent inflammatory response when needed. Microglia is inhibited by somatostatin at pivotal moments in an immune response; microglia also removes cellular debris and dead neurons.
Somatostatin significantly blocks the aldosterone response to Ang II but not to ACTH serotonin or potassium. The inhibitory effect of somatostatin on aldosterone production is not AMP dependent since ACTH maintains its stimulatory capacity. Somatostatin inhibitory effect could be mediated by the second messenger system, rather than the interaction with Ang II receptors.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6125538/ Inhibitory effect of somatostatin on the aldosterone response to angiotensin II;
Somatostatin receptor distribution and function in immune system – Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.mih.gov
Text Book of Medical Physiology 7th Edition 1986, Arthur C Guyton MD
Blood Pressure & Somatostatin
This means that blood pressure can be controlled with this mechanism in place by somatostatin protecting the heart and lessening the chances of a stroke. Meanwhile cortisol levels can be elevated appropriately (a major anti-inflammatory) and a controller of the lysosmes. If the lysosomes are overactive or underactive this can cause problems as they work on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Good levels of potassium helps regulate, fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle contractions. Lastly serotonin helps with mood.
Estrogen – a Factor
Covid 19 is more severe in men and post-menopausal women. Estrogen is a factor because it modulates the somatostatin receptors. This cannot be understated in its importance. The talk between estrogen and somatostatin needs further investigation.
Covid & Young Children
Young children are another group that is less likely to get severe symptoms, if any, of Covid 19. It does not apply to every child but in general hospitalizations are on the lower end of the scale. This is because somatostatin inhibits growth hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone at the pituitary gland. It also inhibits insulin and glucagon in the pancreas. Cholecystokinin must also be factored in this. These hormones are more active in the growing child and somatostatin is consistently needed to keep these hormones in check (inhibitory) with cellular development.
Covid & Renal Function
Because somatostatin can directly modulate renal cell function the kidney houses all five of the functional somatostatin receptors. This is interesting because Ang I (the precursor to Ang II/ and also being broken up by renin an enzyme produced in the kidney from the protein angiotensinogen) passes in the bloodstream through the lungs and kidneys and is further metabolized to produce Ang II by the action of ACE.
Angiotensin/You and Your Hormones from the Society for Endocrinology-Pituitary Gland
The renin-angiotensin system is also activated by other hormones:
- Corticosteroids
- Estrogen
- Thyroid – (all linked to somatostatin)
Another interesting study suggests that angiotensin may modulate pancreatic hormone release via regulation of somatostatin secretion. http://www.researchgate.net>publication ; Immunohistochemical co-localisation of type II angiotensin receptors with somatostatin in rat pancreas – ResearchGate
Covid & Liver Function
Somatostatin and its analogues bind to somatostatin receptors and play a protective role in liver cirrhosis.
Covid & Lung Function
Introduced synthetic somatostatin receptor sub type 4 in the lungs inhibits inflammation and related bronchial hyper-reactivity.
Covid & Olfactory Structures
Somatostatin and somatostatin receptors are present in all olfactory structures. Somatostatin also has been found to alter taste buds of tongue in rats.
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