Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Expression in Ovariectomized Rat Kidney: Effects of Ethanol and Estradiol

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted discussion and research on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) signaling. ACE2 promotes lowering blood pressure by catalyzing angiotensin II (Ang II) metabolism into angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7). ACE2 is utilized as a membrane receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19. Therefore, the number of ACE2 molecules within the kidney will likely influence the severity of symptoms caused by COVID-19. Estradiol (E2), the form of estrogen produced by the ovaries, and ethanol (EtOH) have been proven to separately affect the expression of ACE2 within the kidneys of female rats. This research aimed to study the effect of EtOH, E2, and their combination on ACE2 expression in rat kidney in the absence of E2 in ovariectomized (OVX) female and male as well as OVX rats supplemented with E2 (OVXE2) using the Western blot technique. EtOH significantly increased renal ACE2 expression in OVX and male rats. By contrast, E2 reduced renal ACE expression and prevented the increase caused by EtOH in ACE2 expression in OVXE2. By researching E2 and EtOH effects on ACE2 expression, scientists can further discern how COVID-19 treatment can be tailored for alcohol-consuming females.