J Med Virol. 2021 May 14. doi: 10.1002/jmv.27075. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, disproportionally targets older people, particularly men, ethnic minorities and individuals with underlying diseases such as compromised immune system, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The discrepancy in COVID-19 incidence and severity is multifaceted and likely involves biological, social, as well as nutritional status. Vitamin D deficiency, notably common in Black and Brown people and elderly, is associated with an increased susceptibility to many of the diseases comorbid with COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency can cause over-activation of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system (RAS) leading to respiratory syndrome. RAS is regulated in part at least by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which also acts as a primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cells. Hence, vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate COVID-19, via its effects on ACE2. In this review we focus on influence of age, gender and ethnicity on vitamin D-ACE2 interaction and susceptibility to COVID-19. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
PMID:33990955 | DOI:10.1002/jmv.27075