High expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE-2), transmembrane protease serine (TMPRSS), and P-selectin in platelets lead to thrombosis formation in COVID-19 patients

• Published in: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences Vol. 28; no. 5; p. 1847
• Main Authors: Waggiallah, H A, Eltayeb, M M, Hjazi, A M, Elmosaad, Y M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; COVID-19 - complications; Cross-Sectional Studies; Endopeptidases; Humans; P-Selectin; Peptide Hydrolases; Serine; Thrombosis
• ISSN: 2284-0729

The purpose of the present study is to see if the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS), and P-selectin in platelets increases the risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the COVID-19 isolation center between January and September 2021 and comprised 61 COVID-19-infected patients, 21 of whom were in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 40 of whom were non-ICU patients (non-ICUP) in the isolation center. The coagulation profile, as well as the ACE-2, TMPRES, and P-selectin receptors, were all assessed in addition to the complete blood count (CBC). A questionnaire was also utilized to collect social and demographic data. All platelet indices and coagulation profiles were significantly altered in COVID-19 ICUP and non-ICUP in this research; additionally, there is a significant association between the presence of ACE-2, P-selectin, and TMPRRS2 in COVID-19 patients with coagulation profile and platelet indices leading to hypercoagulable state. In summary, the interaction of ACE-2, TMPRSS, and P-selectin in platelets appears to be a key element contributing to COVID-19 severity via their impact on thrombus development. Further investigation into these pathways may provide possible treatment targets for reducing the severe consequences of the COVID-19 infection.