Publication date: Mar 24, 2025
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with ACE2, a key receptor within the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis, regulating blood pressure, and modulating inflammation. An observational study analyzed the gene expression profiles of RAAS receptors and associated miRNAs in 88 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 20 healthy controls, comparing the acute and post-acute phases to assess their impact on disease severity and recovery. Our findings revealed an association between reduced MAS1 expression in both advanced age (P = 0. 03) and the need for oxygen supplementation (P = 0. 04). Additionally, reduced ACE expression was associated with worse mortality outcomes (P = 0. 01). Notably, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression was significantly decreased (P