A Correlation among the COVID-19 Spread, Particulate Matters, and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2: A Review

Abstract

Air pollution (AP) is one of the leading causes of health risks because it causes widespread morbidity and mortality every year. Its impact on the environment includes acid rain and decreased visibility, but more importantly, it also has an impact on human health. The rise of COVID-19 demonstrates the cost of failing to manage AP. COVID-19 can be spread through the air, and atmospheric particulate matters (PMs) can create a good atmosphere for the long-distance spread of the virus. Moreover, these PMs can cause lung cell inflammation, thereby increasing sensitivity and the severity of symptoms in COVID-19 patients. In this study, we emphasized the potential role of PMs in the spread of COVID-19. The relationship among COVID-19, PMs, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) (receptor involved in virus entry into lung cells and inflammation) was also summarized.

Positive association between outdoor air pollution and the incidence and severity of COVID-19. A review of the recent scientific evidences

“… Shao et al (2021) To review the role of PMs in the spread of COVID-19, as well as the relationship among COVID-19, PMs, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) **There is scientific evidence on the correlation between PM levels and the spread of SARS-CoV-2. **ACE2 plays a very significant role in COVID-19 Khan et al (2021) Influence of air pollution and climate indicators on COVID-19. **Air pollution and meteorological parameters have critical effects on the rate of propagation and severity of COVID-19 cases.…”

The association of airborne particulate matter and benzo[a]pyrene with the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized in Poland

“…Whether factors related to environmental quality can affect the severity of COVID-19 is subject to various studies. Some investigations indicate that air particulates with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm may act as SARS-CoV-2 carriers and support its spread ( Borisova and Komisarenko, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ; Nor et al, 2021 ). Moreover, the number of hospitalized and fatal patients tends to be increased in regions and periods characterized by air pollution ( Bowe et al, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ; Kogevinas et al, 2021 ; Martinez-Boubeta and Simeonidis, 2022 ; Paital and Agrawal, 2020 ).…”

“…Some investigations indicate that air particulates with a diameter of ≤2.5 μm may act as SARS-CoV-2 carriers and support its spread ( Borisova and Komisarenko, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ; Nor et al, 2021 ). Moreover, the number of hospitalized and fatal patients tends to be increased in regions and periods characterized by air pollution ( Bowe et al, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ; Kogevinas et al, 2021 ; Martinez-Boubeta and Simeonidis, 2022 ; Paital and Agrawal, 2020 ). Importantly, inhalation of airborne particulate matter was shown experimentally to increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in respiratory epithelial cells ( Khan et al, 2021 ; Lin et al, 2018 ; Paital and Agrawal, 2020 ).…”

“…Moreover, the number of hospitalized and fatal patients tends to be increased in regions and periods characterized by air pollution ( Bowe et al, 2021 ; Khan et al, 2021 ; Kogevinas et al, 2021 ; Martinez-Boubeta and Simeonidis, 2022 ; Paital and Agrawal, 2020 ). Importantly, inhalation of airborne particulate matter was shown experimentally to increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in respiratory epithelial cells ( Khan et al, 2021 ; Lin et al, 2018 ; Paital and Agrawal, 2020 ). As postulated, ACE2 may partially alleviate the adverse consequences of such exposure ( Lin et al, 2018 ).…”

COVID-19 and Air Pollution: A Spatial Analysis of Particulate Matter Concentration and Pandemic-Associated Mortality in the US

“…As explained in the article, the inhalation of large quantities of particulate matter causes inflammation in the lungs. This immune response stimulates several immune pathways, including the overexpression of ACE-2 receptors [ 17 ].…”