Decreased Plasma Levels of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Among Patients With Bipolar Disorder

Abstract

BackgroundDysfunctions in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of several mental illness, including schizophrenia and mood disorders. We carried out a cross-sectional study assessing the levels of RAS-related molecules among bipolar disorder (BD) patients compared to healthy controls.Methodsour sample consisted of 30 outpatients with BD type 1 (10 males, 20 females, age = 35.53 ± 10.59 years, 14 euthymic, 16 experiencing mood episodes) and 30 healthy controls (10 males, 20 females, age = 34.83 ± 11.49 years). Plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin-II (Ang II), and angiotensin (1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] were determined by ELISA.ResultsBD patients experiencing ongoing mood episodes had significantly lower ACE levels compared to controls (median: 459.00 vs. 514.10, p < 0.05). There was no association between the levels of these biomarkers and clinical parameters.ConclusionOur findings support the involvement of RAS dysfunction in the pathophysiology of BD. Considering the potential therapeutic implications linked to a better understanding of the role of RAS dysfunction in BD, studies allowing a better characterization of RAS-related molecules level and activity across different mood states are of high interest.

Decrease in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme activity but not concentration in plasma/lungs in COVID-19 patients offers clues for diagnosis/treatment

“…Published literature on ACE2 concentration is unclear because of interchangeable use of ACE2 concentration and activity. The concentration of ACE2 in plasma ranges from about 16 pg/mL 27 to near 15 ng/mL 28 without purification in healthy individuals, indicating the lack of a validated and standardized sACE2 quantification method. However, it is substantially increased in heart failure, hypertension, valvular heart disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other pathological conditions.…”