Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)

Abstract

Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was isolated as a 'hypertensinconverting enzyme'. There have been considerable advances in understanding the metabolic role of ACE in the body. This review attempts to highlight the role of ACE enzyme in the physiological and pathological processes occurring in the organs in which it is localized.

Methods: The literature was searched from the websites of the National Library of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Pub Med Central, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's digital archive of life sciences journal literature.

Results: The involvement of ACE in regulation of blood pressure forms its central action but it has a role to play in a variety of physiological processes occurring in the organs in which it is localized like the lungs, macrophages, brain, pancreas, liver etc. It has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including COVID-19.

Conclusions: More studies need to be carried out in order to validate the use of ACE levels in the diagnosis and monitoring of the diseases associated, and facilitate the use of ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in the management of the same, so this wonder molecule can be utilized to its full potential.

Keywords: ACE; Alzheimer’s Disease; COVID-19; Gaucher’s Disease; Outside-in signalling; Polymorphisms.