Coronavirus' Binding Action May Also Cause Kidney Damage and Infertility; Researchers Consider Potential Treatment Paths

Article title: COVID-19 infection and mortality - A physiologist's perspective enlightening clinical features and plausible interventional strategies

Authors: Zaid A. Abassi, Karl Skorecki, Samuel Noam Heyman, Safa Kinaneh, Zaher Armaly

From the authors: "Cleavage of the S-glycoprotein by furin and its binding to ACE2-expressing cells in the lung, kidney, heart, intestine and testis are key steps in the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Upregulation of ACE2 and furin in cardiovascular and metabolic disease states, especially in the presence of ACE-i/ARBS/MR blockers or NSAIDs may sensitize these patients to the deleterious impact of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, it is appealing to assume that inhibition of furin, essential for viral intracellular translocation, or blocking the viral anchoring capability of ACE2, might be potential treatment options in combating this new formidable threat to the health and well-being of the human civilization."