Title:Reduction of ACE2 Serum Concentrations by Telbivudine in
Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Volume: 23
Issue: 5
Author(s): Ya-Hui Huang*, Chau-Ting Yeh*, Chao-Wei Hsu and Yang-Hsiang Lin
Affiliation:
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Keywords:
Coronavirus disease 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, angiotensin-converting enzyme, telbivudine, hepatitis B virus, serum, SARS-CoV-2, ACE2.
Abstract:
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has wreaked havoc worldwide since December
2019. Currently, no effective medical treatments have been approved. As the epidemic
continues to spread, SARS-CoV-2 mutants emerge, some of which become more
infectious with increasing vaccine resistance. The main route for SARS-CoV-2 to enter
the host cells is by binding its spike protein to the host receptor, angiotensin-converting
enzyme 2 (ACE2). Besides the membrane-bound form of ACE2, the soluble form of
ACE2 (sACE2) can also bind SARS-CoV-2 for viral endocytosis.
Objective: Previously, we found that telbivudine reduced the concentrations of ACE1 in
blood. Therefore, we speculated that this drug might also reduce the concentrations of
sACE2.
Methods: In this retrospective study, serum samples from 39 hepatitis B patients
receiving telbivudine were collected and examined for sACE2 concentrations using an
ELISA kit..
Results: It was found that the serum concentrations of sACE2 were significantly
declined in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with telbivudine.
Conclusion: Telbivudine treatment reduced sACE2 concentrations, which could
potentially reduce the infection risk of SARS-CoV-2.