The possible management of hypertensive patients infected with COVID-19 through the use of Aliskiren

In late 2019, a novel corona virus (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei province of China. COVID-19 rapidly spread and led to an outbreak in China and then became a global health emergency. Human pathogenic coronavirus bind to their target cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The expression of ACE2 is substantially increased in hypertension patients and with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Hypertension is also treated with ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which results in an upregulation of ACE2.We therefore hypothesis that hypertension and diabetes treatment with ACE2-stimulating drugs increases the risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19. Therefore, we propose for COVID-19 patients to prevent ANG I and II formation by direct blockade of renin with the specific inhibitor called Aliskiren. The aliskiren acts as a renin inhibitor, which blocks the conversion of angiotensinogen to ANG I. Hence, blood pressure is reduce by decreasing the amount of ANG II to reach the AT1 receptor, thereby causing a decrease ACE2 released. Through the respective review, we hope to contribute to the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19, especially hypertensive patients.