As the world grapples with a pandemic with various and expanding epicenters, a flurry of medical and scientific activity has gained speed and momentum in a race to halt COVID-19. A controversial topic has been the connection between COVID-19 and the Renin-Angiotensin system (RAS). COVID-19, like Sars before it, enters by way of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is ubiquitously expressed in many tissues in the body serving as the doorway by which the virus can enter and spread causing inflammatory havoc. Demographic evidence coming out of China and other locations make it clear that the elderly and those suffering cardiovascular complications such as hypertension etc are most at risk. The connection to RAS and the demographic nature of the data coming out has led many to advance hypothesis, recommendations and even therapies based on existing RAS inhibitors and other components of the renin-Angiotensin system. It is pertinent to review the literature in the context of our understanding of the renin-angiotesnin system to allow better judgements to be made as well as lines of research initiated advancing a quick resolution to COVID-19. Covid-19 appears invincible as if dipped in the river Styx, but even Achilles had a vulnerable heel. Understanding the homeostatic balance that the coronavirus disrupts, we can discover the arrow in corona’s heel.
The human-COVID-19 Tango: Connecting the Dots