The renin–angiotensin system in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) counterbalances with ACE and functions as a negative regulator of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). The importance of RAS in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has recently re-emerged owing to the identification of ACE2 as a receptor for the SARS-coronavirus. Recent studies have demonstrated that ACE2 protects mice from acute lung injury as well as SARS-mediated lung injury. We review the role of the RAS, in particular ACE2, in the pathogenesis of ARDS.

Section editors:Terry Delovitch – The John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, Ont., CanadaDavid Scott – University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA