Table 2

Summary of studies characteristics with human models

Drug classSample size, median (range)Exposure to treatment, mean (SD)Effect on ACE2 expression, levels or activity (number of studies)Model testedSite of ACE2 receptorsCondition of subject
Angiotensin receptor blockers46.5 (8–80)15 weeks (6)Increase (n=2)
Decrease (n=1)
No effect (n=1)
In vivo (n=3) In vitro (n=1)Urinary (n=1)
Serum (n=1)
Renal (n=1)
Not stated (n=1)
Diabetes (n=1)
Hypertension (n=1)
Hypertension+diabetes (n=1)
Diabetic+chronic kidney disease (n=1)
ACE inhibitors228 (80–375)12 weeks (N/A)Increase (n=1)
Decrease (n=1)
In vitro (n=2)Renal (n=1)
Unclear (n=1)
Diabetic+chronic kidney disease (n=1)
Unclear (n=1)
Calcium channel blockersN/AUnclearIncrease ACE2 in the membrane surface (decreased in the cytosol) (n=1)In vitro (n=1)CardiacHealthy cells
Oestrogen36 (N/A)1 day (N/A)Increase (n=2)
No effect (n=1)
In vitro (n=3)Cardiac (n=1)
Umbilical (n=1)
Not stated (n=1)
Heart problems (n=1)
Healthy (n=1)
Not stated (n=1)
ThiazolidinedioneNot stated1 dayIncrease (n=1)In vitro (n=1)Cerebral (n=1)Not stated