Abstract: TH-PO0339
After Severe COVID-19 Infection Patients Show Normalization of ACE2 Activity and Gas6 Levels
Session Information
- Hypertension and CVD: Clinical - 1
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Hypertension and CVD
- 1602 Hypertension and CVD: Clinical
Authors
- Martínez Díaz, Irene, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Nunez-Delgado, Sara, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Ortiz Pérez, José Tomás, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- García de Frutos, Pablo, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques de Barcelona, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Vilardell, Jordi, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Llorens Cebrià, Carmen, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Morales, Albert, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques de Barcelona, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Jacobs Cachá, Conxita, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, CT, Spain
- Soler Romeo, Maria Jose, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, CT, Spain
Background
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and AXL are cell entry receptors for SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. In a previous study carried out in a cohort of more than 2000 COVID-19 patients, we have described that elevated circulating ACE2 activity and increased levels of Gas6, the ligand of AXL, at hospital admission are independent risk factors for developing severe COVID-19 (Figure 1A and 1B). The aim of this study was to determine ACE2 activity and serum Gas6 levels in patients who survived severe COVID-19 at 1 and 2 years after the infection
Methods
Serum samples were collected from severe COVID-19 survivors (requiring admission to the ICU) one year and two years after overcoming the disease. ACE2 activity was measured by fluorescence enzyme assay and Gas6 levels by ELISA. These were compared with serum ACE2 activity and Gas6 levels present at first attendance to emergencies.
Results
Samples were obtained from 455 patients at baseline, 57 at 1-year follow-up and 41 at 2-year follow-up. Serum ACE2 activity and Gas6 levels were significantly reduced at 1 year (0.91±0.94ng/µL vs. 0.78±1.04ng/µL for ACE2; 26.3±11.11ng/ml vs. 15.14±5.46ng/ml for Gas6; Figure 1C). No significant differences were found in markers 2 years after infection (0.78±1.04 ng/µL vs. 0.66±1.05 ng/µL for ACCE2; 15.14±5.46ng/ml vs. 16.51±8.76ng/ml for Gas6; Figure 1D).
Conclusion
These results suggest that serum levels of ACE2 and Gas6 are specific biomarkers of the severity of active COVID-19 infection as they increase at the time of infection and tend to normalize once the infection is overcome.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.