Question

ACE 2 converts angiotensin I into a different molecule that does the opposite if Angiotensin I. In normal lung, ACE 1 and ACE 2 levels are equal. In pulmonary diseases, ACE1 levels are increased. explain what effect would increased ACE 1 levels have on the lungs and what would increased inflammation do to the lungs?

Answer 1

Increased ACE 1 will result in a condition known as Sarcoidosis, sarcoidosis in lungs are known as pulmonary sarcoidosis, it causes small lumps of inflamatory cells in the lungs, these lumps are known as granulomas, which can affect how the lungs work. Granulomas can change the structure of the tissues around them and increased amount of granulomas can cause inflamation.

Inflamation makes it difficult for oxygen to pass through alveoli into the blood stream causing breathing difficulty and shortness of breath. If the inflamation is chronic it can result in fibrosis. Chronic inflamation can make the tiny air sacs known as alveoli to scar, the scaring will make the tissue less flexible and become stiff, this condition is known as pulmonary fibrosis, if immediate care is not taken it can lead to right heart failure, respiratory failure or even death.