Differences in RAAS/vitamin D linked to genetics and socioeconomicfactors could explain the higher mortality rate in African Americans withCOVID-19

摘要

COVID-19 is said to be a pandemic that does not distinguish between skin color orethnic origin. However, data in many parts of the world, especially in theUnited States, begin to show that there is a sector of society suffering a moresignificant impact from this pandemic. The Black population is more vulnerablethan the White population to infection and death by COVID-19, with hypertensionand diabetes mellitus as probable predisposing factors. Over time, multipledisparities have been observed between the health of Black and Whitepopulations, associated mainly with socioeconomic inequalities. However, somemechanisms and pathophysiological susceptibilities begin to be elucidated thatare related directly to the higher prevalence of multiple diseases in the Blackpopulation, including infection and death by COVID-19. Plasma vitamin D levelsand evolutionary adaptations of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)in Black people differ considerably from those of other races. The role of thesefactors in the development and progression of hypertension and multiple lungdiseases, among them SARS-CoV-2 infection, is well established. In this sense,the present review attempts to elucidate the link between vitamin D and RAASethnic disparities and susceptibility to infection and death by COVID-19 inBlack people, and suggests possible mechanisms for this susceptibility.