Analyzing the data published so far on the effect of ACE inhibitors or AT1R blockers, two opposite conclusions can be drawn: (a) the increase in the level of ACE2 expression as a result of the use of these drugs may be unfavorable because it increases the possibility of viral entry into cells (the role of ACE2 as a receptor for SARS-CoV2) and (b) increase of the level of ACE2 expression may be beneficial as it prevents acute respiratory failure by lowering the concentration of angiotensin 2 and increasing the concentration of angiotensin (1-7). This evidence concerns the gene ACE2 and respiratory failure.