In particular, we noted a higher Ang-(1-7) expression in three prolonged viral shedders, a 49-years-old woman with HT and the highest plasma concentrations of Ang II, a 81-years-old woman with HT and a high plasma concentration of sACE2, and a 52-years-old man with no known history of HT. A transcription of the ACE2 gene should result in a reduced capacity of this peptidase to cleave Ang II -. The gene discussed is ACE2; the disease is hematocrit.